Printing module and 3D printer

By designing a printing module containing transmission channels and switching components, the problem of low consumable switching efficiency in 3D printing is solved, and the rapid switching and printing of a variety of materials is realized, which improves the scope of application and user experience.

CN119189300APending Publication Date: 2024-12-27SHENZHEN CREALITY 3D TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411165613.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-22
Publication Date
2024-12-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the 3D printing process, switching different consumables has problems such as low efficiency and limited application scope.

Method used

A printing module is designed, including the module body and nozzle, which can achieve rapid switching of consumables through transmission channels and switching components. The nozzle is connected to the hot melt assembly, and the switching drive and transmission are used for position switching of the hot melt assembly. The material assembly is used for cutting and replacing consumables, and the buffering mechanism is used to protect consumables.

Benefits of technology

It realizes rapid switching of consumables and printing of multiple materials, improves the scope of application and user experience of printing, reduces the cost and time of consumables replacement, and improves printing efficiency and quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, aims to solve the technical problem of how to optimize consumable switching, and provides a printing module and a 3D printer. The printing module comprises a module body and at least one nozzle. The module body defines at least one conveying channel, and the conveying channel is used for conveying consumables. The nozzle is configured to communicate with one of the at least one conveying channel, and the nozzle is used for extruding the consumables in the conveying channel correspondingly communicating with the nozzle. The consumable switching method and device have the beneficial effects that consumable switching can be rapidly achieved, printing work of different consumables is completed, the printing application range is widened, and the user experience is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a printing module and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing technology is a rapid prototyping technology that uses digital model files as the basis, and uses special wax materials, powdered metals or plastics and other bondable materials to print layers of materials to create three-dimensional objects. Fused deposition modeling technology is one of the main 3D printing technologies. This technology heats and melts the hot-melt filament, extrudes it from the nozzle, and deposits it on the molding platform or the previous layer of solidified material to finally generate a physical object. During the 3D printing process, you may face the situation of switching different consumables for printing. How to optimize this process is what technicians in this field need to consider. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the problems in the known technology, the present application provides a printing module and a 3D printer.

[0004] The present application provides a printing module, comprising a module body and at least one nozzle. The module body defines at least one transmission channel, and the transmission channel is used to transmit consumables. The nozzle is configured to be connected to at least one of the transmission channels, and the nozzle is used to extrude the consumables in the transmission channel correspondingly connected thereto.

[0005] According to the printing module of the present application, when it is necessary to switch consumables, the consumables can be replaced in the current transmission channel to output different consumables in the current nozzle to achieve consumable switching, or different nozzles can be replaced to directly switch to the delivery and printing of another consumable. Therefore, through the printing module of the present application, the switching of consumables can be quickly achieved, and the printing operations of different consumables can be completed, thereby improving the scope of printing application and user experience.

[0006] In one possible implementation:

[0007] The module body includes a plurality of hot melt components, the number of the nozzles is multiple, each of the hot melt components defines a hot melt channel, the hot melt channel is a part of the transmission channel, the hot melt components have a printing position and a standby position, and each nozzle is connected to one of the hot melt components. The printing module also includes a first switching component, the first switching component is configured to selectively arrange each of the hot melt components in the printing position or the standby position, wherein the height of the nozzle connected to the hot melt component located at the printing position is lower than the height of the nozzle connected to the hot melt component located at the standby position.

[0008] In one possible implementation:

[0009] The first switching component includes a switching drive and a transmission member, the switching drive is connected to the transmission member, the transmission member is transmission-connected to at least one of the hot melt components, and is configured to drive at least one of the hot melt components to switch between the printing position and the standby position under the drive of the switching drive; and / or, the first switching component includes a transmission member, the transmission member is configured to abut against each of the hot melt components, and the transmission member is configured to drive at least one of the hot melt components to switch between the printing position and the standby position when triggered.

[0010] In one possible implementation:

[0011] The number of the nozzles is one. The module body defines a plurality of hot melt channels, and the module body and the nozzles can generate relative movement, so that one of the hot melt channels is connected to the nozzle, and the other hot melt channels are spaced from the nozzle.

[0012] In one possible implementation:

[0013] The printing module also includes a material cutting component, which is arranged on the module body. The material cutting component is configured to generate relative movement with the module body and enter at least one of the transmission channels to shear the consumables located in the transmission channel.

[0014] In one possible implementation:

[0015] There are multiple transmission channels, and the multiple transmission channels are arranged at intervals in the module body. There are two material-cutting components, and the two material-cutting components are located on two opposite sides of the module body along the first direction, one of the material-cutting components is configured to cut off the consumables in the multiple transmission channels on one side of the module body along the first direction, and the other material-cutting component is configured to cut off the consumables in the multiple transmission channels on the other side of the module body along the first direction.

[0016] In one possible implementation:

[0017] The material cutting component is configured to move relative to the module body when triggered, and enter the transmission channel to shear the consumables located in the transmission channel; and / or, the module body is configured to move relative to the material cutting component when triggered, so that the material cutting component enters the transmission channel and shears the consumables located in the transmission channel.

[0018] In one possible implementation:

[0019] The number of the module bodies is at least two, at least two of the module bodies are arranged along the first direction, at least two module bodies include a first module body and a second module body, and the material cutting assembly includes a first material cutting assembly and a second material cutting assembly. The first material cutting assembly is connected to a side of the first module body away from the second module body along the first direction, and is configured to extend into the transmission channel in the first module body when triggered to shear the consumables. The second material cutting assembly is connected to a side of the second module body away from the first module body along the first direction, and is configured to extend into the transmission channel in the second module body when triggered to shear the consumables.

[0020] In one possible implementation:

[0021] The module body further includes at least one extrusion assembly and at least one hot melt assembly. The extrusion assembly includes an active extrusion piece and a driven extrusion piece, and an extrusion channel is defined between the active extrusion piece and the driven extrusion piece. The hot melt assembly is connected to the nozzle, and the hot melt assembly defines a hot melt channel, and the extrusion channel and the hot melt channel are connected to form the transmission channel.

[0022] In one possible implementation:

[0023] The number of the extrusion components is the same as the number of the hot-melt components, and each of the hot-melt components is arranged corresponding to one of the extrusion components; and / or, the number of the driven extrusion components is multiple, the number of the hot-melt components is multiple, and the multiple hot-melt components all have a standby position and a printing position, the number of the driven extrusion components is the same as the number of the hot-melt components, each of the driven extrusion components is connected to one of the hot-melt components, the driven extrusion component connected to the hot-melt component located at the printing position is configured to be close to the active extrusion component and form an extrusion channel, and the driven extrusion component connected to the hot-melt component located at the standby position is away from the active extrusion component; and / or, the number of the extrusion components is one, at least one of the hot-melt components has a standby position and a printing position, the hot-melt channel of the hot-melt component located at the printing position is connected to the extrusion channel, and the hot-melt channel of the hot-melt component located at the standby position is staggered from the extrusion channel.

[0024] In one possible implementation:

[0025] The printing module also includes a first feed assembly, which is arranged at the entrance of the transmission channel. There are multiple first feed assemblies, each of which defines a feed channel, each of which is connected to one of the transmission channels, each of which is used to transmit consumables and transport consumables to the corresponding transmission channel. Alternatively, the first feed assembly defines a feed channel, which includes a discharge channel and multiple feed channels, each of which is used to transmit consumables, and multiple feed channels are connected to the discharge channel, and the discharge channel is connected to one of the transmission channels.

[0026] In one possible implementation:

[0027] The printing module further includes a heat dissipation component, which is disposed on the module body. The heat dissipation component corresponds to at least one of the transmission channels and is used to dissipate heat from a portion of the module body where the transmission channel is located.

[0028] In one possible implementation:

[0029] The number of the module bodies is at least two, at least two of the module bodies are arranged along the first direction, at least two of the module bodies have a working position and a waiting position, and at least one of the module bodies is located at the waiting position at the same time.

[0030] The present application also provides a 3D printer, comprising the aforementioned printing module.

[0031] In one possible implementation:

[0032] The 3D printer also includes an X-axis driving component, the printing module is connected to the X-axis driving component, and can move along the first direction driven by the X-axis driving component; or, the number of the printing module is at least one, the number of the X-axis driving components is at least one, each of the X-axis driving components is respectively connected to one of the printing modules, and respectively drives the corresponding printing module to move along the first direction.

[0033] In one possible implementation:

[0034] The 3D printer further comprises a material box, the material box is used to output consumables to the transmission channel of the printing module, and the material box is provided with at least one of the consumables. The number of the material boxes is one or more, one of the material boxes is connected to one of the transmission channels; and / or one of the material boxes is connected to multiple transmission channels of one of the printing modules.

[0035] In one possible implementation:

[0036] The 3D printer further includes a buffer mechanism, which is disposed between the material box and the printing module and is configured to transfer consumables between the material box and the transmission channel, and the buffer mechanism is configured to provide resistance to the consumables against the consumables transmission. The number of the buffer mechanism is at least one, one of the buffer mechanisms corresponds to one of the transmission channels, and / or one of the buffer mechanisms corresponds to one of the printing modules.

[0037] In one possible implementation:

[0038] The number of the printing modules is at least one, and at least one of the printing modules has a waiting position and a working position, and the nozzle of the printing module located at the waiting position is higher than the nozzle of the printing module located at the working position. The 3D printer also includes a second switching component, which is configured to switch the position of at least one of the printing modules so that one of the printing modules is in the working position and the other printing modules are in the waiting position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Fig. 9 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Fig.11 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Fig.12 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Fig.13 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Fig.14 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] Fig.15 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Fig.16 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Fig.17 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Fig.18 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Fig.19 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation scheme of a printing module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Fig. 20 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Fig.21 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Fig. 22 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Fig.23 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0063] Fig.24 A schematic structural diagram of an implementation of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Description of main component symbols:

[0065]

[0066]

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0069] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may also be a centered element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may also be a centered element. When an element is considered to be "set on" another element, it may be directly set on the other element or there may also be a centered element. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0070] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present application. The terms used herein in the specification of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The term "or / and" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0071] Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features of the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0072] For ease of understanding, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are introduced in the embodiments of the present application for description. The first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are three non-parallel directions in the spatial coordinate system; in the subsequent embodiments, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are taken as three mutually perpendicular reference directions in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for description. The directions shown in the embodiments of the present application are used to help understand the relative positional relationship of each component, but do not limit their specific directions. Among them, the first direction X and the second direction Y are two perpendicular directions in the horizontal plane, and the third direction Z is the vertical direction.

[0073] See also Figure 1 This embodiment provides a 3D printer 400, including a frame 401, a printing module 100, a material box 200, a buffer mechanism 300, an X-axis driving assembly 402, a Y-axis driving assembly 403, a Z-axis driving assembly 404, a molding platform 405 and a base 406.

[0074] In this embodiment, see Figure 1, the frame 401 includes a crossbeam 4012 and two columns 4011. The two columns 4011 are spaced apart along a first direction X. The crossbeam 4012 is connected to the tops of the two columns 4011, and the crossbeam 4012 extends along the first direction X. At least one column 4011 is provided with a Z-axis drive assembly 404. In some embodiments, the X-axis drive assembly 402 is connected between the two columns 4011 and is connected to the Z-axis drive assembly 404 to move along a third direction Z (such as rising or falling along the third direction Z) driven by the Z-axis drive assembly 404. The printing module 100 is connected to the X-axis drive assembly 402 and can move along the first direction X driven by the X-axis drive assembly 402. The base 406 is disposed between the two columns 4011. The Y-axis drive assembly 403 is disposed on the base 406. The molding platform 405 is connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403 and can move along the second direction Y driven by the Y-axis drive assembly 403. The molding platform 405 is used to carry and mold the consumables extruded by the printing module 100. In other embodiments, the X-axis driving assembly 402 is connected between the two columns 4011, the Y-axis driving assembly 403 is connected to the X-axis driving assembly 402, and the printing module 100 is connected to the Y-axis driving assembly 403, so that the X-axis driving assembly 402 and the Y-axis driving assembly 403 can jointly drive the printing module 100 to move along the first direction X and the second direction Y, the base 406 is disposed between the two columns 4011, the Z-axis driving assembly 404 is disposed on the base 406, the molding platform 405 is connected to the Z-axis driving assembly 404, and can move toward or away from the printing module 100 along the third direction Z driven by the Z-axis driving assembly 404, when the molding platform 405 moves toward the printing module 100, it is in an ascending state, and when the molding platform 405 moves away from the printing module 100, it is in a descending state. In other embodiments, the Y-axis drive assembly 403 may be connected to the column 4011, the X-axis drive assembly 402 may be connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403, and the printing module 100 may be connected to the X-axis drive assembly 402, so that the printing module 100 moves along the first direction X and the second direction Y; or, the X-axis drive assembly 402 and the Y-axis drive assembly 403 may be replaced with a bidirectional drive structure in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other embodiments, the Y-axis drive assembly 403 may also be connected to the Z-axis drive assembly 404, and the X-axis drive assembly 402 may be connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403, so that the printing module 100 moves along the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z relative to the molding platform 405.

[0075] In other embodiments, the frame 401 can be constructed in other forms, and the 3D printer 400 can be constructed as a complete 3D printer, a single cantilever 3D printer, an infinite Z-axis 3D printer, a delta 3D printer, etc. Therefore, there are many types of drive structures for realizing relative movement between the printing module 100 and the molding platform 405, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0076] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the material box 200 is used to output the consumables to the transmission channel Q1 of the printing module 100, and the material box 200 is provided with at least one consumable. Alternatively, the number of the material boxes 200 is one or more, and one of the material boxes 200 is connected to a transmission channel Q1; and / or, one of the material boxes 200 is connected to multiple transmission channels Q1 of a printing module 100. In this way, the material box 200 can transmit at least one consumable to the printing module 100, and realize the printing of multiple consumables of the printing module 100. In some embodiments, the material box 200 includes a consumable rack 201 and a feeding assembly 202. The number of the consumable racks 201 is one, two or more. The consumable rack 201 is used to wind the consumables. At least two of the multiple consumable racks 201 in the same material box 200 carry different consumables (such as color, performance, etc.), or the consumable racks 201 in the same material box 200 all carry the same consumables. The number of the feeding components 202 is the same as the number of the consumable racks 201. Each consumable rack 201 corresponds to a feeding component 202, and the feeding component 202 is used to guide the consumables of the consumable rack 201 to be transported to the printing module 100. The feeding component 202 can be configured as two feeding wheels rotating in opposite directions. The two feeding wheels rotate in opposite directions to provide a conveying force for the consumables between the two feeding wheels.

[0077] In other embodiments, the number of feeding components 202 and the number of consumable racks 201 may also be different. For example, the number of feeding components 202 may be set to be single, and when material replacement is required, the consumables on the consumable rack 201 that needs to be switched can be transferred to the feeding component 202.

[0078] Please continue to see Figure 4 The printing module 100 includes a module body 10 and at least one nozzle 20. The module body 10 defines at least one transmission channel Q1, and the transmission channel Q1 is used to transmit consumables. At least one nozzle 20 is configured to be connected to one of the at least one transmission channel Q1, and the nozzle 20 is used to extrude the consumables in the transmission channel Q1 corresponding to the transmission channel Q1.

[0079] Among them, the transmission channel Q1 can be constructed to correspond to a material box 200. According to actual printing requirements, the material box 200 can deliver one of the one, two or more consumables stored therein to the transmission channel Q1, and when it is necessary to switch the consumables for printing, the current consumable can be recovered through the feeding component 202, and then another consumable can be delivered to the current transmission channel Q1 through the feeding component 202. When there are multiple material boxes 200 and transmission channels Q1, it is also possible to directly switch to other transmission channels Q1 for printing to achieve consumable switching. Therefore, through the printing module 100 of this embodiment, the switching of consumables can be quickly realized, and the printing operations of different consumables can be completed, thereby improving the scope of printing application and user experience.

[0080] Please continue to see Figure 1 and Figure 5 The buffer mechanism 300 is disposed between the material box 200 and the frame 401, and is configured to transfer consumables between the material box 200 and the transmission channel Q1. The buffer mechanism 300 is configured to provide resistance to the consumables against the consumables transmission. The buffer mechanism 300 includes a feeding part 301, a buffer part 303 and a discharging part 302. The feeding part 301 is connected to the material box 200 through a first feeding pipe 304 (see FIG. Figure 1 The discharge portion 302 is connected to the printing module 100 via a second feed pipe 305 (see Figure 1 ). The first feeding tube 304 and the second feeding tube 305 can be constructed as Teflon tubes, or tube structures of other materials. The buffer part 303 is connected between the feeding part 301 and the discharging part 302. When the printing module 100 stops feeding or the material box 200 stops feeding, resulting in uneven force on the consumables, the buffer part 303 drives the feeding part 301 and the discharging part 302 to generate relative displacement, so as to buffer the force on the consumables and improve the protection of the consumables. The buffer part 303 can be constructed as an elastic element such as a spring, a tension spring, and an elastic column. The feeding part 301 is provided with a first channel Q31, and the discharging part 302 is provided with a second channel Q32. The first channel Q31 and the second channel Q32 are both used for the consumables to pass through.

[0081] In other embodiments, the 3D printer 400 may also include a display (not shown), a material guide unit (not shown), and other possible functional units in the 3D printing process, and their specific structures, working principles, connection relationships, positional relationships, and matching relationships are not described in detail.

[0082] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The 3D printer 400 further includes a mounting bracket 81. The mounting bracket 81 is connected to the X-axis driving assembly 402. The printing module 100 is connected to the mounting bracket 81. The printing module 100 further includes a material cutting assembly 50 and a heat dissipation assembly 62.

[0083] Please continue to see Figure 4 The module body 10 includes a hot melt assembly 30 and an extrusion assembly 70. The hot melt assembly 30 includes a first portion 31, a transition portion 32, and a second portion 33. The first portion 31 is connected to the mounting bracket 81, and the second portion 33 is connected to the first portion 31 via the transition portion 32. Among them, the first portion 31 can correspond to the main heat dissipation area of ​​the hot melt assembly 30 (for example, the first portion 31 can be configured as a radiator, and the radiator is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins), the second portion 33 can correspond to the main heating area of ​​the hot melt assembly 30 (for example, the second portion 33 can be configured as a heater or a heating block), and the transition portion 32 can correspond to the throat area of ​​the hot melt assembly 30 (for example, the transition portion 32 can be configured as a throat, and the throat is connected between the radiator and the heater). The first portion 31, the transition portion 32, and the second portion 33 jointly define a hot melt channel Q11, and the hot melt channel Q11 is formed as a part of the transmission channel Q1, so that the consumables located in the hot melt channel Q11 are heated and melted. The nozzle 20 is connected to the second portion 33 to output the melted consumable material to the printing platform, thereby achieving extrusion molding and completing printing.

[0084] Please continue to see Figure 4 , along the conveying direction of the consumables in the transmission channel Q1 (when the 3D printer 400 is working, the conveying direction is generally the third direction Z), the extrusion assembly 70 is located upstream of the hot melt assembly 30. The extrusion assembly 70 includes an active extruder 71 and a driven extruder 72. The active extruder 71 and the driven extruder 72 cooperate to define the extrusion channel Q12, and the active extruder 71 and the driven extruder 72 move toward each other to apply a force to the consumables in the extrusion channel Q12 to move close to the hot melt channel Q11, thereby advancing the consumables, wherein the extrusion channel Q12 is connected to the hot melt channel Q11 and constitutes the transmission channel Q1. When the consumables need to be replaced and the material is withdrawn, the active extruder 71 and the driven extruder 72 are controlled to switch to rotate in opposite directions, so as to apply a force to the consumables in the extrusion channel Q12 to move away from the hot melt channel Q11, thereby realizing the withdrawal of the consumables.

[0085] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The active extrusion member 71 is an active extrusion wheel, and the driven extrusion member 72 is a driven extrusion wheel. The extrusion assembly 70 further includes an extrusion drive member (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the active extrusion wheel and is configured to drive the active extrusion wheel to rotate. The active extrusion wheel and the driven extrusion wheel are meshed through a transmission gear, thereby realizing the opposite movement between the active extrusion wheel and the driven extrusion wheel.

[0086] See also Figure 4The material cutting component 50 is disposed in the module body 10, and the material cutting component 50 is configured to generate relative movement with the module body 10 and enter at least one transmission channel Q1 to cut the consumables located in the transmission channel Q1. In this way, when it is necessary to switch different consumables to complete printing, the user can switch the consumables by cutting the consumables through the material cutting component 50, and then transferring another consumable in the material box 200 to the transmission channel Q1. In some embodiments, the material cutting component 50 is disposed on the mounting bracket 81 to improve the installation convenience of the material cutting component 50.

[0087] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 , along the conveying direction of the consumables in the transmission channel Q1, the material cutting component 50 is arranged between the extrusion component 70 and the hot melt component 30. In this way, it is convenient for the extrusion component 70 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the current consumables leave the extrusion channel Q12 of the extrusion component 70, and the material box 200 then drives the new consumables into the extrusion channel Q12 of the extrusion component 70. In this way, it is possible to ensure the replacement efficiency of the consumables and reduce the waste of consumables. In other embodiments, the position of the material cutting component 50 can also be set on the side of the extrusion component 70 away from the hot melt component 30, or at the outlet of the material box 200.

[0088] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 , the material cutting assembly 50 includes a material cutting drive 51, a mounting seat 52 and a blade 53. The blade 53 is connected to the mounting seat 52. The material cutting drive 51 is configured to drive the mounting seat 52 to move relative to the mounting bracket 81 so that the blade 53 enters the transmission channel Q1 and cuts the consumables. The material cutting drive 51 can be fixedly connected to the mounting seat 52, so that the material cutting drive 51 can drive the mounting seat 52 to move in a straight line (for example, move along the first direction X), and drive the blade 53 to move in a straight line into the transmission channel Q1. The material cutting drive 51 can be hingedly connected to the mounting seat 52, so that the material cutting drive 51 can drive the mounting seat 52 to rotate, and the blade 53 is screwed into the transmission channel Q1.

[0089] In some embodiments, the material cutting component 50 is configured to move relative to the module body 10 when triggered, and enter the transmission channel Q1 to cut the consumables located in the transmission channel Q1. And / or, the module body 10 is configured to move relative to the material cutting component 50 when triggered, so that the material cutting component 50 enters the transmission channel Q1 and cuts the consumables located in the transmission channel Q1. For example, the material cutting drive 51 is a motor and is mounted on the mounting bracket 81 or the frame 401. The material cutting drive 51 is fixedly connected to the mounting seat 52 to drive the mounting seat 52 to move. The mounting seat 52 can be fixedly connected to the column 4011 of the mounting bracket 81 or the frame 401. For another example, in Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the material cutting drive member 51 of the material cutting assembly 50 is fixed to the mounting bracket 81. The material cutting drive member 51 can drive the module body 10 to move linearly or rotationally and approach the blade 53 of the mounting seat 52 until the blade 53 enters the transmission channel Q1 to cut off the consumables.

[0090] In other embodiments, the material-cutting drive member 51 can be triggered by other power to drive the mounting seat 52 to move. For example, the material-cutting drive member 51 can be configured to be hingedly connected to the mounting bracket 81 or the frame 401. When the printing module 100 approaches the frame 401 along the first direction X, the printing module 100 and the material-cutting drive member 51 produce relative motion, so that the material-cutting drive member 51 drives the mounting seat 52 to move, and then the blade 53 extends into the transmission channel Q1. In other embodiments, the material-cutting drive member 51 can also drive the mounting seat 52 to achieve a composite motion of linear movement and rotation, for example, a composite motion of movement and rotation in a plane formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y, or for example, a composite motion of movement and rotation in a plane formed by the first direction X and the third direction Z. The composite motion formed by movement and rotation can more finely regulate the motion trajectory of the material-cutting drive member 51 in space, thereby avoiding interference from other components, and helping to arrange the material-cutting assembly 50 in a narrow space, making the overall structure more compact.

[0091] Therefore, there are many structures for realizing the relative movement between the cutting component 50 and the module body 10, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0092] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 , the number of transmission channels Q1 is multiple, and multiple transmission channels Q1 are arranged at intervals in the module body 10. Two cutting components 50 are provided, and the two cutting components 50 are located on opposite sides of the module body 10 along the first direction X, wherein one cutting component 50 is configured to cut off the consumables in the multiple transmission channels Q1 on one side of the module body 10 along the first direction X, and the other cutting component 50 is configured to cut off the consumables in the multiple transmission channels Q1 on the other side of the module body 10 along the first direction X. For example, Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the material cutting assembly 50 is disposed along the first direction X on one side of two module bodies 10 distributed along the first direction X. In this way, the blade 53 of the material cutting assembly 50 can at least simultaneously extend into the transmission channels Q1 of two adjacent module bodies 10 in the second direction Y, so that the material cutting assembly 50 can simultaneously realize the consumables cutting in the two transmission channels Q1, thereby improving the consumables cutting efficiency and consumables replacement efficiency, and improving the printing efficiency.

[0093] In some embodiments, see Figure 8The printing module 100 includes at least one module body 10 and at least one material cutting component 50. The number of the material cutting components 50 is the same as the number of the module bodies 10. Each material cutting component 50 is configured to enter the transmission channel Q1 of a module body 10, so as to achieve independent cutting of the consumables in each transmission channel Q1, so as to improve the control accuracy.

[0094] In other embodiments, the printing module 100 may also include different numbers of module bodies 10 and material cutting components 50. Some of the material cutting components 50 correspond to at least two module bodies 10 at the same time, and are configured to cut off the consumables in at least two transmission channels Q1 at the same time. Another part of the material cutting components 50 corresponds to other module bodies 10 one by one, and is configured to cut off the consumables in a single transmission channel Q1.

[0095] In some embodiments, see Fig. 9 , the number of module bodies 10 is at least two, and at least two module bodies 10 are arranged along the first direction X (the mounting bracket 81 and the column 4011 are omitted in the figure). At least two module bodies 10 include a first module body 10a and a second module body 10b. The material cutting component 50 includes a first material cutting component 50a and a second material cutting component 50b. The first material cutting component 50a is connected to the side of the first module body 10a away from the second module body 10b along the first direction X, and is configured to extend into the transmission channel Q1 in the first module body 10a when triggered to cut the consumables. The second material cutting component 50b is connected to the side of the second module body 10b away from the first module body 10a along the first direction X, and is configured to extend into the transmission channel Q1 in the second module body 10b when triggered to cut the consumables.

[0096] The first material-cutting component 50a is configured to be triggered to approach and hit a column 4011 close to it under the drive of the printing module 100, so that the material-cutting driving member 51 rotates relative to the mounting bracket 81, and drives the mounting seat 52 and the blade 53 to enter the transmission channel Q1 in the first module body 10a, so as to cut off the consumables in the transmission channel Q1. The second material-cutting component 50b is configured to be triggered to approach and hit another column 4011 close to it under the drive of the printing module 100, so that the material-cutting driving member 51 rotates relative to the mounting bracket 81, and drives the mounting seat 52 and the blade 53 to enter the transmission channel Q1 in the second module body 10b, so as to cut off the consumables in the transmission channel Q1. In this way, when the printing module 100 is provided with multiple module bodies 10, the consumables in the transmission channel Q1 of multiple module bodies 10 can be cut off by two material-cutting components 50, thereby reducing the material-cutting cost.

[0097] In some embodiments, see Fig.10, the 3D printer 400 includes a first printing module 100a and a second printing module 100b. The first printing module 100a and the second printing module 100b are distributed along the first direction X and are both connected to the X-axis driving assembly 402. The printing module 100 includes a first material cutting assembly 50a and a second material cutting assembly 50b. The first material cutting assembly 50a is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 81 of the first printing module 100a through the material cutting driving member 51, and is located on the side of the first printing module 100a that is away from the second printing module 100b along the first direction X. The second material cutting assembly 50b is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 81 of the second printing module 100b through the material cutting driving member 51, and is located on the side of the second printing module 100b that is away from the first printing module 100a along the first direction X. In this way, driven by the X-axis driving assembly 402, the first printing module 100a can move along the first direction X toward the column 4011 on one side of the frame 401 until the material-cutting driving member 51 collides with the column 4011, thereby driving the mounting seat 52 and the cutter to enter the transmission channel Q1 of the first printing module 100a to cut the consumables therein. Alternatively, the second printing module 100b moves along the first direction X toward the column 4011 on the other side of the frame 401 until the material-cutting driving member 51 collides with the column 4011, thereby driving the mounting seat 52 and the cutter to enter the transmission channel Q1 of the second printing module 100b to cut the consumables therein. In this way, the consumables in the first printing module 100a and the consumables in the second printing module 100b can be cut off in a mutually independent manner. In addition, the first printing module 100a and the second printing module 100b make full use of the two columns 4011 of the frame 401 to complete the material cutting operation respectively. While the first printing module 100a is printing, the second printing module 100b can perform related actions such as material cutting and material replacement, thereby further improving the printing efficiency. In other embodiments, the number of printing modules 100 can be configured as multiple, and the multiple printing modules 100 are configured as two columns of printing module combinations, each column of printing module combinations includes multiple printing modules 100, and the two columns of printing module combinations are spaced along the first direction X. Each column of printing module combinations can achieve the material cutting action of multiple printing modules 100 in each printing module combination by approaching one of the columns 4011, so as to meet the material cutting needs of a large number of printing modules 100.

[0098] In other embodiments, there are multiple printing modules 100, and other printing modules 100 are arranged between the first printing module 100a and the second printing module 100b, and the consumables can be cut off and replaced by the material cutting component 50 of the motor through the material cutting driving part 51.

[0099] In some embodiments, please refer again to Figures 6 to 8, the heat dissipation component 62 is arranged in the module body 10, and the heat dissipation component 62 corresponds to at least one transmission channel Q1, and is used to dissipate heat in the part of the module body 10 where the transmission channel Q1 is located. In this way, it is possible to prevent the consumables from solidifying and clogging in some areas of the transmission channel Q1. Specifically, the heat dissipation component 62 is arranged on the mounting bracket 81, and the heat dissipation component 62 is configured to correspond to the first part 31 and the transition part 32, so as to cool the first part 31 and the transition part 32 in time, and reduce the risk of consumables in the first part 31 and the transition part 32 melting and clogging. The heat dissipation component 62 can be configured as a variety of heat dissipation structures such as a heat dissipation fan, heat dissipation fins, and a water-cooled heat dissipation structure.

[0100] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation component 62 is disposed adjacent to at least one hot melt component 30. Alternatively, the heat dissipation component 62 is disposed adjacent to a single hot melt component 30. For example, see Figure 7 On one side of the mounting bracket 81 in the second direction Y, one heat dissipation component 62 is adjacent to two hot melt components 30 in the first direction X, so as to dissipate heat for the two hot melt components 30 at the same time, reduce the weight of the printing module 100, and improve the movement accuracy of the printing module 100. On the other side of the mounting bracket 81 in the second direction Y, the other two heat dissipation components 62 are adjacent to the two hot melt components 30 in the first direction X. In other embodiments, the heat dissipation component 62 can also be adjacent to three or more hot melt components 30 at the same time.

[0101] In other embodiments, when the 3D printer 400 includes a plurality of printing modules 100 , each printing module 100 may be provided with a heat dissipation component 62 , and the heat dissipation component 62 cooperates with the module body 10 of the printing module 100 .

[0102] In some embodiments, see Fig.11 The module body 10 includes a plurality of hot melt components 30, each of which includes a nozzle 20, and each of which defines a hot melt channel Q11, which is a part of the transmission channel Q1. The hot melt components 30 each have a printing position and a standby position. Each nozzle 20 is connected to a hot melt component 30. The printing module 100 also includes a first switching component 40, which is configured to selectively arrange each hot melt component 30 in a printing position or a standby position, wherein the lower position along the third direction Z is the printing position, and the upper position along the third direction Z is the standby position, and the height of the nozzle 20 connected to the hot melt component 30 at the printing position is lower than the height of the nozzle 20 connected to the hot melt component 30 at the standby position. In addition, the extrusion component 70 connected to the hot melt component 30 at the printing position is configured to convey consumables into the hot melt component 30, and the extrusion component 70 connected to the hot melt component 30 at the standby position is configured to perform a material withdrawal action or remain stationary.

[0103] In this way, only one hot melt assembly 30 is located at the printing position at the same time, and the hot melt assembly 30 located at the standby position will not affect the extrusion action of the hot melt assembly 30 located at the printing position, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the printing process and improving the printing quality. At the same time, since each hot melt assembly 30 is connected to a consumable material, when the consumable material needs to be switched during the multi-color printing process, the position of the hot melt assembly 30 can be directly switched through the first switching assembly 40, and the consumable material can be replaced and printed, which has higher printing efficiency, and since there is no need to replace the consumable material, the problem of contamination of different consumable materials can be reduced, further improving the printing quality.

[0104] In some embodiments, see Fig.12 The first switching component 40 includes a switching drive member 41 and a transmission member 42. The switching drive member 41 is connected to the transmission member 42. The transmission member 42 is transmission-connected to at least one hot melt component 30 and is configured to drive at least one hot melt component 30 to switch between a printing position and a standby position under the drive of the switching drive member 41.

[0105] For example, the bottom surface of the transmission member 42 is provided with an abutment top portion 43, and the transmission member 42 can move under the drive of the switching drive member 41 and sequentially contact at least one hot melt component 30. The abutment top portion 43 can push the hot melt component 30 it contacts to move downward along the third direction Z, while the positions of the other hot melt components 30 in the third direction Z remain unchanged, so that the hot melt component 30 contacting the abutment top portion 43 enters the printing position, and the other hot melt components 30 remain in the standby position, so that the printing action of the hot melt component 30 in the printing position will not be interfered by the hot melt component 30 in the standby position, thereby ensuring the printing quality of the 3D printer 100.

[0106] In some embodiments, see Fig.12 The first switching component 40 includes a transmission member 42, which is configured to abut against each hot melt component 30. The transmission member 42 is configured to drive at least one hot melt component 30 to switch between the printing position and the standby position when triggered. There are many ways to trigger the transmission member 42. For example, the printing module 100 can be driven by the X-axis component to approach the frame 401, and relative movement is generated between the transmission member 42 and the frame 401. While the transmission member 42 moves, it can drive at least one hot melt component 30 to move, so that the hot melt component 30 currently located at the printing position is switched to the standby position, and the other hot melt component 30 located at the standby position is switched to the printing position, thereby realizing the switching of the hot melt components 30. In this way, the position switching of the hot melt component 30 can be realized by mechanical collision, without the need to set up additional drive structures such as motors, thereby reducing the weight of the printing module 100 and improving the movement accuracy and printing quality of the printing module 100.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first switching assembly 40 may be connected to the mounting bracket 81. In other embodiments, the first switching assembly 40 may also be mounted on the rack 401.

[0108] In some embodiments, see Fig.13 , the number of nozzles 20 is one. The module body 10 defines a plurality of hot melt channels Q11. The module body 10 and the nozzle 20 can generate relative movement, and one of the hot melt channels Q11 is connected to the nozzle 20, and the other hot melt channels Q11 are separated from the nozzle 20. In this way, through the relative movement of the nozzle 20 and the module body 10, different hot melt channels Q11 can be connected to the nozzle 20, so that the nozzle 20 can extrude the consumables in different hot melt channels Q11, and realize the extrusion of multiple consumables of the printing module 100.

[0109] In some embodiments, see Fig.13 , the printing module 100 is provided with a hot melt assembly 30. The hot melt assembly 30 is provided with a plurality of hot melt channels Q11. A consumable material can be input into each of the plurality of hot melt channels Q11. The plurality of hot melt channels Q11 can be connected to a second feeding tube 305 through an extrusion channel Q12 respectively. The plurality of hot melt channels Q11 are spaced apart from each other (for example, the plurality of hot melt channels Q11 can be distributed around a center of a circle). The printing module 100 further includes a nozzle mounting member 34. The nozzle mounting member 34 is located on one side of the outlet of the hot melt assembly 30 along the hot melt channel Q11. The nozzle 20 is connected to the nozzle mounting member 34. The number of the nozzles 20 is one. The nozzle mounting member 34 can be connected to the mounting bracket 81 of the printing module 100 through a rotating shaft (for example, the axis of the rotating shaft coincides with the aforementioned center of the circle). When the nozzle mounting member 34 rotates until the nozzle 20 is connected to one of the hot melt channels Q11, the consumable material in the hot melt channel Q11 can be extruded from the nozzle 20 after melting for printing. When it is necessary to replace consumables, the nozzle 20 is connected to another hot melt channel Q11 by controlling the rotation of the nozzle mounting member 34, and the consumables in the other channel can be squeezed out, thereby completing the switching of consumables. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of nozzles 20 and the number of transmission channels Q1 do not need to be strictly one-to-one corresponding.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, please continue to see Fig.13, the extrusion assembly 70 may include an active extruder 71 and a plurality of driven extruders 72. The plurality of driven extruders 72 may be driven to move relative to the active extruder 71, and each hot melt channel Q11 corresponds to a driven extruder 72. When one of the hot melt channels Q11 is connected to the nozzle 20, the driven extruder 72 corresponding to the hot melt channel Q11 is close to the active extruder 71 and defines the extrusion channel Q12, and the other driven extruders 72 are away from the active extruder 71, thereby enabling the active extruder 71 and the driven extruder 72 to transport the consumables to the selected hot melt channel Q11. In other embodiments, the printing module 100 may also be provided with a plurality of extrusion assemblies 70, and the number of the plurality of extrusion assemblies 70 is the same as the number of the hot melt channels Q11.

[0111] In some embodiments, see Fig.14 , the number of printing modules 100 is at least one, and at least one printing module 100 has a waiting position and a working position, wherein the lower position along the third direction Z is the working position, and the upper position along the third direction Z is the waiting position, and the nozzle 20 of the printing module 100 located at the waiting position is higher than the nozzle 20 of the printing module 100 located at the working position. The 3D printer 400 also includes a second switching component 407, and the second switching component 407 is configured to switch the position of at least one printing module 100 so that one of the printing modules 100 is in the working position and the other printing modules 100 are in the waiting position.

[0112] In some embodiments, see Fig.15 The module body 10 includes at least one extrusion assembly 70 and at least one hot melt assembly 30. The number of the extrusion assemblies 70 is the same as the number of the hot melt assemblies 30, and each hot melt assembly 30 is arranged corresponding to one extrusion assembly 70. In this way, it is convenient to transport each consumable independently in different transmission channels Q1, thereby improving the transport reliability of the consumables.

[0113] At the same time, the number of module bodies 10 is at least two, and at least two module bodies 10 have a working position and a waiting position, and at least one module body 10 is located in the waiting position at the same time. Among them, the lower position along the third direction Z is the working position, and the upper position along the third direction Z is the waiting position, and the height of the nozzle 20 connected to the module body 10 located at the working position is lower than the height of the nozzle 20 connected to the module body 10 located at the waiting position. The first switching component 40 can switch the position of each module body 10, and make one of the module bodies 10 located in the working position, and the other module bodies 10 are located in the waiting position. Therefore, at the same time, only a single hot melt component 30 extrude consumables through the nozzle 20 connected to it, and the other hot melt components 30 are spaced apart from it in the third direction Z. The structure of the second switching component 407 is not repeated here.

[0114] In some embodiments, please refer again to Fig.11 , there are multiple driven extrusion pieces 72, there are multiple hot melt components 30, multiple hot melt components 30 have a standby position and a printing position, the number of driven extrusion pieces 72 is the same as that of hot melt components 30, each driven extrusion piece 72 is connected to a hot melt component 30, the driven extrusion piece 72 connected to the hot melt component 30 at the printing position is configured to be close to the active extrusion piece 71 and form a hot melt channel Q11 to extrude the channel Q12, and the driven extrusion piece 72 connected to the hot melt component 30 at the standby position is away from the active extrusion piece 71. In this way, when the position of the hot melt component 30 is switched, the driven extrusion piece 72 can be switched synchronously, so that the position switching of the hot melt component 30 and the driven extrusion piece 72 can be realized simultaneously through a single first switching component 40.

[0115] In some embodiments, see Fig.11 , the extrusion assembly 70 includes an extrusion bracket 75, a fixed bracket 73 and a plurality of movable brackets 74. The extrusion bracket 75 is connected to the mounting bracket 81. The fixed bracket 73 is disposed on the extrusion bracket 75. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 81, the fixed bracket 73 and the extrusion bracket 75 can be constructed as an integrally formed structure to improve the structural stability of the printing module 100. The active extruder 71 is rotatably disposed on the fixed bracket 73. The number of movable brackets 74, the number of driven extruders 72 and the number of hot melt assemblies 30 are the same. Each driven extruder 72 is rotatably connected to a movable bracket 74. Each movable bracket 74 is connected to each hot melt assembly 30. In this way, when the hot melt assembly 30 is switched to the standby position driven by the first switching assembly 40, the movable bracket 74 connected to the hot melt assembly 30 also moves synchronously, and the driven extruder 72 on the movable bracket 74 is moved away from the active extruder 71. For example, Fig.11 An extrusion channel Q12 is formed between the driven extrusion piece 72 on the left side and the active extrusion piece 71. Fig.11 The driven extrusion component 72 on the middle right side is staggered with the active extrusion component 71 along the third direction Z.

[0116] In some embodiments, see Fig.16, the number of extrusion components 70 is one, at least one hot melt component 30 has a standby position and a printing position, the hot melt channel Q11 of the hot melt component 30 at the printing position is connected to the extrusion channel Q12, and the hot melt channel Q11 of the hot melt component 30 at the standby position is staggered with the extrusion channel Q12. In this way, only a single extrusion component 70 is required to meet the different consumable material delivery requirements of multiple hot melt components 30, thereby reducing the overall weight of the printing module 100 and improving the movement accuracy of the printing module 100, which can not only meet the printing requirements of multiple consumables, but also ensure the printing quality. At least one hot melt component 30 can also switch its position under the drive of the aforementioned first switching component 40, which will not be repeated here.

[0117] There are multiple ways to switch the position of at least one hot melt component 30. For example, at least one hot melt component 30 can move in a straight line relative to the extrusion component 70, and the hot melt component 30 corresponding to the extrusion component 70 along the third direction Z is switched to the printing position, and the hot melt channel Q11 of the hot melt component 30 is connected with the extrusion channel Q12 along the third direction Z, and the hot melt channel Q11 of the hot melt component 30 located at the standby position is staggered with the extrusion channel Q12 along the third direction Z. Alternatively, at least one hot melt component 30 can move in a circumferential direction and rotate to the hot melt component 30 corresponding to the extrusion component 70 along the third direction Z, and switch to the printing position, and the hot melt channel Q11 of the hot melt component 30 is connected with the extrusion channel Q12 along the third direction Z, and the hot melt channel Q11 of the hot melt component 30 located at the standby position is staggered with the extrusion channel Q12 along the third direction Z.

[0118] Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of hot melt components 30, the number of extrusion components 70, and the matching relationship between the hot melt components 30 and the extrusion components 70 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0119] In some embodiments, the 3D printer 400 includes at least one printing module 100, and each printing module 100 includes at least one extrusion assembly 70. The consumable extrusion action of each printing module 100 can be realized through one extrusion assembly 70.

[0120] In some embodiments, see Fig.17, the number of buffer mechanisms 300 is at least one, wherein one buffer mechanism 300 corresponds to one transmission channel Q1. And / or, one buffer mechanism 300 corresponds to one printing module 100. Each buffer mechanism 300 has only one feeding part 301, one buffer part 303 and one discharging part 302. The printing module 100 also includes a first feeding assembly 61. The first feeding assembly 61 is disposed on the mounting bracket 81 or the module body 10, and the first feeding assembly 61 defines the feeding channel Q2. The first feeding assembly 61 is disposed at the inlet of the transmission channel Q1 so that the feeding channel Q2 is connected to the transmission channel Q1. In this way, the first feeding assembly 61 can guide the consumables transported by the buffer mechanism 300 to the transmission channel Q1, thereby ensuring the transmission reliability of the consumables. Among them, Fig.17 In the illustrated embodiment, a module body 10 can be connected to multiple buffer mechanisms 300 and multiple material boxes 200 through multiple second feeding tubes 305, and a transmission channel Q1 (not shown in the figure) of a module body 10 only corresponds to one buffer mechanism 300 and one material box 200.

[0121] In some embodiments, the number of the first feed assemblies 61 is the same as the number of the transmission channels Q1. Each first feed assembly 61 is disposed at the inlet of a transmission channel Q1. For example, the printing module 100 includes a plurality of first feed assemblies 61 and a plurality of module bodies 10, and each first feed assembly 61 is disposed on a module body 10.

[0122] In some embodiments, with reference to Fig.18 and Fig.19 , the number of the first feed assembly 61 is multiple, each first feed assembly 61 defines a feed channel Q2 respectively, each feed channel Q2 is connected to a transmission channel Q1 respectively, each feed channel Q2 is used to transmit consumables, and conveys the consumables to the corresponding transmission channel Q1. Thereby, the separate conveying of each consumable is achieved, the possibility of the consumables affecting each other and contaminating is reduced, and the printing quality is improved. In other embodiments, the first feed assembly 61 defines a feed channel Q2, and the feed channel Q2 includes a discharge channel Q21 and a plurality of feed channels Q22, and the plurality of feed channels Q22 are respectively used to convey consumables, and the plurality of feed channels Q22 are connected to the discharge channel Q21, and the discharge channel Q21 is connected to one of the transmission channels Q1. In this way, when conveying multiple consumables, the weight of the printing module 100 can be further reduced, the movement accuracy of the printing module 100 can be improved, and the printing quality can be improved.

[0123] In some embodiments, see Fig.17, the number of the first feed components 61 is the same as the number of the buffer mechanisms 300. The discharge portion 302 of each buffer mechanism 300 is connected to a first feed component 61 through a second feed pipe 305. The feed channel Q2 of the first feed component 61 has a feed port K1 and a discharge port K2. The feed port K1 is connected to the second feed pipe 305. The discharge port K2 is connected to the transmission channel Q1. In this way, reliable guidance of each consumable is achieved.

[0124] Please see again Fig.19 In some embodiments, the number of buffer mechanisms 300 is one. A plurality of feed parts 301 and a plurality of discharge parts 302 are provided in the buffer mechanism 300. In this way, the buffer mechanism 300 can simultaneously play a buffering role in the transmission of a plurality of consumables. The number of first feed components 61 is one. The feeding channel Q2 of the first feed component 61 includes a discharge channel Q21 and a plurality of feed channels Q22. The plurality of feed channels Q22 are respectively used to transmit consumables. The plurality of feed channels Q22 define a plurality of feed ports K1. The discharge channel Q21 defines the discharge port K2. The feed port K1 and the plurality of feed channels Q22 are all connected to the discharge channel Q21, and the discharge channel Q21 is connected to a transmission channel Q1. The number of feed parts 301, the number of discharge parts 302, the number of feed channels Q22 and the number of second feeding pipes 305 are the same. Each discharge portion 302 is connected to a feed channel Q22 through a second feed pipe 305 to deliver different consumables to the first feed assembly 61. When it is necessary to switch consumables, the consumables switched to other second feed pipes 305 are delivered to the feed channel Q22, and then delivered to the transmission channel Q1 through the discharge channel Q21. In this way, multiple buffer mechanisms 300 can provide reliable buffering for multiple consumables.

[0125] The transmission channel Q1 connected to the discharge channel Q21 may be a transmission channel Q1 composed of a fixed hot melt channel Q11 and an extrusion channel Q12, or may be a transmission channel Q1 composed of a fixed hot melt channel Q11 and one of a plurality of extrusion channels Q12. Therefore, there may be a variety of matching structures of the buffer mechanism 300, the first feed assembly 61 and the module body 10, all of which can realize the conveyance of a variety of different consumables, and this embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0126] In other embodiments, the first feed assembly 61 may further be provided with two discharge channels Q21. The two discharge channels Q21 are respectively connected to at least one feed channel Q22.

[0127] In some embodiments, see Figure 20 to Figure 22, the 3D printer 400 includes a first printing module 100a and a second printing module 100b. The first printing module 100a cooperates with a first feed assembly 61, and the feed channel Q2 of the first feed assembly 61 includes a discharge channel Q21 and a feed channel Q22; the second printing module 100b cooperates with another first feed assembly 61, and the feed channel Q2 of the first feed assembly 61 includes a discharge channel Q21 and a feed channel Q22. Alternatively, the feed channel Q2 of the first feed assembly 61 that cooperates with the first printing module 100a includes a discharge channel Q21 and a feed channel Q22; the feed channel Q2 of the second feed assembly 64 that cooperates with the second printing module 100b includes a discharge channel Q21 and multiple feed channels Q22. Alternatively, the feeding channel Q2 of the first feeding assembly 61 matched with the first printing module 100a includes one discharge channel Q21 and multiple feeding channels Q22; the feeding channel Q2 of the second feeding assembly 64 matched with the second printing module 100b includes one discharge channel Q21 and multiple feeding channels Q22. In this way, different printing modules 100 can be respectively adapted to different types of first feeding assemblies 61, different types of buffer mechanisms 300 and different material boxes 200, thereby improving the scalability of the entire 3D printer 100.

[0128] The number of printing modules 100 and the type of the first feeding assembly 61 can be determined according to actual needs.

[0129] In other embodiments, please continue to refer to Fig.23 , the 3D printer 400 may not be provided with the first feed assembly 61 at the module body 10. The 3D printer 400 also includes a second feed assembly 64. The second feed assembly 64 is provided between the buffer mechanism 300 and the material box 200. At the same time, the buffer mechanism 300 includes a feed portion 301 and a buffer portion 303. The buffer mechanism 300 is connected to a transmission channel Q1 of the module body 10 through a second feed pipe 305. The second feed assembly 64 can be connected to the material box 200 through one or more first feed pipes 304. The structure and quantity of the second feed assembly 64 can be set with reference to the structure of the first feed assembly 202, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] In some embodiments, the number of printing modules 100 is at least one, the number of X-axis driving components 402 is at least one, and each X-axis driving component 402 is respectively connected to a printing module 100 and drives the corresponding printing module 100 to move along the first direction X.

[0131] During the actual printing process, when the current printing module 100 is working, the other printing module 100 is driven by another X-axis driving assembly 402 to stay close to one of the pillars 4011 to avoid interfering with the printing operation of the current printing module 100, thereby ensuring the printing quality.

[0132] In some embodiments, see Fig.24 , the X-axis drive assembly 402 may be configured as a synchronous belt structure driven by a motor, for example, Fig.24 In the 3D printer 400 shown, the 3D printer 400 includes a first synchronous belt structure 402a, a second synchronous belt structure 402b, a first printing module 100a, and a second printing module 100b. The first synchronous belt structure 402a and the second synchronous belt structure 402b are spaced apart along the second direction Y. The first printing module 100a is connected to the first synchronous belt structure 402a, and the second printing module 100b is connected to the second synchronous belt structure 402b. Fig.24 In the state shown, the first printing module 100a is in working state, and the second printing module 100b is kept in a standby state at the side driven by the second synchronous belt structure 402b. It can be understood that in other embodiments, when the second printing module 100b is in working state, the first printing module 100a is kept in a standby state at the side driven by the first synchronous belt structure 402a. In this way, at the same time, the first printing module 100a and the second printing module 100b will not work at the same time, which can avoid the problem of mutual interference during the printing process and greatly reduce the control difficulty. In addition, the same X-axis drive assembly 402 only needs to drive one printing module 100 to move, reducing the load of the X-axis drive assembly 402, improving the movement accuracy and control accuracy of the printing module 100, and thus improving the printing quality.

[0133] The above implementation modes are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred implementation modes, a person skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present application may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A printing module, characterized in that: include: A module body, wherein the module body defines at least one transmission channel, and the transmission channel is used to transmit consumables; At least one nozzle is configured to be connected to at least one of the transmission channels, and the nozzle is used to extrude the consumable material in the transmission channel correspondingly connected thereto.

2. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module body includes a plurality of hot melt components, the number of the nozzles is multiple, each of the hot melt components defines a hot melt channel, the hot melt channel is a part of the transmission channel, the hot melt components have a printing position and a standby position, and each of the nozzles is connected to one of the hot melt components; The printing module also includes a first switching component, which is configured to selectively arrange each of the hot melt components in the printing position or the standby position, wherein the height of the nozzle connected to the hot melt component located at the printing position is lower than the height of the nozzle connected to the hot melt component located at the standby position.

3. The printing module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first switching component includes a switching driving member and a transmission member, wherein the switching driving member is connected to the transmission member, and the transmission member is transmission-connected to at least one of the hot melt components and is configured to drive at least one of the hot melt components to switch between the printing position and the standby position under the drive of the switching driving member; and / or, The first switching component includes a transmission member, which is configured to abut against each of the hot melt components. The transmission member is configured to drive at least one of the hot melt components to switch between the printing position and the standby position when triggered.

4. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the nozzle is one; The module body defines a plurality of hot melt channels, and relative movement can be generated between the module body and the nozzle, so that one of the hot melt channels is connected to the nozzle, and the other hot melt channels are spaced from the nozzle.

5. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing module also includes a material cutting component, which is arranged on the module body. The material cutting component is configured to generate relative movement with the module body and enter at least one of the transmission channels to shear the consumables located in the transmission channel.

6. The printing module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of the transmission channels is multiple, and the multiple transmission channels are arranged at intervals on the module body; There are two material cutting components, and the two material cutting components are located on two opposite sides of the module body along the first direction. One of the material cutting components is configured to cut off the consumables in the multiple transmission channels on one side of the module body along the first direction, and the other material cutting component is configured to cut off the consumables in the multiple transmission channels on the other side of the module body along the first direction.

7. The printing module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The material cutting component is configured to move relative to the module body when triggered and enter the transmission channel to shear the consumables located in the transmission channel; and / or, The module body is configured to move relative to the material cutting component when triggered, so that the material cutting component enters the transmission channel and shears the consumables located in the transmission channel.

8. The printing module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of the module bodies is at least two, the at least two module bodies are arranged along a first direction, the at least two module bodies include a first module body and a second module body, and the material cutting assembly includes a first material cutting assembly and a second material cutting assembly; The first material cutting component is connected to a side of the first module body away from the second module body along the first direction, and is configured to extend into the transmission channel in the first module body when triggered to cut the consumable material; The second material cutting component is connected to a side of the second module body away from the first module body along the first direction, and is configured to extend into the transmission channel in the second module body when triggered to cut the consumable material.

9. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module body also includes: at least one extrusion assembly, the extrusion assembly comprising an active extrusion member and a driven extrusion member, wherein the active extrusion member and the driven extrusion member define an extrusion channel therebetween; At least one hot melt component is connected to the nozzle, the hot melt component defines a hot melt channel, and the extrusion channel and the hot melt channel are connected to form the transmission channel.

10. The printing module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The number of the extrusion components is the same as the number of the hot melt components, and each hot melt component is arranged corresponding to one extrusion component; and / or, The number of the driven extrusion pieces is multiple, the number of the hot melt assemblies is multiple, the multiple hot melt assemblies all have a standby position and a printing position, the number of the driven extrusion pieces is the same as the number of the hot melt assemblies, each of the driven extrusion pieces is connected to one of the hot melt assemblies, the driven extrusion piece connected to the hot melt assembly at the printing position is configured to be close to the active extrusion piece and form an extrusion channel, and the driven extrusion piece connected to the hot melt assembly at the standby position is away from the active extrusion piece; and / or, The number of the extrusion components is one, and at least one of the hot melt components has a standby position and a printing position. The hot melt channel of the hot melt component located at the printing position is connected to the extrusion channel, and the hot melt channel of the hot melt component located at the standby position is staggered with the extrusion channel.

11. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing module further includes a first feeding assembly, which is disposed at the inlet of the transmission channel; There are multiple first feeding assemblies, each of which defines a feeding channel, each of which is connected to a transmission channel, and each of which is used to transmit consumables and transport consumables to the corresponding transmission channel; or, The first feed component defines a feed channel, which includes a discharge channel and multiple feed channels. The multiple feed channels are respectively used to transport consumables. The multiple feed channels are all connected to the discharge channel, and the discharge channel is connected to one of the transmission channels.

12. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing module further includes a heat dissipation component, which is disposed on the module body. The heat dissipation component corresponds to at least one of the transmission channels and is used to dissipate heat from the portion of the module body where the transmission channel is located.

13. The printing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the module bodies is at least two, at least two of the module bodies are arranged along the first direction, at least two of the module bodies have a working position and a waiting position, and at least one of the module bodies is located at the waiting position at the same time.

14. A 3D printer, characterized in that: Comprising a printing module as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The 3D printer according to claim 14, characterized in that: The 3D printer further comprises an X-axis driving assembly, the printing module is connected to the X-axis driving assembly and can move along a first direction driven by the X-axis driving assembly; or, The number of the printing modules is at least one, the number of the X-axis driving components is at least one, and each of the X-axis driving components is respectively connected to one of the printing modules and respectively drives the corresponding printing module to move along the first direction.

16. The 3D printer according to claim 14, characterized in that: The 3D printer further comprises a material box, which is used to output consumables to the transmission channel of the printing module, and the material box is provided with at least one consumable; The number of the material boxes is one or more, wherein one of the material boxes is connected to one of the transmission channels; and / or, one of the material boxes is connected to multiple transmission channels of one of the printing modules.

17. The 3D printer according to claim 16, characterized in that: The 3D printer further includes a buffer mechanism, which is disposed between the material box and the printing module and is configured to transfer consumables between the material box and the transfer channel, and the buffer mechanism is configured to provide resistance to the consumables against the transfer of the consumables; The number of the buffer mechanism is at least one, wherein one of the buffer mechanisms corresponds to one of the transmission channels, and / or one of the buffer mechanisms corresponds to one of the printing modules.

18. The 3D printer according to claim 14, characterized in that: The number of the printing module is at least one, and at least one of the printing modules has a waiting position and a working position, and the nozzle of the printing module located at the waiting position is higher than the nozzle of the printing module located at the working position; The 3D printer further includes a second switching component, which is configured to switch the position of at least one of the printing modules so that one of the printing modules is in a working position and the other printing modules are in the waiting position.

Citation Information

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