shelf and 3D printer

Abstract

This application relates to a mounting frame and a 3D printer. The 3D printer's tool head can mount a replaceable print head, which can switch between a mating position and an unlocked position relative to the tool head. The tool head is configured to move the replaceable print head along an alignment direction to the alignment position of the mounting frame. Then, the 3D printer switches the replaceable print head from the mating position to the unlocked position along an assembly direction and places it on the mounting frame. The mounting frame includes a frame body and a positioning element. The positioning element engages with the replaceable print head during placement, limiting the replaceable print head's degree of freedom of movement along the assembly direction. The placement process of the replaceable print head and the process of switching the replaceable print head from the mating position to the unlocked position are performed synchronously. This application utilizes the positioning element of the mounting frame to limit the replaceable print head's degree of freedom of movement along the assembly direction, ensuring that the position of the replaceable print head is reliably maintained during the synchronous placement and unlocking process.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025116218480, filed on November 6, 2025, entitled "Placement Frame, Replaceable Printhead, 3D Printer and Control Method Thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more specifically, to a mounting rack and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, additive printers have developed rapidly. Among them, additive printers with multiple printheads can meet users' needs for printing color models. In printers with multiple printheads, there is usually a rack to hold replaceable printheads. The tool head loads the replaceable printheads during printing and retrieves them from the rack when changing them.

[0004] However, the replacement process for the replaceable printhead is time-consuming and involves complex actions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application describes a placement frame for a 3D printer including a tool head, the tool head being capable of mounting a replaceable print head, the replaceable print head being switchable between a mating position and an unlocked position relative to the tool head; the tool head is configured to move the replaceable print head along an alignment direction to an alignment position on the placement frame, after which the 3D printer switches the replaceable print head from the mating position to the unlocked position along an assembly direction and places it on the placement frame; the placement frame includes a frame body and a positioning member, the positioning member being used to engage with the replaceable print head during placement, limiting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head along the assembly direction; the placement process of the replaceable print head is synchronized with the process of the replaceable print head switching from the mating position to the unlocked position.

[0006] This configuration allows the replaceable printhead to move from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction, which is also its movement to be placed on the placement rack. Both movements share the same action segment, eliminating the need for a separate placement action after unlocking. This reduces the number of steps required for printhead replacement, shortens replacement time, and improves replacement efficiency. Furthermore, since placement and unlocking are completed in the same process, the corresponding drives and transmissions can be reused, reducing the number of moving mechanisms, simplifying control logic, and lowering the complexity and cost of related mechanisms. Simultaneously, this application utilizes the positioning components of the placement rack to limit the replaceable printhead's degree of freedom of movement along the assembly direction during placement. This ensures that the replaceable printhead's position is reliably maintained during the simultaneous placement and unlocking process, preventing it from becoming unrestrained during the transition between unlocking and placement. This prevents it from shifting, falling, or deviating along the assembly direction due to loss of restraint during this phase, improving the accuracy of placement and unlocking, and ensuring a smooth and reliable process. This allows for rapid and accurate replacement of the replaceable printhead, shortening the replacement process time and simplifying related actions.

[0007] In some embodiments, the placement rack is movable along the assembly direction, which is the direction of gravity. The weight of the replaceable printhead helps to hold it more stably on the placement rack, improving placement stability and reliability. In some embodiments, during the placement process, the tool head remains in a fixed position relative to the placement frame along the direction of movement, which is perpendicular to both the alignment direction and the assembly direction. The placement frame has multiple replaceable printhead placement positions arranged along the direction of movement. This allows for a dense arrangement of multiple replaceable printheads along the direction of movement, accommodating more replaceable printheads within a limited space. In some embodiments, the center-to-center distance between two adjacent replaceable printhead placement positions is smaller than the dimension of the toolhead along the direction of movement. This allows for a denser arrangement of placement positions along the direction of movement within a limited space, accommodating a greater number and variety of replaceable printheads and improving space utilization.

[0008] In some embodiments, the replaceable printhead placement position is configured such that, when the replaceable printhead is in the mating or unlocked position, the replaceable printhead placement position is centered relative to the tool head along the direction of movement. This minimizes the extension of the larger side of the tool head and also minimizes the minimum center-to-center distance required between adjacent placement positions, thereby allowing for a denser arrangement while ensuring that placement and removal do not interfere with each other, further increasing the number of replaceable printheads that can be mounted within a limited space.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tool head includes a drive member and an assembly assembly. The assembly assembly is configured to adjust the position of the replaceable printhead relative to the tool head. The placement process of the replaceable printhead includes: the drive member being configured to drive the assembly assembly to move, causing the replaceable printhead to switch from a mating position to an unlocked position along the assembly direction; and / or, the placement bracket is configured to adjust the position of the replaceable printhead relative to the positioning member. The placement process of the replaceable printhead includes: the placement bracket driving the positioning member to move along the assembly direction, causing the positioning member to engage with the replaceable printhead and limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead. The unlocking and switching of the replaceable printhead and the limiting of the positioning member can be actively driven by either the tool head side or the placement bracket side, facilitating the reuse of drive and transmission and simplifying the mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tool head can move within a printing plane to perform printing; after the 3D printer places the replaceable print head onto the mounting frame, the mounting frame and / or the tool head move relative to each other along the alignment direction; after the distance between the tool head and the mounting frame along the alignment direction reaches a preset value, the replaceable print head releases the restriction on the tool head's movement within the printing plane. This guides the tool head away from the mounting frame along the alignment direction, preventing it from interfering with or colliding with the newly placed replaceable print head or mounting frame before it has properly aligned with the replaceable print head and is making other movements within the printing plane. In some embodiments, the positioning element includes a first positioning element, which limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the alignment direction. The first positioning element limits the replaceable printhead in the alignment direction, preventing it from shifting along the alignment direction and improving the stability and reliability of the replaceable printhead in the alignment direction after placement.

[0011] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead and the first positioning member is a hook, and the other is a slot that engages with the hook; or, one of the replaceable printhead and the first positioning member is a pin, and the other is a slot that engages with the pin; or, one of the replaceable printhead and the first positioning member is a magnet or electromagnet, and the other is a magnetic element. The first positioning member and the replaceable printhead can be coupled in various ways, such as with hooks and slots, pins and slots, or magnetic attraction, to facilitate the placement and removal of the replaceable printhead.

[0012] In some embodiments, the positioning element includes a third positioning element, which limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the active direction, the active direction being perpendicular to the alignment direction and the assembly direction. The third positioning element limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the active direction, and in conjunction with the limiting positions in the alignment direction and the assembly direction, effectively fixes the replaceable printhead in multiple directions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third positioning member includes at least two first sub-positioning members, which are arranged at intervals along the direction of movement. The interval between the two first sub-positioning members is used to accommodate the replaceable printhead. The two first sub-positioning members accommodate and clamp the replaceable printhead from both sides of the direction of movement, realizing bidirectional limiting and guiding in the direction of movement, facilitating the replacement printhead to enter the placement position and be accurately positioned.

[0014] In some embodiments, the positioning element includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element. The first positioning element is used to limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the alignment direction, and the second positioning element is used to limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the assembly direction. The placement process of the replaceable printhead includes: the first positioning element first restricts the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the alignment direction, and then the second positioning element restricts the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the assembly direction. By first limiting the alignment direction and then locking the assembly direction during placement, the replaceable printhead is gradually positioned in stages and directions, avoiding interference or jamming caused by simultaneous coordination in multiple directions, resulting in smoother placement.

[0015] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning member is a hook, and the other is a slot that engages with the hook; or, one of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning member is a pin, and the other is a slot that engages with the pin; or, one of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning member is a magnet, and the other is a magnetic element. The second positioning member and the replaceable printhead can be coupled in various ways, such as with a hook and slot, a pin and slot, or magnetic attraction, to facilitate the placement and removal of the replaceable printhead.

[0016] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning element is a magnet, and the other is a magnetic element. The surface of the magnet facing the magnetic element is inclined away from the assembly direction, and the surface of the magnetic element facing the magnet is inclined towards the magnet. Wherein: the overall extending plane of the surface of the magnet facing the magnetic element forms an angle with the assembly direction; and / or, the side of the magnet facing the magnetic element includes two magnetic regions; wherein the polarities of the two magnetic regions are opposite, and / or, the two magnetic regions are arranged facing the assembly direction; and / or, the angles of inclination of the overall extending planes of the magnet and the magnetic element relative to the assembly direction are the same; and / or, the angles of inclination of the overall extending planes of the magnet and the magnetic element relative to the assembly direction range from 5° to 90°; and / or, the angles of inclination of the overall extending planes of the magnet and the magnetic element relative to the assembly direction range from 15° to 40°. The surfaces of the magnet and the magnetic element are tilted towards each other. During alignment or placement, the magnetic lines of force are offset relative to the magnetic element, resulting in a smaller attraction force and less interference with placement. When the replaceable printhead reaches or is about to reach the mating position, the attraction force increases and the positioning is stable. Specifically, the overall extension plane is at an angle to the assembly direction, which can create the above-mentioned gradual change in attraction force. The opposite polarities of the two magnetic areas can reduce the divergence range of the magnetic lines of force, reduce interference with the placement process, and prevent misalignment. The two magnetic areas are arranged towards the assembly direction, which can make the magnetic attraction force along the assembly direction greater and the positioning more stable during mating. The same tilt angle between the magnet and the magnetic element can make them symmetrical in pitch and easier to engage. An angle of 5°-90° or further 15°-40° can take into account both the anti-interference effect during placement and the magnetic attraction force in the mating state.

[0017] This application also describes a 3D printer, which includes a tool head and a mounting frame as described above. The tool head includes an assembly component and a drive component. The assembly component is configured to adjust the position of a replaceable print head relative to the tool head, and the drive component is configured to drive the assembly component to move. The tool head drives the replaceable print head to switch along an assembly direction via the assembly component, and the placement and switching processes of the replaceable print head are performed synchronously.

[0018] With this configuration, at the overall machine level, the drive required for the replaceable printhead to detach from the tool head and switch to the unlocked position along the assembly direction, as well as the drive required for its placement on the mounting frame, are provided by the same set of assembly components and drive parts and completed in the same process. There is no need for a separate drive source or motion mechanism for the placement action. Therefore, on the one hand, the 3D printer can reuse the original assembly components and drive parts of the tool head to complete head-changing and placement, reducing the number of drive and transmission components in the entire machine, which helps to simplify the overall structure, reduce costs, and decrease the size and weight of the tool head. On the other hand, since unlocking, switching, and placement are driven by the same process, the number of head-changing steps is reduced, and the head-changing time is shortened, thereby improving the head-changing efficiency and operational reliability of the 3D printer. Furthermore, the assembly components can adjust the position of the replaceable printhead relative to the tool head during printing to achieve loading, and can also drive the replaceable printhead to switch and place during head changing, realizing multi-functional reuse of drive components and further improving the compactness and integration of the overall machine structure.

[0019] Other beneficial effects of this application will be explained in detail through the introduction of specific technical features and technical solutions in the specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the beneficial technical effects brought about by the technical features and technical solutions through the introduction of these technical features and technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printer in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the 3D printer in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the motion system and tool head in some other embodiments when they are engaged; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the tool head's structure in some embodiments; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the tool head in some embodiments shown in the illustration; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printer in some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 These are schematic diagrams of the placement rack in some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of a replaceable printhead mounted on a shelf. Figure 9 for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the placement rack in some embodiments. Figure 10 for Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows a structural diagram of the placement rack in other embodiments; Figure 11 for Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment is a structural diagram showing the loading or unloading of the replaceable printhead from the placement rack and tool head. Figure 12 for Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment is a structural diagram showing the loading or unloading of the replaceable printhead from the placement rack and tool head. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a tool head equipped with a replaceable printhead in some embodiments of this application; Figure 14 for Figure 13 The illustrated embodiment is a schematic diagram showing the separation of the tool head and the replaceable print head. Figure 15 for Figure 11 An exploded view of a portion of the placement rack in some embodiments of the illustrated examples; Figure 16 for Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows a structural diagram of the placement rack in other embodiments; Figure 17 for Figure 16 A partial enlarged view of the placement frame and the replaceable printhead in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 18 for Figure 16 The diagram shown illustrates the arrangement of the mounting frame with the replaceable printhead in the embodiment. Figure 19 for Figure 18 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the placement frame and replaceable printhead in the embodiment shown; Figure 20 This is a partial structural diagram of a 3D printer in some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 3D printer A100; Body A10; Opening A1001; Door panel A1002; Motion system A20; Tool head A30; Opening A301; Mounting base A31; Replaceable print head A32; Replaceable print head placement position A320; Notch A3201; Connecting base A321; Feed channel A322; Insert tube A3221; Throat tube A3222; Nozzle A3223; Heating element A3224; Assembly part A325; First assembly part A3251; Second assembly part A3252; Third assembly part A3253; Extrusion mechanism A33; Mating wheel A33 1; Extrusion wheel A332; Spacing adjustment assembly A34; Drive component A35; Assembly assembly A36; Assembly part A361; Feeding device A50; Feed pipe A501; Placement rack A40; Frame body A41; Positioning component A42; First positioning component A421; Second positioning component A422; Abutting part A4221; Limiting part A4222; Unlocking part A4223; Third positioning component A423; First sub-positioning component A4231; Second sub-positioning component A4232; Power component A424; Mounting plate A425; Fixing component A426; Length direction X; Width direction Y; Height direction Z; Inclination angle α. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0027] This application describes a 3D (Three Dimensions) printer. The 3D printer A100 can be used to heat and melt a filament to form a printing material, and then build objects by stacking the printing material layer by layer to achieve the printing of three-dimensional models.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printer A100 in some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment presents a partial structural diagram of the 3D printer A100. The 3D printer A100 may include a body A10, a motion system A20, and a tool head A30. Please refer to further details... Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the motion system A20 and the tool head A30 in cooperation in some other embodiments. The motion system A20 may be mounted on the body A10. The tool head A30 may be mounted on the motion system A20. The motion system A20 can drive the tool head A30, thereby enabling the movement of the tool head A30.

[0029] The body A10 may have orthogonally arranged length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z. The motion system A20 can be used to drive the tool head A30 along at least one of the three directions X, Y, and Z, thereby moving the tool head A30. In some embodiments, the height direction Z may be the direction of gravity.

[0030] For example, motion system A20 can drive tool head A30 on a printing plane defined by length direction X and width direction Y. Using tool head A30, the three-dimensional model is printed layer by layer with printing material. Then, motion system A20 continues to adjust the position of tool head A30 in height direction Z, and then further drives tool head A30 on another printing plane defined by length direction X and width direction Y. Using tool head A30, the three-dimensional model is printed layer by layer with printing material. This process is repeated multiple times to complete the layer-by-layer stacking of printing material and realize the printing of the three-dimensional model.

[0031] It is understandable that the body A10 and the motion system A20 can be configured based on technical solutions known to those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated upon.

[0032] The 3D printer A100 may have an opening A1001. The opening A1001 connects the interior of the 3D printer A100 to the outside. Users can use the opening A1001 to adjust or repair the internal structure of the 3D printer A100, such as the mounting frame A40 and the tool head A30. The replaceable print head A32 includes wiring harnesses and heating structures (such as...). Figure 10 The heating element (A3224) is connected to the internal structure of the 3D printer A100 via a wiring harness to obtain heating current. The replaceable printhead A32 has a wiring harness connector for electrical connection with the wiring harness on the 3D printer A100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the 3D printer A100 also includes a door panel A1002, which is used to close the opening A1001, thereby helping to maintain a constant internal temperature and improve printing quality. Additionally, the door panel A1002 can also be used to replace or maintain the tool head A30 or the replaceable print head A32.

[0034] This application also describes a tool head A30. Please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the tool head A30 in some embodiments. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment shows an exploded view of the tool head A30 in some embodiments. The tool head A30 can be used in a 3D printer A100 as a core printing component of the 3D printer A100. It is designed to heat and melt the filament and output printing material. It can then move under the control of the 3D printer A100, for example, the motion system A20, to achieve the layer-by-layer stacking of printing material and complete the printing of a three-dimensional model.

[0035] The tool head A30 may include a mounting base A31, a replaceable print head A32, and an extrusion mechanism A33. The mounting base A31 allows for the mounting of structures on the tool head A30, such as the replaceable print head A32 and the extrusion mechanism A33. The replaceable print head A32 is detachably mounted on the mounting base A31. A feed line can enter the replaceable print head A32. The replaceable print head A32 can heat and melt the feed line and output the printed material. The extrusion mechanism A33 can extrude the feed line, thereby conveying the feed line by compressing and driving it. The extrusion mechanism A33 can convey the feed line into the replaceable print head A32, where it can be heated and melted, and then output to complete the printing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mounting base A31 may be the mounting body in the above embodiments.

[0037] In some embodiments, the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31, may be mounted on the motion system A20. The motion system A20 can drive the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31, to move, thereby causing the replaceable print head A32 to move accordingly. While outputting printing material, based on the control of the 3D printer A100, such as the motion system A20, the printing material is stacked layer by layer to complete the printing of the three-dimensional model.

[0038] Please see Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printer A100 in some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 These are schematic diagrams of the placement rack in some embodiments of this application. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a structure on which a replaceable printhead is placed on a shelf.

[0039] The 3D printer A100 may also include a mounting rack A40. The mounting rack A40 is used to hold a replaceable printhead A32. For example, an unused replaceable printhead A32 can be placed on the mounting rack A40. Alternatively, a replaceable printhead A32 that is needed can be removed from the mounting rack A40. The tool head A30 loads the replaceable printhead A32 during printing and removes the replaceable printhead A32 from the mounting rack A40 during replacement. The mounting rack A40 is provided with a replaceable printhead placement position A320 for holding the replaceable printhead A32.

[0040] In some embodiments, the placement rack A40 is provided with a plurality of replaceable printhead placement positions A320, each corresponding to a different replaceable printhead A32, thereby allowing the placement rack A40 to hold a plurality of replaceable printheads A32. By providing a fixed replaceable printhead placement position A320 for each different replaceable printhead A32, the replaceable printheads A32 can be arranged in an orderly manner. The placement rack A40 is provided with a plurality of replaceable printhead placement positions A320. The plurality of replaceable printhead placement positions A320 can be arranged in the same direction, so that the plurality of replaceable printheads A32 can be placed side by side in the placement rack A40 in the same direction.

[0041] Please see Figures 4 to 8 The replaceable printhead A32 can be detachably mounted on the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31, during the printing process. The replaceable printhead A32 can then be replaced based on the type of feed line, color, maintenance needs, or other requirements. That is, the replaceable printhead A32 to be replaced can be removed from the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31, and a replacement replaceable printhead A32 can be mounted on the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31.

[0042] Understandably, to enable the A100 3D printer to adapt to different types of filaments or 3D models, or other requirements, multiple replaceable printheads A32 can be provided. These replaceable printheads may differ from each other in structure, performance, size, or material to match the requirements of different types of filaments or 3D models. The replaceable printheads A32 are selectable and replaceable, and are mounted on the mounting base A31 for use. This significantly reduces material waste from flushing, saves time changing filaments, and improves printing efficiency.

[0043] In some embodiments, a replaceable printhead A32 can be detached from a tool head A30, such as a mounting base A31, and another replaceable printhead A32 can be mounted on the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31. In a further embodiment, the detached replaceable printhead A32 can be placed on a placement rack A40. In a further embodiment, the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31, can mount another replaceable printhead A32 from the placement rack A40, and the other replaceable printhead A32 can be removed from the placement rack A40.

[0044] The replaceable printhead A32 can melt materials, such as feed lines, that are inserted into the replaceable printhead A32 to form printing material, and can output the printing material to achieve the printing of three-dimensional models.

[0045] The replaceable printhead A32 may include a connector A321. In some embodiments, the connector A321 may be mounted on a tool head A30, such as a mounting base A31. In some embodiments, the replaceable printhead A32 may further include a feed channel A322 to allow a feed line to enter the replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the feed channel A322 may be disposed on the connector A321. In some embodiments, the feed channel A322 may be mounted on the mounting base A31. In a further embodiment, the connector A321 and the feed channel A322 may cooperate to mount the replaceable printhead A32 on the mounting base A31.

[0046] In some embodiments, the feed channel A322 is provided with a notch A3201 for exposing the feed line. The notch A3201 may be provided corresponding to the extrusion mechanism A33, thereby enabling the extrusion mechanism A33 to extrude the feed line at the notch A3201 and deliver it to the replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the notch A3201 may be located in the middle of the feed channel A322.

[0047] In some embodiments, the feed channel A322 may include a feed tube A3221, a throat A3222, and a nozzle A3223. The throat A3222 connects the feed tube A3221 and the nozzle A3223. The end of the feed tube A3221 not connected to the throat A3222 can receive the feed line. The feed line can pass sequentially through the feed tube A3221, the throat A3222, and then enter the nozzle A3223.

[0048] In some embodiments, the filament can be provided by a feeding device A50, and the end of the insert tube A3221 not connected to the throat tube A3222 can cooperate with the feeding device A50, so that the filament on the feeding device A50 can be conveyed into the insert tube A3221, and further conveyed into the throat tube A3222 and the nozzle A3223. That is, the 3D printer A100 may also include a feeding device A50 (i.e., a feeding mechanism), which is connected to a replaceable print head A32 to convey the filament to the replaceable print head A32.

[0049] In some embodiments, the insert tube A3221 may be disposed on the connector A321.

[0050] In some embodiments, the insert tube A3221 can be connected to the feeding device A50 via the feed tube A501, so that the feed line in the feeding device A50 can be conveyed from the feed tube A501 to the insert tube A3221, and further conveyed to the throat tube A3222. That is, the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the feed channel A322, is connected to the feed tube A501, one end of the feed tube A501 is connected to the replaceable printhead A32, and the other end is connected to the feeding device A50, so as to convey the feed line to the replaceable printhead A32.

[0051] In some embodiments, the feed tube A501 may be part of the insertion tube A3221. That is, the feed tube A501 may be part of the feed channel A322. In some embodiments, the insertion tube A3221 may not be part of the replaceable printhead A32. Furthermore, the feeding device A50 is connected to the replaceable printhead A32 via the insertion tube A3221. In some embodiments, one end of the feed tube A501 may be connected to the throat tube A3222. That is, the insertion tube A3221 may be part of the feed tube A501.

[0052] In some embodiments, the replaceable printhead A32 may further include a feed tube A3221, which connects to the feed channel A322 and enters the extrusion mechanism A33 via a feed line. The feed tube A3221 is used to connect to the feed tube A501. The wiring harness connector is located on the side of the replaceable printhead A32 away from the mounting frame A40, and the feed tube A3221 is located on the side of the replaceable printhead A32 facing the mounting frame A40. The mounting frame A40 is positioned close to the opening A1001, such that when viewed from the opening A1001, the feed tube A3221 is closer to the opening A1001 than the wiring harness connector. Consequently, the feed tube A501 connected to the feed tube A3221 is closer to the opening A1001 than the wiring harness. This facilitates user operation, such as inserting or removing the feed tube A501. In some embodiments, the feed tube A501 is made of a semi-transparent material, allowing the user to more clearly observe the material line in the feed tube A501 from the open port A1001 side, which helps to determine whether there is a material breakage and the feeding status, etc.

[0053] Since the replaceable printhead A32 is also connected to the feed tube A501, by placing each replaceable printhead A32 in a different position, the feed tube A501 can be prevented from getting tangled and interfering with the printing process.

[0054] In some embodiments, the throat tube A3222 may be disposed on the connector A321.

[0055] In some embodiments, nozzle A3223 is connected to one end of throat A3222, allowing the material to enter nozzle A3223 through throat A3222. Nozzle A3223 further heats and melts the material before outputting it. In some embodiments, nozzle A3223 may be provided with a heating chamber to heat and melt the material. Alternatively, when nozzle A3223 does not have a heating chamber for melting the material, feed channel A322 may include a heating element A3224 with a heating chamber. Heating element A3224 is connected between throat A3222 and nozzle A3223, allowing the material to be conveyed through throat A3222 into heating element A3224 for melting. Alternatively, heating element A3224 can wirelessly heat nozzle A3223, such as through electromagnetic heating, induction heating, or infrared heating. Furthermore, nozzle A3223 can then deliver printing material. That is, the replaceable printhead A32 may include a heating chamber that can melt the feed line extending into the replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the replaceable printhead A32 may include a heating chamber and a nozzle A3223, the heating chamber heating the feed line into a molten state and outputting the printed material through the nozzle A3223. In some embodiments, the heating chamber may be formed between the nozzle A3223 and the throat A3222. That is, the heating chamber can connect the nozzle A3223 and the throat A3222.

[0056] In some embodiments, the replaceable printhead A32 may be provided with an assembly part A325 to cooperate with the placement frame A40, so as to realize the installation of the replaceable printhead A32 on the placement frame A40 through the assembly part A325.

[0057] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 can mount a replaceable print head A32, which can switch between a mating position and an unlocked position relative to the tool head A30. After the tool head A30 is configured to move the replaceable print head A32 along the alignment direction to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, the 3D printer A100 switches the replaceable print head A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction and places it in the placement frame A40. The placement process of the replaceable print head A32 and the process of switching the replaceable print head A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position can be performed synchronously.

[0058] With this configuration, the movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction—from the mating position to the unlocked position—is simultaneously its placement onto the placement rack A40. Both movements reuse the same action segment, eliminating the need for a separate placement action after unlocking. This reduces the number of steps required for printhead replacement, shortens replacement time, and improves replacement efficiency. Furthermore, since placement and unlocking are completed in the same process, the corresponding drives and transmissions can be reused, which helps reduce the number of motion mechanisms, simplify control logic, and lower the complexity and cost of related mechanisms.

[0059] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 moves within a printing plane to perform printing, and the multiple replaceable printheads A32 of the placement frame A40 are arranged in one direction within the printing plane. Furthermore, when there are multiple feed tubes A501, it facilitates the arrangement of the feed tubes A501 and reduces interference, effectively preventing the replaceable printheads A32 from swaying due to the feed line pulling. The tool head A30 can move to an alignment position to align the replaceable printheads A32 on the tool head A30 with the replaceable printhead placement positions A320 on the placement frame A40, or align the tool head A30 with the replaceable printheads A32 on the placement frame A40 at the alignment position. This further allows the replaceable printheads A32 on the tool head A30 to be placed on the placement frame A40, or for the tool head A30 to load the replaceable printheads A32 from the placement frame A40, under the action of the tool head A30 or / or the placement frame A40.

[0060] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 12 The extrusion mechanism A33 may include at least one of the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332.

[0061] The mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 can extrude the material line. Furthermore, the interval between the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 can match the size of the material line, such as the wire diameter and material. When the material line is extruded by the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 to the replaceable print head A32, the feed line passes through or accommodates the material line.

[0062] In some embodiments, the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 may correspond to the notch A3201, thereby enabling the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 to be located on both sides of the notch A3201, so as to cooperate with the extrusion line at the notch A3201 to deliver the material to the replaceable printhead A32, such as the feed channel A322.

[0063] Please see Figure 3 The tool head A30 may be provided with an opening A301 opposite to the gap. The opening A301 allows the material line to be located within the gap at the opening A301, and also allows the material line to be loaded into or taken out of the gap through the opening A301.

[0064] In some embodiments, the feed line can be inserted into the replaceable printhead A32 and positioned within the gap as the replaceable printhead A32 is installed on the mounting base A31. In a further embodiment, the replaceable printhead A32 may be provided with an opening A301 communicating with the interior, so that the feed line inserted into the replaceable printhead A32 is exposed at the opening A301 and can be positioned within the gap, where it is squeezed and conveyed by the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332. In some embodiments, the opening A301 may be the notch A3201 in the above embodiments.

[0065] In some embodiments, opening A301 may be located on the loading and unloading path of the material line. That is, when the material line moves on the loading path, it needs to pass through opening A301 and be placed within the interval. Of course, when the material line is removed, the material line located within the interval can be moved and pass through opening A301.

[0066] In some embodiments, the opening A301 may be arranged along the axial direction of the mating wheel A331 or the extrusion wheel A332. After the gap between the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 is expanded to be greater than the diameter of the material line, the replaceable print head A32 may detach from the mounting base A31 along the direction of the opening A301 with the material line.

[0067] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 12 To allow for adjustable spacing to match the dimensions of the feed line, such as wire diameter and material, the tool head A30, for example, the extrusion mechanism A33, may also include a spacing adjustment component A34. This component A34 can be connected to at least one of the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332, thereby controlling the radial movement of at least one of them to adjust the spacing between them. For example, the spacing can be adjusted via the spacing adjustment component A34 to load or unload the feed line. Alternatively, the spacing can be adjusted to match the dimensions of the feed line, such as wire diameter and material, to extrude (e.g., clamp and push) the feed line, thereby achieving feed line delivery.

[0068] In some embodiments, to enable adjustable spacing, the tool head A30 may further include a drive member A35, which drives the mating wheel A331 and / or the extrusion wheel A332 to move relative to each other, for example, radially, to adjust the clamping gap (i.e., the spacing). For example, the spacing can be adjusted by the drive member A35 to load or unload the wire, or to match the wire size, such as wire diameter or material, so that the mating wheel A331 and the extrusion wheel A332 can further extrude the wire, thus conveying the wire. In some embodiments, the drive member A35 may be a motor, electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or other power-providing components or structures known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the drive member A35 may be driveably connected to the spacing adjustment assembly A34, thereby providing power to the spacing adjustment assembly A34 to achieve spacing adjustment.

[0069] To allow the replaceable printhead A32 to be detached from the tool head A30 (e.g., mounting base A31), one of the replaceable printhead A32 (e.g., connector A321) and the tool head A30 (e.g., mounting base A31) is provided with a pin, hook, or magnet, while the other is provided with a corresponding slot, groove, or magnetic element. The pin, hook, or magnet is used to engage with the slot, groove, or magnetic element. Of course, the engagement of the replaceable printhead A32 (e.g., connector A321) and the tool head A30 (e.g., mounting base A31) can also be achieved through other detachable connection methods, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0070] To facilitate the removal and installation of the replaceable printhead A32, the tool head A30 may further include an assembly component A36. The assembly component A36 is capable of adjusting the position of the replaceable printhead A32 relative to the tool head A30, for example, the mounting base A31. For instance, adjusting the position of the replaceable printhead A32 relative to the tool head A30, for example, the mounting base A31, to a mating position allows for installation of the replaceable printhead A32 onto the tool head A30, for example, the mounting base A31. Alternatively, adjusting the position of the replaceable printhead A32 relative to the tool head A30, for example, the mounting base A31, to an unlocked position allows for removal of the replaceable printhead A32 from the tool head A30, for example, the mounting base A31. The placement process of the replaceable printhead A32 may include: a drive component A35 being configured to drive the assembly component A36 to move, causing the replaceable printhead A32 to switch from a mating position to an unlocked position along the assembly direction.

[0071] In some embodiments, the placement and switching processes of the replaceable printhead A32 can be performed simultaneously. The switching process of the replaceable printhead A32 is as follows: the tool head A30 drives the replaceable printhead A32 to switch along the assembly direction via the assembly component A36.

[0072] In some embodiments, a replaceable printhead A32, such as a connector A321, can be detached from the mounting base A31, for example, by means of an assembly assembly A36, or another replaceable printhead A32 can be mounted on the mounting base A31, for example, by means of an assembly assembly A36.

[0073] In some embodiments, the assembly component A36 can be driven by the drive component A35 to move the replaceable printhead A32 between an engaged position and an unlocked position, thereby enabling the replaceable printhead A32 to be removed from or installed on the tool head A30, such as the mounting base A31.

[0074] In some embodiments, the drive member A35 may be drively connected to the spacing adjustment component A34 and the assembly component A36, thereby enabling the drive member A35 to drive the spacing adjustment component A34 to move in order to adjust the spacing, and thereby enabling the drive member A35 to drive the assembly component A36 to move in order to remove or install the replaceable printhead A32 on the tool head A30, for example, the mounting base A31.

[0075] The drive component A35 can drive assembly component A36 and pitch adjustment component A34 simultaneously, or drive assembly component A36 and pitch adjustment component A34 sequentially.

[0076] In some embodiments, the drive member A35 can first drive the pitch adjustment component A34 to move, thereby increasing the pitch, for example, by making the pitch larger than the size of the feed line, allowing the feed line within the pitch to disengage from the clamp. Then, it drives the assembly component A36 to move, enabling the replaceable printhead A32 to switch from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction, thus disassembling the replaceable printhead A32. Alternatively, the drive member A35 can first drive the assembly component A36 to move, thereby switching the replaceable printhead A32 from the unlocked position to the mating position along the assembly direction, thus loading the replaceable printhead A32. Then, it drives the pitch adjustment component A34 to move, thereby decreasing the pitch, for example, by making the pitch decrease to be closer to the size of the feed line, allowing the feed line within the pitch to be squeezed by the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331.

[0077] With this configuration, the drive component A35 can stagger the movement of the spacing adjustment component A34 and the assembly component A36 in a staggered manner. This can effectively prevent the feed line from remaining clamped during the process of the replaceable printhead A32 switching from the mating position to the unlocked position. This would prevent the feed line in the heating chamber of the replaceable printhead A32 from being pulled out and causing a blockage, or the feed line from obstructing the position switching process of the replaceable printhead A32.

[0078] To assemble the tool head A30, the replaceable printhead A32 can be placed on the assembly component A36. The assembly component A36 is driven by the drive component A35 to switch the replaceable printhead A32 from the unlocked position to the mating position, thus installing the replaceable printhead A32 on the tool head A30. Further, the feed line is positioned within the gap between the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331. The gap is reduced by the drive component A35 driving the spacing adjustment component A34, and the feed line is then extruded by the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331, completing the feed line installation. Alternatively, the replaceable printhead A32 can be placed in the mounting position of the tool head A30, and the assembly component A35 can be driven by the drive component A35 to switch the assembly component A36 from the unlocked position to the mating position, locking the replaceable printhead A32 in the mating position. Additionally, the feed line can also be positioned within the gap between the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331 during the installation of the replaceable printhead A32.

[0079] To disassemble the tool head A30, the drive component A35 drives the pitch adjustment component A34 to increase the gap, for example, to a size larger than the material thread size, thus removing the material thread within the gap between the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331. Further, the drive component A35 drives the assembly component A36, causing the replaceable print head A32 to switch from the mating position to the unlocked position, or vice versa, thereby allowing the replaceable print head A32 to be removed. Of course, the material thread within the gap between the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331 can also be removed when removing the replaceable print head A32.

[0080] Understandably, the drive component A35 can be a single power-providing element or structure, capable of being driven by the pitch adjustment assembly A34 and the assembly assembly A36 via a transmission mechanism. Thus, when power is provided, it can simultaneously or sequentially drive the assembly assembly A36 and the pitch adjustment assembly A34. Alternatively, the drive component A35 can be two power-providing elements or structures, one powering the assembly assembly A36 and the other powering other mechanisms.

[0081] For example, the drive unit A35 may include a motor capable of driving the pitch adjustment component A34 to move, thereby increasing the pitch, for example, by making the pitch larger than the thread size, and enabling the thread within the pitch to disengage from the clamp. The drive unit A35 can also drive the assembly component A36 to move, enabling the replaceable printhead A32 to switch from a mating position to an unlocked position along the assembly direction, thus facilitating the removal of the replaceable printhead A32.

[0082] For example, drive component A35 may include a motor capable of driving assembly component A36 to move, thereby switching the replaceable printhead A32 from an unlocked position to a mating position along the assembly direction, thus loading the replaceable printhead A32. Drive component A35 may also drive pitch adjustment component A34 to move, thereby reducing the pitch, for example, by reducing the pitch to the size of the feed line, so that the feed line within the pitch is clamped by extrusion wheel A332 and mating wheel A331.

[0083] In some embodiments, the drive member A35 can first drive the pitch adjustment component A34 to move, thereby increasing the pitch, for example, by making the pitch larger than the size of the feed line, so that the feed line within the pitch can be disengaged from the clamp. Then, the drive member A35 can drive the assembly component A36 to move, thereby switching the replaceable printhead A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction, thus enabling the disassembly of the replaceable printhead A32.

[0084] In some embodiments, the drive member A35 can drive the assembly assembly A36 to move, so that the replaceable printhead A32 is switched from the unlocked position to the mating position along the assembly direction, thereby loading the replaceable printhead A32. Then, the drive member A35 can drive the pitch adjustment assembly A34 to move, so that the pitch is reduced, for example, the pitch is reduced to the size of the feed line, so that the feed line within the pitch is squeezed by the extrusion wheel A332 and the mating wheel A331.

[0085] In some embodiments, the assembly direction can be the height direction Z, the length direction X, or the width direction Y, etc.

[0086] It is understandable that the setting method of assembly component A36 and its cooperation method with other structures can also be referred to the setting method of spacing adjustment component A34 and its cooperation method with other structures. Correspondingly, the setting method of spacing adjustment component A34 and its cooperation method with other structures can also be referred to the setting method of assembly component A36 and its cooperation method with other structures, and will not be elaborated further.

[0087] Assembly component A36 may include assembly part A361, one end of which is connected to replaceable printhead A32. Drive component A35 may be drively connected to assembly part A361 to drive assembly part A361 to move, thereby enabling movement along the assembly direction between a mating position and an unlocked position, thus facilitating the loading and unloading of replaceable printhead A32. Alternatively, in other embodiments, drive component A35 may directly drive assembly part A361 to move, thereby causing replaceable printhead A32 to move relative to tool head A30 along the assembly direction between a mating position and an unlocked position.

[0088] In some embodiments, the assembly A361 may be drive-connected to the drive A35 so that the drive A35 drives the assembly A361 to move.

[0089] In some embodiments, a replaceable printhead A32, such as a connector A321, can mate with an assembly component A36, such as an accessory A361, to achieve installation on a mounting base A31. In some embodiments, the connector A321 is detachably connected to the mounting base A31.

[0090] In some embodiments, the mounting accessory A361 is rotatable relative to the mounting base A31, enabling the mounting accessory A361 to move the replaceable printhead A32 between a mating position and an unlocked position. For example, the replaceable printhead A32 can move relative to the tool head A30 along the assembly direction between a mating position and an unlocked position.

[0091] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 can be detached from the replaceable print head A32 and attached to the holder A40 via the assembly assembly A36.

[0092] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 can load the replaceable print head A32 located on the placement rack A40 via the assembly assembly A36 and move the replaceable print head A32 so that the replaceable print head A32 leaves the placement rack A40.

[0093] This application also describes a mounting frame A40, which can be used in a 3D printer A100 to hold the replaceable print head A32 in the above embodiments. For example, in a scenario where the tool head A30 is equipped with the replaceable print head A32, the 3D printer A100 can place the replaceable print head A32 on the tool head A30 onto the mounting frame A40. For example, in a scenario where the replaceable print head A32 is placed on the mounting frame A40, the 3D printer A100 can load the replaceable print head A32 on the mounting frame A40 onto the tool head A30.

[0094] In some embodiments, during the process of placing the replaceable printhead A32 into the placement rack A40, the tool head A30 needs to move the replaceable printhead A32 to the alignment position of the placement rack A40, and then the 3D printer A100 can place the replaceable printhead A32 into the placement rack A40.

[0095] In some embodiments, during the loading of the replaceable printhead A32 located on the mounting frame A40, the tool head A30 needs to be moved to the alignment position of the mounting frame A40, and then the 3D printer A100 can load the replaceable printhead A32 on the mounting frame A40 onto the tool head A30.

[0096] In some embodiments, after the tool head A30 moves the replaceable print head A32 to the alignment position of the placement rack A40, the tool head A30 switches the replaceable print head A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position via the assembly component A36 and places it in the placement rack A40.

[0097] In some embodiments, after the tool head A30 moves to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, the tool head A30 switches the replaceable print head A32 on the placement frame A40 from the unlocked position to the mating position through the assembly component A36, and loads the replaceable print head A32 on the placement frame A40 onto the tool head A30.

[0098] In some embodiments, the placement and unlocking processes of the replaceable printhead A32 can be performed simultaneously, thereby reusing the unlocking process of the replaceable printhead A32, which reduces the actions required for head replacement, shortens the head replacement time, improves head replacement efficiency, and simplifies the control actions and number of motion mechanisms of the 3D printer A100.

[0099] The placement process of the replaceable printhead A32 is as follows: the replaceable printhead A32 is placed on the placement rack A40. The unlocking process of the replaceable printhead A32 is as follows: the replaceable printhead A32 is switched from the mating position to the unlocked position.

[0100] In some embodiments, during the placement of the replaceable printhead A32, the unlocking of the replaceable printhead A32 by the tool head A30 and the locking of the replaceable printhead A32 by the placement rack A40 can be accomplished by the same movement, the direction of which is either the direction of gravity or the height direction Z.

[0101] In some embodiments, the placement frame A40 can be moved to remove the replaceable printhead A32 from the tool head A30, thereby placing the replaceable printhead A32 on the placement frame A40. For example, in some embodiments, the placement frame A40 can be moved along the assembly direction to remove the replaceable printhead A32 from the tool head A30, thereby detaching the replaceable printhead A32 from the tool head A30 and placing the replaceable printhead A32 on the placement frame A40.

[0102] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 9 for Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the placement rack A40 in some embodiments. Figure 10 for Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the placement rack A40 in other embodiments. Figure 11 for Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment is a structural diagram showing the mounting frame A40 and tool head A30 during the loading or unloading of the replaceable print head A32. Figure 12 for Figure 10The illustrated embodiment is a structural diagram showing the loading or unloading of the replaceable printhead A32 from the placement rack A40 and tool head A30.

[0103] In some embodiments, the placement rack A40 includes a frame A41 and a positioning member A42. The positioning member A42 is used to cooperate with the replaceable printhead A32 during placement, limiting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction. The frame A41 can be used to support structures mounted on the placement rack A40, such as at least one positioning member A42, and of course, it can also support the replaceable printhead A32. The positioning member A42 can cooperate with the replaceable printhead A32 during alignment or placement to limit the replaceable printhead A32 in at least one direction, effectively fixing the replaceable printhead A32 and realizing the placement of the replaceable printhead A32.

[0104] During the placement of the replaceable printhead A32, the positioning component of the placement frame A40 limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction, so that the position of the replaceable printhead A32 can be reliably maintained during the simultaneous placement and unlocking process, ensuring accurate coordination of placement and unlocking and a smooth and reliable process.

[0105] The mounting frame A40, such as the frame A41, can be fixed to the body A10, or it can move relative to the body A10.

[0106] In some embodiments, the placement bracket A40 is configured to adjust the position of the replaceable printhead A32 relative to the positioning member A42. The placement process of the replaceable printhead A32 may include: the placement bracket A40 driving the positioning member A42 to move along the assembly direction so that the positioning member A42 engages with the replaceable printhead A32 and defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32.

[0107] At least one positioning element A42 can be used with the replaceable printhead A32 through a structure design that achieves positioning by means of plug-in mating, position limiting, clamping and fixing, snap-fit ​​connection, magnetic mating or other separable and combinable means known to those skilled in the art, without further details.

[0108] This application utilizes the positioning component A42 of the placement frame A40 to limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction during the placement process. This ensures that the position of the replaceable printhead A32 is reliably maintained during the simultaneous placement and unlocking of the replaceable printhead A32, preventing the replaceable printhead A32 from becoming unrestrained during the transition between unlocking and placement. This prevents it from shifting, falling, or deviating along the assembly direction due to loss of restraint during this stage, improving the accuracy of placement and unlocking coordination, and making the process smooth and reliable. As a result, it enables fast and accurate replacement of the replaceable printhead, shortens the replacement process time, and simplifies related actions.

[0109] In some embodiments, at least one positioning member A42 can limit the replaceable printhead A32 in at least one of the three directions: length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z, thereby effectively fixing the replaceable printhead A32.

[0110] In some embodiments, at least one positioning member A42 can limit the replaceable printhead A32 in at least one of three directions: alignment direction, movement direction, or assembly direction, and effectively fix the replaceable printhead A32.

[0111] In some embodiments, one of the three directions—length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z—can be an alignment direction, another can be a movement direction, and the last can be an assembly direction. It is understood that any one of the three directions—length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z—can simultaneously be an alignment direction and a movement direction, or an assembly direction and a movement direction.

[0112] In some embodiments, after the tool head A30 moves the replaceable print head A32 to the alignment position of the placement rack A40, the tool head A30 or the replaceable print head A32 is aligned with the alignment position of the placement rack A40 along the alignment direction. In some embodiments, after the tool head A30 moves to the alignment position of the placement rack A40, it is aligned with the alignment position of the placement rack A40 along the alignment direction. In some embodiments, the alignment direction may be located in the plane defined by the length direction X and the width direction Y. In some embodiments, the alignment direction may be the length direction X and / or the width direction Y, and of course, it may be other directions, which will not be elaborated further.

[0113] In some embodiments, the assembly direction may be the direction in which the tool head A30 is assembled with the replaceable print head A32. In some embodiments, the assembly direction may be the direction in which the assembly assembly A36 is assembled with the replaceable print head A32.

[0114] In some embodiments, the direction of movement may lie within the plane defined by the length direction X and the width direction Y. In some embodiments, the direction of movement may be the length direction X or the width direction Y, and of course, other directions may also be used, which will not be elaborated further. In some embodiments, the direction of movement may be perpendicular to the alignment direction; for example, the direction of movement may be the width direction Y, and the alignment direction may be the length direction X. In some embodiments, the direction of movement may be perpendicular to the assembly direction.

[0115] Understandably, the tool head A30 carrying the replaceable printhead A32 can be moved along the alignment direction to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, or moved to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, so that the tool head A30 or the replaceable printhead A32 can be aligned with the alignment position of the placement frame A40 along the alignment direction. Then, the replaceable printhead A32 is unlocked along the assembly direction and placed on the placement frame A40, so that the placement frame A40 can limit the replaceable printhead A32 in at least one direction by at least one positioning member A42, or it can limit the replaceable printhead A32 in three mutually perpendicular directions. For example, at least one of the three directions of length X, width Y, and height Z limits the replaceable printhead A32. For example, at least one of the three directions of alignment, movement, or assembly limits the replaceable printhead A32.

[0116] In some embodiments, the assembly direction is the direction of gravity. By setting the assembly direction to the direction of gravity, after the replaceable printhead A32 is placed in position, the weight of the replaceable printhead A32 acts along the assembly direction, which can cooperate with the positioning member A42 to limit the assembly direction, which helps to keep the replaceable printhead A32 more stably on the placement frame A40, thereby improving the stability and reliability of placement.

[0117] In some embodiments, the alignment direction is the width direction Y, the assembly direction is the gravity direction, and the movement direction is the length direction X.

[0118] In some embodiments, during the placement of the replaceable printhead A32, the tool head A30 remains in a fixed position relative to the placement frame A40 along the direction of movement. Therefore, no clearance space is required between adjacent replaceable printheads A32 along the direction of movement, allowing multiple replaceable printheads A32 to be densely arranged along the direction of movement, thus accommodating more replaceable printheads A32 within a limited space. Furthermore, since the direction of movement is perpendicular to both the alignment and assembly directions, and the position of the tool head A30 remains unchanged along the direction of movement during placement, the placement action is completed solely along the assembly direction, and the multiple replaceable printhead placement positions A320 are independently arranged along the direction of movement. This simplifies and controls the placement process, improving the accuracy and reliability of the placement.

[0119] In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a first positioning member A421, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the alignment direction.

[0120] In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a second positioning member A422, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction.

[0121] In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a third positioning member A423, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the direction of activity.

[0122] Understandably, in some embodiments, the alignment direction is the width direction Y, the assembly direction is the gravity direction (i.e., the height direction Z), and the movement direction is the length direction X. The tool head A30 can move along the width direction Y to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, and then the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 on the placement frame A40 along the gravity direction. In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a first positioning member A421, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the width direction Y, and a second positioning member A422, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the gravity direction. Further, in some embodiments, the tool head A30 can move in the plane defined by the length direction X and the width direction Y for printing, and the positioning member A42 also includes a third positioning member A423, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 in the length direction X.

[0123] In some embodiments, the placement process of the replaceable printhead A32 includes: a first positioning member A421 first restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the width direction Y, and then a second positioning member A422 restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the gravity direction.

[0124] Please see Figure 16 , Figure 16 for Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the placement rack A40 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the third positioning member A423 includes at least two first sub-positioning members A4231, which are spaced apart along the direction of movement (length direction X), and the gap between the two first sub-positioning members A4231 is used to accommodate a replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 16The third positioning member A423 includes a second sub-positioning member A4232. Two second sub-positioning members A4232 are arranged at intervals along the length direction X, and the interval between the two second sub-positioning members A4232 is used to accommodate a replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the placement rack A40 has a plurality of replaceable printhead placement positions A320 arranged along the direction of movement.

[0125] Understandably, in some embodiments, the alignment direction is the width direction Y, and the assembly direction is the length direction X. The tool head A30 moves within the plane defined by the length direction X and the width direction Y to perform printing. The tool head A30 can move along the width direction Y to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, and then the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 along the length direction X on the placement frame A40. In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a first positioning member A421, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the width direction Y, and a second positioning member A422, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the length direction X. Understandably, in some embodiments, the placement process of the replaceable print head A32 includes the first positioning member A421 first restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the width direction Y, and then the second positioning member A422 restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the length direction X.

[0126] Understandably, in some embodiments, the alignment direction is the direction of gravity, the assembly direction is the width direction Y, and the movement direction is the length direction X. The tool head A30 moves within the plane defined by the length direction X and the width direction Y to perform printing. The tool head A30 and / or the placement frame A40 can move along the direction of gravity so that the tool head A30 is positioned in the aligned position of the placement frame A40. Subsequently, the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 on the placement frame A40 along the width direction Y. In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a first positioning member A421, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the direction of gravity, and a second positioning member A422, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the width direction Y. Further, in some embodiments, the positioning member A42 also includes a third positioning member A423, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 in the length direction X. Understandably, in some embodiments, the placement process of the replaceable printhead A32 includes firstly restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the direction of gravity by a first positioning member A421, and then secondly restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the width direction Y by a second positioning member A422. In some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 16The third positioning element A423 includes a first sub-positioning element A4231. Two first sub-positioning elements A4231 are arranged at a distance along the length direction X, and the distance between the two first sub-positioning elements A4231 is used to accommodate a replaceable printhead A32. See also... Figure 9 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 17 for Figure 16 The illustrated embodiment shows a partial enlarged view of the placement rack A40 engaging with the replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the third positioning member A423 includes a second sub-positioning member A4232. The two second sub-positioning members A4232 are arranged at intervals along the length direction X, and the interval between the two second sub-positioning members A4232 is used to accommodate the replaceable printhead A32.

[0127] Understandably, in some embodiments, the alignment direction is the direction of gravity, and the assembly direction is the length direction X. The tool head A30 moves or extends within the plane defined by the direction of gravity and the length direction X for printing. The tool head A30 and / or the placement frame A40 can move along the direction of gravity so that the tool head A30 is positioned in the alignment position of the placement frame A40. Subsequently, the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 on the placement frame A40 along the length direction X. In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a first positioning member A421, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the direction of gravity, and a second positioning member A422, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the length direction X. Understandably, in some embodiments, the placement process of the replaceable printhead A32 includes a first positioning member A421 first restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the direction of gravity, and then a second positioning member A422 restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the length direction X.

[0128] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 is capable of moving the replaceable print head A32 along the alignment direction to the alignment position of the placement frame A40. In a further embodiment, the 3D printer A100, for example, the assembly component A36, unlocks the replaceable print head A32, allowing the replaceable print head A32 to be placed on the placement frame A40. In some embodiments, the tool head A30, for example, the assembly component A36, is capable of switching the replaceable print head A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction and placing it on the placement frame A40. It is understood that in some embodiments, the placement process of the replaceable print head A32 is performed simultaneously with the unlocking process of the replaceable print head A32, thus reusing the unlocking process of the replaceable print head A32 and simplifying the control actions and the number of motion mechanisms.

[0129] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 is capable of moving the replaceable print head A32 along the alignment direction to the alignment position of the placement frame A40. In a further embodiment, the 3D printer A100, for example, the placement frame A40, is movable such that the replaceable print head A32 is placed on the placement frame A40. In some embodiments, the placement frame A40 is capable of engaging with the replaceable print head A32 in an unlocked state, and by movement of the tool head A30 and / or the placement frame A40, the replaceable print head A32 is detached from the tool head A30 and placed on the placement frame A40.

[0130] In some embodiments, similar to the foregoing embodiments, both the tool head A30 and the placement rack A40 are movable, and they work together to remove the replaceable print head A32 from the tool head A30 and place it on the placement rack A40, which will not be described in detail here.

[0131] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 is configured to move the replaceable print head A32 to the alignment position of the placement frame A40 along the alignment direction. In some embodiments, after the tool head A30 is configured to move the replaceable print head A32 to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 in the placement frame A40, and / or the tool head A30 picks up the replaceable print head A32 from the placement frame A40 and continues printing after leaving the alignment position.

[0132] In some embodiments, after the tool head A30 is configured to move the replaceable print head A32 to the alignment position of the placement rack A40, the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 on the placement rack A40.

[0133] In some embodiments, the tool head A30 can move within a printing plane to perform printing. After the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 onto the mounting frame A40, the mounting frame A40 and / or the tool head A30 move relative to each other along the alignment direction. Once the distance between the tool head A30 and the mounting frame A40 along the alignment direction reaches a preset value, the replaceable print head A32 releases the restriction on the movement of the tool head A30 within the printing plane. This ensures that before the distance between the tool head A30 and the mounting frame A40 along the alignment direction reaches the preset value after the replaceable print head A32 is placed on the mounting frame A40, the replaceable print head A32 and the tool head A30 remain engaged along the alignment direction, thereby restricting the movement of the tool head A30 within the printing plane, allowing the tool head A30 to move only relative to the mounting frame A40 along the alignment direction. Thus, the tool head A30 is guided to retract from the placement rack A40 along the alignment direction, preventing the tool head A30 from moving in other directions in the printing plane before it is completely separated from the replaceable print head A32. This prevents the tool head A30 from interfering with, colliding with, or getting stuck with the newly placed replaceable print head A32 or placement rack A40, ensuring a smooth and stable separation process between the replaceable print head A32 and the tool head A30.

[0134] In some embodiments, after the replaceable printhead A32 is placed on the mounting bracket A40, the replaceable printhead A32 is not yet completely misaligned from the tool head A30. For example, the replaceable printhead A32 is mounted on the tool head A30 along the length direction X. In the assembled state or after the replaceable printhead A32 is placed on the mounting bracket A40, the projections of the tool head A30 and the replaceable printhead A32 along the width direction Y still overlap, which restricts the movement of the tool head A30, for example, restricting the tool head A30 from moving along the width direction Y, so that the tool head A30 can only move along the alignment direction. After the tool head A30 moves along the alignment direction, so that the distance between the tool head A30 and the mounting bracket A40 reaches a preset value, the replaceable printhead A32 and the tool head A30 are completely misaligned, which allows the replaceable printhead A32 to detach from the tool head A30. This releases the restriction on the movement of the tool head A30 in the printing plane, allowing the tool head A30 to continue moving in the printing plane.

[0135] After the tool head A30 is set to move the replaceable print head A32 along the alignment direction to the alignment position of the placement frame A40, the 3D printer A100 switches the replaceable print head A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction and places it on the placement frame A40.

[0136] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 , Figure 8 ,as well as Figures 11 to 14 , Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the structure in some embodiments of this application, showing that the tool head A30 is equipped with a replaceable print head A32. Figure 14 for Figure 13 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the separation between the tool head A30 and the replaceable print head A32.

[0137] in, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The images show the rack A40 with and without the replaceable printhead A32. For ease of demonstration and observation, Figure 13 and Figure 14 The A40 shelf was hidden. Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of a tool head A30, equipped with a replaceable printhead A32, moving toward a placement frame A40 along the alignment direction; Figure 14 The diagram shows a structure in which the replaceable printhead A32 is placed on the replaceable printhead placement position A320 of the placement rack A40, with the tool head A30 in the aligned position.

[0138] In some embodiments, the center-to-center distance between two adjacent replaceable printhead placement positions A320 along the direction of movement is smaller than the dimension of the tool head A30 along the direction of movement. On the one hand, since the replaceable printhead A32 is picked up and placed along the assembly direction, and the tool head A30 remains in a fixed position relative to the placement rack along the direction of movement during the picking and placing process, there is no need to reserve space between adjacent replaceable printhead placement positions A320 for the lateral movement or avoidance of the tool head A30. Therefore, the center-to-center distance can overcome the limitation of the tool head A30's own size and be reduced to less than the dimension of the tool head A30 along the direction of movement. On the other hand, the smaller the center-to-center distance, the more replaceable printhead placement positions A320 can be arranged on the placement rack A40 of the same length. Thus, the placement rack can densely arrange more replaceable printhead placement positions A320 along the direction of movement in a limited space, accommodating more numbers and types (e.g., more colors or materials) of replaceable printheads A32, improving space utilization and printhead replacement flexibility.

[0139] In some embodiments, the replaceable printhead placement position A320 is configured relative to the tool head A30 such that when the replaceable printhead A32 is in the mating or unlocked position, the replaceable printhead placement position A320 is centered relative to the tool head A30 in the direction of movement. That is, when the replaceable printhead A32 is in the mating or unlocked position, the dimensions of the two protruding portions of the tool head A30 on both sides of the replaceable printhead A32 in the direction of movement are approximately equal. Since when a replaceable printhead A32 is being placed or removed, the protruding portion on the larger side of the tool head A30 must not interfere with the replaceable printhead A32 already placed on the adjacent replaceable printhead placement position A320, the required minimum center-to-center distance depends on the larger of the two protruding portions. When the two protruding portions are approximately equal, the larger one reaches its minimum value, and the required minimum center-to-center distance also reaches its minimum value, which is approximately half the sum of the dimensions of the tool head A30 and the replaceable printhead A32 in the direction of movement. Therefore, compared to the case where the replaceable printhead A32 is offset to one side of the tool head A30, the centered setting, while ensuring that the placement and removal processes do not interfere with each other, further reduces the achievable center distance, resulting in a denser arrangement along the direction of movement and a further increase in the number of replaceable printheads A32 that can be mounted within a limited space. In some embodiments, the centered setting is: the replaceable printhead placement position A320 is configured relative to the tool head A30 such that when the replaceable printhead A32 is in the mating or unlocked position, the difference in the amount of the tool head A30 protruding from the replaceable printhead placement position A320 on both sides of the replaceable printhead placement position A320 in the direction of movement does not exceed 20% of the larger of the two.

[0140] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 16 At least one positioning element A42 may include a first positioning element A421. The first positioning element A421 may be disposed on the placement frame A40 and used to cooperate with the replaceable printhead A32 to limit the position of the replaceable printhead A32, and may also be used for mounting the replaceable printhead A32 on the placement frame A40, for example, the frame A41.

[0141] In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 may include a first positioning member A421, which may limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the alignment direction, thereby limiting the replaceable printhead A32 along the alignment direction.

[0142] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the first positioning member A421 is provided with a hook, and the other is provided with a slot that engages with the hook. The replaceable printhead A32 may be provided with a hook, and the first positioning member A421 may be provided with a slot; alternatively, the assembly portion A325 of the replaceable printhead A32, such as the first assembly portion A3251, may be provided with a slot, and the first positioning member A421 may be a hook. Furthermore, the hook can be placed within the slot, achieving a limiting engagement between the first positioning member A421 and the replaceable printhead A32, such as the first assembly portion A3251. In some embodiments, the slot may also be provided on the frame A41, engaging with the first assembly portion A3251 of the replaceable printhead A32, such as the hook.

[0143] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the first positioning member A421 is provided with a pin, and the other is provided with a slot that engages with the pin. Specifically, the first assembly portion A3251 of the replaceable printhead A32 may be a pin, and the first positioning member A421 may be provided with a slot; alternatively, the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the first assembly portion A3251 may be provided with a slot, and the first positioning member A421 may be a pin. Furthermore, the pin can be placed within the slot to achieve a limiting engagement between the first positioning member A421 and the replaceable printhead A32, such as the first assembly portion A3251. In some embodiments, the slot may also be provided on the frame A41, engaging with the pin of the replaceable printhead A32, such as the first assembly portion A3251.

[0144] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the first positioning member A421 is provided with a magnet or electromagnet, and the other is provided with a magnetic element. The replaceable printhead A32, for example, the first assembly portion A3251, may be provided with a magnetic element (i.e., a magnetic force element), and the first positioning member A421 may be a magnetic element. The magnetic elements attract each other through the magnetic field between them, achieving connection and further enabling the first positioning member A421 to limit the positioning of the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the first assembly portion A3251. In some embodiments, the magnetic element may be a magnet, such as an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or a structure made of a magnetically conductive material.

[0145] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 16 The positioning member A42 may include a second positioning member A422, which can define the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction. In some embodiments, the second positioning member A422 can also define the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the activity direction.

[0146] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 is provided with a hook, and the other is provided with a slot that engages with the hook. Specifically, the assembly portion A325 of the replaceable printhead A32, such as the second assembly portion A3252, may be provided with a hook, and the second positioning member A422 may be provided with a slot; alternatively, the assembly portion A325 of the replaceable printhead A32, such as the second assembly portion A3252, may be provided with a slot, and the second positioning member A422 may be a hook. Furthermore, the hook can be placed within the slot, achieving a limiting engagement between the second positioning member A422 and the assembly portion A325 of the replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the slot may also be provided on the frame A41, engaging with the second assembly portion A3252 of the replaceable printhead A32, such as the hook.

[0147] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 is provided with a pin, and the other is provided with a slot that engages with the pin. Specifically, the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the second assembly portion A3252, may be provided with a pin, and the second positioning member A422 may be provided with a slot; alternatively, the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the second assembly portion A3252, may be provided with a slot, and the second positioning member A422 may be a pin. Furthermore, the pin can be placed within the slot to achieve a limiting engagement between the second positioning member A422 and the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the second assembly portion A3252. In some embodiments, the slot may also be provided on the frame A41, engaging with the pin of the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the second assembly portion A3252.

[0148] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 is provided with a magnet, and the other is provided with a magnetic element. Specifically, the replaceable printhead A32 (e.g., the second assembly portion A3252) and the second positioning member A422 may be provided with a magnetic element, and the other with a magnet. The magnetic field between the magnetic element and the magnet attracts the printhead, achieving connection and further enabling the second positioning member A422 to limit the movement of the replaceable printhead A32 (e.g., the second assembly portion A3252). It is understood that the magnet can be a permanent magnet or electromagnet that provides the magnetic field, and the magnetic element can be a magnet or other object that can be attracted by a magnetic field.

[0149] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 , Figure 15 for Figure 11The diagram shows an exploded view of the placement frame A40 in some embodiments. During the movement of the tool head A30 to the alignment position, the second positioning member A422 is movable, allowing space for the replaceable print head A32, thus not limiting its movement and releasing the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the assembly direction. In some embodiments, after the 3D printer A100 places the replaceable print head A32 on the placement frame A40, the second positioning member A422, under the action of the power member A424, limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the assembly direction. That is, the second positioning member A422 is driven by the tool head A30 and overcomes the force of the power member A424, so that the second positioning member A422 moves to a position that releases the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the assembly direction, or the power member A424 actively drives the second positioning member A422 to a position that releases the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable print head A32 along the assembly direction, or the power member A424 actively drives the second positioning member A422 to a position that limits the replaceable print head A32.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second positioning member A422 can move from a position that releases the replaceable printhead A32's degree of freedom of movement along the assembly direction to a position that limits the replaceable printhead A32, or it can move from a position that limits the replaceable printhead A32 to a position that releases the replaceable printhead A32's degree of freedom of movement along the assembly direction.

[0151] In some embodiments, the placement rack A40 may further include a power member A424 that provides a locking force to move the second positioning member A422 toward locking the replaceable printhead A32. By receiving an activity signal, the power member A424 drives the second positioning member A422 to move, thereby switching between restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction and releasing the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the assembly direction.

[0152] In some embodiments, the power member A424 may be at least one of an elastic member, an electromagnetic member, a magnetic member, or an electric drive device, and drives the second positioning member A422 to move by directly driving the second positioning member A422 or by being connected to the second positioning member A422 in a transmission manner.

[0153] In some embodiments, the second positioning member A422 may have an abutment portion A4221. The abutment portion A4221 engages or disengages with the replaceable printhead A32 or the tool head A30 to lock or unlock the replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the tool head A30 or the replaceable printhead A32 has a trigger portion that engages with the abutment portion A4221 as the tool head A30 approaches the placement holder A40. The trigger portion pushes the abutment portion A4221 and overcomes the locking force provided by the power member A424 as the tool head A30 moves toward the placement holder A40, thereby moving the second positioning member A422 to make way for the replaceable printhead A32. This allows the replaceable printhead A32 to move to the alignment position and releases the replaceable printhead A32's freedom of movement along the assembly direction. This ensures that the second positioning member A422 does not obstruct the movement of the tool head A30 or the replaceable printhead A32 during the process of the tool head A30 moving the replaceable printhead A32 to the alignment position of the placement holder A40. The engagement between the triggering part and the contacting part A4221 can be a continuous, gradual engagement or a one-time trigger engagement, etc. This application does not limit the engagement method.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the tool head A30 moves the replaceable printhead A32 to the alignment position and switches the replaceable printhead A32 from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction, the tool head A30 leaves the placement rack A40 along the alignment direction. The trigger part and the abutment part A4221 disengage, causing the power member A424 to release the locking force on the second positioning member A422. This causes the second positioning member A422 to move in the direction of locking the replaceable printhead A32, thereby restricting the degree of freedom of the replaceable printhead A32 in the assembly direction. Through the cooperation of the abutment part A4221, the trigger part, and the power member A424, the tool head A30 is not interfered with by the second positioning member A422 during the alignment process of moving the replaceable printhead A32 to the alignment position. When the tool head A30 places the replaceable printhead A32 on the placement rack A40 and leaves the placement rack A40 along the alignment direction, the second positioning member A422 can move to the position where the replaceable printhead A32 is limited under the drive of the power member.

[0155] The triggering part overcoming and releasing the locking force of the power member A424 can take various forms, and this application is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second positioning member A422 can move relative to the placement frame A40, and the triggering part cooperates with the abutment part A4221. The power member A424 is a compression spring and is disposed between the second positioning member A422 and the frame A41. In some embodiments, the frame A41 is connected to the fixing member A426, and the fixing member A426 can be fitted with a compression spring, such that one end of the compression spring abuts against the fixing member A426 and the other end abuts against the second positioning member A422. Thus, driven by the compression spring, the second positioning member A422 moves relative to the placement frame A40. By compressing the spring during the movement of the second positioning member A422, the spring can provide a locking force for the second positioning member A422 to move in the direction of locking the replaceable printhead A32. After the tool head A30 or the replaceable printhead A32 disengages from the abutment part A4221, the spring can drive the abutment part A4221 to move the second positioning member A4222 in the direction of locking the replaceable printhead A32, thereby restricting the degree of freedom of the replaceable printhead A32 in the assembly direction.

[0156] In some embodiments, the placement rack A40 is provided with a receiving area for accommodating the fixing member A426 and the moved second positioning member A422 and power member A424, so that the second positioning member A422 makes way for the tool head A30 and the replaceable print head A32, which is beneficial to making full use of the internal space of the placement rack A40 and to miniaturizing the whole machine and making it neat in appearance.

[0157] In some embodiments, the placement rack A40 is provided with a mounting plate A425 at the position corresponding to the receiving area, and the fastener A426, the second positioning member A422, and the power member A424 are installed in the receiving area by disassembly. The mounting plate A425 is used to block the opening of the receiving area, and the second positioning member A422 can also be inserted through a perforation to make way for the second positioning member A422.

[0158] In some embodiments, the 3D printer A100 has an opening A1001 to connect the interior of the 3D printer A100 with the outside. Users can adjust or repair internal structures such as the mounting frame A40 and tool head A30 through the opening A1001. The mounting frame A40 is also provided with an unlocking part A4223, with the side of the mounting frame A40 having the unlocking part A4223 facing the opening A1001 of the 3D printer A100. Users can adjust the second positioning member A422 through the opening A1001, overcoming the locking force provided by the power member A424, allowing the second positioning member A422 to move and releasing the restriction on the degree of freedom of the replaceable print head A32 in the assembly direction. This allows users to manually remove the replaceable print head A32 from the mounting frame A40, facilitating adjustments and maintenance.

[0159] In some embodiments, the power component A424 is a compression spring, and the second positioning component A422 is provided with an unlocking part A4223. The user can move the second positioning component A4222 by pulling the unlocking part A4223, moving it in a direction that releases the degree of freedom of the replaceable printhead A32 in the assembly direction. By activating the second positioning component A422 to compress the compression spring, the spring provides a locking force to the second positioning component A422 in the direction of locking the replaceable printhead A32. When the user releases the force applied to the unlocking part A4223, the spring can drive the second positioning component A422 to move in the direction of locking the replaceable printhead A32, thereby restricting the degree of freedom of the replaceable printhead A32 in the assembly direction. By providing an unlocking part A4223 that can be manually released from locking the replaceable printhead A32, the flexibility of adjusting or repairing the 3D printer A100 is increased. Furthermore, by positioning the unlocking part A4223 on the side of the mounting bracket A40 facing the opening A1001, the convenience of adjustment or repair for the user is increased.

[0160] In some embodiments, the second positioning member A422 is further provided with a limiting portion A4222 to cooperate with the assembly portion A325, such as the third assembly portion A3254, to limit the degree of freedom of the replaceable printhead A32 in the assembly direction. In some embodiments, the limiting portion A4222 may be a plug-in post, and the assembly portion A325, such as the third assembly portion A3254, is provided with a plug-in hole to achieve limiting when the plug-in post is inserted into the plug-in hole.

[0161] In some embodiments, the positioning member A42 includes a third positioning member A423, which defines the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead A32 along the direction of movement. The direction of movement may be perpendicular to the alignment direction and the assembly direction.

[0162] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 16 The third positioning member A423 includes a first sub-positioning member A4231. Two first sub-positioning members A4231 are arranged at a distance along the length direction X, and the distance between the two first sub-positioning members A4231 is used to accommodate a replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the third positioning member A423 includes a second sub-positioning member A4232. Two second sub-positioning members A4232 are arranged at a distance along the length direction X, and the distance between the two second sub-positioning members A4232 is used to accommodate a replaceable printhead A32. In some embodiments, the third positioning member A423 may be connected to the first positioning member A421, or the third positioning member A423 may also be referred to as the second positioning member A422, or the second positioning member A422 may also be referred to as the third positioning member A423.

[0163] Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the placement rack A40 may also include a power component that cooperates with the third positioning member A423. The cooperation method between the third positioning member A423 and the power component is similar to the cooperation method between the second positioning member A422 and the power component, and will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second positioning member A422 and the third positioning member A423 may be driven by the power component A424.

[0164] Please see Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 for Figure 16 The diagram shown illustrates the engagement of the placement rack A40 and the replaceable printhead A32 in the embodiment illustrated. Figure 19 for Figure 18 The illustrated embodiment shows a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the placement rack A40 and the replaceable printhead A32 in conjunction.

[0165] In some embodiments, one of the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 is provided with a magnet, and the other is provided with a magnetic element. The surface of the magnet facing the magnetic element is inclined away from the assembly direction, and the surface of the magnetic element facing the magnet is inclined towards the magnet. For example, for the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422, the second assembly portion A3252 of the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the magnetic element, extends along the assembly direction and is inclined towards the side of the magnetic element of the second positioning member A422, while the second positioning member A422, for example, the magnetic element, extends along the assembly direction and is inclined towards the side of the magnetic element of the second assembly portion A3252 of the replaceable printhead A32, for example, the other side of the magnetic element of the second assembly portion A3252 of the replaceable printhead A32, and is inclined towards the side of the tool head A30. Furthermore, during the alignment or placement of the replaceable printhead A32, the magnetic field lines of the magnet are tilted and offset relative to the magnetic element, resulting in a smaller attraction. This attraction increases as the magnetic field lines become closer to the magnetic element when the replaceable printhead A32 is in or about to be in the mating position. This makes the position of the replaceable printhead A32 less susceptible to interference from the magnet during placement. The overall extension plane of the magnet's surface facing the magnetic element can be at an angle to the assembly direction. For example, the overall extension plane of any magnetic element's surface can be at an angle to the assembly direction. The overall extension plane of the magnet is the fitting plane of the surface facing the magnet, representing the approximate orientation of the surface. It is perpendicular to the surface's normal and can be obtained by using the least squares method, edge line fitting, etc., to find the ideal plane passing through the average position of points on the surface. For example, for a plane, the fitting plane is the plane itself; for a curved surface, the fitting plane can be the line connecting the two edges of the curved surface as a reference, extending into a plane; the same applies to uneven or walled surfaces, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0166] In some embodiments, for the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 described above, the side of the magnet facing the magnetic element includes two magnetic regions. The two magnetic regions have opposite polarities, and / or the two magnetic regions are arranged facing the assembly direction.

[0167] In some embodiments, in the second positioning member A422 and the second assembly part A3252, the surface of at least one of the two magnetic elements includes two magnetic regions with opposite polarities. This ensures a strong magnetic force while reducing the divergence range of the magnetic lines of force, thereby reducing the influence of the magnet on the placement process and making it less likely to cause placement deviation.

[0168] In some embodiments, in the second positioning member A422 and the second assembly part A3252, the surface of at least one of the two magnetic elements includes two magnetic regions arranged toward the assembly direction, so that in the mating state, the magnetic attraction along the assembly direction is greater and the positioning is more stable.

[0169] In some embodiments, for the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 described above, the overall extension planes of the magnet and the magnetic element have the same angle of inclination relative to the assembly direction. By setting the surfaces of the magnet and the magnetic element facing each other at the same angle of inclination, their overall extension planes are made parallel to each other. When the replaceable printhead A32 reaches the mating position, the inclined surfaces of the magnet and the magnetic element can be parallel to each other and fully fit together, with magnetic lines of force running through in a direction approximately perpendicular to both surfaces, resulting in more sufficient and concentrated attraction and more stable positioning. At the same time, due to the pitch symmetry of the two, the change in magnetic attraction force is approximately consistent and gradually smooth on both sides as the replaceable printhead A32 approaches the mating position along the assembly direction, which is beneficial for the stable placement of the replaceable printhead A32 and prevents it from tilting. In addition, the same angle of inclination also facilitates consistent processing and assembly of the magnet and the magnetic element, reducing manufacturing and assembly difficulties.

[0170] In some embodiments, for the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 described above, the angle of inclination of the overall extending plane of the magnet and magnetic element relative to the assembly direction ranges from 5° to 90°. For example, in the second positioning member A422 and the second assembly part A3252, the angle of inclination α of the overall extending plane of at least one of the two magnetic elements relative to the assembly direction ranges from 5° to 90°. The angle α is, for example, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80°. The angle range in this embodiment allows the magnetic lines of force to shift relative to the magnetic element during the alignment or placement of the replaceable printhead A32, resulting in a smaller attractive force and thus reducing the interference of the magnetic force on the placement process. When the replaceable printhead A32 reaches or is about to reach the mating position, the magnetic lines of force and the magnetic element tend to align, and the attractive force increases, achieving stable positioning.

[0171] In some embodiments, for the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 described above, the angle of inclination of the overall extending plane of the magnet and magnetic element relative to the assembly direction ranges from 15° to 40°. For example, in the second positioning member A422 and the second assembly part A3252, the angle of inclination α of the overall extending plane of at least one of the two magnetic elements relative to the assembly direction ranges from 15° to 40°. The angle α can be, for example, 16°, 18°, 25°, 28°, 35°, or 38°. The angle range in this embodiment allows for a good balance between interference resistance during placement and magnetic attraction in the mating state: on the one hand, the angle is sufficient to cause a significant offset of the magnetic lines of force relative to the magnetic element during placement, significantly reducing the interference of the magnetic force on the position of the replaceable printhead A32 and reducing the risk of placement misalignment; on the other hand, the angle is not too large to excessively weaken the attraction during mating, ensuring that the replaceable printhead A32 still has sufficient magnetic attraction to securely fix it after reaching the mating position.

[0172] In some embodiments, for the replaceable printhead A32 and the second positioning member A422 described above, the angle of inclination of the overall extending plane of the magnet and magnetic elements relative to the assembly direction ranges from 60°-70°, 35°-55°, 25°-50°, 30°-70°, 22°-40°, or 45°-65°, etc. For example, in the second positioning member A422 and the second assembly part A3252, the angle of inclination α of the overall extending plane of at least one of the two magnetic elements relative to the assembly direction ranges from 60°-70°, 35°-55°, 25°-50°, 30°-70°, 22°-40°, or 45°-65°, etc.

[0173] In some implementations, the replaceable printhead A32 may not include the drive unit A35, thus enabling weight reduction. However, this weight reduction also makes the replaceable printhead A32 more prone to wobbling, thus requiring at least one positioning unit A42 for omnidirectional restraint.

[0174] Please see Figure 20 , Figure 20 This is a partial structural diagram of the 3D printer A100 in some embodiments of this application. The control method for the 3D printer A100 includes: 3D printer A100 includes a tool head A30 equipped with a replaceable print head A32. The replaceable print head A32 includes a heating chamber and a nozzle. The heating chamber heats the filament into a molten state and outputs it through the nozzle to a heated bed for layer-by-layer printing in the height direction. Replacing the tool head A30 with the replaceable print head A32 includes: The placement rack A40 lowers the replaceable printhead A32 along the height direction so that the replaceable printhead A32 is aligned with the unlocked position on the tool head A30; During or before the placement rack A40 descends, control the heated bed to descend a preset distance.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the printing height is between 0-20mm, the tool head A30 controls the heated bed to descend a preset distance when replacing the replaceable print head A32. In the early stages of printing, the replaceable print head A32 is prone to colliding with protruding parts of the heated bed or printing panel, such as the wiping nozzle area, the flushing area, and the marking area.

[0176] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 20 The shelf A40 is positioned at a higher level, which reduces obstruction of the door panel A1002 side and facilitates operation and observation.

[0177] When printing the first layer on the A100 3D printer, because the replaceable print head A32 is unlocked downwards, for the first few layers, when replacing the replaceable print head A32, it is necessary to control the heated bed to descend first to avoid interference during the replacement process. After the replacement is completed, the heated bed should be returned to the height for the next printing. This operation is required for at least the initial 6mm height range.

Claims

1. A mounting rack for use in a 3D printer including a tool head, characterized in that, The tool head can be equipped with a replaceable print head, which can be switched between a mating position and an unlocked position relative to the tool head; The tool head is configured to move the replaceable print head along the alignment direction to the alignment position of the placement frame, and then the 3D printer switches the replaceable print head from the mating position to the unlocked position along the assembly direction and places it on the placement frame. The placement frame includes a frame and a positioning component. The positioning component is used to cooperate with the replaceable printhead during the placement process of the replaceable printhead and limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the assembly direction. The placement of the replaceable printhead is performed simultaneously with the switching of the replaceable printhead from the mating position to the unlocked position.

2. The placement rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement rack is capable of moving along the assembly direction, which is the direction of gravity.

3. The placement rack according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the placement process, the tool head remains in a fixed position relative to the placement frame along the direction of movement, which is perpendicular to both the alignment direction and the assembly direction; the placement frame is provided with multiple replaceable printhead placement positions arranged along the direction of movement.

4. The placement rack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The center-to-center distance between two adjacent replaceable printhead placement positions is less than the dimension of the toolhead along the direction of movement.

5. The placement rack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The replaceable printhead placement position is configured such that, when the replaceable printhead is in the mating position or the unlocked position, the replaceable printhead placement position is centered relative to the tool head along the direction of movement.

6. The placement rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool head includes a drive component and an assembly assembly, the assembly assembly being configured to adjust the position of the replaceable printhead relative to the tool head. The placement process of the replaceable printhead includes: the drive component being configured to drive the assembly assembly to move, causing the replaceable printhead to switch from a mating position to an unlocked position along the assembly direction; and / or The placement frame is configured to adjust the position of the replaceable printhead relative to the positioning member. The placement process of the replaceable printhead includes: the placement frame driving the positioning member to move along the assembly direction so that the positioning member engages with the replaceable printhead and limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead.

7. The placement rack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tool head can move within a printing plane to perform printing; after the 3D printer places the replaceable print head on the mounting frame, the mounting frame and / or the tool head move relative to each other along the alignment direction; After the distance between the tool head and the placement frame along the alignment direction reaches a preset value, the replaceable print head releases the restriction on the movement of the tool head within the printing plane.

8. The placement rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning element includes a first positioning element, which is used to limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the alignment direction.

9. The placement rack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The replaceable printhead and the first positioning component are provided with a hook and a slot that engages with the hook; or, the replaceable printhead and the first positioning component are provided with a pin and a slot that engages with the pin; or, the replaceable printhead and the first positioning component are provided with a magnet or electromagnet and a magnetic element.

10. The placement rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning element includes a third positioning element, which limits the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the active direction, the active direction being perpendicular to the alignment direction and the assembly direction.

11. The placement rack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third positioning element includes at least two first sub-positioning elements, which are arranged at intervals along the direction of movement, and the interval between the two first sub-positioning elements is used to accommodate the replaceable printhead.

12. The placement rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning element includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element. The first positioning element is used to limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the alignment direction, and the second positioning element is used to limit the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the assembly direction. The placement process of the replaceable printhead includes: the first positioning element first restricts the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the alignment direction, and then the second positioning element restricts the degree of freedom of movement of the replaceable printhead along the assembly direction.

13. The placement rack according to claim 12, characterized in that, One of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning component is provided with a hook, and the other is provided with a slot that engages with the hook; or, one of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning component is provided with a pin, and the other is provided with a slot that engages with the pin; or, one of the replaceable printhead and the second positioning component is provided with a magnet, and the other is provided with a magnetic element.

14. The placement rack according to claim 13, characterized in that, The replaceable printhead and the second positioning component each have a magnet and a magnetic element. The magnet is inclined away from the assembly direction from the surface of the magnetic element, and the surface of the magnetic element is inclined towards the magnet. The overall extending plane of the magnet toward the surface of the magnetic element forms an angle with the assembly direction; and / or The side of the magnet facing the magnetic element includes two magnetic regions; wherein the two magnetic regions have opposite polarities, and / or, the two magnetic regions are arranged facing the assembly direction; and / or The angle between the integral extension planes of the magnet and the magnetic element and the assembly direction is the same; and / or The angle between the integral extension plane of the magnet and the magnetic element and the assembly direction is in the range of 5°-90°; and / or The angle between the integral extension plane of the magnet and the magnetic element and the assembly direction is in the range of 15°-40°.

15. A 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer includes: The storage rack as described in any one of claims 1-14; and A tool head, the tool head including an assembly and a drive, the assembly being configured to adjust the position of a replaceable printhead relative to the tool head, and the drive being configured to drive the assembly to move; The tool head drives the replaceable printhead to switch along the assembly direction via the assembly component, and the placement and switching processes of the replaceable printhead are synchronized.

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