A multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color, multi-color and mixed-color and a working method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a multi-channel print head assembly and a working method for switching between single-color, multi-color and mixed colors. The print head assembly includes a switching assembly, a quick-release assembly and a pneumatic joint; the switching assembly includes a cover plate and a rotating column, the pneumatic joint is installed on the cover plate, the rotating column and the cover plate are rotatably matched, the rotating column includes a central material channel, a multi-color material channel and a mixed color material channel located on the same pitch circle, the bottom of the multi-color material channel is connected to the central material channel, and the mixed color material channel is parallel to the central material channel; the quick-release assembly includes a detachably installed mixed color column and a non-mixed color column, the non-mixed color column includes a straight channel coaxial with the central material channel, the mixed color column includes a mixed color channel coaxial with the mixed color channel, and the lower end of the mixed color channel is connected to a static spiral column. The present invention realizes rapid switching between modes, ensuring high speed in monochrome printing mode while meeting the requirements for color richness in mixed color mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular to a multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color, multi-color and mixed colors and a working method thereof. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is a manufacturing process that builds three-dimensional objects by stacking materials layer by layer. This technology has a wide range of applications in many fields, including industrial design, architecture, medicine and education.

[0003] At present, consumer-grade FDM technology is mainly concentrated in the field of monochrome printing. Although this mode has a fast printing speed, it only has one color and cannot achieve direct molding of multiple colors, which reduces the richness and playability of 3D printing. Although multi-color printing can achieve color matching between colors, it is limited to a few fixed filament colors and does not produce colors other than the filament color. Mixed-color printing can not only use the color of the filament itself, but also produce rich colors by mixing between filaments. However, mixed-color printing is slower than monochrome printing, and if a mixed-color print head is used to print monochrome or multi-color, the printing speed will be slowed down and there will be problems with easy clogging.

[0004] With the popularity of FDM 3D printing technology, consumers have both the demand for rapid prototyping using monochrome printing mode and the desire for multi-color printing, such as multi-color and mixed-color printing. However, the current print heads are isolated and cannot achieve arbitrary switching between monochrome, multi-color and mixed-color printing. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel print head assembly and a working method for switching between monochrome, multi-color and mixed colors, so as to realize rapid switching between monochrome, multi-color and mixed color printing modes, ensure high speed in monochrome printing mode, and meet the requirements for color richness in mixed color mode.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color, multi-color and mixed colors, comprising: a switching assembly, a quick-release assembly and a pneumatic joint; the switching assembly comprises a cover plate and a rotating column, the pneumatic joint is mounted on the cover plate, the rotating column and the cover plate are rotatably matched, the rotating column comprises a central material channel, a multi-color material channel and a mixed color material channel located on the same pitch circle, the bottom of the multi-color material channel is connected to the central material channel, and the mixed color material channel is parallel to the central material channel; the quick-release assembly comprises a detachably mounted mixed color column and a non-mixed color column, the non-mixed color column comprises a straight channel coaxial with the central material channel, the mixed color column comprises a mixed color channel coaxial with the mixed color channel, and the lower end of the mixed color channel is connected to a static spiral column.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a working method of a multi-channel print head assembly that switches between monochrome, multi-color and mixed colors as described above, including: in monochrome mode, a monochrome wire is pushed into the central nozzle of a pneumatic joint, and the wire passes through the central material channel of a rotating column and a straight channel of a non-mixing column in turn for printing; in multi-color mode, wires of multiple colors are pushed into the outer ring nozzle of a pneumatic joint respectively, and the wire passes through the multi-color material channel of a rotating column and a straight channel of a non-mixing column in turn for printing; in mixed-color mode, wires of multiple colors are pushed into the outer ring nozzle of a pneumatic joint respectively, and the wire passes through the mixed-color material channel of a rotating column and the mixed-color channel of a mixed-color column in turn, and color mixing is achieved in a static spiral column before printing.

[0009] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0010] The print head assembly can achieve rapid switching between different printing modes by rotating the rotating column and replacing the mixed-color column and the non-mixed column, combining the monochrome, multi-color and mixed-color print heads into one, while ensuring high speed in the monochrome printing mode, and meeting the requirements for color richness in the mixed-color mode, thereby improving printing efficiency, reducing costs, and meeting users' needs for printing in different colors while maintaining printing speed and quality.

[0011] Advantages of additional aspects of the present invention will be given in the following description, and in part will become obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the prior art descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In addition, the spacing or size between each other is exaggerated to show the position of each part, and the schematic diagram is only used for illustration.

[0013] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a print head assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a disassembled diagram of a print head assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 is a disassembly diagram of a switching assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 is a disassembly diagram of a quick-release assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a rotating column provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a color mixing column provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a non-mixed column provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a static spiral column provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Fig. 9 is an overall cross-sectional view in a single-color (multi-color) mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Fig.10 is an overall cross-sectional view in a color mixing mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] In the figure: 1. switching assembly; 11. steering gear; 12. transmission mechanism; 121. driven guide rod; 122. pin; 123. slider; 124. swing guide rod; 13. cover plate; 14. stop ring; 15. limit spring; 16. deep groove ball bearing; 17. shaft plate; 18. rotating column; 181. rotating shaft; 182. guide rod slot; 183. mixed color channel; 184. multi-color channel; 185. center channel; 19. fixed column; 191. positioning groove;

[0024] 2. Quick-release assembly; 21. Heating block; 211. Sink; 212. Limiting convex strip; 213. Thermistor hole; 214. Heating rod hole; 215. Fastening threaded hole; 22. Fastening bolt; 23. Color mixing column; 231. Limiting groove; 232. Color mixing passage; 24. Static spiral column; 25. Nozzle; 26. Shaft retaining ring; 27. Non-mixing column; 271. Straight passage;

[0025] 3. Pneumatic joints;

[0026] 4. Heat sink. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and are intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, it should also be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] Terminology Introduction:

[0029] Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology originated in the late 1980s. Its principle is that the internal processor of the printer executes the sliced ​​model file (such as G-code file), the wire passes through the print head and is melted by heat to form a liquid and extruded through the nozzle, and finally the model is stacked layer by layer through the linkage between the print head and the hot bed platform. In recent years, this technology has made great progress due to its rapid molding, low price and flexible printing method.

[0030] Servo: An actuator that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion and is used to control the rotation of a component.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] In order to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background technology, this embodiment proposes a multi-channel print head assembly for switching single-color, multi-color and mixed colors, such as Figure 1 As shown, the print head assembly includes a switching assembly 1, a quick-release assembly 2 and a pneumatic joint 3.

[0033] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the switching assembly 1 includes a cover plate 13 and a rotating column 18, the pneumatic joint 3 is mounted on the cover plate 13, and the rotating column 18 is rotatably matched with the cover plate 13, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the rotating column 18 includes a central channel 185 , a multi-color channel 184 and a mixed color channel 183 located on the same pitch circle, the bottom of the multi-color channel 184 is connected to the central channel 185 , and the mixed color channel 183 is parallel to the central channel 185 .

[0034] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the quick-release assembly 2 includes a detachably installed color mixing column 23 and a non-mixing column 27, the non-mixing column 27 includes a straight passage 271 coaxial with the central material channel 185, the color mixing column 23 includes a color mixing passage 232 coaxial with the color mixing material channel 183, and the lower end of the color mixing passage 232 is connected to a static spiral column 24.

[0035] The print head assembly can achieve rapid switching between different printing modes by rotating the rotating column 18 and replacing the mixed-color column 23 and the non-mixed column 27, combining the monochrome, multi-color and mixed-color print heads into one, while ensuring high speed in the monochrome printing mode and meeting the requirements for color richness in the mixed-color mode, thereby improving printing efficiency, reducing costs, and meeting users' needs for printing in different colors while maintaining printing speed and quality.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the print head assembly further includes a heat sink 4, the heat sink 4 has a fixing plate, the cover plate 13 is fixedly mounted on the fixing plate, the heat sink 4 has a heat sink cavity, and the rotating column 18 is rotatably mounted in the heat sink cavity.

[0037] The cover plate 13 is fixed to the shaft disc 17 thereunder. A deep groove ball bearing 16 is placed in the central countersunk hole of the shaft disc 17. Its outer ring is fixed by a retaining ring 14. The limiting retaining spring 15 is embedded in the groove of the hollow shaft 181 of the rotating column 18 to fix it to the shaft disc 17.

[0038] The pneumatic joint 3 includes a central nozzle and an outer ring nozzle. The central nozzle is connected to the central material channel 185 of the rotating column 18 , and the outer ring nozzle is connected to the multi-color material channel 184 or the mixed color material channel 183 of the rotating column 18 .

[0039] The pneumatic connector 3 is mounted on the cover plate 13 and provides an interface for the filament to enter the print head. The pneumatic connector 3 uses a pneumatic connection method to allow the filament to be quickly and conveniently replaced during the printing process. Its structural design takes into account the coordination relationship with the switching component 1 to ensure that the material can be smoothly transported in different working modes.

[0040] The number of the multi-color channels 184 and the color mixing channels 183 is consistent with the number of the outer ring nozzles, and the multi-color channels 184 and the color mixing channels 183 are alternately distributed. When the rotating column 18 rotates a predetermined angle, the multi-color channels 184 or the color mixing channels 183 are connected to the outer ring nozzles. Specifically, the rotating column 18 is provided with five color mixing channels 183, five multi-color channels 184 and one central channel 185 at equal angles. The color mixing column 23 has five holes at its upper end, and the pre-mixing is completed through a three-level stepped passage from large to small inside, and then through the static spiral column 24 at the end (such as Figure 8 The non-mixed column 27 has a three-step straight path 271 at its axis.

[0041] Multiple multi-color channels 184 and color mixing channels 183 enable the printer to select a suitable feeding path according to different printing modes. In the color mixing mode, the color mixing channel 183 is connected to the pneumatic joint 3 through the docking of the rotating column 18, so that wires of different colors can effectively enter the color mixing passage 232 and be mixed and extruded after being extruded by the static spiral column 24. In the single-color or multi-color mode, the rotating column 18 is connected through the central channel 185 to realize efficient conveying of the wire. This structure ensures that a high printing speed and accuracy can be maintained in different printing modes. The static spiral column 24 helps to fully mix the color mixing materials to ensure the uniformity and stability of the color during the printing process.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the switching assembly 1 also includes a steering gear 11 and a transmission mechanism 12, the steering gear 11 is installed on the fixed plate of the heat sink 4, the transmission mechanism 12 includes a driven guide rod 121, a column pin 122, a slider 123 and a swing guide rod 124, the end of the swing guide rod 124 is connected to the output shaft of the steering gear 11, the slider 123 is slidably installed in the slide groove of the swing guide rod 124, the outer end of the driven guide rod 121 is rotatably connected to the slider 123 through the column pin 122, and the inner end of the driven guide rod 121 is inserted into the guide rod slot 182 on the circumference of the rotating column 18.

[0043] The servo 11 provides a reliable driving source, and the end of the swing guide rod 124 is connected to the servo 11 to form a direct driving relationship. The slider 123 can move freely in the slide groove of the swing guide rod 124 through its sliding design. Through the rotation connection of the column pin 122, the outer end of the driven guide rod 121 can flexibly respond to the movement of the slider 123, and the inner end is inserted into the guide rod slot 182 around the rotating column 18, forming an effective linkage mechanism. Through the control of the servo 11, the rotating column 18 can be quickly and accurately rotated at a fixed rotation angle, and then different printing modes (monochrome, multi-color, mixed color) can be switched, with high accuracy and stability, and the printing efficiency and precision are improved.

[0044] A fixing column 19 is also installed in the heat dissipation cavity of the heat dissipation element 4. The fixing column 19 is installed at the bottom of the rotating column 18. A positioning groove 191 is arranged on the periphery of the fixing column 19. A positioning edge matching the positioning groove 191 is arranged on the inner wall of the heat dissipation cavity. This design enables the fixing column 19 to form a stable supporting structure in the heat dissipation cavity, and the user can quickly locate the print head when replacing or maintaining it, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of the operation.

[0045] The quick-release assembly 2 also includes a heating block 21 , which is installed at the bottom of the heat sink 4 . The heating block 21 is provided with a sink 211 , which matches the ridge of the heat sink 4 . The non-mixed column 27 or the mixed color column 23 is installed in the heating block 21 .

[0046] The non-mixed column 27 and the color-mixed column 23 have the same appearance. A limiting groove 231 is provided on the outer circumference of the color-mixed column 23, and a limiting convex strip 212 is provided on the inner wall of the heating block 21. The limiting convex strip 212 is embedded in the limiting groove 231 to form an effective mutual constraint. The end of the non-mixed column 27 or the color-mixed column 23 is connected to the nozzle 25 for consumable extrusion through a threaded connection, and the two fastening bolts 22 on the side of the head of the heating block 21 are used to fix it circumferentially through the fastening threaded holes 215, and the shaft retaining ring 26 is used to fix it axially. A thermistor hole 213 is provided on the top surface of the heating block 21, and a heating rod hole 214 is provided on the outer circumferential surface.

[0047] The print head assembly further includes a nozzle 25 , which is mounted on the lower side of the non-mixed column 27 and the mixed color column 23 .

[0048] The present invention separates the rotating column 18 from the heat sink 4, and the steering gear 11 rotates a fixed angle to drive the rotating column 18 to rotate, thereby realizing the switching of the wire feeding hole position. The heating head is separated from the nozzle 25 to form two switching columns (mixed color column 23 and non-mixed column 27), with different extrusion paths built in to realize the switching between three printing modes such as monochrome, multi-color and mixed color. The structure is compact and easy to use. According to different printing requirements, the 3D printer can realize the rapid switching between the three printing modes such as monochrome, multi-color and mixed color without replacing the print head, which has high flexibility and thus improves the printing efficiency.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] The working method of the multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color, multi-color and mixed-color according to Embodiment 1 includes:

[0051] In monochrome mode, Fig. 9 As shown, a single-color wire is pushed into the central nozzle of the pneumatic joint 3, and the wire passes through the central material channel 185 of the rotating column 18 and the straight passage 271 of the non-mixing column 27 in sequence for printing;

[0052] In multi-color mode, Fig. 9 As shown, the wires of various colors are pushed into the outer ring nozzle of the pneumatic joint 3 respectively, and the wires are sequentially passed through the multi-color material channel 184 of the rotating column 18 and the straight passage 271 of the non-mixing column 27 for printing;

[0053] In mixed color mode, Fig.10 As shown, multiple color wires are pushed into the outer ring nozzle of the pneumatic joint 3 respectively, and the wires pass through the color mixing channel 183 of the rotating column 18 and the color mixing passage 232 of the color mixing column 23 in turn, and are mixed in the static spiral column 24 before printing.

[0054] This working method enables switching between different printing modes, maximizing the application flexibility of the print head assembly. In monochrome mode, the material supply path is simplified and efficiency is improved; in multi-color mode, rich color expression is achieved; and in mixed color mode, by combining different materials, more complex color effects can be created, expanding the application scope of 3D printing. The entire working method effectively integrates the functions and performance of the components, providing users with a richer and more flexible printing experience.

[0055] The working principle of the print head is that in the color mixing mode, the rotating column 18 is aligned with the cover plate 13, the hole position of the shaft disc 17 and the straight hole of the fixed column 19 by the color mixing channel 183. The CMYKW five-color wire material is pushed into the pneumatic joint 3 of the hole around the cover plate 13 for color mixing printing, and the wire material is melted and extruded through the color mixing passage 232 of the color mixing column 23 and the static spiral column 24. In the monochrome and multi-color modes, the multi-color channel 184 in the rotating column 18 is aligned with the cover plate 13, the hole position of the shaft disc 17 and the center hole of the fixed column 19. For monochrome printing, it is only necessary to push the wire material into the pneumatic joint 3 of the center hole of the cover plate 13. For multi-color printing, a certain amount of wire material can be pushed into the pneumatic joint 3 of the hole around the cover plate 13 as needed, and different colors can be matched by setting the retraction value in the slicing software.

[0056] The switching process of the print head is that the swing guide rod 124 fixed on the gear of the servo 11 is connected to the slider 123 through a moving pair, and the slider 123 cooperates with the driven guide rod 121 to form a rotating pair, and the driven guide rod 121 is fixed in the guide rod slot 182 of the rotating column 18. The servo 11 sets the rotation angle through the time base pulse, driving the rotating column 18 to rotate 36 degrees in the horizontal direction, so that the corresponding hole positions of the rotating column 18 and the cover plate 13 and the fixed column 19 change, thereby changing the movement path of the wire. When the printing mode is switched, the horizontal fastening bolt 22 in the heating block 21 is withdrawn, and the color mixing column 23 and the non-mixing column 27 in the quick release assembly 2 are selected according to the printing mode. The non-mixing column 27 only has a central stepped hole, and the color mixing column 23 has a color mixing passage 232 and a static spiral column 24, so as to realize the switching between the printing modes.

[0057] Although the above describes the specific implementation mode of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the technical solution of the present invention without creative work are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single and multi-color mixing, characterized in that: include: Switching assemblies, quick-release assemblies and pneumatic connectors; The switching assembly includes a cover plate and a rotating column, the pneumatic joint is mounted on the cover plate, the rotating column and the cover plate are rotatably matched, the rotating column includes a central material channel, a multi-color material channel and a mixed color material channel located on the same pitch circle, the bottom of the multi-color material channel is connected to the central material channel, and the mixed color material channel is parallel to the central material channel; The quick-release assembly includes a detachably mounted color mixing column and a non-mixing column, the non-mixing column includes a straight passage coaxial with the central material channel, the color mixing column includes a color mixing passage coaxial with the color mixing material channel, and the lower end of the color mixing passage is connected to a static spiral column; The print head assembly further comprises a heat sink, the heat sink has a fixing plate, the cover plate is fixedly mounted on the fixing plate, the heat sink has a heat sink cavity, the rotating column is rotatably mounted in the heat sink cavity; The pneumatic joint comprises a central nozzle and an outer ring nozzle, wherein the central nozzle is connected to the central material channel of the rotating column, and the outer ring nozzle is connected to the multi-color material channel or the mixed color material channel of the rotating column; The switching assembly also includes a steering gear and a transmission mechanism, the steering gear is mounted on the fixed plate of the heat sink, the transmission mechanism includes a driven guide rod, a column pin, a slider and a swing guide rod, the end of the swing guide rod is connected to the output shaft of the steering gear, the slider is slidably installed in the slide groove of the swing guide rod, the outer end of the driven guide rod is rotatably connected to the slider through the column pin, and the inner end of the driven guide rod is inserted into the guide rod slot on the circumference of the rotating column.

2. The multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color and multi-color mixing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the multi-color material channels and the color mixing material channels is consistent with the number of the outer ring nozzles, and the multi-color material channels and the color mixing material channels are alternately distributed. When the rotating column rotates a predetermined angle, the multi-color material channels or the color mixing material channels are connected to the outer ring nozzles.

3. The multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color and multi-color mixing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A fixing column is also installed in the heat dissipation cavity of the heat dissipation element. The fixing column is installed at the bottom of the rotating column. A positioning groove is arranged on the periphery of the fixing column. A positioning edge matching the positioning groove is arranged on the inner wall of the heat dissipation cavity.

4. The multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color and multi-color mixing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The quick-release assembly also includes a heating block, which is installed at the bottom of the heat sink. The heating block is provided with a sink, which matches the ridge of the heat sink. The non-mixed column or the mixed color column is installed in the heating block.

5. The multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color and multi-color mixing as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The non-mixed column and the mixed color column have the same appearance. A limiting groove is arranged on the outer circumference of the mixed color column. A limiting convex strip is arranged on the inner wall of the heating block. The limiting convex strip is embedded in the limiting groove.

6. The multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color and multi-color mixing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The print head assembly also includes nozzles mounted on the underside of the non-mixed column and the mixed color column.

7. A method for operating a multi-channel print head assembly for switching between single-color and multi-color mixing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: In monochrome mode, the monochrome filament is pushed into the central nozzle of the pneumatic joint, and the filament passes through the central material channel of the rotating column and the straight channel of the non-mixing column in turn for printing; In the multi-color mode, the multi-color filaments are pushed into the outer ring nozzle of the pneumatic joint respectively, and the filaments pass through the multi-color material channel of the rotating column and the straight channel of the non-mixed column in turn for printing; In the color mixing mode, multiple color filaments are pushed into the outer ring nozzle of the pneumatic joint respectively. The filaments pass through the color mixing channel of the rotating column and the color mixing passage of the color mixing column in turn, and the colors are mixed in the static spiral column before printing.

Images