Multi-jet 3D printing circulation ink supply system and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system and its control method, relating to the field of 3D printing ink supply technology. By setting up an ink return chamber, an ink return buffer chamber, an ink inlet buffer chamber, an ink inlet chamber, a nozzle receiving chamber, and a pump receiving chamber in the heating base, with multiple nozzle bodies placed in the respective nozzle receiving chambers and the pump circulation component placed in the pump receiving chamber, the nozzle bodies and pump circulation component can be integrated into the heating base. This results in a compact structure and smaller size, ensuring that the medium is printed at the same temperature, pressure difference, and flow rate across the multiple nozzle bodies. Furthermore, since the connecting channels between each chamber are all located within the heating base, no additional piping is required, further reducing the volume. When the entire heating base is heated, heat can be transferred to each chamber, ensuring uniform temperature operation of the entire device. The buffer chambers also reduce meniscus pressure fluctuations, ensuring a more stable ink supply flow and better ink supply performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing ink supply technology, and in particular to a multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most MJP 3D printers use a single nozzle to print models. When printing models with a large print area, it is necessary to move the nozzle or printing platform to compensate for the print width of the nozzle. This requires the printer to maintain a high frequency of mechanical reciprocating motion, which increases the error of repeated positioning and has the disadvantages of low printing efficiency and poor printing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system and its control method, so as to alleviate the technical problems of low printing efficiency and poor printing effect of traditional single-nozzle printers in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided by the present invention includes: a heating base, a nozzle body and a pump circulation component;

[0005] The heating base is configured to be heated as a whole, and the heating base contains an ink return chamber, an ink return buffer chamber, an ink inlet buffer chamber, an ink inlet chamber, a printhead receiving chamber, and a pump receiving chamber.

[0006] The nozzle body and the nozzle receiving cavity are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple nozzle bodies are disposed in the nozzle receiving cavity one by one. The pump circulation component is disposed in the pump receiving cavity.

[0007] The ink return chamber is connected to the ink return buffer chamber, the ink return buffer chamber is connected to the inlet of the pump circulation component, the outlet of the pump circulation component is connected to the ink inlet buffer chamber, the ink inlet buffer chamber is connected to the ink inlet chamber, the ink inlet chamber is connected to the inlet of the printhead body, and the outlet of the printhead body is connected to the ink return chamber.

[0008] The communication channels between the ink return chamber and the ink return buffer chamber, the communication channel between the ink return buffer chamber and the pump circulation component, the communication channel between the pump circulation component and the ink inlet buffer chamber, and the communication channel between the ink inlet buffer chamber and the ink inlet chamber are all located within the heating base.

[0009] In an optional implementation,

[0010] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes an ink path distributor;

[0011] The ink distributor is higher than the heating base;

[0012] The ink path distributor is connected to the ink inlet chamber, the ink return chamber, and the plurality of printhead bodies respectively. The ink path distributor is configured to distribute the liquid in the ink inlet chamber to each of the printhead bodies and to collect and transport the unsprayed liquid in each of the printhead bodies to the ink return chamber.

[0013] In an optional implementation,

[0014] The ink distributor is equipped with an ink inlet main pipe, an ink outlet main pipe, multiple ink inlet branch pipes, and multiple ink outlet branch pipes.

[0015] The ink inlet chamber is connected to the main ink inlet pipe, the main ink inlet pipe is connected to multiple ink inlet branch pipes, and the multiple ink inlet branch pipes are respectively connected to the inlets of multiple printhead bodies;

[0016] The outlets of the multiple printhead bodies are respectively connected to the multiple ink outlet branch pipes, and the multiple ink outlet branch pipes are all connected to the ink outlet main pipe, which is connected to the ink return chamber.

[0017] In an optional implementation,

[0018] The length and diameter of the multiple ink inlet branch pipes are the same, and the length and diameter of the multiple ink outlet branch pipes are the same.

[0019] In an optional implementation,

[0020] The pump circulation components include an ink pump component, an ink pump check valve, and an ink pump connector.

[0021] Both the ink pump check valve and the ink pump connector are located in the pump housing cavity, and the bottom of the ink pump component extends into the pump housing cavity;

[0022] The ink return buffer chamber is connected to the inlet end of the ink pump check valve, the outlet end of the ink pump check valve is connected to the ink pump component, and the ink pump component is connected to the ink inlet chamber through the ink pump connector.

[0023] In an optional implementation,

[0024] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a filtration device;

[0025] The heating base has a filter placement cavity, and the filter device is disposed in the filter placement cavity. The filter device is disposed between the ink pump connector and the ink inlet buffer cavity.

[0026] In an optional implementation,

[0027] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a first air box and a second air box.

[0028] The first air box is connected to the ink inlet chamber through a first air passage. A first switching valve is provided on the first air passage. The first air box is connected to a first negative pressure pump so that the first air box provides negative pressure to the ink inlet chamber.

[0029] The second air box is connected to the ink return chamber through a second air passage. A second switching valve is provided on the second air passage. The second air box is connected to a second negative pressure pump so that the second air box provides negative pressure to the ink return chamber.

[0030] The first switching valve and the second switching valve are respectively connected to both ends of the third air path, which is connected to a positive pressure pump so that the third air path provides positive pressure to the ink inlet chamber and the ink return chamber respectively.

[0031] In an optional implementation,

[0032] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a base end cap;

[0033] The base end cap is mounted on the heating base, and the base end cap has multiple notches, which are used to connect the printhead body with the ink distributor.

[0034] The base end cover is provided with an ink inlet air passage connector, and the first air passage is connected to the ink inlet cavity through the ink inlet air passage connector;

[0035] The base end cap is provided with an ink return air passage connector, and the second air passage is connected to the ink return chamber through the ink return air passage connector.

[0036] Secondly, a control method based on the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system.

[0037] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the printing state, the negative pressure value provided by the second air box to the ink return chamber is greater than the negative pressure value provided by the first air box to the ink inlet chamber.

[0038] The first switching valve is switched to the state where the first air path is connected to the ink inlet chamber, and the second switching valve is switched to the state where the second air path is connected to the ink return chamber, so that the liquid can circulate between the ink return chamber, the pump circulation component, the filter device, the ink inlet chamber and the print head body through the pressure difference generated by the first air box and the second air box.

[0039] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the power-on protection state, it detects the temperature of the ink return chamber, ink inlet chamber and the main body of the nozzle. When the detected liquid temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature that ensures the fluid is in a liquid state, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system switches to the printing state.

[0040] When the detected liquid temperature is lower than the temperature that ensures the fluid is in a liquid state, the heating base is heated;

[0041] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in a dormant state, the negative pressure value provided by the second air box to the ink return chamber is equal to the negative pressure value provided by the first air box to the ink inlet chamber, so as to prevent ink from dripping from the nozzle body.

[0042] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the ink pressing state, the first switching valve switches to the state where the third air path is connected to the ink inlet chamber, and the second switching valve switches to the state where the third air path is connected to the ink return chamber, so as to provide positive pressure to the ink inlet chamber and the ink return chamber through the positive pressure pump and the third air path to press the ink onto the printhead body.

[0043] In an optional implementation,

[0044] The first air box and the second air box are connected by a fourth air passage, which is equipped with a balance valve.

[0045] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in a power-off state, the balance valve opens, the first switching valve switches to the state where the first air path is connected to the ink inlet chamber, and the second switching valve switches to the state where the second air path is connected to the ink return chamber.

[0046] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided by this invention integrates the nozzle bodies and pump circulation components into the heating base by setting up an ink return chamber, an ink return buffer chamber, an ink inlet buffer chamber, an ink inlet chamber, a nozzle receiving chamber, and a pump receiving chamber in the heating base. Multiple nozzle bodies are placed in multiple nozzle receiving chambers, and the pump circulation component is placed in the pump receiving chamber. This results in a compact structure and smaller size, ensuring that the medium is printed at the same temperature, pressure difference, and flow rate in multiple nozzle bodies. Furthermore, since the connecting channels between each chamber are all opened in the heating base, no additional pipes are required, further reducing the volume. When the heating base is heated as a whole, heat can be transferred to each chamber, ensuring uniform temperature operation of the entire device. In addition, the buffer chamber can reduce meniscus pressure fluctuations, ensuring more stable ink flow and better ink supply effect, thus alleviating the technical problems of low printing efficiency and poor printing effect of traditional single-nozzle printers in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0048] Figure 1 An exploded view of the overall structure of the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Icons: 11-First air box; 12-Second air box; 21-First air path; 22-Second air path; 23-Third air path; 24-Fourth air path; 31-First negative pressure pump; 32-Second negative pressure pump; 33-Positive pressure pump; 41-First switching valve; 42-Second switching valve; 43-Balance valve; 51-First pressure relief line; 52-Second pressure relief line; 61-First air pressure sensor; 62-Second air pressure sensor; 63-Third air pressure sensor; 71-First temperature sensor; 81-First liquid level switch; 82-Second liquid level switch; 100-Heating base; 110-Ink return chamber; 120-Ink return buffer chamber; 13 0-Ink inlet buffer chamber; 140-Ink inlet chamber; 150-Printhead housing chamber; 160-Pump housing chamber; 170-Filter placement chamber; 180-Main ink return path; 190-Main ink inlet path; 200-Printhead body; 300-Pump circulation component; 310-Ink pump component; 320-Ink pump check valve; 330-Ink pump connector; 400-Ink path distributor; 410-Ink inlet main pipe; 420-Ink outlet main pipe; 430-Ink inlet branch pipe; 440-Ink outlet branch pipe; 500-Filter device; 600-Base end cap; 601-Ink inlet air path connector; 602-Ink return air path connector; 610-Sealing gasket; 700-Ink inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the figure, where the arrows indicate the direction of liquid flow, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in this embodiment includes: a heating base 100, a nozzle body 200, and a pump circulation component 300. The heating base 100 is configured to be heated as a whole, capable of conducting heat to ensure the temperature uniformity of the entire system. The heating base 100 contains an ink return chamber 110, an ink return buffer chamber 120, an ink inlet buffer chamber 130, an ink inlet chamber 140, a nozzle receiving chamber 150, and a pump receiving chamber 160. An ink inlet pipe 700 is installed on the heating base 100, through which external liquid enters the ink return chamber 110. Multiple printhead bodies 200 and printhead receiving cavities 150 are provided correspondingly. Multiple printhead bodies 200 are arranged one by one in the printhead receiving cavity 150. The temperature of the printhead body 200 is provided by the heating base 100 through heat conduction. In addition, the number of printhead bodies 200 is set to three, and the three printhead bodies are arranged alternately. Multiple can also be set according to actual conditions. The pump circulation component 300 is arranged in the pump receiving cavity 160. The ink return cavity 110, ink return buffer cavity 120, ink inlet buffer cavity 130, ink inlet cavity 140, printhead receiving cavity 150 and pump receiving cavity 160 are all formed by the top surface of the heating base 100.

[0057] External ink enters the ink return chamber 110. The liquid in the ink return chamber 110 can enter the ink return buffer chamber 120 through the connecting channel. The liquid in the ink return buffer chamber 120 can enter the ink inlet buffer chamber 130 through the pump circulation component 300. The liquid in the ink inlet buffer chamber 130 can enter the ink inlet chamber 140 through the connecting channel. The liquid in the ink inlet chamber 140 can flow into each printhead body 200. The liquid in each printhead body 200 that is not sprayed can flow back into the ink return chamber 110. The buffer chamber can stabilize the liquid pressure fluctuation, thereby ensuring the stability of the ink supply flow rate.

[0058] The communication channels between the ink return chamber 110 and the ink return buffer chamber 120, between the ink return buffer chamber 120 and the pump circulation component 300, between the pump circulation component 300 and the ink inlet buffer chamber 130, and between the ink inlet buffer chamber 130 and the ink inlet chamber 140 are all located within the heating base 100, so that the liquid only flows within the heating base 100, and the heating base 100 can be heated as a whole, thereby ensuring the stability of the liquid temperature within the heating base 100.

[0059] In addition, the number of ink return chamber 110, ink return buffer chamber 120, ink inlet chamber 140, ink inlet buffer chamber 130 and pump circulation component 300 depends on the type of ink and the model of printhead body 200. For example, two sets of ink return chamber 110, ink inlet chamber 140 and pump circulation component 300 are provided, one set is used for spraying structural ink and the other set is used for spraying support ink, which can be adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0060] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in this embodiment integrates the nozzle bodies 200 and the pump circulation component 300 within the heating base 100 by setting up an ink return chamber 110, an ink return buffer chamber 120, an ink inlet buffer chamber 130, an ink inlet chamber 140, a nozzle receiving chamber 150, and a pump receiving chamber 160. Multiple nozzle bodies 200 are respectively placed in the multiple nozzle receiving chambers 150, and the pump circulation component 300 is placed in the pump receiving chamber 160. This results in a compact structure and smaller size, ensuring that the medium flows smoothly through multiple nozzles. The main body 200 prints at equal temperatures, pressure differences, and flow rates. Since the connecting channels between each chamber are all located in the heating base 100, no additional pipes are needed, further reducing the volume. When the heating base 100 is heated as a whole, the heat can be transferred to each chamber, ensuring that the entire device operates at a uniform temperature. Furthermore, the buffer chamber reduces meniscus pressure fluctuations, ensuring a more stable ink flow and better ink supply effect. This alleviates the technical problems of low printing efficiency and poor printing effect of traditional single-head printers in the prior art.

[0061] Based on the above embodiments, in an optional implementation, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in this embodiment further includes an ink path distributor 400; the ink path distributor 400 is connected to the ink inlet chamber 140, the ink return chamber 110 and the multiple nozzle bodies 200 respectively, and the ink path distributor 400 is configured to distribute the liquid in the ink inlet chamber 140 to each nozzle body 200, and to collect and transport the unsprayed liquid in each nozzle body 200 to the ink return chamber 110.

[0062] Specifically, the ink distributor 400 is equipped with an ink inlet main pipe 410, an ink outlet main pipe 420, multiple ink inlet branch pipes 430, and multiple ink outlet branch pipes 440. The liquid flowing out of the ink inlet chamber 140 enters the ink inlet main pipe 410. Since the ink inlet main pipe 410 is connected to the multiple ink inlet branch pipes 430, the liquid in the ink inlet main pipe 410 enters the multiple printhead bodies 200 through the multiple ink inlet branch pipes 430. The liquid that is not sprayed out in the printhead body 200 enters the ink outlet main pipe 420 through its respective connected ink outlet branch pipe 440, and then enters the ink return chamber 110 through the ink outlet main pipe 420.

[0063] The heating base 100 is provided with a main ink return path 180 and a main ink inlet path 190. The ink inlet chamber 140 is connected to the main ink inlet path 190, and the liquid in the ink inlet chamber 140 enters the main ink inlet pipe 410 through the main ink inlet path 190. The main ink return path 180 is connected to the ink return chamber 110, and the liquid in the main ink outlet pipe 420 enters the ink return chamber 110 through the main ink return path 180. In this embodiment, due to space limitations, the ink inlet chamber 140 is designed as two small ink inlet chambers 140a and 140b, which are located on both sides of the ink inlet buffer chamber 130. The main ink inlet path 190 is located between the ink inlet chambers 140a and 140b. In addition, the length and diameter of the multiple ink inlet branch pipes 430 are the same, and the length and diameter of the multiple ink outlet branch pipes 440 are the same, ensuring that the multiple ink inlet branch pipes 430 and the multiple ink outlet branch pipes 440 are set to be of equal length and diameter, ensuring that the liquid enters the printhead body 200 in an equal manner.

[0064] The pump circulation component 300 specifically includes an ink pump component 310, an ink pump check valve 320, and an ink pump connector 330; the ink pump check valve 320 and the ink pump connector 330 are both disposed in the pump receiving cavity 160, the bottom of the ink pump component 310 extends into the pump receiving cavity 160, and the top of the ink pump component 310 extends out of the pump receiving cavity 160; the liquid in the ink return buffer cavity 120 enters the ink pump component 310 through the ink pump check valve 320, and the liquid in the ink pump component 310 flows to the ink inlet cavity 140 through the ink pump connector 330.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system further includes a filter device 500; a filter placement cavity 170 is formed in the heating base 100, the filter device 500 is disposed in the filter placement cavity 170, and the filter device 500 is disposed between the ink pump connector 330 and the ink inlet buffer cavity 130. The liquid flowing out from the ink pump connector 330 enters the ink inlet buffer cavity 130 after passing through the filter device 500.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system further includes a first air box 11 and a second air box 12; the first air box 11 is connected to the ink inlet chamber 140 through a first air passage 21, a first switching valve 41 is provided on the first air passage 21, and the first air box 11 is connected to a first negative pressure pump 31 so that the first air box 11 provides negative pressure to the ink inlet chamber 140.

[0067] The second air box 12 is connected to the ink return chamber 110 through the second air passage 22. The second air passage 22 is equipped with a second switching valve 42. The second air box 12 is connected to a second negative pressure pump 32 so that the second air box 12 provides negative pressure to the ink return chamber 110.

[0068] The first switching valve 41 and the second switching valve 42 are respectively connected to both ends of the third air passage 23. The first switching valve 41 is used to control the ink inlet chamber 140 to be connected to the first air passage 21 or to the third air passage 23. The second switching valve 42 is used to control the ink return chamber 110 to be connected to the second air passage 22 or to the third air passage 23.

[0069] The third air passage 23 is connected to a positive pressure pump 33, which generates positive pressure so that the third air passage 23 provides positive pressure to the ink inlet chamber 140 and the ink return chamber 110 respectively.

[0070] In addition, a first temperature sensor 71, a first liquid level switch 81, and a first air pressure sensor 61 are provided on the ink inlet chamber 140, and a second liquid level switch 82 and a second air pressure sensor 62 are provided on the ink return chamber 110. The first liquid level switch 81 and the second liquid level switch 82 extend through the heating base 100 into the ink inlet chamber 140 and the ink return chamber 110, respectively. The installation methods of the temperature sensor, liquid level switch, and air pressure sensor are well known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0071] Furthermore, a first pressure relief pipe 51 is connected to the first air box 11, and a pressure relief valve is installed on the first pressure relief pipe 51. A second pressure relief pipe 52 is connected to the second air box 12, and a pressure relief valve is installed on the second pressure relief pipe 52.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a base end cap 600; the base end cap 600 is disposed on the heating base 100, and a sealing gasket 610 is provided between the base end cap 600 and the heating base 100; the base end cap 600 has multiple notches for communicating between the printhead body 200 and the ink path distributor 400.

[0073] The base end cover 600 is provided with an ink inlet air passage connector 601. The first air passage 21 is connected to the ink inlet chamber 140 through the ink inlet air passage connector 601. The base end cover 600 is provided with a return air passage connector 602. The second air passage 22 is connected to the return air chamber 110 through the return air passage connector 602.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, when the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the printing state, the negative pressure value provided by the second air box 12 to the ink return chamber 110 is greater than the negative pressure value provided by the first air box 11 to the ink inlet chamber 140; the first switching valve 41 switches to the state where the first air passage 21 is connected to the ink inlet chamber 140, and the second switching valve 42 switches to the state where the second air passage 22 is connected to the ink return chamber 110, so that the liquid circulates between the ink return chamber 110, the pump circulation component 300, the filter device 500, the ink inlet chamber 140 and the printhead body 200 through the pressure difference generated by the first air box 11 and the second air box 12.

[0075] In the circulation process, the liquid in the ink inlet chamber 140 enters the return ink chamber 110 through circulation, triggering the second liquid level switch 82, which in turn triggers the ink pump component 310 to work, opening the one-way valve and passing through the filter device 500.

[0076] The first air box 11 and the second air box 12 are designed to eliminate air pressure fluctuations and remove air bubbles in the fluid, and to ensure the temperature stability of the fluid during high-speed flow. When the upper limit value set by the second liquid level switch 82 is triggered, the air pressure difference is adjusted to zero, and the software reports an error for protection.

[0077] Figure 2 The diagram shows the ink path, with arrows indicating the ink path direction. As shown, the ink path flow is as follows: Ink return chamber 110 — Ink return buffer chamber 120 — Ink pump check valve 320 — Ink pump component 310 — Ink pump connector 330 — Filter device 500 — Ink inlet buffer chamber 130 — Ink inlet chamber 140 — Main ink inlet path 190 — Ink path distributor 400 — Divided equally into multiple printhead bodies — Ink path distributor 400 — Main ink return path 180 — Ink return chamber 110.

[0078] By circulating ink through the printhead body 200, utilizing the pressure difference between the ink inlet chamber 140 and the ink return chamber 110 (where the absolute negative pressure of the ink return chamber 110 is greater than that of the ink inlet chamber 140), ink is siphoned from the ink inlet chamber 140 into the ink inlet end of the printhead body 200. Then, the ink is discharged from the ink outlet end of the printhead body into the ink return chamber 110. Finally, the ink pump component 310 transports the ink from the ink return chamber 110 back to the ink inlet chamber 140, maintaining a balance between the liquid levels in the ink return chamber 110 and the ink inlet chamber 140. This continuous ink circulation system removes deposits near the nozzles of the printhead body 200, improving nozzle clogging. The design of the ink path distributor can increase the height of the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead body 200. The ink inlet chamber 140 uses the siphon principle to supply ink to the printhead. The position of the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead body 200 is higher than the liquid level of the ink inlet chamber 140 and the ink return chamber 110, so there will be no liquid leakage when replacing the printhead body.

[0079] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the power-on protection state, it detects the temperature of the ink return chamber 110, the ink inlet chamber 140, and the nozzle body 200. When the detected liquid temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature that ensures the fluid is in a liquid state, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system switches to the printing state, the first negative pressure pump 31 and the second negative pressure pump 32 start working, the air pressure difference increases slowly, and circulation is carried out slowly.

[0080] When the detected liquid temperature is lower than the temperature that ensures the fluid is in a liquid state, the heating base 100 needs to be heated. Specifically, the heating time required for the fluid in the ink cavity and the printhead is dynamically determined based on the solid-liquid heating curve of the fluid and the heating and heat transfer design of the ink cavity and the printhead, as well as related empirical parameters. Generally, the temperature will be maintained at the set temperature Ta for a certain period of time to ensure that the fluid is in a liquid state.

[0081] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in a dormant state, the negative pressure value provided by the second air box 12 to the ink return chamber 110 is equal to the negative pressure value provided by the first air box 11 to the ink inlet chamber 140, so that the liquid does not circulate and the printhead body 200 does not drip ink.

[0082] When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the ink pressing state, the first switching valve 41 switches to the state where the third air passage 23 is connected to the ink inlet chamber 140, and the second switching valve 42 switches to the state where the third air passage 23 is connected to the ink return chamber 110. Positive pressure is provided to the ink inlet chamber 140 and the ink return chamber 110 through the positive pressure pump 33 and the third air passage 23. The working speed of the positive pressure pump 33 is adjusted according to the value of the third air pressure sensor 63 on the third air passage 23 to ensure a certain pressure and press the ink onto the printhead body 200.

[0083] Optionally, a fourth air passage 24 is also provided, through which the first air box 11 and the second air box 12 are connected. A balance valve 43 is provided on the fourth air passage 24. When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in a power-off state, the balance valve 43 opens, the first switching valve 41 switches to the state where the first air passage 21 is connected to the ink inlet chamber 140, and the second switching valve 42 switches to the state where the second air passage 22 is connected to the ink return chamber 110, so that the pressure difference is zero and the circulation stops. The printhead body 200 also maintains an appropriate negative pressure and will not drip ink, thus preventing material waste.

[0084] The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system provided in this embodiment integrates multiple nozzle bodies 200 into the heating base 100, eliminating the need to heat each nozzle body 200 separately, shortening the flow channel length, further reducing the space occupied, and ensuring that the nozzle body 200 is leak-free during disassembly and assembly. It has lower costs, reduces the overall size of the machine, and is easy to maintain. Furthermore, the overall system has an integrated design, making the structure more compact and applicable to a variety of 3D printing equipment.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system, characterized in that, include: Heating base (100), nozzle body (200) and pump circulation component (300); The heating base (100) is configured to be heated as a whole, and the heating base (100) has an ink return chamber (110), an ink return buffer chamber (120), an ink inlet buffer chamber (130), an ink inlet chamber (140), a printhead receiving chamber (150), and a pump receiving chamber (160). Multiple nozzle bodies (200) are provided corresponding to the nozzle receiving cavity (150), and multiple nozzle bodies (200) are provided in the nozzle receiving cavity (150) one by one. The pump circulation component (300) is provided in the pump receiving cavity (160). The ink return chamber (110) is connected to the ink return buffer chamber (120), the ink return buffer chamber (120) is connected to the inlet of the pump circulation component (300), the outlet of the pump circulation component (300) is connected to the ink inlet buffer chamber (130), the ink inlet buffer chamber (130) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140), the ink inlet chamber (140) is connected to the inlet of the printhead body (200), and the outlet of the printhead body (200) is connected to the ink return chamber (110). The communication channels between the ink return chamber (110) and the ink return buffer chamber (120), the communication channels between the ink return buffer chamber (120) and the pump circulation component (300), the communication channels between the pump circulation component (300) and the ink inlet buffer chamber (130), and the communication channels between the ink inlet buffer chamber (130) and the ink inlet chamber (140) are all opened in the heating base (100); The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes an ink path distributor (400). The ink distributor (400) is higher than the heating base (100). The ink distributor (400) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140), the ink return chamber (110) and the plurality of printhead bodies (200) respectively. The ink distributor (400) is configured to distribute the liquid in the ink inlet chamber (140) to each of the printhead bodies (200) and to collect and transport the unsprayed liquid in each of the printhead bodies (200) to the ink return chamber (110). The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a first air box (11) and a second air box (12). The first air box (11) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140) through the first air passage (21). The first air passage (21) is provided with a first switching valve (41). The first air box (11) is connected to a first negative pressure pump (31) so that the first air box (11) provides negative pressure to the ink inlet chamber (140). The second air box (12) is connected to the ink return chamber (110) through the second air passage (22). The second air passage (22) is provided with a second switching valve (42). The second air box (12) is connected to a second negative pressure pump (32) so that the second air box (12) provides negative pressure to the ink return chamber (110). The first switching valve (41) and the second switching valve (42) are respectively connected to both ends of the third air passage (23), and the third air passage (23) is connected to a positive pressure pump (33) so that the third air passage (23) provides positive pressure to the ink inlet chamber (140) and the ink return chamber (110) respectively; When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the printing state, the negative pressure value provided by the second air box (12) to the ink return chamber (110) is greater than the negative pressure value provided by the first air box (11) to the ink inlet chamber (140); The first switching valve (41) switches to the state where the first air passage (21) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140), and the second switching valve (42) switches to the state where the second air passage (22) is connected to the ink return chamber (110), so that the liquid circulates between the ink return chamber (110), the pump circulation component (300), the filter device (500), the ink inlet chamber (140), and the print head body (200) through the pressure difference generated by the first air box (11) and the second air box (12); When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the power-on protection state, it detects the temperature of the ink return chamber (110), the ink inlet chamber (140) and the nozzle body (200). When the detected liquid temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature that ensures the fluid is in a liquid state, the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system switches to the printing state. When the detected liquid temperature is lower than the temperature that ensures the fluid is in a liquid state, the heating base (100) is heated; When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in a dormant state, the negative pressure value provided by the second air box (12) to the ink return chamber (110) is equal to the negative pressure value provided by the first air box (11) to the ink inlet chamber (140), so that the nozzle body (200) does not drip ink; When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in the ink pressing state, the first switching valve (41) switches to the state where the third air passage (23) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140), and the second switching valve (42) switches to the state where the third air passage (23) is connected to the ink return chamber (110), so as to provide positive pressure to the ink inlet chamber (140) and the ink return chamber (110) through the positive pressure pump (33) and the third air passage (23) to press ink onto the printhead body (200); The first air box (11) and the second air box (12) are connected through the fourth air passage (24), and a balance valve (43) is provided on the fourth air passage (24). When the multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system is in a power-off state, the balance valve (43) opens, the first switching valve (41) switches to the state where the first air passage (21) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140), and the second switching valve (42) switches to the state where the second air passage (22) is connected to the ink return chamber (110).

2. The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink distributor (400) is provided with an ink inlet main pipe (410), an ink outlet main pipe (420), multiple ink inlet branch pipes (430) and multiple ink outlet branch pipes (440). The ink inlet chamber (140) is connected to the ink inlet main pipe (410), the ink inlet main pipe (410) is connected to a plurality of ink inlet branch pipes (430), and the plurality of ink inlet branch pipes (430) are respectively connected to the inlet of a plurality of printhead bodies (200); The outlets of the multiple printhead bodies (200) are respectively connected to the multiple ink outlet branches (440), and the multiple ink outlet branches (440) are all connected to the ink outlet main pipe (420). The ink outlet main pipe (420) is connected to the ink return chamber (110).

3. The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length and diameter of the plurality of ink inlet branch pipes (430) are the same, and the length and diameter of the plurality of ink outlet branch pipes (440) are the same.

4. The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump circulation component (300) includes an ink pump component (310), an ink pump check valve (320), and an ink pump connector (330). The ink pump check valve (320) and the ink pump connector (330) are both disposed in the pump housing cavity (160), and the bottom of the ink pump component (310) extends into the pump housing cavity (160); The ink return buffer chamber (120) is connected to the inlet end of the ink pump check valve (320), the outlet end of the ink pump check valve (320) is connected to the ink pump component (310), and the ink pump component (310) is connected to the ink inlet chamber (140) through the ink pump connector (330).

5. The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a filter device (500). The heating base (100) has a filter placement cavity (170) formed inside, and the filter device (500) is disposed in the filter placement cavity (170). The filter device (500) is disposed between the ink pump connector (330) and the ink inlet buffer cavity (130).

6. The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-nozzle 3D printing circulating ink supply system also includes a base end cap (600). The base end cap (600) is placed on the heating base (100), and the base end cap (600) has multiple notches for communicating the print head body (200) with the ink distributor (400); The base end cap (600) is provided with an ink inlet air passage connector (601), and the first air passage (21) is connected to the ink inlet cavity (140) through the ink inlet air passage connector (601); The base end cap (600) is provided with an ink return air passage connector (602), and the second air passage (22) is connected to the ink return chamber (110) through the ink return air passage connector (602).

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