3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, aims to solve the technical problem of how to optimize consumable switching, and provides a 3D printer which comprises one or more printing heads and one or more consumable storage devices. The one or more printheads each include a nozzle. One or more consumables are arranged in the one or more consumable storage devices, one printing head is connected to one consumable storage device, and the nozzles are configured to perform extrusion molding on the consumables in the consumable storage devices. The method has the beneficial effect that the printing precision and the printing efficiency of printing of various consumables are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly, to 3D printers. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing technology is a rapid prototyping technology that uses a digital model file as a basis and applies special wax materials, powdered metals, plastics, or other bondable materials to manufacture three-dimensional objects by printing layer upon layer of materials. Fused deposition modeling is one of the main 3D printing technologies. This technology melts a thermoplastic filament and extrudes it from a nozzle, depositing it on a forming platform or the previously solidified material layer by layer to finally form a physical object. During 3D printing, it may be necessary to switch between different consumables for printing. How to optimize this process is something that those skilled in the art need to consider. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] To solve the problems in the known art, this application provides a 3D printer.

[0004] This application provides a 3D printer, including at least one consumable storage device and multiple print heads. The print head includes a nozzle. One or more consumables are provided in the consumable storage device. One print head is connected to one consumable storage device, and the nozzle is configured to extrude the consumable in the cartridge for forming.

[0005] According to the 3D printer of this application, since there are multiple print heads, one or several print heads can be controlled to operate during printing. When it is necessary to switch to another consumable other than the consumable extruded by the current print head, the current print head can be controlled to stop the printing operation, and the current print head can be controlled to move to other positions for consumable replacement operations or standby; at the same time, the print head for conveying another consumable is controlled to perform a printing operation. After the printing operation of the new print head is completed, the previous print head has completed the replacement of the third consumable and can perform a printing operation. By repeating this cycle, efficient switching of multiple consumables can be achieved, thereby improving the printing efficiency of multiple consumables.

[0006] In a possible implementation:

[0007] The number of print heads is multiple, and each print head is respectively provided with one nozzle; the number of consumable storage devices is multiple, and the number of print heads is the same as the number of consumable storage devices. A variety of consumables are respectively provided in each consumable storage device, and the multiple consumable storage devices are respectively configured to convey any one of the consumables stored therein to the corresponding transfer channel.

[0008] In a possible implementation:

[0009] The number of the consumable storage devices is one. The consumable storage device is configured to store at least one set of consumable groups, each set of consumable groups includes at least one of the consumables, and each of the consumable groups includes at least one consumable that is not included in any other consumable group. At least one set of the consumable groups corresponds to one or more of the print heads one by one, and the nozzle is configured to extrude any one of the consumables in the corresponding consumable group.

[0010] In a possible implementation:

[0011] The print head further includes a transmission channel, the transmission channel is in communication with the nozzle, and the transmission channel is configured to transmit the consumable between the nozzle and the consumable storage device. The 3D printer further includes a plurality of material breakage components, and each print head is at least cooperated with one of the material breakage components. The material breakage component is configured to enter the transmission channel of the corresponding print head and cut off the consumable located in the transmission channel.

[0012] In a possible implementation:

[0013] The number of the print heads is at least two. At least two print heads include a first print head and a second print head. The first print head is disposed on one side of the second print head. The number of the material breakage components is at least two. At least two material breakage components include a first material breakage component and a second material breakage component. The first material breakage component is movably connected to a side of the first print head facing away from the second print head. The first material breakage component is configured to be triggered during the movement of the first print head in a direction away from the second print head, and enter the transmission channel of the first print head to cut off the consumable in the first print head. The second material breakage component is movably connected to a side of the second print head facing away from the first print head. The second material breakage component is configured to be triggered during the movement of the second print head in a direction away from the first print head, and enter the transmission channel of the second print head to cut off the consumable in the first print head.

[0014] In a possible implementation:

[0015] The 3D printer further includes a plurality of first feeding components, and the plurality of first feeding components are respectively disposed between the plurality of print heads and at least one consumable storage device. Each first feeding component is provided with a discharge channel and at least one feeding channel. At least one of the feeding channels is configured to communicate with the consumable storage device. The discharge channel is in communication with at least one of the feeding channels, and the discharge channel is configured to communicate with the nozzle.

[0016] In a possible implementation:

[0017] The 3D printer further includes at least one buffer, the buffer defines a buffer channel configured to transfer consumables between the consumable storage device and the nozzle, and the buffer is configured to provide a resistance against the conveyance of the consumables to the consumables within the buffer channel; wherein, at least one of the buffer channels is in one-to-one communication with at least one nozzle.

[0018] In a possible implementation:

[0019] The 3D printer further includes a driving assembly, and a plurality of the print heads are all connected to the driving assembly. The 3D printer further includes a forming platform, the forming platform is spaced apart from the driving assembly in the vertical direction, and a printing space is defined between the driving assembly and the forming platform. A plurality of the print heads each have a printing position and a standby position. At the printing position, the outlet of the nozzle of the print head is located inside the printing space, and at the standby position, the outlet of the nozzle of the print head is located outside the printing space. When one of the print heads is at the printing position, the other print heads are at the standby position.

[0020] In a possible implementation:

[0021] The 3D printer further includes a switching assembly configured to selectively arrange each of the print heads at the printing position or the standby position, and cause one of the print heads to enter and remain at the printing position, and the other print heads to enter and remain at the standby position.

[0022] In a possible implementation:

[0023] The number of the driving assemblies is multiple, and the multiple driving assemblies are connected to the multiple print heads in one-to-one correspondence. When one of the driving assemblies drives the print head connected thereto into the printing space, the other driving assemblies drive the other print heads to enter and remain outside the printing space. Description of the Drawings

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 2Schematic diagram of the consumable storage device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the consumable storage device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the buffer according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the print head according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 7 Partial schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 8 Partial schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 9 Top view schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the print head and the material breakage component according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the print head and the material breakage component according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 14 Partial schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 15 Partial schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Description of the main component symbols:

[0042]

[0043]

[0044] Specific embodiments

[0045] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0046] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can also be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. When an element is considered to be "disposed on" another element, it can be directly disposed on the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "or / and" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0048] Some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present application, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are introduced for description. The first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are three non-parallel directions in a spatial coordinate system; in subsequent embodiments, taking the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z as three mutually perpendicular reference directions in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system as an example for description, the directions shown in the embodiments of the present application are used to help understand the relative positional relationship of each component, but do not limit its specific direction. Among them, the first direction X and the second direction Y are two perpendicular directions in the horizontal plane, and the third direction Z is the vertical direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, "a plurality of" means two, three or more.

[0051] See Figure 1, this embodiment provides a 3D printer 400, which includes a frame 401, a buffer 300, a driving assembly, a forming platform 405, a base 406, one or more consumable storage devices 200, and one or more print heads 100. The driving assembly includes an X-axis driving assembly 402, a Y-axis driving assembly 403, and a Z-axis driving assembly 404. One or more print heads 100 are all connected to the driving assembly.

[0052] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1, the frame 401 includes a crossbeam 4012 and two columns 4011. The two columns 4011 are spaced apart along the first direction X. The crossbeam 4012 is connected to the tops of the two columns 4011 and extends along the first direction X. At least one column 4011 is provided with a Z-axis drive assembly 404. In some embodiments, the X-axis drive assembly 402 is connected between the two columns 4011 and is connected to the Z-axis drive assembly 404 to move along the third direction Z (such as rising or falling along the third direction Z) under the drive of the Z-axis drive assembly 404. The print head 100 is connected to the X-axis drive assembly 402 and can move along the first direction X under the drive of the X-axis drive assembly 402. The base 406 is disposed between the two columns 4011. The Y-axis drive assembly 403 is disposed on the base 406. The forming platform 405 is connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403 and can move along the second direction Y under the drive of the Y-axis drive assembly 403. The forming platform 405 is used to carry the consumables extruded by the print head 100 and form the consumables. In some other embodiments, the X-axis drive assembly 402 is connected between the two columns 4011, the Y-axis drive assembly 403 is connected to the X-axis drive assembly 402, and the print head 100 is connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403, so that the X-axis drive assembly 402 and the Y-axis drive assembly 403 can jointly drive the print head 100 to move along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The base 406 is disposed between the two columns 4011, the Z-axis drive assembly 404 is disposed on the base 406, and the forming platform 405 is connected to the Z-axis drive assembly 404 and can move along the third direction Z towards or away from the print head 100 under the drive of the Z-axis drive assembly 404. When the forming platform 405 moves towards the print head 100, it is in the rising state, and when the forming platform 405 moves away from the print head 100, it is in the falling state. In other embodiments, it may also be that the Y-axis drive assembly 403 is connected to the column 4011, the X-axis drive assembly 402 is connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403, and the print head 100 is connected to the X-axis drive assembly 402 to realize the movement of the print head 100 along the first direction X and the second direction Y; or, the X-axis drive assembly 402 and the Y-axis drive assembly 403 can be replaced with a bidirectional drive structure in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In some other embodiments, the Y-axis drive assembly 403 can also be connected to the Z-axis drive assembly 404, and the X-axis drive assembly 402 is connected to the Y-axis drive assembly 403, so as to realize the movement of the print head 100 relative to the forming platform 405 along the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z.

[0053] In other embodiments, the frame 401 can be configured in other structural forms, and the 3D printer 400 can be configured as other types of 3D printers such as an all-in-one 3D printer, a single-cantilever 3D printer, an infinite Z-axis 3D printer, a delta 3D printer, etc. Therefore, there are various forms of drive structures for realizing the relative movement between the print head 100 and the forming platform 405, and the specific limitations thereof are not made in this embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, that one consumable is different from another means that the physical properties of one consumable are different from those of another consumable. The physical properties can be physical properties in many aspects such as color, strength, etc. In this embodiment, color is taken as an example for illustration.

[0055] See Figure 1 , one or more print heads 100 each include a nozzle 20. One or more consumable storage devices 200 are provided with one or more consumables. One print head 100 is connected to one consumable storage device 200, and the nozzle 20 is configured to extrude the consumable in the consumable storage device 200 for forming.

[0056] For the 3D printer 400 according to this embodiment, since the number of print heads 100 is multiple, one or several print heads 100 can be controlled to act during the printing process. When it is necessary to switch to another consumable other than the consumable extruded by the current print head 100, the current print head 100 can be controlled to stop the printing action, and the current print head 100 can be controlled to move to other positions for consumable replacement actions or standby; at the same time, the print head 100 for conveying another consumable is controlled to perform the printing action. After the printing action of the new print head 100 is completed, the previous print head 100 has completed the replacement of the third consumable and can perform the printing action. In this way, by repeating the cycle, efficient switching of multiple consumables can be achieved, thereby improving the printing efficiency of multiple consumables.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , the print head 100 is provided with a transmission channel Q1. The transmission channel Q1 communicates between at least one consumable storage device 200 and the nozzle 20. The transmission channel Q1 is configured to transmit any one of the consumables conveyed by the corresponding consumable storage device 200 to the nozzle 20 and extrude the consumable through the nozzle 20. In some embodiments, each print head 100 respectively includes a transmission channel Q1 and a nozzle 20.

[0058] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 3, the consumable storage device 200 includes a rack 201 and a first extrusion assembly 202. The rack 201 is configured to store a type of consumable. Among them, the rack 201 can store the consumable in a winding manner. The first extrusion assembly 202 corresponds to the rack 201 one by one. The first extrusion assembly 202 is used to extrude the consumable into the transmission channel Q1 or push the consumable back to the rack 201. In this way, the storage of multiple different consumables and the delivery to the transmission channel Q1 of the print head 100 are realized. The first extrusion assembly 202 can also improve the consumable replacement efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 , the number of the first extrusion assemblies 202 is the same as the number of the racks 201. Each rack 201 corresponds to a first extrusion assembly 202. The first extrusion assembly 202 is used to guide the consumable of the rack 201 to be delivered to the print head 100. The first extrusion assembly 202 can be configured as two feed wheels rotating towards each other. The two feed wheels rotate towards each other to provide a conveying force to the consumable between the two feed wheels. In other embodiments, the number of the first extrusion assemblies 202 and the number of the racks 201 can also be different. For example, the number of the first extrusion assemblies 202 can be set to a single one. When a consumable replacement is needed, the consumable on the rack 201 to be switched can be transmitted into the first extrusion assembly 202.

[0060] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 , the number of the consumable storage devices 200 is one. The consumable storage device 200 is configured to store at least one group of consumable sets. Each group of consumable sets includes at least one type of consumable, and each consumable set includes at least one consumable that other consumable sets do not have. At least one group of consumable sets corresponds to one or more print heads 100 one by one. The transmission channel Q1 is used to transmit any one of the consumables of the corresponding consumable set. In this way, multiple consumables can be integrated into one consumable storage device 200, and it is ensured that any transmission channel Q1 can transmit at least one type of consumable. In this embodiment, the consumable storage device 200 includes multiple racks 201 and multiple first extrusion assemblies 202 for storing at least one group of consumable sets.

[0061] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 , each print head 100 is respectively provided with a transmission channel Q1. The number of the print heads 100 is multiple. The number of the consumable storage devices 200 is multiple. The number of the print heads 100 is the same as the number of the consumable storage devices 200. The consumable storage device 200 is configured to store multiple consumables. Multiple consumable storage devices 200 are respectively configured to deliver any one of the consumables they store to the transmission channel Q1 corresponding to the consumable storage device 200.

[0062] In this way, the weight of each print head 100 can be reduced, so that the moving accuracy of each print head 100 is higher and the printing quality is better when printing different types of consumables. At the same time, by setting the number of print heads 100 and the number of consumable storage devices 200 to be multiple, the consumable switching of each print head 100 is independent of each other, so that it is convenient to switch to the next type of consumable during the process of the print head 100 stopping printing. In this embodiment, each consumable storage device 200 includes at least one material rack 201 and at least one first extrusion component 202 for storing and transporting at least one type of consumable.

[0063] In some embodiments, the types of consumables stored in each consumable storage device 200 can be completely different or partially different.

[0064] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a buffer 300 is provided between the print head 100 and the consumable storage device 200. The number of buffers 300 is at least one. The buffer 300 is provided with a buffer channel Q3, and the buffer channel Q3 is configured to transport consumables between the consumable storage device 200 and the transport channel Q1. The buffer 300 is configured to provide resistance to the transport of consumables to the consumables in the buffer channel Q3. Among them, at least one buffer channel Q3 is connected to one nozzle 20 one by one. In some embodiments, the buffer channel Q3 is connected to the nozzle 20 through the transport channel Q1. In this way, when the print head 100 stops feeding or the consumable storage device 200 stops feeding, resulting in uneven stress on the consumables, the buffer 300 buffers the stress on the consumables, avoids the breakage of the consumables when the stress changes, improves the protection of the consumables, and ensures the smooth progress of consumable replacement.

[0065] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 , the buffer 300 includes a feeding part 301, a buffer part 303 and a discharging part 302. The feeding part 301 is connected to the consumable storage device 200 through a first feeding pipe 304 (as shown in the figure). The discharging part 302 is connected to the print head 100 through a second feeding pipe 305 (as shown in the figure). The first feeding pipe 304 and the second feeding pipe 305 can be configured as Teflon pipes or pipe structures of other materials. The buffer part 303 is connected between the feeding part 301 and the discharging part 302. The buffer part 303 drives a relative displacement between the feeding part 301 and the discharging part 302 to buffer the stress on the consumables. The buffer part 303 can be configured as an elastic element such as a spring, a tension spring, or an elastic column. The feeding part 301 is provided with a first channel Q31, and the discharging part 302 is provided with a second channel Q32. The first channel Q31 and the second channel Q32 are connected and form the buffer channel Q3.

[0066] In some embodiments, please refer back to Figure 4 , the number of buffers 300 is multiple, the number of consumable storage devices 200 is multiple, the number of consumable storage devices 200, the number of buffers 300 is the same as that of the print heads 100, and the multiple buffers 300 are connected to the multiple consumable storage devices 200 and the multiple print heads 100 in one-to-one correspondence. In this way, the stable transmission of consumables for each print head 100 is realized, and the consumables transmitted by each print head 100 are stably buffered during the printing process and the material change process.

[0067] In other embodiments, the 3D printer 400 may further include possible functional units during the 3D printing process, such as a display (not shown in the figure), a material guiding unit (not shown in the figure), etc. The specific structures, working principles, connection relationships, positional relationships, cooperation relationships, etc. will not be elaborated.

[0068] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 6 , the print head 100 includes a mounting bracket 81, a hot melt assembly 30, a second extrusion assembly 70, and a nozzle 20. The mounting bracket 81 is connected to the X-axis drive assembly 402. The hot melt assembly 30 is disposed on the mounting bracket 81. The second extrusion assembly 70 is disposed on the bracket. The nozzle 20 is connected to the side of the hot melt assembly 30 facing away from the second extrusion assembly 70.

[0069] Refer to Figure 6 , the hot melt assembly 30 includes a first part 31, a transition part 32, and a second part 33. The first part 31 is connected to the mounting bracket 81, and the second part 33 is connected to the first part 31 via the transition part 32. Among them, the first part 31 can correspond to the main heat dissipation area of the hot melt assembly 30 (for example, the first part 31 can be configured as a radiator, and the radiator is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins), the second part 33 can correspond to the main heating area of the hot melt assembly 30 (for example, the second part 33 can be configured as a heater or a heating block), and the transition part 32 can correspond to the throat area of the hot melt assembly 30 (for example, the transition part 32 can be configured as a throat, and the throat is connected between the radiator and the heater). The first part 31, the transition part 32, and the second part 33 jointly define a hot melt channel Q11, and the hot melt channel Q11 forms a part of the transmission channel Q1, so that the consumables located in the hot melt channel Q11 are heated and melted. The nozzle 20 is connected to the second part 33 to output the melted consumables to the printing platform, thereby realizing extrusion molding to complete printing.

[0070] Please continue to refer to Figure 6, along the conveying direction of the consumable in the conveying channel Q1 (when the 3D printer 400 is working, this conveying direction is generally the third direction Z), the second extrusion assembly 70 is located upstream of the hot melting assembly 30. The second extrusion assembly 70 includes a driving extrusion member 71 and a driven extrusion member 72. The driving extrusion member 71 and the driven extrusion member 72 cooperate with each other to define an extrusion channel Q12. The driving extrusion member 71 and the driven extrusion member 72 move towards each other to apply a force to the consumable in the extrusion channel Q12 to move it closer to the hot melting channel Q11, thereby pushing the consumable forward. Among them, the extrusion channel Q12 communicates with the hot melting channel Q11 and constitutes the conveying channel Q1. When the consumable needs to be replaced and a material discharging operation is performed, by controlling the driving extrusion member 71 and the driven extrusion member 72 to switch to rotate away from each other, a force is applied to the consumable in the extrusion channel Q12 to move it away from the hot melting channel Q11, realizing the material discharging of the consumable.

[0071] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6 , the driving extrusion member 71 is a driving extrusion wheel, and the driven extrusion member 72 is a driven extrusion wheel. The second extrusion assembly 70 further includes an extrusion driving member (not shown in the figure). The extrusion driving member is connected to the driving extrusion wheel and is configured to drive the driving extrusion wheel to rotate. The driving extrusion wheel and the driven extrusion wheel are engaged through a transmission gear, thereby realizing the relative movement between the driving extrusion wheel and the driven extrusion wheel.

[0072] In some embodiments, each print head 100 includes a hot melting assembly 30 and a second extrusion assembly 70. In this way, the weight of each print head 100 is ensured to be light, and the moving accuracy and printing accuracy of the print head 100 are improved. In other embodiments, according to actual printing requirements, a single print head 100 may also be provided with multiple hot melting assemblies 30 and / or multiple second extrusion assemblies 70.

[0073] In some embodiments, in cooperation with referring to Figure 4 , the forming platform 405 and the X-axis driving assembly 402 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. A printing space Q4 is defined between the X-axis driving assembly 402 and the forming platform 405. At least one print head 100 has a printing position and a standby position. In the printing position, the outlet of the nozzle 20 of the print head 100 is located inside the printing space Q4. In the standby position, the outlet of the nozzle 20 of the print head 100 is located outside the printing space Q4. When one of the print heads 100 is in the printing position, the other print heads 100 are in the standby position. In other embodiments, when the print head 100 is connected to the Y-axis driving assembly 403 or the Z-axis driving assembly 404 or other forms of driving assemblies, the printing space Q4 may also be defined between other driving assemblies and the forming platform 405.

[0074] In this way, it can be ensured that the print head 100 in the standby position does not affect the printing operation of the print head 100 in the printing position, and the printing quality is improved.

[0075] As the printing operation of the current print head 100 proceeds, the positions of the print head 100 relative to the forming platform 405 in the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z will all change. The movement space range of the print head 100 (i.e., the printing space Q4) can be obtained in advance, and the print head 100 at the standby position can be controlled to enter the outside of the printing space Q4. In other embodiments, as the current print head 100 moves, the positions of other print heads 100 can also be obtained, so that the other print heads 100 maintain a sufficient distance from the current print head 100 so as not to affect the printing operation of the current print head 100.

[0076] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the 3D printer 400 further includes a switching component 40. The switching component 40 is configured to selectively arrange each print head 100 at the printing position or the standby position, and cause one of the print heads 100 to enter and remain at the printing position, and the other print heads 100 to enter and remain at the standby position. In this embodiment, the position of the print head 100 lower along the third direction Z is the printing position, and the position of the print head 100 higher along the third direction Z is the standby position. In this way, it can be ensured that the print heads 100 at the standby position are always outside the printing space Q4 of the print head 100 at the printing position. When it is necessary to switch the consumables, the position of the print head 100 can be directly switched through the switching component 40.

[0077] In this embodiment, the 3D printer 400 further includes an adapter bracket 82. The adapter bracket 82 is connected to the X-axis drive component 402. Multiple print heads 100 are all movably connected to the adapter bracket 82. In this way, the X-axis drive component 402 can drive the adapter bracket 82 to drive the multiple print heads 100 to move.

[0078] In some embodiments, the switching component 40 includes a switching drive member 41 and a transmission member 42. The switching component 40 includes a switching drive member 41 and a transmission member 42. The switching drive member 41 is connected to the transmission member 42. The transmission member 42 is drivingly connected to multiple print heads 100 and is configured to drive the multiple print heads 100 to switch between the printing position and the standby position under the drive of the switching drive member 41.

[0079] For example, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, a contact top 43 is provided on the bottom surface of the transmission member 42. The transmission member 42 can move under the drive of the switching drive member 41, and the contact top 43 can sequentially contact a plurality of print heads 100. The contact top 43 can push the contacted print head 100 to move downward along the third direction ZZ to the printing position, and the other print heads 100 are kept at the standby position in the third direction ZZ. In this way, the print head 100 contacting the contact top 43 enters the printing position, and the other print heads 100 are kept at the standby position, so that the printing action of the print head 100 at the printing position will not be interfered by the print head 100 at the standby position, ensuring the printing quality of the 3D printer 400.

[0080] In some embodiments, the switching assembly 40 includes a transmission member 42. The transmission member 42 is configured to abut against each print head 100 and is configured to be able to drive at least one print head 100 to switch between the printing position and the standby position when triggered. There are various ways for the transmission member 42 to be triggered. For example, the print head 100 can be driven by the X-axis assembly to approach the frame 401, causing relative movement between the transmission member 42 and the frame 401. While the transmission member 42 is moving, it can drive at least one print head 100 to move, switching the currently located print head 100 at the printing position to the standby position and another print head 100 at the standby position to the printing position, realizing the switching of the print head 100. In this way, the position switching of the print head 100 can be achieved by mechanical collision, without the need to additionally set a driving structure such as a motor, reducing the weight of the print head 100 and improving the moving accuracy and printing quality of the print head 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 , when a plurality of print heads 100 are sequentially and spaced apart along the first direction X, the transmission member 42 can be configured as a long strip structure and move along the first direction X under the drive of the switching drive member 41, or move relative to the plurality of print heads 100 along the first direction X after hitting the column 4011.

[0082] In another embodiment, referring to Figure 8 , the transmission member 42 can be configured as a disc structure and rotate around the rotation axis under the drive of the switching drive member 41. The rotation axis is parallel to the third direction Z, or rotate around the rotation axis after hitting the column 4011 through the swing arm. Among them, a plurality of print heads 100 are located on the projection of the rotation path of the contact top 43 along the third direction Z.

[0083] Therefore, there are various ways for the transmission member 42 to push a plurality of print heads 100 to switch positions, and the present embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0084] In some embodiments, the switching assembly 40 can be connected to the adapter bracket 82. In other embodiments, the switching assembly 40 can also be installed on the frame 401.

[0085] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 , the number of drive components is multiple, and the multiple drive components are connected to the multiple print heads 100 one by one. When one of the drive components drives the print head 100 connected thereto into the printing space Q4, the other drive components drive the other print heads 100 to enter and stay outside the printing space Q4. For example, one of the drive components drives the print head 100 connected thereto to move within the printing space Q4, and the other drive components drive the print heads 100 connected thereto to move along the first direction X to approach one of the columns 4011, so as to move away from the printing space Q4 in the first direction X. In this way, it is ensured that the printing operation of the print head 100 at the printing position is not interfered, thereby ensuring the printing quality. Among them, the drive component can be set as the X-axis drive component 402.

[0086] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 9 , the X-axis drive component 402 can be configured as a synchronous belt structure driven by a motor. For example, in the 3D printer 400 shown in the figure, the 3D printer 400 includes a first synchronous belt structure 402a, a second synchronous belt structure 402b, a first print head 100a and a second print head 100b. The first synchronous belt structure 402a and the second synchronous belt structure 402b are spaced apart along the second direction Y. The first print head 100a is connected to the first synchronous belt structure 402a, and the second print head 100b is connected to the second synchronous belt structure 402b. In the state shown in the figure, the first print head 100a is in the working state, and the second print head 100b is kept in the standby state on the side under the drive of the second synchronous belt structure 402b. It can be understood that in other embodiments, when the second print head 100b is in the working state, the first print head 100a is kept in the standby state on the side under the drive of the first synchronous belt structure 402a. In this way, at the same time, the first print head 100a and the second print head 100b do not work simultaneously, which can avoid the problem of mutual interference during printing and can greatly reduce the control difficulty. In addition, the same X-axis drive component 402 only needs to drive one print head 100 to move, reducing the load of the X-axis drive component 402, improving the moving accuracy and control accuracy of the print head 100, and further improving the printing quality.

[0087] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 10, the 3D printer 400 further includes a plurality of material cutting components 50. Each print head 100 is at least cooperated with one material cutting component 50. The material cutting component 50 is configured to enter the transmission channel Q1 of the corresponding print head 100 and cut the consumable material located in the transmission channel Q1. In this way, the consumable material in the transmission channel Q1 of each print head 100 can be cut by the corresponding material cutting component of the print head 100, ensuring the independence of the material cutting operation of each print head 100. In addition, when the print head 100 enters the standby position, the material changing process can still be realized through the material cutting component 50, ensuring that the printing action and the material changing action of each print head 100 can be synchronized, and ensuring the improvement of the printing efficiency.

[0088] In some embodiments, please refer to again Figure 4 , along the conveying direction of the consumable material in the transmission channel Q1, the material cutting component 50 is arranged between the second extrusion component 70 and the hot melting component 30. In this way, it is convenient for the second extrusion component 70 to rotate reversely, and the current consumable material can leave the extrusion channel Q12 of the second extrusion component 70. Then the consumable material storage device 200 drives the new consumable material into the extrusion channel Q12 of the second extrusion component 70. In this way, it is possible to balance ensuring the material changing efficiency of the consumable material and reducing the waste of the consumable material. In other embodiments, the position of the material cutting component 50 can also be arranged on the side of the second extrusion component 70 away from the hot melting component 30, or at the outlet of the consumable material storage device 200.

[0089] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 , along the conveying direction of the consumable material in the transmission channel Q1, the material cutting component 50 is arranged between the second extrusion component 70 and the hot melting component 30. In this way, it is convenient for the second extrusion component 70 to rotate reversely, and the current consumable material can leave the extrusion channel Q12 of the second extrusion component 70. Then the consumable material storage device 200 drives the new consumable material into the extrusion channel Q12 of the second extrusion component 70. In this way, it is possible to balance ensuring the material changing efficiency of the consumable material and reducing the waste of the consumable material. In other embodiments, the position of the material cutting component 50 can also be arranged on the side of the second extrusion component 70 away from the hot melting component 30, or at the outlet of the consumable material storage device 200.

[0090] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 , the material cutting component 50 is movably connected to the mounting bracket 81 of the print head 100. The material cutting component 50 is configured to move relative to the print head 100 when being triggered and enter at least one transmission channel Q1 to cut the consumable material in the transmission channel Q1. In this way, the material cutting action of the material cutting component 50 will not affect other actions of the print head 100 (such as the material changing action of other transmission channels Q1), thereby improving the printing efficiency.

[0091] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 10, the material cutting assembly 50 includes a material cutting driving member 51, a mounting seat 52, and a blade 53. The blade 53 is connected to the mounting seat 52. The material cutting driving member 51 is configured to drive the mounting seat 52 to move relative to the mounting bracket 81, so that the blade 53 enters the transmission channel Q1 and cuts the consumable. The material cutting driving member 51 and the mounting seat 52 can be fixedly connected, so that the material cutting driving member 51 can drive the mounting seat 52 to move linearly (for example, move along the first direction X), and drive the blade 53 to move linearly into the transmission channel Q1. The material cutting driving member 51 and the mounting seat 52 can be hingedly connected, so that the material cutting driving member 51 can drive the mounting seat 52 to rotate and make the blade 53 rotate into the transmission channel Q1.

[0092] In some embodiments, the material cutting assembly 50 is configured to move relative to the print head 100 when triggered and enter the transmission channel Q1 to shear the consumable located in the transmission channel Q1. And / or, the print head 100 is configured to move relative to the material cutting assembly 50 when triggered, so that the material cutting assembly 50 enters the transmission channel Q1 and shears the consumable located in the transmission channel Q1. For example, the material cutting driving member 51 is a motor and is installed on the mounting bracket 81 or the frame 401. The material cutting driving member 51 is fixedly connected to the mounting seat 52 to drive the mounting seat 52 to move. The mounting seat 52 can be fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 81 or the column 4011 of the frame 401. Also for example, in Figure 12 the embodiment shown, the material cutting driving member 51 of the material cutting assembly 50 is fixedly arranged on the mounting bracket 81. The material cutting driving member 51 can drive the hot melt assembly 30 to move linearly or rotationally and approach the blade 53 of the mounting seat 52 until the blade 53 enters the transmission channel Q1 to realize the cutting of the consumable.

[0093] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11 , the number of the material cutting assemblies 50 is at least two. The at least two material cutting assemblies 50 include a first material cutting assembly 50a and a second material cutting assembly 50b. The first material cutting assembly 50a is movably connected to the side of the first print head 100a facing away from the second print head 100b. The first material cutting assembly 50a is configured to be triggered during the movement of the first print head 100a in the direction away from the second print head 100b and enter the transmission channel Q1 of the first print head 100a to cut the consumable in the first print head 100a. The second material cutting assembly 50b is movably connected to the side of the second print head 100b facing away from the first print head 100a. The second material cutting assembly 50b is configured to be triggered during the movement of the second print head 100b in the direction away from the first print head 100a and enter the transmission channel Q1 of the second print head 100b to cut the consumable in the first print head 100a. Thus, the consumables in the first print head 100a and the second print head 100b can be cut in an independent manner.

[0094] In some embodiments, the triggering of the material cutting component 50 means that, driven by the X-axis driving component 402, the first print head 100a can move along the first direction X towards the column 4011 on one side of the machine frame 401 until the material cutting driving part 51 collides relatively with the column 4011, thereby driving the mounting seat 52 and the cutting knife into the transmission channel Q1 of the first print head 100a to cut the consumables therein. Alternatively, the second print head 100b moves along the first direction X towards the column 4011 on the other side of the machine frame 401 until the material cutting driving part 51 collides relatively with the column 4011, thereby driving the mounting seat 52 and the cutting knife into the transmission channel Q1 of the second print head 100b to cut the consumables therein. In this way, the first print head 100a and the second print head 100b respectively complete the material cutting operation by making full use of the two columns 4011 of the machine frame 401. While the first print head 100a is printing, the second print head 100b can perform related operations such as material cutting and material replacement, thereby further improving the printing efficiency. In other embodiments, the number of print heads 100 can be configured as multiple. The multiple print heads 100 are configured as a combination of two columns of print heads 100. Each column of print head 100 combinations respectively includes multiple print heads 100. The two columns of print head 100 combinations are spaced apart along the first direction X. Each column of print head 100 combinations can realize the material cutting actions of the multiple print heads 100 within each print head 100 combination by approaching one of the columns 4011 to meet the material cutting requirements of a large number of print heads 100.

[0095] In other embodiments, the number of print heads 100 is multiple. Other print heads 100 are arranged between the first print head 100a and the second print head 100b, and the material cutting component 50 with the material cutting driving part 51 as a motor can realize the cutting and replacement of the consumables.

[0096] In some embodiments, please refer to again Figure 4 , the heat dissipation component 62 is arranged on the mounting bracket 81. The heat dissipation component 62 is configured to correspond to the first part 31 and the transition part 32 to cool the first part 31 and the transition part 32 in time and reduce the risk of the consumables in the first part 31 and the transition part 32 melting and blocking. The heat dissipation component 62 can be configured as various heat dissipation structures such as a heat dissipation fan, heat dissipation fins, and a water-cooled heat dissipation structure.

[0097] In some embodiments, the number of heat dissipation components 62 is multiple, and at least one heat dissipation component 62 can be respectively arranged for each print head 100.

[0098] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 13 to 15, the 3D printer 400 further includes a plurality of first feeding components 61. The plurality of first feeding components 61 are respectively arranged between the plurality of print heads 100 and at least one consumable storage device 200. The first feeding component 61 is provided with a discharge channel Q21 and at least one feeding channel Q22. At least one feeding channel Q22 is configured to communicate with the consumable storage device 200. The discharge channel Q21 communicates with at least one feeding channel Q22. The discharge channel Q21 is configured to communicate with the transfer channel Q1. In this way, one of a variety of different consumables can be conveyed into the discharge channel Q21 through at least one feeding channel Q22. When it is necessary to switch the consumable, the current consumable is retracted from the current feeding channel Q22 to vacate the discharge channel Q21, and then another consumable is conveyed into another feeding channel Q22 through the first extrusion component 202 and enters the discharge channel Q21 to achieve the switching of the consumable. Moreover, when multiple consumables are conveyed, the weight of the print head 100 can be further reduced, the moving accuracy of the print head 100 can be improved, and the printing quality can be improved.

[0099] In some embodiments, the number of the first feeding components 61 is the same as the number of the print heads 100, and the plurality of first feeding components 61 are respectively connected to the plurality of print heads 100.

[0100] In some embodiments, the number of the first feeding components 61 is the same as the number of the buffers 300. The discharging part 302 of each buffer 300 is communicated with a first feeding component 61 through a second feeding pipe 305. The feeding channel Q2 of the first feeding component 61 has a feeding port K1 and a discharging port K2. The feeding port K1 is communicated with the second feeding pipe 305. The discharging port K2 is communicated with the transfer channel Q1. In this way, reliable guiding of each consumable is achieved.

[0101] In other embodiments, the first feeding component 61 may further be provided with two discharge channels Q21. The two discharge channels Q21 are respectively communicated with at least one feeding channel Q22.

[0102] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figures 13 to 15, the 3D printer 400 includes a first print head 100a and a second print head 100b. The first print head 100a cooperates with a first feeding component 61, and the feeding channel Q2 of the first feeding component 61 includes a discharge channel Q21 and a feeding channel Q22; the second print head 100b cooperates with another first feeding component 61, and the feeding channel Q2 of the first feeding component 61 includes a discharge channel Q21 and a feeding channel Q22. Alternatively, the feeding channel Q2 of the first feeding component 61 cooperating with the first print head 100a includes a discharge channel Q21 and a feeding channel Q22; the feeding channel Q2 of the second feeding component 64 cooperating with the second print head 100b includes a discharge channel Q21 and a plurality of feeding channels Q22. Alternatively, the feeding channel Q2 of the first feeding component 61 cooperating with the first print head 100a includes a discharge channel Q21 and a plurality of feeding channels Q22; the feeding channel Q2 of the second feeding component 64 cooperating with the second print head 100b includes a discharge channel Q21 and a plurality of feeding channels Q22. In this way, different print heads 100 can be respectively adapted to different types of first feeding components 61, different types of buffers 300, and different consumable storage devices 200, improving the overall expandability of the 3D printer 400.

[0103] The number of the print heads 100 and the type of the first feeding component 61 can both be determined according to actual requirements.

[0104] In another embodiment, referring to Figure 16 , the 3D printer 400 may not need to be provided with the first feeding component 61. The 3D printer 400 further includes a second feeding component 64. The second feeding component 64 is arranged between the buffer 300 and the consumable storage device 200. Meanwhile, the buffer 300 includes a feeding part 301 and a buffer part 303. The buffer 300 is connected to a transmission channel Q1 of the module body through a second feeding pipe 305. The second feeding component 64 can be connected to the consumable storage device 200 through one or more first feeding pipes 304. The structure and number of the second feeding component 64 can be set with reference to the structure of the first extrusion component 202, which will not be elaborated here.

[0105] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application rather than to limit. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present application can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A 3D printer, characterized in that, include: one or more print heads, the print heads comprising nozzles; One or more consumable storage devices, wherein one or more consumables are arranged in the consumable storage device, one of the print heads is connected to one of the consumable storage devices, and the nozzle is configured to extrude the consumables in the consumable storage device into shape.

2. The 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple print heads, and each print head is provided with one nozzle; There are multiple consumable storage devices, the number of print heads is the same as the number of consumable storage devices, each of the consumable storage devices is respectively provided with multiple types of consumables, and each of the consumable storage devices is respectively configured to transport any one of the consumables stored therein to the nozzle corresponding to the consumable storage device.

3. The 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the consumable storage device is one, and the consumable storage device is configured to store at least one group of consumables, each group of the consumables includes at least one consumable, and each consumable group includes at least one consumable that is not included in other consumable groups; At least one of the consumable material groups corresponds to one or more of the print heads, and the nozzle is configured to extrude any one of the consumable materials in the consumable material group corresponding to it.

4. The 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The print head further comprises a transmission channel, the transmission channel being in communication with the nozzle, the transmission channel being configured to transmit the consumables between the nozzle and the consumables storage device; The 3D printer also includes a plurality of material cutting components, each of the print heads cooperates with at least one of the material cutting components, and the material cutting component is configured to enter the transmission channel of the corresponding print head and cut off the consumables located in the transmission channel.

5. The 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the print heads is at least two, the at least two print heads include a first print head and a second print head, the first print head is arranged on one side of the second print head, the number of the material cutting components is at least two, the at least two material cutting components include a first material cutting component and a second material cutting component; The first material cutting component is movably connected to a side of the first print head away from the second print head, and is configured to be triggered when the first print head moves in a direction away from the second print head, and enter the transmission channel of the first print head to cut off the consumables in the first print head; The second material cutting component can be movably connected to the side of the second print head facing away from the first print head. The second material cutting component is configured to be triggered when the second print head moves in a direction away from the first print head, and enter the transmission channel of the second print head to cut off the consumables in the first print head.

6. The 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 3D printer further includes a plurality of first feeding components, and the plurality of first feeding components are respectively arranged between the plurality of print heads and at least one consumable storage device. Each of the first feeding components is provided with a discharge channel and at least one feeding channel. At least one of the feeding channels is configured to communicate with the consumable storage device, the discharge channel communicates with at least one of the feeding channels, and the discharge channel is configured to communicate with the nozzle.

7. The 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein: The 3D printer further includes at least one buffer. The buffer is provided with a buffer channel, and the buffer channel is configured to transfer the consumable between the consumable storage device and the nozzle. The buffer is configured to provide resistance against the conveyance of the consumable in the buffer channel; wherein, at least one of the buffer channels communicates with at least one nozzle respectively.

8. The 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein: The 3D printer further includes a driving component, and the plurality of print heads are all connected to the driving component; The 3D printer further includes a forming platform. The forming platform is spaced apart from the driving component in the vertical direction, and a printing space is defined between the driving component and the forming platform; The plurality of print heads each have a printing position and a standby position. At the printing position, the outlet of the nozzle of the print head is located inside the printing space, and at the standby position, the outlet of the nozzle of the print head is located outside the printing space; When one of the print heads is in the printing position, the other print heads are in the standby position.

9. The 3D printer according to claim 8, wherein: The 3D printer further includes a switching component, and the switching component is configured to selectively arrange each of the print heads at the printing position or the standby position, and enable one of the print heads to enter and remain at the printing position, and the other print heads to enter and remain at the standby position.

10. The 3D printer according to claim 8, wherein: The number of the driving components is multiple, and the multiple driving components are respectively connected to the multiple print heads. When one of the driving components drives the print head connected thereto into the printing space, the other driving components drive the other print heads to enter and remain outside the printing space.

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