Automatic feeding device for filament consumables

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic feeding device for filament consumables, and belongs to the technical field of consumables for 3D printing, the automatic feeding device comprises a feeding tee joint, a feeding pipe and a feeding mechanism, the feeding tee joint is connected with the feeding mechanism through the feeding pipe, and the feeding tee joint is connected with the feeding mechanism through the feeding pipe; the feeding pipe provides guiding and supporting for consumable wires when the consumable wires move between the feeding tee joint and the feeding mechanism. According to the automatic feeding device for the filament consumables, when the current consumables are used up, the current consumables can be automatically switched to the backup consumables, continuous supply of the consumables is achieved, the automation degree and printing efficiency of 3D printing are improved, and manual intervention is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing consumables conveying equipment, and in particular to an automatic feeding device for filament consumables. Background Art

[0002] The current mainstream FDM3D printing automatic feeding system must pause printing when switching consumables, and has complex system structure and must continuously consume power during the entire printing process. The closest existing technology to the present invention is the mechanical automatic feeding device developed by mstrwizard and the low-cost (semi-) automatic feeding solution using rubber band power published on MakerWorld; other solutions that can achieve similar functions include AMS and AMSlite of Shenzhen Tuozhu Technology Co., Ltd., CFS of Shenzhen Chuangxiang 3D Technology Co., Ltd., etc.

[0003] Among them, Mstrwizard's solution realizes stable automatic feeding of filaments, and realizes automatic feeding of flexible filaments through support structures. However, this feeding system needs to be fixed near the printer extruder or feeding auxiliary system. With the continuous development of FDM printers towards sophistication and the use of near-end extrusion by more and more printers, installing the automatic feeding device on the tool head that needs to move at high speed and accelerate and decelerate will have a potential impact on the performance and printing quality of the printer.

[0004] A low-cost (semi-)automatic refilling solution using rubber band power published on MakerWorld; its disadvantage is that each automatic refilling process requires manual plugging and unplugging of the pneumatic connector, and manual arrangement of the rubber band and its placement on the spare filament, which makes the refilling process less repeatable. In addition, after the filament is replaced, the rubber band cannot be removed from the filament unless the filament is cut and pulled out, or the rubber band is cut off. This makes it possible for the rubber band to be brought into the feed tube under the friction of the filament, hindering the subsequent feeding process.

[0005] Devices such as AMS and CFS achieve automatic replacement of consumables through linkage with the printer. This requires that the material replacement system must be turned on at all times during the entire printing process. This can indeed achieve a quick response when the material replacement demand is issued, but it will also continue to consume energy during the system standby process. Systems such as AMS and CFS use this solution to achieve multi-color FDM printing with a single nozzle. However, for a large number of 3D printing users who only need monochrome printing, the powerful functions of these systems are redundant. There is a simpler and faster way to automatically refill. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic material replenishing device for filament consumables, which can automatically switch to backup consumables when the current consumables are exhausted, realize continuous supply of consumables, improve the automation degree and printing efficiency of 3D printing, and reduce manual intervention.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automatic material replenishing device for filament consumables, including a feed three-way joint, a feed pipe, and a feeding mechanism. The feed three-way joint is connected to the feeding mechanism through the feed pipe, and the feed pipe provides guidance and support for the movement of the consumable filament between the feed three-way joint and the feeding mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the feed three-way joint is symmetrically provided with a first consumable filament inlet and a second consumable filament inlet on one side, and a consumable filament outlet on the other side. The inner thickness at the first consumable filament inlet and the second consumable filament inlet remains unchanged, and guiding channels with gradually narrowing widths are provided on both sides. The guiding channels communicate with the consumable filament outlet, and the width of the consumable filament outlet is 1.5 times the diameter of the consumable filament. Preferably, the feeding mechanism includes a first feeding trolley, a second feeding trolley, a feeding slide rail, and an elastic component. The outer surfaces on both sides of the feeding slide rail are symmetrically provided with a first slide rail and a second slide rail. Both the first slide rail and the second slide rail are narrow bridge structures with a larger distance between the two end segments than that between the middle segments, and each is provided with three sliding grooves, which are respectively located on the inner wall and both side walls of the first slide rail and the second slide rail. The first feeding trolley and the second feeding trolley are respectively arranged inside the first slide rail and the second slide rail and move along the sliding grooves. The elastic component includes an elastic member, an elastic component pulley, and an ear seat. The bottom of the ear seat is fixedly arranged at one end of the feeding slide rail. The elastic component pulley is arranged at the protruding end of the ear seat. A first guiding hole and a second guiding hole are provided in the middle of the protruding end of the ear seat. A first material inlet and a second material inlet are provided at the end of the feeding slide rail far from the ear seat. Preferably, the feed pipe includes a first feed pipe and a second feed pipe. One end of the first feed pipe is connected to the first consumable filament inlet, and the other end is connected to the first guiding hole. One end of the second feed pipe is connected to the second consumable filament inlet, and the other end is connected to the second guiding hole.

[0009] Preferably, the first feeding trolley is composed of an elastic frame, a trolley pressure rod, a guiding buffer, trolley pulleys, and a friction member. The elastic frame includes a plate-like structure and arc-shaped brackets symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plate-like structure. A strip-shaped through groove is provided in the center of the plate-like structure. The friction member is embedded in the strip-shaped through groove for clamping the consumable filament. Mounting holes for mounting the trolley pulleys are symmetrically provided on the arc-shaped brackets. The trolley pulleys are arranged between adjacent mounting holes through connecting shafts and are arranged inside the sliding grooves on both side walls of the first slide rail. The elastic frame and the guiding buffer are connected by a connecting piece. Through holes are provided on both side surfaces of the connecting piece perpendicular to the feeding slide rail. Studs are provided inside the through holes. On one side of the connecting piece close to the inner wall of the first slide rail, there is a slider corresponding to the groove. The slider is arranged inside the chute on the inner wall of the slide rail. On the side of the connecting piece away from the inner wall of the slide rail, a trolley pressure rod is fixedly connected by a bolt. On the same side surfaces of the plate-like structure, the connecting piece, and the guiding buffer, there are first consumable wire round holes penetrating through. The first consumable wire round holes are coaxially arranged with the first guiding hole and the first feeding port. And on both sides of the first consumable wire round hole on the guiding buffer, there are elastic member mounting holes penetrating through. The second feeding trolley has the same structure as the first feeding trolley.

[0010] Preferably, a connection hole for installing the elastic member pulley is provided at the protruding end of the ear seat. The elastic member pulley penetrates through the connection hole at the protruding end of the ear seat through an elastic member pulley shaft, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the elastic member pulley and the ear seat.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the elastic member passes through the elastic member pulley and extends out of the elastic member mounting hole, and is hung on the stud inside the through hole. The other end of the elastic member bypasses the elastic member pulley and extends along the outer wall of the feeding slide rail and is fixed to one of the reserved positions by a stud.

[0012] Preferably, there are four elastic member pulleys, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides; according to the strength of the elastic member, the number and method of mounting the elastic member can be selected.

[0013] Preferably, the friction member clamps and engages the consumable wire by means of static friction, so that it moves together with the feeding trolley during the clamping period.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic member is a spring, a rubber band, or other elements with elastic functions.

[0015] Therefore, by adopting the above automatic feeding device for long filament consumables, the present invention has the following technical effects: (1) In the present invention, one end of the backup consumable wire is stuck between the current consumable wire and the side wall of the inner channel of the feeding tee, and the other end is clamped by the friction member on the feeding trolley. When the current consumable wire is exhausted, the backup consumable can automatically enter the printer extruder under the action of the elastic member, realizing seamless connection of the consumable and ensuring that the printing process is uninterrupted without manual replacement of the consumable.

[0016] (2) In the elastic component of the present invention, there are four elastic member pulleys, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. The number and method of mounting the elastic member can be selected according to the strength of the elastic member, which can provide sufficient driving force during the consumable switching process to ensure the smooth switching of the backup consumable into the printer extruder.

[0017] (3) The designs of the elastic frames, friction members, etc. of the first and second feeding trolleys of the present invention enable the feeding trolleys to clamp or release the consumable wire at specific positions on the feeding rail. For example, when at the end points on both side walls of the rail, the friction member separates from the consumable wire, and the consumable wire can slide freely with low resistance. When the distance between the feeding rails at the pulley of the trolley is small, the friction member clamps the consumable wire to ensure reasonable control during the consumable conveying process.

[0018] (4) The inner thickness of the first and second consumable wire inlets of the feeding tee of the present invention remains unchanged. Guide channels with gradually narrowing widths are provided on both sides and are communicated with the consumable wire outlet. The width of the consumable wire outlet is 1.5 times the diameter of the consumable wire. Such a design is conducive to guiding the consumable wire to pass through the feeding tee smoothly and ensuring the smoothness of consumable conveying.

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic principle diagram for easy understanding in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention, where the first feeding trolley and the second feeding trolley are arranged on the same plane; Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the feeding tee in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a top view of the feeding mechanism in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a front view of the feeding mechanism in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the feeding trolley in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a side view structural diagram of the feeding trolley in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a top view of the feeding rail in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of the feeding rail in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention; Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of the ear seat in the automatic feeding device for long filament consumables of the present invention.

[0021] Reference Signs 1. Feed three-way joint; 11. First consumable wire inlet; 12. Second consumable wire inlet; 13. Consumable wire outlet; 2. Feed pipe; 21. First feed pipe; 22. Second feed pipe; 3. Feeding mechanism; 31. First feeding pulley; 311. Elastic frame; 3111. Plate-like structure; 3112. Arc-shaped bracket; 3113. Mounting hole; 312. Pulley pressure rod; 313. Guide buffer; 3131. Elastic part mounting hole; 314. Pulley of the pulley; 315. Friction part; 316. Connecting part; 3161. Through hole; 3162. Slide block; 32. Second feeding pulley; 33. Feeding slide rail; 331. First slide rail; 332. Second slide rail; 333. Chute; 334. First material inlet; 335. Second material inlet; 34. Elastic component; 341. Elastic part; 342. Pulley of the elastic component; 343. Ear seat; 3431. First guide hole; 3432. Second guide hole; 4. First round hole for consumable wire. Detailed implementation mode

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present invention should have the ordinary meanings understood by those with ordinary skills in the field to which the present invention belongs. The "first", "second" and similar terms used in the present invention do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. The terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the elements or objects appearing before this term cover the elements or objects listed after this term and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms such as "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are only used to represent relative position relationships, and when the absolute position of the object to be described changes, the relative position relationship may also change accordingly.

[0024] As Figure 1 shown, an automatic feeding device for filament consumables includes a feed three-way joint 1, a feed pipe 2 and a feeding mechanism 3.

[0025] As Figure 2 shown, on one side of the feed three-way joint 1, a first consumable wire inlet 11 and a second consumable wire inlet 12 are symmetrically arranged, and a consumable wire outlet 13 is arranged on the other side. The inner thickness of the first consumable wire inlet 11 and the second consumable wire inlet 12 remains unchanged, and guide channels with gradually narrowing widths are arranged on both sides. The guide channels communicate with the consumable wire outlet 13, and the width of the consumable wire outlet 13 is 1.5 times the diameter of the consumable wire. Such a design is beneficial to guiding the consumable wire to pass through smoothly.

[0026] AsFigures 3 to 4 As shown, the feeding mechanism 3 includes a first feeding trolley 31, a second feeding trolley 32, a feeding slide rail 33, and an elastic component 34. As Figures 7 to 8 shown, on the outer surfaces of both sides of the feeding slide rail 33, a first slide rail 331 and a second slide rail 332 are symmetrically provided. Both the first slide rail 331 and the second slide rail 332 are of a narrow bridge structure with a larger distance between the two end segments than that between the middle segments, and each is provided with three sliding grooves 333, which are respectively located on the inner wall and both side walls of the first slide rail 331 and the second slide rail 332. The first feeding trolley 31 and the second feeding trolley 32 are respectively arranged inside the first slide rail 331 and the second slide rail 332 and move along the sliding grooves 333. The elastic component 34 includes an elastic member 341, an elastic component pulley 342, and an ear seat 343. The bottom of the ear seat 343 is fixedly arranged at one end of the feeding slide rail 33. The elastic component pulley 342 is arranged at the protruding end of the ear seat 343. A first guiding hole 3431 and a second guiding hole 3432 are provided in the middle of the protruding end of the ear seat 343. A first material inlet 334 and a second material inlet 335 are provided at the end of the feeding slide rail 33 far from the ear seat 343.

[0027] The feeding pipe 2 includes a first feeding pipe 21 and a second feeding pipe 22. One end of the first feeding pipe 21 is connected to the first consumable wire inlet 11, and the other end is connected to the first guiding hole 3431, and is used for wrapping and supporting the current consumable wire to enter the first consumable wire inlet 11 from the first guiding hole 3431; one end of the second feeding pipe 22 is connected to the second consumable wire inlet 12, and the other end is connected to the second guiding hole 3432, and is used for wrapping and supporting the backup consumable to enter the second consumable wire inlet 12 from the feeding mechanism 3.

[0028] By replacing different system brackets according to the fixing methods of different printers, the versatility and adaptability of the device are enhanced.

[0029] As Figures 5 to 6As shown in the figure, the first feeding pulley 31 is composed of an elastic frame 311, a pulley pressing rod 312, a guiding buffer 313, a pulley 314 of the pulley and a friction member 315. The elastic frame 311 includes a plate-like structure 3111 and arc-shaped brackets 3112 which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plate-like structure 3111. A strip-shaped through groove is provided at the center of the plate-like structure 3111, and the friction member 315 is embedded in the strip-shaped through groove for clamping the consumable wire. The friction member 315 clamps and engages with the consumable wire by means of static friction, so that it moves together with the first feeding pulley during clamping. When the first feeding pulley 31 is at the end points of both side walls of the first slide rail 331, since the first slide rail 331 expands outwards, the extrusion effect on the first feeding pulley 31 is weakened, and the friction member 315 on the first feeding pulley 31 is separated from the consumable wire, and the consumable wire can slide freely under a low resistance state. Mounting holes 3113 for mounting the pulley 314 of the pulley are symmetrically provided on the arc-shaped brackets 3112. The pulley 314 of the pulley is arranged between adjacent mounting holes 3113 through a connecting shaft and is arranged inside the chute 333 on both side walls of the first slide rail 331. The elastic frame 311 and the guiding buffer 313 are connected by a connecting member 316. Through holes 3161 are provided on both side surfaces of the connecting member 316 perpendicular to the feeding slide rail 33. Studs are provided inside the through holes 3161. A slider 3162 corresponding to the groove is provided on one side of the connecting member 316 close to the inner wall of the slide rail 331. The slider 3162 is arranged inside the chute 333 on the inner wall of the slide rail. A pulley pressing rod 312 is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting member 316 far from the inner wall of the slide rail through a bolt. First consumable wire round holes 4 are provided through the same side surfaces of the plate-like structure 3111, the connecting member 316 and the guiding buffer 313. The first consumable wire round holes 4 are coaxially arranged with the first guiding hole 3431 and the first feeding port 334, and elastic member mounting holes 3131 are provided through both sides of the first consumable wire round hole 4 on the guiding buffer 313. The second feeding pulley 32 has the same structure as the first feeding pulley 31.

[0030] As Figure 9 shown in the figure, a connecting hole for mounting the pulley of the elastic member 341 is provided at the protruding end of the ear seat 343. The pulley of the elastic member 341 passes through the connecting hole at the protruding end of the ear seat 343 through the pulley shaft of the elastic member 341 to realize the rotational connection between the pulley of the elastic member 341 and the ear seat 343. One end of the elastic member 341 passes through the pulley of the elastic member 341 and extends out of the elastic member mounting hole 3131, and is hung on the stud in the through hole 3161. The other end of the elastic member 341 bypasses the pulley of the elastic member 341 and extends along the outer wall of the feeding slide rail 33 and is fixed to one of the reserved empty positions through a stud. Four pulleys of the elastic member 341 are provided, which are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. The number and method of mounting the elastic member 341 can be selected according to the strength of the elastic member 341 to ensure that sufficient driving force can be provided during the consumable switching process.

[0031] Thread the current consumable filament through the first material inlet 334, pass through the first guiding hole 3431 and the first feed pipe 21, and enter the first consumable filament inlet 11 of the feed three-way joint 1, and then enter the extruder of the printer for printing.

[0032] Thread the backup consumable filament through the second material inlet 335, pass through the second guiding hole 3432 and the second feed pipe 22, and enter the second consumable filament inlet 12 of the feed three-way joint 1. At the same time, clamp one end of the backup consumable filament between the current consumable filament and the inner channel side wall of the feed three-way joint 1, and clamp the other end with the friction member 315 on the feed trolley. During the printing process, when the current consumable filament is about to run out, the device will automatically switch to the backup consumable filament to achieve seamless continuation of the consumable and ensure the continuity of the printing process.

[0033] Working principle: Current consumable delivery: When delivering the current consumable, one end of the backup consumable is clamped between the current consumable filament and the inner channel side wall of the feed three-way joint 1, and the other end is clamped by the friction member 315 on the feed trolley. At this time, the elastic member 341 is stretched and stores elastic potential energy.

[0034] Consumable switching: When the current consumable filament runs out, the blockage of the backup consumable disappears. Due to the small distance between the feed rails 33 at the pulley 314 of the trolley, the friction member 315 remains in the state of clamping the backup consumable. Under the action of the elastic member 341, a thrust is conducted through the feed pipe 2, so that the head of the backup consumable filament leaves from the outlet of the feed three-way joint 1 and enters the extruder of the printer.

[0035] Feeding completion: After the extruder bites the head of the backup consumable, it becomes the main driving force. Under the action of friction, the feed trolley is driven by the backup consumable filament pulled by the extruder and continues to move forward until the pulley 314 of the trolley passes through the position where the distance between the feed rails 33 expands. The elastic frame 311 moves towards both ends, and the friction member 315 is separated from the backup consumable filament, and the feeding process is completed. After that, the consumable filament continues to move under the traction of the extruder.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify or equivalently replace the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent replacements cannot make the modified technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding device for filament consumables, characterized in that: It includes a feeding tee, a feeding pipe, and a feeding mechanism. The feeding tee is connected to the feeding mechanism through the feeding pipe, and the feeding pipe provides guidance and support for the consumable wire when it moves between the feeding tee and the feeding mechanism.

2. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feed tee is symmetrically provided with a first consumable wire inlet and a second consumable wire inlet on one side, and a consumable wire outlet on the other side. The internal thickness of the first consumable wire inlet and the second consumable wire inlet remain unchanged, and guide channels with gradually narrowing widths are provided on both sides. The guide channels are connected to the consumable wire outlet, and the width of the consumable wire outlet is 1.5 times the diameter of the consumable wire.

3. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism includes a first feeding pulley, a second feeding pulley, a feeding slide rail, and an elastic component. The first slide rail and the second slide rail are symmetrically arranged on the outer surfaces of both sides of the feeding slide rail. The first slide rail and the second slide rail are both narrow bridge structures in which the spacing between the end sections is greater than the spacing between the middle sections, and each is provided with three slide grooves, which are respectively located on the inner wall and the two side walls of the first slide rail and the second slide rail. The first feeding pulley and the second feeding pulley are respectively arranged inside the first slide rail and the second slide rail, and move along the slide grooves; the elastic component includes an elastic part, an elastic component pulley and an ear seat. The bottom of the ear seat is fixedly arranged at one end of the feeding slide rail, the elastic component pulley is arranged at the protruding end of the ear seat, and the first guide hole and the second guide hole are arranged in the middle of the protruding end of the ear seat. The end of the feeding slide rail away from the ear seat is provided with a first feeding port and a second feeding port.

4. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 3, characterized in that: The feed pipe includes a first feed pipe and a second feed pipe, wherein one end of the first feed pipe is connected to the first consumable wire inlet, and the other end is connected to the first guide hole, and one end of the second feed pipe is connected to the second consumable wire inlet, and the other end is connected to the second guide hole.

5. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first feed pulley is composed of an elastic frame, a pulley pressure rod, a guide buffer, a pulley pulley and a friction member. The elastic frame includes a plate-like structure and arc-shaped brackets symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plate-like structure. A strip through groove is arranged in the center of the plate-like structure, and the friction member is embedded in the strip through groove for clamping the consumable wire; the arc-shaped bracket is symmetrically provided with mounting holes for mounting the pulley pulley, and the pulley pulley is arranged between adjacent mounting holes through a connecting shaft and is arranged inside the slide grooves on the two side walls of the first slide rail; The elastic frame is connected to the guide buffer via a connecting piece, and through holes are provided on both side surfaces of the connecting piece in a direction perpendicular to the feed slide rail, and studs are provided inside the through holes. A slider corresponding to the slide groove is provided on the side of the connecting piece close to the inner wall of the first slide rail, and the slider is arranged inside the slide groove on the inner wall of the slide rail. The side of the connecting piece away from the inner wall of the slide rail is fixedly connected to the pulley pressure rod by bolts; The plate-like structure, the connecting piece, and the guide buffer are all provided with a first circular hole for consumable wire on the same side surface. The first circular hole for consumable wire is coaxially arranged with the first guide hole and the first feed port, and elastic member mounting holes are provided on both sides of the first circular hole for consumable wire on the guide buffer; the second feed pulley has the same structure as the first feed pulley.

6. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protruding end of the ear seat is provided with a connecting hole for installing the elastic member pulley, and the elastic member pulley passes through the connecting hole of the protruding end of the ear seat through the elastic member pulley shaft, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the elastic member pulley and the ear seat.

7. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the elastic member passes through the elastic member pulley and extends out of the elastic member mounting hole, and is hung on the stud in the through hole. The other end of the elastic member bypasses the elastic member pulley, extends along the outer wall of the feed slide rail, and is fixed to one of the reserved spaces through the stud.

8. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 7, characterized in that: There are four elastic member pulleys, which are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides; the number and method of mounting the elastic members can be selected according to the strength of the elastic members.

9. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 8, characterized in that: The friction member clamps and bites the consumable wire by static friction, so that the consumable wire moves together with the feed pulley during clamping.

10. The automatic feeding device for filament consumables according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic member is a spring, a rubber band, or other elements with elastic function.

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