A 3D printing nozzle of reconfigurable composite material

Abstract

The application relates to a 3D printing nozzle of a reconfigurable composite material, which comprises a nozzle body, a plurality of quick connectors are arranged on the top and the side wall of the nozzle body, the quick connectors are arranged on the side wall of the nozzle body through an extension head connector, a plurality of throat pipes are arranged in the nozzle body, each throat pipe extends downward to the outside of the nozzle body and is matched and arranged with a corresponding nozzle; the quick connectors are communicated with the corresponding throat pipes through first connecting pipes; when two quick connectors are communicated, a second connecting pipe is arranged between the two quick connectors. Through arrangement of the quick connectors and the connector connecting pipes, the 3D printing nozzle can be expanded into a feeding port according to use requirements, so that 3D printing of a continuous fiber reinforced composite material is realized; and through arrangement of a heating ring and a preheating patch, the melting effect of the composite material is enhanced, so that appearance defects of the 3D printed part are reduced, and the printing quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printing nozzle for reconfigurable composite materials. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, 3D printing technology has been widely used in various industrial production fields, and the raw materials used in 3D printing determine the performance of the final printed parts. Using composite materials with continuous fiber-reinforced resin matrices as raw materials can greatly improve the physical properties of the final printed parts.

[0003] In existing technologies, printheads for printing composite materials are categorized into single-head or dual-head types. A single-head printhead directly extrudes molten composite material or pre-impregnated non-molten composite material and deposits it for cooling and molding. In a dual-head printhead, one printhead extrudes molten composite material or pre-impregnated non-molten composite material, while the other prints molten resin material. Both printheads perform the printing action simultaneously, printing multiple raw materials into shapes. However, existing printheads produce poor printing results for continuous fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites, exhibiting defects such as raised or sunken appearances and internal pores. Furthermore, they are not suitable for modular expansion, cannot print multiple raw materials, and the printhead temperature cannot be precisely controlled. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing production technologies, the applicant provides a reconfigurable 3D printing nozzle for composite materials with a reasonable structure. By incorporating quick connectors and connector connecting pipes, the 3D printing nozzle can expand the feed port according to usage requirements, thereby enabling 3D printing of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials. Furthermore, by incorporating heating rings and preheating patches, the melting effect of the composite material is enhanced, thereby reducing appearance defects in 3D printed parts and improving printing quality.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A 3D printing nozzle for reconfigurable composite materials includes a nozzle body, with several quick connectors installed on the top and sidewalls of the nozzle body. The quick connectors are installed on the sidewalls of the nozzle body via extension head connectors. Several throats are installed inside the nozzle body, and each throat extends downward to the outside of the nozzle body to cooperate with a corresponding nozzle.

[0007] The quick connector is connected to the corresponding throat via a first connecting tube; when two quick connectors are connected, a second connecting tube is provided between the two quick connectors.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0009] The nozzle body is a square nozzle.

[0010] The square nozzle has threaded holes on its sidewall, and multiple square nozzles are spliced ​​together through the threaded holes.

[0011] The square nozzle has rounded corners.

[0012] The nozzle body is a fan-shaped nozzle.

[0013] A fan is mounted on the outside of the heat sink.

[0014] The nozzle is fitted with a heating ring.

[0015] Several preheating patches are evenly arranged on the outer wall of the nozzle body.

[0016] Each preheating patch is equipped with a temperature sensor.

[0017] The extension head connector is installed in conjunction with the nozzle body via a threaded connector.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0019] This invention features a compact and reasonable structure, and is easy to operate. By setting up quick connectors and connector connecting pipes, the 3D printing nozzle can be expanded to expand the feed port according to usage requirements, thereby realizing the 3D printing of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials. Furthermore, by setting up heating rings and preheating patches, the melting effect of composite materials is enhanced, thereby reducing appearance defects of 3D printed parts and improving printing quality.

[0020] The present invention also has the following advantages:

[0021] (1) By setting an extension head connector and a threaded hole on the printhead, the present invention modularizes the printhead, improves the printing efficiency of the printhead, and can meet diverse usage needs.

[0022] (2) The present invention reduces the weight of the 3D printing nozzle by making it lightweight, which is beneficial to improving the speed and accuracy of 3D printing.

[0023] (3) This invention has strong scalability, flexibility and convenience, and can meet the needs of personalized 3D printing.

[0024] (4) This invention designs a closed-loop temperature control system to precisely control the temperature parameters of each part of the printing raw material, such as preheating, melting, and cooling molding, so as to reduce the porosity inside the 3D printed parts and ensure the surface quality and mechanical properties of the 3D printed parts. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The right view.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Top view.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A sectional view of section AA in the middle.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Top view.

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A sectional view of section BB in the middle.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Top view.

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A sectional view of section CC.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Top view.

[0039] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A sectional view of section DD.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 17 for Figure 16 Top view.

[0042] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A sectional view of section EE.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment Seven of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 20 for Figure 19 Top view.

[0045] Figure 21 for Figure 20 A sectional view of section FF in the middle.

[0046] The components include: 1. Nozzle body; 2. Quick connector; 3. Extension head connector; 4. Throat; 5. Nozzle; 6. Heating ring; 7. Heat sink; 8. First connecting pipe; 9. Second connecting pipe; 10. Fan; 11. Preheating patch; 12. Temperature sensor.

[0047] 101. Square nozzle; 102. Fan-shaped nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Example 1:

[0050] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the reconfigurable composite material 3D printing nozzle of this embodiment includes a nozzle body 1. Several quick connectors 2 are installed on the top and side walls of the nozzle body 1. The quick connectors 2 are installed on the side walls of the nozzle body 1 through extension head connectors 3. Several throats 4 are installed inside the nozzle body 1. Each throat 4 extends downward to the outside of the nozzle body 1 and is installed to cooperate with the corresponding nozzle 5. The quick connectors 2 are connected to the corresponding throats 4 through a first connecting pipe 8. When two quick connectors 2 are connected, a second connecting pipe 9 is provided between the two quick connectors 2. The top of the nozzle body 1 is provided with a threaded connection hole, through which the quick connector 2 is directly installed to the nozzle body 1; the throat tube 4 is connected to the nozzle body 1 through a fastening threaded hole, which facilitates the adjustment of the extension length of the throat tube 4 to adjust the height of the nozzle 5; each quick connector 2 can be connected to other quick connectors 2 through the second connecting pipe 9, or it can be without the second connecting pipe 9 to become an independent feed port; according to the usage requirements, the corresponding number of quick connectors 2 and nozzles 5 can be set, and multiple quick connectors 2 can be connected through the second connecting pipe 9, which increases the functionality of the 3D printing nozzle.

[0051] The nozzle body 1 is a square nozzle 101. The square nozzle 101 has a regular shape, which makes it easy to splice multiple 3D printing nozzles together for use.

[0052] A heating ring 6 is fitted around the outside of the nozzle 5. The heating ring 6 is ring-shaped and fits around the nozzle 5 to facilitate uniform heating of the nozzle 5. A thermal sensor is integrated inside the heating ring 6.

[0053] Several preheating patches 11 are evenly arranged on the outer side wall of the nozzle body 1; a temperature sensor 12 is arranged above each preheating patch 11. The temperature sensor 12 is used to collect the preheating temperature of the nozzle body 11 by the preheating patch 11.

[0054] The heating ring 6, preheating patch 11, temperature sensor 12, fan 10, and heat sink 7 constitute a closed-loop temperature control system. The preheating patch 11 preheats the raw material inside the nozzle body 1, the temperature sensor 12 collects the preheating temperature of the nozzle body 1 in real time, the heating ring 6 heats and melts the printing raw material at the nozzle 5, and the fan 10 and heat sink 7 together cool the entire 3D printing nozzle. The temperature sensor 12 and the thermistor inside the heating ring 6 transmit the collected temperature signals to the industrial control computer. The industrial control computer adjusts the power and speed of the fan 10 according to the temperature signal, and at the same time adjusts the temperature of the heating ring 6 and the preheating patch 11, thereby realizing the closed-loop temperature control system.

[0055] The extension head connector 3 is installed in conjunction with the nozzle body 1 via a threaded connector. The extension head connector 3 has a threaded connection hole in the middle that corresponds to the quick connector 2, which facilitates the quick assembly and disassembly of the quick connector 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, a quick connector is installed on the top of the square nozzle 101, quick connectors 2 are installed on the three sides of the square nozzle 101, and a nozzle 5 is provided at the bottom of the square nozzle 101.

[0057] The 3D printing nozzle in this embodiment has four feed ports. The quick connectors 2 are interconnected through the second connecting pipe 9. The interconnected quick connectors 2 are connected to the throat 4 through the first connecting pipe 8.

[0058] Taking the 3D printing process of PPS resin matrix and continuous carbon fiber composite material as an example, the working process of this embodiment is as follows:

[0059] First, adjust the preheating patch 11 and heating ring 6 to the set temperature, and monitor the temperature change through the sensor. Once the temperature is reached, start feeding the material.

[0060] PPS resin matrix is ​​fed into the interior of square nozzle 101 through quick connectors 2 on three sides of square nozzle 101, while continuous carbon fiber is fed into the interior of square nozzle 101 through quick connector 2 on top of square nozzle 101.

[0061] Inside nozzle 5, molten PPS resin substrate fully impregnates the continuous carbon fibers and coats the surface of the fiber bundle to obtain a continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite material. Finally, it is extruded and stacked through the end of nozzle 5 and cooled to form a 3D printed part of the continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite material.

[0062] During the operation of the 3D printing nozzle, the temperature sensor 12 and the thermal sensor inside the heating ring 6 transmit the collected temperature signals to the industrial control computer. The industrial control computer adjusts the temperature of the heating ring 6 and the preheating patch 11 according to the temperature signals to keep the temperature inside the square nozzle 101 and the nozzle 5 stable.

[0063] This embodiment sets up multiple feed ports to allow the PPS resin matrix and continuous reinforcing fibers to fully melt and mix inside the 3D printing nozzle, thereby reducing the appearance defects and internal porosity of the 3D printed parts; and it is equipped with a closed-loop temperature control system to accurately monitor the heating temperature of the 3D printing nozzle, and to ensure that the composite material is fully impregnated and melted by adjusting the heating temperature of the 3D printing nozzle.

[0064] Example 2:

[0065] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that: the side wall of the square nozzle 101 is provided with threaded holes, and multiple square nozzles 101 are spliced ​​together through the threaded holes. In this embodiment, four square nozzles 101 are spliced ​​together for use.

[0066] Each square nozzle 101 is independent and not connected to each other. The outer sides and tops of the two outermost square nozzles 101 are each equipped with a quick connector. The tops of the two middle square nozzles 101 are equipped with a quick connector 2. Each of the four square nozzles 101 is equipped with a nozzle.

[0067] The 3D printing nozzle provided in this embodiment enables modular splicing and installation, and can simultaneously feed and print up to six kinds of raw materials, thus improving printing efficiency.

[0068] Example 3:

[0069] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that: two non-connected quick connectors 2 are installed on the top of the square nozzle 101, and two quick connectors 2 are symmetrically installed on the side of the square nozzle 101. The quick connector 2 on the side of each square nozzle 101 and the quick connector 2 on the adjacent top are connected by the second connecting pipe 9 to form a quick connector group. Each quick connector group is connected to a nozzle 5 by the first connecting pipe 8.

[0070] The 3D printing nozzle provided in this embodiment has four feed ports and two discharge ports. The four feed ports are divided into two non-connected feed port groups. The two feed ports in each feed port group are connected, which can realize the simultaneous printing of two kinds of continuous fiber reinforced composite materials.

[0071] Example 4:

[0072] like Figure 12 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that a fan 10 is installed on the outside of the heat sink 7. The fan 10 and the heat sink 7 work together to cool the entire 3D printing nozzle.

[0073] When the 3D printing nozzle is equipped with a fan 10, the temperature control steps are as follows:

[0074] S1. The thermal sensor inside the heating ring 6 collects the real-time heating temperature of the heating ring 6. If the heating temperature of the heating ring 6 fails to reach the expected value or is difficult to maintain stability, proceed to step S2; otherwise, proceed to step S3.

[0075] S2. Increase the heating power and / or decrease the fan power;

[0076] S3. Temperature sensor 12 collects the real-time heating temperature of preheating patch 11. If the heating temperature of preheating patch 11 does not reach the expected value or is difficult to maintain stability, then proceed to step S2. If the heating temperature of preheating patch 11 always reaches a value higher than the expected value, then proceed to step S4. Otherwise, proceed to step S3.

[0077] S4. Reduce the heating power and / or increase the fan power.

[0078] The above four steps are repeated. Since the temperature of heating ring 6 has a greater impact on the 3D printing quality of composite materials, the temperature control of heating ring 6 has a higher priority than the temperature control of preheating patch 11. Since the power regulation of fan 10 has a coupled effect on the temperature of heating ring 6 and preheating patch 11, the power regulation of heating ring 6 and preheating patch 11 has a higher priority than the power regulation of fan 10.

[0079] Example 5:

[0080] like Figures 13-15 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that: two quick connectors 2 are installed on the top of the square nozzle 101, and one quick connector 2 is installed on the side of the square nozzle 101.

[0081] In this embodiment, the three quick connectors 2 for feeding are interconnected through the second connecting pipe 9, which can add a variety of continuous fibers to the PPS matrix to improve the physical properties of the printing raw material.

[0082] Example 6:

[0083] like Figures 16-18 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the square nozzle 101 is provided with rounded corners; in this embodiment, one corner of a square nozzle 101 is provided with rounded corners.

[0084] The side wall of the square nozzle 101 is provided with threaded holes, and multiple square nozzles 101 are spliced ​​together through the threaded holes; in this embodiment, two square nozzles 101 are spliced ​​together.

[0085] Three quick connectors 2 are installed on the top of the square nozzle 101 with rounded corners. Two quick connectors 2 are connected to each other through the second connecting pipe 9 to form a quick connector group. A nozzle 5 is installed in the quick connector group. The third quick connector 2 is independent of the quick connector group and is not connected to it. A nozzle 5 is installed in the third quick connector 2.

[0086] Another square nozzle 101 has two quick connectors 2 installed on its top and one quick connector 2 installed on its side. The three quick connectors 2 are interconnected through the second connecting pipe 9, and each of the three quick connectors 2 has a corresponding nozzle 5 installed.

[0087] The multi-channel cavity inside the square nozzle 101 is designed and manufactured as a single unit, and is designed according to the type and mixture of printing raw materials and the requirements of 3D printing process. The single square nozzle 101 is integrally cast and welded into pieces, without the inclusion of separate assembly components. The square nozzle 101 adopts lightweight design such as chamfering, rounding, cutting or removing unnecessary parts to reduce the weight of the 3D printing nozzle.

[0088] Example 7:

[0089] like Figures 19-21 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the nozzle body 1 is a fan-shaped nozzle 102.

[0090] A fan 10 is mounted on the outside of the heat sink 7;

[0091] The top of the fan-shaped nozzle 102 is equipped with three quick connectors 2, which are interconnected by a second connecting pipe 9 and connected to a nozzle 5 by a first connecting pipe 8.

[0092] This embodiment uses a fan-shaped nozzle 102 to reduce the weight of the 3D printing nozzle, achieving a lightweight design and improving the accuracy of 3D printing.

[0093] This invention provides a quick-release connector 2, which allows the 3D printing nozzle to have multiple feed ports. Furthermore, by providing a second connecting pipe 9, the quick connectors 2 can be connected or made independent. This allows for flexible adjustment and selection of the appropriate 3D printing nozzle according to usage requirements, thereby completing the printing of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials and improving printing efficiency.

[0094] The above description is an explanation of the present invention and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A printing method of a 3D printing nozzle of a reconfigurable composite material, characterized in that: The print head includes a print head body (1), and several quick connectors (2) are installed on the top and side walls of the print head body (1). The quick connectors (2) are installed on the side walls of the print head body (1) through an extension head connector (3). Several throats (4) are installed inside the print head body (1). Each throat (4) extends downward to the outside of the print head body (1) and is installed in conjunction with the corresponding nozzle (5). The quick connector (2) is connected to the corresponding throat (4) through the first connecting pipe (8); when the two quick connectors (2) are connected, a second connecting pipe (9) is provided between the two quick connectors (2). The nozzle body (1) is a square nozzle (101). The nozzle (5) is fitted with a heating ring (6); Several preheating patches (11) are evenly arranged on the outer side wall of the nozzle body (1). A temperature sensor (12) is provided above each preheating patch (11); The printing method includes the following steps: S1. Adjust the preheating patch (11) and the heating ring (6) to the set temperature, and monitor the temperature change through the temperature sensor (12). After the temperature reaches the set temperature, start feeding. S2. PPS resin matrix is ​​fed into the interior of the square nozzle (101) through the quick connectors (2) on the three sides of the square nozzle (101), while continuous carbon fiber is fed into the interior of the square nozzle (101) through the quick connectors (2) on the top of the square nozzle (101). S3. Inside the nozzle (5), the molten PPS resin substrate fully impregnates the continuous carbon fiber and coats the surface of the fiber bundle to obtain a continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite material. Finally, it is extruded and stacked through the end of the nozzle (5) and cooled to form a 3D printed part of the continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite material. During the operation of the 3D printing nozzle, the temperature sensor (12) and the thermal sensor inside the heating ring (6) transmit the collected temperature signal to the industrial control computer. The industrial control computer adjusts the temperature of the heating ring (6) and the preheating patch (11) according to the temperature signal, so that the temperature inside the square nozzle (101) and the nozzle (5) remains stable.

2. A printing method of a 3D printed nozzle of a reconfigurable composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The square nozzle (101) has threaded holes on its side wall, and multiple square nozzles (101) are spliced ​​together through the threaded holes.

3. A method of printing a 3D printed nozzle of a reconfigurable composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The square nozzle (101) has rounded corners.

4. A method of printing a 3D printed nozzle of a reconfigurable composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle body (1) is a fan-shaped nozzle (102).

5. The printing method of a 3D printing nozzle for a reconfigurable composite material as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A fan (10) is mounted on the outside of the heat sink (7).

6. The printing method of a 3D printing nozzle for a reconfigurable composite material as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The extension head connector (3) is installed in conjunction with the nozzle body (1) via a threaded connector.

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