Feeding head and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application discloses a feed head, a control method of the feed head, an additive manufacturing device and a product. The additive manufacturing device can be a 4D printing device, which can use multi-material printing, powder, granular, and block materials, and can be used in the pharmaceutical industry to print pharmaceutical preparations. The additive manufacturing device includes a feed head, and the rotary valve of the feed head includes a rotatable valve core and a nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle hole, and the valve core can rotate relative to the nozzle. The nozzle hole is closed when the valve core rotates to a predetermined position. The rotary valve of the feed head can close the nozzle hole of the feed head in time and can ensure that there is no leakage after the nozzle hole is closed, and can adjust the opening of the side flow channel in real time, so as to achieve precise feeding, which is conducive to ensuring the first-in-first-out of materials, and is easy to disassemble and clean, and can avoid problems such as wire drawing, tailing, and local material stacking in the additive manufacturing process, so that the manufactured products are of good quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a feed head, a control method for the feed head, an additive manufacturing device including the feed head, and a product prepared by the additive manufacturing device.

[0002] In recent years, the application of additive manufacturing technology has become more and more extensive. 3D (3 Dimension) printing technology and 4D (4 Dimension) printing technology are both additive manufacturing technologies. The application fields involve pharmaceutical preparations, tissue engineering, biomedicine, robotics, etc. For example, patent CN108582765B discloses a precise three-dimensional drug printing device, and patent WO2021031824A1 discloses a high-throughput and high-precision pharmaceutical additive manufacturing system.

[0003] 4D printing technology is developed on the basis of 3D printing technology. It adds the design of time dimension on the basis of spatial three-dimensional structure printing, so that the printed products have time-varying functions. The printed three-dimensional products can undergo predetermined shape or characteristic changes at a set time under the influence of the environment (such as pH value, solution, water, sound, light, heat, electricity, magnetic field, vibration, etc.) to achieve specific functions. For example, the printed drugs can be opened at a set time and position and released at a predetermined rate. For another example, the printed three-dimensional implantable drugs and devices can be released for a long time and degraded within a set time.

[0004] The time-varying function of 4D printing technology can be realized by intelligent material printing or multi-material printing. The multi-material printing technology reduces the requirements for materials and is easier to obtain wide applications. Multi-material printing requires that the printing equipment is equipped with multiple feeding heads, and the molding of multiple materials is realized by alternating feeding of multiple feeding heads. Patent CN105965888 discloses a nozzle for 3D printer. Patent CN105690762 discloses a print head for 3D printing powder materials. US20200086564A1 discloses a Valved nozzle with a compensator and massively parallel 3D printingsystem. US6986739 discloses an Architecture tool and methods of use.

[0005] During printing, the material is extruded from the nozzle hole of the feed head. When a feed head temporarily completes a printing job, its nozzle hole needs to be closed immediately to avoid affecting the printing quality; the nozzle hole also needs to remain closed when the feed head is running idle or waiting for a printing job. If the nozzle hole cannot be completely sealed after closing, material leakage and pressure relief will occur. The longer the feed head waits for printing, the more material leakage and pressure relief will occur. At the beginning of the next print, the leaked material will accumulate at the initial printing position. Excessive pressure relief will cause the material to be unable to be effectively extruded in the initial short section of printing, seriously affecting the printing quality and accuracy.

[0006] Existing feed heads generally use the axial movement of the valve needle to close the nozzle hole. The valve needle will instantly discharge the material when closing the nozzle hole. Moreover, if the valve needle is thin, it is easy to deform and difficult to adjust the flow rate. If the valve needle is thick, too much material will be discharged when closing, affecting product quality. Summary of the invention

[0007] On the one hand, the present application provides a feeding head, which includes a feeding module and a discharging module. The discharging module includes a rotary valve, and the rotary valve includes a valve core and a nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle hole. The valve core can rotate relative to the nozzle, and the valve core closes the nozzle hole when it rotates to a predetermined position.

[0008] In one embodiment of the feed head, the nozzle has an inner cavity, the inlet of the nozzle hole is arranged on the inner cavity wall of the nozzle, the valve core extends into the inner cavity of the nozzle, and the valve core has a first cut-off surface, which is in close contact with the inner cavity wall of the nozzle.

[0009] In one embodiment of the feed head, the distance between the first cut-off surface and the outlet of the nozzle hole is in the range of 0.1-10 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, preferably 0.6 mm.

[0010] In one embodiment of the feed head, the valve core has a bottom end surface arranged at one end of its rotating shaft, and the first cut-off surface is formed on the bottom end surface.

[0011] An embodiment of the feeding head, wherein the bottom end surface includes a conical surface and a horizontal surface connected to the bottom end of the conical surface, the inner cavity wall of the nozzle has a conical wall and a horizontal wall connected to the bottom end of the conical wall, the conical wall and the conical surface are both inclined relative to the rotation axis of the valve core and the inclinations of the two are the same, specifically, the angle between the conical surface and the conical wall and the rotation axis of the valve core is preferably 0-60°; the conical wall is in close contact with the conical surface, the horizontal wall and the horizontal plane are both perpendicular to the rotation axis of the valve core, the horizontal wall is in close contact with the horizontal plane, and a portion of the first cut-off surface is formed on the conical surface and a portion is formed on the horizontal plane.

[0012] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotary valve further comprises an elastic member, wherein the elastic member applies an elastic force to the valve core so as to make the first cut-off surface closely contact the inner cavity wall of the nozzle.

[0013] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotary valve includes a main flow channel, and the material flows from the outlet of the main flow channel to the nozzle hole of the nozzle; the valve core has a second cut-off surface, and when the valve core rotates to a predetermined position, the second cut-off surface closes the outlet of the main flow channel, and the first cut-off surface closes the nozzle hole.

[0014] In one embodiment of the feed head, the valve core has a side surface arranged around its rotation axis, and the second cut-off surface is formed on the side surface.

[0015] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the valve core has a bottom end surface arranged at one end of its rotating shaft; the second cut-off surface is connected to the bottom end surface of the valve core, or the second cut-off surface and the bottom end surface of the valve core are separated by a distance L along the rotating shaft of the valve core, and the range of the distance L is: 0≤L≤10mm.

[0016] In one embodiment of the feed head, when the valve core rotates from an open position to a closed position, the outlet of the main channel is closed before the nozzle hole; or, when the valve core rotates from an open position to a closed position, the outlet of the main channel and the nozzle hole are closed at the same time; or, when the valve core rotates from an open position to a closed position, the nozzle hole is closed before the outlet of the main channel.

[0017] In one implementation manner of the feed head, when the valve core rotates within a stroke range for changing the outlet opening of the main flow channel, the nozzle hole is always in an open state and the opening remains unchanged.

[0018] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the rotary valve includes a receiving part which is tightly connected to the nozzle, the receiving part has a receiving hole, the valve core is installed in the receiving hole, the valve core has a side surface arranged around its rotating axis, and the side surface of the valve core cooperates with the hole wall of the receiving hole.

[0019] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the side surface of the valve core and the wall of the receiving hole are both made of rigid material, and the clearance between the two is matched, and the matching clearance is preferably not more than 20μm, and can be specifically 3μm, 5μm, or 7μm; or, at least one of the side surface of the valve core and the wall of the receiving hole is made of elastic material, and the two are in contact with each other.

[0020] In one embodiment of the feed head, the receiving member and the nozzle are separately provided and detachably connected together, or the receiving member and the nozzle are integrally provided.

[0021] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotary valve includes a sealing ring, the receiving member is provided with a sealing ring installation groove, and the sealing ring is sleeved between the side surface of the valve core and the side wall of the sealing ring installation groove.

[0022] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotary valve includes a connecting flow channel connecting the outlet of the main flow channel and the nozzle hole; the connecting flow channel is arranged inside the valve core, or the connecting flow channel is arranged between the valve core and the nozzle and the receiving part.

[0023] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotary valve includes a valve body; the receiving component is the valve body, or the receiving component is an assembly assembled with the valve body.

[0024] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the valve body includes a first valve body section and a second valve body section that are mating with each other, and the mating surfaces of the first valve body section and the mating surfaces of the second valve body section are both provided with flow channel grooves, and the flow channel grooves of the two are mating to form at least a section of the main flow channel.

[0025] In one embodiment of the feed head, the first valve body section and the second valve body section are fastened by threaded fasteners after being matched together, or the first valve body section and the second valve body section are fastened by snap fasteners after being matched together.

[0026] In one embodiment of the feeding head, step structures are provided on both sides of the groove of the flow channel groove of the first valve body section and the second valve body section, and sealing strips are provided on the concave surfaces of the step structures, and the step structures of the two are interlocked with each other, and the convex surface of the step structure of one presses against the sealing strip on the concave surface of the step structure of the other.

[0027] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the rotary valve also includes a zero point sensor, which is installed on the valve body. A marking portion is provided on the surface of the valve core or on the surface of a component that rotates synchronously with the valve core. The zero point sensor determines the zero point position of the valve core by sensing the position of the marking portion.

[0028] In one embodiment of the feed head, the feed head includes one or more of the rotary valves, and also includes a driving mechanism for driving the valve core of the rotary valve to rotate; the valve cores of the rotary valves of the feed head are driven by the same driving mechanism or each is driven by a driving mechanism.

[0029] In one embodiment of the feed head, the feed head further comprises a thermal management module, and the thermal management module comprises a heating component and / or a cooling component and / or a thermal insulation component.

[0030] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the feeding head also includes a feeding module, the feeding module includes a barrel and an actuating component that moves in the barrel, the material is transported by the actuating component to the main channel inlet of the rotary valve, and the feeding module adopts a piston feeding module or a rotary feeding module.

[0031] In one implementation manner of the feed head, the feed head further comprises a pressure detection module, and the pressure detection module detects the material pressure inside the feed head.

[0032] In one implementation manner of the feeding head, the pressure detection module is fixedly arranged and does not move with the moving parts of the feeding module; or, the pressure detection module is movably arranged and moves synchronously with the moving parts of the feeding module.

[0033] In one embodiment of the feed head, the feed head further comprises a self-cleaning module, and the self-cleaning module comprises a rotating scraper, and the rotating scraper can contact with the moving part of the feed module.

[0034] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotary scraper is installed inside the rotary valve and / or inside the barrel.

[0035] In one embodiment of the feeding head, the rotating scraper is a fixed rotating scraper that does not extend or retract along with the movement of the moving parts of the feeding module, or a retractable rotating scraper that extends or retracts along with the movement of the moving parts of the feeding module.

[0036] In one implementation manner of the feed head, the rotating scraper is arranged parallel to or coaxially with the valve core.

[0037] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotating scraper and the valve core are driven by the same driving mechanism.

[0038] In one embodiment of the feed head, the rotating scraper is arranged parallel to or coaxially with the barrel.

[0039] On the other hand, the present application provides a control method for a feed head, wherein the control method comprises: first controlling a rotary valve to close the outlet of the main flow channel, and then controlling the rotary valve to close the nozzle hole.

[0040] On the other hand, the present application provides an additive manufacturing device, which includes an additive manufacturing platform and one or more feeding heads, which feed materials to the additive manufacturing platform, and the feeding head is any of the feeding heads described above.

[0041] On the other hand, the present application provides a product, which is manufactured by the above-mentioned additive manufacturing equipment.

[0042] The nozzle hole of the feeding head provided in the present application can be closed in time and can ensure that there is no leakage of material after the nozzle hole is closed, and the opening of the side flow channel can be adjusted in real time, so as to achieve precise feeding, which is conducive to ensuring the first-in-first-out of materials, and is easy to disassemble and clean, and can avoid problems such as wire drawing, tailing, and local material piling during the additive manufacturing process, so that the manufactured products are of good quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an additive manufacturing device provided by the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a feed head of an additive manufacturing device;

[0045] Figure 3 for Figure 2 CC section view;

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A;

[0047] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A;

[0048] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part B;

[0049] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part B;

[0050] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a rotary valve and a rotary scraper installed inside the rotary valve;

[0051] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 The main view;

[0052] Fig.10 for Figure 8 A top view of

[0053] Fig.11 for Fig. 9 AA view;

[0054] Fig.12 for Fig. 9 BB direction view;

[0055] Fig.13 for Fig.10 CC view;

[0056] Fig.14 for Figure 8A perspective view of the carrier, valve core and nozzle of the transfer valve;

[0057] Fig.15 for Figure 8 A perspective view of the valve core of the transfer valve;

[0058] Fig.16 for Figure 8 A perspective view of the nozzle of the transfer valve;

[0059] Fig.17 for Figure 8 A half-section view of the carrier, valve core and nozzle of the transfer valve, in which the nozzle hole and the outlet of the main flow channel are open;

[0060] Fig.18 for Figure 8 A half-section view of the carrier, valve core and nozzle of the transfer valve, in which the nozzle hole and the outlet of the main channel are closed;

[0061] Fig.19 A partial view of another embodiment of a rotary valve;

[0062] Fig. 20 A partial view of another embodiment of a rotary valve;

[0063] Fig.21 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the part within the middle M circle;

[0064] Fig. 22 A partial view of another embodiment of a rotary valve;

[0065] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals:

[0066] 1A feed head, 1B additive manufacturing platform;

[0067] Discharging module ;

[0068] 101 valve core, 1011 side surface, 1012 bottom end surface, 1012a conical surface, 1012b horizontal surface, 1013 chamfered surface, 101a transmission component;

[0069] 102 main channel;

[0070] 103 nozzle, 1031 nozzle hole, 1032 conical wall, 1033 horizontal wall;

[0071] 104 elastic member;

[0072] 105 receiving member, 1051 receiving hole, 1052 limit stop portion;

[0073] 106 sealing ring;

[0074] 107 communicating flow channel;

[0075] 108 valve body, 1081 first valve body subsection, 1082 second valve body subsection, 1083 flow channel groove, 1084 first installation cavity, 1085 second installation cavity, 1086 insertion hole, 1087 inner concave cavity;

[0076] 109 sealing strip;

[0077] 110 zero point sensor;

[0078] 111 driving mechanism;

[0079] Feeding module

[0080] 201 barrel, 2011 flange portion;

[0081] 202 piston, 2021 piston groove;

[0082] 203 piston drive mechanism,

[0083] 204 barrel block;

[0084] 205 piston block;

[0085] 206 connecting seat, 2061 first slot, 2062 second slot;

[0086] Pressure detection module

[0087] 301 pressure sensor, 3011 sensing element, 3012 pressure conducting part;

[0088] 302 pressure transmission rod, 3021 pressure guide head;

[0089] Self-cleaning module

[0090] 401 rotating scraper, 4011 protrusion;

[0091] 402 bearings;

[0092] Thermal Management Module

[0093] 501 heating plate, 502 heating sleeve, 503 heat insulation cover plate, 504 first heat insulation sleeve, 505 second heat insulation sleeve;

[0094] 600 base . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] like Figure 1 The additive manufacturing equipment includes a feed head 1A and an additive manufacturing platform 1B. The number of feed heads can be one or more (four feed heads are provided in the figure). When performing multi-material manufacturing, multiple feed heads need to be configured, and multiple feed heads feed materials alternately.

[0096] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 The feed head mainly includes a feed module, a discharge module, a pressure detection module, a self-cleaning module, a thermal management module and a base 600, etc. Among them, the pressure detection module, the thermal management module and the self-cleaning module are optional components (that is, in some embodiments, these components may not be provided).

[0097] The feeding module conveys the material to the discharging module. The discharging module has a nozzle hole. The material is extruded from the nozzle hole of the discharging module to a predetermined position of the additive manufacturing platform in a regular and quantitative manner. The pressure detection module is used to detect the material pressure in the feeding head. The self-cleaning module is used to scrape the material on the moving parts of the feeding module and stir the material. The thermal management module is used to control the material temperature to ensure the smooth transmission of the material. The base 600 is used to accommodate the above modules. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 600 is a vertically arranged plate-like structure, which saves space. Of course, it can also be set to other shapes.

[0098] When the feed head completes a cycle of operation and when the feed head is idle and waiting for operation, the nozzle hole of the discharge module needs to be closed. If the nozzle hole is not closed in time or leaks after closing, problems such as wire drawing, tailing, and local material accumulation will occur, affecting product quality. Therefore, in this application, the discharge module is provided with a switch component for opening and closing the nozzle hole.

[0099] One of the technical problems solved by this application is how to achieve timely opening and closing of the nozzle hole for high-temperature, high-pressure and high-viscosity fluids without causing quality defects such as drawing, tailing and leakage. For this purpose, a rotary valve for the feed head is designed. The rotary valve can be used to open and close the nozzle hole of the feed head of the additive manufacturing equipment. Of course, the rotary valve can also be used in other equipment, and the application scenario of the rotary valve is not limited here. The rotary valve can ensure that there is no leakage after the nozzle hole is closed.

[0100] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the structures of the above modules are further described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0101] Discharging module

[0102] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 8-Figure 18 The discharging module includes a rotary valve and a driving mechanism 111. The rotary valve includes a valve core 101, a main flow channel 102, a nozzle 103, and a connecting flow channel 107 (see Fig.17) etc. The material enters from the inlet of the main flow channel 102, then flows from the outlet of the main flow channel 102 to the connecting flow channel 107, and then is extruded from the nozzle hole 1031 of the nozzle. The main flow channel 102 is a curved flow channel. The connecting flow channel 107 is responsible for connecting the outlet of the main flow channel 102 and the nozzle hole 1031.

[0103] The driving mechanism 111 is used to drive the valve core 101 of the rotary valve to rotate. The driving mechanism 111 can use a motor as a power element, a gear set as a transmission and deceleration element, or a hydraulic cylinder as a power element. There is no limitation on the type of the driving mechanism 111.

[0104] Each feed head can be equipped with one or more rotary valves. When multiple rotary valves are equipped, the valve cores 101 of each rotary valve of each feed head can be driven by the same driving mechanism 111. Specifically, the valve cores 101 of each rotary valve of each feed head can be connected by a linkage (such as a rack or a synchronous belt). Of course, the valve cores 101 of each rotary valve of each feed head can also be driven by a driving mechanism.

[0105] The rotary valve may be provided with a transmission component 101a (see Fig.14 ), the transmission component 101a can be a gear, a gear ring, a gear plate, a synchronous belt or other toothed components, and the structure of the transmission component 101a is not limited. The transmission component 101a can be integrated with the valve core 101, or it can be separately provided with the valve core 101 and fixed to the valve core 101 by interference fit, fastener connection, welding or the like.

[0106] The valve core 101 is connected to the driving mechanism 111 through the transmission component 101a. Fig.11 understand, Fig.11 In the embodiment, the valve core 101 is connected to a gear 111 a of the driving mechanism 111 through a transmission component 101 a , and a transmission gear set is provided between the transmission component 101 a and the driving mechanism 111 .

[0107] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 The valve core 101 has a first intercepting surface and a second intercepting surface. When the valve core 101 rotates to a predetermined position, the second intercepting surface closes the outlet of the main channel 102, and the first intercepting surface closes the nozzle hole 1031 of the nozzle 103. At this time, the outlet of the main channel 102 and the nozzle hole 1031 are both in a closed state. Of course, in some embodiments, only one intercepting surface may be provided.

[0108] In some embodiments, it may be that: when the valve core 101 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the outlet of the main channel 102 is closed before the nozzle hole 1031. This can be achieved by reasonably configuring the relative positions of the second intercepting surface, the first intercepting surface, the outlet of the main channel 102, and the nozzle hole 1031. For example, when the valve core 101 rotates from the first position to the second position along the first direction, the second intercepting surface closes the outlet of the main channel 102, and the first intercepting surface has not yet closed the nozzle hole 1031. At this time, the outlet of the main channel 102 is closed before the nozzle hole 1031. Then, when the valve core 101 continues to rotate from the second position to the third position along the first direction, the first intercepting surface closes the nozzle hole 1031, and the second intercepting surface still closes the outlet of the main channel 102. At this time, the outlet of the main channel 102 and the nozzle hole 1031 are both in a closed state.

[0109] A control method based on this embodiment is: when it is necessary to close the nozzle hole 1031, first control the driving mechanism 111 to drive the valve core 101 to close the outlet of the main channel 102. At this time, the nozzle hole 1031 is not closed yet. Then control the driving mechanism 111 to drive the valve core 101 to close the nozzle hole 1031, so as to achieve a state in which both the outlet of the main channel 102 and the nozzle hole 1031 are closed.

[0110] In some embodiments, when the valve core 101 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the nozzle hole 1031 is closed before the outlet of the main channel 102 , or the nozzle hole 1031 and the outlet of the main channel 102 are closed at the same time.

[0111] Specifically, the driving mechanism 111 that drives the valve core 101 to rotate, the driving mechanism that drives the additive manufacturing platform, and the driving mechanism that drives the action parts of the feeding module can be jointly controlled. In this way, it is easy to ensure that the opening and closing timing and opening and closing speed of the nozzle hole 1031 are consistent with the position and moving speed of the additive manufacturing platform and the feeding speed of the feeding module.

[0112] In a further design, when the valve core 101 rotates within the stroke of changing the outlet opening of the main channel 102, the nozzle hole 1031 is always in an open state and the opening remains unchanged. This can be achieved by reasonably configuring the relative positions of the second intercepting surface, the first intercepting surface, the outlet of the main channel 102, and the nozzle hole 1031. For example, if the valve core 101 rotates to the first position, the second intercepting surface just makes the outlet of the main channel 102 in the maximum opening state, and if the valve core 101 rotates to the second position, the second intercepting surface just closes the outlet of the main channel 102. Then, the stroke of the valve core 101 rotating from the first position along the first direction to the second position and the stroke of the valve core 101 rotating from the second position along the first direction in the opposite direction to the first position are the strokes of the valve core 101 changing the outlet opening of the main channel 102. With this design, when the outlet opening of the main channel 102 is changed by using the second shut-off surface to adjust the material flow rate, the opening of the nozzle hole 1031 remains unchanged, so it does not affect the extrusion shape of the material, thereby ensuring uniform extrusion of the material. In other words, this design can achieve material flow regulation without affecting the uniform extrusion of the material.

[0113] Further designs, such as Fig.14 and Fig.15 The valve core 101 has a side surface 1011 arranged around its rotating shaft, and also has a bottom end surface 1012 arranged at the bottom end of the side surface 1011. The rotary valve is provided with a receiving member 105, the receiving member 105 has a receiving hole 1051, the valve core 101 is installed in the receiving hole 1051, the side surface 1011 of the valve core 101 is matched with the hole wall of the receiving hole 1051, the second intercepting surface is formed on the side surface 1011 of the valve core 101, and the outlet of the main flow channel 102 is arranged on the hole wall of the receiving hole 1051. The nozzle 103 is sealed and connected to the bottom of the receiving member 105, and the first intercepting surface is formed on the bottom end surface 1012 of the valve core 101.

[0114] Specifically, the second cut-off surface may be connected to the bottom end surface of the valve core 101 (eg Fig.19 Alternatively, the second cut-off surface may be spaced apart from the bottom end surface of the valve core 101 by a distance L along the rotation axis direction of the valve core 101 (eg Fig.18 and Fig. 20 ), the range of the distance L is: 0≤L≤10mm.

[0115] Specifically, the side surface 1011 of the valve core 101 and the hole wall of the receiving hole 1051 can both be made of rigid materials (such as steel, ceramics, glass, etc.). Considering that the rotational resistance of the valve core 101 should not be too large, the side surface 1011 of the valve core 101 and the hole wall of the receiving hole 1051 are clearance-matched. The clearance should not exceed 20μm, preferably less than 7μm. In this way, it can be ensured that the second shut-off surface formed on the side surface 1011 of the valve core 101 can more tightly close the outlet of the main channel 102. Alternatively, the side surface 1011 of the valve core 101 and the hole wall of the receiving hole 1051 can be made of one elastic material (such as PEEK, PTFE, etc.) and one rigid material (such as steel, ceramics, glass, etc.), or both can be made of elastic materials. In these two cases, the two can contact each other and fit tightly. In addition, a sealing ring 106 can be provided (see Figure 4 ), the receiving part 105 can be provided with a sealing ring installation groove, and the sealing ring 106 is sleeved between the side 1011 of the valve core 101 and the side wall of the sealing ring installation groove. The sealing ring 106 is arranged close to the top end of the receiving hole 1051 to prevent the material from escaping from the top end of the receiving hole 1051.

[0116] Specifically, the valve core 101 may be substantially cylindrical. The outer diameter of the rotary valve core 101 of the additive manufacturing equipment for manufacturing medicines is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0117] Specifically, Figure 4 , the nozzle 103 may be provided with an inner cavity, and the inlet of the nozzle hole is provided at the inner cavity wall of the nozzle 103. The bottom end of the valve core 101 extends from the bottom port of the receiving hole 1051 into the inner cavity of the nozzle 103, and the first intercepting surface formed on the bottom end surface of the valve core 101 is in close contact with the inner cavity wall of the nozzle 103. With such a design, when the valve core 101 rotates, the material adhering to the inner cavity wall of the nozzle can be scraped off, so that the material is squeezed out from the nozzle hole 1031, and the first intercepting surface can be very close to the outlet of the nozzle hole 1031, thereby reducing the dead volume, so that the material can be first-in-first-out and accurate feeding can be achieved. The distance range between the first intercepting surface and the outlet of the nozzle hole 1031 is preferably 0.1-10 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and preferably 0.6 mm.

[0118] In addition, a pre-compressed elastic member 104 may be provided, and the elastic force of the elastic member 104 acts on the valve core 101, so that the first intercepting surface of the valve core 101 is in close contact with the inner cavity wall of the nozzle. The elastic member 104 may be a compression spring, a butterfly, etc. In addition, a chamfer may be provided at the inlet of the nozzle hole 1031 to make the material easier to be extruded.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.16 The inner cavity wall of the nozzle 103 has a conical wall 1032 and a horizontal wall 1033, as shown in FIG. Fig.15The bottom end surface 1012 of the valve core 101 has a conical surface 1012a and a horizontal surface 1012b. Fig.14 , the conical wall and the conical surface are both inclined relative to the rotation axis of the valve core 101 and the inclination of the two is the same, and the conical wall and the conical surface are in close contact. Specifically, the angle between the conical surface, the conical wall and the rotation axis of the valve core 101 is preferably 0-60°. The horizontal wall and the horizontal plane are both perpendicular to the rotation axis of the valve core 101, and the horizontal wall and the horizontal plane are in close contact. A portion of the first cut-off surface is formed on the conical surface of the valve core 101, and a portion is formed on the horizontal plane. With this design, the material adhered to the inner cavity wall of the nozzle can be squeezed out of the nozzle hole 1031 as quickly as possible along the conical wall, which is more conducive to first-in-first-out and precise feeding of materials. In addition, the nozzle hole 1031 is closed by the conical surface and the horizontal plane together, so that it is less likely to leak after the nozzle hole 1031 is closed.

[0120] Specifically, Fig.16 The nozzle 103 is generally in the shape of a cone with a large top and a small bottom. The nozzle hole 1031 is located at the bottom of the nozzle 103. The conical nozzle is more convenient for accurately determining the feeding position. The diameter of the nozzle hole 1031 of the additive manufacturing equipment suitable for manufacturing medicines is preferably in the range of 0.03 mm to 1 mm.

[0121] Specifically, Fig.18 The connecting flow channel 107 is responsible for connecting the outlet of the main flow channel 102 and the nozzle hole 1031. Fig.18 The communication channel 107 can be arranged between the valve core 101 and the nozzle and the receiving part 105. Specifically, a chamfered surface 1013 can be arranged outside the valve core 101, and the communication channel 107 is formed between the chamfered surface and the nozzle and the receiving part 105. Alternatively, the communication channel 107 can also be arranged inside the valve core 101, which can be achieved by opening a hole inside the valve core 101.

[0122] Specifically, Figure 8 The rotary valve is further provided with a valve body 108, and the valve body 108 includes a first valve body section 1081 and a second valve body section 1082 which are matched with each other.

[0123] like Fig.13 The first valve body section 1081 and the second valve body section 1082 can be aligned with each other, that is, the aligned surfaces of the two are parallel to the central axis of the valve core 101. Fig. 22 The first valve body section 1081 and the second valve body section 1082 may also be matched up and down, that is, the matching surfaces of the two are perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core 101.

[0124] Fig.13In the embodiment, the mating surface of the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the mating surface of the second valve body sub-part 1082 are both provided with a flow channel groove 1083, and the flow channel grooves 1083 of the two are combined to form a section of the main flow channel 102. The valve body 108 of this structure is convenient for processing the main flow channel 102, and can ensure that the flow channel wall of the processed main flow channel 102 is smooth and free of material hanging, thereby facilitating the first-in-first-out of materials and accurate feeding.

[0125] Fig.13 In the embodiment, both sides of the notch of the flow channel groove 1083 of the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the second valve body sub-part 1082 are provided with step structures. The concave surface of the step structure is provided with a sealing strip 109. The two step structures are interlocked with each other, and the convex surface of the step structure of one presses against the sealing strip 109 on the concave surface of the step structure of the other to prevent leakage of material at the mating position of the flow channel groove 1083.

[0126] Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the first valve body section 1081 is provided with a hole portion for receiving the rotating scraper 401, and the second valve body section 1082 is provided with a hole portion for receiving the valve core.

[0127] Specifically, the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the second valve body sub-part 1082 can be locked by a threaded fastener or by a buckle after being matched, and of course the present invention is not limited thereto, as long as the locking mechanism is easy to unlock. When the rotary valve needs to be cleaned, the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the second valve body sub-part 1082 can be unlocked, so that the flow channel in the valve and the valve core 101 installed in the valve, the rotating scraper 401 and other components can be easily cleaned.

[0128] Specifically, the receiving member 105 may be a part of the valve body 108 of the rotary valve (eg Fig.19 , Fig. 20 , Fig. 22 ), or it may be an assembly assembled with the valve body 108 of the rotary valve (such as Fig.13 The nozzle 103 may be integrally provided with the receiving member 105 (eg Fig.13 , Fig.19 ), or it can be separately provided with the receiving member 105 and detachably connected together (such as Fig. 20 ), the split setting can meet different usage requirements by replacing nozzles of different apertures separately.

[0129] In detail, Fig.13 In the embodiment, the first mounting groove is processed on the mating surface of the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the mating surface of the second valve body sub-part 1082, and the first mounting grooves of the two are matched to form a first mounting cavity 1084 (see Fig.11), the receiving member 105 is installed in the first installation cavity 1084, and the top and bottom ends of the receiving member 105 are provided with a limit stopper 1052, which stops and limits with the valve body 108. A part of the main channel 102 is formed inside the valve body 108, and another part is formed inside the receiving member 105.

[0130] Fig.19 In the figure, a receiving groove, an inner cavity groove and a hole groove are processed on the mating surface of the first valve body division 1081 and the mating surface of the second valve body division 1082. The receiving grooves of the two are matched to form a receiving hole 1051, the inner cavity grooves of the two are matched to form the inner cavity of the nozzle 103, and the hole grooves of the two are matched to form the nozzle hole 1031.

[0131] Fig. 20 In the figure, receiving grooves are machined on the mating surfaces of the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the second valve body sub-part 1082, and the receiving grooves of the two are matched to form a receiving hole 1051. After the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the second valve body sub-part 1082 are matched and locked, the nozzle 103 is connected to the bottom of the valve body 108 through threads or other detachable structures. The connection position of the nozzle 103 and the valve body 108 in the figure is engaged by a concave part and a convex part, and a sealing ring can be provided between the concave part and the convex part, so that the sealing performance of the connection position of the nozzle 103 and the valve body 108 is better.

[0132] in addition, Fig.19 In the embodiment, the mating surface of the first valve body sub-part 1081 and the mating surface of the second valve body sub-part 1082 are further processed with a second mounting groove, and the second mounting grooves of the two are matched to form a second mounting cavity 1085 (see Fig.11 ), the second installation cavity 1085 is located at the top side of the first installation cavity 1084. The rotary scraper 401 of the self-cleaning module described later is installed in the second installation cavity 1085. The inlet of the main flow channel 102 of the rotary valve is connected with the second installation cavity 1085, and the rotary scraper 401 of the self-cleaning module can contact the action part of the feeding module at the inlet of the main flow channel 102.

[0133] Specifically, Figure 8 The valve body 108 may be in a substantially sideways "concave" shape, and a concave cavity 1087 is provided on one side of the valve body 108, and the concave cavity 1087 is located between the first installation cavity 1084 and the second installation cavity 1085. Figure 4 The driving mechanism 111 is arranged on the side of the valve body 108 (the side with the inner concave cavity), a part of the driving mechanism 111 extends into the inner concave cavity 1087 of the valve body 108, and a gear 111a of the driving mechanism 111 is in driving connection with the transmission component 101a on the valve core 101.

[0134] In addition, the rotary valve may also be provided with a zero point sensor 110 (for example, a photoelectric sensor or an infrared sensor, etc.), and a marking portion may be provided on the surface of the valve core 101 or on the surface of a component that rotates synchronously with the valve core 101, and the color of the sensing marking portion may be different from that of other positions. The zero point sensor determines the zero point position of the valve core 101 (i.e., the initial position of the valve core 101) by sensing the position of the marking portion. The zero point sensor 110 may be installed on the valve body 108. In the illustrated embodiment, a valve body subsection of the valve body 108 is provided with a plug hole 1086 (see Fig.11 ), the zero point sensor is inserted into the jack 1086.

[0135] In summary, the rotary valve provided in the present application can ensure that there is no leakage after the nozzle hole 1031 is closed, thereby realizing first-in-first-out and precise feeding of materials, and is particularly suitable for equipment with high requirements for feeding accuracy, such as additive manufacturing equipment for manufacturing medicines.

[0136] Feeding module

[0137] The feeding module includes a barrel for holding materials and an action component that moves in the barrel. The feeding module can be a piston-type feeding module (whose action component is a piston) or a rotary feeding module (such as a screw-type feeding module, whose action component is a screw), and there is no restriction on the type of feeding module.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 , which shows a piston feeding module. The advantage of the piston feeding module is that it can be applied to materials with a wider range of temperature and viscosity, and it is easier for the feeding head to achieve high-precision quantitative feeding. The piston feeding module includes a barrel 201, a piston 202, a piston driving mechanism 203, a barrel block 204, a connecting seat 206, a piston block 205, etc.

[0139] The barrel 201 is provided with a feed port. If an automatic feeding mechanism is configured, the feed port of the barrel 201 can be set on the side of the barrel 201. When the piston 202 rises above the feed port, the material (which can be a sheet material, a granular material, a powder material, a liquid material, etc.) is automatically added to the barrel 201. If the material is fed manually, the feed port of the barrel 201 can be set at the top of the barrel 201. The feed port of the barrel 201 can be made of a material with low thermal conductivity (such as PTFE material, PEEK material). In addition, the feed port can be set in a hopper shape and a forced feeding structure (such as a spiral structure) can be added.

[0140] The bottom end of the barrel 201 is provided with a discharge port. Figure 4, the bottom end of the barrel 201 is supported on the valve body 108 of the rotary valve and aligned with the inlet of the main flow channel 102 of the rotary valve. Specifically, the bottom end of the barrel 201 is provided with a flange portion 2011 protruding radially outward, and the flange portion 2011 is pressed against the top end surface of the valve body 108 by a heat insulation sleeve (the second heat insulation sleeve 505 in the figure) of the thermal management module mentioned later, and the second heat insulation sleeve 505 is fixedly connected to the valve body 108 by threaded fasteners or other forms of fasteners, so that the axial position of the barrel 201 is fixed. The bottom end of the flange portion 2011 is engaged with the top end of the valve body 108 through a concave-convex structure, and the inner side surface of the concave structure and the outer side surface of the convex structure cooperate with each other to position the radial position of the barrel 201.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 6 The top of the barrel 201 is clamped on the barrel clamping block 204. The barrel clamping block 204 is fixed to the base 600. The top of the barrel 201 is provided with a barrel neck and a barrel stopper located at the top and bottom sides of the barrel neck. The side of the barrel clamping block 204 is concave to form a concave bayonet, and the barrel neck is inserted into the concave bayonet of the barrel clamping block 204. The barrel stopper on the top side and the barrel stopper on the bottom side can contact and stop with the top surface and bottom surface of the barrel clamping block 204 respectively. The barrel block can make the barrel 201 more stable.

[0142] The piston 202 is inserted into the barrel 201, and the piston 202 can move along the axial direction of the barrel 201 under the drive of the piston drive mechanism 203. The outer side of the piston 202 is in close contact with the inner side of the barrel 201, so when the piston 202 moves in the barrel 201, it can pressurize the material in the barrel 201, thereby pushing the material forward.

[0143] Specifically, the piston 202 can be made of a rigid material or an elastic material, or a rigid material inside and an elastic material outside, and the types of elastic materials and rigid materials are not limited. The outer diameter of the piston 202 of the additive manufacturing equipment for manufacturing medicines is preferably in the range of 3mm-30mm.

[0144] Specifically, Figure 6, the piston 202 can be connected to the piston drive mechanism 203 through the piston block 205 and the connecting seat 206. The connecting seat 206 is fixedly connected to the piston drive mechanism 203. The top of the piston 202 is provided with a piston neck and a piston limiter located at the top and bottom sides of the piston neck. The side of the piston block 205 is concave to form a concave bayonet. The connecting seat 206 is provided with a first slot 2061 and a second slot 2062. The top of the piston 202 is inserted into the first slot 2061 of the connecting seat 206 along the axial direction, and the top surface of the piston 202 contacts the top wall of the first slot 2061. The piston block 205 is inserted into the second slot 2062 of the connecting seat 206 along the lateral direction, and the piston neck is located in the concave bayonet of the piston block 205. The top surface and bottom surface of the piston block 205 can respectively contact and limit with the top wall and bottom wall of the second slot 2062, and the piston limiting part on the top side and the piston limiting part on the bottom side can respectively contact and limit with the top surface and bottom surface of the piston block 205. With this connection structure, the piston 202 is relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning. Of course, in actual implementation, the piston 202 can also be connected to the piston drive mechanism 203 with other connection structures, as long as the piston 202 is easy to disassemble.

[0145] Specifically, Figure 6 The top surface of the piston 202 may be partially concave to form a piston groove 2021, and the portion of the top surface of the piston 202 surrounding the piston groove 2021 may be configured as an arc-shaped surface with an arc-shaped cross section, and the arc-shaped surface is used to contact the top wall of the first slot 2061 of the connecting seat 206. In addition, the piston 202 may also be provided with a through hole along its axial direction (which is also its movement direction), and the through hole passes through the bottom wall of the piston groove 2021 and the bottom end surface of the piston 202, and the through hole is used to accommodate the pressure transmission rod 302 of the pressure detection module mentioned later.

[0146] Specifically, the piston driving mechanism 203 can use a linear motor as a power element and be equipped with a linear guide module for auxiliary guidance, so as to ensure the movement accuracy of the piston 202.

[0147] Pressure detection module

[0148] The pressure detection module can detect the material pressure in the feed head. The detected pressure can be used as a reference for adjusting the feeding speed of the feed module and as a reference for judging the production quality.

[0149] For a feeding head that uses a screw feeding module or other rotary feeding module, its pressure detection module can be fixed near the nozzle hole, and the rotation speed of the moving parts of the screw or other rotary feeding module can be adjusted according to the detected pressure, so that the extrusion speed of the nozzle hole 1031 of the discharge module can be adjusted in time.

[0150] The illustrated scheme shows a feed head using a piston-type feed module, and the pressure detection module of the feed head moves synchronously with the piston 202. The pressure detection module of the feed head includes a pressure sensor 301 and a pressure transmission rod 302. The pressure transmission rod 302 is responsible for transmitting the material pressure in the barrel to the pressure sensor 301, so that the pressure sensor 301 detects the material pressure in the barrel.

[0151] During the movement of the piston 202, the pressure sensor 301 dynamically detects the material pressure in the barrel in real time, and adjusts the movement speed of the piston 202 according to the real-time dynamically detected material pressure, so that the extrusion speed of the nozzle hole 1031 of the discharge module can be adjusted in time.

[0152] Specifically, Figure 6 The pressure sensor 301 includes a sensing element 3011 and a pressure-conducting portion 3012. The top of the pressure-conducting portion 3012 can be detachably connected to the sensing element 3011, and can be specifically threaded. The bottom of the pressure-conducting portion 3012 can extend into the piston groove 2021 at the top of the piston 202. The sensing element 3011 of the pressure sensor 301 is connected to the above-mentioned connecting seat 206, and the piston 202 is also connected to the connecting seat 206, so that the pressure sensor 301 can move synchronously with the piston 202.

[0153] Specifically, the pressure transmission rod 302 is inserted into the through hole of the piston 202, and the through hole of the piston 202 can be connected to the bottom end surface of the piston 202. The bottom end surface of the pressure transmission rod 302 can be located near the bottom end surface of the piston 202, and can be flush with the bottom end surface of the piston 202 or separated by a small distance. A pressure guiding head 3021 is provided at the top of the pressure transmission rod 302, and the pressure guiding head 3021 is located in the piston groove 2021. The top surface of the pressure guiding head 3021 contacts the bottom surface of the pressure guiding part 3012, and the bottom surface of the pressure guiding head 3021 contacts the bottom wall of the piston groove 2021.

[0154] Specifically, the contact surface between the top surface of the pressure-conducting head 3021 and the bottom surface of the pressure-conducting portion 3012 can be an arc-shaped surface with an arc-shaped cross section. With this design, the pressure-conducting rod 302 can maintain contact with the pressure-conducting portion 3012 even if it is slightly tilted or deformed.

[0155] Specifically, the bottom of the side of the pressure transmission rod 302 can be in contact with the hole wall of the piston through hole or a small gap fit (the gap range of the small gap fit is preferably 1μm-10μm, preferably 3μm), which can prevent the material from entering the through hole of the piston 202. Although this will cause a certain deviation between the detected pressure and the actual pressure, the deviation problem can be solved by pre-determining the deviation and adding or subtracting the deviation to the detected pressure value. The remaining positions of the side of the pressure transmission rod 302 can be matched with a large gap of the through hole of the piston 202 (the gap range of the large gap fit is preferably 10μm-300μm). The diameter range of the pressure transmission rod 302 is preferably 1mm-10mm. The pressure transmission rod 302 can be made of a rigid material or an elastic material or a combination of a rigid material and an elastic material, and the types of rigid materials and elastic materials are not limited here.

[0156] Self-cleaning module

[0157] like Figure 4 The self-cleaning module includes a rotating scraper 401 and a driving mechanism for driving the rotating scraper 401. The driving mechanism can be the same mechanism as the driving mechanism for driving the valve core 101 to rotate. In other words, the rotating scraper 401 and the valve core 101 can be driven by the same mechanism.

[0158] The rotating scraper 401 can contact with the moving parts of the feeding module, and when in contact, it can rotate and scrape off the materials on the moving parts of the feeding module.

[0159] For a feeding head using a screw feeding module or other rotary feeding module, the moving parts of this type of feeding module are not easy to adhere to materials. In this case, the rotating scraper 401 can be selected not to contact the moving parts of the feeding module, so that the rotating scraper 401 only plays the role of stirring the materials. Alternatively, the rotating scraper can be omitted.

[0160] For the feeding head using a piston-type feeding module, the piston 202 is more likely to adhere to the material, especially on the end surface of the piston 202 that contacts the material (the bottom end surface of the piston 202 in the figure). At this time, the rotating scraper 401 can be selected to contact the bottom end surface of the piston 202 to rotate and scrape off the material adhering to the bottom end surface of the piston 202, which is conducive to the first-in-first-out of the material.

[0161] Specifically, the rotary scraper 401 may be a fixed rotary scraper that does not extend or retract along with the movement of the moving part, or may be a retractable rotary scraper that extends or retracts along with the movement of the moving part.

[0162] For a feeding head using a piston-type feeding module, if a telescopic rotating scraper 401 is used, the telescopic rotating scraper 401 can be extended and retracted synchronously with the movement of the piston 202, so that the piston 202 is in contact with the rotating scraper 401 throughout its entire stroke; if a fixed rotating scraper 401 is used, the fixed rotating scraper 401 can be arranged at the end point of the stroke of the piston 202 (i.e., at the inlet of the main flow channel 102 of the rotary valve), so that the piston 202 is in contact with the rotating scraper 401 when it moves to the inlet of the main flow channel 102 of the rotary valve.

[0163] Specifically, part or all of the rotary scraper 401 may be installed inside the rotary valve. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary scraper 401 is completely installed in the second installation cavity 1085 of the valve body 108 of the rotary valve (see Fig.11 ), and a bearing 402 is mounted on the outside.

[0164] Specifically, the rotating scraper 401 can be arranged coaxially or parallel to the barrel 201. When the rotating scraper 401 is arranged coaxially or parallel to the barrel 201, its top end surface contacts the bottom end surface of the piston 202.

[0165] Specifically, the rotary scraper 401 can be arranged coaxially or in parallel with the valve core 101 of the rotary valve, so that it is more convenient for both to be driven by the same driving mechanism and it is also more convenient to arrange the driving mechanism.

[0166] Specifically, when the rotating scraper 401 contacts the bottom end surface of the piston 202, the rotating scraper 401 can be controlled to rotate to scrape. When the rotating scraper 401 does not contact the bottom end surface of the piston 202, the rotating scraper 401 can also be controlled to rotate, and at this time, the rotating scraper 401 mainly plays a stirring role. In these two situations, the speed of the rotating scraper 401 can be different.

[0167] Specifically, the rotating scraper 401 can be in contact with the bottom end surface of the piston 202 and the bottom end surface of the pressure transmission rod 302 of the pressure detection module at the same time. In this way, when the rotating scraper 401 contacts the bottom end surface of the piston 202, the pressure sensor 301 can detect a touch pressure signal. According to the touch pressure signal, it can be determined that the rotating scraper 401 is in contact with the bottom end surface of the piston 202. At this time, the rotating scraper 401 can be controlled to start rotating or change the rotation speed, and according to the touch pressure signal, it can also be known that the feeding module has completed material transportation.

[0168] Specifically, Fig.21A protrusion 4011 can be provided on the contact surface of the rotating scraper 401 and the actuating component (the top surface of the rotating scraper 401 in the figure), and the protrusion 4011 is used to contact the pressure transmission rod 302, so as to ensure that the rotating scraper 401 can also contact the pressure transmission rod 302 when material adheres to the bottom end surface of the piston 202.

[0169] Thermal Management Module

[0170] The thermal management module includes one or all of a heating component, a cooling component, and a thermal insulation component.

[0171] Specifically, the cooling component can be installed at the feed port of the barrel 201 .

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a heating component is provided, which specifically includes a heating plate 501 and a heating sleeve 502. The heating plate 501 is covered on the surface of the valve body 108 of the rotary valve. The heating sleeve 502 is sleeved on the outer side of the barrel 201.

[0173] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , with heat insulation components. Specifically, it includes a heat insulation cover plate 503 and a heat insulation sleeve. The heat insulation cover plate 503 is installed on the bottom of the valve body 108 of the rotary valve, one heat insulation sleeve (the first heat insulation sleeve 504 in the figure) is sleeved on the outside of the heating plate 501 outside the valve body 108, and the other heat insulation sleeve (the second heat insulation sleeve 505 in the figure) is sleeved on the outside of the heating sleeve 502 outside the barrel 201.

[0174] In actual implementation, the shapes and positions of the heating component, cooling component and heat insulation component can be flexibly adjusted as needed.

[0175] In summary, the additive manufacturing equipment provided by this application has the advantages of ensuring first-in-first-out of materials and accurate and uniform feeding, and easy disassembly and cleaning.

[0176] In addition, the present application also provides a product, which is manufactured by the above-mentioned additive manufacturing equipment and has good molding quality. Specifically, the product can be a medicine or other product with high requirements on material dosage accuracy.

[0177] The above specific examples are used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. In the absence of conflict, the above embodiments can be combined. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principles of the present application, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A feeding head, comprising a feeding module and a discharging module, characterized in that: The discharge module comprises a rotary valve (10), the rotary valve (10) comprising a valve core (101), a main flow channel (102) and a nozzle (103), the nozzle (103) having a nozzle hole (1031), the material flows from the outlet of the main flow channel (102) to the nozzle hole (1031) of the nozzle (103), the valve core (101) can rotate relative to the nozzle (103), the valve core (101) has a first intercepting surface and a second intercepting surface, when the valve core (101) rotates from an open position to a closed position, the second intercepting surface first closes the outlet of the main flow channel (102), and the first intercepting surface then closes the nozzle hole (1031), when the valve core (101) rotates within a stroke range for changing the outlet opening of the main flow channel (102), the nozzle hole (1031) is always in an open state and the opening remains unchanged; The nozzle (103) has an inner cavity, the inlet of the nozzle hole (1031) is arranged on the inner cavity wall of the nozzle (103), the valve core (101) extends into the inner cavity of the nozzle (103), and the first cut-off surface is in close contact with the inner cavity wall of the nozzle (103); The valve core (101) has a bottom end surface (1012) arranged at one end of its rotating shaft, and the first intercepting surface is formed on the bottom end surface (1012); The bottom end surface (1012) comprises a conical surface (1012a) and a horizontal surface (1012b) connected to the bottom end of the conical surface; the inner cavity wall of the nozzle (103) comprises a conical wall (1032) and a horizontal wall (1033) connected to the bottom end of the conical wall; the conical wall and the conical surface are both inclined relative to the rotation axis of the valve core (101) and the inclinations of the two are the same; the conical wall is in close contact with the conical surface; the horizontal wall and the horizontal surface are both perpendicular to the rotation axis of the valve core; the horizontal wall is in close contact with the horizontal surface; a portion of the first shut-off surface is formed on the conical surface (1012a) and a portion is formed on the horizontal surface (1012b).

2. The feed head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary valve further comprises an elastic member (104), wherein the elastic member (104) applies an elastic force to the valve core (101) so as to make the first cut-off surface tightly contact the inner cavity wall of the nozzle (103).

3. The feed head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core (101) has a side surface (1011) arranged around its rotation axis, and the second intercepting surface is formed on the side surface (1011).

4. The feed head according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second cut-off surface is connected to the bottom end surface (1012) of the valve core (101), or the second cut-off surface is separated from the bottom end surface (1012) of the valve core (101) by a distance L along the rotation axis of the valve core (101), and the range of the distance L is: 0≤L≤10mm.

5. The feed head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary valve comprises a receiving part (105) which is in sealed communication with the nozzle (103), the receiving part (105) having a receiving hole (1051), the valve core (101) being mounted in the receiving hole, the valve core (101) having a side surface (1011) arranged around its rotating axis, and the side surface (1011) of the valve core (101) being matched with a hole wall of the receiving hole (1051).

6. The feed head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side surface (1011) of the valve core (101) and the hole wall of the receiving hole (1051) are both made of rigid material, and the two are clearance-matched; or, at least one of the side surface (1011) of the valve core (101) and the hole wall of the receiving hole (1051) is made of elastic material, and the two are in contact with each other.

7. The feed head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The receiving component (105) and the nozzle (103) are separately provided and detachably connected together, or the receiving component (105) and the nozzle (103) are integrally provided.

8. The feed head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotary valve comprises a sealing ring (106); the receiving member (105) is provided with a sealing ring installation groove; the sealing ring (106) is sleeved between a side surface (1011) of the valve core (101) and a side wall of the sealing ring installation groove.

9. The feed head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotary valve comprises a communication channel (107) connecting the outlet of the main channel (102) and the nozzle hole (1031); the communication channel (107) is arranged inside the valve core (101), or the communication channel (107) is arranged between the valve core (101) and the nozzle (103) and the receiving member (105).

10. The feed head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotary valve comprises a valve body (108); the receiving component (105) is the valve body (108), or the receiving component (105) is an assembly assembled with the valve body (108).

11. The feed head according to claim 10, characterized in that: The valve body (108) comprises a first valve body section (1081) and a second valve body section (1082) which are matched with each other, and the matching surface of the first valve body section (1081) and the matching surface of the second valve body section (1082) are both provided with a flow channel groove (1083), and the flow channel grooves (1083) of the two are matched to form at least a section of the main flow channel (102).

12. The feed head according to claim 11, characterized in that The first valve body section (1081) and the second valve body section (1082) are fastened by means of a threaded fastener after being matched together, or the first valve body section (1081) and the second valve body section (1082) are fastened by means of a snap fastener after being matched together.

13. The feed head according to claim 11, characterized in that: Step structures are provided on both sides of the notch of the flow channel groove (1083) of the first valve body section (1081) and the second valve body section (1082), and a sealing strip (109) is provided on the concave surface of the step structure. The two step structures are interlocked with each other, and the convex surface of the step structure of one presses against the sealing strip (109) on the concave surface of the step structure of the other.

14. The feed head according to claim 11, characterized in that: The rotary valve further comprises a zero point sensor (110), wherein the zero point sensor (110) is mounted on the valve body (108), and a marking portion is provided on the surface of the valve core (101) or on the surface of a component that rotates synchronously with the valve core (101), and the zero point sensor determines the zero point position of the valve core (101) by sensing the position of the marking portion.

15. The feed head according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The discharge module of the feed head comprises one or more rotary valves, and the feed head further comprises a driving mechanism (111) for driving the valve core (101) of the rotary valve to rotate; the valve core (101) of each rotary valve of the feed head is driven by the same driving mechanism or each is driven by a driving mechanism.

16. The feed head according to claim 15, characterized in that The feed head further comprises a thermal management module, which comprises a heating component and / or a cooling component and / or a thermal insulation component.

17. The feed head according to claim 15, characterized in that: The feeding module of the feeding head comprises a barrel (201) and an action component that moves in the barrel (201), and the material is transported by the action component to the inlet of the main flow channel (102) of the rotary valve. The feeding module adopts a piston-type feeding module or a rotary feeding module.

18. The feed head according to claim 17, characterized in that The feed head further comprises a pressure detection module, and the pressure detection module detects the material pressure inside the feed head.

19. The feed head according to claim 18, characterized in that The pressure detection module is fixedly arranged and does not move along with the moving parts of the feeding module; or, the pressure detection module is movably arranged and moves synchronously with the moving parts of the feeding module.

20. The feed head according to claim 19, characterized in that The feed head further comprises a self-cleaning module, wherein the self-cleaning module comprises a rotating scraper (401), and the rotating scraper (401) can contact with an action part of the feed module.

21. The feed head according to claim 20, characterized in that The rotating scraper (401) is installed inside the rotary valve and / or inside the barrel.

22. The feed head according to claim 20, characterized in that The rotary scraper (401) is a fixed rotary scraper that does not extend or retract with the movement of the moving part of the feeding module, or a telescopic rotary scraper that extends or retracts with the movement of the moving part of the feeding module.

23. The feed head according to claim 20, characterized in that The rotating scraper (401) and the valve core (101) are arranged in parallel or coaxially.

24. The feed head according to claim 20, characterized in that The rotating scraper (401) and the valve core (101) are driven to rotate by the same driving mechanism (111).

25. The feed head according to claim 20, characterized in that The rotating scraper (401) is arranged parallel to or coaxially with the barrel (201).

26. A method for controlling a feed head, characterized in that: The feed head is the feed head according to any one of claims 1 to 25, the feed head comprises a rotary valve, the rotary valve comprises a valve core (101), a nozzle (103) and a main flow channel (102), the material flows from the outlet of the main flow channel (102) to the nozzle hole (1031) of the nozzle (103); the valve core (101) of the rotary valve has a first cut-off surface and a second cut-off surface, when the valve core (101) rotates to a predetermined position, the second cut-off surface closes the outlet of the main flow channel (102) and the first cut-off surface closes the nozzle hole (1031), and the control method is: firstly control the rotary valve to close the outlet of the main flow channel (102), and then control the rotary valve to close the nozzle hole (1031).

27. An additive manufacturing device, comprising an additive manufacturing platform and one or more feed heads, wherein the feed heads feed materials to the additive manufacturing platform, characterized in that: The feeding head is the feeding head described in any one of claims 1-25.

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