Ink supply system and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model provides an ink supply system and a 3D printer, and relates to the technical field of 3D printers. The ink supply system comprises a nozzle, a suction system, a switching valve, a control system and at least two groups of ink supply devices; the two ink supply devices are connected in parallel and connected with the inlet end of the switching valve, the two ink supply devices, the switching valve, the suction system and the nozzle are connected in sequence, the control system is electrically connected with the switching valve, and the control system can control the switching valve to conduct position switching. The utility model further provides a 3D printer which comprises a machine shell and the ink supply system, the machine shell is provided with a containing cavity, the ink supply system comprises a suction system and at least two sets of ink supply devices connected with the suction system, the suction system is arranged in the containing cavity, and the at least two sets of ink supply devices are arranged on the outer wall of the machine shell. According to the ink supply system and the 3D printer provided by the utility model, the technical problems of low continuity, low printing quality and poor precision of the 3D printer in the prior art are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printers, in particular to an ink supply system and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of printing technology, 3D printing technology that can print three-dimensional objects has been increasingly used. Currently, the technology has been used in personalized products, mold manufacturing, industrial design, and printing of biological organs.

[0003] In existing 3D printing technology, the configuration of the nozzle and the ink supply system is a one-to-one mode, that is, each nozzle is only connected to a fixed-capacity ink cartridge. When printing large models, this configuration may lead to significant limitations. Specifically, if the consumables in the ink cartridge are not enough to complete the entire printing process, the operator needs to pause the machine halfway and open the machine cover to add consumables or replace the ink cartridge. In this process, not only is the production efficiency seriously affected, but the printed part of the model may also be affected by curing due to exposure to natural light, thereby affecting the final printing quality and accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an ink supply system and a 3D printer to solve the key problems faced by current technologies when printing large models. Specifically, when the consumables in the ink cartridge are not enough to support the entire printing process, the traditional method often requires the operator to pause the machine midway, which not only reduces production efficiency, but also may have an adverse effect on the quality and accuracy of printing. The ink supply system and 3D printer of the utility model can significantly reduce such interruptions, ensure the continuity and efficiency of printing operations, and thus greatly improve the quality and accuracy of printing.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution provided by the utility model is:

[0006] The utility model provides an ink supply system, which includes a nozzle, a suction system, a switching valve, a control system and at least two groups of ink supply devices; the two groups of ink supply devices are connected in parallel and connected to the inlet end of the switching valve, along the flow direction of the consumables of the ink supply system, the two groups of ink supply devices, the switching valve, the suction system and the nozzle are connected in sequence, the control system is electrically connected to the switching valve, and the control system can control the switching valve to switch positions;

[0007] The control system is configured to:

[0008] In the first position, the inlet end of the switching valve is connected to a group of the ink supply devices;

[0009] In the second position, the inlet end of the switching valve is connected to another group of the ink supply devices.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ink supply device includes an ink cartridge having an air end and a liquid end, and sealing rings and fixing rings are provided on the air end and the liquid end in a direction away from the ink cartridge, the fixing ring abuts against the sealing ring, and the sealing ring abuts against the ink cartridge.

[0011] Furthermore, the ink cartridge has a liquid filling port, a cartridge cover capable of covering or opening the liquid filling port is disposed on the top of the liquid filling port, a storage chip for storing information is disposed on the ink cartridge cover, and the storage chip is electrically connected to the control system.

[0012] Furthermore, the suction system includes a liquid pump, one end of the liquid pump is connected to the outlet end of the switching valve, and the other end of the liquid pump is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle and the liquid pump are both electrically connected to the control system.

[0013] Furthermore, the suction system also includes a secondary ink cartridge, which is arranged between the nozzle and the liquid pump, one end of the secondary ink cartridge is connected to the liquid pump, the other end of the secondary ink cartridge is connected to the nozzle, and the secondary ink cartridge is electrically connected to the control system.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, the technical effects that can be achieved by the present invention are analyzed as follows:

[0015] The ink supply system provided by the utility model can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices through the electrical connection between the control system and the switching valve, avoiding the technical problem that when the consumables in the ink cartridge are not enough to support the entire printing process, the machine is suspended in the middle, which has an adverse effect on the printing quality and accuracy. The ink supply system of the utility model can significantly reduce such interruptions, ensure the continuity and efficiency of the printing operation, and thus greatly improve the printing quality and accuracy;

[0016] At the same time, the control system can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices. The two sets of ink supply devices are connected in parallel. When replacing, it will not affect the printing action, so that quick replacement can be easily achieved, which greatly improves the efficiency of printing operations;

[0017] There is no need to manually switch the connection of the ink cartridge or adjust the complex mechanical structure. The ink supply device can be automatically switched by issuing instructions through the control system, which simplifies the operation process and reduces the difficulty of use. Since the switching process is automated, the need for manual intervention is reduced, thus saving operation time and improving work efficiency.

[0018] The utility model also provides a 3D printer, which includes a casing and the above-mentioned ink supply system, wherein the casing has a accommodating cavity, and the ink supply system includes a suction system and at least two groups of ink supply devices connected to the suction system, wherein the suction system is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and at least two groups of the ink supply devices are arranged on the outer wall of the casing.

[0019] Furthermore, the ink supply device includes an ink cartridge holder and an ink cartridge detachably connected to the ink cartridge holder, and the ink cartridge holder is mounted on the outer wall of the casing.

[0020] Furthermore, the ink cartridge holder comprises an inclined portion and a vertical portion, and an axis of the inclined portion is arranged at an angle to a horizontal line, and the angle is α, 0°<α<90°.

[0021] Furthermore, the ink cartridge has an air end and a liquid end, and the ink cartridge holder is provided with an air pipe holder;

[0022] The suction system includes an airway tube, a first docking needle and a second docking needle. The airway tube is inserted into the airway fixing seat, one end of the first docking needle is connected to the gas end, and the other end of the first docking needle is connected to the airway tube. A ventilation one-way valve is provided at the other end of the airway tube away from the ink cartridge, and both ends of the second docking needle are respectively connected to the liquid end and the switching valve.

[0023] Furthermore, the ink cartridge is provided with a storage chip for storing information, and a reader is provided at a position of the ink cartridge holder opposite to the storage chip, and the reader is electrically connected to the control system.

[0024] Based on the above technical solutions, the technical effects that can be achieved by the present invention are analyzed as follows:

[0025] The 3D printer provided by the utility model can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices through the electrical connection between the control system and the switching valve, thereby avoiding the technical problem that the machine is suspended midway when the consumables in the ink cartridge are insufficient to support the entire printing process, which has an adverse effect on the printing quality and accuracy. Such interruptions can be significantly reduced, and the continuity and efficiency of the printing operation can be ensured, thereby greatly improving the printing quality and accuracy.

[0026] At the same time, the control system can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices. The two sets of ink supply devices are connected in parallel. When replaced, it will not affect the printing action, so that quick replacement can be easily achieved, which greatly improves the efficiency of the printing operation. The ink supply device is arranged on the outer wall of the printing casing. Even if the ink supply device needs to be replaced during the printing process, there is no need to open the machine cover, and the model will not be affected by natural light during curing, which further improves the printing accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 A top view of an inkjet device provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an inkjet device provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 An exploded view of an inkjet device provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an ink supply system provided in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0033] icon:

[0034] 1-first ink supply device; 11-ink cartridge; 111-gas end; 112-liquid end; 113-liquid filling port; 12-ink cartridge cover; 13-ink cartridge fixing seat; 14-first docking needle; 15-second docking needle; 16-trachea fixing seat; 17-ventilation check valve; 18-air guide tube; 19-sealing device; 19a-fixing ring; 19b-sealing ring; 2-second ink supply device;

[0035] 3-Switch valve;

[0036] 4-Reader;

[0037] 5-catheter;

[0038] 6- suction system; 61- liquid pump; 62- secondary ink cartridge;

[0039] 7-Sprinkler;

[0040] 8-Control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the utility model clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the utility model described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0042] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to be protected, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0044] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or position relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed when in use, which is only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used to distinguish the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0045] In addition, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "overhanging" and the like do not mean that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0047] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0048] In existing 3D printing technology, the configuration of the nozzle and the ink supply system is a one-to-one mode, that is, each nozzle is only connected to a fixed-capacity ink cartridge. When printing large models, this configuration may lead to significant limitations. Specifically, if the consumables in the ink cartridge are not enough to complete the entire printing process, the operator needs to pause the machine halfway and open the machine cover to add consumables or replace the ink cartridge. In this process, not only is the production efficiency seriously affected, but the printed part of the model may also be affected by curing due to exposure to natural light, thereby affecting the final printing quality and accuracy.

[0049] In view of this, see Figures 1 to 5 The ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the utility model includes a nozzle 7, a suction system 6, a switching valve 3, a control system 8 and at least two groups of ink supply devices; the two groups of ink supply devices are connected in parallel and connected to the inlet end of the switching valve 3, along the flow direction of the consumables of the ink supply system, the two groups of ink supply devices, the switching valve 3, the suction system 6 and the nozzle 7 are connected in sequence, the control system 8 is electrically connected to the switching valve 3, and the control system 8 can control the switching valve 3 to switch the position; the control system 8 is configured as follows: in the first position, the inlet end of the switching valve 3 is connected to one group of ink supply devices; in the second position, the inlet end of the switching valve 3 is connected to another group of ink supply devices.

[0050] Specifically, the number of ink supply devices can be adjusted according to actual needs. When the size of the printed model increases, the number of ink supply devices can be three, four, five or even more to meet the printing needs. Those skilled in the art can adjust according to actual needs. In some embodiments, each color or each consumable has two sets of ink supply devices to supply consumables, so that colorful large models can be printed for a long time. Figure 5 In some embodiments, two sets of parallel ink supply devices are used to complete the supply of consumables. For the convenience of description, the two sets of ink supply devices are defined as a first ink supply device 1 and a second ink supply device 2 respectively. The first ink supply device 1 and the second ink supply device 2 are connected in parallel and connected to the inlet end of the switching valve 3 through a liquid guide tube 5. Along the flow direction of the consumables in the ink supply system, that is, from any ink supply device to the nozzle 7, the two sets of ink supply devices, the switching valve 3, the suction system 6 and the nozzle 7 are connected in sequence. The suction system 6 sucks the consumables in the first ink supply device 1 or the second ink supply device 2 to the nozzle 7 for printing, thereby completing the printing. The control system 8 is electrically connected to the switching valve 3, and the control system 8 can control the switching valve 3 to switch its position, so that the suction system 6 is connected to one of the two sets of ink supply devices and disconnected from the other set of ink supply devices.

[0051] The control system 8 is configured to control the switching valve 3 to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the inlet end of the switching valve 3 is connected to one group of ink supply devices; in the second position, the inlet end of the switching valve 3 is connected to another group of ink supply devices. That is, in the first position, the suction system 6 is connected to the first ink supply device 1 and disconnected from the second ink supply device 2; in the second position, the suction system 6 is connected to the second ink supply device 2 and disconnected from the first ink supply device 1.

[0052] The control system 8 controls the switching valve 3 to switch between the first position and the second position, thereby completing the switching connection between the suction system 6 and the two sets of ink supply devices, so that the printing is not interrupted when printing a large model, thereby avoiding affecting the printing quality. Even if the ink supply device needs to be replaced, it can be connected to another ink supply device through the switching valve 3, so that the effect of not interrupting the printing process when the ink supply device is replaced is achieved.

[0053] The ink supply system provided by the utility model can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices through the electrical connection between the control system 8 and the switching valve 3, avoiding the technical problem that when the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 are not enough to support the entire printing process, the machine is suspended in the middle, which has an adverse effect on the printing quality and accuracy. The ink supply system of the utility model can significantly reduce such interruptions, ensure the continuity and efficiency of the printing operation, and thus greatly improve the printing quality and accuracy;

[0054] At the same time, the control system 8 can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices. The two sets of ink supply devices are connected in parallel. When replacing, the printing action will not be affected, so that quick replacement can be easily achieved, which greatly improves the efficiency of the printing operation;

[0055] There is no need to manually switch the connection of the ink cartridge 11 or adjust a complex mechanical structure. The ink supply device can be automatically switched by issuing a command through the control system 8, which simplifies the operation process and reduces the difficulty of use. Since the switching process is automated, the need for manual intervention is reduced, thereby saving operation time and improving work efficiency.

[0056] In the optional scheme of the embodiment of the utility model, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The ink supply device includes an ink cartridge 11, and the ink cartridge 11 has a gas end 111 and a liquid end 112. A sealing device 19 is provided on the gas end 111 and the liquid end 112 in a direction away from the ink cartridge 11. The sealing device 19 includes a sealing ring 19b and a fixing ring 19a. The fixing ring 19a abuts against the sealing ring 19b, and the sealing ring 19b abuts against the ink cartridge 11.

[0057] Specifically, the design of the gas end 111 and the liquid end 112 can achieve air pressure balance in the ink cartridge 11 when the ink cartridge 11 supplies consumables.

[0058] By providing the sealing ring 19b, leakage of consumables in the ink cartridge 11 can be avoided, and by providing the fixing ring 19a, the sealing ring 19b can be pressed tightly against the ink cartridge 11 to ensure a sealing effect.

[0059] In an optional solution of the embodiment of the utility model, the ink cartridge 11 has a liquid filling port 113, and a cartridge cover 12 capable of covering or opening the liquid filling port 113 is provided on the top of the ink cartridge cover 12, and a storage chip for storing information is provided on the ink cartridge cover 12, and the storage chip is electrically connected to the control system 8.

[0060] Specifically, the information of the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 includes but is not limited to: the type and quantity of the consumables. The storage chip is electrically connected to the control system 8. The storage chip is electrically connected to the control system 8, so that the control system 8 can know the type and remaining amount of the consumables in the ink cartridge 11, thereby facilitating the control of the connection switching between the switching valve 3 and the first ink supply device 1 and the second ink supply device 2 to successfully complete printing.

[0061] By setting up the liquid filling port 113, the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 can be replenished. The top of the liquid filling port 113 is provided with an ink cartridge cover 12 which can cover or open the liquid filling port 113. When the ink cartridge cover 12 is opened, the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 can be replenished. When the ink cartridge cover 12 is closed, it can be ensured that the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 will not flow out from the liquid filling port 113. A storage chip for storing information (not shown in the figure) is provided on the ink cartridge cover 12, and the storage chip stores information on the consumables in the ink cartridge 11.

[0062] In the optional scheme of the embodiment of the utility model, please refer to Figure 5 The suction system 6 includes a liquid pump 61 , one end of the liquid pump 61 is connected to the outlet end of the switching valve 3 , and the other end of the liquid pump 61 is connected to the nozzle 7 . The nozzle 7 and the liquid pump 61 are both electrically connected to the control system 8 .

[0063] Specifically, the consumables in the ink supply device are sucked to the nozzle 7 through the liquid pump 61 to provide power for the suction system 6, thereby meeting the printing needs. The nozzle 7 and the liquid pump 61 are electrically connected to the control system 8, so that the control system 8 can complete the electrical control of the nozzle 7 and the liquid pump 61.

[0064] In an optional scheme of an embodiment of the utility model, the suction system 6 also includes a secondary ink cartridge 62, which is arranged between the nozzle 7 and the liquid pump 61, one end of the secondary ink cartridge 62 is connected to the liquid pump 61, and the other end of the secondary ink cartridge 62 is connected to the nozzle 7, and the secondary ink cartridge 62 is electrically connected to the control system 8.

[0065] The suction system 6 also includes a secondary ink cartridge 62, which is arranged between the nozzle 7 and the liquid pump 61. One end of the secondary ink cartridge 62 is connected to the liquid pump 61, and the other end of the secondary ink cartridge 62 is connected to the nozzle 7. The secondary ink cartridge 62 is electrically connected to the control system 8. Therefore, the secondary ink cartridge 62 can play the role of temporarily storing consumables, so that when the ink cartridge 11 is switched, the consumables in the secondary ink cartridge 62 are directly used for printing, and the printing is not affected, which reduces the impact of replacing the ink cartridge 11 on the printing, thereby improving the printing efficiency.

[0066] The utility model also provides a 3D printer, which includes a casing (not shown in the figure) and the above-mentioned ink supply system, the casing has a accommodating cavity, the ink supply system includes a suction system 6 and at least two groups of ink supply devices connected to the suction system 6, the suction system 6 is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and at least two groups of ink supply devices are arranged on the outer wall of the casing. Since the first ink supply device 1 and the second ink supply device 2 are arranged on the outer wall of the casing, when replacing the ink supply device, there is no need to open the casing, and the model will not be affected by natural light and solidified, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0067] The 3D printer provided by the utility model can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices through the electrical connection between the control system 8 and the switching valve 3, thereby avoiding the technical problem that when the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 are insufficient to support the entire printing process, the machine is suspended midway, which has an adverse effect on the printing quality and accuracy. Such interruptions can be significantly reduced, and the continuity and efficiency of the printing operation are ensured, thereby greatly improving the printing quality and accuracy.

[0068] At the same time, the control system 8 can flexibly switch the connection with different ink supply devices. The two sets of ink supply devices are connected in parallel. When replacing, it will not affect the printing action, so that quick replacement can be easily achieved, which greatly improves the efficiency of the printing operation; and the ink supply device is arranged on the outer wall of the printing casing. Even if the ink supply device needs to be replaced during the printing process, there is no need to open the machine cover, and the model will not be affected by natural light and solidified, further improving the printing accuracy.

[0069] In an optional scheme of an embodiment of the utility model, the ink supply device includes an ink cartridge holder 13 and an ink cartridge 11 detachably connected to the ink cartridge holder 13, the ink cartridge holder 13 is mounted on the outer wall of the casing, the ink cartridge 11 is detachably mounted on the ink cartridge holder 13, thereby facilitating the installation and disassembly of the ink cartridge 11 and improving the installation and disassembly efficiency of the ink cartridge 11.

[0070] In the optional scheme of the embodiment of the utility model, the ink cartridge holder 13 includes an inclined portion and a vertical portion, and the axis of the inclined portion is set at an angle with the horizontal line, the angle is α, 0°<α<90°, and the angle between the axis of the inclined portion of the ink cartridge holder 13 and the horizontal line is an acute angle, so that it is convenient for operators to install and replace the ink cartridge 11, which is ergonomic. α can be any value between 0°-90°, α can be an integer or a non-integer, and those skilled in the art can adjust the angle according to the position where the ink cartridge 11 is fixed. Preferably, when the ink cartridge holder 13 is installed on the side wall perpendicular to the bottom surface, 5°≤α<90°, so that those skilled in the art can directly install the ink cartridge 11 from top to bottom.

[0071] In an optional scheme of the embodiment of the utility model, the ink cartridge 11 has a gas end 111 and a liquid end 112, an air pipe fixing seat 16 is provided on the ink cartridge fixing seat 13, and the suction system 6 includes an air pipe 18, a first docking needle 14 and a second docking needle 15. The air pipe 18 is inserted into the air pipe fixing seat 16. By setting the air pipe fixing seat 16, the installation of the air pipe 18 is facilitated. One end of the first docking needle 14 is connected to the gas end 111, and the other end of the first docking needle 14 is connected to the air pipe 18. A ventilation one-way valve 17 is provided at the other end of the air pipe 18 away from the ink cartridge 11, so as to prevent the consumables in the ink cartridge 11 from being discharged from the air pipe 18, and the two ends of the second docking needle 15 are respectively connected to the liquid end 112 and the switching valve 3, so as to facilitate the discharge of the consumables in the ink cartridge 11.

[0072] In an optional solution of the embodiment of the utility model, the gas end 111 of the ink cartridge 11 is arranged above the liquid end 112, and because the ink cartridge 11 is installed obliquely on the side wall of the casing, gravity will also help to discharge the consumables in the ink cartridge 11, thereby improving the efficiency of supplying consumables.

[0073] In an optional solution of the embodiment of the utility model, a storage chip for storing information is provided on the ink cartridge 11 , and a reader 4 is provided at a position of the ink cartridge holder 13 opposite to the storage chip, and the reader 4 is electrically connected to the control system 8 .

[0074] See also Figures 1 to 5 The utility model connects two sets of ink supply devices in parallel with the suction system 6 to form an ink supply system. The two sets of ink supply devices are placed outside the printing chamber. When the consumables of one set of ink supply devices are used up, the control system 8 automatically switches the suction system 6 to the other set of ink supply devices after reading the storage chip. Removing one ink cartridge 11 does not affect the normal use of the other set of ink supply devices. In some embodiments, each color or each consumable has two sets of ink supply devices to supply consumables, so that colorful large models can be printed for a long time.

[0075] The working process of the utility model is as follows: the gas end 111 and the liquid end 112 of the ink cartridge 11 are pressed and fixed with a sealing ring 19b and a fixing ring 19a. After the consumables are injected into the ink cartridge 11, the liquid filling port 113 is fixed with the ink cartridge cover 12. A storage chip is installed on the ink cartridge cover 12 to record the type of consumables and the storage information. The above is assembled into an ink supply device.

[0076] The ink supply device is inserted into the ink cartridge holder 13 in an inclined manner. The upper and lower parts of the ink cartridge holder 13 are respectively provided with a first docking needle 14 and a second docking needle 15. After the first docking needle 14 and the second docking needle 15 pierce the sealing ring 19b, the first docking needle 14 is connected to the air pipe 18 and then to the air pipe holder 16. The air pipe holder 16 has a ventilation check valve 17. The second docking needle 15 is connected to the liquid pipe 5. A reader 4 is provided in the middle of the ink cartridge holder 13 to read the consumable model and storage information of the ink cartridge 11. The above constitutes an ink supply system.

[0077] The liquid guide tubes 5 of the two ink supply devices are connected to a switching valve 3, and are connected to a liquid pump 61, a secondary ink cartridge 62, and a nozzle 7 for printing. The above structure is controlled by a control system 8.

[0078] The switching valve 3 first connects the first ink supply device 1. During the printing process, when the reader 4 reads the component information of the ink cartridge 11 and confirms that the consumables of the first ink supply device 1 are exhausted, the control system 8 controls the switching valve 3 to close the first ink supply device 1 and open the second ink supply device 2. During this period, the liquid pump 61, the secondary ink cartridge 62, and the nozzle 7 work normally without pausing, and the operator is prompted to replace the first ink supply device 1.

[0079] The first ink supply device 1 and the second ink supply device 2 are both installed in a separate ink cartridge cavity outside the printing cavity. When replacing the ink cartridge 11, there is no need to open the printing cavity, and there will be no natural light affecting the printing quality.

[0080] Each color or type of consumables uses two sets of ink supply devices to complete repeated switching, which can ensure uninterrupted printing of large models without pausing, so as to improve the success rate of model printing and surface printing quality. During printing, multiple consumables can be manually replaced without pausing printing. There is no need to open the print chamber, so as to improve the success rate of model printing and surface printing quality.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the utility model, rather than to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solution deviate from the scope of the technical solution of the embodiments of the utility model.

Claims

1. An ink supply system, characterized in that: include: A nozzle (7), a suction system (6), a switching valve (3), a control system (8) and at least two sets of ink supply devices; The two groups of ink supply devices are connected in parallel and connected to the inlet end of the switching valve (3); along the flow direction of the consumables of the ink supply system, the two groups of ink supply devices, the switching valve (3), the suction system (6) and the nozzle (7) are connected in sequence; the control system (8) is electrically connected to the switching valve (3); and the control system (8) can control the switching valve (3) to switch its position; The control system (8) is configured as follows: In the first position, the inlet end of the switching valve (3) is connected to a group of the ink supply devices; In the second position, the inlet end of the switching valve (3) is connected to another group of the ink supply devices.

2. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink supply device comprises an ink cartridge (11), wherein the ink cartridge (11) has an air end (111) and a liquid end (112), and a sealing ring (19b) and a fixing ring (19a) are provided on the air end (111) and the liquid end (112) in a direction away from the ink cartridge (11), wherein the fixing ring (19a) abuts against the sealing ring (19b), and the sealing ring (19b) abuts against the ink cartridge (11).

3. The ink supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ink cartridge (11) has a liquid filling port (113), the top of the liquid filling port (113) is provided with an ink cartridge cover (12) capable of covering or opening the liquid filling port (113), the ink cartridge cover (12) is provided with a storage chip for storing information, and the storage chip is electrically connected to the control system (8).

4. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction system (6) comprises a liquid pump (61), one end of the liquid pump (61) is connected to the outlet end of the switching valve (3), and the other end of the liquid pump (61) is connected to the nozzle (7), and the nozzle (7) and the liquid pump (61) are both electrically connected to the control system (8).

5. The ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The suction system (6) further comprises a secondary ink cartridge (62), wherein the secondary ink cartridge (62) is arranged between the nozzle (7) and the liquid pump (61), one end of the secondary ink cartridge (62) is connected to the liquid pump (61), and the other end of the secondary ink cartridge (62) is connected to the nozzle (7), and the secondary ink cartridge (62) is electrically connected to the control system (8).

6. A 3D printer, comprising a housing and an ink supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing has a receiving cavity, characterized in that: The ink supply system comprises a suction system (6) and at least two groups of ink supply devices connected to the suction system (6); the suction system (6) is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and at least two groups of the ink supply devices are arranged on the outer wall of the housing.

7. The 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ink supply device comprises an ink cartridge fixing seat (13) and an ink cartridge (11) detachably connected to the ink cartridge fixing seat (13); the ink cartridge fixing seat (13) is mounted on the outer wall of the housing.

8. The 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ink cartridge fixing seat (13) comprises an inclined portion and a vertical portion, wherein the axis of the inclined portion is arranged at an angle to the horizontal line, and the angle is α, wherein 0°<α<90°.

9. The 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ink cartridge (11) has an air end (111) and a liquid end (112), and an air pipe fixing seat (16) is provided on the ink cartridge fixing seat (13) of the ink cartridge (11). The suction system (6) comprises an air guide tube (18), a first docking needle (14) and a second docking needle (15); the air guide tube (18) is inserted into the air tube fixing seat (16); one end of the first docking needle (14) is connected to the air end (111); the other end of the first docking needle (14) is connected to the air guide tube (18); a ventilation one-way valve (17) is provided at the other end of the air guide tube (18) away from the ink cartridge (11); and the two ends of the second docking needle (15) are respectively connected to the liquid end (112) and the switching valve (3).

10. The 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The ink cartridge (11) is provided with a storage chip for storing information, and a reader (4) is provided at a position of the ink cartridge fixing seat (13) of the ink cartridge (11) opposite to the storage chip, and the reader (4) is electrically connected to the control system (8).

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