3D printer

Abstract

The invention discloses a 3D printer. The 3D printer comprises double printing heads, wherein each printing head in the double printing heads at least comprises a hot end assembly and an extrusion mechanism; a first support frame defining a first surface for mounting one of the dual printheads; a second support frame comprising: a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the second frame portion defining a second surface for mounting another one of the dual printheads; the connecting mechanism is installed between the first frame part and the second frame part and used for connecting the first frame part and the second frame part, and the connecting mechanism is constructed to be capable of swinging or bending deformation so as to allow the second frame part to translate relative to the first frame part in the first direction; and the transmission mechanism is used for driving the second frame part to translate along the first direction relative to the first frame part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] 3D printer, also known as three-dimensional printer, is a machine that uses cumulative manufacturing technology, that is, rapid prototyping technology. The molten consumables are extruded from the end of the print head, and the desired shape is printed layer by layer through the movement of the print head on the moving axis.

[0003] Current 3D printers usually have one print head, which can only print one type of consumable at a time. When you need to print different consumables on the same layer (especially when printing workpieces with supports, workpieces with multiple colors, or workpieces with internal supports that require changing the extrusion volume), you need to eject the current consumable, then feed in the new consumable and flush it. The entire switching process takes a long time and results in a lot of waste of material.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, the 3D printer in the related art is provided with a dual print head or a multi-print head. However, the dual print head or the multi-print head with a fixed height can easily cause the non-working print head to scrape the workpiece. Summary of the invention

[0005] The disclosed embodiments provide a 3D printer to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate the situation where a dual print head scratches a workpiece surface during the printing process.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a 3D printer is provided, comprising: a dual print head, each of the dual print heads comprising at least a hot end assembly and an extrusion mechanism; a first support frame, the first support frame defining a first surface, the first surface being used for mounting one of the dual print heads; a second support frame, comprising: a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the second frame portion defining a second surface, the second surface being used for mounting the other of the dual print heads; a connecting mechanism, the connecting mechanism being installed between the first frame portion and the second frame portion and being used to connect the first frame portion and the second frame portion, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured to be able to swing or bend and deform to allow the second frame portion to translate relative to the first frame portion along a first direction; and a transmission mechanism, for driving the second frame portion to translate relative to the first frame portion along the first direction.

[0007] In a possible embodiment, the 3D printer further includes: a driving mechanism, which is in driving connection with a transmission mechanism to drive the second frame portion to translate along a first direction relative to the first frame portion via the transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism includes at least one of a cam, a screw nut or a gear pair.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes at least one hinge, a first connecting portion is provided on a side of the first frame portion, and a second connecting portion is provided on a side of the second frame portion. The 3D printer also includes at least one fastener, which is used to fix corresponding portions of the at least one hinge at the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, respectively, wherein an unfixed portion of the at least one hinge can be bent and deformed to allow the second frame portion to translate relative to the first frame portion along a first direction.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, any one of the at least one hinge includes a first spring leaf and a second spring leaf, and any one of the first spring leaf and the second spring leaf includes a middle section, a first end section located at a first end of the middle section and bent relative to the middle section, and a second end section located at a second end of the middle section and bent relative to the middle section, the first end section is fixed at the first connection portion by a fastener, the second end section is fixed at the second connection portion by a fastener, and the middle section is configured to be able to undergo bending deformation to allow the second frame portion to translate along a first direction relative to the first frame portion.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, at least one hinge includes a first group of hinges and a second group of hinges, the first group of hinges is installed on a first side area of ​​the first frame part and a second side area of ​​the second frame part, and the second group of hinges is installed on a third side area of ​​the first frame part and a fourth side area of ​​the second frame part, wherein the first side area and the third side area are away from each other, and the second side area and the fourth side area are away from each other, wherein the first side area, the second side area, the third side area and the fourth side area are arranged in a parallelogram.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the first connecting portion includes a first recessed portion, the second connecting portion includes a second recessed portion, and at least one fastener is used to fix corresponding parts of at least one hinge in the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, respectively, wherein the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion have arcuate corners, and the arcuate corners are used to contact and cooperate with the hinge.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, wherein one end of the first connecting rod is pivotally connected to the first frame part, the other end of the first connecting rod is pivotally connected to the second frame part, one end of the second connecting rod is pivotally connected to the first frame part, the other end of the second connecting rod is pivotally connected to the second frame part, and wherein the first frame part, the first connecting rod, the second frame part and the second connecting rod are connected in sequence to form a connecting rod mechanism, and the connecting rod mechanism enables the swing of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to drive the second frame part to translate along the first direction relative to the first frame part.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a cam, which can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the first direction. An opening is provided on the second frame part for movably cooperating with an outer edge of the cam. The opening has a first wall surface and a second wall surface facing the first wall surface along the first direction, wherein the cam is configured so that the outer edge of the cam contacts the first wall surface or the second wall surface during rotation to drive the second frame part to translate relative to the first frame part along the first direction.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the first frame portion is integrally formed with or fixedly connected to the first supporting frame, and the hot end assembly of another print head is fixedly connected to the second frame portion.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the extrusion mechanism of the other print head includes an extrusion motor, and the connecting mechanism is arranged on two opposite sides of the extrusion motor in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, a first joining portion is provided on the first frame part, the first joining portion includes at least one groove and one of at least one protrusion, and a second joining portion is provided on the second frame part, the second joining portion includes at least one groove and the other of at least one protrusion, and the first joining portion and the second joining portion position the second frame part in the first direction when at least one protrusion is respectively engaged with at least one groove.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, any one of the at least one groove has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, a first magnet is provided on the first frame part, and a second magnet corresponding to the first magnet is provided on the second frame part. When the first frame part is engaged with the second frame part, the first magnet and the second magnet are attracted to each other.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the 3D printer uses a connection mechanism that is configured to swing or bend to enable the two print heads to move relative to each other in a first direction (e.g., height direction), which is helpful to avoid interference with the workpiece during printing, thereby reducing the possibility of the dual print heads scratching the workpiece surface. In addition, using the 3D printer of some embodiments of the present disclosure to lift and switch the print head can provide the characteristics of simple structure, low cost, small size, and high layout freedom.

[0020] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the multiple drawings represent the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings only depict some embodiments disclosed in the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a print head assembly in a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A front view of the print head assembly;

[0025] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A side view of a print head assembly;

[0026] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 An exploded view of some parts of the print head assembly;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the working process of the print head assembly of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] 100-print head assembly; 110-dual print heads; 112-first print head; 114-second print head; 120-first support frame; 125-recessed portion; 130-first surface; 135-cutter; 140-second support frame; 150-first frame portion; 160-second frame portion; 170-second surface; 180-connecting mechanism; 190-transmission mechanism;

[0031] 200-driving mechanism; 210-hinge; 220-first connecting portion; 230-second connecting portion; 240-fastener; 250-first reed; 260-second reed; 270-middle section; 280-first end section; 290-second end section;

[0032] 300-first set of hinges; 310-second set of hinges; 320-first side region; 330-second side region; 340-third side region; 345-fourth side region; 350-cam; 360-opening; 370-first wall; 380-second wall; 390-first joint;

[0033] 400 - groove; 410 - convex portion; 420 - second engaging portion; 430 - second engaging portion;

[0034] 500-3D printer; 510-printing platform; 520-printing head assembly; 530-movement mechanism; 540-material tray; 550-printing material; 560-extrusion wheel;

[0035] 600 - connecting rod mechanism; 610 - first connecting rod; 620 - second connecting rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following, only some exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are considered to be exemplary and non-restrictive in nature.

[0037] Current 3D printers use dual or multi-print heads to solve the problem that a single print head can only print one type of consumable at a time. However, in order to enable the two print heads to move relative to each other in the height direction to prevent the non-working print head from scratching the workpiece, it is usually necessary to add additional components that are larger in size and heavier in weight.

[0038] In one example of the related art, a 3D printer is provided with a linear guide or a straight guide rail to achieve vertical guidance, and two print heads are placed in a support frame, one of which is fixedly connected to the support frame, and the other print head is connected to the support frame through a linear guide or a straight guide rail for guidance. However, in this example, the linear guide or the straight guide rail is relatively large in size, and even the smallest model will occupy a large volume, increase weight, and be too expensive.

[0039] In another example of the related art, a 3D printer is provided with a linear guide or a straight guide rail to achieve vertical guidance, and both print heads are connected to a support frame through the linear guide or the straight guide rail, so that both print heads can be driven to achieve controllable movement in the vertical direction. However, in this example, the linear guide or the straight guide rail also has the disadvantages of being large in size, increased in weight, and too high in cost.

[0040] In view of the above problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a 3D printer. The embodiment of the present disclosure is described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be pointed out that the terms used in the implementation method of the present disclosure are only used to explain the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0041] This embodiment provides a 3D printer, which is also called a three-dimensional printer, which constructs a three-dimensional object by printing layer by layer. The 3D printer includes a print head and a printing platform. The print head is provided with a nozzle. The print head is configured to be movable relative to the printing platform. The printing platform defines a printing area. The printing material ejected from the nozzle of the print head is deposited layer by layer on the printing area defined by the printing platform, thereby printing a three-dimensional object.

[0042] Figure 1 FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a 3D printer 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the 3D printer 500 includes a printing platform (or heated bed) 510, a print head assembly 520 movable relative to the printing platform 510, and a motion mechanism 530. The motion mechanism 530 is connected to the print head assembly 520 in a transmission manner to drive the print head assembly 520 to move relative to the printing platform 510.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the motion mechanism 530 is used to drive the print head assembly 520 to move. However, in other embodiments, the motion mechanism 530 may also be connected to the printing platform 510 in a transmission manner to drive the printing platform 510 to move. In some embodiments not shown, the 3D printer may include two motion mechanisms 530, which are respectively used to drive the printing platform 510 and the print head assembly 520 to move, so as to complete the printing of the 3D model.

[0044] The 3D printer 500 may further include at least one processor (not shown). The at least one processor is used to control a motor (not shown) to drive the motion mechanism 530 based on the control code generated by the slicing software, thereby driving the print head assembly 520 to move relative to the printing platform 510. The at least one processor may also control another motor (not shown) to drive the extrusion wheel 560 to feed the printing material 550 on the material tray 540 into the print head assembly 520. During the movement of the print head assembly 520 driven by the motion mechanism 530, the printing material is extruded from the print head assembly 520 and deposited on the printing platform 510, thereby printing the 3D model layer by layer.

[0045] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the extrusion wheel 560 can be arranged local to or close to the printhead assembly 520 (referred to as a "near-end feed"), while in some embodiments, the extrusion wheel 560 can be arranged away from the printhead assembly 520 (referred to as a "distal-end feed"). The present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0046] Figure 2 The print head assembly 100 (eg, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the print head assembly 520 in FIG. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A front view of the print head assembly 100, Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A side view of the print head assembly 100, Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of some components of the print head assembly 100 .

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the 3D printer may specifically include a dual print head 110, a first support frame 120, a second support frame 140, a connecting mechanism 180 and a transmission mechanism 190. Each print head in the dual print head 110 includes at least a hot end assembly and an extrusion mechanism. In some embodiments, the hot end assembly may include a nozzle for outputting printing materials. The first support frame 120 defines a first surface 130, and the first surface 130 is used for mounting one of the print heads 112 in the dual print head 110. The second support frame 140 may include a first frame portion 150 and a second frame portion 160. In some embodiments, the first frame portion 150 is fixedly connected to the first support frame 120. In order to facilitate the assembly of elastic parts and motors, the first frame portion 150 and the first support frame 120 are separately arranged as two independent components and connected to each other. In other embodiments, the first frame portion 150 and the first support frame 120 are integrally formed. The second frame portion 160 defines a second surface 170, and the second surface 170 is used for mounting the other print head 114 in the dual print head 110. For the convenience of description, in this application, the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis are defined as the x-axis and y-axis are located in a horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Specifically, in a coordinate system based on the 3D printer, the direction of the width of the 3D printer is defined as the x-axis, the direction of the length of the 3D printer is defined as the y-axis direction, and the longitudinal axis direction of the print head is defined as the z-axis direction, and the z-axis direction is the vertical direction.

[0048] For example, see Figure 2 , the first print head 112 and the second print head 114 are arranged side by side along the y-axis direction with a spacing therebetween. Figure 5As shown, the first print head 112 is mounted on the first surface 130 of the first support frame 120, and the second print head 114 is mounted on the second surface 170 of the second frame portion 160 in the second support frame 140. In some embodiments, the first print head 112 and the second print head 114 are at the same height in the z-axis direction at the initial position. In some embodiments, the first support frame 120 may have a recessed portion 125 for the first frame portion 150 in the second support frame 140 to be embedded, so that when the first frame portion 150 is connected to the first support frame 120, accurate positioning can be provided on the one hand, and the size of the 3D printer in the y-axis direction is not increased on the other hand. The first support frame 120 can be fixedly connected to the second support frame 140, for example, by bolt connection, adhesive connection, etc.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, a connection mechanism 180 is provided between the first frame portion 150 and the second frame portion 160 for connecting the first frame portion 150 and the second frame portion 160. The connection mechanism 180 is configured to be able to swing or bend and deform to allow the second frame portion 160 to translate along a first direction relative to the first frame portion 150. In this document, the term "first direction" may include a direction along the z-axis.

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the connecting mechanism 180 connects the first frame portion 150 and the second frame portion 160 which are separated from each other. The connecting mechanism 180 is configured to be able to bend and deform so that the second frame portion 160 can translate along a first direction (upward or downward) relative to the fixed first frame portion 150, that is, the second print head 114 installed on the second frame portion 160 is caused to move relative to the first print head 112 installed on the first support frame 120 in the height direction.

[0051] In some embodiments, the extrusion mechanism of the other print head 114 may include an extrusion motor. The connection mechanism 180 is arranged on opposite sides of the extrusion motor in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. By arranging the connection mechanism in this way, the components of the two print heads in the feeding direction can be arranged in a similar manner, saving space. In this article, the term "second direction" may include a direction along the y-axis.

[0052] In some embodiments, the hot end assembly of another print head 114 is fixedly connected to the second frame portion 160. In such a design, the hot end assembly on the movable side can be consistent with the hot end assembly on the fixed side, so as to share parts. Moreover, the fixed connection can improve the repeatability of the hot end assembly relative to the elastic connection.

[0053] In addition, the transmission mechanism 190 is configured to drive the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction. In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism includes at least one of a cam, a screw nut, or a gear pair. In some embodiments, the gear pair may include a gear meshing transmission mechanism such as a gear and a gear, a gear and a rack, a bevel gear, a helical gear, etc. The transmission mechanism may be in direct or indirect contact with the second frame portion 160 to cause the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150, that is, relative to the first support frame 120 along the first direction.

[0054] An exemplary working process of the 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is: when the print head needs to be raised or lowered, the transmission mechanism 190 drives the second frame portion 160 to translate along the first direction relative to the first frame portion 150, and the translation causes the connecting mechanism 180 to bend or swing, and under the constraint of the connecting mechanism 180, the first print head 112 and the second print head 114 produce a height difference in the direction of the z-axis.

[0055] In summary, the 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure uses a connection mechanism that is configured to be able to swing or bend to enable the two print heads to achieve relative movement in the height direction, which is conducive to avoiding interference with the workpiece during printing, thereby reducing the possibility of the dual print heads scratching the workpiece surface. It can be seen that when the 3D printer of this embodiment is used to lift and switch the print head, it has the characteristics of simple structure, low cost, small size, high layout freedom, and no transmission gap.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, the 3D printer may further include a driving mechanism 200. The driving mechanism 200 is configured to be in driving connection with the transmission mechanism 190 so as to drive the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction via the transmission mechanism 190.

[0057] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes at least one of a steering gear, a servo motor, or a stepper motor. Figure 5 In the example shown, the driving mechanism is implemented as a steering gear as an actuator capable of angular rotation. It is understandable that the driving mechanism may also include other components that drive the transmission mechanism 190 to change position or angle, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0058] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the connection mechanism 180 includes at least one hinge 210. In order to install the at least one hinge 210, a first connection portion 220 is provided on the side of the first frame portion 150, and correspondingly, a second connection portion 230 is provided on the side of the second frame portion 160. In addition, the 3D printer also includes at least one fastener 240, which is used to fix the corresponding parts of the at least one hinge 210 at the first connection portion 220 and the second connection portion 230 respectively. The unfixed part of the at least one hinge 210 can be bent and deformed to allow the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the connection mechanism 180 is implemented as a hinge 210 (e.g., a flexible hinge). In order to reduce the possibility of undesired movement of the hinge 210 in directions other than the z-axis direction, it is necessary to use a fastener 240 to fix the corresponding parts of the hinge 210 at the first frame portion 150 and the second frame portion 160, respectively. To this end, a first connecting portion 220 and a second connecting portion 230 are respectively provided on the sides of the first frame portion 150 and the second frame portion 160 to cooperate with the installation of the fastener 240. At this time, the part of the hinge 210 fixed by the fastener 240 can no longer bend and deform, while the part thereof that is not fixed can still bend and deform to allow the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction.

[0060] Compared with the linear rail module in the related art, due to the use of hinges, especially flexible hinges without transmission gaps, the second frame part 160 can translate along the first direction relative to the first frame part 150 more smoothly, thereby reducing mechanical losses.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 220 is implemented as a first concave portion, and the second connection portion 230 is implemented as a second concave portion. To this end, at least one fastener 240 can fix corresponding parts of at least one hinge 210 in the first concave portion and the second concave portion, respectively. In some embodiments, the first concave portion and the second concave portion have curved corners, and the curved corners are used to contact and cooperate with the hinge.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 5As shown, any one of the at least one hinge 210 includes a first reed 250 and a second reed 260. Any one of the first reed 250 and the second reed 260 includes a middle section 270, a first end section 280, and a second end section 290. Specifically, the first end section 280 is located at the first end of the middle section 270 and is bent relative to the middle section 270, and the second end section 290 is located at the second end of the middle section 270 and is bent relative to the middle section 270. The first end section 280 can be fixed at the first connection portion 220 by a fastener 240, and the second end section 290 can be fixed at the second connection portion 230. The middle section 270 located between the first end section 280 and the second end section 290 is configured to be able to bend and deform to allow the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, any one of the at least one hinge 210 includes a first reed 250 located at the top along the z-axis direction and a second reed 260 located at the bottom. When viewed along the y-axis direction, the first reed 250 and the second reed 260 form a substantially rectangular shape. Any one of the first reed 250 and the second reed 260 has a flat middle section 270, which can be bent and deformed when subjected to external force, and can return to its original shape when no longer subjected to external force. The first end section 280 and the second connecting portion 230 clamped by the fastener 240 cannot be bent and deformed.

[0064] The manufacturing process of the hinge 210 can be simplified by dividing the hinge 210 into upper and lower springs, namely the first spring 250 and the second spring 260. Of course, it is also understandable that the first spring 250 and the second spring 260 can also be constructed as a single U-shaped spring.

[0065] Continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, at least one hinge 210 includes a first set of hinges 300 and a second set of hinges 310. The first set of hinges 300 is installed at a first side region 320 of the first frame portion 150 and a second side region 330 of the second frame portion 160. Correspondingly, the second set of hinges 310 is installed at a third side region 340 of the first frame portion 150 and a fourth side region 345 of the second frame portion 160. The first side region 320 and the third side region 340 are separated from each other, and the second side region 160 and the fourth side region 345 are separated from each other. At this time, the first side region 320, the second side region 160, the third side region 340 and the fourth side region 345 are arranged in a parallelogram. In this article, the term "parallelogram" includes the case of a rectangle.

[0066] Arranging the hinge in this way can leave a large movable space in the middle of the hinge, so as to facilitate the setting and advance and retreat of the cutter 135 used to cut the wire material. Figure 2 As shown, the cutter 135 is arranged outside the hinge area and is used to cut the input wire material so that the wire material from the device for storing the wire material (such as a material tray, etc.) is separated from the wire material in the print head.

[0067] By arranging two left and right sets of hinges along the y-axis, it is possible to ensure that the force is evenly distributed when the second frame part 160 translates relative to the first frame part 150 along the first direction, thereby improving the mechanical operation stability.

[0068] See also Figure 6 Combined with Figure 5 , Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the working process of the print head assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The transmission mechanism 190 shown in the figure includes a cam 350 as an example for explanation, and the cam 350 can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the first direction, that is, the direction of the x-axis. In order to cooperate with the outer edge of the cam 350, an opening 360 is provided on the second frame part 160. In some embodiments, the opening 360 is a rectangular opening. Of course, it can be understood that the opening 360 can also be other shapes, and the present disclosure does not limit this. The opening has a first wall 370 and a second wall 380 facing the first wall 370 along the first direction. The cam 350 is configured so that when rotating, the outer edge of the cam 350 contacts the first wall 370 or the second wall 380 to drive the second frame part 160 to translate relative to the first frame part 150 along the first direction.

[0069] exist Figure 6 In the leftmost view (a), the second frame portion 160 does not translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction, that is, the two print heads do not move relative to each other in the height direction. At this time, the hinge is in the original state without bending or deformation. The cam 350 is located in the opening 360 of the second frame portion 160, but its outer edge does not contact the first wall 370 or the second wall 380. Figure 6 As shown in (a), at this time, the cam head points to the side wall surface of the opening 360, but does not contact it. Figure 6In the middle view (b), the second frame portion 160 is translated downward along the first direction relative to the first frame portion 150, that is, the second print head 114 moves downward in the height direction relative to the first print head 112 (i.e., descends). At this time, the hinge is in a bent and deformed state. The outer edge of the cam head of the cam 350 contacts the second wall 380 to push the second frame portion 160 downward for a distance. At this time, the movable second print head 114 is displaced downward by this distance relative to the fixed first print head 112, thereby creating a sufficient gap between the two, thereby avoiding interference of the fixed first print head 112 with the workpiece. Figure 6 In the rightmost view (c), the second frame portion 160 is translated upward along the first direction relative to the first frame portion 150, that is, the second print head 114 is moved upward in the height direction relative to the first print head 112 (i.e., lifted). At this time, the hinge is in a bent and deformed state. The outer edge of the cam head of the cam 350 contacts the first wall 370 to push the second frame portion 160 upward for a distance. At this time, the cam provides a certain pressure to maintain the second frame portion 160, so that the second frame portion 160 has a certain internal rigidity. At this time, the movable second print head 114 is displaced upward by this distance relative to the fixed first print head 112, thereby avoiding interference of the movable second print head 114 with the workpiece.

[0070] It is understandable that the displacement distance and speed of the movable second print head 114 relative to the fixed first print head 112 and the holding force of the cam can be adjusted by designing the profile of the cam and the shape of the opening. In such a design, since there is no matching gap between the outer edge of the cam and the wall surface of the opening, the lifting and lowering switching without transmission gap can be realized, which improves the smoothness. In addition, the cam mechanism can provide a certain pressing force when the movable second print head is lifted or lowered to a predetermined position, so that the entire support frame has sufficient rigidity inside to resist external disturbances.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a first engaging portion 390 is provided on the first frame portion 150, and the first engaging portion 390 includes one of at least one groove 400 and at least one protrusion 410. Correspondingly, a second engaging portion 420 is provided on the second frame portion 160, and the second engaging portion includes the other of at least one groove 400 and at least one protrusion 410. The first engaging portion 390 and the second engaging portion 420 position the second frame portion 160 in the first direction when the at least one protrusion 410 is respectively engaged with the at least one groove 400.

[0072] For example, in Figure 5 and Figure 6In the example shown, two grooves 400 are provided on the first frame portion 150, and correspondingly, two protrusions 410 are provided on the second frame portion 160. When the second frame portion 160 is translated downward along the first direction relative to the first frame portion 150, the protrusion 410 finally engages with the groove 400, thereby providing a limit in the first direction. In such a design, extremely high positioning accuracy and repeat positioning accuracy can be achieved, and the error can be within the range of ±2μm. In one example, any one of the at least one groove 400 has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. Considering that the second frame portion 160 will also move relative to the first frame portion 150 along the x-axis direction when the hinge is bent and deformed, by setting the groove to have a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, the degree of freedom in the x-axis direction can be given under the premise of constraints in the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction. Since the V-shaped groove is a standard part, it has the advantages of high precision, good consistency and low price. In some embodiments, a first magnet is provided on the first frame portion 150, and a second magnet corresponding to the first magnet is provided on the second frame portion 160, so that when the first frame portion 150 and the second frame portion 160 are engaged, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other. In some embodiments, the magnet can be provided on the mating surface. In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction of the magnet is greater than 20N. By adding the magnetic attraction, the positioning surface can be stably matched, and the pressing force of multiple matches is consistent, thereby improving the repeat positioning accuracy.

[0073] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another connection mechanism of an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the hinge form, the connection mechanism may also be in the form of a four-bar linkage. Figure 7 As shown, the connection mechanism includes a first connecting rod 610 and a second connecting rod 620. One end of the first connecting rod 610 is pivotally connected to the first frame portion 150, and the other end of the first connecting rod 610 is pivotally connected to the second frame portion 160. One end of the second connecting rod 620 is pivotally connected to the first frame portion 150, and the other end of the second connecting rod 620 is pivotally connected to the second frame portion 160. At this time, the first frame portion 150, the first connecting rod 610, the second frame portion 160 and the second connecting rod 620 are sequentially connected to form a connecting rod mechanism 600. The connecting rod mechanism 600 enables the swing of the first connecting rod 610 and the second connecting rod 620 to drive the second frame portion 160 to translate relative to the first frame portion 150 along the first direction.

[0074] exist Figure 7In the example shown, the first frame portion 150 serves as a fixed frame, and the first link 610 and the second link 620 can respectively swing around the pivot points connected to the first frame portion 150. When the first link 610 and the second link 620 swing, they can drive the second frame portion 160 to translate along the first direction relative to the first frame portion 150.

[0075] In such a design, the four-link arrangement makes the structure simple, and only the first link 610 and the second link 620 need to be added to connect the first frame part 150 and the second frame part 160, and the size of the 3D printer is not significantly increased.

[0076] It should be understood that in this specification, the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships or dimensions that are based on the orientations or positional relationships or dimensions shown in the accompanying drawings, and these terms are used only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0077] In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first", "second", "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0078] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0079] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being “above”, “above”, and “above” a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being “below”, “below”, and “below” a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0080] This specification provides many different embodiments or examples that can be used to implement the present disclosure. It should be understood that these different embodiments or examples are purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art can conceive of various changes or replacements based on the disclosure of the present specification, which should all be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printer, characterized in that: include: Dual print heads, each of the dual print heads comprising at least a hot end assembly and an extrusion mechanism; a first support frame, the first support frame defining a first surface for mounting one of the dual print heads; The second supporting frame comprises: The first frame part, and a second frame portion, the second frame portion defining a second surface for mounting another print head of the dual print heads; a connecting mechanism installed between the first frame portion and the second frame portion and used to connect the first frame portion and the second frame portion, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured to be able to swing or bend and deform to allow the second frame portion to translate along a first direction relative to the first frame portion; and The transmission mechanism is used to drive the second frame part to translate along the first direction relative to the first frame part.

2. The 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A driving mechanism is connected to the transmission mechanism to drive the second frame part to translate relative to the first frame part along the first direction via the transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism includes at least one of a cam, a screw nut or a gear pair.

3. The 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection mechanism includes at least one hinge, a first connection portion is disposed on a side of the first frame portion, and a second connection portion is disposed on a side of the second frame portion. The 3D printer further comprises at least one fastener, for fixing corresponding parts of the at least one hinge at the first connection portion and the second connection portion, respectively, wherein the unfixed parts of the at least one hinge are capable of bending and deforming to allow the second frame portion to translate relative to the first frame portion along the first direction.

4. The 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: Any one of the at least one hinges includes a first spring leaf and a second spring leaf, and any one of the first spring leaf and the second spring leaf includes a middle section, a first end section located at a first end of the middle section and bent relative to the middle section, and a second end section located at a second end of the middle section and bent relative to the middle section, the first end section is fixed at the first connection portion by the fastener, the second end section is fixed at the second connection portion by the fastener, and the middle section is configured to be able to undergo bending deformation to allow the second frame portion to translate relative to the first frame portion along the first direction.

5. The 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least one hinge includes a first group of hinges and a second group of hinges, the first group of hinges being installed on a first side area of ​​the first frame portion and a second side area of ​​the second frame portion, and the second group of hinges being installed on a third side area of ​​the first frame portion and a fourth side area of ​​the second frame portion, wherein the first side area and the third side area face away from each other, and the second side area and the fourth side area face away from each other, wherein the first side area, the second side area, the third side area and the fourth side area are arranged in a parallelogram.

6. The 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first connecting portion includes a first recessed portion, the second connecting portion includes a second recessed portion, and the at least one fastener is used to fix the corresponding parts of the at least one hinge in the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, respectively, wherein the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion have arcuate corners, and the arcuate corners are used to contact and cooperate with the hinge.

7. The 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, wherein one end of the first link is pivotally connected to the first frame portion, the other end of the first link is pivotally connected to the second frame portion, one end of the second link is pivotally connected to the first frame portion, the other end of the second link is pivotally connected to the second frame portion, and Among them, the first frame part, the first connecting rod, the second frame part and the second connecting rod are connected in sequence to form a connecting rod mechanism, and the connecting rod mechanism enables the swing of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to drive the second frame part to translate along the first direction relative to the first frame part.

8. The 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism includes a cam, which can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the first direction. The second frame part is provided with an opening for movably cooperating with the outer edge of the cam. The opening has a first wall surface and a second wall surface facing the first wall surface along the first direction, wherein the cam is configured so that when rotating, the outer edge of the cam contacts the first wall surface or the second wall surface to drive the second frame part to translate relative to the first frame part along the first direction.

9. The 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first frame portion is integrally formed with or fixedly connected to the first supporting frame, and the hot end assembly of the other print head is fixedly connected to the second frame portion.

10. The 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The extrusion mechanism of the other print head includes an extrusion motor, and the connecting mechanism is arranged on two opposite sides of the extrusion motor in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A first engaging portion is provided on the first frame portion, the first engaging portion includes one of at least one groove and at least one protrusion, and a second engaging portion is provided on the second frame portion, the second engaging portion includes the other of the at least one groove and the at least one protrusion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion position the second frame portion in the first direction when the at least one protrusion is respectively engaged with the at least one groove.

12. The 3D printer according to claim 11, characterized in that: Any one of the at least one groove has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section.

13. The 3D printer according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first frame part is provided with a first magnet, and the second frame part is provided with a second magnet corresponding to the first magnet. When the first frame part is connected with the second frame part, the first magnet and the second magnet are attracted to each other.

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