A clay 3D printer

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and provides a pottery clay 3D printer, which comprises an XYZ three-axis module, a printing nozzle, an extrusion device and a controller, the printing nozzle is fixed on the XYZ three-axis module, the XYZ three-axis module is used for driving the printing nozzle to displace, the extrusion device is provided with a pottery clay tank, and the pottery clay tank is connected with the printing nozzle in one-to-one correspondence. The controller is in communication connection with the printing nozzle, two first motors and a second motor of the extrusion device and the XYZ three-axis module respectively, and is used for controlling whether the first printing machine works and a rotating speed, a rotating angle of the second motor and the XYZ three-axis module. The application can solve the problems of large noise, large volume and high cost of traditional pottery clay printing feeding, and realizes miniaturization, low noise and high printing accuracy and efficiency of the equipment through mechanical extrusion, cam control of the printing nozzle and integrated electric control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of 3D printing technology and provides a clay 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] A clay 3D printer is a device that uses clay as the printing material to create ceramic vessels or artworks of various shapes and textures through three-dimensional printing technology. For low-cost introductory, teaching, and personal creation scenarios, most existing clay printers use pneumatic feeding.

[0003] Pneumatic feeding typically utilizes an air compressor to generate compressed air, which is then delivered to a storage tank or feeding cylinder via an air circuit system. In the storage tank, the compressed air acts on the clay, generating pressure that propels the clay towards the extruder or nozzle. However, when creating ceramic vessels or artworks with complex shapes and intricate textures, precise extrusion rates are crucial. Due to the inherent compressibility of gas, under open-loop constant air supply conditions, the volume of the enclosed space where the gas acts continuously and dynamically increases as the clay is extruded. According to the ideal gas law, a constant unit-time air supply cannot maintain a stable air pressure within the continuously changing volume. The air pressure decreases non-linearly as the volume expands, causing the extrusion plate's advance speed and the clay extrusion rate per unit air supply to become inconsistent. A stable linear relationship cannot be established between the air supply and the clay extrusion rate, ultimately resulting in inaccurate extrusion control. This leads to distorted shapes, blurred textures, and an inability to reproduce the designed details. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a clay 3D printer that can precisely control the screw feed speed and, in conjunction with the unified and coordinated control of the controller, ensures the clay extrusion volume.

[0005] This invention provides an extrusion apparatus, comprising: Connecting plate.

[0006] The driving component includes a first motor and a rotating shaft. The first motor is fixed to one side of the connecting plate. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to the first motor, and the other end extends to the other side of the connecting plate. A drive wheel is provided on the rotating shaft.

[0007] The extrusion assembly includes a mounting component, a lead screw assembly, a bearing, and a driven wheel. The mounting component is fixed to a connecting plate for mounting a clay pot. The bearing is embedded in the connecting plate. The nut of the lead screw assembly is fixed to the inner side of the bearing. The driven wheel is fixedly connected to the nut. One end of the lead screw assembly is connected to the extrusion plate of the clay pot for extruding the extrusion plate of the clay pot. The driven wheel is connected to the driving wheel via a chain.

[0008] Furthermore, there are two extrusion components, the driven wheel is a flywheel, and there are two driving wheels. The two driving wheels are connected to the driven wheels one-to-one via chains; wherein, one driving component and two extrusion components constitute a set of driving components.

[0009] Furthermore, the drive components are in two sets.

[0010] Furthermore, a speed reducer is provided between the first motor and the rotating shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, a snap-fit ​​assembly is provided between the screw and the extrusion plate, the snap-fit ​​assembly comprising: The base is fixed to the extrusion plate, and the base is grooved, with the groove being plum blossom-shaped.

[0012] A clip is fixed on the screw. The clip is shaped like a plum blossom and matches the groove.

[0013] The present invention also provides a printhead, comprising: The U-shaped support frame has grooves on both sides along the height direction.

[0014] The second motor is fixed to the upper end of the support frame, and a cam is provided on the output shaft of the second motor.

[0015] A printing component includes a slider and a print head, wherein the slider is slidably connected to a groove and the print head is fixed on the slider.

[0016] The elastic element has one end connected to the upper end of the support frame and the other end connected to the slider.

[0017] The second motor drives the cam to rotate. When the cam comes into contact with the slider, it causes the slider to move downward, thereby bringing the print head to the printing height. When the cam separates from the slider, the elastic element causes the slider to move upward, thereby resetting the print head.

[0018] Furthermore, the second motor is a dual-head motor, and cams are provided on both output shafts of the second motor, with the two cams facing each other along the height direction; two sliding grooves are provided on opposite sides of the support frame; and four printing components are connected to the sliding grooves one by one.

[0019] Furthermore, the upper end of the slider is provided with a roller.

[0020] Furthermore, the elastic element is a spring.

[0021] The present invention also provides a clay 3D printer, comprising: XYZ three-axis module.

[0022] A print head, which is fixed on an XYZ three-axis module, is used to drive the print head to move.

[0023] An extrusion device is provided, on which clay pots are mounted, and each clay pot is connected to a print head in a corresponding manner.

[0024] The controller is communicatively connected to two first motors, a second motor, and an XYZ three-axis module. The controller is used to control whether the first printer is working and its speed, control the rotation angle of the second motor, and control the XYZ three-axis module.

[0025] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: During operation, the controller coordinates and controls the first motor and the XYZ three-axis module. The first motor drives the rotating shaft on one side of the connecting plate, which in turn drives the drive wheel to rotate. Through chain transmission, the drive wheel rotates synchronously. The drive wheel drives the screw assembly nut, which is fixed to it, to rotate within the bearing embedded in the connecting plate. This converts the rotational motion into the linear motion of the screw assembly screw, which pushes the extrusion plate of the clay pot to mechanically extrude the clay to the printing nozzle. At the same time, the XYZ three-axis module moves the printing nozzle to complete the printing operation. This solution replaces the traditional feeding method with a purely mechanical extrusion feeding method, eliminating the need for a large-volume air pump and a customized worm gear reducer. This not only eliminates the operating noise of pneumatic feeding and reduces the size of the equipment, but also lowers the manufacturing cost. In addition, the first motor is a servo motor, which can precisely control the screw feed speed. Combined with the unified and coordinated control of the controller, this ensures the clay extrusion volume. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a 3D printer.

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the extrusion device Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the extrusion device Figure 2 .

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the printing device structure Figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the printing device structure Figure 2 .

[0032] Figure label: 1. Connecting plate; 2. First motor; 3. Drive wheel; 4. Mounting component; 5. Bearing; 6. Driven wheel; 7. Nut; 8. Screw; 9. Clay pot; 10. Extrusion plate; 11. Reducer; 12. Base; 13. Clamp; 14. Support frame; 15. Slide groove; 16. Second motor; 17. Cam; 18. Slider; 19. Print head; 20. Elastic element; 21. Roller; 22. XYZ three-axis module; 23. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following detailed description of a specific embodiment of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the present invention provides an extrusion apparatus, comprising: Connecting plate 1.

[0037] The driving component includes a first motor 2 and a rotating shaft. The first motor 2 is fixed to one side of the connecting plate 1. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to the first motor 2, and the other end extends to the other side of the connecting plate 1. The rotating shaft is provided with a drive wheel 3.

[0038] The extrusion assembly includes a mounting component 4, a lead screw assembly, a bearing 5, and a driven wheel 6. The mounting component 4 is fixed on the connecting plate 1 and is used to install the clay pot 9. The bearing 5 is embedded in the connecting plate 1. The nut 7 of the lead screw assembly is fixed inside the bearing 5. The driven wheel 6 is fixedly connected to the nut 7. One end of the screw 8 of the lead screw assembly is connected to the extrusion plate 10 of the clay pot 9 and is used to extrude the extrusion plate 10 of the clay pot 9. The driven wheel 6 is connected to the driving wheel 3 via a chain.

[0039] The first motor 2 is fixed to one side of the connecting plate 1 and connected to the rotating shaft. The motor drives the rotating shaft to rotate the drive wheel 3, which in turn drives the driven wheel 6 to rotate via a chain. The driven wheel 6 is fixedly connected to the screw assembly nut 7 embedded in the bearing 5 inside the connecting plate 1. The nut 7 rotates with the driven wheel 6, converting the rotational motion into the linear motion of the screw assembly screw 8. The screw 8 pushes the extrusion plate 10 of the clay jar 9 to achieve clay extrusion. The mounting part 4 is fixed on the connecting plate 1 to provide mounting support for the clay jar 9, and the bearing 5 provides support for the rotation of the nut 7 and ensures coaxiality. Through the chain transmission driven by the motor and the screw assembly, the mechanical extrusion of clay is stably achieved, replacing the traditional pneumatic feeding and worm gear reducer 11 feeding methods, reducing equipment noise and size. The extrusion transmission structure is simple and has high transmission efficiency.

[0040] In the embodiments provided by the present invention, there are two extrusion components, the driven wheel 6 is a flywheel (referring to the rear wheel gear of a bicycle), and there are two drive wheels 3. The two drive wheels 3 are connected to the driven wheel 6 one-to-one via a chain; wherein, one driving component and two extrusion components constitute a set of driving components.

[0041] Two extrusion components are configured, each with a corresponding drive wheel 3. The two drive wheels 3 on the rotating shaft of a single drive unit are connected to the driven wheels 6 (flywheels) of the two extrusion components via chains. When the first motor 2 drives the rotating shaft to rotate forward, it drives the lead screw assembly of the first extrusion component, while the lead screw assembly of the second extrusion component does not push the extrusion plate 10 of the clay pot 9. This achieves extrusion control of two clay pots 9 by a single drive unit. A single drive unit adapts to dual extrusion components, reducing the number of drive components, simplifying the equipment structure, and lowering manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, it achieves extrusion control of two clay pots 9, providing a foundation for multi-color / multi-material clay printing.

[0042] In the embodiments provided by this invention, the driving components are in multiple sets, preferably two sets. Each set of driving components consists of one driving element and two extrusion components. The two sets of driving components work together to achieve independent extrusion control of up to four clay pots 9, meeting the needs of printing clay with more colors / materials. By combining multiple sets of driving components, flexible extrusion control of multiple clay pots 9 is achieved, adapting to the needs of multi-color and multi-material clay 3D printing. Moreover, each set of components works independently, making printing switching more flexible.

[0043] In the embodiments provided by the present invention, a speed reducer 11 is provided between the first motor 2 and the rotating shaft.

[0044] A speed reducer 11 is added between the first motor 2 and the rotating shaft. The high-speed, low-torque power output from the first motor 2 is reduced and amplified by the speed reducer 11 before being transmitted to the rotating shaft. This power is then transmitted to the lead screw assembly via a subsequent transmission structure, ensuring sufficient extrusion force when the screw 8 pushes the extrusion plate 10, meeting the extrusion requirements of high-viscosity clay. The speed reducer 11 reduces and amplifies the power, providing sufficient extrusion force for clay extrusion and ensuring the smooth extrusion of high-viscosity clay. Simultaneously, it reduces the rotational speed of the rotating shaft and subsequent transmission components, minimizing component wear and improving the equipment's transmission stability and service life.

[0045] In the embodiments provided by the present invention, a snap-fit ​​assembly is provided between the screw 8 and the extrusion plate 10, the snap-fit ​​assembly comprising: The base 12 is fixed on the extrusion plate 10. The base 12 is grooved and the groove is plum blossom-shaped.

[0046] The clip 13 is fixed on the screw 8. The clip 13 is shaped like a plum blossom and matches the groove.

[0047] A snap-fit ​​assembly consisting of a base 12 with a plum blossom-shaped groove and a plum blossom-shaped clamp 13 is provided between the screw 8 and the extrusion plate 10. The base 12 is fixed to the extrusion plate 10, and the clamp 13 is fixed to the screw 8. The clamp 13 precisely matches and snaps into the groove. When the screw 8 moves linearly, the snap-fit ​​force pushes the base 12 and the extrusion plate 10 to move synchronously, realizing the extrusion of clay. At the same time, the plum blossom-shaped snap-fit ​​structure can restrict the relative rotation between the screw 8 and the extrusion plate 10. The plum blossom-shaped snap-fit ​​assembly enables the screw 8 and the extrusion plate 10 to connect quickly and accurately, transmitting extrusion force while restricting relative rotation, ensuring the stability of the extrusion transmission. Moreover, the snap-fit ​​structure is easy to disassemble and assemble, facilitating the replacement of the clay tank 9 and the maintenance and repair of the equipment.

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also provides a printhead, comprising: The support frame 14 is U-shaped, and the two side walls of the support frame 14 are provided with sliding grooves 15 along the height direction.

[0049] The second motor 16 is fixed to the upper end of the support frame 14, and the output shaft of the second motor 16 is provided with a cam 17.

[0050] The printing component includes a slider 18 and a print head 19, wherein the slider 18 is slidably connected to a groove 15 and the print head 19 is fixed on the slider.

[0051] The elastic element 20 has one end connected to the upper end of the support frame 14 and the other end connected to the slider 18.

[0052] The second motor 16 drives the cam 17 to rotate. When the cam 17 abuts against the slider 18, the slider 18 moves downward, thereby causing the print head 19 to reach the printing height. When the cam 17 separates from the slider 18, the elastic element 20 drives the slider 18 to move upward, thereby causing the print head 19 to reset.

[0053] The second motor 16 is fixed to the upper end of the U-shaped support frame 14 and drives the cam 17 to rotate. The slider 18 of the printing component is slidably connected to the slide groove 15 on the side wall of the support frame 14. The two ends of the elastic element 20 are respectively connected to the upper end of the support frame 14 and the slider 18. When the cam 17 rotates to abut against the slider 18, it pushes the slider 18 to move downward along the slide groove 15, driving the print head 19 to the printing height for printing. When the cam 17 separates from the slider 18, the reset force of the elastic element 20 pulls the slider 18 to move upward along the slide groove 15, driving the print head 19 to return to the initial position. The lifting and lowering control of the print head 19 is achieved through the cooperation of the cam 17 and the elastic element 20. The mechanical structure is simple, the response speed is fast, and the lifting and lowering positioning of the print head 19 is accurate. There is no need for a complex electronic lifting structure, which reduces the electronic control complexity and manufacturing cost of the equipment.

[0054] In the embodiment provided by the present invention, the second motor 16 is a dual-head motor, and cams 17 are provided on both output shafts of the second motor 16, and the two cams 17 are arranged facing each other along the height direction; two slide grooves 15 are provided on opposite sides of the support frame 14; there are four printing components, which are connected to the slide grooves 15 one by one.

[0055] A dual-head second motor 16 is used, with cams 17 on both output shafts, and the two cams 17 are arranged facing each other along the height direction. A U-shaped support frame 14 has two sliding grooves 15 on each opposite side. The sliders 18 of the four printing components are slidably connected to the four sliding grooves 15 respectively. The dual-head motor drives the two cams 17 to rotate synchronously. Utilizing the contours of the facing cams 17, the sliders 18 on different sliding grooves 15 are raised and lowered independently, realizing the independent raising and lowering and printing switching of the four printheads 19. The single / dual-head motor achieves the raising and lowering control of the four printheads 19, simplifying the drive structure for printhead switching, reducing the number of motors used, lowering the equipment size and manufacturing cost. The four printheads 19 are suitable for multi-color / multi-material clay printing, improving printing diversity and efficiency.

[0056] In the embodiment provided by the present invention, a roller 21 is provided at the upper end of the slider 18. With the roller 21 at the upper end of the slider 18, when the cam 17 rotates and abuts against the slider 18, rolling friction is formed between the cam 17 and the roller 21, replacing the direct sliding friction between the cam 17 and the slider 18, thus driving the slider 18 to rise and fall along the slide groove 15. The roller 21 transforms sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing the frictional resistance and component wear between the cam 17 and the slider 18, reducing equipment operating noise, improving the transmission efficiency of the cam 17 drive and the service life of components, while ensuring the smoothness of the slider 18's rise and fall.

[0057] In the embodiments provided by this invention, the elastic element 20 is a spring. Using a spring as the elastic element 20, one end of the spring is connected to the upper end of the support frame 14, and the other end is connected to the slider 18. When the cam 17 pushes the slider 18 downwards, the spring is stretched and undergoes elastic deformation. When the cam 17 separates from the slider 18, the elastic restoring force of the spring pulls the slider 18 upwards, thereby resetting the printhead 19. The spring as the elastic element 20 has the characteristics of good elasticity, stable reset force, simple structure, and low cost. It can ensure the accuracy and stability of the printhead 19's reset, and the spring is wear-resistant and has a long service life, eliminating the need for frequent replacement and reducing equipment maintenance costs.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention also provides a clay 3D printer, comprising: XYZ three-axis module 22.

[0059] A print head is fixed on an XYZ three-axis module 22, which is used to drive the print head to move.

[0060] An extrusion device is provided, on which clay pots 9 are installed. Each clay pot 9 is connected to a print head 19 in a corresponding manner. The connecting pipes are not shown in the figure.

[0061] The controller 23 is communicatively connected to two first motors 2, a second motor 16, and an XYZ three-axis module 22. The controller 23 is used to control whether the first printer is working and its speed, control the rotation angle of the second motor 16, and control the XYZ three-axis module 22.

[0062] The print head is fixed on the XYZ three-axis module 22, which drives the printing device to achieve three-dimensional spatial displacement. The clay tank 9 of the extrusion device corresponds one-to-one with the print head 19, providing clay raw materials to the print head 19. The controller 23 is communicatively connected to the two first motors 2, the second motor 16, and the XYZ three-axis module 22, respectively, to uniformly control the start, stop, and speed of the first motor 2 to adjust the clay extrusion volume, control the rotation angle of the second motor 16 to realize the lifting and switching of the print head 19, and control the displacement of the XYZ three-axis module 22 to achieve the three-dimensional printing of clay. It realizes integrated electronic control of clay extrusion, printing head 19 lifting and switching, and three-dimensional displacement. The components work together with high precision, resulting in good printing effect. It is suitable for multi-color / multi-material clay 3D printing needs. The equipment has a high degree of automation and is easy to operate. At the same time, the overall equipment structure has been optimized, resulting in a smaller size and lower noise. Compared with traditional equipment, it significantly shortens the clay production process and improves printing efficiency.

[0063] It should be noted that any parts not disclosed or specifically described in this invention are existing technology or conventional configurations, and their specific structures and working principles will not be elaborated further. In this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. It can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. Other modifications can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and examples shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A clay 3D printer, characterized in that, include: XYZ three-axis module; The print head is fixed on the XYZ three-axis module, which is used to drive the print head to move. An extrusion device includes a connecting plate, a driving component, and an extrusion assembly. The driving component includes a first motor and a rotating shaft. The first motor is fixed to one side of the connecting plate. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to the first motor, and the other end extends to the other side of the connecting plate. A drive wheel is provided on the rotating shaft. The extrusion assembly includes a mounting component, a lead screw assembly, a bearing, and a driven wheel. The mounting component is fixed to the connecting plate and is used to mount a clay pot. The bearing is embedded in the connecting plate. The nut of the lead screw assembly is fixed to the inner side of the bearing. The driven wheel is fixedly connected to the nut. One end of the lead screw assembly is connected to the extrusion plate of the clay pot and is used to extrude the extrusion plate of the clay pot. The driven wheel is connected to the drive wheel via a chain. The clay pot is connected to a printhead. The controller is communicatively connected to the first motor and the XYZ three-axis module. The controller is used to control whether the first printer is working and its speed, and to control the XYZ three-axis module.

2. A clay 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two extrusion components, the driven wheel is a flywheel, and there are two driving wheels. The two driving wheels are connected to the driven wheels one-to-one by chains. One driving component and two extrusion components constitute a set of driving components.

3. A clay 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two extrusion components and two sets of driving components.

4. A clay 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are two extrusion components, and a speed reducer is provided between the first motor and the rotating shaft.

5. A clay 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion components are two in number, and a locking assembly is provided between the screw and the extrusion plate. The locking assembly includes: A base is fixed to the extrusion plate, and the base is grooved, with the groove in the shape of a plum blossom. A clip is fixed on the screw. The clip is shaped like a plum blossom and matches the groove.

6. A clay 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead includes: A U-shaped support frame, wherein the two side walls of the support frame are provided with sliding grooves along the height direction; The second motor is fixed to the upper end of the support frame, and a cam is provided on the output shaft of the second motor; A printing component includes a slider and a print head, wherein the slider is slidably connected to a groove and the print head is fixed on the slider; The elastic element has one end connected to the upper end of the support frame and the other end connected to the slider; The second motor drives the cam to rotate. When the cam comes into contact with the slider, it causes the slider to move downward, thereby bringing the print head to the printing height. When the cam separates from the slider, the elastic element causes the slider to move upward, thereby resetting the print head.

7. A clay 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second motor is a dual-head motor, and cams are provided on both output shafts of the second motor, and the two cams are arranged facing each other along the height direction; The support frame has two sliding grooves on its opposite sides; There are four printing components, each connected to a corresponding slide groove.

8. A clay 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The slider is equipped with a roller at its upper end.

9. A clay 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring.

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