Heating module, melting assembly and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a heating module, a melting assembly and a 3D printer. The heating module comprises a module body, and a consumable channel is arranged in the module body. The consumable channel comprises a linear channel part, a curved channel part and a tail end channel part which are sequentially communicated, and the curved channel part is U-shaped, arc-shaped or spiral in the direction from the linear channel part to the tail end channel part. Therefore, in the process that the consumables move along the curve channel, the moving direction of the consumables is changed along with the shape of the curve channel, so that friction between the peripheral structure of the consumables and the peripheral wall of the curve channel is facilitated, and the melted parts outside the consumables are stripped from the non-melted parts; and the non-molten part in the consumable is promoted to make contact with the peripheral wall of the curve channel, so that the melting rate of the consumable is increased, and the flow requirement of the 3D printer in the high-speed state can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of 3D printers, and particularly to a heating module, a melting assembly, and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] The heating module of an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) type 3D printer is used to melt solid filamentous consumables so that the solid filamentous consumables are melted into a molten state. Specifically, the solid filamentous consumables enter the heating module under the action of an external force, are heated and melted in the heating module, and are extruded from the nozzle outlet, and are stacked layer by layer to print a 3D model.

[0003] In related technologies, it is difficult for solid filamentous consumables to be fully melted during the melting process through the heating module, so it is difficult to meet the requirements of rapid printing of 3D printers. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] Based on this, in view of the problem that solid filamentous consumables are difficult to be fully melted, it is necessary to provide a heating module.

[0005] A heating module includes a module body, and a consumable channel is provided in the module body. The consumable channel includes a straight channel portion, a curved channel portion, and a terminal channel portion that are sequentially connected. The port of the straight channel portion far from the curved channel portion is connected to the consumable inlet of the module body, and the port of the terminal channel portion far from the curved channel portion is connected to the consumable outlet of the module body; the curved channel portion is U-shaped, arc-shaped, or spiral-shaped in the direction from the straight channel portion to the terminal channel portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, the curved channel portion includes a main channel and at least two sub-channels. One end of the main channel is connected to the straight channel portion, and at least two sub-channels are connected in parallel between the other end of the main channel and the terminal channel portion, and at least two sub-channels are both connected to the main channel and the terminal channel portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel gradually decreases in the direction from the straight channel portion to the sub-channel, and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section gradually increases; the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section of the sub-channel is not less than that of the main channel in the direction from the main channel to the terminal channel portion, and the transverse dimension of the cross-section is smaller than that of the main channel.

[0008] In the above heating module, during the movement of the consumable along the curved channel, the movement direction of the consumable changes with the shape of the curved channel. This is beneficial for the outer structure of the consumable to rub against the peripheral wall of the curved channel, peeling off the melted part outside the consumable from the part that has not melted yet, prompting the unmelted part of the consumable to contact the peripheral wall of the curved channel, enabling the consumable to melt sufficiently, so as to improve the melting rate of the consumable, thereby meeting the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer at high speed. In addition, since the shape of the curved channel part is curved, in a module body of a certain size, the length of the curved channel part can be designed to be longer, thereby prolonging the movement time of the consumable in the curved channel and making the consumable melt more sufficiently.

[0009] A heating module includes a module body, and a consumable channel is provided inside the module body; the consumable channel includes a straight channel part, a cavity, and a terminal channel part that are connected in sequence. The port of the straight channel part far from the cavity is connected to the consumable inlet of the module body, and the port of the terminal channel part far from the cavity is connected to the consumable outlet of the module body; a curved channel part is arranged inside the cavity, and the curved channel part connects the straight channel part and the terminal channel part.

[0010] In one embodiment, the height of the cavity gradually decreases in the direction from the straight channel part to the terminal channel part.

[0011] In one embodiment, the consumable inlet is provided on the peripheral wall or the upper end face of the module body, and the consumable outlet is provided on the lower end face of the module body.

[0012] In one embodiment, a first fluid divider is arranged inside the cavity. The first fluid divider is configured to define a curved channel part inside the cavity. The curved channel part includes a main channel and two sub-channels; wherein, a first arc convex surface is formed on the peripheral wall of the first fluid divider, and the protrusion of the first arc convex surface faces the straight channel part.

[0013] In one embodiment, a flow splitting assembly is arranged inside the cavity. The flow splitting assembly includes a second fluid divider and a third fluid divider. The second fluid divider and the third fluid divider are jointly configured to define a curved channel part inside the cavity. The curved channel part includes a main channel, two sub-channels, and a communication channel; wherein, a second arc convex surface is formed on the peripheral wall of the second fluid divider, and the protrusion of the second arc convex surface faces the straight channel part. The third fluid divider is arranged between the second arc convex surface and the straight channel part, and a communication channel is formed by the interval between the third fluid divider and the second arc convex surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the flow splitting assembly further includes a fourth fluid divider, and the fourth fluid divider is arranged inside the sub-channel.

[0015] The present application further discloses a melting assembly, which includes a heating module, a throat module, and a nozzle according to some of the above embodiments. The throat module is configured to be assembled between the consumable inlet and the feeding mechanism, so that the consumable enters the consumable inlet through the throat module under the action of the feeding mechanism, and the nozzle is assembled at the consumable outlet.

[0016] The present application further discloses a 3D printer, which includes a melting assembly according to some of the above embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of the melting assembly with the heating module of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a front view of the melting assembly with the heating module of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0019] Figure 3 It is Figure 2 The sectional view along the A-A direction in

[0020] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 The sectional view along the B-B direction in

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the consumable channel in the heating module according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a front view of the melting assembly with the heating module of Embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0023] Figure 7 It is Figure 6 The sectional view along the C-C direction in

[0024] Figure 8 It is Figure 7 The sectional view along the D-D direction in

[0025] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of the consumable channel in the heating module according to Embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a front view of the melting assembly with the heating module of Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0027] Figure 11 It is Figure 10 The sectional view along the E-E direction in

[0028] Figure 12 It is Figure 11 The sectional view along the F-F direction in

[0029] Figure 13Schematic diagram of the consumable channel in the heating module according to Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0030] Figure 14 Front view of the melting assembly with the heating module according to Embodiment 4 of the present application.

[0031] Figure 15 It is Figure 14 Cross-sectional view along the G-G direction in

[0032] Figure 16 It is Figure 15 Cross-sectional view along the H-H direction in

[0033] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the consumable channel in the heating module according to Embodiment 4 of the present application.

[0034] Figure 18 Front view of the melting assembly with the heating module according to Embodiment 5 of the present application.

[0035] Figure 19 It is Figure 18 Cross-sectional view along the I-I direction in

[0036] Figure 20 It is Figure 19 Cross-sectional view along the J-J direction in

[0037] Figure 21 Schematic diagram of the consumable channel in the heating module according to Embodiment 5 of the present application.

[0038] Figure 22 Front view of the melting assembly with the heating module according to Embodiment 6 of the present application.

[0039] Figure 23 It is Figure 22 Cross-sectional view along the K-K direction in

[0040] Figure 24 It is Figure 23 Cross-sectional view along the L-L direction in

[0041] Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the consumable channel in the heating module according to Embodiment 6 of the present application.

[0042] Figure 26 Assembly schematic diagram of the melting assembly and the lifting platform of the 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Reference numerals in the drawings:

[0044] 100, heating module;

[0045] 1, module body; 10, consumable channel; 1a, consumable inlet; 1b, consumable outlet;

[0046] 11. Straight channel section; 12. Curved channel section; 13. End channel section;

[0047] 12a. Main channel; 12b. Sub-channel;

[0048] 14. Cavity;

[0049] 15. First sub-fluid; 151. First arc convex surface;

[0050] 16. Second sub-fluid; 161. Second arc convex surface; 17. Third sub-fluid; 18. Connecting channel; 19. Fourth sub-fluid;

[0051] 200. Melting assembly;

[0052] 2. Throat module; 21. First connecting piece; 22. Throat; 23. Second connecting piece;

[0053] 3. Nozzle;

[0054] 300. Suspension platform. Detailed implementation mode

[0055] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable, the following will describe the detailed implementation mode of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to fully understand the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the connotation of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0056] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if there are terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., the orientation or positional relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying 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 to the present application.

[0057] In addition, if the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, if terms such as "installed", "connected", "joined", "fixed", etc. appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, if there is a description such as a first feature being "on" or "under" a second feature, the meaning can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0060] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can also be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. If so, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are only for the purpose of illustration and do not represent the only implementation.

[0061] Refer to Figure 1 as shown Figure 1An exploded view of the melting assembly 200 equipped with the heating module 100 of an example of the present application is shown. The melting assembly 200 further includes a throat module 2 and a nozzle 3. The throat module 2 is used to receive a solid filamentary consumable so that the solid filamentary consumable enters the heating module 100 to be heated and melted, and the heated and melted solid filamentary consumable is extruded from the outlet of the nozzle 3. It should be noted that in the following content, the solid filamentary consumable is simply referred to as the consumable. In addition, the melting assembly 200 of the heating module 100 equipped with some examples of the present application can be applied to any industry that requires the melting assembly 200, such as 3D printing, the spinning industry, thermal spraying, etc.

[0062] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 and Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the heating module 100 includes a module body 1. A consumable channel 10 is provided in the module body 1. The consumable channel 10 includes a straight channel portion 11, a curved channel portion 12, and a terminal channel portion 13 that are sequentially connected. The port of the straight channel portion 11 away from the curved channel portion 12 is connected to the consumable inlet 1a of the module body 1, and the port of the terminal channel portion 13 away from the curved channel portion 12 is connected to the consumable outlet 1b of the module body 1, so that the consumable channel 10 is connected between the consumable inlet 1a and the consumable outlet 1b. The shape of the curved channel portion 12 is curved, and the curved channel portion 12 is U-shaped, arc-shaped, or spiral-shaped in the direction from the straight channel portion 11 to the terminal channel portion 13.

[0063] Therefore, since the shape of the curved channel portion 12 is curved, such as the curved channel portion 12 being U-shaped, arc-shaped, or spiral-shaped in the direction from the straight channel portion 11 to the terminal channel portion 13, during the movement of the consumable along the curved channel, the movement direction of the consumable changes with the shape of the curved channel, which is beneficial to the friction between the outer peripheral structure of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, peeling off the melted part outside the consumable from the part that has not melted yet, promoting the contact between the unmolten part of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, enabling the consumable to melt sufficiently, so as to improve the melting rate of the consumable, and thus being able to meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state. In addition, since the shape of the curved channel portion 12 is curved, in a module body 1 of a certain size, the length of the curved channel portion 12 can be designed to be longer, thereby extending the movement time of the consumable in the curved channel and making the consumable melt more fully.

[0064] Exemplarily, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the melting assembly 200 may further include a throat module 2 and a nozzle 3. The throat module 2 may include a first connector 21, a throat 22, and a second connector 23. Along the length direction of the throat 22, the first connector 21 and the second connector 23 are respectively assembled at both ends of the throat 22. The first connector 21 is adapted to be assembled in cooperation with the consumable inlet 1a of the module body 1, and the second connector 23 is adapted to be assembled in cooperation with the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer. In addition, the nozzle 3 is adapted to be assembled in cooperation with the consumable outlet 1b of the module body 1.

[0065] During the operation of the 3D printer, the feeding mechanism is used to drive the movement of the consumable, so that the consumable enters the consumable channel 10 through the throat 22, thereby achieving the effect that the feeding mechanism conveys the consumable into the heating module 100 for internal heating and melting. In addition, it should be noted that since the feeding mechanism can continuously convey the consumable to the heating module 100, the consumable continuously moves along the consumable channel 10 from the side of the consumable inlet 1a to the side of the consumable outlet 1b, so as to extrude the melted consumable from the outlet of the nozzle 3, and the melted consumable is laminated layer by layer to print the 3D model.

[0066] Refer to Figure 3 As shown, the linear channel portion 11 is linear, so that when the consumable is located in the linear channel portion 11, the consumable moves along the axial direction of the linear channel portion 11. The consumable absorbs heat and softens in the linear channel portion 11. The consumable softens from the outside to the inside. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the consumable, when it first enters the consumable channel 10, it absorbs little heat and only the outer ring of the consumable can be softened, while the inner core remains in a hard state. In the extending direction of the consumable channel 10, since the linear channel portion 11 is provided at the front end of the curved channel portion 12, the outer ring of the consumable softens in the linear channel portion 11 to facilitate the consumable to enter the curved channel portion 12.

[0067] Refer to Figure 3 As shown, the curved channel portion 12 is U-shaped in the direction from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13, so that the movement trajectory of the consumable is also U-shaped during the movement along the U-shaped curved channel portion 12. Or, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the shape of the curved channel portion 12 is spiral, so that the movement trajectory of the consumable is also spiral during the movement along the spiral curved channel portion 12.

[0068] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The X direction shown in Figure 1 is the length direction of the module body 1, Figure 1The curved channel portion 12 shown is U-shaped in the XY plane, so that as the consumable moves along the curved channel portion 12, the movement direction of the consumable changes with the shape of the curved channel (it can also be understood that the movement trajectory of the consumable is U-shaped).

[0069] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, in the process of the consumable moving along the curved channel portion 12, when the consumable turns to the right, along the movement direction of the consumable, the outer peripheral wall on the left side of the consumable rubs against the peripheral wall near the left side in the curved channel, so that the melted part on the left side of the consumable can be peeled off from the part that has not melted (such as the hard core part of the consumable), prompting the unmolten part of the consumable to contact the peripheral wall of the curved channel. It can also be understood that it can prompt to shorten the central heat conduction distance of the consumable, accelerate the melting of the core part of the consumable, make the consumable melt sufficiently, so as to increase the melting rate of the consumable, and thus meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state. It should be added that: the central heat conduction distance of the consumable is the shortest distance from the inner peripheral wall of the consumable channel 10 to the consumable core axis.

[0070] In addition, refer to Figure 3 As shown, since the shape of the curved channel portion 12 is curved (such as the curved channel portion 12 is U-shaped, arc-shaped or spiral-shaped), along the extension direction of the curved channel portion 12, the curved channel portion 12 can be bent in the XY plane. Compared with the consumable channel that is straight as a whole, in a module body 1 of a certain size (when the dimensions of the module body 1 in the X direction and Y direction are fixed), the length of the curved channel portion 12 can be designed to be longer. In this way, not only the heat contact area of the curved channel portion 12 is larger (that is, the area of the inner peripheral wall of the curved channel portion 12 is larger), but also the movement time of the consumable in the curved channel is extended, making the consumable melt more fully.

[0071] According to the thermodynamic formula of heat conduction, the heat Q received by the consumable = kΔT / R = ΔT*λ*S / L, where R = L / (λ*S); Q: heat (w), ΔT: temperature difference (k); R: thermal resistance (k / w), L: consumable thickness (m); λ: thermal conductivity [w / (mK]; S: area (m2). It can be seen from the above formula that the larger the heat contact area S of the consumable and the shorter the central heat conduction distance, the faster the heating and the faster the melting speed.

[0072] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, in the extension direction of the consumable channel 10, the end channel portion 13 is connected to the rear end of the curved channel portion 12, so that the consumable enters the end channel portion 13 after melting through the curved channel portion 12, and since the end channel portion 13 is communicated with the consumable outlet 1b, the consumable is extruded through the nozzle 3 assembled in the consumable outlet 1b.

[0073] In summary, when the heating module 100 of the present application is used to heat the consumable, the melting rate of the consumable can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the curved channel portion 12 is circular. When the cross-sectional shape of the curved channel portion 12 is circular, the inner peripheral wall surface of the curved channel portion 12 is smooth without sharp points, so that the inner peripheral wall of the curved channel portion 12 is in good contact with the consumable and the heat conduction is uniform. Alternatively, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the curved channel portion 12 is rectangular, but the present application is not limited thereto. The cross-sectional shape of the curved channel portion 12 can also be an ellipse, a rhombus or other regular polygons.

[0075] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 19 and Figure 23 As shown, the curved channel portion 12 may include a main channel 12a and at least two sub-channels 12b. One end of the main channel 12a is connected to the straight channel portion 11, and at least two sub-channels 12b are connected in parallel between the other end of the main channel 12a and the end channel portion 13. At least two sub-channels 12b are both connected to the main channel 12a and the end channel portion 13, so that the consumable can be divided into multiple parts to enter the multiple sub-channels 12b respectively after being heated and melted in the main channel 12a. This not only improves the heating efficiency of the module body 1 for the consumable, but also the design of multiple sub-channels 12b can ensure a higher volumetric flow rate, so that using the heating module 100 to heat the consumable can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state. It should be added that: the volumetric flow rate is the flow rate of the molten consumable through the nozzle.

[0076] It should be noted that since there are at least two sub-channels 12b, the heat contact area of the curved channel portion 12 is relatively large, so as to improve the heating efficiency of the module body 1 for the consumable during the movement of the consumable along the curved channel portion 12. In addition, the total volume of the curved channel portion 12 is also increased, so that the curved channel portion 12 has a higher volumetric flow rate.

[0077] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 11 As shown, the curved channel portion 12 includes one main channel 12a and two sub-channels 12b. The consumable is divided into two parts to enter the two sub-channels 12b respectively after being heated and melted in the main channel 12a. For the consumable in one sub-channel 12b, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable is reduced, thereby further increasing the melting speed of the consumable and achieving the effect of improving the heating efficiency of the module body 1 for the consumable. In addition, the two sub-channels 12b can also ensure a higher volumetric flow rate, so that using the heating module 100 to heat the consumable can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0078] It should be noted that, in the above example, only the case where the curved channel portion 12 has two sub-channels 12b is taken as an example for illustration, but the present application is not limited thereto. The number of sub-channels 12b in the curved channel portion 12 can also be three, or four, or five, or other numbers. With at least two sub-channels 12b provided, when the volume flow rate of the curved channel portion 12 is constant, the thermal contact area of the curved channel portion 12 can be increased, which is beneficial to the melting of the consumable material.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 as shown, the transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually decreases in the direction from the straight channel portion 11 to the sub-channel 12b, and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section gradually increases.

[0080] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 12 as shown, in this cross-section, the transverse direction of the cross-section is the Figure 12 Y direction shown in Figure 12 , and the longitudinal direction of the cross-section is the Figure 11 Z direction shown in Figure 12 . And in combination with Figure 11 as shown, in the direction from the straight channel portion 11 to the sub-channel 12b, the transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually decreases, and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually increases. It can also be understood that in the extending direction of the main channel 12a, the distance between the two side walls of the main channel 12a in the transverse direction gradually decreases, and the distance between the two side walls (i.e., the top wall and the bottom wall) of the main channel 12a in the longitudinal direction gradually increases. In this way, during the movement of the consumable material along the main channel 12a, in the transverse direction of the main channel 12a, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable material gradually decreases, so as to increase the melting speed of the consumable material and achieve the effect of improving the heating efficiency of the module body 1 on the consumable material. In addition, since the transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually decreases while the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually increases, this can also ensure the volume flow rate of the main channel 12a, so that heating the consumable material by the heating module 100 can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 as shown, the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section of the sub-channel 12b in the direction from the main channel 12a to the end channel portion 13 is not less than that of the main channel 12a, and the transverse dimension of the cross-section is smaller than that of the main channel 12a.

[0082] Since the transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually decreases and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section gradually increases in the direction from the straight channel portion 11 to the sub-channel 12b, the transverse dimension of the main channel 12a at its connection with the sub-channel 12b is the minimum transverse dimension of the main channel 12a, and the longitudinal dimension of the main channel 12a at its connection with the sub-channel 12b is the maximum longitudinal dimension of the main channel 12a. Along the extending direction of the sub-channel 12b (i.e., the sub-channel 12b in the direction from the main channel 12a to the end channel portion 13), the minimum longitudinal dimension of the sub-channel 12b is greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the main channel 12a, and the maximum transverse dimension of the sub-channel 12b is less than the minimum longitudinal dimension of the main channel 12a. Additionally, in some embodiments, along the extending direction of the sub-channel 12b, the longitudinal dimension of the sub-channel 12b can gradually increase, and the transverse dimension of the sub-channel 12b can gradually decrease.

[0083] Since the minimum longitudinal dimension of the sub-channel 12b is greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the main channel 12a, and the maximum transverse dimension of the sub-channel 12b is less than the minimum longitudinal dimension of the main channel 12a. Therefore, during the process of the consumable entering the sub-channel 12b from the main channel 12a, in the transverse direction, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable is reduced to increase the melting speed of the consumable, achieving the effect of improving the heating efficiency of the heating module body 1 on the consumable. Additionally, in some embodiments, since the longitudinal dimension of the sub-channel 12b gradually increases while the transverse dimension of the sub-channel 12b gradually decreases, this can also ensure the volumetric flow rate of the sub-channel 12b, so that heating the consumable by the heating module 100 can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0084] It should be noted that since the transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel 12a gradually decreases and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section gradually increases in the direction from the straight channel portion 11 to the sub-channel 12b, and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section of the sub-channel 12b in the direction from the main channel 12a to the end channel portion 13 is not less than that of the main channel 12a, and the transverse dimension of the cross-section is less than that of the main channel 12a, the pressure loss of the curved channel portion 12 is smaller.

[0085] The above pressure loss refers to the pressure drop. The pressure loss refers to the pressure reduction caused by factors such as friction and local resistance when the fluid passes through system components such as pipelines and variable-diameter structures. The pressure loss can be divided into the frictional pressure loss and the local pressure loss. Among them, the frictional pressure loss refers to the pressure loss caused by the friction between the fluid and the pipeline wall and the intermolecular friction within the fluid, and the frictional pressure loss is proportional to the flow distance of the fluid. The local pressure loss refers to the local changes in the pipeline system, such as elbows, valves, enlarged or reduced pipe diameters, etc., and the local pressure loss is usually proportional to the square of the flow velocity.

[0086] In some embodiments, the area of the cross-section of the main channel 12a is equal to the sum of the areas of the cross-sections of the plurality of sub-channels 12b, so that the sub-channels 12b can be filled with molten consumables, thereby making full use of the inner peripheral wall of the sub-channels 12b to heat the consumables, ensuring the fluidity of the consumables, and enabling the fluidity of the consumables to meet the requirements of the 3D printer in a high-speed state.

[0087] Refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 , and Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown in and, in some embodiments of the present application, the heating module 100 includes a module body 1, and a consumable channel 10 is provided in the module body 1. The consumable channel 10 includes a straight channel portion 11, a cavity 14, and a terminal channel portion 13 that are connected in sequence. The port of the straight channel portion 11 away from the cavity 14 is connected to the consumable inlet 1a of the module body 1, and the port of the terminal channel portion 13 away from the cavity 14 is connected to the consumable outlet 1b of the module body 1. A curved channel portion 12 is provided inside the cavity 14, and the curved channel portion 12 connects the straight channel portion 11 and the terminal channel portion 13.

[0088] Since the shape of the curved channel portion 12 is curved, during the movement of the consumable along the curved channel, the movement direction of the consumable changes with the shape of the curved channel. This is conducive to the friction between the outer peripheral structure of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, peeling off the melted part outside the consumable from the part that has not melted yet, promoting the contact between the unmolten part of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, enabling the consumable to melt fully, so as to increase the melting rate of the consumable, and thus being able to meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in a high-speed state.

[0089] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown in, a first fluid splitter 15 is provided in the cavity 14. The first fluid splitter 15 is configured to define the curved channel portion 12 in the cavity 14. The curved channel portion 12 includes a main channel 12a and two sub-channels 12b. Among them, a first arc convex surface 151 is formed on the peripheral wall of the first fluid splitter 15, and the protrusion of the first arc convex surface 151 faces the straight channel portion 11.

[0090] Exemplarily, refer to Figure 15 and Figure 19As shown, the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 14 is a curved surface, and the peripheral wall of the first fluid divider 15 disposed in the cavity 14 is also a curved surface. Along the axial direction of the linear channel portion 11, the surface of the first fluid divider 15 facing the linear channel portion 11 is the first arcuate convex surface 151, that is, along the axial direction of the linear channel portion 11, the convex of the first arcuate convex surface 151 protrudes towards the linear channel portion 11, and along the axial direction of the linear channel portion 11, the first arcuate convex surface 151 is spaced apart from the linear channel portion 11, so that the first fluid divider 15 is disposed in the cavity 14 to define a curved channel portion 12 in the cavity 14. The curved channel portion 12 includes a main channel 12a and two sub-channels 12b.

[0091] Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, in the corresponding cross-sectional view, the X direction shown in the figure is the length direction of the module body 1 shown in the figure, the Y direction shown in the figure is the width direction of the module body 1 shown in the figure, and the axial direction of the linear channel portion 11 in the module body 1 is the X direction shown in the figure, that is, the first arcuate convex surface 151 and the linear channel portion 11 are spaced apart in the X direction, and the main channel 12a extends along the X direction. In addition, in the Y direction, the two sub-channels 12b are respectively located on both sides of the first fluid divider 15 and extend along the X direction. In some embodiments of the present application, the width of the cavity 14 (in the Y direction) gradually increases from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13.

[0092] It should be added that, referring to Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, after the consumable enters the main channel 12a and is heated and melted, it is divided into two parts to enter the two sub-channels 12b respectively. For the consumable in one sub-channel 12b, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable is reduced, thereby further increasing the melting speed of the consumable and achieving the effect of improving the heating efficiency of the module body 1 on the consumable. In addition, the two sub-channels 12b can also ensure a higher volume flow rate, so that the heating of the consumable by the heating module 100 can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0093] When there is an unmolten core after the consumable enters the main channel 12a, the unmolten core can move along the axial direction of the linear channel portion 11 towards the first arcuate convex surface 151, and the unmolten core is guided into any one of the two sub-channels 12b through the first arcuate convex surface 151.

[0094] Since the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 14 is a curved surface and the first arc convex surface 151 is an arc-shaped curved surface, the shape of the sub-channel 12b is curved in the XY plane, so that during the movement of the unmelted core along the sub-channel 12b, the unmelted core is urged to contact the peripheral wall of the sub-channel 12b, thereby shortening the central heat conduction distance of the consumable, accelerating the melting of the core of the consumable, enabling the consumable to melt sufficiently, so as to increase the melting rate of the consumable, so that heating the consumable by the heating module 100 can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0095] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 23 As shown, a flow splitting assembly is provided in the cavity 14. The flow splitting assembly includes a second fluid splitter 16 and a third fluid splitter 17. The second fluid splitter 16 and the third fluid splitter 17 are jointly configured to define a curved channel portion 12 in the cavity 14. The curved channel portion 12 includes a main channel 12a, two sub-channels 12b, and a communication channel 18. Wherein, a second arc convex surface 161 is formed on the peripheral wall of the second fluid splitter 16, and the protrusion of the second arc convex surface 161 faces the straight channel portion 11. The third fluid splitter 17 is disposed between the second arc convex surface 161 and the straight channel portion 11, and a communication channel 18 is formed at an interval between the third fluid splitter 17 and the second arc convex surface 161.

[0096] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 23 As shown, in this cross-sectional view, the X direction shown in the figure is the length direction of the module body 1 shown in the figure, and the Y direction shown in the figure is the width direction of the module body 1 shown in the figure. The straight channel portion 11 extends along the length direction of the module body 1, that is, the axial direction of the straight channel portion 11 is parallel to the length direction of the module body 1 (it can also be understood that the axial direction of the straight channel portion 11 is the X direction shown in the figure). In the cavity 14, both the second fluid splitter 16 and the third fluid splitter 17 are arranged along the axial direction of the straight channel portion 11, and the third fluid splitter 17 is spaced from the straight channel portion 11 to form the main channel 12a at intervals.

[0097] In the axial direction of the straight channel portion 11, the second fluid splitter 16 is disposed on the side of the third fluid splitter 17 away from the straight channel portion 11, and in the width direction of the module body 1, both the second fluid splitter 16 and the third fluid splitter 17 are spaced from the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 14, so that the second fluid splitter 16 and the third fluid splitter 17 define two sub-channels 12b in the cavity 14, that is, in the width direction of the module body 1, the two sub-channels 12b are respectively located on both sides of the second fluid splitter 16 and the third fluid splitter 17. In addition, since the second fluid splitter 16 and the third fluid splitter 17 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the straight channel portion 11 to form a communication channel 18, the communication channel 18 extends along the width direction of the module body 1, and the communication channel 18 communicates between the two sub-channels 12b.

[0098] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 23 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the third sub-fluid 17 is elliptical (or fusiform, with the width gradually increasing and then decreasing along the flow direction). In this way, after the consumable enters the main channel 12a and is heated and melted, when the consumable contacts the third sub-fluid 17, the third sub-fluid 17 drives the consumable to be divided into two parts to enter the two sub-channels 12b respectively. It can also be understood that in the Y direction, one part of the consumable enters one of the two sub-channels 12b from one side of the third sub-fluid 17, and the other part of the consumable enters the other of the two sub-channels 12b from the other side of the third sub-fluid 17.

[0099] For the consumable in one sub-channel 12b, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable is reduced, thereby further increasing the melting speed of the consumable and achieving the effect of improving the heating efficiency of the consumable by the module body 1. In addition, the two sub-channels 12b can also ensure a higher volume flow rate, so that heating the consumable by the heating module 100 can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0100] In addition, since a communication channel 18 is formed by spacing between the second sub-fluid 16 and the third sub-fluid 17, the two sub-channels 12b are communicated through the communication channel 18, so that the consumables in the two sub-channels 12b can flow to each other through the communication channel 18, that is, the consumable in one sub-channel 12b enters the other sub-channel 12b through the communication channel 18. In this way, when the fluidity of the consumable in one of the sub-channels 12b is low, the melted consumable in this sub-channel 12b can flow to the end channel portion 13 through the other sub-channel 12b, so as to ensure that heating the consumable by the heating module 100 can meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state. The communication channel 18 can also increase the thermal contact area of the curved channel portion 12, which is beneficial to the melting of the consumable.

[0101] Referring to Figure 23 As shown, the shapes of the sub-channel 12b and the communication channel 18 are both arc-shaped. During the movement of the consumable along the sub-channel 12b and the communication channel 18, the movement direction of the consumable changes with the shape of the curved channel. In this way, it is beneficial to the friction between the outer peripheral structure of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, peeling off the melted part outside the consumable from the part that has not melted, prompting the unmelted part of the consumable to contact the peripheral wall of the curved channel, making the consumable fully melt, so as to improve the melting rate of the consumable, and thus be able to meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0102] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 23As shown, the flow splitting component further includes a fourth fluid splitter 19. The fourth fluid splitter 19 is disposed in the sub-channel 12b, and the peripheral wall of the fourth fluid splitter 19 constitutes part of the heat contact area of the sub-channel 12b, thereby achieving the effect of increasing the heat contact area of the sub-channel 12b, which is beneficial to the melting of the consumable material.

[0103] In addition, it should be noted that referring to Figure 23 As shown, by providing a fourth fluid splitter 19 in the sub-channel 12b, at least two parallel secondary channels are formed in the sub-channel 12b. Compared with the sub-channel 12b, the lateral dimension of the secondary channel is smaller than that of the sub-channel 12b. When the consumable material moves along the secondary channel, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable material can be reduced, so as to further increase the melting speed of the consumable material.

[0104] It should be especially noted that referring to Figure 23 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the fourth fluid splitter 19 is oval (or fusiform, with the width gradually increasing and then decreasing along the flow direction), so that the shape of the secondary channel is arc-shaped. During the movement of the consumable material along the secondary channel, the movement direction of the consumable material changes with the shape of the secondary channel. This is beneficial to the friction between the peripheral structure of the consumable material and the peripheral wall of the secondary channel, peeling off the melted part outside the consumable material from the part that has not melted, prompting the unmolten part of the consumable material to contact the peripheral wall of the secondary channel, enabling the consumable material to melt fully, so as to improve the melting rate of the consumable material, and thus meet the flow rate requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state.

[0105] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 17 , and Figures 22 to 25 As shown, the consumable inlet 1a is disposed on the peripheral wall or the upper end face of the module body 1, and the consumable outlet 1b is disposed on the lower end face of the module body 1. It can also be understood that the consumable inlet 1a is disposed on the peripheral wall of the module body 1, and the consumable outlet 1b is disposed on the lower end face of the module body 1. This is beneficial to reducing the longitudinal dimension of the melting component 200, or it can be understood as beneficial to reducing the height dimension of the melting component 200, thereby reducing the risk of vibration of the nozzle 3, so that the stability of the nozzle 3 can meet the requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state and ensure the printing quality.

[0106] Or, the consumable inlet 1a is disposed on the upper end face of the module body 1, and the consumable outlet 1b is disposed on the lower end face of the module body 1. In this way, the melting component 200 can be adapted to existing 3D printers.

[0107] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3As shown, the X direction in the figure is the length direction of the module body 1, the Y direction is the width direction of the module body 1, and the XY plane formed by the X direction and the Y direction together is the transverse plane of the module body 1. The consumable inlet 1a is arranged to extend along its transverse plane in the module body 1, that is, the axis of the consumable inlet 1a is parallel to its transverse plane, so that the port of the consumable inlet 1a is arranged on the peripheral wall of the module body 1.

[0108] Refer to Figure 4 as shown, Figure 4 As shown, the Z direction in the figure is the thickness direction of the module body 1, and the ZY plane formed by the Z direction and the Y direction together is the longitudinal plane of the module body 1. The consumable outlet 1b is arranged to extend along its longitudinal plane in the module body 1, that is, the axis of the consumable outlet 1b is parallel to its longitudinal plane. In this way, when the throat module 2 is assembled with the heating module 100, the axial direction of the throat module 2 is parallel to the transverse plane of the module body 1, that is, in the transverse direction of the heating module 100, the throat module 2 is located on one side of the heating module 100, thereby reducing the longitudinal dimension of the melting assembly 200 (that is, reducing the height dimension of the melting assembly 200).

[0109] In addition, in combination with Figure 26 as shown, since the consumable inlet 1a is arranged on the peripheral wall of the module body 1 to achieve the purpose of reducing the longitudinal dimension of the melting assembly 200, when the melting assembly 200 is assembled to the 3D printer, the upper surface of the heating module 100 is in contact with the lifting platform 300 of the 3D printer (that is, the top wall of the module body 1 is in contact with the bottom surface of the lifting platform 300), effectively reducing the distance between the nozzle 3 and the lifting platform 300 in the height direction of the 3D printer. It should be added that during the printing process of the 3D printer, the movement mechanism of the 3D printer drives the lifting platform 300 to move, so that the melting assembly 200 moves, and thus the nozzle 3 arranged below the module body 1 moves. Since the distance between the nozzle 3 and the lifting platform 300 in the height direction of the 3D printer is reduced, the movement stability of the nozzle 3 can be improved. During the movement of the lifting platform 300 (for example: the lifting platform 300 moves horizontally), the risk of vibration of the nozzle 3 can be reduced, so that the stability of the nozzle 3 can meet the requirements of the 3D printer in the high-speed state and ensure the printing quality.

[0110] Exemplarily, in combination with Figures 18 to 21 as shown, Figure 19 As shown, the X direction in the figure is the length direction of the module body 1, and the Y direction is the width direction of the module body 1. Figure 19 As shown, the Z direction in the figure is the thickness direction of the module body 1. The axes of the consumable inlet 1a and the consumable outlet 1b are both parallel to the length direction of the module body 1, that is, both the consumable inlet 1a and the consumable outlet 1b are arranged to extend along the length direction of the module body 1.

[0111] It should be noted that when the heating module 100 with the module body 1 is applied to a 3D printer, the length direction of the module body 1 is parallel to the height direction of the 3D printer. That is, in the module body 1, the consumable inlet 1a is provided on the upper end face of the module body 1, and the consumable outlet 1b is provided on the lower end face of the module body 1. In the melting assembly 200, the throat module 2 and the nozzle 3 are arranged along the height direction of the 3D printer. In this way, for the current 3D printers (i.e., 3D printers that satisfy the throat module 2 and the nozzle 3 being arranged along the height direction of the 3D printer), the melting assembly 200 can be adapted, so that the melting assembly 200 can meet the market demand.

[0112] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 15 and Figure 16 、 Figure 19 and Figure 20 ,and Figure 23 and Figure 24 as shown, the height of the cavity 14 (in the Z direction) gradually decreases in the direction from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13.

[0113] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 15 、 Figure 19 ,and Figure 23 as shown, in the cavity 14, the direction from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13 can be understood as: along the axis of the linear channel portion 11 (i.e., the X direction shown in the figure), the direction from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13. Additionally, referring to Figure 16 、 Figure 20 ,and Figure 24 as shown, the height direction of the cavity 14 is the Z direction shown in the figure, and the height of the cavity 14 can be understood as the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the cavity 14 in the Z direction. Thus, the fact that the height of the cavity 14 gradually decreases in the direction from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13 can be understood as that along the X direction, in the direction from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13, the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the cavity 14 gradually decreases. It should be added that since the height of the cavity 14 gradually decreases, for the curved channel portion 12 formed in the cavity 14, the longitudinal dimension of the curved channel portion 12 shows a gradually decreasing trend. When the consumable moves from the linear channel portion 11 to the end channel portion 13 along the curved channel portion 12, the central heat conduction distance of the consumable in the Z direction decreases, thereby further increasing the melting speed of the consumable.

[0114] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 ,Figure 19 and Figure 20 , and Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, in some embodiments, in the Z direction of the module body 1, both the straight channel portion 11 and the curved channel portion 12 are located in the same XY plane of the module body 1, which is beneficial to reducing the size of the module body 1 in the Z direction. It can also be understood that in the Z direction of the module body 1, both the straight channel portion 11 and the curved channel portion 12 extend and are arranged in the same XY plane of the module body 1.

[0115] As shown in Table 1, under the conditions of the same heating power and the same feeding speed, a comparison is made between the simulation analysis results of the melting assembly 200 of the heating module 100 of some embodiments of the present application and the melting assembly of the existing heating module.

[0116] Table 1

[0117]

[0118] Embodiment 2 is the solution shown in the present application Figures 6 to 9 as shown, Embodiment 3 is the solution shown in the present application Figures 10 to 13 as shown, Embodiment 4 is the solution shown in the present application Figures 14 to 17 as shown.

[0119] It should be noted that the axial dimension of the module body is the dimension of the module body in the axial direction of its consumable outlet. Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 14 as shown, for the module body 1 in Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, and Embodiment 4 of the present application, the consumable outlets 1b of these module bodies 1 are all provided on the lower end surface of the module body 1, and the axial direction of the consumable outlet 1b is parallel to the Z direction in the drawings. Therefore, it can be understood that the dimension of the module body 1 in the Z direction is the axial dimension of the module body 1.

[0120] For the module body in the existing solution, the shape of the consumable channel of the existing module body is linear. The consumable channel of the existing module body is connected between its consumable inlet and consumable outlet, and the axes of the consumable inlet, the consumable outlet, and the consumable channel of this module body coincide. Therefore, it can be understood that the axial dimension of the existing module body is the length direction of this module body.

[0121] As can be seen from Table 1, compared with the existing heating module, the axial dimension of the module body 1 in some embodiments of the present application is close to half of the axial dimension of the existing module body. Therefore, compared with the existing module body, for the melting assembly 200 equipped with the module body 1 in some embodiments of the present application, the longitudinal dimension of the melting assembly 200 is smaller, which can also be understood as reducing the height dimension of the melting assembly 200, thereby reducing the risk of nozzle 3 vibration, so that the stability of the nozzle 3 can meet the requirements of the 3D printer at high speed and ensure the printing quality.

[0122] In addition, according to the comparison of the outlet temperature of the nozzle, it can be seen that compared with the existing heating module, after the consumable is heated by the heating module 100 of the present application, the outlet temperature of the consumable at the nozzle is higher. From the fact that the better the heating effect of the consumable, the higher the outlet temperature of the nozzle, it can be known that the heating module 100 of the present application is superior to the existing heating module. Compared with the existing heating module, the improvement amount of the heating efficiency of the heating module 100 of the present application for the consumable is greater than 70%. The improvement amount of the heating efficiency is measured by the increase in the outlet temperature of the nozzle: X = (outlet temperature A - outlet temperature B) / outlet temperature B * 100%, where X is the improvement amount of the heating efficiency, outlet temperature A is the outlet temperature of the nozzle of the consumable in solution A, and outlet temperature B is the outlet temperature of the nozzle of the consumable in solution B, and solution B is the solution using the existing heating module.

[0123] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 6 to 8 , Figures 10 to 12 , Figures 14 to 16 , Figures 18 to 20 , and Figures 22 to 24 As shown, according to the melting assembly 200 of some embodiments of the present application, the melting assembly 200 includes the heating module 100, the throat module 2, and the nozzle 3 in the above-mentioned some embodiments. The throat module 2 is configured to be assembled between the consumable inlet 1a and the feeding mechanism, so that the consumable enters the consumable inlet 1a through the throat module 2 under the action of the feeding mechanism, and the nozzle 3 is assembled at the consumable outlet 1b.

[0124] According to the melting assembly 200 of the present application, due to the structural characteristics of the consumable channel 10 in the heating module 100, during the movement of the consumable along the curved channel, the movement direction of the consumable changes with the shape of the curved channel, which is beneficial to the friction between the outer peripheral structure of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, peeling off the melted part outside the consumable from the part that has not melted, and promoting the contact between the unmelted part of the consumable and the peripheral wall of the curved channel, so that the consumable is fully melted, thereby improving the melting efficiency of the melting assembly 200 for the consumable.

[0125] The present application also discloses a 3D printer, which includes the melting component 200 in some of the above embodiments. According to the 3D printer of the present application, since the melting component 200 has a high melting efficiency for the consumable, the 3D printer can achieve the function of high-speed printing.

[0126] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0127] The above embodiments only represent several implementation manners of the present application, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation to the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heating module, characterized in that, Comprising: A module body, within which a consumable channel is provided; The consumable channel includes a straight channel portion, a curved channel portion, and a terminal channel portion that are sequentially connected. The port of the straight channel portion away from the curved channel portion is connected to the consumable inlet of the module body, and the port of the terminal channel portion away from the curved channel portion is connected to the consumable outlet of the module body; The curved channel portion is U-shaped, arc-shaped, or spiral-shaped in the direction from the straight channel portion to the terminal channel portion.

2. The heating module according to claim 1, wherein The curved channel portion includes a main channel and at least two sub-channels. One end of the main channel is connected to the straight channel portion, and the at least two sub-channels are connected in parallel between the other end of the main channel and the terminal channel portion. The at least two sub-channels are both connected to the main channel and the terminal channel portion.

3. The heating module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transverse dimension of the cross-section of the main channel gradually decreases and the longitudinal dimension of the cross-section gradually increases in the direction from the straight channel portion to the sub-channels; The longitudinal dimension of the cross-section of the sub-channel is not less than that of the main channel and the transverse dimension of the cross-section is smaller than that of the main channel in the direction from the main channel to the terminal channel portion.

4. A heating module, characterized in that, Comprising: A module body, within which a consumable channel is provided; The consumable channel includes a straight channel portion, a cavity, and a terminal channel portion that are sequentially connected. The port of the straight channel portion away from the cavity is connected to the consumable inlet of the module body, and the port of the terminal channel portion away from the cavity is connected to the consumable outlet of the module body; A curved channel portion is provided inside the cavity, and the curved channel portion connects the straight channel portion and the terminal channel portion.

5. The heating module according to claim 4, wherein The height of the cavity gradually decreases in the direction from the straight channel portion to the terminal channel portion.

6. The heating module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The consumable inlet is provided on the peripheral wall or the upper end face of the module body, and the consumable outlet is provided on the lower end face of the module body.

7. The heating module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, A first fluid splitter is provided in the cavity, and the first fluid splitter is configured to define the curved channel portion in the cavity. The curved channel portion includes a main channel and two sub-channels; Wherein, a first arc-shaped convex surface is formed on the peripheral wall of the first fluid splitter, and the convexity of the first arc-shaped convex surface faces the straight channel portion.

8. The heating module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that A flow splitting assembly is provided in the cavity. The flow splitting assembly includes a second fluid splitter and a third fluid splitter. The second fluid splitter and the third fluid splitter are jointly configured to define the curved channel portion in the cavity. The curved channel portion includes a main channel, two sub-channels, and a connecting channel; Wherein, a second arc-shaped convex surface is formed on the peripheral wall of the second fluid splitter, and the convexity of the second arc-shaped convex surface faces the straight channel portion. The third fluid splitter is disposed between the second arc-shaped convex surface and the straight channel portion, and the third fluid splitter and the second arc-shaped convex surface are spaced apart to form the connecting channel.

9. The heating module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The flow splitting assembly further includes a fourth fluid splitter, and the fourth fluid splitter is disposed in the sub-channel.

10. A melting component, characterized in that, Comprising: The heating module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 4 to 9; A throat tube module configured to be assembled between the consumable inlet and the feeding mechanism so that the consumable enters the consumable inlet through the throat tube module under the action of the feeding mechanism; A nozzle assembled to the consumable outlet.

11. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Comprising the melting assembly described in claim 10.

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