Ink circulation framework of 3D printer, 3D printer and control system of 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to an ink circulation framework of a 3D printer, the 3D printer and a control system of the 3D printer, and the ink circulation framework comprises a spray head, the spray head is provided with an input end and an output end, and the input end communicates with an ink inlet cavity through a spray head flow inlet channel; the output end is communicated with the ink return cavity through the nozzle flow outlet channel; and the flowing ink path is used for communicating the ink return cavity with the ink inlet cavity. According to the ink circulation framework of the 3D printer, the ink circulation framework guides ink in the ink return cavity to the ink inlet cavity through the flowing ink path, and the ink in the ink inlet cavity can flow back to the ink return cavity through the negative pressure air path under the negative pressure effect, so that ink circulation is achieved, it is guaranteed that sufficient ink exists in a spray head, and the ink circulation efficiency is improved. The phenomenon of insufficient ink supply is avoided, airflow vibration in the negative pressure adjusting process is buffered based on the auxiliary negative pressure air box in the negative pressure backflow process, bubbles are reduced, namely, the bubbles are reserved, and continuous and smooth ink output is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to an ink circulation architecture for a 3D printer, a 3D printer and its control system. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing (3DP), also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that manufactures solid parts by adding materials layer by layer based on 3D CAD data. Currently, MJP 3D printers require two types of materials with different physical properties for printing: structural material and support material. The structural material is responsible for shaping the product, while the support material provides structural support. The structural material has a higher viscosity, resulting in structural stability and resistance to deformation after curing; the support material has a lower viscosity, making it easier to separate from the structural material after curing.

[0003] Existing 3D printers cannot effectively print two materials with different properties, which can easily lead to problems such as ink dripping, nozzle clogging, and insufficient ink supply. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an ink circulation architecture for a 3D printer, a 3D printer and its control system.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ink circulation architecture for a 3D printer, the ink circulation architecture comprising:

[0006] The printhead has an input end and an output end. The input end is connected to the ink inlet chamber through the printhead inlet channel; the output end is connected to the ink return chamber through the printhead outlet channel.

[0007] The ink flow path connects the ink return chamber and the ink inlet chamber. A valve and an ink pump are installed along the direction from the ink return buffer chamber to the ink inlet buffer chamber. Opening the valve and ink pump guides the ink in the ink return chamber to the ink inlet chamber.

[0008] The negative pressure air path is connected to the ink return chamber air chamber at one end and to the ink return chamber solenoid valve, auxiliary negative pressure air box, negative pressure air box and negative pressure pump at the other end in sequence. Opening the ink return chamber solenoid valve opens the negative pressure air path so that the ink in the ink inlet chamber flows back to the ink return chamber under the action of negative pressure.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, the negative pressure air box is also connected to a pressure relief solenoid valve; the pressure relief solenoid valve is also connected to a pressure relief capillary tube and an air filter;

[0010] The pressure relief solenoid valve, ink return chamber solenoid valve, negative pressure pump, valve and ink pump are respectively connected to the control unit.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink inlet chamber is connected to the ink inlet buffer chamber; an ink inlet chamber air chamber is provided at the upper part of the ink inlet chamber; and the ink return chamber is connected to the ink return buffer chamber.

[0012] An ink filter is also installed on the ink flow path, located between the ink pump and the ink inlet buffer chamber.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes: a pressure sensing component located in the negative pressure air path, which is connected to the control unit.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes:

[0015] The ink inlet chamber solenoid valve is located on the air inlet pipe between the ink inlet chamber and the compressed air source; a positive pressure pump is also installed on the air inlet pipe.

[0016] The temperature sensing component is located inside the ink inlet cavity;

[0017] The ink inlet chamber solenoid valve, positive pressure pump, and temperature sensing component are connected to the control unit.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes: a heating chamber, an ink inlet chamber, an ink inlet buffer chamber, an ink return buffer chamber, and an ink return chamber, each located within the heating chamber.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes: an ink inlet chamber level switch and an ink return chamber level switch, with the ink inlet chamber level switch located inside the ink inlet chamber; the ink return chamber level switch located inside the ink return chamber; and the ink inlet chamber level switch and the ink return chamber level switch respectively connected to the control unit.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a 3D printer including one or more ink circulation architectures as described above.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, it includes two ink circulation architectures, with a power failure protection valve installed between the negative pressure air boxes in the two ink circulation architectures. When power is lost, the air path connection between the two ink circulation architectures is opened.

[0022] Thirdly, this application provides a control system for a 3D printer, including a control unit and a 3D printer as described above, wherein the control unit is communicatively connected to the 3D printer.

[0023] The embodiments of this application bring the following beneficial effects: This application provides an ink circulation architecture for a 3D printer, a 3D printer and its control system. The ink circulation architecture includes: a nozzle, which has an input end and an output end. The input end is connected to the ink inlet chamber through a nozzle inlet channel; the output end is connected to the ink return chamber through a nozzle outlet channel; an ink return chamber air chamber is provided at the upper part of the ink return chamber; a flow ink path for connecting the ink return chamber and the ink inlet chamber; the flow ink path is provided with a valve and an ink pump; opening the valve and the ink pump to guide the ink in the ink return chamber to the ink inlet chamber; a negative pressure air path, one end of which is connected to the ink return chamber air chamber, and the other end is sequentially connected to an ink return chamber solenoid valve, an auxiliary negative pressure air box, a negative pressure air box and a negative pressure pump; opening the ink return chamber solenoid valve to conduct the negative pressure air path, so that the ink in the ink inlet chamber flows back to the ink return chamber under the action of negative pressure.

[0024] The ink circulation architecture of the 3D printer provided in this application guides the ink in the return ink chamber to the inlet ink chamber through the ink flow path. It can also make the ink in the inlet ink chamber flow back to the return ink chamber under the action of negative pressure through the negative pressure air path to realize ink circulation, so as to ensure that there is sufficient ink in the print head and avoid the phenomenon of insufficient ink supply. In addition, during the negative pressure return process, the auxiliary negative pressure air box buffers the airflow oscillation during the negative pressure adjustment process, reduces the generation of air bubbles and retains them, which is conducive to continuous and smooth ink output.

[0025] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are 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 This is a schematic diagram of the ink circulation architecture of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the negative pressure air path connection in the ink circulation architecture of a 3D printer provided in this application embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application in a power-off state.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1- Nozzle, 11- Nozzle inlet channel, 12- Nozzle outlet channel, 1A- First nozzle, 1B- Second nozzle;

[0033] 2-Ink flow path, 21-Valve, 22-Ink pump, 23-Ink filter, 21A-First valve, 21B-Second valve, 22A-First ink pump, 22B-Second ink pump;

[0034] 3-Negative pressure air circuit, 3A-First negative pressure air circuit, 3B-Second negative pressure air circuit, 31-Ink return chamber solenoid valve, 31A-First ink return chamber solenoid valve, 31B-Second ink return chamber solenoid valve, 32-Auxiliary negative pressure air box, 32A-First auxiliary negative pressure air box, 32B-Second auxiliary negative pressure air box, 33-Negative pressure air box, 33A-First negative pressure air box, 33B-Second negative pressure air box, 34-Negative pressure pump, 34A-First negative pressure pump, 34B-Second negative pressure pump, 35-Pressure relief solenoid valve, 35A-First pressure relief solenoid valve, 35B-Second pressure relief solenoid valve, 36-Pressure relief capillary tube, 36A-First pressure relief capillary tube, 36B-Second pressure relief capillary tube, 37-Air filter, 37A-First air filter, 37B-Second air filter;

[0035] 4-Pressure sensing component;

[0036] 51-Ink inlet chamber, 51A-First ink inlet chamber, 51B-Second ink inlet chamber, 511-Ink inlet chamber air chamber, 511A-First ink inlet chamber air chamber, 511B-Second ink inlet chamber air chamber, 512-Temperature sensing component, 513-Ink inlet chamber liquid level switch, 514-Ink inlet chamber solenoid valve, 52-Ink inlet buffer chamber, 52A-First ink inlet buffer chamber, 52B-Second ink inlet buffer chamber, 53-Ink return chamber, 53A-First ink return chamber, 53B-Second ink return chamber, 531-Ink return chamber air chamber, 531A-First ink return chamber air chamber, 531B-Second ink return chamber air chamber, 532-Ink return chamber liquid level switch, 54-Ink return buffer chamber, 54A-First ink return buffer chamber, 54B-Second ink return buffer chamber;

[0037] 6-Heating cavity;

[0038] 7-Positive pressure pump;

[0039] 8-Power failure protection valve. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. 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.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the application scenarios and design concepts of this application embodiment will be briefly introduced below.

[0042] Existing 3D printers cannot effectively print two materials with different properties, which can easily lead to problems such as ink dripping, nozzle clogging, and insufficient ink supply.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] This application provides an ink circulation architecture for a 3D printer, combined with... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the ink circulation architecture includes: printhead 1, ink flow path 2, and negative pressure air path 3.

[0045] The printhead 1 has an input end (referred to as "IN" in the figure) and an output end (referred to as "OUT" in the figure). The input end is connected to the ink inlet chamber 51 through the printhead inlet channel 11; the output end is connected to the ink return chamber 53 through the printhead outlet channel 12; and the upper part of the ink return chamber 53 is provided with an ink return chamber air chamber 531.

[0046] The ink flow path 2 is used to connect the ink return chamber 53 and the ink inlet chamber 51; the ink flow path 2 is equipped with a valve 21 and an ink pump 22; opening the valve 21 and the ink pump 22 will guide the ink in the ink return chamber 53 to the ink inlet chamber 51.

[0047] One end of the negative pressure air path 3 is connected to the ink return chamber 531, and the other end is connected in sequence to the ink return chamber solenoid valve 31, the auxiliary negative pressure air box 32, the negative pressure air box 33 and the negative pressure pump 34; opening the ink return chamber solenoid valve 31 is used to conduct the negative pressure air path 3 so that the ink in the ink inlet chamber 51 flows back to the ink return chamber 53 under the action of negative pressure.

[0048] In this embodiment, the ink flow path 2 can guide the ink in the return ink chamber 53 to the ink inlet chamber 51, while under the action of the negative pressure air path 3, the ink inlet chamber 51 can be guided back to the return ink chamber 53, thereby realizing ink circulation under negative pressure. During the process of adjusting the negative pressure in the negative pressure air path 3, the addition of an auxiliary negative pressure air box 32 reduces airflow oscillation, which is conducive to stable and smooth ink circulation.

[0049] In conjunction with the first aspect, the negative pressure air box 33 is also connected to the pressure relief solenoid valve 35; the pressure relief solenoid valve 35 is also connected to the pressure relief capillary tube 36 and the air filter 37;

[0050] The pressure relief solenoid valve 35, the ink return chamber solenoid valve 31, the negative pressure pump 34, the valve 21, and the ink pump 22 are respectively connected to the control unit.

[0051] Understandably, the pressure relief solenoid valve 35, the ink return chamber solenoid valve 31, the negative pressure pump 34, the valve 21, and the ink pump 22 are connected to the control unit. Therefore, the pressure relief solenoid valve 35, the ink return chamber solenoid valve 31, the negative pressure pump 34, the valve 21, and the ink pump 22 are controlled by the control unit to open or close, so as to open or block the gas or liquid path.

[0052] The negative pressure gas box 33 is also connected to the pressure relief solenoid valve 35. When the negative pressure in the negative pressure gas box 33 is too high, that is, when the negative pressure in the negative pressure gas circuit 3 is too high, the negative pressure value needs to be adjusted. At this time, the pressure relief solenoid valve 35 can be opened by the control unit to relieve pressure.

[0053] In conjunction with the first aspect, an ink inlet buffer chamber 52 and an ink return buffer chamber 54 can also be connected. The ink inlet chamber 51 is connected to the ink inlet buffer chamber 52, and an ink inlet chamber air chamber 511 is formed in the upper part of the ink inlet chamber 51; the ink return chamber 53 is also connected to the ink return buffer chamber 54 (in conjunction with...). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0054] An ink filter 23 is also provided on the ink flow path 2, located between the ink pump 22 and the ink inlet buffer chamber 52. The ink flow path 2 is used to connect the ink inlet buffer chamber 52 and the ink return buffer chamber 54. The valve 21, ink pump 22, and ink filter 23 are sequentially arranged between the ink return buffer chamber 54 and the ink inlet buffer chamber 52. Opening the valve 21 and the ink pump 22 guides the ink in the ink return buffer chamber 54 to the ink inlet buffer chamber 52. In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes:

[0055] Pressure sensing component 4 is located in negative pressure air passage 3 and is connected to control unit.

[0056] Understandably, the pressure sensing component 4 is used to detect the negative pressure value of the negative pressure air box 33 in the negative pressure air path 3, and transmits the detected data (i.e., the "negative pressure value") to the control unit. The control unit automatically judges whether the negative pressure value meets the ink circulation requirements based on a preset program. If the negative pressure value is too high, it should be released in time. Specifically, this is done by opening the pressure relief solenoid valve 35, which discharges the excess negative pressure to the outside air through the pressure relief capillary tube 36 and the air filter 37. Conversely, if the negative pressure value is too low, it should be replenished in time. Specifically, this is done by the pneumatic negative pressure pump 34. This is a relatively common logic judgment and control function, which can be implemented by existing chips, PLCs, etc., and will not be elaborated here.

[0057] It is understandable that different inks require different negative pressure values ​​for circulation. In this embodiment, the negative pressure threshold can be adjusted according to the actual ink used before 3D printing to improve applicability.

[0058] Furthermore, the pressure sensing component 4, as a pressure detection element, can be a pressure sensor, pressure gauge, pressure detection probe, etc. The pressure sensing component 4 needs to have good detection accuracy to ensure the stability and effectiveness of equipment operation. Therefore, the pressure sensing component 4 should be calibrated before practical application.

[0059] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes a temperature sensing component 512, which is located outside the ink inlet chamber 51 and is connected to the control unit.

[0060] Understandably, the temperature sensing component 512 can be a temperature sensor, temperature detection probe, etc., located on the outside of the ink inlet cavity 51 to detect the temperature of the ink inlet cavity 51 and transmit it to the control unit so that the control unit can determine whether the ink in the ink inlet cavity 51 has been heated to the working temperature for inkjet printing.

[0061] A solenoid valve 514 for the ink inlet chamber is located on the air inlet pipe between the ink inlet chamber 51 and the compressed air source; a positive pressure pump (not shown in the figure) is also installed on the air inlet pipe; the solenoid valve 514 and the positive pressure pump are respectively connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the solenoid valve 514 and the positive pressure pump to open or close the air inlet pipe between the compressed air source and the ink inlet chamber 51. In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes: a heating chamber 6, and the ink inlet chamber 51, the ink inlet buffer chamber 52, the ink return buffer chamber 54, and the ink return chamber 53 are respectively located in the heating chamber 6.

[0062] The heating chamber 6 generates heat to heat the ink in the ink inlet chamber 51, ink inlet buffer chamber 52, ink return buffer chamber 54, and ink return chamber 53 to maintain the liquid concentration required for 3D printing. By combining temperature monitoring with the temperature sensing component 512, the amount of heat generated by the heating components in the heating chamber 6 is adjusted to maintain a suitable temperature.

[0063] In conjunction with the first aspect, the ink circulation architecture also includes: an ink inlet chamber level switch 513 and an ink return chamber level switch 532, with the ink inlet chamber level switch 513 located in the ink inlet chamber 51 and the ink return chamber level switch 532 located in the ink return chamber 53; the ink inlet chamber level switch 513 and the ink return chamber level switch 532 are respectively connected to the control unit.

[0064] Under the action of negative pressure air path 3, ink in ink inlet chamber 51 flows continuously through printhead 1 to ink return chamber 53. As the ink circulates, the liquid level in ink inlet chamber 51 and ink return chamber 53 changes dynamically. When the liquid level in ink inlet chamber 51 rises until it reaches the preset liquid level value, ink inlet chamber liquid level switch 513 is triggered. Ink inlet chamber liquid level switch 513 sends a signal to control unit. When control unit receives the signal, it can confirm that the amount of ink in ink inlet chamber 51 has reached the upper limit. Similarly, when ink return chamber liquid level switch 532 is triggered, ink return chamber liquid level switch 532 sends a signal to control unit. When control unit receives the signal, it can confirm that the amount of ink in ink return chamber 53 has reached the upper limit and should be diverted in time. At this time, ink pump 22 and valve 21 in ink flow path 2 will be opened to promote the flow of ink to ink inlet chamber 51.

[0065] Understandably, when printhead 1 needs cleaning, ink pump 22 stops operating, the ink inlet chamber solenoid valve 514 connected to the external compressed air pipe in ink inlet chamber 51 is de-energized, and ink return chamber solenoid valve 31 is energized, connecting ink return chamber 53 to the air path of positive pressure pump 7. Thus, after positive pressure pump 7 operates, compressed air simultaneously enters ink inlet chamber 511 and ink return chamber 531 through the aforementioned air inlet pipe. Under positive pressure, ink from ink inlet chamber 51 and ink return chamber 53 simultaneously enters printhead 1, forcing the ink out and cleaning the printhead.

[0066] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a 3D printer, including one or more ink circulation architectures as described above.

[0067] Understandably, different ink circulation structures are needed depending on the type of ink. For example, this application includes two types of ink: support ink and structural ink. Support ink and structural ink can be further subdivided based on their materials. For instance, support ink includes removable support wax or photosensitive resin support materials, which can be washed away with solvents or water. Structural ink includes modeling wax or photosensitive resin, which is typically insoluble in solvents or water. Therefore, each subdivided type of ink should correspond to a specific ink circulation structure to achieve the circulation of that type of ink.

[0068] In conjunction with the second aspect, it includes two ink circulation architectures, with a power failure protection valve installed between the negative pressure air boxes in the two ink circulation architectures. When power is lost, the air path connection between the two ink circulation architectures is opened.

[0069] In this embodiment of the application, taking a support ink and a structural ink made of only one material as an example, the support ink should have one set of ink circulation architecture, while the structural ink should have another set of ink circulation architecture.

[0070] At this time, combined Figure 3As shown, the supporting ink return cavity (first ink return cavity 53A), supporting ink return buffer cavity (i.e., first ink return buffer cavity 54A), supporting ink inlet cavity (first ink inlet cavity 51A), supporting ink inlet buffer cavity (first ink inlet buffer cavity 52A) corresponding to the supporting ink, and the structural ink return cavity (second ink return cavity 53B), structural ink return buffer cavity (second ink return buffer cavity 54B), structural ink inlet cavity (second ink inlet cavity 51B), and structural ink inlet buffer cavity (second ink inlet buffer cavity 52B) corresponding to the structural ink should be set in the same heating cavity 6 to simplify the structure and make a reasonable layout.

[0071] Combination Figure 3 As shown, in the first ink circulation architecture corresponding to the ink support, the first negative pressure air path 3A includes: a first ink return chamber solenoid valve 31A, a first auxiliary negative pressure air box 32A, a first negative pressure air box 33A, and a first negative pressure pump 34A. The first negative pressure air box 33A is also connected to a first pressure relief solenoid valve 35A, a first pressure relief capillary tube 36A, and a first air filter 37A.

[0072] Similarly, in the second ink circulation architecture corresponding to the structural ink, the second negative pressure air path 3B includes: a second ink return chamber solenoid valve 31B, a second auxiliary negative pressure air box 32B, a second negative pressure air box 33B, and a second negative pressure pump 34B. The second negative pressure air box 33B is also connected to a second pressure relief solenoid valve 35B, a second pressure relief capillary tube 36B, and a second air filter 37B.

[0073] Combination Figure 3 As shown, a power failure protection valve 8 is provided between the second negative pressure gas box 33B and the first negative pressure gas box 33A. In the event of power failure or shutdown, the power failure protection valve 8 opens the connecting pipeline between the second negative pressure gas box 33B and the first negative pressure gas box 33A. At this time, the air passages in the second ink inlet chamber 51B corresponding to the structural ink and the first ink inlet chamber 51A corresponding to the support ink are connected to the first negative pressure air box 33A through the ink inlet chamber solenoid valve 514, the first return ink chamber solenoid valve 31A, the first auxiliary negative pressure air box 32A; the air passage in the first return ink chamber 53A corresponding to the support ink is connected to the first negative pressure air box 33A through the first return ink chamber solenoid valve 31A, the first auxiliary negative pressure air box 32A; the air passage in the second return ink chamber 53B corresponding to the structural ink is connected to the second negative pressure air box 33B through the second return ink chamber solenoid valve 31B, the second auxiliary negative pressure air box 32B; and the air passages in the first negative pressure air box 33A and the second negative pressure air box 33B are connected through the power-off protection valve. In other words, in the event of a power outage, the air pressure in each chamber of the heating cavity 6 is in a negative pressure state, which can counteract the gravity of the ink dripping onto the nozzles of the first printhead 1A and the second printhead 1B, thus providing power-off protection.

[0074] In printing or standby mode, the first ink circulation architecture corresponding to the support ink operates, and the second ink circulation architecture corresponding to the structure ink operates. Under the action of the first valve 21A and the first ink pump 22A, the ink in the first ink return chamber 53A is guided to the first ink inlet chamber 51A. Specifically, the ink flows out of the first ink return chamber 53A, passes through the first ink return buffer chamber 54A, the first valve 21A, the first ink pump 22A, and the first ink inlet buffer chamber 52A in sequence, and then flows to the first ink inlet chamber 51A. Similarly, under the action of the second valve 21B and the second ink pump 22B, the ink in the second ink return chamber 53B is guided to the second ink inlet chamber 51B. Specifically, the ink flows out of the second ink return chamber 53B, passes through the second ink return buffer chamber 54B, the second valve 21B, the second ink pump 22B, and the second ink inlet buffer chamber 52B in sequence, and then flows to the second ink inlet chamber 51B.

[0075] Based on the above example, after the liquid level rises in the first ink inlet chamber 51A and triggers the ink inlet chamber level switch 513, the control unit opens the first ink return chamber solenoid valve 31A. When it is necessary to reduce the negative pressure value, the first pressure relief solenoid valve 35A is opened, and the pressure is relieved through the first pressure relief capillary tube 36A and the first air filter 37A. When it is necessary to increase the pressure, the first negative pressure pump 34A is opened to replenish the pressure. When the negative pressure reaches the negative pressure threshold corresponding to the supporting ink, the ink in the first ink inlet chamber 51A is returned to the first ink return chamber 53A under the action of negative pressure. Specifically, the ink in the first ink inlet chamber 51A flows into the first ink return chamber 53A after passing through the input end and the output end of the first printhead 1A in sequence. Similarly, after the liquid level rises in the second ink inlet chamber 51B and triggers the ink inlet chamber level switch 513, the control unit opens the second ink return chamber solenoid valve 31B. When it is necessary to reduce the negative pressure value, the second pressure relief solenoid valve 35B is opened, and the pressure is relieved through the second pressure relief capillary tube 36B and the second air filter 37B. When it is necessary to increase the pressure, the second negative pressure pump 34B is opened to replenish the pressure. When the negative pressure reaches the negative pressure threshold corresponding to the supporting ink, the ink in the second ink inlet chamber 51B is returned to the second ink return chamber 53B under the action of negative pressure. Specifically, the ink in the second ink inlet chamber 51B flows into the second ink return chamber 53B after passing through the input end and output end of the second printhead 1B in sequence.

[0076] Furthermore, during the cleaning process, the first ink pump 22A, the second ink pump 22B, and the ink inlet chamber solenoid valve 514 are simultaneously shut off, while the first return ink chamber solenoid valve 31A and the second return ink chamber solenoid valve 31B are energized, connecting the first return ink chamber 53A and the second return ink chamber 53B to the air path of the positive pressure pump 7. In this way, compressed air simultaneously enters the first ink inlet chamber air chamber 511A, the second ink inlet chamber air chamber 511B, and the first return ink chamber air chamber 531A and the second return ink chamber air chamber 531B to simultaneously clean the first printhead 1A and the second printhead 1B.

[0077] Thirdly, this application provides a control system for a 3D printer, including a control unit and a 3D printer as described above, wherein the control unit is communicatively connected to the 3D printer.

[0078] In this way, by controlling the 3D printer separately through the control unit, the normal and stable operation of the ink circulation architecture corresponding to each ink can be achieved.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0081] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0082] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the technical scope disclosed in this application. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ink circulation architecture for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The ink circulation architecture includes: The printhead has an input end and an output end. The input end is connected to the ink inlet chamber through the printhead inlet channel; the output end is connected to the ink return chamber through the printhead outlet channel; and an ink return chamber air chamber is provided in the upper part of the ink return chamber. A flow path is provided to connect the ink return chamber and the ink inlet chamber; the flow path is equipped with a valve and an ink pump; opening the valve and the ink pump guides the ink in the ink return chamber to the ink inlet chamber. The negative pressure air path is connected at one end to the ink return chamber air chamber, and at the other end is connected in sequence to the ink return chamber solenoid valve, the auxiliary negative pressure air box, the negative pressure air box and the negative pressure pump; the ink return chamber solenoid valve is opened to conduct the negative pressure air path so that the ink in the ink inlet chamber flows back to the ink return chamber under the action of negative pressure.

2. The ink circulation architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The negative pressure air box is also connected to a pressure relief solenoid valve; the pressure relief solenoid valve is also connected to a pressure relief capillary tube and an air filter; The pressure relief solenoid valve, the ink return chamber solenoid valve, the negative pressure pump, the valve, and the ink pump are respectively connected to the control unit.

3. The ink circulation architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink inlet chamber is connected to the ink inlet buffer chamber; an ink inlet chamber air chamber is provided at the upper part of the ink inlet chamber; the ink return chamber is connected to the ink return buffer chamber. An ink filter is also provided on the ink flow path, and the ink filter is located between the ink pump and the ink inlet buffer chamber.

4. The ink circulation architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ink circulation architecture also includes: A pressure sensing component is located in the negative pressure air path, and the pressure sensing component is connected to the control unit.

5. The ink circulation architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ink circulation architecture also includes: An ink inlet chamber solenoid valve is located on the air inlet pipe between the ink inlet chamber and the compressed air source; a positive pressure pump is also provided on the air inlet pipe. A temperature sensing component is disposed inside the ink inlet cavity; The ink inlet solenoid valve, the positive pressure pump, and the temperature sensing component are respectively connected to the control unit.

6. The ink circulation architecture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ink circulation architecture further includes a heating chamber, wherein the ink inlet chamber, the ink inlet buffer chamber, the ink return buffer chamber, and the ink return chamber are respectively disposed within the heating chamber.

7. The ink circulation architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ink circulation architecture further includes: an ink inlet chamber level switch and an ink return chamber level switch, wherein the ink inlet chamber level switch is located in the ink inlet chamber; the ink return chamber level switch is located in the ink return chamber; and the ink inlet chamber level switch and the ink return chamber level switch are respectively connected to the control unit.

8. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Includes one or more ink circulation architectures as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, It includes two ink circulation structures, and a power failure protection valve is provided between the negative pressure air boxes in the two ink circulation structures. When the power is off, the air circuit connection between the two ink circulation structures is opened.

10. A control system for a 3D printer, characterized in that, It includes a control unit and a 3D printer as described in any one of claims 8-9, wherein the control unit is communicatively connected to the 3D printer.

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