A 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system, wherein a spraying part and a feeding part are respectively provided at both ends of a multi-channel nozzle, a common channel connecting the feeding part and the spraying part is provided on the multi-channel nozzle, a plurality of nozzles are provided on the spraying part, and functional nozzles are connected to the nozzles, a plurality of feed ports are provided on the feeding part, and the plurality of feed ports are respectively connected to external material sources, and different material sources enter the common channel through the feed ports and are sprayed out by different functional nozzles on the nozzles; a nozzle adjustment mechanism is installed at one end of the multi-channel nozzle close to the feeding part, and an output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism is respectively connected to the spraying part and the feeding part and adjusts the connection state of the nozzle, the feeding port and the common channel; a plurality of inlets and an outlet are provided on the multi-color material mixing component, and the plurality of inlets are respectively connected to an external color material source, and the outlet is connected to the feed port of the feeding part and provides multi-color mixed material to the multi-channel nozzle. The present invention has convenient printing, high controllability and convenient later maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of food 3D printing, and in particular relates to a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, food 3D printing, as an emerging digital food processing technology, has gradually entered the public eye and garnered widespread attention from researchers and businesses both domestically and internationally. This technology, through personalized design, allows consumers to customize food products in terms of shape, color, and nutritional content. It is widely used in the catering, nutrition and health, and children's education sectors. With the continuous advancement of food printing technology, some 3D food printing devices capable of printing in multiple colors and materials have become commercially available. These models can achieve multi-color printing effects by changing colors and materials, making printed food products more creative and personalized.

[0003] However, existing multifunctional food 3D printing equipment still has many limitations, which means that multi-color food printing has not yet reached the ideal level in terms of accuracy, ease of operation, and system integration. Currently, most food 3D printing equipment on the market focuses on the hardware structure design and optimization of the printing equipment, ignoring key aspects such as material switching and mixing functions at the printing front end and the flexibility of the printing channel. Its disadvantages are mainly reflected in:

[0004] (1) Material switching is complex and the operation is cumbersome: Existing multi-material printing equipment often requires manual operation when switching materials, or relies on complex control of external devices; when multiple materials are mixed, the pipeline needs to be cleaned frequently, which increases printing costs and time, and affects the continuity of printing and the ease of operation.

[0005] (2) Residue during printhead switching: Most printhead switching devices on the market tend to produce internal residue during the switching process, causing different materials to mix within the printhead, resulting in color or material contamination and affecting subsequent print quality. This residue also makes the switching process less smooth, increases cleaning difficulty, prolongs printing time, and reduces production efficiency.

[0006] (3) Lack of precise multi-channel control: Currently, most multi-color or multi-material printing devices only use multiple channels connected in parallel. Each channel is always open and cannot be selectively closed. This design easily causes material leakage, cross-contamination, and waste during the printing process, affecting product quality. In addition, there are many residual problems when switching materials quickly, resulting in unstable color transitions, affecting the aesthetics and consistency of the finished product.

[0007] (4) Poor synchronization between color mixing and printing: Existing technologies lack a control mechanism that can synchronize color mixing and printing, resulting in uneven color printing. The material cannot be fully stirred and mixed when it flows into the nozzle after multi-channel mixing, and the printed color rendering is difficult to achieve the expected effect.

[0008] Therefore, how to provide a multifunctional nozzle switching device for food color 3D printing and pigment mixing is a problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the present invention provides a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system, which can achieve the mixing of multiple colored materials, switch materials and print without interference, and is more convenient to use and clean later.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system, comprising:

[0011] A multi-channel nozzle, wherein a spraying part and a feeding part are respectively provided at both ends of the multi-channel nozzle, a common channel connecting the feeding part and the spraying part is provided on the multi-channel nozzle, a plurality of nozzles are provided on the spraying part, and a functional nozzle is connected to the nozzle. The feeding part is provided with a plurality of feed ports, and the plurality of feed ports are respectively connected to an external material source. Different material sources enter the common channel through the feed ports and are sprayed out by different functional nozzles on the nozzles;

[0012] A nozzle adjustment mechanism, the nozzle adjustment mechanism is installed at one end of the multi-channel nozzle close to the feed part, the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism is connected to the spray part and the feed part respectively and adjusts the connection state between the nozzle, the feed port and the common channel;

[0013] A multi-color material mixing component is provided with multiple inlets and one outlet, the multiple inlets are respectively connected to an external color material source, and the outlet is connected to the feed port of the feed part and provides multi-color mixed material to the multi-channel nozzle.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the multi-channel nozzle provides a plurality of nozzles for installing functional nozzles, and the corresponding functional nozzle usage status can be replaced according to different food printing requirements. It can be understood that multi-path feeding and multi-path spraying are both achieved through a common channel, so according to different materials and different spraying requirements, the nozzles and feed ports connected to the common channel can be adjusted. It should be noted that when cleaning the nozzle, only one feed port needs to be connected to the cleaning water. The added multi-color material mixing component is used for the mixed printing process of multiple colored materials. The mixing of multiple color materials can be completed in the multi-color mixing component in advance to ensure that the colors and materials can be accurately transferred. This device effectively improves the stability, ease of operation and consistency of finished products in color food printing, and solves the problems of cumbersome operation, uneven color, and material residue in the process of multi-channel material switching, nozzle replacement and color mixing.

[0015] Preferably, the multi-channel nozzle includes a nozzle rotor, a nozzle stator, a material collection bin, a channel rotor and a channel stator from one end to the other, the nozzle rotor is rotatably connected to the nozzle stator, the nozzle stator is fixedly connected to the material collection bin, the channel rotor is rotatably located between the material collection bin and the channel stator, the nozzle rotor and the nozzle stator constitute a spraying part, the material collection bin is provided with a center hole and a common channel, the channel rotor and the channel stator constitute a feeding part, and the nozzle rotor and the channel rotor are respectively transmission-connected to the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism.

[0016] The resulting technical effect is: the functional nozzle on the nozzle rotor is the final printing ejection end, and the nozzle stator provides the rotation basis of the nozzle rotor. When in use, the discharge of the corresponding functional nozzle is achieved by changing the rotation angle of the nozzle rotor. It can be understood that the rotation of the nozzle rotor is used to adjust the use status of the corresponding nozzle, and the rotation of the channel rotor is used to adjust different feeding states, single-path feeding, multi-path feeding or water flow, etc.

[0017] Preferably, the nozzle rotor is a frustum structure, the nozzles are vertically connected and connected on the inclined surface of the nozzle rotor, the multiple nozzles have different diameters, and the multiple nozzles are respectively connected to different functional nozzles. A center hole is provided on the nozzle stator, and a material transfer buffer groove connected to the center hole is provided on the side of the nozzle stator close to the nozzle rotor. The rotation of the nozzle rotor causes the nozzles at different positions to be connected to the material transfer buffer groove.

[0018] The resulting technical effect is: the nozzle rotor is a frustum structure, so the nozzles are arranged vertically on the inclined surface of the frustum to increase the installation space of the functional nozzles. During printing, the materials enter different nozzles through the center hole of the nozzle stator and the material buffer groove. If you want different nozzles to work, just turn the nozzle rotor to the corresponding connection point.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom surface of the nozzle rotor is in sliding contact with the top surface of the nozzle stator, and a sink groove connected to the nozzle is provided on the bottom surface of the nozzle rotor. The notch of the sink groove is circular, and the material transfer buffer groove is elliptical. When the nozzle rotor rotates, any notch of the sink groove can be covered by the material transfer buffer groove.

[0020] The resulting technical effect is that the multiple nozzles on the nozzle rotor are not connected to each other. When one nozzle on the nozzle rotor is working, the other nozzles will not leak material. In other words, each functional nozzle works independently and does not affect each other.

[0021] Preferably, the material collection bin is a funnel structure, the center hole of the material collection bin is coaxially connected with the center hole of the nozzle stator and provides a common material passage, the channel rotor is sealed and rotatably connected between the material collection bin and the channel stator, the channel rotor is provided with a plurality of flow holes of different specifications, the feed port is provided on the channel stator, and the plurality of feed ports on the channel stator can be docked and connected with the plurality of flow holes on the channel rotor; the middle part of the channel rotor is provided with a connection hole that cooperates with the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism, and the rotation of the channel rotor changes the docking state of the plurality of flow holes and the plurality of feed ports.

[0022] The resulting technical effect is that the material collection bin provides a multi-path flow collection space, and external materials can enter the material collection bin through multiple feed ports of the feed part, wherein the channel rotor provides the possibility of multi-path access for materials. It can be understood that the rotation of the channel rotor is used to change the number or state of the matching of multiple flow holes thereon and the multiple feed ports on the channel stator, so as to achieve selective access of materials. This method can affect the supply amount of materials, or the type of material access.

[0023] Preferably, the nozzle adjustment mechanism includes a coaxial brushless motor and a controller, the coaxial brushless motor is fixed on the channel stator, and the coaxial brushless motor is provided with a first output shaft and a second output shaft, the first output shaft and the second output shaft are coaxially arranged and the second output shaft rotates and is located on the outside of the first output shaft, the first output shaft is fixedly connected to the nozzle rotor after passing through the channel stator, the channel rotor, the material collection bin and the nozzle stator, and the second output shaft is fixedly connected to the channel rotor after passing through the channel stator, and the controller controls the two rotor modules of the coaxial brushless motor respectively and realizes independent control of the first output shaft and the second output shaft.

[0024] The resulting technical effect is: since the nozzle rotor and the channel rotor are two passive adjustment objects, the device uses a coaxial brushless motor to achieve independent control of the two passive adjustment objects, which is convenient to control and flexible in channel switching. During specific implementation, the coaxial brushless motor can use an existing coaxial double-propeller brushless motor.

[0025] Preferably, the multi-color material mixing assembly includes a mixing bin, a bin cover and a stirring mechanism, the mixing bin is provided with an outlet, the bin cover is fixed to the open end of the mixing bin, the bin cover is provided with multiple inlets, the inlets are connected to an external feed hose through a hose connector, the external feed hose is connected to a material conveying system, the stirring mechanism is installed on the bin cover, the stirring head of the stirring mechanism is located in the mixing bin and stirs materials of multiple colors evenly.

[0026] The resulting technical effect is: the multi-color material mixing component refers to the mixing of edible materials of various colors, such as chocolate, cream, etc., and uses a stirring mechanism to mix the various color materials evenly to improve the effect of subsequent food 3D printing. It should be noted that the multi-color material mixing of this device is completed synchronously during the printing process, and is not statically mixed in advance.

[0027] Preferably, the stirring mechanism includes a stirring motor and a stirring rod, the stirring motor is fixed on the bin cover, and the stirring rod is a stirring head of the stirring mechanism and is transmission-connected to an output shaft of the stirring motor.

[0028] The resulting technical effect is that, in specific implementation, the stirring rod is a multi-pronged stirring rod, so as to improve the mixing effect of multi-color materials.

[0029] Preferably, the material conveying system is powered by a material pump, and the reverse rotation of the material pump causes the material to be pulled in the opposite direction and prevents the material from overflowing from the multi-channel nozzle.

[0030] The resulting technical effect is that when food is 3D printed, a material pump is used to transport the material. Of course, when printing stops or the nozzle is changed, the reverse rotation of the material pump is used to temporarily pull the material in the opposite direction to avoid nozzle drawing or material overflow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a multi-channel printhead of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A multi-channel nozzle explosion of a 3D printing multi-function nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 4 The invention discloses a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system. Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a multi-color material mixing assembly of a 3D printing multi-function nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded diagram;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation principle of the nozzle rotor and nozzle stator of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation principle of the channel stator and channel rotor of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a coaxial brushless motor of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a coaxial brushless motor of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the coaxial brushless motor end side of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a flow chart of the operating principle of a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to the present invention.

[0043] 1 Multi-channel nozzle, 11 spraying part, 12 feeding part, 13 common channel, 101 nozzle rotor, 102 nozzle stator, 103 material collection bin, 104 channel rotor, 105 channel stator, 106 nozzle, 107 material buffer trough, 108 sedimentation trough, 109 flow hole, 110 feeding port, 2 nozzle adjustment mechanism, 21 coaxial brushless motor, 211 first output shaft, 212 second output shaft, 213 outer winding, 214 outer rotor, 215 outer bearing, 216 inner rotor, 217 inner winding, 218 inner bearing, 3 multi-color material mixing assembly, 31 mixing bin, 32 bin cover, 33 stirring mechanism, 331 stirring motor, 332 stirring rod, 34 hose connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that the attached Figure 7 Figures S1-S4 show the actual internal hole positions of the nozzle stator and rotor during rotation switching, where 1, 2, and 3 represent the hole positions on the nozzle rotor;

[0046] Attachment Figure 8 S201-S204 show the opening and closing of the channel stator and rotor switching under a certain combination design, where 1, 2, and 3 represent the hole positions of the feed inlet, and A, B, C, and D represent the hole positions of the flow holes on the channel stator.

[0047] See the attached Figures 1 to 12 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system includes:

[0048] A multi-channel nozzle 1, with a spraying portion 11 and a feeding portion 12 provided at both ends thereof, a common channel 13 connecting the feeding portion 12 and the spraying portion 11, three nozzles 106 provided on the spraying portion 11, and functional nozzles connected to the nozzles 106. Functional nozzles refer to nozzles used for different functions, which may be decorating nozzles, material filling nozzles, printing nozzles, etc. Three feeding ports 110 are provided on the feeding portion 12, and the multiple feeding ports 110 are respectively connected to external material sources, one of which can be connected to an external cleaning water source to facilitate the cleaning of the nozzle in each process. Different material sources enter the common channel through the feeding port 110 and are sprayed out by different functional nozzles on the nozzle;

[0049] The nozzle adjustment mechanism 2 is installed at one end of the multi-channel nozzle 1 close to the feed part 12. The output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism 2 is connected to the spray part 11 and the feed part 12 respectively and adjusts the connection state between the nozzle, the feed port and the common channel;

[0050] The multi-color material mixing component 3 is provided with multiple inlets and one outlet. The multiple inlets are respectively connected to external color material sources. The material sources of different colors refer to edible materials, cream, chocolate, etc. The outlet is connected to the feed port 110 of the feed part and provides multi-color mixed materials to the multi-channel nozzle.

[0051] In other embodiments, the multi-channel nozzle 1 includes a nozzle rotor 101, a nozzle stator 102, a material collection bin 103, a channel rotor 104 and a channel stator 105 from one end to the other. The nozzle rotor 101 is rotatably connected to the nozzle stator 102, the nozzle stator 102 is fixedly connected to the material collection bin 103, and the channel rotor 104 is rotatably located between the material collection bin 103 and the channel stator 105. The nozzle rotor 101 and the nozzle stator 102 constitute a spraying part 11. The material collection bin 103 is provided with a center hole and a common channel. The channel rotor 104 and the channel stator 105 constitute a feeding part 12. The nozzle rotor 101 and the channel rotor 104 are respectively connected to the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism 2 in a transmission manner.

[0052] Specifically, the nozzle rotor 101 is a truncated cone structure, and the nozzles 106 are vertically connected and connected on the inclined surface of the nozzle rotor 101, which can increase the installation space of the nozzles, thereby facilitating the installation of the nozzles and avoiding interference between the nozzles. This structure makes full use of space, optimizes the multi-nozzle layout, and improves the efficiency and reliability of the equipment; the multiple nozzles 106 have different diameters, and different functional nozzles are connected to the multiple nozzles 106 respectively. The working state of different nozzles can be adjusted according to printing needs. The nozzle stator 102 is provided with a center hole, and the side of the nozzle stator 102 close to the nozzle rotor 101 is provided with a material transfer buffer groove 107 connected to the center hole. The rotation of the nozzle rotor 101 causes the nozzles 106 at different positions to be connected to the material transfer buffer groove 107. When one nozzle and the corresponding nozzle are in use, the other nozzles will not overflow material, which requires ensuring the airtightness of the material channel and the accuracy of the hole docking.

[0053] In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the nozzle rotor 101 is in sliding contact with the top surface of the nozzle stator 102. A trough 108 is provided on the bottom surface of the nozzle rotor 101, connecting to the nozzle 106. The opening of the trough 108 is circular, while the feed buffer 107 is elliptical. When the nozzle rotor 101 rotates, the opening of any trough 108 can be covered by the feed buffer 107. The trough can be used to temporarily buffer printing material. The elliptical opening on the nozzle stator is designed to cover the aperture when the nozzle rotor is rotated to the aligned position, ensuring that it can be fully opened or closed when switching nozzles. Secondly, when the nozzle rotor rotates to the halfway position, the two sides of the feed buffer trough are tangent to the openings of the two adjacent troughs.

[0054] This invention utilizes a channel opening and closing mechanism to isolate unused channels during channel switching, effectively preventing material leakage and preventing accidental mixing of materials between channels, thus avoiding cross-contamination. Furthermore, the channel opening and closing mechanism controls the pre-flow of material, ensuring that the desired material is extruded immediately when the channel is opened, thus ensuring printing continuity. This design also prevents gas accumulation within the channel, isolating the flow of unused material, thereby reducing the risk of bubbles and uneven pressure, and ensuring print quality.

[0055] In other specific embodiments, the material collection bin 103 is a funnel structure, and the center hole of the material collection bin 103 is coaxially connected with the center hole of the nozzle stator 102 and provides a common material passage. The channel rotor 104 is sealed and rotatably connected between the material collection bin 103 and the channel stator 105. The channel rotor and the channel stator are both circular structures. The dynamic seal between the channel rotor and the adjacent components can be achieved using annular grooves and annular convex structures. The channel rotor 104 is provided with a plurality of flow holes 109 of different specifications, and the feed port 110 is provided on the channel stator 105. The multiple feed ports 110 on the channel stator 105 can be docked and connected with the multiple flow holes 109 on the channel rotor 104; the middle part of the channel rotor 104 is provided with a connection hole that cooperates with the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism, and the rotation of the channel rotor 104 changes the docking state of the multiple flow holes and the multiple feed ports.

[0056] It is understandable that the number of the flow holes 109 on the channel stator can be three or more, and the caliber of each flow hole can be the same or different to meet the requirements of different materials and flow rates.

[0057] The channel stator 105 is a circular structural part, and the channel rotor acts as a control switch for the feed port. The rotation position of the channel rotor directly affects the matching state of the flow hole and the feed port. One feed port can be opened alone, or multiple feed ports can be opened in combination to meet the needs of different material flow rates.

[0058] This invention utilizes a stator structure designed to accommodate channels of varying diameters, meeting diverse material and flow requirements. Fine-diameter channels facilitate precise material flow control, improving printing accuracy; coarse-diameter channels increase extrusion speed, making them suitable for viscous materials and reducing the risk of clogging. This multi-diameter compatible design provides greater flexibility for multi-material and multi-color food 3D printing applications, while ensuring flexible interface adjustment and optimizing material flow paths.

[0059] When the channel rotor 104 rotates to a specific angle, different numbers or combinations of flow holes 109 can be aligned with the feed port on the channel stator, allowing one or more channels to be opened or closed. In this way, the system can precisely control the on and off status of each channel to meet the combined flow requirements of various materials.

[0060] In some other embodiments, the nozzle adjustment mechanism 2 includes a coaxial brushless motor 21 and a controller. The coaxial brushless motor 21 is fixed on the channel stator 105. The coaxial brushless motor 21 is provided with a first output shaft 211 and a second output shaft 212. The first output shaft 211 and the second output shaft 212 are coaxially arranged and the second output shaft 212 rotates and is located on the outside of the first output shaft 211. The first output shaft 211 passes through the channel stator 105, the channel rotor 104, the material collection bin 103 and the nozzle stator 102 and is fixedly connected to the nozzle rotor 101. The second output shaft 212 passes through the channel stator 105 and is fixedly connected to the channel rotor 104. The controller controls the two rotor modules of the coaxial brushless motor respectively and realizes independent control of the first output shaft and the second output shaft.

[0061] Reference Attachment Figure 10-11 , the inner and outer rotor structures of the coaxial brushless motor 21 are schematically shown. The outer winding 213 drives the outer rotor 214 to rotate. The rotation of the outer rotor 214 synchronously causes the second output shaft 212 to rotate. The rotation of the second output shaft 212 and the first output shaft 211 do not affect each other. The inner winding 127 drives the inner rotor 216 to rotate. The inner rotor 216 is coaxially fixed with the first output shaft 211 and rotates synchronously.

[0062] The two output shafts of the coaxial brushless motor are independently controlled to provide precise and flexible rotational control, reducing the need for multiple drive systems. This not only simplifies the drive system, reducing space and costs, but also improves the compactness and reliability of the structure. Furthermore, motor control enhances operational convenience and system stability, avoiding manual operation errors and improving the performance and reliability of food 3D printing equipment.

[0063] In some other specific embodiments, the multi-color material mixing assembly 3 includes a mixing bin 31, a bin cover 32 and a stirring mechanism 33. The mixing bin 31 is provided with an outlet, the bin cover 32 is fixed to the open end of the mixing bin 31, and the bin cover 32 is provided with multiple inlets. The inlet is connected to the external feed hose through a hose connector 34, and the external feed hose is connected to the material conveying system. The stirring mechanism 33 is installed on the bin cover 32. The stirring head of the stirring mechanism 33 is located in the mixing bin 31 and stirs materials of multiple colors evenly, which can achieve mixing of multi-color materials in the food 3D printing process.

[0064] Specifically, the stirring mechanism 33 includes a stirring motor 331 and a stirring rod 332 . The stirring motor 331 is fixed on the bin cover 32 . The stirring rod 332 is a stirring head of the stirring mechanism and is transmission-connected to the output shaft of the stirring motor 331 .

[0065] In other embodiments, the material conveying system is powered by a material pump, and the reverse rotation of the material pump causes the material to be pulled in the opposite direction and prevents the material from overflowing from the multi-channel nozzle.

[0066] The nozzle stator of this invention features an elliptical flow buffer slot design, which allows for rapid connection to the next nozzle interface when switching nozzles, reducing the volume of residual waste and enabling rapid printing startup. This ensures an efficient and smooth switching process with minimal material waste. Combined with a suction mechanism, this effectively reduces the impact of flow interruptions, shortens switching time, and significantly improves printing continuity, efficiency, and quality.

[0067] By incorporating a real-time mixing mechanism (multi-color mixing assembly 3), this invention achieves instant mixing of materials as they flow, avoiding the problems of material sedimentation or stratification caused by pre-mixing. This significantly improves the naturalness and consistency of color transitions. Real-time mixing not only reduces downtime and cleanup, but also ensures dynamic color control during the printing process.

[0068] Application Example 1

[0069] The device is used for fully automatic cream and chocolate decoration printing on cake surfaces. It has multi-channel, multi-nozzle switching and automatic cleaning functions, and is suitable for the complex multi-color decoration needs of food 3D printing. The entire process needs to be carried out on the cake embryo, first printing the cream part, and then decorating with multi-color chocolate.

[0070] The channel stator has three flow holes of unequal diameters, among which the largest diameter through-hole is dedicated to cream transmission, which can realize fast and large-scale filling. The cream is output by the cream-dedicated nozzle through this channel, and the cream decoration of the cake is printed through the cream decorating nozzle to form a basic cream pattern structure; the smaller diameter through-hole is dedicated to the colorful chocolate output by the multi-color material mixing component, and the colorful chocolate decoration of the cake is printed through the chocolate nozzle; the remaining through-holes are used to transport clean water to clean the multi-channel and nozzle switching device and the nozzle.

[0071] First, the food 3D printing device is loaded with materials, including cream and black and white chocolate. Upon startup, the system automatically controls the channel stator to rotate to the maximum flow aperture. Because the cream portion needs to be printed on the cake base first, the system controls the printhead rotor to align with the cream decorating nozzle and the flow buffer slot on the nozzle stator.

[0072] After completing the presets, the machine begins printing the cake's cream portion. The cream is first applied to the cake base through the decorating nozzle. After the decorating is complete, the machine automatically cleans itself. The system first controls the 3D printing nozzle to move to the waste area and rotates the channel rotor to a certain angle, ensuring that only the clean water interface is connected to the subsequent sections. Clean water then begins to flow, flushing the multi-channel printhead and finally discharging through the decorating nozzle.

[0073] After completing the above tasks, the 3D printer returns to the printing position and begins switching channels. The channel rotor and nozzle rotor, controlled by a coaxial brushless motor, precisely switch the flow orifice to the smaller, multicolored chocolate output channel. Simultaneously, the system controls the nozzle rotor to rotate toward the chocolate printing nozzle. The machine then delivers a specific ratio of black and white chocolate to the multi-color mixing assembly. A stirring rod thoroughly mixes the two colors, creating a brown chocolate mixture. The mixture then flows through the channel stator and rotor into the confluence chamber, where it passes through the chocolate printing nozzle to apply chocolate decoration to the cake, completing the cake decoration process.

[0074] After the cake is decorated, the machine enters the cleaning process again. Each channel is connected to fresh water, and the system injects water to thoroughly rinse the mixing chamber, channel rotor, nozzle rotor, and each channel. Once the cleaning is complete, the machine is ready for the next printing operation without contamination.

[0075] This embodiment utilizes the multi-caliber compatible design of the channel stator, the precise switching function of the channel rotor and the nozzle rotor, and the pre-mixed color and fully automatic cleaning system to achieve fully automatic multi-color and multi-material efficient switching and cleaning during the cake decoration process.

[0076] Application Example 2

[0077] This embodiment demonstrates the continuous printing of chocolate bears using a multi-channel printhead. The system features two chocolate nozzles with different calibers: a smaller nozzle for finely printing the exterior contours, and a larger nozzle for rapidly pouring the interior structure. Furthermore, a third channel connects to fresh water for cleaning the channel and nozzle after printing.

[0078] First, the system is loaded with chocolate raw material and two inlets are connected to two sets of multi-color mixing components to ensure consistent chocolate color. The third channel is connected to clean water. After the system is started, the channel rotor is controlled to rotate to the small-diameter channel, and the nozzle rotor is aligned with the small-diameter nozzle to ensure that the two channels are aligned.

[0079] After preparation is complete, the system first squeezes a certain proportion of black, white, and brown chocolate into the multi-color mixing assembly connected to the smaller-diameter channel. Mixing inside the multi-color mixing assembly, the mixture becomes brown. Simultaneously, the multi-color mixing assembly corresponding to the larger-diameter channel performs the same operation, but without further output. The stirring rod inside the multi-color mixing assembly continues to work to prevent the chocolate from solidifying. Once printing begins, the material in the smaller-diameter channel passes through the multi-channel printhead and finally through the smaller-diameter nozzle on top, primarily printing the outer contour.

[0080] After the outer contour is printed, the system seamlessly switches to the large-diameter channel. Material flow through the original channel stops, and material flow through the large-diameter channel begins. At this point, the system activates a suction mechanism to quickly draw any remaining chocolate from the small-diameter nozzle back into a buffer tank, preventing material from remaining in the small-diameter nozzle and causing waste. The nozzle rotor then rotates toward the large-diameter nozzle. During this process, the specially designed elliptical opening on the nozzle rotor immediately opens a connection with the large-diameter nozzle interface upon exiting the small-diameter nozzle interface. Once the nozzle rotor and the large-diameter nozzle interface have established a connection, the system immediately stops the suction mechanism and begins extruding chocolate from the large-diameter channel. After rotating to a certain angle, the elliptical buffer tank on the nozzle rotor fully mates with the large-diameter nozzle interface. The entire material transition to the new printing channel is smooth, requiring no additional cleaning. During this phase, chocolate is poured through the large-diameter nozzle, significantly improving filling efficiency and accelerating the internal filling process.

[0081] After internal filling is complete, the system re-sucks the chocolate from the large-diameter nozzle, deactivating the material in the large-diameter channel. The channel rotor then re-engages the small-diameter channel, reactivating it. The nozzle switching process is identical to the previous one, utilizing the precise control of the re-suck mechanism to maintain material consistency with each switch, preventing color variations or material shortages in transition areas. After switching between sections, the small-diameter nozzle once again finely decorates the top surface of the chocolate bear until the entire print is complete.

[0082] After printing is complete, the channel rotor switches to the clean water channel, connecting the nozzle flow channel to the cleaning channel. Clean water flows into the buffer tank to thoroughly rinse away residual chocolate from each channel, thus preparing the material channel for the next print. After the cleaning process is complete, the machine enters standby mode.

[0083] This embodiment, applied to fully automated 3D printing of chocolate bears, employs a multi-channel, multi-nozzle automatic switching mechanism to efficiently switch between fine-contour printing and rapid filling. The bear's detailed outline is printed using a small-diameter channel and nozzle, and then the large-diameter channel is switched to rapidly fill the chocolate interior. Upon completion, the system automatically cleans, ensuring efficient and seamless continuous printing.

[0084] As for the devices and methods of use disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the methods.

[0085] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system, characterized in that: include: A multi-channel nozzle (1), wherein the two ends of the multi-channel nozzle (1) are respectively provided with a spraying part (11) and a feeding part (12), the multi-channel nozzle (1) is provided with a common channel (13) connecting the feeding part (12) and the spraying part (11), the spraying part (11) is provided with a plurality of nozzles (106), the nozzles (106) are connected to functional nozzles, the feeding part (12) is provided with a plurality of feed ports (110), the plurality of feed ports (110) are respectively connected to external material sources, different material sources enter the common channel through the feed ports (110) and are sprayed out by different functional nozzles on the nozzles; the multi-channel nozzle (1) comprises, from one end to the other, a nozzle rotor (101), a nozzle stator (102), a material collection bin (103), and a nozzle rotor (104). 3) a channel rotor (104) and a channel stator (105), wherein the nozzle rotor (101) is rotatably connected to the nozzle stator (102), the nozzle stator (102) is fixedly connected to the material collection bin (103), the channel rotor (104) is rotatably located between the material collection bin (103) and the channel stator (105), the nozzle rotor (101) and the nozzle stator (102) constitute a material spraying portion (11), the material collection bin (103) is provided with a central hole and a common channel, the channel rotor (104) and the channel stator (105) constitute a material feeding portion (12), and the nozzle rotor (101) and the channel rotor (104) are respectively transmission-connected to the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism (2); A nozzle adjustment mechanism (2) is installed at one end of the multi-channel nozzle (1) close to the feed part (12), and the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism (2) is connected to the nozzle part (11) and the feed part (12) respectively to adjust the connection state between the nozzle, the feed part and the common channel; the nozzle adjustment mechanism (2) includes a coaxial brushless motor (21) and a controller, the coaxial brushless motor (21) is fixed on the channel stator (105), and the coaxial brushless motor (21) is provided with a first output shaft (211) and a second output shaft (212), the first output shaft The output shaft (211) and the second output shaft (212) are coaxially arranged, and the second output shaft (212) is rotatably located outside the first output shaft (211); the first output shaft (211) passes through the channel stator (105), the channel rotor (104), the material collection bin (103), and the nozzle stator (102), and is fixedly connected to the nozzle rotor (101); the second output shaft (212) passes through the channel stator (105), and is fixedly connected to the channel rotor (104); the controller controls the two rotor modules of the coaxial brushless motor respectively and realizes independent control of the first output shaft and the second output shaft; A multi-color material mixing assembly (3) is provided with a plurality of inlets and an outlet, wherein the plurality of inlets are respectively connected to an external color material source, and the outlet is connected to a feed port (110) of a feed part and provides a multi-color mixed material to a multi-channel nozzle.

2. A 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle rotor (101) is a truncated cone structure. The nozzles (106) are vertically connected and communicated on the inclined surface of the nozzle rotor (101). The multiple nozzles (106) have different diameters and are respectively connected to different functional nozzles. A center hole is provided on the nozzle stator (102). A material transfer buffer groove (107) communicating with the center hole is provided on a side of the nozzle stator (102) close to the nozzle rotor (101). The rotation of the nozzle rotor (101) causes the nozzles (106) at different positions to communicate with the material transfer buffer groove (107).

3. The 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the nozzle rotor (101) is in sliding contact with the top surface of the nozzle stator (102). A sink groove (108) communicating with the nozzle (106) is provided on the bottom surface of the nozzle rotor (101). The notch of the sink groove (108) is circular, and the material transfer buffer groove (107) is elliptical. When the nozzle rotor (101) rotates, any notch of the sink groove (108) can be covered by the material transfer buffer groove (107).

4. The 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The material collection bin (103) is a funnel structure. The center hole of the material collection bin (103) is coaxially connected to the center hole of the nozzle stator (102) and provides a common material passage. The channel rotor (104) is sealed and rotatably connected between the material collection bin (103) and the channel stator (105). The channel rotor (104) is provided with a plurality of flow holes (109) of different specifications. The feed port (110) is provided on the channel stator (105). The plurality of feed ports (110) on the channel stator (105) can be docked and connected with the plurality of flow holes (109) on the channel rotor (104). The middle part of the channel rotor (104) is provided with a connection hole that matches the output end of the nozzle adjustment mechanism. The rotation of the channel rotor (104) changes the docking state of the plurality of flow holes and the plurality of feed ports.

5. The 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-color material mixing assembly (3) includes a mixing bin (31), a bin cover (32) and a stirring mechanism (33), wherein the mixing bin (31) is provided with an outlet, the bin cover (32) is fixed to the open end of the mixing bin (31), and the bin cover (32) is provided with multiple inlets, the inlets are connected to an external feed hose via a hose connector (34), and the external feed hose is connected to a material conveying system, and the stirring mechanism (33) is installed on the bin cover (32), and the stirring head of the stirring mechanism (33) is located in the mixing bin (31) and stirs the materials of multiple colors evenly.

6. The 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The stirring mechanism (33) comprises a stirring motor (331) and a stirring rod (332). The stirring motor (331) is fixed on the bin cover (32). The stirring rod (332) is a stirring head of the stirring mechanism and is transmission-connected to an output shaft of the stirring motor (331).

7. The 3D printing multifunctional nozzle switching device equipped with a color mixing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The material conveying system is powered by a material pump, and the reverse rotation of the material pump causes the material to be pulled in the opposite direction and prevents the material from overflowing from the multi-channel nozzle.

Images