A 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism and a method for calibrating the nozzles thereof

By designing a multi-tip calibration mechanism of a 3D printer including a nozzle base, a positioning device and an adjustment device, the printing error problem caused by non-parallel between the nozzles is solved, and higher printing accuracy and efficiency are achieved.

CN110667116BActive Publication Date: 2025-04-22ZHEJIANG FLASHFORGE 3D TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN201910908255.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2019-09-25
Publication Date
2025-04-22
Estimated Expiration
2039-09-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

There may be non-parallel between the multi-spray heads of existing wax spray 3D printers, resulting in large errors in the printing model or failure of printing. A multi-spray head calibration mechanism is required to ensure that the respective nozzle bodies on the nozzle assembly are parallel to each other.

Method used

A 3D printer multi-tip calibration mechanism is designed, including a nozzle base, a positioning device and an adjustment device. Through the positioning device and the adjustment device, the nozzle body can be rotated until the nozzle dot matrix is ​​perpendicular to each other along the horizontal connection line and the vertical connection line, thereby ensuring printing accuracy.

Benefits of technology

Through this calibration mechanism, the error of 3D printing can be significantly reduced, printing accuracy and efficiency can be improved, parallelism between multiple nozzles and avoid printing failures.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a multi-nozzle calibration mechanism for a 3D printer, comprising a nozzle base plate, a plurality of nozzle bodies are arranged on the nozzle base plate, a mounting port is arranged on the nozzle base plate corresponding to each nozzle body, and each mounting port is provided with a positioning device for positioning the nozzle body and an adjustment device for adjusting the nozzle body. The method for calibrating the nozzle is: firstly rotate the first nozzle body through a rotating assembly so that the nozzle dot matrix along the y-axis line needs to be parallel to the direction of movement of the nozzle body in the y-axis, and then calibrate the remaining two nozzle bodies with the first nozzle body as a reference. Before the multi-nozzle 3D printer leaves the factory, the nozzle is calibrated by the multi-nozzle calibration structure so that each nozzle body is parallel to each other, thereby reducing the error of 3D printing and improving the printing accuracy.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of 3D printing, and in particular relates to a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism and a method for calibrating the nozzles thereof. Background Art

[0002] 3D printers construct three-dimensional models through additive manufacturing methods. Wax 3D printers are a type of additive manufacturing equipment. They use blue wax as the model material and white wax as the support material. They spray the wax heated at high temperature onto the printing platform and build the model by stacking layers. Since wax-jet 3D printed models have the advantages of high precision and smooth surface, wax-jet 3D printers are widely used in jewelry, aerospace, engine and other manufacturing industries. The printing materials used by wax-jet 3D printers are white wax and blue wax. The wax is placed in a container, and the container is loaded into the ink supply assembly. The blue wax in the container flows into the ink supply assembly, and after high-temperature heating, it flows into the nozzle. The nozzle sprays the wax layer by layer onto the printing panel to construct a three-dimensional model.

[0003] Existing wax-jet 3D printers are usually equipped with a single nozzle, with a low printing rate, and are not suitable for printing large 3D models. Therefore, a multi-nozzle wax-jet 3D printer has emerged, which uses multiple nozzles to cover multiple printing areas at one time, thereby improving printing efficiency, greatly reducing printing time, and reducing model production costs. Since the nozzle assembly is equipped with multiple nozzle bodies, the individual nozzle bodies may not be parallel when installing the nozzle bodies, resulting in large errors in the printed 3D model, and may even cause printing failure. Therefore, a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism is needed to make the nozzle bodies on the nozzle assembly parallel to each other. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism and a method for calibrating the nozzles thereof, so as to calibrate each nozzle body to be parallel to each other, thereby reducing the error of 3D printing and improving the printing accuracy.

[0005] A 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism, characterized in that it includes a nozzle base plate, a plurality of nozzle bodies are arranged on the nozzle base plate, a mounting port is arranged on the nozzle base plate corresponding to each nozzle body, and each mounting port is provided with a positioning device for positioning the nozzle body and an adjustment device for adjusting the nozzle body. The nozzle at the bottom of the nozzle body is in a dot matrix type. During 3D printing, the nozzle body moves along the y-axis and the z-axis, and the printing platform moves along the x-axis, so that the printing material is sprayed onto the printing platform. When calibrating a single nozzle body, one side of the nozzle body is installed at the positioning hole, and the nozzle body is rotated around the positioning hole by the adjustment device until the nozzle dot matrix along the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other, thereby ensuring printing accuracy.

[0006] Further, the positioning device is arranged on one side of the installation opening, the adjustment device is arranged on the other side of the installation opening, the positioning device includes a positioning hole, the adjustment device includes a rotating plate, the rotating plate is provided with a limiting hole, the nozzle body is provided with a first nozzle mounting seat and a second nozzle mounting seat, the first nozzle mounting seat matches the positioning hole, the second nozzle mounting seat matches the limiting hole, and the nozzle body can be adjusted to rotate around the positioning hole through the adjustment device. The nozzle body can be installed at the positioning hole through the first nozzle mounting seat, and the second nozzle mounting seat is installed at the limiting hole on the rotating plate. The rotation of the rotating plate drives the nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole, thereby calibrating.

[0007] Furthermore, the adjustment device further includes a rotating push rod and a spring push rod, and the rotating push rod and the spring push rod are respectively against the rotating plate. When the rotating push rod pushes the rotating plate, the rotating plate drives the nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole, and the spring push rod is against the rotating plate and provides a supporting force to limit the position of the rotating plate. The rotating push rod can be a micrometer screw, which can accurately adjust the rotation angle and left and right movement distance of the nozzle body. The spring push rod can be a spring plunger push screw, thereby providing continuous support for the rotating plate according to the position of the rotating plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the nozzle body includes a first nozzle body, a second nozzle body and a third nozzle body, the mounting port includes a first mounting port, a second mounting port and a third mounting port, the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body are located in the same row, and the third nozzle body is located below the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body. There is a certain gap between the printing dot matrix sprayed by the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body, and by controlling the printing time of the nozzle dot matrix of the third nozzle body located below, the printing dot matrix sprayed by the third nozzle body can fill these gaps, thereby increasing the printing area through printing with three nozzle bodies and improving printing efficiency.

[0009] Further, the first nozzle body is installed at the first installation port, the rotating push rod and the spring push rod are respectively located at the upper and lower sides of the rotating plate, the rotating plate is provided with a rotating push rod groove and a push rod groove, the rotating push rod groove matches the rotating push rod, and the push rod groove matches the spring push rod. The first nozzle body is a reference nozzle, the rotating assembly installation space is large, and the rotating push rod and the spring push rod can be arranged at the upper and lower sides of the rotating plate.

[0010] Further, the second nozzle body is installed at the second installation port, the rotating plate is provided with a protruding block, the protruding block is connected with a clamping lever, the fulcrum of the clamping lever is fixed to the rotating plate, one end of the clamping lever is provided with a rotating push rod groove, the rotating push rod groove matches the rotating push rod, the other end of the clamping lever is respectively against the spring push rod and the protruding block, a lateral limit plate is provided on the side of the rotating plate close to the positioning hole, the lateral push rod is horizontally installed on the nozzle bottom plate, and the lateral limit plate is against the lateral push rod. The second nozzle mounting seat of the second nozzle body is fixed at the limiting hole of the rotating plate, the rotating push rod pushes one end of the clamping lever, the clamping lever rotates around the fulcrum, and the other end of the clamping lever squeezes the protruding block, thereby driving the rotating plate and the second nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole, and the spring push rod supports the protruding block. When calibrating the second nozzle body, the first nozzle body is used as a reference. Since the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body are in the same row and the distance between them is small, the clamping lever is used to push the rotating plate and the second nozzle body, and the rotating push rod and the spring push rod are located on the same side of the rotating plate, which can save installation space. The lateral push rod pushes the lateral limit plate to move the rotating plate and the second nozzle body left and right to adjust the distance between the second nozzle body and the first nozzle body.

[0011] Furthermore, the third nozzle body is installed at the third installation port, the rotating plate is provided with a fixed block, the fixed block is against the rotating push rod and the spring push rod, a lateral limit plate is provided on the side of the rotating plate close to the positioning hole, the lateral push rod is horizontally installed on the bottom plate of the nozzle, and the lateral limit plate is against the lateral push rod. The rotating push rod pushes the fixed block, thereby driving the rotating plate and the second nozzle body to rotate, the push rod and the spring push rod are located on the same side of the rotating plate, which can save installation space. The lateral push rod pushes the lateral limit plate, so that the rotating plate and the third nozzle body move left and right, and adjusts the horizontal distance between the third nozzle body and the first nozzle body.

[0012] A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0013] (1) Fix the first nozzle mounting seat of the first nozzle body to the positioning hole by bolts, fix the second nozzle mounting seat to the limiting hole on the rotating plate by bolts, and fix the rotating plate to the nozzle bottom plate;

[0014] (2) The first nozzle body starts printing, and a printed dot matrix is ​​obtained on the printing platform. The printed dot matrix is ​​connected along the vertical direction, which is called the first x-axis connection line. The printed dot matrix is ​​connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the first y-axis connection line. The angle α between the first x-axis connection line and the first y-axis connection line is measured;

[0015] (3) If α is outside the range of 90°±0.3°, loosen the rotating plate and push the rotating push rod. The rotating push rod pushes the rotating plate and drives the first nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole. The spring push rod provides support force for the rotating plate.

[0016] (4) Repeat steps (1) and (2) until the angle between the x-axis line and the y-axis line is within the range of 90°±0.3°, and fix the first nozzle body to the first mounting port;

[0017] (5) The second nozzle body is fixed at the second mounting port, and the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body start printing. A printed dot matrix is ​​obtained on the printing platform. The printed dot matrix obtained by the second nozzle body is connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the second y-axis connection line. The angle β between the first x-axis connection line and the second y-axis connection line is measured;

[0018] (6) Repeat steps (3) and (4) to calibrate the second nozzle body;

[0019] (7) The third nozzle body is fixed at the third mounting port, and the first nozzle body and the third nozzle body start printing. A printed dot matrix is ​​obtained on the printing platform. The printed dot matrix obtained by the third nozzle body is connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the third y-axis connection line. The angle γ between the first x-axis connection line and the third y-axis connection line is measured;

[0020] (8) Repeat steps (3) and (4) to calibrate the third nozzle body, thereby completing the calibration of the entire print head.

[0021] First, calibrate the first nozzle body to use it as the reference nozzle. During calibration, the printing platform moves along the x-axis, and the first nozzle body is periodically sprayed on the printing platform to obtain a printed dot matrix. The offset angle of the first nozzle body in the y-axis direction can be measured by the sprayed printed dot matrix. The distance that the rotating push rod in the rotating assembly needs to move is calculated based on the measured offset angle and the distance between the positioning hole and the limit hole. The first nozzle body is selectively calibrated through the rotating assembly, and the above steps are repeated until the offset angle of the first nozzle body in the y-axis direction is within the error range.

[0022] Then, the second or third nozzle body is calibrated with the first nozzle body as the reference, and the angle between the horizontal line of the printing dot matrix ejected by the second or third nozzle body and the vertical line of the printing dot matrix ejected by the first nozzle body is measured. The remaining steps are the same as those when calibrating the first nozzle body. Finally, the calibration of the three nozzle bodies is achieved to ensure that the three nozzle bodies are parallel to each other, and the calibration method is accurate and effective.

[0023] Further, in step (6), the rotating push rod is pushed to push the clamping lever, and the clamping lever rotates around the fulcrum and squeezes the protruding block, driving the second nozzle to rotate around the positioning hole. The second nozzle body is calibrated by the clamping lever, and the rotating push rod and the spring push rod are located on the same side of the rotating plate, saving installation space.

[0024] Further, in step (7), the rotating push rod is pushed to rotate the fixed block, driving the rotating plate and the third nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole. The rotating plate is provided with a fixed block, the rotating push rod and the spring push rod are located on both sides of the fixed block, and the third nozzle body is calibrated by the fixed block, saving installation space.

[0025] Further, after step (7), the first nozzle body, the second nozzle body and the third nozzle body start printing, and three areas of printed dot matrix are obtained on the printing platform. The leftmost end of the first dot matrix area printed by the first nozzle body is connected along the x-axis, which is called the first left line, the rightmost end of the second dot matrix area printed by the second nozzle body is connected along the x-axis, which is called the second right line, and the left and right ends of the third dot matrix area printed by the third nozzle body are connected along the x-axis, which are called the third left line and the third right line, respectively. Observe whether the third right line is aligned with the first left line and the third left line is aligned with the first right line. Since the third nozzle body is located below the other two nozzle bodies, in order to ensure that the horizontal lines and vertical lines of the printed dot matrix sprayed by the three nozzle bodies are perpendicular, it is necessary to calibrate the left and right positions of the second nozzle body and the third nozzle body.

[0026] Furthermore, if the third right connection line is not aligned with the first left connection line, the transverse push rod at the third installation opening is rotated, and the transverse push rod abuts against the transverse limit plate at the third installation opening, driving the third nozzle body to move left and right. The left and right position of the third nozzle body is corrected according to the first nozzle body, so that the connection line on the right side of the third nozzle body is aligned with the connection line on the left side of the first nozzle body.

[0027] Furthermore, if the third left connection line is not aligned with the second right connection line, the lateral push rod at the second installation opening is rotated, and the lateral push rod abuts against the lateral limit plate at the second installation opening, driving the second nozzle body to move left and right. The left and right position of the second nozzle body is corrected according to the third nozzle body, so that the connection line on the left side of the third nozzle body is aligned with the connection line on the right side of the second nozzle body.

[0028] Further, the rotating push rod is a first micrometer screw, the lateral push rod is a second micrometer screw, and the spring push rod is a spring plunger push screw. In step (3), the distance to be moved by the first micrometer screw is calculated according to the offset angle between the connecting lines and the distance between the positioning hole and the limiting hole. The first micrometer screw can accurately push the rotating plate according to the calculated distance, thereby improving the accuracy of the nozzle.

[0029] Furthermore, if the third right connecting line is not aligned with the first left connecting line or the third left connecting line is not aligned with the second right connecting line, the distance to be moved by the second micrometer screw is calculated according to the distance between the two connecting lines. The second micrometer screw can accurately move the rotating plate laterally according to the calculated distance, thereby ensuring that the printing dot matrix ejected by the three nozzles is in the same straight line in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0030] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] Before the multi-nozzle 3D printer leaves the factory, it is first calibrated by the multi-nozzle calibration mechanism to make each nozzle body parallel to each other, thereby reducing the error of 3D printing and improving the printing accuracy. The specific beneficial effects are:

[0032] 1. When calibrating the nozzle body, rotate the nozzle body around the positioning hole until the nozzle dot matrix along the y-axis needs to be parallel to the direction of movement of the nozzle body along the y-axis to ensure printing accuracy.

[0033] 2. The nozzle body is installed on the rotating plate. When the rotating push rod pushes the rotating plate, the rotating plate drives the nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole. The spring push rod abuts against the rotating plate and provides supporting force to limit the position of the rotating plate, thereby realizing the calibration of the nozzle body.

[0034] 3. The rotating plates of the second and third nozzle bodies are also provided with transverse push rods, which are pushed by the transverse push rods to calibrate the left and right positions of the second and third nozzle bodies, so that the three printing dot arrays sprayed by the three nozzle bodies can form a whole evenly distributed printing dot array.

[0035] 4. The rotating push rod is the first micrometer screw, the lateral push rod is the second micrometer screw, and the spring push rod is the spring plunger screw. The first micrometer screw can accurately adjust the rotation angle of the nozzle body, the second micrometer screw can accurately adjust the left and right position of the nozzle body, and the spring plunger screw provides continuous support for the rotating plate according to the position of the rotating plate.

[0036] 5. Since there are multiple nozzle bodies, the relative positions of the rotating plate, rotating push rod and spring push rod of each mounting port are adjusted according to the printing base plate, saving installation space.

[0037] 6. During calibration, calibrate the first nozzle body first, and then use the first nozzle body as a reference to calibrate the remaining two nozzle bodies. The calibration method is simple and effective. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-nozzle calibration mechanism of a 3D printer in the present invention in a top view direction;

[0039] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-nozzle calibration mechanism for a 3D printer in the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure when the nozzle body is not installed;

[0041] Figure 4It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nozzle array in the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a printed dot matrix obtained after three nozzle bodies are sprayed simultaneously in the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the printing dot matrix obtained after controlling the ejection time of the third nozzle body in the present invention.

[0044] Among them, 1- nozzle bottom plate; 2- first nozzle body; 3- second nozzle body; 4- third nozzle body; 5- first mounting port; 6- second mounting port; 7- third mounting port; 8- positioning hole; 9- limiting hole; 10- first nozzle mounting seat; 11- second nozzle mounting seat; 12- first micrometer; 13- spring plunger top screw; 14- first rotating plate; 15- second rotating plate; 16- third rotating plate; 17- rotating Push rod groove; 18- push rod groove; 19- raised block; 20- clamping lever; 21- horizontal limit plate; 22- second micrometer screw; 23- fixed block; 24- nozzle dot matrix; 25- printing dot matrix; 26- first x-axis connection; 27- first y-axis connection; 28- second y-axis connection; 29- third y-axis connection; 30- first left connection; 31- third left connection; 32- third right connection; 33- second right connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 A 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism shown includes a nozzle base plate 1, on which three nozzle bodies are installed, and a nozzle dot matrix 24 is provided at the bottom of the nozzle body. The nozzle body includes a first nozzle body 2, a second nozzle body 3 and a third nozzle body 4, the first nozzle body 2 and the second nozzle body 3 are located in the same row, and the third nozzle body 4 is located below the first nozzle body 2 and the second nozzle body 3. There will be a certain gap between the printing dot matrix sprayed by the first nozzle body 2 and the second nozzle body 3. By controlling the printing time of the nozzle dot matrix 24 of the third nozzle body 4 located below, the printing dot matrix 25 sprayed by the third nozzle body 4 can fill these gaps, thereby increasing the printing area through printing with three nozzle bodies and improving the printing efficiency.

[0046] The nozzle area is provided with a nozzle matrix 24, the intervals between the nozzle matrix 24 are the same, the horizontal lines of the nozzle matrix 24 are horizontally parallel, and the longitudinal lines of the nozzle matrix 24 are provided with an angle in the vertical direction. Since the longitudinal lines of the nozzle matrix 24 are provided with an angle in the vertical direction, two adjacent nozzle points are staggered, and the spacing between the lines sprayed by two adjacent nozzles can be smaller, thereby improving the resolution of the 3D printer. By controlling the spraying time of a single nozzle point in the nozzle matrix 24, the longitudinal points in the nozzle matrix 24 can spray vertical straight lines.

[0047] The nozzle bottom plate 1 is provided with mounting ports, and the mounting ports include a first mounting port 5, a second mounting port 6 and a third mounting port 7. The first nozzle body 2 is installed at the first mounting port 5, a positioning hole 8 is provided on one side of the first mounting port 5, and a limiting hole 9 is provided on the other side of the first mounting port 5. The nozzle body is provided with a first nozzle mounting seat 10 and a second nozzle mounting seat 11. The first nozzle mounting seat 10 matches the positioning hole 8, and the second nozzle mounting seat 11 matches the limiting hole 9. The nozzle body can rotate around the positioning hole 8.

[0048] The first nozzle body 2 is installed at the first installation port 5. The rotary push rod and the spring push rod are respectively located at the upper and lower sides of the first rotating plate 14. The first rotating plate 14 is provided with a rotary push rod groove 17 and a push rod groove 18. The rotary push rod groove 17 matches the rotary push rod, and the push rod groove 18 matches the spring push rod. The rotary push rod is the first micrometer screw 12, and the spring push rod is the spring plunger top screw 13. The micrometer screw can accurately adjust the rotation angle of the nozzle body, and the spring plunger top screw 13 provides continuous support for the first rotating plate 14 according to the position of the first rotating plate 14. The first nozzle body 2 is installed on the first rotating plate 14. When the first micrometer screw 12 pushes the first rotating plate 14, the first rotating plate 14 drives the nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole 8, and the spring plunger top screw 13 abuts against the first rotating plate 14 and provides support force to limit the position of the first rotating plate 14. Since the first nozzle body 2 is a reference nozzle, the installation space of the rotating assembly is relatively large, and the first micrometer screw 12 and the spring plunger screw 13 can be arranged on the upper and lower sides of the first rotating plate 14 .

[0049] The second nozzle body 3 is installed at the second installation port 6, the second rotating plate 15 is provided with a protruding block 19, the protruding block 19 is connected with a clamping lever 20, the fulcrum of the clamping lever 20 is fixed to the second rotating plate 15, one end of the clamping lever 20 is provided with a lever groove 21, the lever groove 21 matches the first micrometer screw 12, the other end of the clamping lever 20 is respectively against the spring plunger top screw 13 and the protruding block 19, the second rotating plate 15 is provided with a transverse limit plate 21 on one side close to the positioning hole 8, the transverse push rod is horizontally installed on the nozzle bottom plate 1, and the transverse limit plate 21 is against the transverse push rod. The transverse push rod is the second micrometer screw 22. The second nozzle mounting seat 11 of the second nozzle body 3 is fixed at the limiting hole 9 of the second rotating plate 15, the first micrometer 12 pushes one end of the clamping lever 20, the clamping lever 20 rotates around the fulcrum, and the other end of the clamping lever 20 squeezes the protruding block 19, thereby driving the second rotating plate 15 and the second nozzle body 3 to rotate around the positioning hole 8, and the spring plunger top screw 13 supports the protruding block 19. When calibrating the second nozzle body 3, the first nozzle body 2 is used as a reference. Since the first nozzle body 2 and the second nozzle body 3 are in the same row and the distance between them is small, the clamping lever 20 is used to push the second rotating plate 15 and the second nozzle body 3. The first micrometer 12 and the spring plunger top screw 13 are located on the same side of the second rotating plate 15, which can save installation space. The second micrometer 22 pushes the lateral limiting plate 21, so that the second rotating plate 15 and the second nozzle body 3 move left and right, and adjusts the distance between the second nozzle body 3 and the first nozzle body 2.

[0050] The third nozzle body 4 is installed at the third installation port 7. The third rotating plate 16 is provided with a fixed block 23. The fixed block 23 abuts against the first micrometer screw 12 and the spring plunger top screw 13. A transverse limit plate 21 is provided on the side of the third rotating plate 16 close to the positioning hole 8. The second micrometer screw 22 is horizontally installed on the nozzle bottom plate 1. The transverse limit plate 21 abuts against the second micrometer screw 22. The first micrometer screw 12 pushes the fixed block 23, thereby driving the third rotating plate 16 and the second nozzle body 3 to rotate. The push rod and the spring plunger top screw 13 are located on the same side of the third rotating plate 16, which can save installation space. The second micrometer screw 22 pushes the transverse limit plate 21, so that the third rotating plate 16 and the third nozzle body 4 move left and right, and adjusts the horizontal distance between the third nozzle body 4 and the first nozzle body 2.

[0051] The nozzle at the bottom of the nozzle body is in a dot matrix type. During 3D printing, the nozzle body moves along the x-axis and y-axis to spray the printing material onto the printing platform. When calibrating a single nozzle body, the first nozzle mounting seat 10 is installed at the positioning hole 8, the second nozzle mounting seat 11 is installed at the limiting hole 9, and the nozzle body is rotated around the positioning hole 8 until the nozzle dot matrix 24 along the y-axis line needs to be parallel to the direction of movement of the nozzle body in the y-axis, thereby ensuring printing accuracy. The intervals between the nozzle dot matrix 24 are the same, the horizontal lines of the nozzle dot matrix 24 are horizontally parallel, and the longitudinal lines of the nozzle dot matrix 24 are arranged at an angle in the vertical direction. Since the longitudinal lines of the nozzle dot matrix 24 are arranged at an angle in the vertical direction, two adjacent nozzle points are staggered from each other, and the spacing between the lines sprayed by the two adjacent nozzles can be smaller, thereby improving the resolution of the 3D printer.

[0052] When the nozzles do not move along the x-axis and the y-axis, the three nozzle bodies spray the printing dot matrix 25 on the printing platform. Figure 5 When the nozzle moves along the x-axis and the y-axis, and the 3D printer controls the printing time of the third nozzle body 4, the three nozzle bodies spray the printing dot matrix 25 on the printing platform as shown. Figure 6 In order to make the printing dot matrix 25 of the three nozzle bodies form a uniformly distributed printing dot matrix 25, the three nozzle bodies need to be calibrated so that the horizontal connection lines of the printing dot matrix 25 are perpendicular to the vertical connection lines, thereby increasing the printing area and improving the printing efficiency.

[0053] A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism:

[0054] 1. Rotate and calibrate the first nozzle body 2:

[0055] (1) The first nozzle mounting seat 10 of the first nozzle body 2 is fixed to the positioning hole 8 by bolts, the second nozzle mounting seat 11 is fixed to the limiting hole 9 on the first rotating plate 14 by bolts, and the first rotating plate 14 is fixed to the nozzle bottom plate 1;

[0056] (2) A glass slide is placed on the printing platform, the first nozzle body 2 starts printing, the nozzle base plate 1 moves along the x-axis and y-axis directions, the first nozzle body 2 starts printing, and a printed dot matrix 25 is obtained on the glass slide;

[0057] (3) Remove the slide from the printing platform and place it on the projector. Figure 5 As shown, the printed dot matrix 25 is connected along the vertical direction, which is called the first x-axis connection line 26, and the printed dot matrix 25 is connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the first y-axis connection line 27, and the angle α between the first x-axis connection line 26 and the first y-axis connection line 27 is measured;

[0058] (4) If the angle α is outside the range of 90°±0.3°, loosen the bolts between the first rotating plate 14 and the nozzle base plate 1, calculate the distance that the first micrometer screw 12 needs to move according to the offset angle and the distance between the positioning hole 8 and the limiting hole 9, and rotate the first micrometer screw 12 at the first mounting port 5 to rotate the first rotating plate 14, thereby driving the first nozzle body 2 to rotate around the positioning hole 8;

[0059] (5) Repeat steps 1(2) to 1(4) until the angle α is within the range of 90°±0.3°, and tighten the bolts at the limiting holes 9 to fix the first nozzle body 2;

[0060] 2. Rotate and calibrate the second nozzle body 3:

[0061] (1) The first nozzle mounting seat 10 of the second nozzle body 3 is fixed to the positioning hole 8 by bolts, the second nozzle mounting seat 11 is fixed to the limiting hole 9 on the second rotating plate 15 by bolts, and the second rotating plate 15 is fixed to the nozzle bottom plate 1;

[0062] (2) A glass slide is placed on the printing platform, and the first nozzle body 2 and the second nozzle body 3 start printing. The nozzle base plate 1 moves along the x-axis and y-axis directions to spray and print dot arrays 25 on the glass slide;

[0063] (3) Remove the slide from the printing platform and place it on the projector. Figure 5 As shown, the printed dot matrix obtained by the second nozzle body is connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the second y-axis connection line, and the first x-axis connection line 26 is connected to the second y-axis connection line 28 by a dotted line, and the angle β between the first x-axis connection line 26 and the second y-axis connection line 28 is measured;

[0064] (4) If the angle β is outside the range of 90°±0.3°, loosen the bolts between the second rotating plate 15 and the nozzle base plate 1, calculate the distance that the first micrometer screw 12 needs to move according to the offset angle and the distance between the positioning hole 8 and the limit hole 9, rotate the first micrometer screw 12 at the second mounting port 6 to push the clamping lever 20, and the clamping lever 20 rotates around the fulcrum and squeezes the protruding block 19, driving the second nozzle to rotate around the positioning hole 8;

[0065] (5) Repeat steps 2(2) to 2(4) until the angle β is within the range of 90°±0.3°, and tighten the bolts at the limiting hole 9 to fix the second nozzle body 3;

[0066] 3. Rotate and calibrate the third nozzle body 4:

[0067] (1) The first nozzle mounting seat 10 of the third nozzle body 4 is fixed to the positioning hole 8 by bolts, the second nozzle mounting seat 11 is fixed to the limiting hole 9 on the third rotating plate 16 by bolts, and the third rotating plate 16 is fixed to the nozzle bottom plate 1;

[0068] (2) A glass slide is placed on the printing platform, the first nozzle body 2 and the third nozzle body 4 start printing, and the nozzle base plate 1 moves along the x-axis and y-axis directions to spray and print dot arrays 25 on the glass slide;

[0069] (3) Remove the slide from the printing platform and place it on the projector. Figure 5 As shown, the printed dot matrix obtained by the third nozzle body is connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the third y-axis connection line, and the first x-axis connection line 26 is connected to the third y-axis connection line 29 by a dotted line, and the angle γ between the first x-axis connection line 26 and the third y-axis connection line 29 is measured;

[0070] (4) If the angle γ is outside the range of 90°±0.3°, loosen the bolts between the third rotating plate 16 and the nozzle base plate 1, rotate the first micrometer screw 12 at the third mounting port 7, and rotate the fixing block 23 to drive the third rotating plate 16 and the third nozzle body 4 to rotate around the positioning hole 8;

[0071] (5) Repeat steps 3(2) and 3(4) until the angle γ is within the range of 90°±0.3°, and tighten the bolts at the limiting holes 9 to fix the third nozzle body 4;

[0072] 4. Lateral calibration of the third nozzle body 4

[0073] (1) A glass slide is placed on the printing platform, the first nozzle body 2 and the third nozzle body 4 start printing, and the nozzle base plate 1 moves along the x-axis and y-axis directions to spray and print dot arrays 25 on the glass slide;

[0074] (2) Take out the glass slide from the printing platform and place it on the projector. Connect the leftmost end of the printing dot matrix 25 printed by the first nozzle body 2 along the x-axis, which is called the first left connecting line 30. Connect the left and right ends of the printing dot matrix 25 printed by the third nozzle body 4 along the x-axis, which are called the third left connecting line 31 and the third right connecting line 32, respectively. Observe whether the third right connecting line 32 is aligned with the first left connecting line 30.

[0075] (3) If the third right connecting line 32 and the first left connecting line 30 are not aligned, calculate the distance between the two connecting lines, loosen the bolts between the third rotating plate 16 and the nozzle bottom plate 1, rotate the second micrometer screw 22 disposed laterally at the third mounting opening 7, so that the second micrometer screw 22 abuts against the transverse stop plate 21 at the third mounting opening 7, and drive the third nozzle body 4 to move left and right;

[0076] (4) Repeat steps 4(1) to 4(3) until the third right connecting line 32 and the first left connecting line 30 are aligned, and the third nozzle body 4 is fixed to the nozzle base plate 1;

[0077] 5. Laterally calibrate the second nozzle body 3

[0078] (1) A glass slide is placed on the printing platform, the second nozzle body 3 and the third nozzle body 4 start printing, and the nozzle base plate 1 moves along the x-axis and y-axis directions to spray and print dot arrays 25 on the glass slide;

[0079] (2) Take out the glass slide from the printing platform and place it on the projector. The rightmost end of the print dot matrix 25 printed by the second nozzle body 3 is connected along the x-axis, which is called the second right connection line 33. Observe whether the third left connection line 31 and the second right connection line 33 are aligned.

[0080] (3) If the third left connecting line 31 and the second right connecting line 33 are not aligned, the distance between the two connecting lines is calculated, the bolts between the second rotating plate 15 and the nozzle bottom plate 1 are loosened, and the second micrometer screw 22 disposed laterally at the second mounting opening 6 is rotated, and the second micrometer screw 22 abuts against the transverse stop plate 21 at the second mounting opening 6, thereby driving the second nozzle body 3 to move left and right;

[0081] (4) Repeat steps 5(1) to 5(3) until the third left connecting line 31 and the second right connecting line 33 are aligned, and fix the second nozzle body 3 to the nozzle base plate 1, thereby completing the calibration of the multi-nozzle.

[0082] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent replacements or modifications made based on the present invention to solve basically the same technical problems and achieve basically the same technical effects are all included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism, characterized in that: The nozzle bottom plate includes a plurality of nozzle bodies, and a mounting port is provided on the nozzle bottom plate corresponding to each of the nozzle bodies. A positioning device for positioning the nozzle body and an adjustment device for adjusting the nozzle body are provided on each of the mounting ports. The positioning device includes a positioning hole. The adjustment device includes a rotating plate. The adjustment device also includes a rotating push rod and a spring push rod. The rotating push rod and the spring push rod are respectively abutted against the rotating plate. The nozzle body includes a third nozzle body. The mounting port includes a third mounting port. The third nozzle body is installed at the third mounting port. The rotating plate is provided with a fixing block. The fixing block is abutted against the rotating push rod and the spring push rod. A lateral limit is provided on the side of the rotating plate close to the positioning hole. The nozzle body is provided with a first nozzle mounting seat and a second nozzle mounting seat, the first nozzle mounting seat matches the positioning hole, the second nozzle mounting seat matches the limiting hole, the nozzle body can be adjusted to rotate around the positioning hole by the adjusting device, the nozzle body also includes a first nozzle body and a second nozzle body, the mounting port includes a first mounting port and a second mounting port, the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body are located in the same row, and the third nozzle body is located below the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body.

2. A 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first nozzle body is installed at the first installation port, the rotating push rod and the spring push rod are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the rotating plate, the rotating plate is provided with a rotating push rod groove and a push rod groove, the rotating push rod groove matches the rotating push rod, and the push rod groove matches the spring push rod.

3. A 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second nozzle body is installed at the second installation port, the rotating plate is provided with a protruding block, the protruding block is connected to a clamping lever, the fulcrum of the clamping lever is fixed to the rotating plate, one end of the clamping lever is provided with a rotating push rod groove, the rotating push rod groove matches the rotating push rod, the other end of the clamping lever is respectively against the spring push rod and the protruding block, a transverse limiting plate is provided on the side of the rotating plate close to the positioning hole, the transverse push rod is horizontally installed on the bottom plate of the nozzle, and the transverse limiting plate is against the transverse push rod.

4. A method for calibrating a nozzle using the 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: (1) fixing the first nozzle mounting seat of the first nozzle body to the positioning hole by bolts, fixing the second nozzle mounting seat to the limiting hole on the rotating plate by bolts, and fixing the rotating plate to the nozzle bottom plate; (2) The first nozzle body starts printing, and a printed dot matrix is ​​obtained on the printing platform. The printed dot matrix is ​​connected along the vertical direction, which is called the first x-axis connection line. The printed dot matrix is ​​connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the first y-axis connection line. The angle α between the first x-axis connection line and the first y-axis connection line is measured; (3) If α is outside the range of 90°±0.3°, loosen the rotating plate and push the rotating push rod. The rotating push rod pushes the rotating plate and drives the first nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole. The spring push rod provides support force for the rotating plate. (4) Repeat steps (1) and (2) until the angle between the x-axis line and the y-axis line is within the range of 90°±0.3°, and fix the first nozzle body to the first mounting port; (5) Fix the second nozzle body at the second mounting port, and the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body start printing. A printed dot matrix is ​​obtained on the printing platform. Connect the printed dot matrix obtained by the second nozzle body along the horizontal direction, which is called the second y-axis connection line. Measure the angle β between the first x-axis connection line and the second y-axis connection line; (6) Repeat steps (3) and (4) to calibrate the second nozzle body; (7) The third nozzle body is fixed at the third mounting port, and the first nozzle body and the third nozzle body start printing. A printed dot matrix is ​​obtained on the printing platform. The printed dot matrix obtained by the third nozzle body is connected along the horizontal direction, which is called the third y-axis connection line. The angle γ between the first x-axis connection line and the third y-axis connection line is measured; (8) Repeat steps (3) and (4) to calibrate the third nozzle body, thereby completing the calibration of the entire print head.

5. According to claim 4, a method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism, characterized in that: In the step (6), the bolts between the rotating plate and the nozzle base plate are loosened, and the rotating push rod is pushed to push the clamping lever. The clamping lever rotates around the fulcrum and squeezes the protruding block, driving the second nozzle to rotate around the positioning hole.

6. A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the step (7), the bolts between the rotating plate and the nozzle bottom plate are loosened, and the rotating push rod is pushed to rotate the fixed block, thereby driving the rotating plate and the third nozzle body to rotate around the positioning hole.

7. A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: After step (7), the first nozzle body, the second nozzle body and the third nozzle body start printing, and three areas of printed dot matrix are obtained on the printing platform. The leftmost end of the first dot matrix area printed by the first nozzle body is connected along the x-axis, which is called the first left connecting line. The rightmost end of the second dot matrix area printed by the second nozzle body is connected along the x-axis, which is called the second right connecting line. The left and right ends of the third dot matrix area printed by the third nozzle body are connected along the x-axis, which are called the third left connecting line and the third right connecting line, respectively. Observe whether the third right connecting line is aligned with the first left connecting line, and whether the third left connecting line and the second right connecting line are aligned.

8. A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: If the third right connecting line is not aligned with the first left connecting line, the transverse push rod at the third installation opening is rotated, and the transverse push rod abuts against the transverse limit plate at the third installation opening, driving the third nozzle body to move left and right.

9. A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: If the third left connecting line is not aligned with the second right connecting line, the transverse push rod at the second mounting opening is rotated, and the transverse push rod abuts against the transverse limit plate at the second mounting opening, driving the second nozzle body to move left and right.

10. A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rotating push rod is a first micrometer screw, the lateral push rod is a second micrometer screw, and the spring push rod is a spring plunger push screw. In the step (3), the distance that the first micrometer screw needs to move is calculated based on the offset angle between the connecting lines and the distance between the positioning hole and the limiting hole.

11. A method for calibrating nozzles of a 3D printer multi-nozzle calibration mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: If the third right connecting line is not aligned with the first left connecting line or the third left connecting line is not aligned with the second right connecting line, the distance that the second micrometer needs to move is calculated based on the distance between the two connecting lines.

Citation Information

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