3D printer nozzle switching device

Abstract

The application provides a 3D printer nozzle switching device, which comprises a base, a first nozzle assembly arranged below the base, a first component in horizontal guiding sliding fit with the base, a second nozzle assembly below the base, and a second component arranged at the top end of the second nozzle assembly and in vertical guiding fit with the base, and the second nozzle assembly is fixed to the second component. An oblique guiding fit structure is arranged between the first component and the second component, which comprises an oblique guiding groove and a guiding pin, the guiding pin is accommodated in the oblique guiding groove and is in sliding fit with the oblique guiding groove, and the oblique guiding groove is arranged obliquely relative to the horizontal direction, for converting the horizontal movement of the first component into the vertical movement of the second component and the second nozzle assembly. The application realizes the conversion from horizontal movement to vertical movement through a mechanical guiding structure, reduces the structural complexity and weight, and improves the nozzle switching positioning precision and stability.

Description

[0001] This application claims domestic priority to Chinese patent application No. 202521567337.0, filed on July 25, 2025, entitled "A Nozzle Switching Device for a 3D Printer", and Chinese patent application No. 202511032994.X, also entitled "A Nozzle Switching Device for a 3D Printer", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a 3D printer nozzle switching device. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of 3D printing technology, dual-nozzle or multi-nozzle printers are becoming increasingly widely used because they can print multiple colors simultaneously or combine soluble support materials.

[0004] In multi-nozzle printing, to prevent non-working nozzles from scratching the surface of the formed model or contaminating the model due to accidental material leakage, a nozzle switching device is usually required. This device creates a certain height difference between the working and non-working nozzles in the vertical direction, thus enabling the nozzles to avoid each other.

[0005] In existing technologies, nozzle switching structures generally rely on an independent drive mechanism to move sliding components along a vertical guide structure to adjust the nozzle position. Simultaneously, some structures utilize horizontal moving components in conjunction with the guide mechanism to achieve changes in the direction of movement.

[0006] However, the above solutions typically require additional drive mechanisms and electronic control components, which not only increases the overall weight of the printhead assembly but also makes the printhead structure more complex. Furthermore, during high-speed printing, a large moment of inertia can easily affect printing stability and accuracy, while also increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a 3D printer nozzle switching device that is simple in structure, lightweight, and capable of switching the vertical position of the nozzle.

[0008] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the problems in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a 3D printer nozzle switching device that can solve the technical problems of complex nozzle switching structure and high cost in the prior art, thereby achieving the technical effect of simple structure and low cost.

[0010] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a 3D printer nozzle switching device, comprising: a base; a first nozzle assembly fixedly disposed below the base; a first component forming a horizontal guide sliding fit with the base; a second nozzle assembly located below the base; a second component disposed at the top of the second nozzle assembly and forming a vertical guide fit with the base, the second nozzle assembly being fixedly disposed on the second component; an oblique guide groove formed in one of the first component and the second component, and a guide pin disposed in the other component, the guide pin extending into the oblique guide groove and slidingly fitting with the oblique guide groove; wherein the oblique guide groove is obliquely disposed relative to the horizontal direction, so as to convert the horizontal movement of the first component into the vertical movement of the second component and the second nozzle assembly by the relative sliding of the guide pin along the oblique guide groove; the second nozzle assembly having a first height position and a second height position; in the first height position, the bottom end of the second nozzle assembly is higher than the bottom end of the first nozzle assembly; in the second height position, the bottom end of the second nozzle assembly is lower than the bottom end of the first nozzle assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, an oblique guide groove is formed in the first component, and a guide pin is disposed in the second component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base includes a front housing with a horizontal guide groove, and a first component is accommodated in the horizontal guide groove and forms a horizontal guide sliding fit with the horizontal guide groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first component has extension sections at both ends along the horizontal direction; the base has slides that are respectively connected to both ends of the horizontal guide groove, and the extension sections slide in cooperation with the corresponding slides; the free ends of the extension sections extend out of the outer contour range of the base and are respectively provided with collision blocks; the collision blocks are configured to abut against the external structure so that the first component moves along the horizontal direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the 3D printer nozzle switching device further includes: a slide rail extending vertically and fixed to the base, and a second component slidingly nested with the slide rail.

[0015] In some embodiments, the 3D printer nozzle switching device further includes: a fixing member fixedly disposed below the base; and a compression spring sandwiched between the fixing member and the second member, configured to provide an elastic preload to the second member toward the direction away from the fixing member.

[0016] In some embodiments, a columnar member is provided between the fixing member and the second member; the columnar member is fixed to one of the fixing member and the second member and extends into a mating hole opened on the other of the fixing member and the second member; a compression spring is sleeved on the periphery of the columnar member.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oblique guide groove is connected to a retaining portion at the end near the second nozzle assembly in the vertical direction; when the guide pin is accommodated in the retaining portion, the compression spring is configured to provide an elastic preload in the vertical direction to form a positioning retention of the second nozzle assembly in the corresponding vertical position.

[0018] In some implementations, a bearing is fitted onto the guide pin, and the bearing slides into the oblique guide groove.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base has a receiving space extending in a vertical direction, and the second component is received within the receiving space and forms a vertically guiding sliding fit with the receiving space.

[0020] The 3D printer nozzle switching device proposed in this disclosure has the following advantages: This embodiment provides an oblique guiding fit structure consisting of an oblique guide groove and a guide pin between the first component and the second component, and cooperates with the vertical guiding fit of the second component relative to the base. This allows the horizontal movement of the first component to be directly converted into the vertical lifting and lowering movement of the second component and the second nozzle assembly under the pure mechanical geometric constraint, thereby realizing the height switching between nozzle assemblies.

[0021] Since the motion conversion process relies entirely on the relative sliding fit between the inclined guide groove and the guide pin, there is no need to set up an additional independent vertical drive motor or a complex electronic control switching mechanism, which significantly simplifies the overall drive link and reduces the system structure complexity and overall weight.

[0022] Meanwhile, by establishing a deterministic mechanical mapping relationship between the horizontal input motion and the vertical output motion, the switching process of the nozzle assembly has clear stroke constraints and position repeatability, which can reduce position deviations caused by electronic control delays, drive errors, or inconsistent actuator responses, and improve the repeatability and operational stability of nozzle switching.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second printhead assembly has a first height position and a second height position, which allows the second printhead assembly to reliably switch and maintain between the two corresponding height positions. This helps to avoid interference between non-working printheads and the printing model, thereby improving the safety of the printing process and the quality of the finished product.

[0024] Therefore, the 3D printer nozzle switching device provided in this embodiment has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability, light weight and low manufacturing cost, and is suitable for nozzle switching scenarios of dual-nozzle or multi-nozzle 3D printing equipment.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the appearance of a 3D printer nozzle switching device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the appearance of a 3D printer nozzle switching device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure from another perspective; Figure 3 A front view of the 3D printer nozzle switching device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure when it is in the first height position z1. Figure 4 A front view of the 3D printer nozzle switching device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure at the second height position z2; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first component in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the second component after it is assembled with the first shaft and bearing in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the front housing of the base in the embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a partially hidden structural diagram of the second component in the assembly state on the slide rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second component in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall cross-section of the switching device and its internal assembly positions in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 12 As described in the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line AA; Figure 13 As described in the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle BB line.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Base; 1a. Accommodation space; 4. Angled guide fit structure; 5. Fixing component; 6. Compression spring; 11. Front housing; 11a. Horizontal guide groove; 11b. First slide rail; 11c. Second slide rail; 111. First through hole; 12. Back plate; 13. First boss; 14. Angled guide groove; 21. First nozzle assembly; 22. Second nozzle assembly; 31. First component; 32. Second component; 33. Slide rail; 41. Angled guide groove; 42. Guide pin; 43. Bearing; 51, columnar member; 121, first groove; 311, first extension; 312, second extension; 313, collision block; 3131, first collision block; 3132, second collision block; 321, first movable block; 322, first slider; 323, second boss; 32a, mating hole; 410, slot; 420, first shaft; 3211, second groove; LL', horizontal direction; HH', vertical direction; z1, first height position; z2, second height position. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure provides a 3D printer nozzle switching device, which includes a base 1.

[0032] The base 1 serves as the mounting carrier for the overall device and provides a spatial mounting reference for each component.

[0033] The first nozzle assembly 21 is disposed below the base 1 and fixedly disposed on one side of the base 1. The first nozzle assembly 21 maintains a rigid connection with the base 1, and its position relative to the base 1 remains unchanged during the operation of the device.

[0034] The first component 31 is disposed on the base 1 and forms a sliding fit with the base 1 in the horizontal direction LL', so that the first component 31 can move relative to the base 1 in the horizontal direction LL'.

[0035] The second printhead assembly 22 is located below the base 1 and is used to cooperate with the first printhead assembly 21 to complete the printing task.

[0036] The second component 32 is disposed at the top of the second nozzle assembly 22, and the second nozzle assembly 22 is fixedly disposed on the second component 32. The two can be connected by screws, integrally formed or other rigid connection methods.

[0037] The second component 32 and the base 1 form a vertical guide fit along the vertical direction HH' to restrict the second component 32 and the second nozzle assembly 22 to move only along the vertical direction HH' relative to the base 1.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, an oblique guide fit structure 4 is provided between the first component 31 and the second component 32. The oblique guide fit structure 4 includes an oblique guide groove 41 formed in one of the first component 31 and the second component 32, and a guide pin 42 provided on the other component. The guide pin 42 extends into the oblique guide groove 41 and forms a sliding fit relationship with the oblique guide groove 41.

[0039] The inclined guide groove 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction LL' of the first component 31, so that the movement trajectory of the guide pin 42 in the inclined guide groove 41 has both horizontal and vertical components.

[0040] During the operation of the device, the first component 31 and the base 1 can move relative to each other in the horizontal direction LL'. This relative movement can be formed by an external driving component acting directly on the first component 31, or by the base 1 continuing to move relative to the first component 31, which is limited by an external structure. The second component 32 forms a vertical guide fit with the base 1, which restricts the degree of freedom of the second component 32 in the horizontal direction, allowing it to move relative to the base 1 only in the vertical direction HH'.

[0041] When the first component 31 undergoes horizontal displacement, the guide pin 42 slides relative to the inclined guide groove 41. Since the inclined guide groove 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction LL', the horizontal displacement of the first component 31 is converted into the displacement of the second component 32 in the vertical direction HH' through the guide pin 42, thereby driving the second nozzle assembly 22 to generate a synchronous lifting and lowering motion.

[0042] The second nozzle assembly 22 moves up and down, having a first height position z1 and a second height position z2.

[0043] For example, from Figure 3 The first height position z1 shown is switched to Figure 4 At the second height position z2 shown, the first component 31 and the base 1 undergo relative displacement along the horizontal direction LL'.

[0044] At the first height position z1, the guide pin 42 is located in the high end region of the inclined guide groove 41. The second component 32 is held at the first height position z1 under the constraint of the vertical guide engagement. At this time, the bottom end of the second nozzle assembly 22 is higher than the bottom end of the first nozzle assembly 21 and is in a avoidance state.

[0045] As the first component 31 continues to move in the horizontal direction LL', the guide pin 42 slides relative to the inclined guide groove 41 and gradually moves from the high end region to the low end region. During this process, since the second component 32 and the base 1 form a vertical guide fit, the second component 32 can only move relative to the base 1 in the vertical direction HH', thereby undergoing vertical displacement under the constraint of the guide pin 42.

[0046] When the guide pin 42 enters the lower end region of the inclined guide groove 41, the second component 32 moves to the second height position z2. At this time, the bottom end of the second printhead assembly 22 is lower than the bottom end of the first printhead assembly 21, so that the second printhead assembly 22 is in the printing working position, while the first printhead assembly 21 is in the avoidance position to avoid interference between the non-working printhead and the printing model.

[0047] In the above process, the first nozzle assembly 21 is fixedly installed below the base 1 and maintains a rigid connection with the base 1, and its spatial position remains unchanged; the second nozzle assembly 22 forms an adjustable vertical height difference with respect to the first nozzle assembly 21, thereby realizing spatial avoidance between the working nozzle and the non-working nozzle.

[0048] This embodiment converts the input motion of the horizontal direction LL' into the output motion of the vertical direction HH' by setting a mechanical oblique guiding and mating structure composed of an oblique guide groove 41 and a guide pin 42 between the first component 31 and the second component 32. This eliminates the need for an additional independent vertical drive mechanism, thereby reducing the overall weight and structural complexity of the printhead assembly.

[0049] Meanwhile, since the horizontal and vertical movements are directly linked through the mechanical guide structure, compared with the complex electronic control switching mechanism, it can reduce the response delay and cumulative position error caused by the electronic control system to a certain extent, and improve the repeatability and stability of the nozzle switching process.

[0050] Therefore, the 3D printer nozzle switching device provided in this embodiment has the advantages of simple structure, light weight, low manufacturing cost and good switching stability, and is suitable for dual-nozzle or multi-nozzle 3D printing equipment.

[0051] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the oblique guide groove 41 is formed on the first component 31.

[0052] Specifically, the first component 31 is a plate-shaped structural member, and an inclined guide groove 41 is formed inside it at a predetermined angle. The inclined guide groove 41 can be a through groove or a non-through groove structure, used to limit the relative movement trajectory of the guide pin 42.

[0053] Combination Figure 6 As shown, the guide pin 42 is disposed on the second component 32 and fixedly connected to the second component 32. The guide pin 42 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of motion of the first component 31, and at least part of it extends into the inclined guide groove 41 and forms a sliding fit with the inclined guide groove 41.

[0054] In this embodiment, the guide pin 42 and the inclined guide groove 41 can be fitted with a clearance fit or a transition fit to ensure that the guide pin 42 moves smoothly in the inclined guide groove 41.

[0055] Optionally, the groove wall of the inclined guide groove 41 is provided with a rounded transition structure or a chamfered structure to reduce the contact stress and impact wear of the guide pin 42 during movement, thereby improving the structural life and smoothness of movement.

[0056] By setting the oblique guide groove 41 on the first component 31 and the guide pin 42 on the second component 32, when the first component 31 moves in the horizontal direction LL', the second component 32 can be driven to move in the vertical direction HH' through the relative sliding between the guide pin 42 and the oblique guide groove 41, thereby realizing the height switching of the second nozzle assembly 22 relative to the first nozzle assembly 21.

[0057] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the base 1 is provided with a horizontal guide groove 11a extending in the horizontal direction LL', which is used to guide and constrain the movement trajectory of the first component 31.

[0058] Specifically, the base 1 includes a front housing 11, and a horizontal guide groove 11a is disposed on the front housing 11.

[0059] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal guide groove 11a extends along the horizontal direction LL', and its extension direction is consistent with the movement direction of the first component 31, which is used to limit the movement of the first component 31 along a predetermined straight line direction.

[0060] The first component 31 is housed in the horizontal guide groove 11a and forms a sliding fit with the horizontal guide groove 11a, so that the first component 31 can move relative to the base 1 in the horizontal direction LL' under the guiding constraint of the horizontal guide groove 11a.

[0061] In this embodiment, the top and bottom of the horizontal guide groove 11a respectively form a vertical HH' limiting constraint on the first component 31, and the two side walls form a lateral limiting constraint on the first component 31, thereby preventing the first component 31 from deflecting or undergoing unexpected displacement during movement and ensuring that its movement trajectory is stable and consistent.

[0062] Optionally, the horizontal guide groove 11a can be a through-type slide structure or a semi-enclosed guide groove structure, and its cross-sectional shape can be rectangular, U-shaped or T-shaped to adapt to different assembly methods and structural strength requirements.

[0063] By setting a horizontal guide groove 11a on the base 1, the motion of the first component 31 is transformed from planar free motion to single-degree-of-freedom linear motion, providing stable input conditions for the motion conversion between the oblique guide groove 41 and the guide pin 42, thereby improving the repeatability and consistency of the nozzle switching process.

[0064] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the first component 31 has a first extension segment 311 and a second extension segment 312 at both ends of its horizontal direction LL'.

[0065] Specifically, the first extension segment 311 and the second extension segment 312 are integrally formed with the first component 31, or are fixedly connected by screws, welding or other means, and extend to both sides of the first component 31 in the horizontal direction LL', so that they at least partially extend out of the outer contour range of the base 1.

[0066] Correspondingly, the base 1 includes a front housing 11, on which a horizontal guide groove 11a and a first slide rail 11b and a second slide rail 11c are respectively connected to the horizontal guide groove 11a. The first slide rail 11b, the second slide rail 11c and the horizontal guide groove 11a together form a continuous guide space for accommodating the first extension section 311 and the second extension section 312 and constraining their movement trajectory.

[0067] The first extension section 311 is slidably engaged with the first slide rail 11b, and the second extension section 312 is slidably engaged with the second slide rail 11c, so that the first component 31 always maintains a guiding state during the horizontal movement of LL', and avoids leaving the guiding range of the base 1.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, collision blocks 313 are respectively provided at the free ends of the first extension segment 311 and the second extension segment 312. The collision blocks 313 protrude outward relative to the first member 31 and are located in the outer region of the base 1. The collision blocks 313 include a first collision block and a second collision block respectively provided at the free ends of the first extension segment 311 and the second extension segment 312.

[0069] In some embodiments, during device operation, the collision block 313 can abut against an external structure on the printer frame. This external structure can be, for example, a fixed trigger stop, a travel trigger component, a limiting wall, an actuator, or other structures capable of engaging with the collision block 313. The abutment between the collision block 313 and the external structure can be formed by the external structure actively acting on the collision block 313, or by the printhead switching device moving relative to the external structure as the printer actuator moves. In both cases, the force can be transmitted to the first component 31 via the collision block 313 to drive the first component 31 to move horizontally in the direction LL'.

[0070] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the second nozzle assembly 22 needs to be switched to the second height position z2, the first collision block 3131 on the left is subjected to an external force and transmits the force to the first component 31, thereby driving the first component 31 to move in the horizontal direction LL'.

[0071] The horizontal movement of the first component 31 is converted into the vertical movement of the second component 32 via the sliding fit between the inclined guide groove 41 and the guide pin 42, and drives the second nozzle assembly 22 to descend to the second height position z2.

[0072] When it is necessary to restore the second nozzle assembly 22 from the second height position z2 to the first height position z1, the second collision block 3132 is subjected to an external force, which is transmitted to the first component 31, causing the first component 31 to move in the opposite horizontal direction LL'. Correspondingly, the guide pin 42 slides in the opposite direction along the oblique guide groove 41, driving the second component 32 to move in the vertical direction HH', thereby restoring the second nozzle assembly 22 to the first height position z1.

[0073] Furthermore, combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the ends of the first slide rail 11b and the second slide rail 11c can respectively form a left limiting surface and a right limiting surface, which are used to limit the maximum travel of the first component 31 along the horizontal direction LL', so as to limit the different positions of the first component 31, and respectively correspond to the first height position z1 and the second height position z2 of the second nozzle assembly 22.

[0074] By setting a first collision block 3131 and a second collision block 3132 at both ends of the first component 31, and cooperating with the first slide rail 11b and the second slide rail 11c on the base 1, the collision block 313 can transmit external force to the first component 31 through abutment with the external structure, so as to drive the first component 31 to move in the horizontal direction LL', thereby realizing the switching of the second nozzle assembly 22 between the first height position z1 and the second height position z2, without the need to set an independent drive mechanism inside the nozzle switching device.

[0075] Meanwhile, the first component 31 is guided and its stroke is limited by the first slide rail 11b and the second slide rail 11c, which improves the motion stability and repeatability of the nozzle switching process.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the dimensions of the two extended sections 311 and 312 in the vertical direction HH' are both smaller than the dimensions of the main body of the first component 31 in the vertical direction HH'. That is, the extended sections 311 and 312 form a locally reduced structure relative to the main body of the first component 31.

[0077] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the first component 31 is housed in the horizontal guide groove 11a of the base 1 and forms a sliding fit with the horizontal guide groove 11a; the two side extensions 311 and 312 extend outward from both ends of the horizontal guide groove 11a and extend beyond the outer contour of the base 1.

[0078] In this structure, the main body of the first component 31 mainly undertakes the functions of horizontal guidance and sliding. The extension sections 311 and 312 extend from the main body of the first component 31 to the outside of the base 1 and are used to arrange the collision block 313 outside the base 1 to form a contact part with the external structure.

[0079] The main body of the first component 31 forms a horizontal guiding sliding fit with the horizontal guide groove 11a to achieve stable linear motion of the first component 31 along the horizontal direction LL'. When the collision block 313 comes into contact with the external structure, the external force is transmitted to the first component 31 through the corresponding extension sections 311 and 312, thereby driving the first component 31 to move along the horizontal direction LL'.

[0080] Since the dimensions of the extension sections 311 and 312 in the vertical direction HH' are smaller than the dimensions of the main body of the first component 31, when external forces are transmitted to the first component 31 via the extension sections 311 and 312, the main body of the first component 31 always maintains a stable sliding fit with the horizontal guide groove 11a. This reduces the impact of external forces on the guiding fit accuracy, reduces the off-center load and jamming during the movement of the first component 31, and improves the smoothness of the movement of the first component 31 and the reliability of nozzle switching.

[0081] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, the 3D printer nozzle switching device also includes a slide rail 33, which extends vertically along the direction HH' and is fixed to the base 1 to form a vertical guide engagement with the second component 32.

[0082] Specifically, in combination Figure 9 As shown, the base 1 includes a back plate 12. The back plate 12 has a first groove 121 on the side facing the second component 32. The slide rail 33 is accommodated in the first groove 121 and fixedly connected to the back plate 12.

[0083] The second component 32 includes a first movable block 321 fixedly connected to the second nozzle assembly 22. The first movable block 321 is slidably engaged with the slide rail 33, so that the second component 32 and the second nozzle assembly 22 can move relative to the base 1 in the vertical direction HH'.

[0084] In this embodiment, the slide rail 33 can be a linear guide rail, a dovetail guide rail, or other guide components that can provide vertical guidance; correspondingly, the first movable block 321 can be a slider structure or a guide sleeve structure that matches the slide rail 33, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0085] By setting a slide rail 33 extending vertically HH' on the base 1 and making the second component 32 slide in contact with the slide rail 33, the movement trajectory of the second printhead assembly 22 can be constrained to prevent it from shifting laterally during lifting and lowering. On the other hand, the movement stability and repeatability of the second printhead assembly 22 during switching can be improved, thereby ensuring the reliability of the printing process.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, the second component 32 includes a first movable block 321 and a first slider 322 fixedly connected to the first movable block 321.

[0087] Optionally, combined Figure 10 As shown, the first movable block 321 has a second groove 3211 on the side facing the back plate 12, and the first slider 322 is housed in the second groove 3211 and is fixedly connected to the first movable block 321.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the first slider 322 slides in conjunction with the slide rail 33, enabling the first movable block 321 to reciprocate vertically HH' relative to the base 1 along the extension direction of the slide rail 33.

[0089] The first slider 322 can be a linear slider, a ball slider, a dovetail slider, or other slider that can form a linear guiding fit with the slide rail 33. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0090] Combination Figures 8 to 10 By fixing the slide rail 33 in the first groove 121 of the back plate 12, the slide rail 33 can be positioned and installed, which helps to reduce the installation height of the slide rail 33 relative to the base 1 and improve the overall structural compactness.

[0091] Meanwhile, by setting a second groove 3211 on the first movable block 321 and fixing the first slider 322 in the second groove 3211, the first movable block 321, the first slider 322 and the second nozzle assembly 22 form an integral moving structure.

[0092] Combination Figure 1 As shown, under the action of the oblique guide structure 4 between the first component 31 and the second component 32, the first movable block 321 can move in the vertical direction HH' under the guidance constraint of the slide rail 33, thereby driving the second nozzle assembly 22 to switch positions relative to the first nozzle assembly 21.

[0093] Furthermore, since the movement trajectory of the second component 32 is limited by the slide rail 33, the lateral offset of the second printhead assembly 22 during the switching process can be reduced, and the positional repeatability of the second printhead assembly 22 relative to the first printhead assembly 21 can be improved, which is beneficial to ensuring the printing stability and printing accuracy after printhead switching.

[0094] like Figure 9 As shown, the base 1 has an accommodating space 1a. Combined with... Figure 6 As shown, the second component 32 is disposed in the accommodating space 1a and can slide relative to the base 1 in the vertical direction HH'.

[0095] Optionally, at least two opposite sidewalls of the accommodating space 1a are disposed opposite to the outer sidewall of the second member 32 to restrict the displacement of the second member 32 in the horizontal direction LL', thereby constraining the movement trajectory of the second member 32 so that it only moves in the vertical direction HH'.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the guide pin 42 is fitted with a bearing 43, and the bearing 43 is connected to the oblique guide groove 41 (e.g. Figure 1(As shown) to form a rolling fit or a low-friction sliding fit, in order to reduce frictional resistance during the guiding contact process and improve the smoothness of motion.

[0097] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, the guide pin 42 includes a first shaft 420, one end of which is fixedly connected to the side of the first movable block 321 away from the back plate 12, and the other end passes through the first through hole 111 in the front housing 11 (as shown). Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the bearing 43 is fixedly connected to the inclined guide groove 41, so that the bearing 43 moves synchronously with the first shaft 420.

[0098] Among them, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first through hole 111 penetrates the front housing 11 and is connected to the horizontal guide groove 11a.

[0099] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the bearing 43 is disposed in the inclined guide groove 41 and forms a rolling fit with the groove wall of the inclined guide groove 41, so that the guide pin 42 moves along a predetermined inclined trajectory in the inclined guide groove 41.

[0100] During operation, when the first component 31 is displaced relative to the horizontal direction LL' under the drive of the base 1, the bearing 43 slides relative to the inclined guide groove 41 and transmits the relative motion to the second component 32 through the first shaft 420, thereby driving the second component 32 to be displaced in the vertical direction HH'.

[0101] Furthermore, when the relative movement between the first component 31 and the base 1 is constrained by external limiting conditions, the first component 31, through the guiding fit between the oblique guide groove 41 and the guide pin 42, converts the input movement of the horizontal direction LL' into the output movement of the vertical direction HH' of the second component 32. When the left end of the first component 31 touches the external left limiting point, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 12 As shown, its movement along the horizontal direction LL' is stopped by the external limiting structure.

[0102] At this time, under the contact action between the collision block and the external structure, the base 1 and the first component 31 continue to move relative to each other, causing the first component 31 to have a relative displacement of LL' in the horizontal direction relative to the base 1.

[0103] During this relative displacement process, relative sliding occurs between the bearing 43 and the inclined guide groove 41 along the extension direction of the inclined guide groove 41. Since the inclined guide groove 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction LL', the bearing 43 is guided and constrained by the groove wall of the inclined guide groove 41.

[0104] Simultaneously, the bearing 43 transmits the guiding constraint to the second component 32 via the first shaft 420. Under the vertical guiding constraint of the slide rail 33, the second component 32 can only move in the vertical direction HH', thereby driving the first movable block 321 to move downward along the slide rail 33. Furthermore, the second nozzle assembly 22, fixed to the first movable block 321, simultaneously descends vertically, causing its nozzle position to be lower than the first nozzle assembly 21 and reach... Figure 4 The second height position z2 shown corresponds to the working position of the second nozzle assembly 22.

[0105] Similarly, from Figures 4 to 3 During the process, when the base 1 moves to the right along the horizontal direction LL' under the action of external force, after the second collision block 3132 on the right side of the first component 31 comes into contact with the external structure, the first component 31 stops moving along the horizontal direction LL', and the base 1 continues to move relative to the first component 31.

[0106] At this time, the bearing 43 slides in the opposite direction along the inclined guide groove 41, and drives the first shaft 420 to produce a vertical upward displacement under the guidance and constraint of the slide rail 33, thereby driving the first movable block 321 to rise, so that the second nozzle assembly 22 rises to a position higher than the first nozzle assembly 21, and the first nozzle assembly 21 enters the working position.

[0107] Through the above structural setup, the oblique guiding relationship formed between the oblique guide groove 41 and the bearing 43 is used to convert the relative input motion in the horizontal direction LL' into the output displacement in the vertical direction HH', thereby realizing the purely mechanical height switching between the two nozzles. There is no need to set up a separate motor or electromagnetic drive unit, which reduces the complexity of the system structure and control, improves the consistency and repeatability of the switching action, and reduces the cumulative offset caused by electrical control errors.

[0108] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, the base 1 also includes a first boss 13, which is fixedly mounted on the back plate 12.

[0109] The first nozzle assembly 21 is fixedly disposed on the lower side of the first boss 13 and is rigidly connected to the base 1; the second nozzle assembly 22 is fixedly disposed on the lower side of the first movable block 321 and moves synchronously with the first movable block 321.

[0110] Therefore, when the first movable block 321 moves vertically HH' relative to the base 1 along the slide rail 33, the vertical height position of the second nozzle assembly 22 relative to the first nozzle assembly 21 changes accordingly, thereby realizing selective switching between working nozzles and non-working nozzles.

[0111] like Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the 3D printer nozzle switching device also includes a fixing member 5 and a compression spring 6 fixedly disposed below the base 1.

[0112] The fixing member 5 is disposed in the lower region of the base 1 and forms or is fixedly connected to the bottom support structure of the base 1, for providing a lower end support reference for the compression spring 6. The second member 32 is located above the fixing member 5 and can be guided relative to the base 1 in the vertical direction HH'.

[0113] A compression spring 6 is disposed between the fixing member 5 and the second member 32 to apply a continuous elastic preload to the second member 32 in the vertical direction HH'. Specifically, the lower end of the compression spring 6 abuts against the upper surface of the fixing member 5, and the upper end abuts against the lower surface of the second member 32, thereby forming an axially compressed support structure.

[0114] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, the lower part of the second component 32 is provided with a second boss 323, which protrudes outward relative to the main body of the second component 32 in the vertical direction HH' to form a force transition structure.

[0115] The upper end of the compression spring 6 abuts against the lower surface of the second boss 323, so that the force of the compression spring 6 is transmitted to the main structure of the second component 32 through the second boss 323, thereby avoiding the force of the compression spring 6 from acting directly on the local sliding connection area and improving the uniformity of force and structural stability.

[0116] In the assembled state, the compression spring 6 can always remain in a pre-compressed state, so that it continuously provides elastic restoring force throughout the entire process of the second component 32 moving in the vertical direction HH', and provides stable axial pre-tightening support for the second component 32, thereby improving the positioning stability of the second nozzle assembly 22 at different working height positions.

[0117] In some embodiments, the compression spring 6 is a helical compression spring, but it is not limited to this; it can also be a disc spring, a wave spring, or other elastic element capable of providing axial elastic preload.

[0118] Furthermore, the compression spring 6 and the oblique guide structure 4 (such as...) Figure 1 (As shown) Synergistic effect.

[0119] like Figure 3 As shown, at the first height position z1, the second nozzle assembly 22 is in a high position, and the first nozzle assembly 21 is in a working position. At this time, the guide pin 42 is located in the high end region of the inclined guide groove 41, the compression spring 6 maintains the first pre-compression amount, and continuously applies an elastic pre-tightening force to the second component 32 in a direction away from the fixing member 5.

[0120] At this time, the compression spring 6 applies an elastic force to the second component 32 toward the direction away from the fixing member 5. This elastic force is transmitted to the guide pin 42 through the second component 32, so that the guide pin 42 continuously abuts against the corresponding groove wall of the inclined guide groove 41, thereby maintaining a stable pressurized contact state between the guide pin 42 and the inclined guide groove 41.

[0121] In this state, the elastic force provided by the compression spring 6 is greater than the weight of the second nozzle assembly 22 and the second component 32, so that the second nozzle assembly 22 is stably maintained at a high position, thus being higher than the first nozzle assembly 21, achieving spatial avoidance in the non-working position.

[0122] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the first component 31 and the base 1 are relatively displaced in the horizontal direction LL', the guide pin 42 slides relative to each other in the inclined guide groove 41, and drives the first movable block 321 and the second component 32 to move downward in the vertical direction HH', so that the second nozzle assembly 22 switches from the first height position z1 to the second height position z2.

[0123] During the downward movement of the second component 32, the compression spring 6 is compressed, and its compression gradually increases, resulting in a continuous accumulation of elastic potential energy. As the compression of the compression spring 6 increases, the elastic force it applies to the second component 32 also increases. This elastic force acts on the guide pin 42 via the first movable block 321, ensuring that the guide pin 42 remains in contact with the wall of the inclined guide groove 41 and assisting the guide pin 42 in sliding stably along the inclined guide groove 41 towards the lower end. This ensures that the second nozzle assembly 22 can continuously and smoothly move downward to the second height position z2.

[0124] That is, the preload provided by the compression spring 6 maintains a stable pressurized contact relationship between the inclined guide groove 41 and the guide pin 42, thereby reducing motion jitter or impact deviation caused by changes in clearance.

[0125] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the end of the oblique guide groove 41 is provided with a slot 410 for forming a positioning and retaining structure for the guide pin 42.

[0126] Specifically, the slot portion 410 is disposed in the lower end region of the inclined guide groove 41 along its extension direction, the lower end being a position closer to the second nozzle assembly 22 relative to the vertical direction HH'. The slot portion 410 can be a partially recessed structure, a groove width expansion structure, or a limiting groove segment with locally enlarged geometric dimensions, used to change the contact force state of the guide pin 42 when it moves to this position, so that the guide pin 42 enters a stable positioning and holding state.

[0127] As the guide pin 42 moves relative to the base 1 with the second component 32, when it moves to the lower end region of the inclined guide groove 41, it gradually approaches the slot 410 under the guiding action of the inclined guide groove 41.

[0128] During this process, the compression spring 6 continuously provides axial elastic preload to the second component 32, so that the guide pin 42 always abuts against the groove wall of the inclined guide groove 41 and maintains a stable guiding contact state when entering the end region of the inclined guide groove 41.

[0129] When the guide pin 42 moves to the lower end region of the inclined guide groove 41, it corresponds to the second component 32 moving to the second height position z2, the bottom end of the second nozzle assembly 22 is lower than the bottom end of the first nozzle assembly 21, and enters the working position.

[0130] At this time, the guide pin 42 corresponds to the slot 410. Since the compression spring 6 has been further compressed and stored a large elastic potential energy, when the guide pin 42 moves to the entrance position of the slot 410, the compression spring 6 partially recovers its elasticity, and the released elastic force pushes the second component 32 upward to pre-tighten, so that the guide pin 42 enters the slot 410 and forms a stable positioning and holding state.

[0131] After the guide pin 42 enters the slot 410, the compression spring 6 remains compressed, with a compression amount greater than that at the first height position z1, and continuously provides preload to the guide pin 42, so that the guide pin 42 is stably held in the slot 410, preventing it from dislodging from the slot 410 due to vibration or inertia, thereby improving the stability of the working position of the second nozzle assembly 22.

[0132] When the base 1 continues to move relative to the first component 31 in the opposite direction, the guide pin 42 gradually disengages from the slot 410 under the guidance of the oblique guide groove 41 and re-enters the main guide area of ​​the oblique guide groove 41, thereby releasing the positioning and holding state, driving the second component 32 to move upward, so that the second nozzle assembly 22 returns from the second height position z2 to the first height position z1.

[0133] Through the above structural design, the compression spring 6 sequentially completes pre-tensioning, energy storage and force amplification, and energy release and locking during the nozzle switching process. It works in conjunction with the inclined guide groove 41 and the slot 410 to reliably switch the second nozzle assembly 22 between different stable working positions and maintain its positioning. This reduces position drift caused by structural gaps, vibration or impact, and improves the nozzle switching accuracy, positioning stability and operational reliability during the 3D printing process.

[0134] In some implementations, such as Figure 11 and Figure 13As shown, a columnar member 51 is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the fixing member 5, and the columnar member 51 extends vertically toward the second member 32. The compression spring 6 is sleeved around the columnar member 51 and is in a compressed installation state along the axial direction of the columnar member 51.

[0135] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the bottom of the second boss 323 of the second component 32 is provided with a mating hole 32a corresponding to the columnar component 51.

[0136] Combination Figure 13 As shown, the top end of the columnar member 51 extends into the mating hole 32a and forms a sliding guide fit with the mating hole 32a in the vertical direction HH', so that the second member 32 can reciprocate relative to the columnar member 51 in the vertical direction HH'.

[0137] By setting the mating structure between the columnar member 51 and the mating hole 32a, on the one hand, the columnar member 51 forms a radial limit on the compression spring 6, restricting the compression spring 6 from bending, lateral deviation, or unstable deformation during compression and rebound, thus maintaining the compression spring 6 in a stable axial force state. On the other hand, the columnar member 51 and the mating hole 32a form an auxiliary guide, enabling the second component 32 to maintain a stable posture during vertical HH' movement, reducing lateral offset or tilting, thereby further improving the stability and repeatability of the lifting and lowering movement of the second nozzle assembly 22.

[0138] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the above structures are not independent of each other, but together they form a nozzle position switching system based on a purely mechanical constraint relationship through the synergistic effect of the oblique guide structure 4, the vertical guide structure and the compression spring 6.

[0139] Through the above structural cooperation, the horizontal movement of the first component 31 can be stably and repeatedly converted into the vertical displacement of the second component 32 and the second nozzle assembly 22, and a stable dual-position holding state is formed under the joint action of the slot 410 and the compression spring 6, thereby realizing the reliable switching of the nozzle between the working position and the avoidance position.

[0140] Compared with existing technologies that rely on independent drive motors or complex electronic control switching mechanisms, this implementation method achieves motion conversion and state maintenance through mechanical geometric constraints, which significantly simplifies the drive structure, reduces system weight and control complexity, and reduces position deviations caused by electronic control errors or drive response delays, thereby improving the repeatability of printhead switching and the stability of the printing process.

[0141] This nozzle switching device is suitable for dual-nozzle or multi-nozzle 3D printing equipment, and is especially suitable for printing scenarios that require frequent nozzle height switching and have high requirements for nozzle avoidance accuracy and structural stability, such as multi-material composite printing, soluble support material printing, and high-precision model printing.

[0142] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification and in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printer nozzle switching device, characterized in that, include: Base (1); A first nozzle assembly (21) is fixedly installed below the base (1); The first component (31) forms a horizontal guiding sliding fit with the base (1); The second nozzle assembly (22) is located below the base (1); The second component (32) is disposed at the top of the second nozzle assembly (22) and forms a vertical guide fit with the base (1). The second nozzle assembly (22) is fixedly disposed on the second component (32). An oblique guide groove (41) is provided in one of the first component (31) and the second component (32), and a guide pin (42) is provided in the other component. The guide pin (42) extends into the oblique guide groove (41) and slides in cooperation with the oblique guide groove (41). The inclined guide groove (41) is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, so as to convert the horizontal movement of the first component (31) into the vertical movement of the second component (32) and the second nozzle assembly (22) by the relative sliding of the guide pin (42) along the inclined guide groove (41); The second nozzle assembly (22) has a first height position and a second height position; At the first height position, the bottom end of the second nozzle assembly (22) is higher than the bottom end of the first nozzle assembly (21); At the second height position, the bottom end of the second nozzle assembly (22) is lower than the bottom end of the first nozzle assembly (21).

2. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oblique guide groove (41) is formed on the first component (31), and the guide pin (42) is disposed on the second component (32).

3. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The base (1) includes a front housing (11), the front housing (11) is provided with a horizontal guide groove (11a), and the first component (31) is housed in the horizontal guide groove (11a) and forms a horizontal guide sliding fit with the horizontal guide groove (11a).

4. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first component (31) has extension sections (311, 312) at both ends along the horizontal direction. The base (1) is provided with slides (11b, 11c) that are respectively connected to both ends of the horizontal guide groove (11a), and the extension section (311, 312) slides in cooperation with the corresponding slides (11b, 11c). The free ends of the extension sections (311, 312) extend out of the outer contour range of the base (1) respectively, and are respectively provided with collision blocks (313). The collision block (313) is configured to abut against an external structure to cause the first member (31) to move along the horizontal direction.

5. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The slide rail (33) extends vertically and is fixed to the base (1); The second component (32) is slidably nested with the slide rail (33).

6. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixing member (5) is fixedly installed below the base (1); A compression spring (6) is sandwiched between the fixing member (5) and the second member (32) and is configured to provide the second member (32) with an elastic preload toward the fixing member (5).

7. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A columnar member (51) is provided between the fixing member (5) and the second component (32); The columnar member (51) is fixed to one of the fixing member (5) and the second member (32), and extends into the mating hole (32a) opened on the other of the fixing member (5) and the second member (32); The compression spring (6) is sleeved around the columnar member (51).

8. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The oblique guide groove (41) is connected to a slot (410) at the end near the second nozzle assembly (22) in the vertical direction. When the guide pin (42) is received in the slot (410), the compression spring (6) is configured to provide an elastic preload in the vertical direction to form a positioning hold for the second nozzle assembly (22) in the corresponding vertical position.

9. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A bearing (43) is fitted on the guide pin (42), and the bearing (43) slides in conjunction with the oblique guide groove (41).

10. The 3D printer nozzle switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) has a accommodating space (1a) extending in a vertical direction, and the second member (32) is accommodated in the accommodating space (1a) and forms a vertical guide sliding fit with the accommodating space (1a).

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