An arrayed wax jet printer nozzle device

Abstract

The application discloses an array type wax jet printer nozzle device, relates to the technical field of wax jet printing equipment, and comprises a mounting frame; a nozzle control assembly is arranged at the top of the mounting frame; a nozzle component is arranged at the bottom of the mounting frame, the nozzle component comprises a hollow wax box and a nozzle assembly arranged in the wax box, the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle mounting bottom plate and a plurality of nozzle units arranged on the nozzle mounting bottom plate, a nozzle adjusting assembly is arranged between the nozzle component and the bottom of the mounting frame, the nozzle adjusting assembly comprises a differential head and an elastic push-up mechanism, the differential head is connected to one side of the mounting frame through a differential head mounting plate, a screw rod of the differential head abuts against the nozzle component, and the elastic push-up mechanism is arranged on the other side of the mounting frame and corresponds to the position of the differential head. Therefore, the differential head and the elastic push-up mechanism are utilized to accurately adjust the position of the nozzle assembly, so that the production requirement of higher accuracy is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wax spraying printing equipment technology, and specifically to an array-type wax spraying printer nozzle device. Background Technology

[0002] The working principle of a wax-spray 3D printer is similar to that of conventional 3D printing technology; both build an object by stacking materials layer by layer. Wax-spray 3D printers use wax-based materials, precisely spraying the waxy substance onto the build platform through a nozzle. As each layer is printed, the wax layer hardens and becomes the base of the final product. This technology can create extremely complex models with fine details, making it particularly suitable for demanding fields such as jewelry and medical devices.

[0003] In existing wax spray printing equipment, the printhead assembly typically uses a single or three-head configuration, with a relatively simple printhead arrangement. Regarding print width, current technologies generally achieve a single-pass print width of less than 200mm. For printhead positioning and fixing, existing technologies often employ simple screw clamping or single-reference-plane positioning methods. When multiple printheads are joined, it is difficult to ensure that all nozzles are precisely aligned on the same straight line, easily leading to problems such as ink jet misalignment and poor print quality at the joints.

[0004] In the prior art, there is a patent application document entitled "An Array-type Multi-nozzle Printing Mechanism" with patent application number 202411211232.1. In this document, the nozzle module and the material storage module are set up separately and connected by a flexible feed tube, so that multiple micro-nozzles can be installed at one time. Although this solves the problem of the number and width of prints per print, in actual use, after multiple nozzles are installed and used for a period of time, there will be a certain error. In the above patent, the position of the nozzles cannot be precisely adjusted, which is not suitable for the production of small products in the jewelry industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the present invention aims to provide an array-type wax printer printhead device that utilizes a micro-head and an elastic push mechanism to achieve precise adjustment of the printhead assembly position, thereby meeting the production requirements for higher precision.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an array-type wax spray printer nozzle device, including a mounting frame;

[0007] The top of the mounting frame is equipped with a nozzle control assembly;

[0008] The bottom of the mounting frame is provided with a nozzle component, which includes a hollow wax box and a nozzle assembly disposed in the wax box. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mounting base plate and multiple nozzle units disposed on the nozzle mounting base plate. The multiple nozzle units are arranged in an array and the nozzle units are in communication with the wax box.

[0009] A nozzle adjustment assembly is provided between the nozzle component and the bottom of the mounting frame. The nozzle adjustment assembly includes a micro-head and an elastic push mechanism. The micro-head is connected to one side of the mounting frame through a micro-head mounting plate. The screw of the micro-head abuts against the nozzle component. The elastic push mechanism is located on the other side of the mounting frame and corresponds to the position of the micro-head.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic push mechanism includes a bushing mounting plate, a bushing, a push rod, and a spring. The bushing mounting plate is fixedly connected to the mounting frame. The bushing is installed in the inner hole of the bushing mounting plate. The push rod passes through and is slidably connected to the bushing. The front end of the push rod is provided with a top abutment. The radial dimension of the top abutment is larger than the radial dimension of the push rod. The front of the top abutment abuts against the nozzle component. The spring is sleeved on the push rod and sandwiched between the rear of the top abutment and the bushing.

[0011] Preferably, the array of multiple nozzle units is arranged in four columns, with five nozzle units in each column, and the multiple nozzle units are distributed in a triangular pattern.

[0012] Preferably, the nozzle control assembly includes a data distribution board and a nozzle drive board, and the nozzle unit corresponds one-to-one with the nozzle drive board.

[0013] Preferably, the nozzle mounting base plate is provided with a plurality of nozzle mounting holes; each nozzle unit includes a nozzle body, the adjacent sides of the nozzle body abutting against two positioning reference surfaces of the nozzle mounting holes, and the opposite sides of the positioning reference surfaces are provided with spring clips for pressing the nozzle body; the nozzle body and the nozzle mounting base plate are fixedly connected by fasteners.

[0014] Preferably, the wax box includes a wax box body and a wax box cover. The cavity of the wax box body is connected to a wax supply connector. The wax box body is also provided with a heating rod, a temperature sensor and a temperature control switch, and a liquid level sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the nozzle control assembly includes a control assembly protective cover, a data distribution board, and multiple nozzle drive boards, wherein the position and number of the nozzle drive boards correspond one-to-one with the nozzle units.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting frame is integrally formed, with a frame protective plate on the front and a printing component mounting bracket on the side.

[0017] Preferably, the nozzle mounting base plate is made of aerospace-grade ultra-high strength aluminum alloy.

[0018] Preferably, the mounting frame is integrally cast from cast aluminum alloy.

[0019] Preferably, the cooling unit includes a cooling fan, which is mounted to the mounting frame via a connecting elbow.

[0020] The beneficial technical effects achieved by the present invention after adopting the above technical solution are as follows:

[0021] 1. Due to the installation frame, the nozzle control assembly controls the nozzle units on the wax cartridge body to achieve basic wax spraying. A nozzle adjustment assembly is located between the wax cartridge body and the installation frame. This assembly includes a micro-head and a flexible push mechanism. The micro-head is connected to the installation frame via a micro-head mounting plate, and the micro-head's screw abuts against the nozzle component. Utilizing the high precision of the micro-head, accurate measurement and control of minute displacements can be achieved, making it particularly suitable for high-precision wax spraying printing equipment. After adjustment, all nozzles on the nozzle body can be precisely aligned on a straight line, thus eliminating issues such as misalignment and poor print quality at seams, further improving and maintaining printing accuracy.

[0022] 2. The system incorporates an elastic pushing mechanism consisting of a bushing and a push rod. The bushing is fixedly connected to the mounting frame via a bushing mounting plate. One end of the push rod abuts against the wax box body, while the other end is slidably connected to the bushing. A rectangular spring is also installed between the bushing and the wax box body, and this spring is sleeved on the push rod. The micrometer head, in conjunction with the push rod, enables micron-level precision displacement adjustment. The rectangular spring eliminates transmission backlash, ensuring adjustment sensitivity and repeatability. This adjustment component allows for secondary precision calibration of the common positions of multiple nozzle assemblies after the overall nozzle assembly is completed, ensuring the overall positional accuracy of all nozzle arrays. The adjusted structure is compact and easy to adjust, significantly reducing the machining accuracy and installation requirements of parts, and improving assembly efficiency and yield. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the combined states of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of each component.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation frame in this invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the wax box body and the nozzle unit in this invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a bottom reference diagram of the mounting frame in this invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a reference schematic diagram of the bottom of the wax box body in this invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is the present invention. Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle control assembly in this invention;

[0031] In the diagram,

[0032] 100. Nozzle control assembly; 101. Data distribution board; 102. Nozzle drive board; 103. Control assembly protective cover;

[0033] 200. Mounting frame; 201. Frame protective plate; 202. Printer component mounting bracket; 203. Connecting elbow; 204. Cooling fan;

[0034] 300. Nozzle assembly; 301. Wax box body; 302. Heating rod; 303. Wax box cover; 304. Temperature control switch; 305. Temperature sensor; 306. Liquid level sensor; 307. Wax supply connector; 308. Nozzle mounting plate; 309. Nozzle body; 310. Spring mounting plate; 311. Spring; 312. Nozzle;

[0035] 400. Elastic pushing mechanism; 401. Push rod; 4011. Top support; 402. Bushing mounting plate; 403. Spring; 404. Micrometer head; 405. Micrometer head mounting plate; 406. Bushing. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0037] See Figures 1-8This invention provides an array-type wax printer printhead device, comprising: a mounting frame 200; the mounting frame 200 serves as the support unit in this invention, and to further ensure rigidity, the mounting frame 200 is integrally cast from a cast aluminum alloy. The printhead mounting base plate 308 is made of aerospace-grade ultra-high strength aluminum alloy. Integral casting from a cast aluminum alloy not only maintains structural rigidity and motion stability but also suppresses dynamic deformation and vibration.

[0038] The top of the mounting frame 200 is provided with a nozzle control assembly 100; the nozzle control assembly 100 is used to control each nozzle body 309, thereby controlling the nozzle 312.

[0039] The bottom of the mounting frame 200 is equipped with a nozzle component, which includes a hollow wax box and a nozzle assembly 300 disposed in the wax box. The nozzle assembly 300 includes a nozzle mounting base plate 308 and multiple nozzle units disposed on the nozzle mounting base plate 308. The multiple nozzle units are arranged in an array and are connected to the wax box. The wax box is used to hold wax material, which generally includes molding wax and support wax. The control system selects the appropriate wax material according to different modeling shapes.

[0040] A nozzle adjustment assembly is provided between the nozzle component and the bottom of the mounting frame 200. The nozzle adjustment assembly includes a micro-head 404 and a flexible push mechanism 400. The micro-head 404 is connected to one side of the mounting frame 200 via a micro-head mounting plate 405. The screw of the micro-head 404 abuts against the nozzle component. The flexible push mechanism 400 is located on the other side of the mounting frame 200, corresponding to the position of the micro-head 404. (See also...) Figure 5 In this process, the precise control characteristics of the micrometer head 404 are utilized, and the elastic push mechanism 400 eliminates the adjustment gap to ensure accuracy. The micrometer head 404, in conjunction with the push rod 401, can achieve micron-level precision displacement adjustment, thereby enabling precise adjustment of the nozzle components. In particular, after installation, if there is a deviation between the wax spraying position of the nozzle assembly 300 and the preset position, adjustment is required. Figure 5 The image shows two sets of nozzle adjustment components.

[0041] The elastic push mechanism 400 of the present invention includes a bushing mounting plate 402, a bushing 406, a push rod 401, and a spring 403. The bushing mounting plate 402 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 200. The bushing 406 is installed in the inner hole of the bushing mounting plate 402. The push rod 401 passes through and is slidably connected to the bushing 406. A top abutment portion 4011 is provided at the front end of the push rod 401. The radial dimension of the top abutment portion 4011 is larger than the radial dimension of the push rod 401. The front end of the top abutment portion 4011 abuts against the nozzle assembly. The spring 403 is sleeved on the push rod 401 and sandwiched between the rear end of the top abutment portion 4011 and the bushing 406. A micro-head 404 is mounted on a micro-head mounting plate 405, and its adjusting end contacts the nozzle mounting base plate 308. The push rod 401 passes through the bushing 406 and the bushing mounting plate 402, and the top abutment portion 4011 contacts the other side of the nozzle assembly 300. The top support 4011 is significantly larger than the diameter of the top rod 401. Generally, the diameters at both ends of the top rod 401 are larger than the diameter of the mounting hole. This not only increases the contact area with the top support but also prevents it from falling off. The bushing 406 acts as a linear bearing for lubrication. This invention demonstrates a rectangular spring 403, but a high-precision circular spring can also be used. The rectangular spring 403 is easier to install, has a higher load-bearing capacity, and a longer service life. The spring 403 is fitted onto the top rod 401, providing a stable preload force to ensure that the nozzle assembly 300 always maintains close contact with the top rod 401, eliminating adjustment gaps.

[0042] During adjustment, the operator rotates the micrometer head 404, driving the push rod 401 to push the printhead assembly 300 to produce a slight displacement relative to the print assembly mounting bracket 202. The rectangular spring 403 provides a counter-stress to ensure a smooth and backlash-free adjustment process. Through the multi-point arrangement of the adjustment components, the spatial position of the overall printhead assembly 300 can be precisely adjusted to ensure the installation accuracy of the printhead assembly 300 and the print assembly mounting bracket 202.

[0043] The array of multiple printhead units in this invention is arranged in four columns, with five printhead units in each column, forming a triangular distribution. The illustration shows 20 sets of printhead units. Generally, after physical assembly and fixing to the printhead mounting base 308, the position of the overall printhead assembly 300 is precisely adjusted using the printhead assembly 300 adjustment component. Twenty printhead bodies 309 (10 sets of molding wax and 10 sets of support wax) are arranged in a triangular pattern to form a printing width greater than 600 mm / pass.

[0044] The nozzle mounting base plate of this invention is provided with multiple nozzle mounting holes. Each nozzle unit includes a nozzle body 309. Two adjacent sides of the nozzle body 309 abut against two positioning reference surfaces of the nozzle mounting holes. A spring clip 311 for pressing the nozzle body 309 is provided on the opposite side of the positioning reference surfaces. The spring clip 311 is connected and fixed to the nozzle mounting base plate 308 via a spring clip mounting plate 310. The nozzle body 309 and the nozzle mounting base plate 308 are fixedly connected by fasteners. The nozzle mounting holes have extremely high precision, especially when one side is used as a positioning reference surface, requiring guaranteed machining accuracy. During installation, one side of the nozzle body 309 abuts against the positioning reference surface, and then the nozzle body 309 is pressed against the opposite side by the spring clip 311, thus fixing the nozzle body 309. Each nozzle body 309 is initially positioned by a precision-machined positioning reference surface, and then elastically pressed by multiple spring clips 311, ensuring that the nozzles 312 of all nozzle bodies 309 are in the same ideal straight line position. See also... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, the lower and right sides of the nozzle mounting hole are positioning reference surfaces, while the top and left sides are limited and clamped by spring clips 311.

[0045] The wax box of this invention includes a wax box body 301 and a wax box cover 303. The cavity of the wax box body 301 is connected to a wax supply connector 307. The wax box body 301 is also equipped with a heating rod 302, a temperature sensor 305, and a temperature control switch 304. The wax box body 301 also includes a liquid level sensor 306. The wax box body 301 is used to store wax. The wax box heating rod 302 is used to heat the solid wax to a molten state. The temperature control switch 304 works in conjunction with the temperature sensor 305 to achieve precise monitoring and control of the wax box temperature. The liquid level sensor 306 monitors the liquid level of the wax in the wax box body 301 in real time. The wax supply connector 307 connects to an external wax supply pipeline to achieve continuous wax supply. The liquid level sensor 306, heating rod 302, temperature sensor 305, and temperature control switch 304 are all commonly used components in the control field and can be directly purchased and connected to the control system as needed.

[0046] The nozzle control assembly 100 of the present invention includes a control assembly protective cover 103, a data distribution board 101, and multiple nozzle drive boards 102. The nozzle drive boards 102 correspond one-to-one with the nozzle units in position and number. Each nozzle drive board 102 is connected to a nozzle body 309 below it, driving the nozzles 312 to spray wax according to a predetermined sequence. The control assembly protective cover 103 covers the entire nozzle control assembly 100, serving to prevent dust, foreign objects, and provide electromagnetic shielding.

[0047] A cooling unit is provided on the side of the mounting frame 200 of the present invention. The cooling unit includes multiple cooling fans 204, which are mounted to the mounting frame 200 via connecting elbows 203. A printing frame protective plate 201 is installed on the front of the mounting frame to protect the internal components. The connecting elbows 203 are installed on both sides of the printing component mounting frame to fix the cooling fans and serve as air ducts, adjusting the airflow direction to facilitate heat dissipation and provide forced air cooling for the printhead control component 100 and the printhead assembly 300.

[0048] In this invention, the mounting frame 200 is integrally cast from aluminum alloy (ZL114A). The nozzle mounting base plate 308 is made of aerospace-grade ultra-high-strength aluminum alloy (7075-T6). Employing an integrated casting process (ZL114A+T6), combined with the characteristics of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy 7075-T6, approximately 23% weight reduction is achieved while maintaining structural rigidity, and the maximum deformation can be controlled within 0.03mm. After casting, a protective plate is installed on the front of the mounting frame 200, and a printing component mounting bracket 202 is provided on the side for auxiliary connection.

[0049] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An array-type wax spray printer nozzle device, characterized in that, include: Mounting framework; The top of the mounting frame is equipped with a nozzle control assembly; The bottom of the mounting frame is provided with a nozzle component, which includes a hollow wax box and a nozzle assembly disposed in the wax box. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mounting base plate and multiple nozzle units disposed on the nozzle mounting base plate. The multiple nozzle units are arranged in an array and the nozzle units are in communication with the wax box. A nozzle adjustment assembly is provided between the nozzle component and the bottom of the mounting frame. The nozzle adjustment assembly includes a micro-head and an elastic push mechanism. The micro-head is connected to one side of the mounting frame through a micro-head mounting plate. The screw of the micro-head abuts against the nozzle component. The elastic push mechanism is located on the other side of the mounting frame and corresponds to the position of the micro-head.

2. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic push mechanism includes a bushing mounting plate, a bushing, a push rod, and a spring. The bushing mounting plate is fixedly connected to the mounting frame. The bushing is installed in the inner hole of the bushing mounting plate. The push rod passes through and is slidably connected to the bushing. The front end of the push rod is provided with a top abutment. The radial dimension of the top abutment is larger than the radial dimension of the push rod. The front of the top abutment abuts against the nozzle component. The spring is sleeved on the push rod and sandwiched between the rear of the top abutment and the bushing.

3. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array of nozzle units is arranged in four columns, with five nozzle units in each column, and the nozzle units are distributed in a triangular pattern.

4. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The nozzle mounting base plate is provided with a plurality of nozzle mounting holes; each nozzle unit includes a nozzle body, the adjacent sides of the nozzle body abut against two positioning reference surfaces of the nozzle mounting hole, and the opposite sides of the positioning reference surfaces are provided with spring pieces for pressing the nozzle body, and the nozzle body is fixedly connected to the nozzle mounting base plate by fasteners.

5. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wax box includes a wax box body and a wax box lid. The cavity of the wax box body is connected to a wax supply connector. The wax box body is also equipped with a heating rod, a temperature sensor and a temperature control switch, and a liquid level sensor.

6. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle control assembly includes a control assembly protective cover, a data distribution board, and multiple nozzle drive boards, with each nozzle drive board corresponding to the position and number of the nozzle unit.

7. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame is integrally cast from cast aluminum alloy.

8. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle mounting base plate is made of aerospace-grade ultra-high strength aluminum alloy.

9. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cooling unit is provided on the side of the mounting frame.

10. The array-type wax printer nozzle device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cooling unit includes a cooling fan, which is mounted to the mounting frame via a connecting elbow.

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