Arrayed multi-jet mechanism for 3D printing and position adjustment method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, and relates to an array type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing and a position adjusting method.The array type multi-nozzle mechanism comprises an array nozzle clamp module, the array nozzle clamp module comprises an insulating base, a nozzle locking module, a nozzle pre-pressing module located below the nozzle locking module and a nozzle X / Y direction adjusting module located below the nozzle pre-pressing module, a nozzle assembly is installed through the array nozzle clamp module, and the position of a single nozzle is adjusted under the action of the nozzle X / Y direction adjusting module.The array type multi-nozzle provided by the application can not only adjust the position of the whole, but also adjust the spatial position between each nozzle, so that the position of each printing nozzle is independently adjustable.Finally, the actual position of the adjusted multi-needle nozzle can be within an error of ±2μm from the theoretical position, and is suitable for efficient and high-resolution pattern printing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, and particularly relates to an array type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing and a position adjusting method. BACKGROUND

[0002] 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a kind of rapid prototyping technology. It is a technology for constructing objects through layer-by-layer printing based on a digital model file, using powder-like metal or plastic and other materials that can be bonded.

[0003] 3D printing is a flexible manufacturing technology of rapid prototyping, and different patterns can be obtained by changing the running track of the printing nozzle. The 3D printing technology has the advantages of high printing precision, low cost, high efficiency and almost no production waste. At present, based on the above advantages, in order to further improve the printing efficiency, the manufacturing of multi-nozzle 3D printers has become a hot spot.

[0004] However, with the rapid development of product miniaturization and precision, the demand for high-efficiency and high-precision micro-nano scale pattern printing is increasingly urgent. For example, in the field of optics, in order to enhance the effect of light diffuse reflection, the refraction effect of microarray points can be used to enhance the diffuse reflection of light, and the diameter of the points is generally microns. At the same time, the position accuracy of the deposited point of the printing point is correspondingly higher. For example, in the field of high-precision circuit chip packaging or gluing, ultra-fine conductive and non-conductive lines (resolution less than 10 μm) are needed. In summary, in the printing of micro-fine patterns, the positioning accuracy of the material is required. At the same time, the repeatability of the path and pattern and the huge number of patterns also urgently need a manufacturing device with high flexibility, low cost, high precision and high efficiency.

[0005] The current technology for manufacturing high-resolution and multi-nozzle patterns mainly includes inkjet printing technology. However, it is difficult to print patterns with a resolution less than 20 μm, and the manufacturing and maintenance costs are high. Moreover, due to the printing principle, the edge roughness of the printed line is poor. Photolithography technology can obtain micro-nano scale patterns, but the manufacturing cost is high and is not suitable for large-scale production. Nanoimprint technology has low cost in the manufacturing of simple micro-nano precision structure patterns, but cannot avoid the defect of residual glue in the repeated imprinting process. At the same time, the processing of the imprinting template is seriously dependent on photolithography technology, which makes the controllability low and the process window small in the processing process.

[0006] Therefore, in order to adapt to product miniaturization and precision, the spatial position accuracy of each needle of the multi-needle nozzle is required to be higher. A high-precision multi-nozzle position mechanism is needed to realize low-cost printing of high-efficiency and high-precision patterns. SUMMARY

[0007] The application aims to provide an array type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing, which can finely adjust the spatial position of each needle of the multi-nozzle as required, and finally realize that the actual position of the adjusted multi-needle nozzle is within ±2μm of the theoretical position (X, Y and Z directions), and can be applied to high-efficiency high-resolution (pattern resolution <10μm) pattern printing.

[0008] The first object of the application is to provide an array type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing, which solves the problem that the spatial position between each nozzle cannot be adjusted, realizes that the position of each printing nozzle is independently adjustable, and when it is necessary to disassemble, replace or add one or more nozzles, the nozzles can be quickly replaced, increased or reduced without affecting the position state of other nozzles.

[0009] The application adopts the following technical scheme:

[0010] The array type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing comprises an array nozzle clamp module, the array nozzle clamp module is installed on a Z2 shaft, the array nozzle clamp module comprises an insulating base, a nozzle locking module installed on the insulating base, a nozzle pre-pressing module installed on the insulating base and located below the nozzle locking module, and a nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module installed on the insulating base or the nozzle pre-pressing module and located below the nozzle pre-pressing module, a nozzle assembly is installed through the array nozzle clamp module, and the position of a single nozzle is adjusted under the action of the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical scheme, the array type multi-nozzle mechanism further comprises a nozzle Z direction adjustment module.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical scheme, the nozzle Z direction adjustment module is installed on a Z1 shaft and can move up and down under the driving of a Z1 shaft slider.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical scheme, the array nozzle clamp module is installed on a Z2 shaft and can move up and down under the driving of a Z2 shaft slider.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical scheme, the nozzle pre-pressing module comprises a pre-pressing base installed on the insulating base and a pre-pressing plate installed on the pre-pressing base, wherein the surface of the pre-pressing base is processed with a plurality of pre-pressing grooves, the nozzle assembly passes through the pre-pressing grooves to realize the predetermined positioning in the X / Y direction, the position of the needle is fixed by the pre-pressing plate with a spring, so that the nozzle assembly has a certain friction with the base, the needle is prevented from being displaced under the action of gravity, and can be slid under the action of external force, thereby realizing the up and down movement.

[0015] As a preferred solution of the above technical scheme, the nozzle locking module comprises a fastening base mounted on the insulating base, and a fastening pressing plate mounted on the fastening base, wherein the fastening base is provided with the same number of fastening grooves as the pre-pressing base, and the interval between adjacent pre-pressing grooves is the same as the interval between adjacent fastening grooves. During installation, the pre-pressing grooves and the fastening grooves are arranged in a lower-upper position. The upper part of the nozzle assembly is installed and fixed in the fastening grooves of the fastening base, the middle part of the nozzle assembly is installed and fixed in the pre-pressing grooves of the pre-pressing base, and the straightness of the needle tube of the nozzle assembly is ensured. This requires that the center line of the pre-pressing groove of the pre-pressing base and the center line of the fastening groove of the fastening base are as close as possible in position, and most preferably, the two center lines overlap, so as to avoid excessive bending deformation during installation and damage to the nozzle assembly.

[0016] As a preferred solution of the above technical scheme, the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module comprises an adjustment box pressing block, an X direction precision screw pair, an X direction needle adjustment sliding block, a Y direction precision screw pair, and a Y direction needle adjustment sliding block. The X direction needle adjustment sliding block is internally processed as a parallelogram hole, and can slide forward and backward under the push of the precision screw pair. The Y direction sliding block is internally processed as a quadrilateral hole, and can slide forward and backward under the push of the precision screw pair. The X direction needle adjustment sliding block and the Y direction needle adjustment sliding block are arranged in an upper-lower distribution, and the needle passes through the parallelogram hole in the X direction sliding block and the quadrilateral hole in the Y direction sliding block at the same time. The needle is pushed by the contact between the inner wall of the hole and the outer wall of the needle to realize the movement of the nozzle in the X / Y direction.

[0017] As a preferred solution of the above technical scheme, the nozzle Z direction adjustment module comprises a Z1 shaft in the Z direction, an X / Y manual displacement platform mounted on the Z1 shaft, a fixed guide block mounted on the X / Y manual displacement platform, a sliding rod mounted on the fixed guide block, and a Z direction adjustment block fixed to one end of the sliding rod, wherein the Z direction adjustment block is in contact with the nozzle assembly.

[0018] The Z direction adjustment block is fixed to one end of the sliding rod, and the sliding rod can slide in one direction in the fixed guide block.

[0019] The fixed guide block is processed with a concave groove for limiting the position of the sliding rod.

[0020] The guide block is fixed on the X / Y manual displacement platform, and can realize its slight movement.

[0021] The nozzle Z direction adjustment module is fixed on a Z1 shaft to realize the accurate up-down movement of the Z direction adjustment block. The Z direction adjustment block is in contact with the tail part of the nozzle, thereby driving the accurate up-down movement of the nozzle.

[0022] As a preferred solution of the above technical scheme, the array type multi-nozzle mechanism further comprises a displacement platform, and the insulating base is mounted on the displacement platform.

[0023] As the preferred technical solution of the above, the array type multi-jet mechanism further comprises an inverted camera installed on the displacement platform.

[0024] A second object of the present application is to provide a position adjustment method for the array type multi-jet mechanism for 3D printing, comprising the following steps:

[0025] S1. Pre-fixing of the position of the jet: placing the jet assembly in the fastening groove of the fastening base and the pre-pressing groove of the pre-pressing base, and pressing the jet with the fastening block and the pre-pressing, respectively, slowly moving the jet assembly so that the jet passes through the X / Y direction adjustment module; repeating the above steps for the remaining jet assemblies, and pre-fixing the jet assemblies on the array jet clamp module;

[0026] S2. Adjustment of the Z direction of the jet: first moving the position of the jet assembly by the displacement platform so that the nozzle of each jet can be in the field of view of the inverted camera, completing the coarse positioning of the jet in the Z direction; and then adjusting by the jet Z direction adjustment module to accurately position the Z direction of the jet;

[0027] S3. Adjustment of the X / Y direction of the jet: adjusting by the jet X / Y direction adjustment module to accurately position the X / Y direction of the jet;

[0028] S4. Locking the jet: locking the jet by adjusting the jet locking module.

[0029] By implementing the above technical solution, the present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. For the array type multi-jet, not only the position of the whole can be adjusted, but also the spatial position between each jet can be adjusted, realizing independent adjustment of the position of each printing jet.

[0031] 2. The present application can be quickly replaced, increased or decreased when one or more jets are needed to be disassembled, replaced or added, without affecting the position state of other jets.

[0032] 3. The present application can realize fine adjustment of the jet, and finally realize that the actual position of the adjusted multi-needle jet is within ±2μm of the theoretical position (X, Y and Z directions), meeting the demand of high resolution (pattern resolution <10μm) pattern printing.

[0033] 4. The adjustment of the position of the jet of the present application is non-contact adjustment, which can protect the jet assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only constitute a part of the embodiments of the present application, and all other drawings that can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts based on these drawings should also fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0035] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an adjustable array multi-nozzle mechanism of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an array nozzle clamp module;

[0037] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a fastening base;

[0038] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a pre-pressing base;

[0039] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module;

[0040] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a Z direction adjustment module.

[0041] In the drawings, Z1-Z1 axis, Z2-Z2 axis, 1-array nozzle clamp module, 101-displacement platform, 102-light barrier adjustment block, 103-light barrier, 104-insulating base, 105-fastening base, 105a-fastening groove, 114-fastening pressing block, 106-pre-pressing base, 106a-pre-pressing groove, 107-pre-pressing pressing block, 108-Y direction needle adjustment sliding block, 109-X direction needle adjustment sliding block, 110-precision threaded pair, 111-needle adjustment box base, 112-needle adjustment box pressing block, 113-capillary glass tube nozzle, 115-metal needle, 2-Z direction adjustment module, 201-back plate, 202-X / Y manual displacement platform, 203-fixed guide block, 204-sliding rod, 205-Z direction adjustment block, 3-inverted camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement the present application based on these descriptions. In addition, the embodiments of the present application involved in the following description are generally only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments. Therefore, based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0043] In the following description, terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate orientation or positional relationship for the convenience of describing the embodiments and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0044] This embodiment provides an array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing. This mechanism can finely adjust the position of each nozzle, and each nozzle can be independently disassembled and replaced without affecting other nozzles. It has the advantages of low nozzle damage, simple and efficient method, and high adjustment accuracy.

[0045] The following is a detailed description of the multi-nozzle mechanism and its adjustment method for the nozzles.

[0046] The nozzles disclosed herein are not limited to materials such as glass, metal, and ceramic. This invention is applicable to 3D printers, but is not limited to direct-write 3D printers and electrofluid (EHD) 3D printers.

[0047] To emphasize general applicability, this embodiment employs an electrohydraulic (EHD) 3D printer. Furthermore, to demonstrate the precision of this equipment and process, a capillary glass tube nozzle is selected as the printhead. To meet the requirements of an EHD printer, the nozzle is designed as a combination nozzle with a capillary glass tube embedded with a conductive tube. The capillary glass tube has a smaller inner diameter, enabling the printing of finer patterns, but the glass tube is more brittle. Therefore, this structure is more representative for the debugging of this device. The inner diameter of the capillary glass tube ranges from 2μm to 100μm.

[0048] In this embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a metal needle 115 and a capillary glass tube nozzle 113. The metal needle 115 is embedded into the capillary glass tube nozzle 113, and the two are fixedly connected with adhesive to form a combined needle. See also Figure 2 .

[0049] This disclosure provides an array-type multi-nozzle mechanism based on an electrofluid (EHD) 3D printer, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 6 The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism includes: a displacement platform 101, an array nozzle clamp module 1, and a nozzle Z-direction adjustment module 2.

[0050] Displacement platform 101: Includes a Z2 axis and a mounting platform. The mounting platform can slide up and down along the Z2 axis. The mounting platform itself includes a fixed block and a sliding block. The fixed block is connected to the Z2 axis, and the sliding block can move horizontally relative to the fixed block. This displacement platform is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] The array nozzle clamp module 1 includes a light-blocking plate adjusting block 102, a light-blocking plate 103, an insulating base 104, a nozzle locking module, a nozzle pre-compression module, and a nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module. The entire array nozzle clamp module 1 is fixed on the displacement platform 101. A light-blocking plate 103 is mounted on the back of the insulating base 104 and is connected to the insulating base 104 via the light-blocking plate adjusting block 102. The nozzle locking module, the nozzle pre-compression module, and the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module are all mounted on the front of the insulating base 104 (the side closest to the nozzle assembly). The nozzle locking module is located above the nozzle pre-compression module, and the nozzle pre-compression module is located above the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module.

[0052] Specifically in this embodiment, see [link to specific example]. Figure 2 The front of the insulating base 104 (the side closest to the nozzle assembly) has two horizontal strip mounting slots. The nozzle locking module and the nozzle pre-compression module are installed in the corresponding strip mounting slots, and the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module is installed on the nozzle pre-compression module.

[0053] Specifically in this embodiment, see [link to specific example]. Figure 3 The nozzle locking module includes a fastening block 114 and a fastening base 105, wherein the fastening base 105 is machined with multiple vertical fastening grooves 105a, which are set as V-shaped grooves in this embodiment.

[0054] Specifically in this embodiment, see [link to specific example]. Figure 4 The nozzle pre-compression module includes a pre-compression block 107 and a pre-compression base 106. The surface of the pre-compression base 106 is machined with multiple pre-compression grooves 106a, which are also V-shaped grooves, the same number as the V-shaped grooves on the fastening base 105, and the spacing between the V-shaped grooves on both bases is the same. During installation, the V-shaped grooves of the two bases are positioned bottom-up, with the pre-compression base located below the fastening base. The upper part of the metal needle 115 is installed and fixed in the V-shaped groove of the fastening base 105, and the middle part of the nozzle assembly is correspondingly placed and fixed in the V-shaped groove of the pre-compression base 106, ensuring the straightness of the nozzle needle tube. This requires the centerlines of the V-shaped grooves of the pre-compression base 106 and the fastening base 105 to be as close as possible to avoid excessive bending deformation during installation, which could damage the nozzle structure.

[0055] The nozzle assembly is placed in the V-groove to achieve pre-positioning in the X / Y direction. The position of the nozzle assembly is fixed by the spring-loaded fastening block 114 and the pre-pressing block 107, so that there is a certain friction between the nozzle assembly and the base, ensuring that the nozzle assembly will not be displaced under the action of gravity, and can slide under the action of external force, thereby achieving up and down movement.

[0056] Specifically in this embodiment, see [link to specific example]. Figure 5The nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module includes a needle adjustment box base 111, a needle adjustment box pressure block 112, an X-axis needle adjustment slider 109, a Y-axis needle adjustment slider 108, and a precision threaded pair 110. The nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module is fixed on the pre-pressure base 106, below its V-groove. The needle adjustment box base 111 in the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module is fixed on the pre-pressure base 106. The X-axis needle adjustment slider 109 has a parallelogram-shaped hole running vertically through it, and the Y-axis needle adjustment slider 108 has a quadrilateral-shaped hole running vertically through it. The two hole surfaces are perpendicular to the nozzle, and the nozzle passes through the holes of the X-axis needle adjustment slider 109 and the Y-axis needle adjustment slider 108. The X-axis needle adjustment slider 109 and the Y-axis needle adjustment slider 108 are arranged vertically, and the two sliders are isolated and limited by the bosses of the needle adjustment box base 111 and the needle adjustment box pressure block 112. Two precision threaded pairs 110 are respectively installed in the upper and lower holes of the needle adjustment housing pressure block 112, and respectively contact one side of the X / Y direction needle adjustment slider. The X-direction and Y-direction needle adjustment sliders can slide back and forth under the push of the precision threaded pairs 110. At the same time, the other side of the X / Y direction needle adjustment slider contacts the needle adjustment housing base 111 through a spring 116, and the spring is fixed to the needle adjustment housing base 111 by screws. The metal needle 115 and the capillary glass tube nozzle 113 are fixed to the fastening base 105 and the pre-pressure base 106, and pass through the housing and the X / Y direction needle adjustment slider hole in the X / Y adjustment mechanism. They are also fixed to the fastening base 105 and the pre-pressure base 106 by the fastening pressure block 114 with springs and the pre-pressure block 107. The insulating base 104 is fixed to the rotary displacement platform 101 via a connecting plate. The verticality of the V-groove in the pre-pressure base 106 can be adjusted through this displacement platform 101, thereby ensuring the verticality of the printhead relative to the printing platform.

[0057] Specifically, in this embodiment, see [link to specific example]. Figure 6 The nozzle Z-direction adjustment module 2 includes: a Z1 axis, a back plate 201, an X / Y manual displacement platform 202, a fixed guide block 203, a sliding rod 204, and a Z-direction adjustment block 205. The fixed guide block 203 is fixed to the X / Y manual displacement platform 202, allowing for minute movements. Simultaneously, the entire X / Y manual displacement platform 202 is fixed to the Z1 axis via the back plate 201, allowing for minute up-and-down movements along the Z1 axis to achieve precise up-and-down movement of the Z-direction adjustment block 205.

[0058] The Z-axis adjusting block 205 is fixed to one end of the sliding rod 204. The sliding rod 204 can slide unidirectionally in the fixed guide block 203, which has a concave groove to limit the position of the sliding rod 204. The Z-axis adjusting block 205 can then contact the metal needle 115, and the up-and-down movement of the Z-axis adjusting block 205 drives the up-and-down movement of the nozzle assembly.

[0059] Specifically, in this embodiment, see [link to specific example]. Figure 1 and Figure 6 The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism also includes an inverted camera 3, which is mounted on the displacement platform and can observe the nozzles in real time.

[0060] The specific steps for fabricating the array-type multi-nozzle structure of the capillary glass nozzle based on this debugging structure are as follows: the metal needle 115 is embedded into the capillary glass nozzle 113. The metal needle 115 is connected to the fastening base 105 connected to a high-voltage power supply, so the metal needle 115 carries high voltage.

[0061] Step 1: Pre-fixing the nozzle position.

[0062] A metal needle 115 is embedded into a capillary glass tube nozzle 113, and the two are fixedly connected with glue to form a combined needle. The combined needle is placed in the V-groove of the fastening base 105 and the pre-pressure base 106, and the nozzle is pressed down by the fastening block 114 and the pre-pressure block 107. The fastening block 114 presses the wall of the metal needle 115, and the pre-pressure block 107 presses the wall of the capillary glass tube nozzle 113. The blocks are all compressed by springs to ensure that the nozzle can move up and down under a small external force.

[0063] After the combined nozzle is fixed in the V-groove, the nozzle is moved slowly. Rotate the precision threaded pair 110 to adjust the position of the holes of the X-axis adjusting slider 109 and the Y-axis adjusting slider 108, so that the nozzle does not come into contact with the adjusting box and the X / Y-axis adjusting slider hole in the X / Y adjusting mechanism, and avoids the nozzle outlet from contacting the surface of the part, which could damage the nozzle structure, and also avoids affecting the V-groove's limitation on the nozzle position.

[0064] Repeat the above steps for the remaining needles to pre-fix all the combined nozzles onto the multi-needle clamp.

[0065] Step two, adjust the nozzle in the Z direction.

[0066] Open the inverted camera 3 at the front of the needle and observe the nozzle position of each nozzle. Manually move the position of the combined nozzles so that each nozzle is within the field of view of the inverted camera 3, completing the coarse positioning of the nozzles in the Z direction. When there is a large field of view for multiple nozzles, move the inverted camera 3 horizontally using a slide table to ensure that each needle is within the field of view.

[0067] Precise positioning of the nozzle in the Z-direction. Place a square silicon wafer on the XY moving platform and adjust the position of the Z2 axis, gradually moving it downwards until the multiple nozzles and the silicon wafer are in the same field of view. Move the Z1 axis and the sliding rod 204 so that the Z-direction adjusting block 205 is positioned in the area of ​​the tail contraction section of the metal needle 115 to be adjusted. Then rotate the knob of the X / Y manual displacement platform 202 to move the sliding rod 204 and the Z-direction adjusting block 205 back and forth, so that the Z-direction adjusting block 205 is locked at the tail of the nozzle. Then, control the Z1 axis to move downwards until the nozzle of the nozzle is a certain distance away from the silicon wafer, and record the distance in this field of view. The Z-axis movement step is 0.001mm. Then move the Z1 axis upwards in a step of 0.001mm, so that the Z-direction adjusting block 205 is separated from the tail of the nozzle. Rotate the X / Y manual displacement platform to completely remove it from the tail of the nozzle. At this point, the precise positioning of the first needle in the Z-direction is completed.

[0068] The moving platform moves the silicon wafer below the next nozzle, and the above adjustment method is repeated to adjust subsequent nozzles to the same height. This process is repeated until all nozzles are adjusted to the same height, thus completing the Z-axis adjustment of the nozzles.

[0069] Step 3: Adjust the X / Y direction of the nozzle.

[0070] When adjusting the X / Y position of the nozzle, adjust the Y position first, and then adjust the X position.

[0071] First, move the inverted camera, fixed on the X / Y platform, below the nozzle. Adjust the Z2 axis so that the nozzle of the first nozzle is at the focal point of the inverted camera. Open the crosshairs of the inverted camera and move the X / Y platform until the center of the crosshairs of the inverted camera is at the center of the nozzle. At this point, the position of the first nozzle is determined, and the X / Y positions of subsequent nozzles are adjusted based on this positioning reference.

[0072] Adjust the Y-axis position of the nozzle

[0073] The X / Y platform moves along the X-axis by a distance equal to the theoretical distance between the two needles in the 106V-groove of the pre-compression base, while the Y-axis of the X / Y platform remains unchanged. At this point, the position and shape of the nozzle can be observed in the inverted camera's field of view. If the center of the nozzle is not at the same point as the center of the crosshairs of the inverted camera, the X / Y needle adjustment mechanism is required for adjustment.

[0074] The position of the Y-axis adjusting slider 108 is adjusted by adjusting the precision threaded pair 110, so that the wall of the hole of the Y-axis adjusting slider 108 contacts the wall of the nozzle 113. Rotating the precision threaded pair 110 moves the Y-axis adjusting slider 108 back and forth, so that the center of the nozzle is on the horizontal line of the crosshairs of the inverted camera. At this time, the Y-axis position adjustment of the nozzle is completed.

[0075] Adjust the X-direction position of the nozzle

[0076] The position of the X-axis adjusting slider 109 is adjusted by adjusting the precision threaded pair 110, so that the wall of the hole of the X-axis adjusting slider 109 contacts the wall of the nozzle 113. Rotating the precision threaded pair 110 moves the X-axis adjusting slider 109 back and forth, so that the center of the nozzle is on the vertical line of the crosshairs of the inverted camera. At this point, the X-axis position adjustment of the nozzle is complete. Thus, the X / Y position adjustment of this needle is complete.

[0077] In the same way, adjust the remaining needles one by one.

[0078] Through steps two and three, the X, Y, and Z positions of all needles are adjusted to achieve an accuracy of ±2μm.

[0079] Step 4, tighten the nozzle.

[0080] By adjusting the screws on the fastening base 105, the fastening block 114 makes closer contact with the metal needle 115 tube wall, increasing the friction between the needle wall and the fastening base 105, so as to ensure that the position of the nozzle remains unchanged in subsequent printing. Example

[0081] In some special nozzles, the nozzle hardness is high, so the nozzle can come into contact with the platform or other structures during the needle position adjustment process. Taking a metal nozzle as an example in this embodiment, the Z-direction positioning method can also be the following method, namely, compression contact alignment, but the adjustment method in the X / Y directions is the same as in embodiment 1.

[0082] Step 1: Positioning of the needle along the Z-axis

[0083] Step 1: Pre-fixing the nozzle position.

[0084] 1. Place the metal nozzle in the V-groove of the fastening base 105 and the pre-compression base 106, and press the nozzle down with the fastening block 114 and the pre-compression block 107. The blocks are all compressed by springs to ensure that the nozzle can move up and down under a small external force.

[0085] 2. After the metal nozzle is fixed in the V-groove, slowly move the needle. Rotate the precision threaded pair to adjust the positions of the holes of the X-axis needle adjusting slider 109 and the Y-axis needle adjusting slider 108, so that the nozzle does not come into contact with the adjusting box and the X / Y-axis needle adjusting slider hole in the X / Y needle adjusting mechanism, and to avoid the contact of the sliders affecting the initial positioning of the needle by the V-groove.

[0086] 3. Repeat the above steps for the remaining needles to pre-fix all the metal nozzles onto the multi-needle clamp.

[0087] Step two, adjust the nozzle in the Z direction.

[0088] 1. Open the inverted camera 3 at the front of the needle and observe the nozzle position of each nozzle. Manually move the position of the metal needle so that the nozzle of each nozzle is within the field of view of the inverted camera 3, completing the coarse positioning of the nozzle in the Z direction. When the field of view of multiple nozzles is large, move the inverted camera 3 horizontally using the slide table so that each needle is within the field of view.

[0089] 2. Move and adjust the Z2 axis until all nozzles are in contact with the X / Y moving platform, maintaining this position for 10-20 seconds. Then, move the Z2 axis upwards by 50 μm, followed by downwards by 50 μm. Repeat this process 3-5 times on the Z-axis, then tighten the fastening blocks on the base.

[0090] Step 3: Positioning the needle in the X and Y directions

[0091] The debugging method in the X / Y direction is the same as in Example 1.

[0092] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention; therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0093] Although this document makes extensive use of terms corresponding to the figure labels, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded; these terms are used merely to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of the invention; interpreting them as any kind of additional limitation would be contrary to the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing, characterized in that, include: An array nozzle clamping module is mounted on the Z2 axis. The module includes an insulating base, a nozzle locking module, a nozzle pre-compression module, a nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module, a displacement platform, and an inverted camera. The nozzle locking module and the nozzle pre-compression module are mounted on the insulating base, with the pre-compression module located below it. The nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module is mounted on the insulating base or on and below the pre-compression module. The nozzle assembly is mounted via the array nozzle clamping module, and the position of each individual nozzle is adjusted by the nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module. The insulating base and the inverted camera are mounted on the displacement platform. The nozzle pre-compression module includes a pre-compression base mounted on the insulating base and a pre-compression block mounted on the pre-compression base. The surface of the pre-compression base is machined with multiple pre-compression grooves for nozzle assembly installation. The nozzle locking module includes a fastening base mounted on the insulating base and a fastening block mounted on the fastening base. The fastening base has the same number of fastening grooves for nozzle assembly installation as the pre-compression base, and the spacing between adjacent pre-compression grooves is the same as the spacing between adjacent fastening grooves. The nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module includes an adjustment housing block mounted on the pre-compression base, an X-axis precision threaded pair, an X-axis needle adjustment slider, a Y-axis precision threaded pair, and a Y-axis needle adjustment slider. The X-axis and Y-axis needle adjustment sliders are mounted behind the adjustment housing block. The X-axis and Y-axis precision threaded pairs are mounted on the adjustment housing block and act on the X-axis and Y-axis needle adjustment sliders to adjust the X / Y position of the nozzle assembly.

2. The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a nozzle Z-direction adjustment module, used to adjust the Z-direction position of the nozzle assembly.

3. The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centerline of the pre-compression groove of the pre-compression base overlaps with the centerline of the fastening groove of the fastening base.

4. The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-axis adjusting slider has a parallelogram-shaped hole inside, and the Y-axis adjusting slider has a quadrilateral-shaped hole inside. Under the push of the precision threaded pair, the X-axis adjusting slider and the Y-axis adjusting slider can slide back and forth.

5. The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle Z-direction adjustment module includes a Z1 axis in the Z direction, an X / Y manual displacement platform mounted on the Z1 axis, a fixed guide block mounted on the X / Y manual displacement platform, a sliding rod mounted on the fixed guide block, and a Z-direction adjustment block fixed to one end of the sliding rod. The Z-direction adjustment block is in contact with the nozzle assembly.

6. The array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixed guide block is provided with a concave groove, and the sliding rod is installed in the concave groove.

7. The position adjustment method for an array-type multi-nozzle mechanism for 3D printing as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Pre-fixing of nozzle position: Place the nozzle assembly in the fastening groove of the fastening base and the pre-pressure groove of the pre-pressure base, and press the nozzle down with the fastening blocks and pre-pressure blocks respectively. Slowly move the nozzle assembly so that the nozzle passes through the X / Y direction adjustment module; repeat the above steps for the remaining nozzle assemblies in sequence to pre-fix all nozzle assemblies on the array nozzle clamping module; S2. Adjustment of the nozzle in the Z direction: First, the position of the nozzle assembly is moved using a displacement platform so that the nozzles of each nozzle are within the field of view of the inverted camera, completing the coarse positioning of the nozzle in the Z direction; then, the Z-direction adjustment module is used to precisely position the nozzle in the Z direction. S3. Adjustment of nozzle X / Y direction: The nozzle X / Y direction adjustment module is used to adjust and precisely position the nozzle X / Y direction; S4. Locking the nozzle: The nozzle is locked by adjusting the nozzle locking module.

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