An extrusion device, a 3D printer and a method of using an extrusion device

Abstract

The application discloses an extrusion device, a 3D printer and a method for using the extrusion device. The extrusion device can include a housing, a material channel, a discharge port in communication with the material channel, a push port in communication with the material channel, and a plurality of feeding ports in communication with the material channel. Along the length direction of the material channel, the discharge port is located at one end of the material channel, the push port is located at the other end of the material channel, and each feeding port is located between the discharge port and the push port. The extrusion assembly is slidably connected with the housing, so as to be capable of moving in the material channel from the side where the push port is located towards the discharge port, thereby pushing the material in the material channel out of the discharge port and blocking each feeding port. This design solves the problem of mixing of two materials when switching materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to an extrusion apparatus, a 3D printer, and a method of using the extrusion apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As 3D printing technology matures, its applications are becoming increasingly widespread. During the printing process, 3D printers need to switch between different colored materials. To prevent color mixing, a common method is to retract the remaining material from the extruder nozzle into the feed tube before introducing the next material. However, this method has drawbacks. The first material may not be completely retracted, causing it to mix with the new material and resulting in the second material not meeting initial printing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an extrusion device and a 3D printer, which solves the problem of two materials mixing when switching materials.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an extrusion apparatus for a 3D printer, the extrusion apparatus comprising:

[0005] The housing has a material channel, a discharge port communicating with the material channel, a push port communicating with the material channel, and a plurality of inlets communicating with the material channel. Along the length of the material channel, the discharge port is located at one end of the material channel, the push port is located at the other end of the material channel, and each of the inlets is located between the discharge port and the push port.

[0006] An extrusion assembly is slidably connected to the housing so that it can move within the material channel from the side where the push port is located toward the discharge port, thereby pushing the material in the material channel out of the discharge port and blocking each of the feed ports.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: By setting an extrusion component, the extrusion component can move to the discharge port, thereby blocking the feed port and preventing material from continuing to enter the material channel. At the same time, the extrusion component can push out the remaining material in the material channel from the discharge port, so that there is no residual material in the material channel. Then the extrusion component moves to the push port, so that the feed port can convey another material, avoiding the problem of mixing of two different materials, and the printing effect is better.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extrusion assembly includes:

[0009] A pusher is slidably connected to the housing so that it can move from the side where the pusher is located toward the discharge port within the material channel, thereby pushing the material in the material channel out of the discharge port;

[0010] A cutting component, located around the pusher and slidably connected to the housing, is capable of moving within the material channel from the side where the pusher is located toward each of the feed inlets, thereby cutting off and blocking the material at each of the feed inlets.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing has a first inner wall surface forming the material channel, the first inner wall surface including a first stepped surface. Along the length of the material channel, the first stepped surface is located between one of the plurality of feed inlets and the discharge outlet, and the first stepped surface is disposed toward the plurality of feed inlets. The cutting member is used to move toward the first stepped surface from the side where the push port is located within the material channel and abut against the first stepped surface, thereby cutting off and blocking the feed at each of the feed inlets. The push member is used to move toward the discharge outlet from the side where the push port is located within the material channel, thereby abutting against the opening outline of the discharge outlet formed by the housing to block the discharge outlet, so as to push out all the material in the material channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the extrusion assembly further includes:

[0013] The clutch has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the clutch is fixedly connected to both the cutting member and the pushing member so that the cutting member and the pushing member can move synchronously. When switching from the locked state to the unlocked state, the clutch disengages from at least one of the cutting member and the pushing member so that the pushing member can move relative to the cutting member.

[0014] During the process of the pusher moving from the side where the pusher is located to the cutting member abutting the first step surface, the clutch is in the locked state; during the process of the pusher moving from the cutting member abutting the first step surface to the pusher abutting the opening outline of the discharge port, the clutch is in the unlocked state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extrusion assembly further includes:

[0016] The clutch is always fixedly connected to the pusher, and the clutch has a locked state and an unlocked state. The cutting member is provided with a groove corresponding to the clutch.

[0017] In the locked state, when the clutch protrudes from the pusher and is located in the groove, the cutting member and the pusher can move synchronously; in the unlocked state, the clutch moves out of the groove and disengages from the cutting member, so that the pusher can move relative to the cutting member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the clutch includes an elastic element and two fixing elements. The pushing element has a mounting hole, the extension direction of which intersects the movement direction of the pushing element relative to the housing and the mounting hole penetrates the pushing element. The elastic element is located within the mounting hole and extends and retracts along the extension direction of the mounting hole. The two fixing elements are respectively connected to opposite ends of the elastic element. The cutting element has two grooves. In the locked state, both fixing elements protrude from the pushing element and are each located in one of the grooves. In the unlocked state, both fixing elements move out of the grooves; or

[0019] The clutch includes one or more elastic protrusions that are connected to and protrude from the pusher. In the locked state, the elastic protrusions are located within the groove, and in the unlocked state, the elastic protrusions move out of the groove.

[0020] In some embodiments, the housing includes a discharge end forming the discharge port, the diameter of the discharge end gradually decreasing in the direction from the push port to the discharge port, and the outer wall surface of the push member near the discharge port is adapted to the second inner wall surface of the discharge end.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the pusher, the outer wall surface of the cutter, and the first inner wall surface of the housing forming the material channel are all provided with an anti-sticking layer.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printer, the 3D printer comprising:

[0023] The extrusion apparatus described in any of the above claims;

[0024] A mobile device, connected to the extrusion device, is used to drive the extrusion device to move.

[0025] The 3D printer of this application embodiment, by setting an extrusion component, can discharge the residual material in the material channel and then transport another material through the feed port, thus avoiding the problem of mixing of two different materials and achieving better printing results.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a method of using the extrusion apparatus described in any of the above claims, comprising the following steps:

[0027] Input the first material into the material channel through one of the feed ports, and the first material is extruded from the discharge port.

[0028] When the length L1 of the first material conveyed in the material channel and the required length L2 of the first material satisfy 0 < L2 - L1 ≤ m, the extrusion component moves in the material channel from the side where the pushing port is located towards the discharge port to extrude the first material in the material channel, where m is a preset value and m > 0.

[0029] The extrusion component moves in the material channel to return to the side where the pushing port is located.

[0030] Input the second material into the material channel through the other feed port, and the second material is extruded from the discharge port.

[0031] In the method of using the extrusion device according to the embodiment of the present application, when the length of the material conveyed in the material channel is less than the actual required length, the extrusion component moves towards the discharge port, so that during the process of the extrusion component moving from the pushing port to the feed port, the remaining required material can be supplemented into the material channel, avoiding the phenomenon of excessive extrusion of the material. At the same time, since the amount of material entering the feed port can be basically the required amount of material, compared with extruding the remaining material in the material channel and printing it into a waste tower and discarding it, it is more material-saving and environmentally friendly. At the same time, during the process of the extrusion component extruding the material in the material channel, the extrusion device can proceed along the original path without moving to other places to discharge the waste, and the printing efficiency is higher. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of a 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a structure schematic diagram of an extrusion component located on the side where the pushing port is located in an extrusion device provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 3 For Figure 2 It is a structure schematic diagram showing an extrusion component located at the discharge port in an extrusion device.

[0036] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extrusion device provided in an embodiment of the present application, showing the extrusion assembly located on the side where the push port is located.

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an extrusion assembly moving toward the discharge port in an extrusion device.

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an extrusion device in which the extrusion assembly is located at the discharge port;

[0039] Figure 7 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of a structure at point A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram at point C;

[0042] Figure 10 for Figure 4 Another enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A;

[0043] Figure 11 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic of the extrusion assembly of the extrusion device moving away from the discharge port;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extrusion device provided in an embodiment of the present application, in which the extrusion component is located on the side of the push port and switches materials;

[0045] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of using an extrusion apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Reference numerals: 100, extrusion device; 110, housing; 111, material channel; 112, discharge port; 113, feed port; 114, first stepped surface; 115, second stepped surface; 116, push port; 120, extrusion assembly; 121, push member; 1211, mounting hole; 122, cutting member; 123, clutch member; 1231, elastic member; b, spring; 1232, fixing member; c, steel ball; a, groove; d, elastic protrusion; 200, 3D printer; 210, moving device. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0048] As 3D printing technology matures, its applications are becoming increasingly widespread. During the printing process, 3D printers need to switch between different colored materials. To prevent color mixing, a common method is to retract the remaining material from the extruder nozzle into the feed tube before introducing the next material. However, this method has drawbacks. The first material may not be completely retracted, leading to mixing between the remaining material and the introduced material, resulting in the second material failing to meet requirements at the initial stage of output. This application provides an extrusion device and a 3D printer to address these technical problems.

[0049] Firstly, please see Figure 1 This application provides a 3D printer 200, which includes an extrusion device 100 for extruding the material required for printing.

[0050] Please see Figure 2 The extrusion apparatus 100 may include a housing 110 and an extrusion assembly 120. The housing 110 has a material channel 111 for conveying material to a designated position for printing. The extrusion assembly 120 may be located within the material channel 111 to block the conveying of material into the material channel 111 and extrude any remaining material within the material channel 111.

[0051] Please see Figure 2 The housing 110 has a discharge port 112 communicating with the material channel 111, a push port 116 communicating with the material channel 111, and multiple feed ports 113 communicating with the material channel 111. Along the length of the material channel 111, the discharge port 112 is located at one end of the material channel 111, the push port 116 is located at the other end of the material channel 111, and each feed port 113 is located between the discharge port 112 and the push port 116. The multiple feed ports 113 can be used to convey different types of materials; for example, the multiple feed ports 113 can be used to convey materials of different colors and / or materials of different materials, etc. In this embodiment, the example of each feed port 113 corresponding to conveying one color of material will be described. The multiple feed ports 113 can be located on the same side of the discharge port 112 along the length of the material channel 111, so that multiple materials can be extruded from the same direction, making it more convenient and practical.

[0052] The extrusion assembly 120 can be slidably connected to the housing 110 so that it can move within the material channel 111 from the side where the push port 116 is located toward the discharge port 112, thereby pushing the material in the material channel 111 out of the discharge port 112 and blocking each feed port 113. Please refer to Figure 2 The extrusion assembly 120 is located on the side where the push port 116 is located along the length of the material channel 111. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The extrusion assembly 120 moves to the discharge port 112 and blocks the discharge port 112 and each feed port 113.

[0053] Since the material entering the material channel 111 through each feed port 113 moves towards the discharge port 112 for output, the extrusion component 120 moves from the side of the push port 116 towards the side closer to the discharge port 112 within the material channel 111. This allows the material remaining in the material channel 111 to be extruded from the discharge port 112. Thus, when another material is input into the material channel 111 through the feed port 113, since the first material remaining in the material channel 111 has been extruded by the extrusion component 120, it can be ensured that there is almost only one type of material in the material channel 111 at this time, avoiding the mixing of the two materials and improving the printing effect.

[0054] Specifically, blocking the discharge port 112 allows the extrusion assembly 120 to expel all the material in the material channel 111 when it moves to the discharge port 112. Blocking the feed port 113 allows the extrusion assembly 120 to stop feeding material into the feed port 113 when it has extruded all the material in the material channel 111.

[0055] It should be noted that when the extrusion assembly 120 has not yet reached and blocked the feed inlet 113, the feed inlet 113 can still feed material. However, after the extrusion assembly 120 blocks the feed inlet 113, the feed inlet 113 stops feeding material. Since the feed inlet 113 will still input a portion of material into the material channel 111 when the extrusion assembly 120 is located on the side where the push port 116 is located, the extrusion assembly 120 can start moving from the side where the push port 116 is located towards the discharge port 112 before the amount of material input into the material channel 111 by the feed inlet 113 reaches the preset amount of material. By designing the material, the amount of material fed into the material channel 111 when the extrusion assembly 120 is on the side where the push port 116 is located, and the amount of material added into the material channel 111 during the process of switching the extrusion assembly 120 from the push port 116 to the feed port 113, can meet the required material demand. Compared with extruding and printing the remaining material in the material channel into a waste tower and discarding it, it is more material-saving and environmentally friendly. At the same time, during the process of the extrusion assembly 120 moving from the push port 116 to the discharge port 112 to extrude the material in the material channel, the extrusion device 100 can follow the original path without having to move to another place to discharge waste, resulting in higher printing efficiency.

[0056] However, the specific switching time of the extrusion component 120 is related to the distance from which the extrusion component 120 moves to the feed inlet 113 and blocks the feed inlet 113, the movement speed of the extrusion component 120, and the feeding speed of the material at the feed inlet 113. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, assuming the printing size of the first material is 10mm and the length of the first material conveyed in the material channel 111 is 9mm, the extrusion component 120 moves from the side where the push port 116 is located toward the direction closer to the discharge port 112. The extrusion component 120 first reaches the feed port 113 of the first material to cut off the first material and block the feed port 113 of the first material. After cutting, the size of the first material remaining in the material channel 111 is exactly 1mm. The extrusion component 120 continues to move toward the discharge port 112 to extrude all the first material in the material channel 111, which just meets the requirement of 10mm first material, makes full use of the first material, and avoids the presence of residue in the material channel 111.

[0058] Further, please see Figures 4 to 6The extrusion assembly 120 may include a pusher 121 and a cutter 122. The pusher 121 is slidably connected to the housing 110 so that it can move within the material channel 111 from the side where the push port 116 is located toward the discharge port 112, thereby pushing the material in the material channel 111 out of the discharge port 112. The cutter 122 is located around the pusher 121 and is slidably connected to the housing 110 so that it can move within the material channel 111 from the side where the push port 116 is located toward each feed port 113, thereby cutting off and blocking the material at each feed port 113. By designing the extrusion assembly 120 to include the pusher 121 and the cutter 122, the cutter 122 can block each feed port 113, and the pusher 121 can extrude all the material in the material channel 111, providing double protection to prevent the material from continuing to enter the material channel 111, while also allowing for more precise control over the size of the material.

[0059] Understandably, the pusher 121 and the cutter 122 can be made of at least one of plastic or metal. Plastic is lighter, which helps reduce the overall weight of the extrusion device 100 and facilitates its transportation. Metal is stronger, which makes the extrusion device 100 more durable. Specifically, the cutter 122 can be a blade or the end of the cutter 122 near the discharge port 112 can be sharper, capable of cutting the material.

[0060] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6 The inner wall surface of the housing 110 forming the material channel 111 may have a first inner wall surface, which includes a first stepped surface 114. Along the length of the material channel 111, the first stepped surface 114 is located between one of the plurality of inlets 113 closest to the outlet 112 and the outlet 112, and the first stepped surface 114 is oriented towards the plurality of inlets 113. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 This allows the cutting element 122 to abut against the first stepped surface 114 and block each feed port 113. Specifically, the cutting element moves from the side where the push port 116 is located towards the first stepped surface 114 within the material channel 111 and abuts against the first stepped surface 114, thereby cutting off and blocking the feed at each feed port 113. The push member 121 moves from the side where the push port 116 is located towards the discharge port within the material channel 111, thereby abutting against the opening outline of the discharge port 112 formed by the housing and blocking the discharge port 112, so as to push out all the material in the material channel 111. Therefore, the end of the cutting element 122 near the feed port 113 is relatively sharp. Setting the cutting element 122 to abut against the first stepped surface 114 can prevent the cutting element 122 and the push member 121 from moving together to the discharge port 112 and scratching the material channel 111, causing leakage from the side wall of the material channel 111.

[0061] In some embodiments, see Figures 4 to 6The extrusion assembly 120 may also include a clutch 123, which has a locked state and an unlocked state, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 In the locked state, the clutch 123 is fixedly connected to the cutting member 122 and the pushing member 121, so that the cutting member 122 and the pushing member 121 can move synchronously. Specifically, when the extrusion assembly 120 moves from the side where the pushing port 116 is located to the point where the cutting member 122 abuts against the surface of the first step 114, the clutch 123 is in the locked state. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 When switching from the locked state to the unlocked state, the clutch 123 disengages from at least one of the cutting member 122 and the pushing member 121, so that the pushing member 121 can move relative to the cutting member 122. When the extrusion assembly 120 moves from the cutting member 122 abutting against the first step surface 114 to the pushing member 121 abutting against the opening outline of the discharge port 112, the clutch 123 is in the unlocked state.

[0062] Specifically, when the extrusion assembly 120 is located on the side where the push port 116 is located, the clutch 123 is in a locked state to connect the cutter 122 with the pusher 121. During the movement of the extrusion assembly 120 from the side where the push port 116 is located towards the discharge port 112, please refer to... Figure 4 The clutch 123 is initially locked, allowing the pusher 121 to drive the cutter 122 to move towards the discharge port 112. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5 to 6 When the cutting element 122 abuts against the first step surface 114, the clutch element 123 switches to the unlocked state, so that the pushing element 121 is disconnected from the cutting element 122 and continues to move towards the discharge port 112 until the discharge port 112 is blocked, while all the material in the material channel 111 is squeezed out. This setting only requires driving the pushing element 121 to complete the blocking of each feed port 113 and discharge port 112, making the overall structure of the extrusion device 100 simpler, facilitating subsequent maintenance, and saving operating costs.

[0063] In other embodiments, the extrusion assembly 120 further includes a clutch 123, which is always fixedly connected to the pusher 121. The clutch 123 has a locked state and an unlocked state. The cutter 122 has a groove a corresponding to the clutch 123. In the locked state, when the clutch 123 protrudes from the pusher 121 and is located in the groove a, the cutter 122 and the pusher 121 can move synchronously. In the unlocked state, the clutch 123 moves out of the groove a, disengaging from the cutter 122, allowing the pusher 121 to move relative to the cutter 122.

[0064] Furthermore, please see Figure 7The clutch 123 may include an elastic element 1231 and two fixing elements 1232. The push member 121 may be provided with a mounting hole 1211, the extension direction of the mounting hole 1211 intersects the movement direction of the push member 121 relative to the housing 110 and the mounting hole 1211 penetrates the push member 121. The elastic element 1231 is located in the mounting hole 1211 and extends and retracts along the extension direction of the mounting hole 1211. The two fixing elements 1232 are respectively connected to the opposite ends of the elastic element 1231. The cutter 122 may be provided with two grooves a. In the locked state, both fixing elements 1232 protrude from the push member 121 and are each located in one groove a. In the unlocked state, both fixing elements 1232 move out of the groove a.

[0065] Specifically, in the locked state, the elastic element 1231 abuts the fixing element 1232 into the groove a, so that the cutting element 122 connects to the pushing element 121. When the pushing element 121 drives the cutting element 122 to move towards the discharge port 112, the cutting element 122 will first abut against the first step surface 114. At this time, the pushing element 121 needs to continue moving towards the discharge port 112. The fixing element 1232 will be resisted, causing the elastic element 1231 to retract, thereby disengaging from the groove a. At this time, the clutch 123 is in the unlocked state so that the pushing element 121 can continue to move. This design is simple and practical, and is conducive to mass production. Among them, the elastic force of the elastic element 1231 is greater than the shear strength of the material × the contact area between the material and the cutting element 122, so as to ensure the reliability of the connection between the pushing element 121 and the cutting element 122 during the movement of the pushing element 121 driving the cutting element 122, and ensure that the cutting element 122 can cut the material and block the feed port 113.

[0066] Understandably, please see Figures 7 to 9 The elastic element 1231 can be a spring b, and the fixing element 1232 can include steel balls c respectively connected to both ends of the spring b. The spring b is positioned within the mounting hole 1211 that penetrates the pusher 121, providing the spring b with its own independent working space, thus protecting the spring b and increasing its service life. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 Simultaneously, when the clutch 123 is in the unlocked state, the compression of the spring b can cause the steel ball c to retract into the mounting hole 1211, making the movement of the pusher 121 smoother. By setting two steel balls c corresponding to two grooves a, the connection between the pusher 121 and the cutter 122 is made more stable, preventing the pusher 121 and the cutter 122 from sliding relative to each other due to slight vibrations. At the same time, the spring b and steel balls c are inexpensive, which can reduce the production cost of the extrusion device 100.

[0067] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 10The clutch 123 may include an elastic protrusion d, which is connected to and protrudes from the pusher 121. In the locked state, the elastic protrusion d is located in the groove a to connect the cutter 122 and the pusher 121. In the unlocked state, when the cutter 122 abuts against the first step surface 114, the elastic protrusion d disengages and moves out of the groove a, allowing the pusher 121 to continue moving until it blocks the discharge port 112.

[0068] Please see Figures 11 to 12 The first inner wall surface of the housing 110 forming the material channel 111 may also have a second stepped surface 115. The second stepped surface 115 is located on the side of the push port 116 near the feed port 113 along the extension direction of the material channel 111, and the second stepped surface 115 is disposed facing the plurality of feed ports 113. When the extrusion assembly 120 moves from the discharge port 112 to the push port 116, please refer to Figure 7 The pushing member 121 and the cutting member 122 move away from the discharge port 112. The cutting member 122 first moves to abut against the second step surface 115. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 The pusher 121 continues to move until the steel ball c engages in the groove a, that is, the pusher 121 moves into place.

[0069] Understandably, the housing may include a discharge end forming the discharge port 112. The diameter of the discharge end gradually decreases in the direction from the push port 116 to the discharge port 112. The outer wall surface of the push member 121 near the discharge port 112 is adapted to the second inner wall surface of the discharge end. This arrangement allows the outer wall surface of one end of the push member 121 to fit against the second inner wall surface of the discharge end when the push member 121 moves to the discharge port 112. This facilitates the complete extrusion of material from the material channel 111, preventing residue from causing color mixing and resulting in better printing quality. It also prevents material accumulation from clogging the discharge port 112.

[0070] Since the outer wall surface of the pusher 121, the outer wall surface of the cutter 122, and the inner wall surface of the housing 110 forming the material channel 111 all come into contact with the material, an anti-stick layer can be provided on the outer wall surface of the pusher 121, the outer wall surface of the cutter 122, and the inner wall surface of the housing 110 forming the material channel 111. This can prevent material adhesion and thus prevent the mixing of materials of different colors. Preferably, the anti-stick layer can be a DLC coating (diamond-like carbon coating). DLC coatings have high hardness, low coefficient of friction, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, good anti-adhesion properties, and are environmentally friendly.

[0071] Secondly, please see Figure 1, an embodiment of the present application provides a 3D printer 200. The 3D printer 200 includes the above-mentioned extrusion device 100 and a moving device 210. The moving device 210 is connected to the extrusion device 100 and is used to drive the extrusion device 100 to move. In the 3D printer 200 of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the extrusion component 120, the residual material in the material channel 111 can be extruded, avoiding the phenomenon of mixing of two materials, and improving the printing effect.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 13 , an embodiment of the present application also provides a method for using the extrusion device 100. The extrusion device 100 can be the above-mentioned extrusion device 100. The method for using the extrusion device 100 includes:

[0073] S02: Input the first material into the material channel 111 through a feed port 113, and the first material is extruded from the discharge port 112;

[0074] S04: When the length L1 of the first material conveyed in the material channel 111 and the required length L2 of the first material satisfy 0 < L2 - L1 ≤ m, the extrusion component 120 moves in the material channel 111 from the side where the pushing port 116 is located towards the discharge port 112 to extrude the first material in the material channel 111, where m is a preset value and m > 0;

[0075] S06: The extrusion component 120 moves in the material channel 111 to return to the side where the pushing port 116 is located;

[0076] S08: Input the second material into the material channel 111 through another feed port 113, and the second material is extruded from the discharge port 112.

[0077] In the method for using the extrusion device 100 of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the extrusion component 120, when the length dimension of the material conveyed in the material channel 111 is smaller than the actual required length dimension, the extrusion component 120 can start to move towards the discharge port 112, blocking the feed port 113 to prevent the material from continuing to enter the material channel 111. At the same time, after all the remaining material in the material channel 111 is extruded, it can exactly meet the actual required material length dimension. Compared with extruding the remaining material in the material channel 111 and printing it into a waste tower for discarding, when the extrusion device 100 of the present application needs to switch materials, there is no excess material in the material channel 111 that needs to be discharged, which is more material-saving and environmentally friendly. At the same time, the extrusion device 100 does not need to move to another place to discharge waste, and can switch materials and continue printing in place, with higher efficiency.

[0078] To more clearly show the method for using the extrusion device 100, the following will be explained in combination with pictures and examples:

[0079] S02: Please refer to Figure 4 The first material is fed into the material channel 111 through a feed port 113, and the first material is extruded from the discharge port 112.

[0080] S04: Assuming the printing size of the first material is 10mm, and the length of the first material conveyed in material channel 111 is 9mm, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The pushing member 121 drives the cutting member 122 to move towards the discharge port 112. The cutting member 122 first reaches the feed port 113 of the first material to cut the first material and block the feed port 113. After cutting, the size of the first material in the material channel 111 is exactly 1mm. When the cutting member 122 abuts against the first step surface 114, please refer to... Figure 6 The clutch 123 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state so that the pusher 121 continues to move toward the discharge port 112, squeezing out all the first material in the material channel 111, which just meets the first material requirement of 10mm, making full use of the first material, and there is no first material left in the material channel 111.

[0081] S06: The extrusion assembly 120 moves within the material channel 111 to return to the side where the push port 116 is located. Please refer to Figure 11 The pushing member 121 and the cutting member 122 move away from the discharge port 112. The cutting member 122 first moves to abut against the second step surface 115. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 12 The pusher 121 continues to move until the steel ball c engages in the groove a, that is, the pusher 121 moves into place, the extrusion assembly 120 returns to the push port 116 and the housing 110 is exposed at the feed port 113;

[0082] S08: Please refer to Figure 12 The second material is fed into the material channel 111 through another feed port 113, and the second material is squeezed out from the discharge port 112.

[0083] In the example above, the extrusion device 100 is used by setting two feed ports 113. When there are multiple feed ports 113, the above steps can be repeated when switching to different materials.

[0084] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" 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 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0085] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An extrusion apparatus, characterized in that, For use in a 3D printer, the extrusion device includes: The housing has a material channel, a discharge port communicating with the material channel, a push port communicating with the material channel, and a plurality of inlets communicating with the material channel. Along the length of the material channel, the discharge port is located at one end of the material channel, the push port is located at the other end of the material channel, and each of the inlets is located between the discharge port and the push port. An extrusion assembly is slidably connected to the housing; The extrusion assembly includes: A pusher is slidably connected to the housing so that it can move from the side where the pusher is located toward the discharge port within the material channel, thereby pushing the material in the material channel out of the discharge port; A cutting component, located around the pusher and slidably connected to the housing, is capable of moving within the material channel from the side where the pusher is located toward each of the feed inlets, thereby cutting off and blocking the material at each of the feed inlets; The extrusion assembly further includes a clutch having a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the clutch is fixedly connected to both the cutting member and the pushing member so that the cutting member and the pushing member can move synchronously. When switching from the locked state to the unlocked state, the clutch disengages from at least one of the cutting member and the pushing member so that the pushing member can move relative to the cutting member.

2. The extrusion apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a first inner wall surface forming the material channel. The first inner wall surface includes a first stepped surface. Along the length of the material channel, the first stepped surface is located between one of the feed inlets and the discharge outlet, and is disposed facing the feed inlets. The cutting member is used to move from the side where the push port is located toward the first stepped surface and abut against the first stepped surface in the material channel, thereby cutting off and blocking the feed at each feed inlet. The push member is used to move from the side where the push port is located toward the discharge outlet in the material channel, thereby abutting against the opening outline of the discharge outlet formed by the housing to block the discharge outlet, so as to push out all the material in the material channel.

3. The extrusion apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, During the process of the pusher moving from the side where the pusher is located to the cutting member abutting the first step surface, the clutch is in the locked state; during the process of the pusher moving from the cutting member abutting the first step surface to the pusher abutting the opening outline of the discharge port, the clutch is in the unlocked state.

4. The extrusion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing includes a discharge end forming the discharge port. The diameter of the discharge end gradually decreases in the direction from the push port to the discharge port. The outer wall surface of the push member near the discharge port is adapted to the second inner wall surface of the discharge end.

5. The extrusion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outer wall surface of the pusher, the outer wall surface of the cutter, and the first inner wall surface of the housing forming the material channel are all provided with an anti-sticking layer.

6. An extrusion apparatus, characterized in that, For use in a 3D printer, the extrusion device includes: The housing has a material channel, a discharge port communicating with the material channel, a push port communicating with the material channel, and a plurality of inlets communicating with the material channel. Along the length of the material channel, the discharge port is located at one end of the material channel, the push port is located at the other end of the material channel, and each of the inlets is located between the discharge port and the push port. An extrusion assembly is slidably connected to the housing; The extrusion assembly includes: A pusher is slidably connected to the housing so that it can move from the side where the pusher is located toward the discharge port within the material channel, thereby pushing the material in the material channel out of the discharge port; A cutting component, located around the pusher and slidably connected to the housing, is able to move from the side where the pusher is located toward each of the feed inlets within the material channel, thereby cutting off and blocking the material at each of the feed inlets; The extrusion assembly also includes a clutch, which is always fixedly connected to the pusher, and the clutch has a locked state and an unlocked state. The cutting member is provided with a groove corresponding to the clutch. In the locked state, when the clutch protrudes from the pusher and is located in the groove, the cutting member and the pusher can move synchronously; in the unlocked state, the clutch moves out of the groove and disengages from the cutting member, so that the pusher can move relative to the cutting member.

7. The extrusion apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The clutch includes an elastic element and two fixing elements. The pushing element has a mounting hole whose extending direction intersects the direction of movement of the pushing element relative to the housing and penetrates the pushing element. The elastic element is located within the mounting hole and extends and retracts along its extending direction. The two fixing elements are respectively connected to opposite ends of the elastic element. The cutting element has two grooves. In the locked state, both fixing elements protrude from the pushing element and are each located within one of the grooves. In the unlocked state, both fixing elements move out of the grooves; or The clutch includes one or more elastic protrusions that are connected to and protrude from the pusher. In the locked state, the elastic protrusions are located within the groove, and in the unlocked state, the elastic protrusions move out of the groove.

8. The extrusion apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The housing has a first inner wall surface forming the material passage, and the first inner wall surface includes a first stepped surface. Along the length direction of the material passage, the first stepped surface is located between one of the plurality of feed ports close to the discharge port and the discharge port, and the first stepped surface faces the plurality of feed ports. The cutting member is configured to move from the side where the pushing port is located towards the first stepped surface in the material passage and abut against the first stepped surface, thereby cutting off and blocking the feed at each feed port. The pushing member is configured to move from the side where the pushing port is located towards the discharge port in the material passage, and then abut against the housing to form the opening contour line of the discharge port to block the discharge port, so as to push all the material in the material passage out.

9. The extrusion apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The housing includes a discharge end forming the discharge port. In the direction from the pushing port to the discharge port, the diameter of the discharge end gradually decreases, and the outer wall surface of the end of the pushing member close to the discharge port is adapted to the second inner wall surface of the discharge end.

10. The extrusion apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Anti-sticking layers are provided on the outer wall surface of the pushing member, the outer wall surface of the cutting member, and the first inner wall surface of the housing forming the material passage.

11. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Comprising: The extrusion device according to any one of claims 1-10; A moving device, connected to the extrusion device, for driving the extrusion device to move.

12. A method of using the extrusion apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Comprising: Inputting a first material into the material passage through one of the feed ports, and the first material is extruded from the discharge port; When the length L1 of the first material conveyed in the material passage and the required length L2 of the first material satisfy 0 < L2 - L1 ≤ m, the extrusion assembly moves from the side where the pushing port is located towards the discharge port in the material passage, so as to push the first material in the material passage out of the discharge port and block each feed port, where m is a preset value and m > 0; The extrusion assembly moves in the material passage to return to the side where the pushing port is located; Inputting a second material into the material passage through another feed port, and the second material is extruded from the discharge port.

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