Printing head and three-dimensional printer

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to a printing head and a three-dimensional printer. The printing head comprises a connecting assembly, a heating device connected with the connecting assembly and a nozzle connected with the heating device, the connecting assembly comprises at least two material guiding channels, the heating device comprises feeding channels corresponding to the material guiding channels, the feeding channels are communicated with the material guiding channels, and the nozzle is connected with the feeding channels. And a discharging channel communicated with the feeding channel is arranged on the nozzle. The three-dimensional printer comprises the printing head. According to the technical scheme, when printing of other colors or consumables is carried out, the consumables do not need to be returned, and the printing speed is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a print head and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology is a technique that uses digital model files and powdered metal or plastic and other bondable materials as printing materials to construct three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. 3D printing technology belongs to the category of rapid prototyping manufacturing technology and can print complex geometric shapes and functional parts. 3D printing technology is developing rapidly, and its applications are constantly expanding, profoundly impacting many fields such as manufacturing, medicine, architecture, and art.

[0003] 3D printers include various types, such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers. Among FDM printers, multi-color printing technology has become mainstream. Current multi-color printing technologies require cutting and retracting the filament when switching between colors. This filament switching necessitates moving the print head to a specific position so that the print head's cutter is subjected to force, cutting the filament, and then retracting the cut filament. This filament cutting process is time-consuming and results in low printing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a print head and a 3D printer that do not require cutting and retracting consumables during multi-color printing.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a printhead, the printhead including a connecting assembly, a heating device connected to the connecting assembly, and a nozzle connected to the heating device. The connecting assembly includes at least two material guiding channels, the heating device includes a feeding channel corresponding to the material guiding channels, the feeding channel communicating with the material guiding channels, and the nozzle is provided with a discharge channel communicating with the feeding channel.

[0006] Secondly, this application also provides a 3D printer, which includes the above-described printhead.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0008] The printhead of this application, because the heating device includes a feed channel corresponding to the feed channel (at least two feed channels), and the nozzle has a discharge channel, allows different consumables to be melted in the feed channel of the heating block. The target consumable, driven by the consumable driving mechanism, advances and is ejected from the nozzle's discharge channel, thus printing the model. Other consumables, due to the advance of the target consumable, are hindered from reaching the discharge channel, ensuring that only the target consumable is ejected from the nozzle, while other consumables are not. When printing with other consumables, the currently used consumable is stopped, and the new target consumable advances, extruding the mixed-color consumable into the waste material storage area. This process continues until new target consumables are extruded, allowing the new consumable to be used to print the model. This design allows the print head to print models without cutting or retracting any filament, saving cutting and retraction time and increasing printing speed. The print head simply drives the corresponding filament forward, specifying the color or material to be used. The absence of a cutting device on the print head reduces manufacturing costs and size.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the printhead provided in the embodiment of the application.

[0012] Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the heating device provided in the application embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the heat dissipation device provided in the application embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the throat provided in the embodiment of the application.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a partial exploded view of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 7This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first driving device and the consumable selection device in accordance with the embodiments of this application.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second driving device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms “a,” “described,” and “the” as used in the invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0020] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used in this invention to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, the methods and equipment used in this invention are all conventional reagents, methods and equipment in this technical field.

[0022] As attached Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this application embodiment provides a printhead 1 for use in a 3D printer. The printhead 1 is used for multi-color printing. Specifically, the printhead 1 can enter consumables of different materials or different colors to advance the target consumable among multiple consumables so as to print a model using the target consumable.

[0023] The specific quantity of consumables is not limited. In this application, multiple consumables refer to at least one consumable, such as four consumables.

[0024] The printhead 1 includes a housing 50, a filament driving mechanism 10, a connecting assembly 20, a heating device 30, and a nozzle 40. The filament driving mechanism 10, connecting assembly 20, heating device 30, and nozzle 40 are directly or indirectly connected to the housing 50. The filament driving mechanism 10 is used to selectively drive a target filament from a plurality of filaments forward. The connecting assembly 20 corresponds to the filament driving mechanism 10 and is connected to the heating device 30, which is also connected to the nozzle 40. The connecting assembly 20 includes at least two guide channels 21, and the heating device 30 includes at least two feed channels 311 corresponding to the guide channels 21, the feed channels 311 communicating with the guide channels 21. The nozzle 40 is provided with an outlet channel 41 communicating with the feed channels 311. Each feed channel 311 can communicate with one guide channel 21.

[0025] In use, the consumable driving mechanism 10 drives the consumable forward. The consumable passes sequentially through the guide channel 21, the feed channel 311, and the discharge channel 41 to be ejected from the nozzle 40, thereby printing the model. Since the heating device 30 includes a feed channel 311 corresponding to the guide channel 21, and the number of guide channels 21 is at least two, and the nozzle 40 has a discharge channel 41, different consumables can be melted in the feed channel 311 of the heating block 31. The target consumable to be used will advance under the action of the consumable driving mechanism 10, and the melted target consumable will be ejected from the discharge channel 41 of the nozzle 40, thereby printing the model. Other consumables will be hindered from advancing to the discharge channel 41 due to the advance of the target consumable, thus achieving the purpose of only the target consumable being ejected from the nozzle 40, and other consumables not being ejected from the nozzle 40. When printing with other consumables, the currently used consumable stops advancing, and the new target consumable advances, extruding the mixed-color consumable into the waste material storage area. This process continues, allowing the new target consumable to be used to print the model. This means that the print head 1 of this application does not need to cut or retract any consumables during printing, saving cutting and retraction time and increasing printing speed. The system directly drives the corresponding consumable to advance, specifying the color or material to be used. The print head 1 does not require a cutting device for cutting consumables, saving manufacturing costs and reducing its size.

[0026] It is understood that, in addition to the embodiment including the consumable drive mechanism 10, the printhead 1 in this application may also have the consumable drive mechanism 10 located outside the printhead 1. That is, in this application, the printhead 1 may not include the consumable drive mechanism 10, and the consumable drive mechanism 10 may not move synchronously with the printhead 1. This application does not limit whether the printhead 1 includes the consumable drive mechanism 10, and it can be set according to actual needs.

[0027] In this application, the mixed-color filament can be used to print the support or filling parts of the model instead of being extruded into the waste storage area, thus saving filament.

[0028] The heating device 30 is used to heat the consumable material to melt it. The melted consumable material is sprayed onto the printing platform and can then be used for model forming. The number of feed channels 311 of the heating device 30 is consistent with the number of guide channels 21 of the connecting assembly 20 and the total amount of consumable material that can be used. The number of feed channels 311 is at least two. For example, the number of feed channels 311, the number of guide channels 21, and the total amount of consumable material that can be used can be two, three, four, five, six, eight, etc.

[0029] The cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the feeding channel 311 and the discharging channel 41 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharging channel 41. The specific value is not limited and can be set as needed. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the feeding channel 311 and the discharging channel 41 can be less than or equal to one-third of the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharging channel 41. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the feeding channel 311 and the discharging channel 41 can belong to the end of the feeding channel 311 closest to the discharging channel 41, or to the end of the discharging channel 41 closest to the feeding channel 311, or it can be located between the feeding channel 311 and the discharging channel 41.

[0030] Please see Figure 3 The heating device 30 includes a heating block 31 and a heating element 32. The heating element 32 is connected to the heating block 31 to heat the heating block 31. The consumable passes through the heating block 31 and comes into contact with the heating block 31 to be heated and melted.

[0031] The heating element 32 is a component that generates heat when energized. Specifically, the heating element 32 includes, but is not limited to, ceramic heating sleeves, ceramic heating plates, heating wires, etc. The heating element 32 can be detachably connected to the heating block 31 for easy disassembly and maintenance. The heating element 32 can be detachably connected to the heating block 31, such as by snap-fitting or fixing it with other components, or the heating element 32 can be non-detachably connected to the heating block 31, such as by riveting.

[0032] The heating block 31 is a component that easily conducts heat, and its material is not limited. It is usually a metal part. Holes or grooves can be formed on the heating block 31 to facilitate the connection or fixation of the heating element 32. The heating channel can be formed by the holes formed on the heating block 31 of the heating device 30. Specifically, the heating block 31 of the heating device 30 has at least two feed holes 314 and a through hole 315 communicating with the feed holes 314. The feed holes 314 communicate with the guide channel 21, and the through hole 315 communicates with the discharge channel 41. The consumable enters the feed hole 314 through the guide channel 21, is melted, and enters the discharge channel 41 through the through hole 315 to be ejected from the discharge channel 41.

[0033] Each feed hole 314 forms at least a portion of the feed channel 311, and at least two feed holes 314 form at least two feed channels 311. The feed holes 314 communicate with the guide channel 21 and are used to allow consumables to enter. The consumables entering the feed holes 314 can be at least partially melted, allowing the melted consumables to enter the discharge channel 41 through the guide holes 315. The cross-sectional area of ​​the feed channel 311 is generally circular. Optionally, the diameter of the feed channel 311 is 1.3mm-2.5mm. The feed holes 314 extend along a first direction. In a 3D printer, the first direction is generally vertical; however, due to installation errors, manufacturing errors, and printer orientation flatness, the first direction may not be vertical. The number of feed holes 314 corresponds to the number of guide holes 315.

[0034] The through hole 315 is used to connect the feed hole 314 and the discharge channel 41. The through hole 315 can be used as the connection part between the feed channel 311 and the discharge channel 41, or the overlapping part of the through hole 315 and the feed hole 314 can be used as the connection part between the feed channel 311 and the discharge channel 41.

[0035] The extension direction of the through hole 315 can be the same as the extension direction of the feed hole 314. For example, if the through hole 315 extends along the first direction, it will facilitate the movement of the molten filament and make model printing easier. The diameter of the through hole 315 can be smaller than the diameter of the feed hole 314. Optionally, the diameter of the through hole 315 can be less than or equal to half the diameter of the feed hole 314. Optionally, the diameters of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 can be the same, resulting in smoother feeding.

[0036] The through hole 315 and the feed hole 314 overlap in a first direction, and / or, the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. It is understood that the perpendicularity in this application is approximately perpendicular, such as a difference of 87°, 89°, etc. Due to installation errors, processing errors, etc., the second direction may not be absolutely perpendicular to the first direction. The overlap of the through hole 315 and the feed hole 314 in the first direction can be understood as the overlapping of their projections along the first direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The overlap of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 in the second direction can be understood as the overlapping of their projections along the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The through hole 315 and the feed hole 314 overlap in a first direction, or the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in a second direction. This allows for the creation of separate holes when forming the through hole 315 and the feed hole 314, thus enabling the through hole 315 and the feed hole 314 to communicate. By controlling the amount of overlap, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communicating portion of the through hole 315 and the feed hole 314 can be controlled, making it easy to control the area of ​​the communicating portion. Furthermore, the processing of both holes does not affect each other, resulting in low processing precision and ease of implementation. Optionally, the projection of the through hole 315 onto the feed hole 314 is less than or equal to one-third of the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed hole 314. Optionally,

[0037] If the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in the first direction, the overlap size in the first direction is 0.1mm-1mm; if the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in the second direction, the overlap size in the second direction is 0.1mm-1mm. In this application, the overlap size of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 in the first direction and the overlap size in the second direction are appropriate. The size will not be too large, causing the melting consumable material to enter the feed hole 314 of other consumable materials, nor will the size be too small, making it difficult for the melting consumable material to enter the discharge channel 41 through the through hole 315. Specifically, the overlap size of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 in the first direction is 0.3mm-0.8mm; the overlap size of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 in the second direction is 0.3mm-0.8mm.

[0038] The heating block 31 of the heating device 30 is also provided with a first connecting hole 312, which communicates with the through hole 315. The first connecting hole 312 is used to connect the nozzle 40. The first connecting hole 312 extends along a first direction, and the projection of the through hole 315 onto the first connecting hole 312 is located within the first connecting hole 312. It can be seen that in this application, the size of the first connecting hole 312 is larger than the size of the through hole 315, and the first connecting hole 312 is closer to the end of the heating block 31 than the through hole 315, thus making the processing of the first connecting hole 312 and the through hole 315 easier to achieve.

[0039] The heating block 31 of the heating device 30 is also provided with a second connecting hole 313, which communicates with the feed hole 314. The feed hole 314 is used to connect the connecting assembly 20. The second connecting hole 313 extends along the first direction, and the projection of the feed hole 314 on the second connecting hole 313 is located inside the second connecting hole 313.

[0040] As can be seen, in this application, the size of the second connecting hole 313 is larger than the size of the feed hole 314, and the second connecting hole 313 is closer to the end of the heating block 31 than the feed hole 314. Therefore, the processing of the second connecting hole 313 and the feed hole 314 is easier to achieve. In addition, the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 partially overlap, making the entire heating block 31 easier to process and reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the heating block 31.

[0041] The nozzle 40 can be any existing nozzle 40. The nozzle 40 can be detachably connected to the heating block 31. For example, a first thread is provided on the inner wall of the first connecting hole 312, and a second thread is provided on a portion of the outer wall of the nozzle 40. The nozzle 40 is detachably connected to the heating block 31 through the first connecting hole 312. The material of the nozzle 40 is not limited; for example, the material of the nozzle 40 can include brass. The discharge channel 41 on the nozzle 40 can be at least formed by a discharge hole opened on the nozzle 40. It is understood that the size of the discharge channel 41 of the nozzle 40 can vary.

[0042] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connecting assembly 20 includes a heat dissipation device 22 and a throat 23 connected to the heat dissipation device 22. The throat 23 is also connected to the second connecting hole 313 of the heating device 30. The heat dissipation device 22 has at least two first guide holes 221, and the throat 23 has at least two second guide holes 231. The number of first guide holes 221 and second guide holes 231 corresponds, and the first guide holes 221 and second guide holes 231 communicate with each other. The second guide holes 231 are used to correspond to the feed hole 314 of the feed channel 311, and the second guide holes 231 are also connected to the feed hole 314 to realize the forward movement of consumables.

[0043] The heat dissipation device 22 is used to dissipate heat from the throat 23. The heat dissipation device 22 is made of a material that facilitates heat dissipation; the specific material of the heat dissipation device 22 is not limited, but may include, but is not limited to, brass and aluminum. It is understood that the material of the heat dissipation device 22 is not limited to metals, and this application will not list them all. The heat dissipation device 22 may be provided with heat dissipation fins to facilitate heat dissipation.

[0044] The first guide hole 221 is set at an angle to the first direction to facilitate the entry of consumables into the first guide hole 221. Specifically, the end of the first guide hole 221 away from the nozzle 40 is the first end, and the end of the first guide hole 221 near the nozzle 40 is the second end. The distance between the first ends of the two first guide holes 221 can be greater than the distance between the second ends of the two first guide holes 221. Since the distance between the ends of any two first guide holes 221 away from the nozzle 40 is greater than the distance between the ends near the nozzle 40, the distance between the ends of the two first guide holes 221 away from the nozzle 40 is larger, leaving more space for connecting components that transmit consumables, such as Teflon tubes or other components that limit the movement of consumables, such as channels opened in the housing 50.

[0045] The heat dissipation device 22 has a third connecting hole 222 near the nozzle 40, which is used to connect the throat tube 23. The third connecting hole 222 communicates with the first guide hole 221. The third connecting hole 222 and the first guide hole 221 can be respectively provided at both ends of the heat dissipation device 22. The diameter of the third connecting hole 222 is larger than the diameter of the first guide hole 221, so that after the throat tube 23 is installed, the second guide hole 231 on the throat tube 23 corresponds to the first guide hole 221 of the heat dissipation device 22. The connection method between the heat dissipation device 22 and the throat tube 23 is not limited; it can be a detachable or non-detachable connection, such as a threaded connection or a set screw connection.

[0046] The projection of the first guide hole 221 on the third connecting hole 222 is located inside the third connecting hole 222, so that after the throat tube 23 is installed, the first guide hole 221 can be accurately aligned with the second guide hole 231, and it is easy to open the first guide hole 221 and the third connecting hole 222 on the heat dissipation device 22.

[0047] The throat 23 extends along the first direction, and the second feed hole 231 is arranged along the first direction, which can reduce the volume of the throat 23.

[0048] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The specific structure of the consumable drive mechanism 10 is not limited, as long as it can drive the consumable forward or backward. The consumable drive mechanism 10 can be any existing consumable drive mechanism 10, or a new consumable drive mechanism 10 designed in the future. It is understood that since the switching of consumables in this application does not require driving the consumables backward, the consumable drive mechanism 10 used in this application may only have the function of driving the consumables forward, and may not have the function of driving the consumables backward.

[0049] Optionally, the consumable driving mechanism 10 includes a first driving device 11, a consumable selection device 12, a second driving device 14, and at least two consumable clamping devices 13. The consumable clamping devices 13 are located at least on one side of the second driving device 14. The first driving device 11 is drivenly connected to the consumable selection device 12, and the consumable selection device 12 is drivenly connected to the consumable clamping device 13, so that the target consumable clamping device 13 among the at least two consumable clamping devices 13 selectively clamps the consumable with the second driving device 14 to drive the target consumable forward or backward. Specifically, the first driving device 11 can drive the consumable selection device 12 to rotate, causing the consumable clamping device 13 connected to the consumable selection device 12 to move closer to or away from the second driving device 14. The second driving device 14 is used to rotate to drive the target consumable forward or backward.

[0050] The consumable driving mechanism 10 includes a first driving device 11, a consumable selection device 12, a second driving device 14, and at least two consumable clamping devices 13. The consumable clamping devices 13 are located at least on one side of the second driving device 14. The first driving device 11 is drivenly connected to the consumable selection device 12, and the consumable selection device 12 is drivenly connected to the consumable clamping device 13, so that the target consumable clamping device 13 among the at least two consumable clamping devices 13 can selectively clamp the consumable with the second driving device 14 to drive the target consumable forward or backward. This application has only one second driving device, which can selectively clamp the target consumable with different consumable clamping devices to drive the target consumable forward or backward, reducing the number of second driving devices, resulting in a simple structure and reduced volume of the consumable driving mechanism.

[0051] It is understood that a consumable drive mechanism 10 with the same structure as in this application may not have the function of driving the consumable backward, because the forward and backward movement of the consumable is a control function of the consumable drive mechanism 10, not a structural function. For example, driving the second drive device 14 to rotate forward or backward can realize the forward or backward movement of the consumable. In this application, the correspondence between forward rotation and the forward or backward movement of the consumable is not limited.

[0052] In this embodiment, the number of consumable clamping devices 13 is not limited, and the number of consumable clamping devices 13 is the same as the number of consumables. Each consumable clamping device 13 is used to clamp one consumable, so that the second driving device 14 drives the consumable to move forward or backward. For example, the print head 1 includes four consumable clamping devices 13, of which two consumable clamping devices 13 are located on one side of the second driving device 14, and the other two consumable clamping devices 13 are located on the other side of the second driving device 14. This layout can save space and improve space utilization. More consumable clamping devices 13 can be accommodated in a limited space, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the print head 1 and does not affect the arrangement of other components, such as the connecting assembly 20. Optionally, the consumable driving mechanism 10 includes at least four first driving devices, at least two consumable clamping devices 13 are located on one side of the second driving device 14, and at least two consumable clamping devices 13 are located on the other side of the second driving device 14.

[0053] It is understood that the number and local arrangement of the consumable clamping devices 13 here are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the number or layout. In other configurations, four consumable clamping devices 13 may be arranged in a row, all on the same side of the second drive unit.

[0054] The consumable clamping device 13 includes a passive roller 131, a rotating connecting rod 132, and an elastic element 133. The rotating connecting rod 132 is movably connected to the housing 50, the passive roller 131 is rotatably connected to the rotating connecting rod 132, and the elastic element 133 is connected to both the housing 50 and the rotating connecting rod 132. The elastic element 133 applies a force to the rotating connecting rod 132 as it approaches the second driving device 14, causing the passive roller 131 and the second driving device 14 to clamp the consumable. In this application, the connection includes abutment.

[0055] The structure of the passive roller 131 is not limited, as long as the passive roller 131 can contact the consumable and the second drive device 14 can clamp the consumable. For example, the passive roller 131 is provided with a first groove for accommodating the consumable. The sidewall of the first groove can be roughened to increase the friction between the consumable and the passive roller 131. For example, grooves can be formed on the sidewall of the first groove, and the grooves are arranged circumferentially along the passive roller 131. The number of passive rollers 131 included in each consumable clamping device 13 is not limited, such as including one or more passive rollers 131. In this embodiment, each consumable clamping device 13 may include one passive roller 131, so the printhead 1 includes four passive rollers 131. Two passive rollers 131 are located on one side of the second drive device 14, and the other two passive rollers 131 are located on the other side of the second drive device 14, so that the passive rollers on the same side of the second drive device 14 are arranged side by side.

[0056] The structure and type of the elastic element 133 are not limited. For example, the elastic element 133 can be a torsion spring, a spring, or elastic silicone. The number of elastic elements 133 is also not limited. A consumable clamping device 13 may include one or more elastic elements 133, as long as the elastic element 133 can provide a force to the rotating connecting rod 132 to approach the second driving device 14. In this embodiment, the elastic element 133 is a torsion spring, and each consumable clamping device 13 includes only one torsion spring, which is connected to the rotating connecting rod 132 of the housing 50.

[0057] The rotating link 132 includes a rotating part 1321 and a connecting part 1322, which are connected. The end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322 is rotatably connected to the housing 50. The passive roller 131 is connected to the end of the connecting part 1322 near the rotating part 1321. The elastic element 133 is connected to both the housing 50 and the connecting part 1322. The rotatable connection between the end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322 and the end of the passive roller 131 near the rotating part 1321 allows the passive roller 131 to protrude towards the second drive device 14, thus preventing interference between the rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 and the second drive device 14. The end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322, i.e., the distance from the connecting part 1322 on the rotating part 1321, is greater than half the length of the rotating part 1321. The end of the connecting part 1322 near the rotating part 1321, that is, the distance from the rotating part 1321 to the connecting part 1322 is less than half the length of the connecting part 1322.

[0058] The rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 can be integrally formed. The specific materials of the rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 are not limited, such as plastic or metal.

[0059] A contact portion 1323 is provided on the connecting portion 1322 of the rotating link 132. The contact portion 1323 is used to abut against the consumable selection device 12. The consumable selection device 12 is used to push the contact portion 1323 away from the consumable selection device 12, or to give way to the contact portion 1323, so that the contact portion 1323, the rotating link 132, and the passive roller 131 are close to the second drive device 14. The contact portion 1323 may protrude toward the consumable selection device 12. The shape of the contact portion 1323 is not limited. In this application, the contact portion 1323 is rod-shaped, and the end of the contact portion 1323 near the consumable selection device 12 is smoothed to facilitate the consumable selection device 12 to push the contact portion 1323. For example, the end of the contact portion 1323 near the consumable selection device 12 may be arc-shaped. The contact portion 1323 may be integrally formed with the connecting portion 1322. The material of the contact part 1323 is not limited, such as the contact part 1323 can be plastic.

[0060] A rotating shaft 51 may be provided on the housing 50 so that the rotating part 1321 of the rotating connecting rod 132 of the consumable pressing device 13 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 51, that is, the rotating part 1321 is connected to the rotating shaft of the rotating part 1321.

[0061] The consumable selection device 12 is used to enable the passive roller 131 and the second drive device 14 to clamp consumables at any given time, such as clamping one or two consumables at a time. In this embodiment, the consumable selection device 12 is used to enable the passive roller 131 and the second drive device 14 to clamp a maximum of one consumable at any given time. The consumable selection device 12 is provided with a switching groove 121 arranged in a circumferential direction. The switching groove 121 is used to make way for the abutment part 1323, so that the abutment part 1323, the connecting part 1322, and the passive roller 131 can approach the second drive device 14, so that the passive roller 131 and the second drive device 14 can clamp consumables. The material of the consumable selection device 12 is not limited, such as plastic or metal.

[0062] The specific structure of the switching groove 121 is not limited, such as the shape of the switching groove 121 matching the abutment part. In this application, the cross-sectional shape of the switching groove 121 is arc-shaped to facilitate the rotation of the consumable selection device 12, thereby achieving contact and separation between the abutment part 1323 and the groove wall of the switching groove 121. The switching groove 121 is arranged along the circumferential direction, that is, the switching groove 121 is staggered. The projections of different switching grooves 121 on the cross-section of the consumable selection device 12 are located at different positions, so that at any given time, only one consumable clamping device 13 clamps the consumable. The switching grooves 121 can be distributed on different planes; thus, the consumable clamping devices 13 can be distributed on different planes, which can improve space utilization. At least one switching groove 121 is distributed on each plane. In this application, one switching groove is distributed in each plane to drive at least two consumable clamping devices 13 arranged on one plane.

[0063] If the printhead 1 includes at least four consumable clamping devices 13, and the consumable selection device 12 is provided with at least two switching slots 121, the switching slots 121 are distributed on at least two planes, and at least one switching slot 121 is provided on each plane. In one embodiment, the number of switching slots 121 is two. The positions of the switching slots can be reasonably arranged so that there are five adjustable positions for the consumable clamping devices 13, that is, one position is neutral. In the neutral state, none of the consumable clamping devices 13 and the second drive device 14 will clamp the consumable.

[0064] Please see Figure 4The first driving device 11 is used to drive the rotation of the consumable selection device 12. The specific structure of the first driving device 11 is not limited, as long as it can drive the consumable selection device 12 to rotate.

[0065] Specifically, the first drive device 11 includes a first motor 111, a worm gear 112, and a worm wheel 113. The worm gear 112 is connected to the first motor 111, the worm wheel 113 is drivenly connected to the worm gear 112, and the worm wheel 113 is coaxially connected to the consumable selection device 12; or,

[0066] The first drive device 11 includes a first motor 111, a first gear, and a second gear. The first gear is driven by the first motor 111, and the second gear is driven by the first gear. The diameter of the second gear is larger than that of the first gear. The second gear is coaxially connected to the consumable selection device 12, and the diameter of the second gear is larger than that of the consumable selection device 12.

[0067] The above-described structures of the two first driving devices 11 are exemplary descriptions of the embodiments of this application and do not limit the specific structure of the first driving device 11.

[0068] Please see Figure 5 The second drive device 14 includes a drive mechanism (not labeled) and an active roller 141 driven by the drive mechanism. The active roller 141 is used to clamp the consumable with the consumable clamping device 13.

[0069] The specific structure of the drive mechanism is not limited, as long as it can drive the drive roller 141 to rotate. For example, the drive mechanism includes a second motor 142, a motor drive wheel 143 driven and connected to the second motor 142, and a reduction roller 144 driven and connected to the motor drive wheel 143. The diameter of the reduction roller 144 is larger than the diameter of the motor drive wheel 143. The reduction roller 144 is coaxially connected to the drive roller 141, and the diameter of the reduction roller 144 is larger than the diameter of the drive roller 141.

[0070] The specific structure of the active roller 141 is not limited, as long as it can contact the consumable and clamp the consumable with the passive roller 131. For example, the active roller 141 may be provided with a second groove for accommodating the consumable. The sidewall of the second groove may be roughened to increase the friction between the consumable and the active roller 141. For example, grooves may be formed on the sidewall of the second groove, and the grooves are arranged along the circumference of the passive roller 131.

[0071] The second drive device 14 includes at least two drive rollers 141, which are located on different planes. In this embodiment, at least two drive rollers 141 are coaxially connected to the reduction rollers 144 of the drive mechanism to achieve rotation at the same angle.

[0072] Each active roller 141 corresponds to at least one consumable clamping device 13, that is, each active roller 141 corresponds to at least one passive roller 131. In this embodiment, each active roller 141 corresponds to two consumable clamping devices 13, that is, each active roller 141 corresponds to two passive rollers 131. One consumable clamping device 13 is provided on each side of the active roller 141, that is, two consumable clamping devices 13 are provided on both sides of the active roller 141. If the print head 1 includes four consumable clamping devices 13, then the print head 1 includes two active rollers 141.

[0073] Optionally, the connecting component 20 further includes a connecting device 24, which has a plurality of third guide holes 241. The third guide holes 241 correspond to the consumables passing through the consumable driving mechanism 10, and the third guide holes 241 also correspond one-to-one with the first guide holes 221.

[0074] The specific structure of the connecting device 24 is not limited, and the connecting device 24 can be connected to the housing 50. Optionally, the connecting device 24 can be integrally formed with the housing 50. In other embodiments, the connecting device 24 is a consumable guide tube. The distance between the connecting device 24 and the heat dissipation device 2223 is 0.1mm-5mm, that is, there is a gap between the connecting device 24 and the heat dissipation device 2223.

[0075] The printhead 1 may further include an elastic connector connected to the housing 50 and a force sensor mounted on the elastic connector. The heat sink is connected to the housing 50 via an elastic element 133. When the nozzle 40 assembly 30 of the printhead 1 touches the printing platform of the 3D printer, the elastic connector deforms, allowing the force sensor to detect the deformation and thus the contact between the nozzle 40 assembly 30 and the printing platform, facilitating leveling of the 3D printer. A gap exists between the connecting device 24 and the heat dissipation device 2223 to facilitate the deformation of the elastic connector.

[0076] The printhead 1 may also include a filament breakage detection device, which is located at the end of the consumable drive mechanism 10 away from the nozzle 40 assembly 30; and / or

[0077] The printhead 1 also includes a filament blockage detection device, which is located at the end of the filament drive mechanism 10 away from the nozzle 40 assembly 30. The specific structure of the filament breakage detection device or the filament blockage detection device is not limited in this application, as long as it can detect filament breakage or blockage.

[0078] This application also provides a 3D printer, which includes the above-described printhead 1 and has all the functions and advantages of the above-described printhead 1.

[0079] Reference numeral 1. In this embodiment of the application, a printhead 1 is provided. The printhead 1 includes a connecting component 20, a heating device 30 connected to the connecting component 20, and a nozzle 40 connected to the heating device 30. The connecting component 20 includes at least two material guiding channels 21. The heating device 30 includes a feeding channel 311 corresponding to the material guiding channel 21. The feeding channel 311 communicates with the material guiding channel 21. The nozzle 40 is provided with a discharge channel 41 communicating with the feeding channel 311.

[0080] Reference numeral 2, based on reference numeral 1, has a cross-sectional area at the connection between the feed channel 311 and the discharge channel 41 that is less than or equal to one-third of the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge channel 41.

[0081] Reference numeral 3, based on reference numeral 1, the heating device 30 is provided with at least two feed holes 314 and a through hole 315 communicating with the feed holes 314. The projection of the through hole 315 on the feed hole 314 is less than or equal to one-third of the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed hole 314.

[0082] The feed hole 314 is connected to the guide channel 21, and the guide hole 315 is connected to the discharge channel 41.

[0083] Reference numeral 4, based on reference numeral 3, has the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 extending in the same direction.

[0084] Reference numeral 5, based on reference numeral 4, both the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 extend along the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction;

[0085] The feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in a first direction, and / or the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in a second direction.

[0086] Reference numeral 6, based on reference numeral 5, if the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in the first direction, the overlap size of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 in the first direction is 0.1mm-1mm; if the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 overlap in the second direction, the overlap size of the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315 in the second direction is 0.1mm-1mm.

[0087] Reference numeral 7, based on reference numeral 6, has an overlap dimension of 0.3mm-0.8mm in the first direction between the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315; and an overlap dimension of 0.3mm-0.8mm in the second direction between the feed hole 314 and the through hole 315.

[0088] Reference numeral 8, based on reference numeral 5, the heating device 30 is further provided with a first connecting hole 312, which is connected to the through hole 315. The first connecting hole 312 is used to connect the nozzle 40; the through hole 315 and the discharge channel 21 have the same diameter.

[0089] Reference numeral 9, based on reference numeral 8, the heating device 30 is further provided with a second connecting hole 313, the second connecting hole 313 is connected to the feed hole 314, and the feed hole 314 is used to connect the connecting assembly 20.

[0090] Reference numeral 10, based on reference numeral 9, the first connecting hole 312 extends along the first direction, and the projection of the through hole 315 on the first connecting hole 312 is located inside the first connecting hole 312;

[0091] The second connecting hole 313 extends along the first direction, and the projection of the feed hole 314 on the second connecting hole 313 is located inside the second connecting hole 313.

[0092] Reference numeral 11, based on reference numeral 3, heating device 30 includes heating block 31 and heating element 32, heating element 32 is connected to heating block 31, and heating block 31 has feed hole 314 and through hole 315.

[0093] Reference numeral 12, based on reference numeral 1, the connecting component 20 includes a heat dissipation device 22 and a throat 23 connected to the heat dissipation device 22. The throat 23 is also connected to the heating device 30. The heat dissipation device 22 has at least two first guide holes 221, and the throat 23 has at least two second guide holes 231. The number of first guide holes 221 and second guide holes 231 corresponds, and the first guide holes 221 and second guide holes 231 are connected.

[0094] Reference numeral 13, based on reference numeral 12, the second guide hole 231 is set along the first direction, which is the axial direction of the throat 23;

[0095] The first feed hole 221 is set at an angle to the first direction.

[0096] Reference numeral 14, based on reference numeral 12, the heat dissipation device 22 is also provided with a third connection hole 222, the third connection hole 222 is used to connect with the throat tube 23, and the first guide hole 221 is connected to the third connection hole 222.

[0097] Reference numeral 15, based on reference numeral 14, is the projection of the first guide hole 221 on the third connecting hole 222 onto the third connecting hole 222, and is located inside the third connecting hole 222.

[0098] Reference numeral 16, based on reference numeral 14, has the first end of the first guide hole 221 that is away from the nozzle 40 as the first end, and the second end of the first guide hole 221 that is close to the nozzle 40 as the second end. The distance between the first ends of the two first guide holes 221 is greater than the distance between the second ends of the two first guide holes 221.

[0099] Based on reference numeral 12, the printhead 1 also includes a consumable driving mechanism 10, which is used to selectively drive a target consumable among several consumables forward, and the target consumable is used to enter the feed channel 21.

[0100] Reference numeral 18, based on reference numeral 17, the consumable driving mechanism 10 includes a first driving device 11, a consumable selection device 12, a second driving device 14, and at least two consumable clamping devices 13. The consumable clamping devices 13 are located at least on one side of the second driving device 14. The first driving device 11 is drivenly connected to the consumable selection device 12, and the consumable selection device 12 is drivenly connected to the consumable clamping device 13, so that the target consumable clamping device 13 among the at least two consumable clamping devices 13 selectively clamps the consumable with the second driving device 14 to drive the target consumable forward or backward.

[0101] Reference numeral 19, based on reference numeral 18, the printhead 1 includes four consumable clamping devices 13, of which two consumable clamping devices 13 are located on one side of the second drive device 14, and the other two consumable clamping devices 13 are located on the other side of the second drive device 14.

[0102] Based on reference numeral 18, the printhead 1 further includes a housing 40. The consumable clamping device 13 includes a passive roller 131, a rotating connecting rod 132, and an elastic element 133. The rotating connecting rod 132 is movably connected to the housing 40, the passive roller 131 is rotatably connected to the rotating connecting rod 132, and the elastic element 133 is connected to the housing 40 and the rotating connecting rod 132 respectively. The elastic element 133 is used to apply force to the rotating connecting rod 132 as it approaches the second driving device 14, so that the passive roller 131 and the second driving device 14 clamp the consumable.

[0103] Reference numeral 21, based on reference numeral 20, the rotating connecting rod 132 includes a rotating part 1321 and a connecting part 1322. The rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 are connected. The end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322 is rotatably connected to the housing 40. The passive roller 131 is connected to the end of the connecting part 1322 near the rotating part 1321. The elastic element 133 is connected to the housing 40 and the connecting part 1322 respectively.

[0104] Reference numeral 22, based on reference numeral 20, has an abutment part 1323 on the rotating link 132. The abutment part 1323 is used to abut against the consumable selection device 12. The consumable selection device 12 is used to push the abutment part 1323 away from the consumable selection device 12, or to give way to the abutment part 1323, so that the abutment part 1323, the rotating link 132 and the passive roller 131 are close to the second drive device 14.

[0105] Based on reference numeral 22, the consumable selection device 12 is provided with a switching groove 121 arranged in the circumferential direction. The switching groove 121 is used to make way for the abutment part 1323.

[0106] Based on number 23, the switching slots 121 are distributed on different planes.

[0107] Reference numeral 25, based on reference numeral 24, the printhead 1 includes at least four consumable clamping devices 13, and the consumable selection device 12 is provided with at least two switching slots 121, which are distributed on at least two planes, with at least one switching slot 121 provided on each plane.

[0108] Reference numeral 26, based on reference numeral 18, the first driving device 11 is used to drive the consumable selection device 12 to rotate;

[0109] The first drive device 11 includes a first motor 111, a worm gear 112 connected to the first motor 111, and a worm wheel 113 drivenly connected to the worm gear 112. The worm wheel 113 is coaxially connected to the consumable selection device 12; or...

[0110] The first drive device 11 includes a first motor 111, a first gear driven by the first motor 111, and a second gear driven by the first gear. The diameter of the second gear is larger than that of the first gear. The second gear is coaxially connected to the consumable selection device 12, and the diameter of the second gear is larger than that of the consumable selection device 12.

[0111] Reference numeral 27, based on reference numeral 18, the second drive device 14 includes a drive mechanism and an active roller 141 drivenly connected to the drive mechanism. The active roller 141 is used to clamp the consumable with the consumable clamping device 13.

[0112] The drive mechanism includes a second motor 142, a motor drive wheel 143 connected to the second motor 142, and a reduction roller 144 driven and connected to the motor drive wheel 143. The diameter of the reduction roller 144 is larger than the diameter of the motor drive wheel 143. The reduction roller 144 is coaxially connected to the drive roller 141. The diameter of the reduction roller 144 is larger than the diameter of the drive roller 141.

[0113] Each side of the active roller 141 is provided with a consumable clamping device 13.

[0114] Reference numeral 28, based on reference numeral 27, the second drive device 14 includes at least two drive rollers 141, which are located on different planes, and both drive rollers 141 are coaxially connected to the reduction roller 144.

[0115] Reference numeral 29, based on reference numeral 17, the connecting component 20 also includes a connecting device 24, which has a plurality of third guide holes 241. The third guide holes 241 correspond to the consumables passing through the consumable driving mechanism 10, and the third guide holes 241 also correspond one-to-one with the first guide holes 221.

[0116] Reference numeral 30, based on reference numeral 29, has a distance of 0.1mm-5mm between the connecting device 24 and the heat dissipation device 2223.

[0117] Based on reference numeral 12, the printhead 1 also includes a housing 50, an elastic connector connected to the housing 50, and a force sensor disposed on the elastic connector. The heat sink is connected to the housing 50 through an elastic element 133.

[0118] Reference numeral 32, based on reference numeral 17, the printhead 1 further includes a filament breakage detection device, which is located at the end of the filament drive mechanism 10 away from the nozzle 40; and / or

[0119] Printhead 1 also includes a filament blockage detection device, which is located at the end of filament drive mechanism 10 away from nozzle 40.

[0120] Reference numeral 33, based on reference numeral 1, does not include a cutter device for cutting consumables on printhead 1.

[0121] Reference numeral 24, this application also provides a three-dimensional printer, the three-dimensional printer including a print head 1 of any one of reference numerals 1-33.

[0122] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printhead, characterized by, The printing head comprises a connecting assembly, a heating device connected with the connecting assembly, and a nozzle connected with the heating device, the connecting assembly comprises at least two material guiding channels, the heating device comprises feeding channels corresponding to the material guiding channels, the feeding channels communicate with the material guiding channels, and the nozzle is provided with discharging channels communicating with the feeding channels.

2. The printhead of claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional area of the connecting part of the feeding channel and the discharging channel is less than or equal to one third of the cross-sectional area of the discharging channel.

3. The printhead of claim 1, wherein, The heating device is provided with at least two feeding holes and through holes communicating with the feeding holes, the projection of the through hole on the feeding hole is less than or equal to one third of the cross-sectional area of the feeding hole. The feeding hole communicates with the material guiding channel, and the through hole communicates with the discharging channel.

4. The printhead of claim 3, wherein, The feeding hole and the through hole extend in the same direction.

5. The printhead of claim 4, wherein, The feeding hole and the through hole extend in the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The feeding hole and the through hole overlap in the first direction, and / or the feeding hole and the through hole overlap in the second direction.

6. The printhead of claim 5, wherein, If the feeding hole and the through hole overlap in the first direction, the overlapping size of the feeding hole and the through hole in the first direction is 0.1mm-1mm; if the feeding hole and the through hole overlap in the second direction, the overlapping size of the feeding hole and the through hole in the second direction is 0.1mm-1mm.

7. The printhead of claim 6, wherein, The overlapping size of the feeding hole and the through hole in the first direction is 0.3mm-0.8mm; the overlapping size of the feeding hole and the through hole in the second direction is 0.3mm-0.8mm.

8. The printhead of claim 5, wherein, The heating device is further provided with a first connecting hole, the first connecting hole communicates with the through hole, and the first connecting hole is used for connecting the nozzle; the diameter of the through hole and the discharging channel is the same.

9. The printhead of claim 8, wherein, The heating device is further provided with a second connecting hole, the second connecting hole communicates with the feeding hole, and the feeding hole is used for connecting the connecting assembly.

10. A three-dimensional printer, characterized by The three-dimensional printer comprises the printing head according to any one of claims 1-9.

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