3D Printer Automatic Bed Leveling Hot End Quick Release Module

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, and particularly to an automatic leveling and hot-end quick-release module for a 3D printer, which includes a backplane, a nozzle assembly, a heating assembly, a rebounding assembly, and a strain gauge; the rebounding assembly includes a guide post and an elastic member, the heating assembly is slidably engaged with the guide post, and the elastic member applies a vertical elastic force to the heating assembly; the nozzle assembly is detachably connected to the heating assembly, the strain gauge is disposed on the backplane, and the nozzle assembly has a connection end that vertically abuts against the working end of the strain gauge. By sensing the contact between the module and the printing platform through the strain gauge, the 3D printer realizes the leveling of the printing platform. After leveling is completed, the rebounding assembly drives the heating assembly, the nozzle assembly, and the strain gauge to reset to the original state, avoiding false touch or incorrect reading caused by residual force. The nozzle assembly, the heating assembly, and the rebounding assembly are relatively independent, enabling the nozzle assembly and the heating assembly to be detached separately, facilitating quick maintenance and enhancing the reliability of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, and particularly to an automatic leveling and hot end quick release module for a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] Since the advent of 3D printing technology, it has developed rapidly with its high flexibility, low manufacturing cost, and wide application range, becoming an important part of modern manufacturing. Early 3D printers mainly relied on manually leveling the distance between the nozzle and the printing platform, which was not only time-consuming but also error-prone, resulting in printing failures or poor quality of finished products. With the progress of technology, hot end quick release components and leveling technologies have gradually been introduced, greatly improving the printing efficiency and success rate.

[0003] For leveling the nozzle, current 3D printers mostly adopt the following methods: 1. Manual leveling: 3D printers usually need to manually adjust the distance between the nozzle and the platform to ensure that the first layer of printing can adhere to the platform evenly. 2. Mechanical probe leveling: Measure the height change of the platform through physical contact and feedback the data to the control system for adjustment. 3. Capacitive / optical / laser sensor leveling: Use non-contact sensors to detect the height of the platform, reducing the possibility of wear and error.

[0004] For hot end quick release, traditional structures often adopt integrated nozzle modules, integrating components such as heating blocks, temperature sensors, and nozzles together, which enables users to quickly replace the nozzle when there is a blockage.

[0005] However, the above nozzle leveling technology and hot end quick release technology have the following problems: The manual leveling process is not only time-consuming but also error-prone, resulting in printing failures or poor quality of finished products. Although the mechanical probe leveling method is effective, it has problems such as probe wear and contact error. Sensor leveling has a high cost and is sensitive to ambient light. Traditional integrated nozzle modules have poor independence between modules, making it difficult to achieve quick replacement and repair. For example, when adjusting components such as heating blocks, temperature sensors, and nozzles, users need to manually plug and unplug the wire harnesses, which is not convenient to operate and improper operation may cause the plugs to loosen, deform, or break, affecting the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0006] Therefore, how to quickly level the nozzle, achieve hot end quick release at the same time, and overcome the problems existing in the above traditional technologies is an issue that needs to be solved in the current industry development. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides an automatic leveling and hot end quick release module for a 3D printer, adopting the following technical solutions:

[0008] An automatic leveling and hot-end quick-release module for a 3D printer, comprising a back plate, a nozzle assembly, a heating assembly, a spring-back assembly, and a strain gauge;

[0009] The spring-back assembly includes a guide post and an elastic member. The guide post is vertically arranged on the back plate; the heating assembly is slidably matched with the guide post, and the elastic member is arranged on the guide post and used to apply a vertical elastic force to the heating assembly; the nozzle assembly is vertically arranged and detachably connected to the heating assembly;

[0010] The strain gauge is arranged on the back plate. The nozzle assembly has a connection end, and the connection end is located below the strain gauge and vertically abuts against the working end of the strain gauge.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the system first drives the quick-release module to approach the bottom printing platform until they contact. The contact between the nozzle assembly and the platform generates a reaction force, which is transmitted to the strain gauge. After the strain gauge senses the reaction force, it transmits a signal to the control system. The control system accurately calculates the current height of the platform according to the feedback data of the strain gauge, so as to facilitate the subsequent leveling of the printing platform by the printer. After the leveling is completed, under the action of the spring-back assembly, the heating assembly and the nozzle assembly reset, and the strain gauge also resets to the original state, avoiding false touches or incorrect readings caused by residual forces. Therefore, through the strain gauge and the spring-back assembly, the leveling of the printing platform can be effectively realized.

[0012] In addition, since the nozzle assembly, the heating assembly, and the spring-back assembly are relatively independent, the nozzle assembly and the heating assembly can be detached separately, which is convenient for rapid maintenance and helps to improve the reliability of the equipment.

[0013] Preferably, the strain gauge is arranged above the nozzle assembly. The upper end of the nozzle assembly serves as the connection end. The connection end is a columnar body. A connection groove is arranged on the strain gauge, and the connection end is in snap-fit with the connection groove.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the arrangement of the connection column and the connection groove facilitates the efficient and stable connection between the nozzle assembly and the strain gauge, which can not only facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the nozzle assembly, but also ensure stable force transmission between the nozzle assembly and the strain gauge, thus helping to improve the accuracy of the leveling of the printing platform.

[0015] Preferably, the nozzle assembly includes a throat tube, a nozzle head, a first heating block, and a radiator; the throat tube is vertically arranged, and the nozzle head is fixedly arranged at the lower end of the throat tube; the lower part of the throat tube is fixedly connected to the first heating block, and the upper part is fixedly connected to the radiator;

[0016] The first heating block is detachably connected to the heating assembly; the connection end is arranged at the top of the radiator.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the throat tube allows the printing material to flow to the nozzle. Efficient heat conduction can occur between the heating component and the first heating block to ensure the normal operation of the nozzle assembly, while the radiator can prevent the temperature of the nozzle assembly from being too high. At the same time, the connection end is provided at the top of the radiator, and the strain gauge can also be in contact with the radiator, thereby reducing the heat transfer between the nozzle assembly and the strain gauge, while realizing the heat dissipation of the strain gauge and avoiding the interference of temperature on the accuracy of the strain gauge.

[0018] Preferably, the lower part of the throat tube is inserted through the first heating block and has an interference fit with the first heating block; the upper part of the throat tube is inserted through the radiator; the radiator includes a plurality of vertically distributed heat dissipation fins.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the throat tube and the first heating block can improve the heating efficiency, while the structural form of the radiator and the cooperation between the radiator and the throat tube can improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0020] Preferably, the heating component includes a second heating block, and an installation bayonet is provided on the second heating block, with the installation bayonet facing downward; the nozzle assembly has an installation chuck, and the installation chuck is inserted into the installation bayonet from below the installation bayonet;

[0021] The installation chuck is detachably connected to the second heating block through a fastener.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, through the cooperation between the installation chuck and the installation bayonet, a stable connection between the nozzle assembly and the second heating block can be achieved. At the same time, the structural form of the installation bayonet can ensure the force conduction between the nozzle assembly, the heating component, and the rebound component, facilitating the rebound of the nozzle assembly and ensuring the normal operation of the device.

[0023] Preferably, a first installation groove is formed on the second heating block, and the first heating block is arranged in the first installation groove; the openings of the first installation groove and the connection groove are both horizontally arranged and face the same direction.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the first installation groove can improve the stability between the first heating block and the second heating block. At the same time, the openings of the first installation groove and the connection groove are the same, making the disassembly and assembly of the nozzle assembly more convenient and efficient.

[0025] Preferably, the heating component further includes a heating sheet and a spring sheet; a second installation groove is provided on the second heating block, the heating sheet is arranged in the second installation groove, the spring sheet is arranged on the side of the heating sheet facing away from the second heating block, and the spring sheet is fixedly connected to the second heating block and applies an elastic force to the heating sheet to make the heating sheet closely adhere to the second heating block.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the heat supply of the second heating block can be realized through the heating sheet, and the setting of the second installation groove can improve the heat conduction efficiency. The setting of the elastic sheet can make the heating sheet closely fit with the second heating block to ensure uniform heating. The temperature change can also be monitored by arranging a thermosensitive sensor inside the second heating block, which not only improves the heating efficiency but also enhances the accuracy of temperature control.

[0027] Preferably, the rebounding assembly further includes a heat insulation plate which is slidably connected with the guide rod; the heating assembly is fixedly arranged on the heat insulation plate;

[0028] A fixing block is arranged on the back plate, and the end of the guide rod is connected with the fixing block; the elastic member is a spring which is sleeved on the guide rod, and two ends of the spring respectively abut against the heat insulation plate and the fixing block.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, the heat insulation plate can isolate the heat transfer between the heating assembly and the back plate, avoiding the influence of heat on the components installed on the back plate. At the same time, the heat insulation plate provides a basis for the installation of the heating assembly, facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the heating assembly and improving the stability of the heating assembly. The setting of the spring can provide stable elastic force to ensure the normal rebounding of the heating assembly and the nozzle assembly.

[0030] Preferably, a positioning portion is further arranged on the heat insulation plate, and when the nozzle assembly is installed on the heat insulation plate, it abuts against the positioning portion to realize the positioning of the nozzle assembly.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, when disassembling and assembling the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly realizes positioning by abutting against the positioning portion, facilitating the installation of the nozzle assembly.

[0032] To sum up, the present invention includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0033] 1. Through the cooperation of the strainer and the rebounding assembly, an accurate automatic leveling function is realized, significantly improving the leveling accuracy and speed of the printing platform, and solving the problems of time-consuming, error-prone and contact error existing in traditional manual leveling and mechanical probe leveling;

[0034] 2. The independent design of the nozzle assembly and the heating assembly enables each component to be disassembled and replaced separately, simplifies the maintenance process, improves the reliability and service life of the equipment, and avoids the possible electrical connection problems caused during the disassembly and assembly of the traditional integrated nozzle module;

[0035] 3. The design of the radiator effectively reduces the temperature of the nozzle assembly, prevents heat from being transferred to the strainer, ensures the stability and accuracy of the strainer during operation, and further improves the performance of the whole system. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic leveling hot end quick-release module of the 3D printer in the embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the automatic leveling hot end quick-release module of the 3D printer in the embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the heating component in the embodiment of the present application, and is mainly used to show the structures of the elastic sheet and the heating sheet.

[0039] Reference signs in the drawings: 1, back plate; 11, fixing block; 2, nozzle assembly; 21, throat tube; 22, nozzle head; 23, first heating block; 231, mounting chuck; 24, radiator; 25, connection end; 3, heating component; 31, second heating block; 311, mounting bayonet; 312, first mounting groove; 313, second mounting groove; 32, heating sheet; 33, elastic sheet; 4, return spring assembly; 41, guide post; 42, elastic member; 43, heat insulation plate; 431, positioning portion; 5, strain gauge; 51, connection groove. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] The following will further describe the present invention in detail with reference to the attached Figures 1-3 drawings.

[0041] The embodiment of the present application provides an automatic leveling hot end quick-release module for a 3D printer, which is applied to a 3D printer. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , it specifically includes a back plate 1, a nozzle assembly 2, a heating component 3, a return spring assembly 4, and a strain gauge 5. The return spring assembly 4 includes a guide post 41 and an elastic member 42. The guide post 41 is vertically arranged on the back plate 1; the heating component 3 is slidably matched with the guide post 41, and the elastic member 42 is arranged on the guide post 41 and is used to apply a vertical elastic force to the heating component 3; the nozzle assembly 2 is vertically arranged and is detachably connected to the heating component 3; the strain gauge 5 is arranged on the back plate 1, the nozzle assembly 2 has a connection end 25, and the connection end 25 is located below the strain gauge 5 and is vertically abutted against the working end of the strain gauge 5.

[0042] In specific work, the strain gauge 5 senses the contact between the module and the printing platform, and the 3D printer realizes the leveling of the printing platform based on this. After leveling, the return spring assembly 4 drives the heating component 3, the nozzle assembly 2, and the strain gauge 5 to reset to the original state, avoiding false touches or incorrect readings caused by residual forces. The nozzle assembly 2, the heating component 3, and the return spring assembly 4 are relatively independent, so that the nozzle assembly 2 and the heating component 3 can be detached separately, which is convenient for quick maintenance and improves the reliability of the equipment.

[0043] Specifically, a fixing block 11 is provided on the backplane 1, and the end of the guiding column 41 is fixedly connected to the fixing block 11 by threading. The rebounding assembly 4 further includes a heat insulation plate 43 which has a guiding sleeve connected to the guiding column 41. The elastic member 42 is a spring sleeved outside the guiding column 41, and both ends of the spring are abutted against the heat insulation plate 43 and the fixing block 11 respectively to provide a stable rebounding force.

[0044] The heat insulation plate 43 provides an installation base for the heating assembly 3 and relatively isolates the heating assembly 3 from the backplane 1. The heating assembly 3 includes a second heating block 31 fixed on the heat insulation plate 43. The second heating block 31 is made of aluminum alloy material, has excellent heat conductivity and mechanical strength, and can quickly and evenly transfer heat to the nozzle assembly 2 to rapidly melt the melt cavity material inside it for preparation of printing.

[0045] On the side of the second heating block 31 facing away from the heat insulation plate 43, a first installation groove 312 is provided, and the opening direction of the first installation groove 312 is horizontal for installing the nozzle assembly 2. On the side of the second heating block 31 facing the heat insulation plate 43, a second installation groove 313 is provided.

[0046] Refer to Figure 3 , the heating assembly 3 further includes a ceramic heating sheet 32 disposed in the second installation groove 313. The ceramic heating sheet 32 is electrically connected to the control system of the 3D printer to achieve heating and heat supply. A spring piece 33 is also fixed on the second heating block 31. The spring piece 33 extends to the side of the heating sheet 32 facing away from the second heating block 31 and abuts against the heating sheet 32, so that the heating sheet 32 is closely attached to the second heating block 31 to improve the heating uniformity and heating efficiency.

[0047] Further, a thermal sensor is disposed inside the second heating block 31 to monitor the temperature change, which not only improves the heating efficiency but also enhances the accuracy of temperature control.

[0048] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the nozzle assembly 2 includes a throat tube 21, a nozzle head 22, a first heating block 23 and a radiator 24. The throat tube 21 is vertically arranged, and a mating hole is provided on the first heating block 23 and is in plug-in fit with the lower part of the throat tube 21. And an interference fit is provided between the throat tube 21 and the mating hole, so as to achieve a stable connection between the first heating block 23 and the throat tube 21 and improve the heat conduction efficiency.

[0049] The first heating block 23 is disposed within the first installation groove 312. To achieve the connection between the first heating block 23 and the second heating block 31, thereby realizing the connection between the nozzle assembly 2 and the heating assembly 3, a connecting plate is provided on the second heating block 31. The connecting plate is located on one side of the first installation groove 312, and an installation bayonet 311 is provided on the connecting plate, and the installation bayonet 311 faces downward. An installation chuck 231 is provided on the first heating block 23. The installation chuck 231 can be inserted into the installation bayonet 311 from below the installation bayonet 311, and the installation bayonet 311 and the second heating block 31 are connected by bolts, thereby realizing the connection between the first heating block 23 and the second heating block 31.

[0050] The nozzle 22 is disposed below the first heating block 23 and is threadedly connected to the first heating block 23. At the same time, the nozzle 22 is butted against the bottom of the throat tube 21 to ensure the smooth flow of the printing material.

[0051] The radiator 24 is inserted into the upper part of the throat tube 21 and fixed to the throat tube 21 by bolts. The radiator 24 has a plurality of vertically distributed fins to increase the heat dissipation area and improve the heat dissipation efficiency. A connection end 25 is provided at the top of the radiator 24. The connection end 25 is a columnar body and is hollow. The feeding tube of the printer can be connected to the throat tube 21 through the connection end 25 to realize the feeding of the printing material.

[0052] The strain gauge 5 is made of semiconductor material, has high sensitivity and fast response speed, and can accurately sense the change of the reverse force. The strain gauge 5 is fixedly connected to the back plate 1 by bolts, and the strain gauge is disposed directly above the nozzle assembly 2. A connection groove 51 is provided on the strain gauge 5. The notch direction of the connection groove 51 is horizontal and is the same as the orientation of the first installation groove 312. When installing the nozzle assembly 2, the first heating block 23 is installed into the first installation groove 312, and at the same time, the connection end 25 and the connection groove 51 are engaged with each other.

[0053] To improve the stability between the nozzle assembly 2 and the strain gauge, the connection end 25 and the connection groove 51 are in interference fit. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the connection end 25 has a certain degree of mobility, so as to ensure that the connection end 25 is detachable.

[0054] In addition, to facilitate the installation of the nozzle assembly 2, a positioning portion 431 is further provided on the heat insulation plate 43. The positioning portion 431 extends upward between the radiator 24 and the back plate 1. When installing the nozzle assembly 2, the radiator 24 can be abutted against the positioning portion 431. The positioning portion 431 has a certain thickness and can play a certain supporting and positioning role for the radiator 24, so that the first heating block 23 can be quickly installed into the first installation groove 312 and the connection end 25 and the connection groove 51 can be quickly engaged with each other.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present application, the implementation principle of the automatic leveling and quick-release module for the hot end of the 3D printer is as follows: The control system of the 3D printer drives the entire quick-release module close to the printing platform, and makes the nozzle assembly 2 contact the printing platform. The contact between the nozzle assembly 2 and the platform generates a reaction force, which is transmitted to the strain gauge 5. After the strain gauge 5 senses the reaction force, it transmits a signal to the control system. The control system accurately calculates the current height of the platform based on the feedback data of the strain gauge 5, and this process provides reference data for subsequent leveling.

[0056] Secondly, for the initial leveling, the control system performs a preliminary leveling of the printing platform based on the data of the first height detection, aiming to ensure that the initial distance between the nozzle assembly 2 and the platform is uniform, laying a foundation for fine leveling.

[0057] Subsequently, for the secondary leveling, the control system starts the leveling program again to perform a more precise height adjustment. During this process, the strain gauge 5 continues to monitor the height change of the printing platform in real time to ensure that the leveling accuracy of each point reaches the optimal level.

[0058] After each leveling is completed, the spring rebound assembly 4 mechanism comes into play, resetting the strain gauge 5 to its original state to avoid false touches or incorrect readings caused by residual forces. After the control system confirms that all leveling points have reached the expected accuracy, it officially enters the printing preparation stage.

[0059] When the user needs to replace the nozzle assembly 2, they only need to loosen the bolt on the heating block to easily remove the nozzle assembly 2. This design not only simplifies the replacement steps but also avoids the additional risks brought by the user plugging and unplugging the wire harness, improving the maintenance efficiency.

[0060] The embodiments of this specific implementation manner are all preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the protection scope of the present invention accordingly. Therefore, all equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printer automatic leveling hot end quick release module, characterized by: It comprises a back plate (1), a nozzle assembly (2), a heating assembly (3), a rebound assembly (4), and a strain gauge (5); The rebound assembly (4) comprises a guide column (41) and an elastic member (42), wherein the guide column (41) is vertically arranged on the back plate (1); the heating assembly (3) is slidably matched with the guide column (41), and the elastic member (42) is arranged on the guide column (41) and is used to apply a vertical elastic force to the heating assembly (3); the nozzle assembly (2) is vertically arranged and detachably connected to the heating assembly (3); The strain gauge (5) is arranged on the back plate (1), and the nozzle assembly (2) has a connecting end (25), wherein the connecting end (25) is located below the strain gauge (5) and vertically abuts against a working end of the strain gauge (5); The strain gauge (5) is arranged above the nozzle assembly (2); the upper end of the nozzle assembly (2) serves as a connection end (25); the connection end (25) is a columnar body; a connection groove (51) is provided on the strain gauge (5); the connection end (25) is snap-fitted with the connection groove (51); The nozzle assembly (2) comprises a throat (21), a nozzle (22), a first heating block (23) and a radiator (24); the throat (21) is arranged vertically, and the nozzle (22) is fixedly arranged at the lower end of the throat (21); the lower part of the throat (21) is fixedly connected to the first heating block (23), and the upper part is fixedly connected to the radiator (24); The first heating block (23) is detachably connected to the heating assembly (3); and the connection end (25) is arranged on the top of the radiator (24).

2. The 3D printer automatic leveling hot end quick release module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower portion of the throat (21) is inserted through the first heating block (23) and is interference-fitted with the first heating block (23); the upper portion of the throat (21) is inserted through the radiator (24); and the radiator (24) comprises a plurality of vertically distributed fins.

3. The 3D printer automatic leveling hot end quick release module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating assembly (3) comprises a second heating block (31), the second heating block (31) being provided with a mounting bayonet (311), the mounting bayonet (311) facing downwards; the nozzle assembly (2) has a mounting clamp (231), the mounting clamp (231) being inserted into the mounting bayonet (311) from below the mounting bayonet (311); The mounting clamp (231) is detachably connected to the second heating block (31) via a fastener.

4. The 3D printing automatic leveling hot end quick release module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second heating block (31) is provided with a first mounting groove (312), and the first heating block (23) is arranged in the first mounting groove (312); the opening of the first mounting groove (312) and the opening of the connecting groove (51) are both arranged horizontally and in the same direction.

5. The 3D printing automatic leveling hot end quick release module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heating assembly (3) further comprises a heating sheet (32) and an elastic sheet (33); a second mounting groove (313) is provided on the second heating block (31), the heating sheet (32) is arranged in the second mounting groove (313), the elastic sheet (33) is arranged on a side of the heating sheet (32) facing away from the second heating block (31), the elastic sheet (33) is fixedly connected to the second heating block (31) and applies an elastic force to the heating sheet (32) so that the heating sheet (32) and the second heating block (31) are in close contact.

6. The 3D printer automatic leveling hot end quick release module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rebound component (4) further comprises a heat insulation plate (43), wherein the heat insulation plate (43) is slidably connected to the guide rod; the heating component (3) is fixedly mounted on the heat insulation plate (43); A fixing block (11) is provided on the back plate (1), and the end of the guide rod is connected to the fixing block (11); the elastic member (42) is a spring, which is sleeved on the guide rod, and the two ends of the spring are respectively in contact with the heat insulation plate (43) and the fixing block (11).

7. The 3D printer automatic leveling hot end quick release module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heat insulation board (43) is also provided with a positioning portion (431), and when the nozzle assembly (2) is mounted on the heat insulation board (43), it abuts against the positioning portion (431) to achieve positioning of the nozzle assembly (2).

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