A method for controlling zoned heating of a nozzle, related devices, and a 3D printing head.

Abstract

This invention provides a nozzle partition heating control method, related device, and 3D printing head, applied to a 3D printing head. The printing head is provided with a first heating component and a second heating component, sequentially distributed along the filament transport direction, for heating the filament. The control method includes: when a preset condition for stopping printing is met, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, where the second temperature is lower than the first temperature. Using the method of this invention, when the current filament is about to finish printing, the temperature of the first heating component on the throat is reduced to prevent the filament in the throat from completely melting. After printing is completed, the filament in the throat can be recycled and reused. In addition, the gradual reduction in temperature of the first heating component on the throat when printing is about to end also contributes to the heating of the filament, avoiding the impact of using the second heating component on the nozzle alone on heating efficiency, and ensuring printing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a nozzle zone heating control method, related apparatus, and 3D printing head. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing equipment, also known as three-dimensional printing equipment, is a machine that uses rapid prototyping technology to construct three-dimensional solids by printing layer by layer using a molding material based on a digital model file. 3D printing equipment has been widely used in fields such as industrial design, architecture, and aerospace.

[0003] In existing 3D printing equipment, the nozzle and throat inside the print head are usually equipped with only one heating component for heating the filament. When the filament needs to be replaced or when the printing is about to be completed, the filament in the throat will completely melt under the influence of the heating component. Therefore, the filament in the throat cannot be recycled and can only be cut and cleaned. In printing jobs that require frequent switching of filament colors, a lot of filament will be wasted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a nozzle zone heating control method, related device and 3D printing head, so as to overcome the disadvantage of the existing technology that the consumables that are completely melted in the throat can only be cut off and processed, resulting in waste of consumables.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a nozzle partition heating control method, applied to a 3D printing head, wherein the printing head is provided with a first heating component and a second heating component arranged sequentially along the printing material transport direction for heating the printing material;

[0006] The control method includes: when a preset condition for stopping printing is met, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0007] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature; the third temperature being higher than or equal to the first temperature.

[0008] In one embodiment, the preset conditions for stopping printing include: receiving a printing stop instruction or the current printing progress of consumables being greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0009] In one embodiment, the print head is further provided with a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat and the nozzle are interconnected; controlling the temperature of the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes: controlling the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature to heat the printing consumables in the throat; controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature specifically includes: using the second heating component operating at a third temperature to heat the printing consumables in the nozzle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to the non-flowing temperature of the printing consumable.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: pulling the printing filament in the reverse direction to extract the non-flowing printing filament from the throat when the 3D printer stops printing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining the time duration for the first heating component to adjust from a first temperature to a second temperature, the time duration corresponding to the printing consumable category.

[0013] In one embodiment, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to change from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes controlling the temperature of the first heating component to change from a first temperature to a second temperature in a linear or stepwise manner based on the time length.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method further includes determining a first temperature and a second temperature corresponding to the type of printing consumables.

[0015] A nozzle zone heating control device, the nozzle zone heating control device comprising:

[0016] An adjustment unit is used to control the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature, when the preset conditions for stopping printing are met.

[0017] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements a nozzle zone heating control method as described in any of the foregoing descriptions.

[0018] A computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement a nozzle zone heating control method as described in any of the foregoing descriptions.

[0019] A 3D printing head includes: a first heating component for heating printing filament and a second heating component for heating printing filament, wherein the first heating component and the second heating component are distributed sequentially along the transport direction of the printing filament.

[0020] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes: a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat is connected to the nozzle; the first heating component is thermally connected to the throat; and the second heating component is thermally connected to the nozzle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first heating component extends axially along the throat.

[0022] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes: a first heat dissipation component; the first heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the throat.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first heat dissipation component includes: a first sleeve and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins; the first sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the throat and is thermally connected to the throat; the plurality of first heat dissipation fins are all fixedly connected to the first sleeve; an installation groove is provided on the first sleeve; the first heating component is embedded in the interior of the installation groove and is thermally connected to the throat through the first sleeve.

[0024] In one embodiment, it further includes: a second heat dissipation component; the second heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the throat; the second heat dissipation component and the first heat dissipation component are arranged sequentially along the transmission direction of the printing consumable.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation component specifically includes: a second heat dissipation block; a material conveying channel is provided inside the second heat dissipation block; and the throat is inserted into the interior of the second heat dissipation block to connect the material conveying channel and the throat.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation component further includes a cooling fan, which is fixedly connected to the shell wall of the printhead.

[0027] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: a nozzle partition heating control method is applied to a 3D printing head, wherein the printing head is provided with a first heating component and a second heating component arranged sequentially along the filament transport direction for heating the filament; the control method includes: when a preset condition for stopping printing is met, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature; by using the method of the present invention, when the current filament is about to finish printing, the temperature of the first heating component on the throat is reduced so that the filament in the throat will not completely melt. After printing is completed, the filament in the throat can be recycled and reused. In addition, the gradual reduction of the temperature of the first heating component on the throat when printing is about to end can also contribute to the heating of the filament, avoiding the impact of using the second heating component on the nozzle alone on heating efficiency, and ensuring printing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a nozzle zone heating control method according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the nozzle zone heating control device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an internal structural diagram of the computer device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printing head in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] In the figure, 1 is the adjustment unit; 2 is the throat; 3 is the nozzle; 4 is the first heating component; 5 is the second heating component; 6 is the first heat dissipation component; 7 is the second heat dissipation component; and 8 is the cooling fan. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" of a second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "above," "below," and similar expressions are for illustrative purposes only and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0036] Specifically, in a 3D printer, a heating element is used to melt the filament, which is then extruded from the corresponding nozzle to complete the 3D printing process. Since heat transfer takes time, a longer heating zone is designed on the 3D print head to preheat the filament. This ensures that even with a relatively fast heat transfer rate, the filament melts completely and is extruded smoothly upon reaching the nozzle. However, the fully molten filament cannot be reused. The unmelted filament must be cut off and removed from the throat, and then another type of filament is used to clean the nozzle and throat. This prevents filament mixing from affecting model quality and avoids excessive filament waste, including both the cut-off old filament and the new filament used for cleaning the nozzle and throat.

[0037] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a nozzle zone heating control method, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a nozzle partition heating control method is applied to a 3D printing head, wherein the printing head is provided with a first heating component and a second heating component arranged sequentially along the printing material transport direction for heating the printing material;

[0038] The control method includes: when a preset condition for stopping printing is met, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0039] The nozzle zone heating control method of this application is applied to, for example Figure 4 The 3D print head shown has a first heating component and a second heating component. The first heating component is located upstream of the filament transport, and the second heating component is located downstream. During filament transport, the filament is first heated by the first heating component, softening or melting it. Then, under the heating of the second heating component, it is completely melted and extruded from the nozzle of the 3D print head to achieve 3D printing. If the preset conditions for stopping printing are met, the temperature of the upstream first heating component needs to be reduced to maintain the filament in a semi-molten state. When it is necessary to change the type of filament, the semi-molten filament can be extracted and recycled for reuse in a semi-molten or cooled state, while the filament heated by the second heating component in the nozzle needs to be cleaned and extruded with subsequent new filament before printing can continue. In summary, this application, by setting two independent heating components on the 3D printing head and adjusting the temperature of the two heating components according to the control signal provided by the control device, can reduce the temperature of the upstream first heating component when the preset conditions for stopping printing are met. This allows for the recovery of consumables that have not been fully melted, reducing the amount of consumables wasted. Furthermore, by setting two heating components, the relationship between the melting rate of consumables and the loss of consumables can be balanced, improving the printing efficiency of the 3D printer and saving on the amount of consumables used by the 3D printer.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature; the third temperature being higher than or equal to the first temperature.

[0041] In this application, the second heating component is a heating component located downstream in the transmission direction, used to heat the consumable in the nozzle so that the consumable reaches a completely melted state and is then extruded from the nozzle. Therefore, the third temperature needs to be equal to or higher than the normal operating temperature of the first heating component in order to completely melt the consumable.

[0042] In one embodiment, the preset conditions for stopping printing include: receiving a printing stop instruction or the current printing progress of consumables being greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0043] In this embodiment, the preset conditions for stopping printing specifically refer to situations where printing needs to be temporarily or for a long period of time. These mainly include the following three situations: 1. When the printing progress of a model using the current consumable material A is almost complete and it is necessary to switch from consumable material A to consumable material B, printing with consumable material A must first be stopped. After switching to consumable material B, the nozzle is cleaned before printing continues. Therefore, by setting a printing progress judgment threshold, for example, if the printing progress of consumable material A has reached 99.5%, the temperature of the first heating component can be reduced to prevent excessive consumable material A from being heated to a molten state. The consumable material in the throat is heated to a semi-molten state, which can be recycled and reused after cooling. The consumable material in the nozzle that is completely molten needs to be removed by cleaning the nozzle with consumable material B. 2. When printing is almost complete, a printing progress judgment threshold can be set, for example, if the current printing progress has reached 99.5%, the temperature of the first heating component can be reduced to prevent excessive consumable material from being heated to a molten state. The consumable material in the throat is heated to a semi-molten state, which can be recycled and reused after cooling. 3. When users manually send commands to pause printing and eject consumables, the 3D print head needs to be controlled to stop feeding, and then the action is executed according to the subsequent control command to eject consumables.

[0044] In one embodiment, the print head is further provided with a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat and the nozzle are interconnected; controlling the temperature of the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes: controlling the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature to heat the printing consumables in the throat; controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature specifically includes: using the second heating component operating at a third temperature to heat the printing consumables in the nozzle.

[0045] Specifically, during the printing process, the printing filament first passes through a throat and is heated by a first heating component. The filament in the throat is then transformed into a semi-molten state under the heating of the first component. If it continues to absorb heat, it will quickly melt into a molten state; if it stops absorbing heat, it will cool and harden. The semi-molten filament is then conveyed to the nozzle and heated by a second heating component. The second heating component, heating the filament at a third temperature, completely melts it and extrudes it from the nozzle. In this structure, the filament in the throat can be recycled, while only the filament in the nozzle, being in a fully molten state, cannot be recycled, thus reducing filament waste.

[0046] In one embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to the non-flowing temperature of the printing consumable.

[0047] For amorphous materials, which do not have fixed melting and freezing points, the concept of non-flow temperature needs to be introduced. The non-flow temperature of a material is defined as the highest temperature at which it will not flow under a given pressure. The specific measurement method involves adding a certain amount of plastic to the barrel at the top of the capillary rheometer die, heating it to a certain temperature, holding it at that temperature for 10 minutes, and then applying a constant pressure of 50 MPa. If the material does not flow out of the die, the pressure is released, and the material temperature is increased by 10 degrees Celsius, held for 10 minutes, and then the same constant pressure is applied again. This process is continued until the melt flows out of the die. Subtracting 10 degrees Celsius from this temperature gives the non-flow temperature of the material.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: pulling the printing filament in the reverse direction to extract the non-flowing printing filament from the throat when the 3D printer stops printing.

[0049] Specifically, after the 3D printer stops printing, the heating temperature of the filament in the area corresponding to the first heating component in the throat is lower than the heating temperature of the area corresponding to the second heating component. The filament, which is in a semi-molten state, can be pulled out of the throat and solidified under the reverse pulling action, thus realizing the recycling of the filament.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining the time length during which the first heating component adjusts from a first temperature to a second temperature, the time length corresponding to the type of printing consumables.

[0051] In this application, the duration of temperature reduction can be adjusted as needed. For example, when the temperature change is large, the temperature can be reduced slowly over a longer period; when the temperature change is small, the temperature can be reduced rapidly when the threshold is approached. The above examples are only to illustrate that the rate of temperature reduction can be adjusted as needed. In addition to the examples listed above, when the temperature change is small, the temperature can also be reduced slowly over a longer period. There is no necessary correlation between the amount of temperature change and the time required to reduce the temperature; they can be combined arbitrarily as needed.

[0052] In one embodiment, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to change from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes controlling the temperature of the first heating component to change from a first temperature to a second temperature in a linear or stepwise manner based on the time length.

[0053] In one embodiment, the method further includes determining a first temperature and a second temperature corresponding to the type of printing consumables.

[0054] Specifically, the heat melt temperature (first, second, and third temperatures) varies depending on the material of the printing consumable. For example, the heat melt temperature of PLA (polylactic acid) is typically set between 190°C and 220°C; that of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is generally between 210°C and 250°C; and that of PETG (polyethylene terephthalate copolymer) is typically between 220°C and 250°C. High-temperature resistant materials (such as PEEK and PI) can reach heat melt temperatures above 260°C. Therefore, the appropriate heating temperature can be determined based on the material's characteristics.

[0055] Please see Figure 2 A nozzle zone heating control device, the nozzle zone heating control device comprising:

[0056] Adjustment unit 1 is used to control the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature when the preset conditions for stopping printing are met, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0057] Specific limitations regarding the nozzle zone heating control device can be found in the limitations of the nozzle zone heating control method described above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned nozzle zone heating control device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 2 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the present application. Specific nozzle zone heating control devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figures, or may combine certain components, or may have different component arrangements.

[0059] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the nozzle zone heating control method as described in the above embodiments.

[0060] A computer device, which may be a server, has an internal structure diagram as shown below. Figure 3As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, network interface, and database connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores the operating system, computer programs, and database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage medium. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a nozzle zone heating control method.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 3 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0062] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps: applied to a 3D printing head, the printing head being provided with a first heating component and a second heating component for heating the printing consumable, which are sequentially distributed along the printing consumable transport direction; the control method includes: under the condition of satisfying a preset condition for stopping printing, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature; the third temperature is higher than or equal to the first temperature.

[0064] In one embodiment, the preset conditions for stopping printing include: receiving a printing stop instruction or the current printing progress of consumables being greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0065] In one embodiment, the print head is further provided with a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat and the nozzle are interconnected; controlling the temperature of the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes: controlling the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature to heat the printing consumables in the throat; controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature specifically includes: using the second heating component operating at a third temperature to heat the printing consumables in the nozzle.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to the non-flowing temperature of the printing consumable.

[0067] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: pulling the printing filament in the reverse direction to extract the non-flowing printing filament from the throat when the 3D printer stops printing.

[0068] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: determining the time length during which the first heating component adjusts from a first temperature to a second temperature, the time length corresponding to the type of printing consumables.

[0069] In one embodiment, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to change from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes controlling the temperature of the first heating component to change from a first temperature to a second temperature in a linear or stepwise manner based on the time length.

[0070] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: determining a first temperature and a second temperature corresponding to the type of printing consumables.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0072] A 3D printing head includes: a first heating component 4 for heating printing filament and a second heating component 5 for heating printing filament, wherein the first heating component 4 and the second heating component 5 are distributed sequentially along the transport direction of the printing filament.

[0073] In actual use, the first heating component 4 and the second heating component 5 work together to heat the consumable. When the current printing stage is about to end and the predetermined printing conditions are met, the temperature of the first heating component 4 is reduced so that the consumable is heated by the first heating component 4 to a semi-molten state without affecting the characteristics and shape of the consumable. When the consumable is in a semi-molten state or has cooled down, it can be recycled.

[0074] In this embodiment, both the first heating component 4 and the second heating component 5 are implemented using PTC heating elements. A PTC heating element refers to a heating technology that utilizes the characteristics of a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. PTC is a special semiconductor material whose resistance increases with temperature, exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient characteristic. When current flows through a PTC resistor, the resistor generates heat and rapidly heats up. As the temperature rises, the resistance of the PTC resistor increases, thereby reducing the current consumed and the heat generated. This automatic adjustment and current limiting feature allows the PTC heating system to automatically cut off power after reaching the set temperature, providing safety protection.

[0075] In this embodiment, as those skilled in the art will know, in addition to the first heating component 4 and the second heating component 5, a control component for controlling the first heating component 4 and the second heating component 5, and a power supply component for providing electrical energy are also required. The control component and the power supply component are electrically connected to the two heating components to provide control signals and electrical signals. The control component can be implemented using a microcontroller or an MCU. By sending instructions according to a predetermined program, the temperature of the heating components can be controlled. The power supply component can be a DC power supply component or an AC power supply component, which is knowledgeable to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail in this application.

[0076] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes: a throat 2 for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle 3 for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat 2 is connected to the nozzle 3; the first heating component 4 is thermally connected to the throat 2; and the second heating component 5 is thermally connected to the nozzle 3.

[0077] Specifically, the nozzle 3 is relatively small in size. After the consumable material is heated and melted, it is not necessary to fill the internal space of the nozzle 3 with too much consumable material. The throat 2 is usually long. Therefore, if all the consumable material in the throat 2 is heated and melted, the consumable material in the throat 2 can only be completely cleaned by cleaning with replacement material. In this application, the second heating component 5 is used to heat the consumable material in the throat 2 and the temperature of the second heating component 5 is adjusted as needed to keep the consumable material in the throat 2 in a semi-molten state. In this way, after heating is stopped, the semi-molten or cooled consumable material can be extracted from the throat 2 to complete the recycling of the consumable material.

[0078] In one embodiment, the first heating component 4 extends axially along the throat 2. The axial extension of the first heating component 4 along the throat 2 allows for preheating of the consumables, ensuring sufficient heat absorption and softening even at high consumable transfer speeds.

[0079] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a first heat dissipation component 6; the first heat dissipation component 6 is thermally connected to the throat 2.

[0080] In order to accelerate the cooling speed of the throat tube 2, this application provides a first heat dissipation component 6 on the throat tube 2. The first heat dissipation component 6 is heat-transfer connected to the throat tube 2, which can quickly reduce the heat of the throat tube 2 and avoid the heat residue in the throat tube 2 causing the consumables to be overheated.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first heat dissipation component 6 includes: a first sleeve and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins; the first sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the throat 2 and is thermally connected to the throat 2; the plurality of first heat dissipation fins are all fixedly connected to the first sleeve; an installation groove is provided on the first sleeve; the first heating component 4 is embedded in the interior of the installation groove and is thermally connected to the throat 2 through the first sleeve.

[0082] In one embodiment, it further includes: a second heat dissipation component 7; the second heat dissipation component 7 is thermally connected to the throat 2; the second heat dissipation component 7 and the first heat dissipation component 6 are arranged sequentially along the transmission direction of the printing consumable.

[0083] The second heat dissipation component 7 is used to cool the throat tube 2, preventing the heat from the throat tube 2 and consumables from being transferred upwards and affecting subsequent consumables.

[0084] In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation component 7 specifically includes: a second heat dissipation block; a material conveying channel is provided inside the second heat dissipation block; the throat 2 is inserted into the interior of the second heat dissipation block to make the material conveying channel and the throat 2 communicate.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation component 7 further includes a cooling fan 8 for blowing air onto the second heat sink to accelerate heat transfer, the cooling fan 8 being fixedly connected to the shell wall of the printhead.

[0086] To accelerate the heat dissipation of the second heat dissipation component 7 and prevent it from overheating after prolonged printing, this application also includes a cooling fan 8 on the 3D printing head. The output end of the cooling fan 8 faces the second heat dissipation component 7 to accelerate airflow and reduce its temperature. The cooling fan 8 is also electrically connected to the control component and the power supply component, and can be selected to rotate or not rotate under the control signal of the control component.

[0087] Example 1: A nozzle partition heating control method is applied to a 3D printing head. The printing head is provided with a first heating component and a second heating component, which are sequentially distributed along the printing material transport direction for heating the printing material. The control method includes: when a preset condition for stopping printing is met, controlling the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0088] Example 2, based on Example 1, the zoned heating control method further includes: controlling the second heating component to operate at a third temperature; the third temperature is higher than or equal to the first temperature.

[0089] Example 3, based on Example 1, the preset conditions for stopping printing include: receiving a stop printing instruction or the current printing progress of consumables being greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0090] Example 4, based on Example 2, is characterized in that the print head is further provided with a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat and the nozzle are interconnected; the control of the temperature of the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature specifically includes: controlling the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature to heat the printing consumables in the throat; the control of the second heating component to operate at a third temperature specifically includes: using the second heating component operating at a third temperature to heat the printing consumables in the nozzle.

[0091] Example 5: Based on Example 1, the second temperature is less than or equal to the non-flowing temperature of the printing consumable.

[0092] Example 6, based on Example 5, further includes:

[0093] If the 3D printer stops printing, pull the printing filament in the opposite direction to extract the non-flowing printing filament from the throat.

[0094] Example 7, based on Example 1, further includes: determining the time length for the first heating component to adjust from a first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the time length corresponds to the type of printing consumables.

[0095] Example 8, based on Example 7, specifically includes adjusting the temperature of the first heating component from a first temperature to a second temperature by controlling the temperature of the first heating component from the first temperature to the second temperature in a linear or stepwise manner based on the time length. Example 9, based on Example 1, further includes determining a first temperature and a second temperature corresponding to the type of printing consumables.

[0096] Example 10: A printhead partition heating control device, comprising: an adjustment unit, used to control the temperature of the first heating component to be adjusted from a first temperature to a second temperature when a preset condition for stopping printing is met, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0097] Example 11: A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements a nozzle zone heating control method as described in any one of Examples 1-9.

[0098] Example 12: A computer device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement a nozzle zone heating control method as described in any one of Examples 1-9.

[0099] Example 13, a 3D printing head, includes: a first heating component for heating printing consumables and a second heating component for heating printing consumables, wherein the first heating component and the second heating component are distributed sequentially along the transport direction of the printing consumables.

[0100] Example 14, based on Example 13, further includes: a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; the throat is connected to the nozzle; the first heating component is thermally connected to the throat; and the second heating component is thermally connected to the nozzle.

[0101] Example 15: Based on Example 14, the first heating component extends axially along the throat.

[0102] In Example 16, based on Example 15, the printhead further includes: a first heat dissipation component; the first heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the throat tube.

[0103] Example 17, based on Example 16, the first heat dissipation component includes: a first sleeve and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins; the first sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the throat tube and is thermally connected to the throat tube; the plurality of first heat dissipation fins are all fixedly connected to the first sleeve; an installation groove is provided on the first sleeve; the first heating component is embedded in the interior of the installation groove and is thermally connected to the throat tube through the first sleeve.

[0104] Example 18, based on Example 17, further includes: a second heat dissipation component; the second heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the throat; the second heat dissipation component and the first heat dissipation component are arranged sequentially along the transmission direction of the printing consumable.

[0105] Example 19, based on Example 18, the second heat dissipation component specifically includes: a second heat dissipation block; a material conveying channel is provided inside the second heat dissipation block; the throat is inserted into the interior of the second heat dissipation block to make the material conveying channel and the throat communicate.

[0106] Example 20, based on Example 19, further includes a cooling fan, which is fixedly connected to the shell wall of the printhead.

[0107] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0108] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling zoned heating of a nozzle, characterized in that, The invention is applied to a 3D printing head, which is provided with a first heating component and a second heating component for heating the printing material, a throat for conveying the printing material, and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing material, all arranged sequentially along the material conveying direction. The throat and the nozzle are connected to each other. The control method includes: A first temperature and a second temperature corresponding to the type of printing consumable are determined, as well as the time length for the first heating component to adjust from the first temperature to the second temperature. Upon receiving a stop printing command or when the current printing progress of the consumable is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, based on the time length, the temperature of the first heating component is controlled to adjust from the first temperature to the second temperature in a linear or stepwise manner to heat the printing consumable in the throat, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature. The second heating component is then used to operate at a third temperature to heat the printing consumable in the nozzle, wherein the third temperature is higher than or equal to the first temperature. The second temperature is less than or equal to the non-flowing temperature of the printing consumable. If the 3D printer stops printing, the printing consumable is pulled in the opposite direction to extract the non-flowing printing consumable from the throat.

2. A nozzle zone heating control device, characterized in that, This invention is applied to a 3D print head, which includes, sequentially distributed along the filament transport direction, a first heating component and a second heating component for heating the filament, a throat for transporting the filament, and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the filament. The throat and the nozzle are interconnected. The nozzle zone heating control device includes: An adjustment unit is configured to determine a first temperature and a second temperature corresponding to the type of printing consumable, and the time duration for the first heating component to adjust from the first temperature to the second temperature; upon receiving a stop printing command or when the current printing progress of the consumable is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, based on the time duration, control the temperature of the first heating component to adjust from the first temperature to the second temperature in a linear or stepwise manner to heat the printing consumable in the throat, wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature; the second heating component is used to operate at a third temperature to heat the printing consumable in the nozzle, wherein the third temperature is higher than or equal to the first temperature; the second temperature is less than or equal to the non-flowing temperature of the printing consumable; and when the 3D printer stops printing, the printing consumable is pulled in the opposite direction to extract the non-flowing printing consumable from the throat.

3. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the nozzle zone heating control method as described in claim 1.

4. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the nozzle zone heating control method as described in claim 1.

5. A 3D printing head, characterized in that, include: The first heating component and the second heating component for heating the printing consumables, and the printhead partition heating control device as described in claim 2, wherein the first heating component and the second heating component are distributed sequentially along the transmission direction of the printing consumables.

6. A 3D printing head according to claim 5, characterized in that, The printhead also includes: a throat for conveying printing consumables and a nozzle for controlling the extrusion diameter of the printing consumables; The throat tube is connected to the nozzle; The first heating component is thermally connected to the throat; the second heating component is thermally connected to the nozzle; the first heating component extends along the axial direction of the throat; the printhead further includes: a first heat dissipation component; the first heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the throat; the first heat dissipation component includes: a first sleeve and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins; the first sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the throat and is thermally connected to the throat; the plurality of first heat dissipation fins are all fixedly connected to the first sleeve; The first sleeve has an installation groove; the first heating component is embedded in the installation groove and is thermally connected to the throat through the first sleeve; it also includes a second heat dissipation component; the second heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the throat; the second heat dissipation component and the first heat dissipation component are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the printing consumable; the second heat dissipation component specifically includes a second heat dissipation block; the second heat dissipation block has a material conveying channel inside; the throat is inserted into the second heat dissipation block to make the material conveying channel and the throat communicate.

7. A 3D printing head according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second heat dissipation component further includes a cooling fan, which is fixedly connected to the shell wall of the printhead.

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