Double-head printing structure of 3D printer

Abstract

The double-head printing structure of the 3D printer comprises a first printing head and a second printing head which are connected to the same fixed carrier frame, and the second printing head is connected to the fixed carrier frame through a Z-axis displacement mechanism so as to adjust the positions, above and below the first printing head, of the second printing head. In the embodiment of the invention, the mode of adjusting the height position of the second printing head is adopted, and the positions of the second printing head above and below the first printing head are adjusted through the Z-axis displacement mechanism, so that the purpose that the height difference always exists between the second printing head and the first printing head in the height direction is achieved; therefore, the technical effect of no interference when the second printing head and the first printing head are replaced for use is achieved, and the technical problem of nozzle interference when the two nozzles are replaced for use is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printers, and more particularly, to a dual-head printing structure for a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, as an additive manufacturing technology, is widely used in many fields such as prototyping, education, medical, and architecture due to its low equipment cost, strong material diversity, and simple operation. In a dual-nozzle 3D printer, two nozzles can be used to print with different materials or colors, thereby improving the flexibility and complexity of printing. However, in the actual use process of existing dual-nozzle 3D printers, the problem of one nozzle running out of consumables often occurs, which will cause the suspension of the printing process, thus affecting the smooth completion of the printing task and the printing quality.

[0003] In the current design of dual-nozzle 3D printers, two print heads are usually connected to the same fixed base, and the height positions of the two nozzles are the same. This design has the problem of print head interference in the actual printing process. When one print head runs out of consumables during the printing process and needs to be replaced by the other print head for printing, the other print head is relatively close in position, and mechanical interference is likely to occur, resulting in printing failure or damage to printer components. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to provide a dual-head printing structure for a 3D printer to solve the problem of print head interference when the two print heads are replaced for use.

[0005] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of this application, a dual-head printing structure for a 3D printer is provided.

[0006] The dual-head printing structure for a 3D printer according to this application includes: a first print head and a second print head connected to the same fixed carrier, and the second print head is connected to the fixed carrier through a Z-axis displacement mechanism to adjust the upper and lower positions of the second print head relative to the first print head.

[0007] Furthermore, there is always a height difference between the second print head and the first print head in the height direction.

[0008] Furthermore, two upwardly disposed guide pins are connected to the fixed carrier, the second print head is movably sleeved outside the guide pins, and the Z-axis displacement mechanism is connected to the second print head to drive the second print head to move up and down along the guide pins.

[0009] Further, the Z-axis displacement mechanism includes: a sliding seat connected to the fixed carrier and arranged longitudinally, a rack slidably connected to the sliding seat, a gear meshing with the rack, and a motor connected to the fixed carrier and connected to the gear; a moving plate is connected to the side wall of the second print head, an inclined chute is formed on the moving plate, a runner is pivotally connected to the rack, and the runner is clamped in the inclined chute; when the rack moves longitudinally, the runner cooperates with the inclined chute to drive the second print head to move up and down.

[0010] Further, a first chute is formed on the sliding seat, the rack is slidably connected in the first chute, and the side wall of the rack is attached to the side surface of the moving plate.

[0011] Further, a waist-shaped hole is formed on the sliding seat, and the sliding seat is fixed to the fixed carrier through a screw in the waist-shaped hole.

[0012] Further, the inclined chute is inclined in a front-up and rear-down manner.

[0013] Further, the Z-axis displacement mechanism is a telescopic cylinder, the telescopic cylinder is connected to the fixed carrier, and the output shaft end of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the second print head.

[0014] Further, the Z-axis displacement mechanism is a lead screw module, which is connected between the fixed carrier and the second print head along the Z-axis direction.

[0015] In the embodiment of the present application, by adjusting the height position of the second print head, the Z-axis displacement mechanism is used to adjust the upper and lower positions of the second print head relative to the first print head, so as to achieve the purpose that there is always a height difference between the second print head and the first print head in the height direction. Thus, when the second print head and the first print head are replaced and used, the technical effect of non-interference is achieved, and further the technical problem of interference between the nozzles when the two nozzles are replaced and used is solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings forming a part of the present application are used to provide a further understanding of the present application, making other features, objects, and advantages of the present application more obvious. The schematic embodiments and descriptions of the present application are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the dual-head printing structure of the 3D printer according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the position of the second print head during operation according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the position of the first print head during operation according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 4It is a schematic structural diagram of the guide pin in the embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the Z-axis displacement mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0022] Figure 6 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the Z-axis displacement mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0023] Figure 7 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the Z-axis displacement mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0024] Figure 8 It is a schematic installation structure diagram of the fixed carrier in the embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Reference numerals

[0026] 1. First print head; 2. Second print head; 3. Fixed carrier; 4. Z-axis displacement mechanism; 41. Slide; 42. Rack; 43. Gear; 44. Motor; 45. Moving plate; 46. Oblique chute; 47. Runner; 48. First chute; 49. Kidney-shaped hole; 5. Guide pin. Detailed implementation manners

[0027] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with 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. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0028] In the present application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "middle", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the present invention and its embodiments, and are not used to limit that the indicated device, element or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0029] Moreover, in addition to being able to represent the orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0030] In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "provided with", "connected", "linked", "socketed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there is internal communication between two devices, components or parts. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0032] As Figures 1 - 8 shown, the present application relates to a dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer, including: a first print head 1 and a second print head 2 connected to the same fixed carrier 3, and the second print head 2 is connected to the fixed carrier 3 through a Z-axis displacement mechanism 4 to adjust the upper and lower positions of the second print head 2 relative to the first print head 1; when the first print head 1 is working, the second print head 2 moves to a position above the first print head 1 through the Z-axis displacement mechanism 4, and when the second print head 2 needs to work, the second print head 2 moves to a position below the first print head 1 through the Z-axis displacement mechanism 4. In the embodiment of the present application, by adjusting the height position of the second print head 2 and adjusting the upper and lower positions of the second print head 2 relative to the first print head 1 through the Z-axis displacement mechanism 4, the purpose that there is always a height difference between the second print head 2 and the first print head 1 in the height direction is achieved, so that the technical effect that the second print head 2 and the first print head 1 do not interfere when being replaced and used is realized, and further the technical problem of nozzle interference when two nozzles are replaced and used is solved. Specifically:

[0033] Two upwardly arranged guide pins 5 are connected to the fixed carrier 3, and the second print head 2 is movably sleeved outside the guide pins 5. The Z-axis displacement mechanism 4 is connected to the second print head 2 to drive the second print head 2 to move up and down along the guide pins 5; as shown in the figure, the second print head 2 of the present embodiment is limited in movement on the guide pins 5, ensuring the stability of the movement of the second print head 2; and the upwardly arranged guide pins 5 can support the second print head 2 to prevent the second print head 2 from detaching, improving the safety and service life of the device.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the fixed carrier 3 is connected to the moving module of the 3D printer. Other structures, functions, etc. of the 3D printer are all existing technical solutions and will not be elaborated in this solution.

[0035] Embodiment 1

[0036] The Z-axis displacement mechanism 4 of this embodiment includes: a sliding seat 41, a rack 42, a gear 43, a motor 44, a moving plate 45, and a runner 47; the sliding seat 41 is connected to the fixed carrier 3 and is arranged longitudinally; the moving plate 45 is connected to the side wall of the second print head 2 close to the sliding seat 41, and an inclined chute 46 is provided on the moving plate 45; a first chute 48 is provided on the side of the sliding seat 41 close to the second print head 2, and the rack 42 is slidably connected in the first chute 48; the motor 44 is connected to the fixed carrier 3, and its output shaft end is connected to the gear 43, and the gear 43 meshes with the rack 42; a runner 47 is pivotally connected to the non-toothed surface of the rack 42, the non-toothed surface of the rack 42 fits with the surface of the moving plate 45, and the runner 47 is clamped in the inclined chute 46; when the motor 44 drives the gear 43 to rotate, the rack 42 displaces longitudinally under the limitation of the first chute 48 and the moving plate 45, and the runner 47 moves in the inclined chute 46, thereby driving the second print head 2 to move up and down. In this embodiment, through the meshing transmission of the gear 43 and the rack 42, and through the cooperation of the runner 47 and the inclined chute 46, the purpose of moving the second print head 2 up and down is achieved, and the transmission is stable, realizing the stable and reliable movement of the second print head 2 up and down.

[0037] Further, a waist-shaped hole 49 is provided on the sliding seat 41, and the sliding seat 41 is fixed to the fixed carrier 3 through a screw in the waist-shaped hole 49; by providing the waist-shaped hole 49, the position of the sliding seat 41 can be adjusted, so that the cooperation degree between the runner 47 and the inclined chute 46 is higher, to achieve a more stable movement.

[0038] Specifically, the inclined chute 46 is inclined in a front-up and rear-down manner. When the rack 42 moves backward, the runner 47 and the inclined chute 46 cooperate, and the second print head 2 moves upward; when the gear 43 moves forward, the runner 47 and the inclined chute 46 cooperate, and the second print head 2 moves downward.

[0039] The working principle of this Embodiment 1: When the motor 44 drives the gear 43 to rotate, the rack 42 displaces longitudinally under the limitation of the first chute 48 and the moving plate 45, and the runner 47 moves in the inclined chute 46, thereby driving the second print head 2 to move up and down. In this embodiment, through the meshing transmission of the gear 43 and the rack 42, and through the cooperation of the runner 47 and the inclined chute 46, the purpose of moving the second print head 2 up and down is achieved, and the transmission is stable, realizing the stable and reliable movement of the second print head 2 up and down.

[0040] Embodiment 2

[0041] The Z-axis displacement mechanism 4 in this embodiment is a telescopic cylinder mechanism. Specifically: The telescopic cylinder mechanism is arranged in the Z-axis direction. The fixed end of the telescopic cylinder mechanism is connected to the fixed carrier 3, and the output shaft end of the telescopic cylinder mechanism is connected to the side wall of the second print head 2 through a connecting member. When the output shaft end of the telescopic end mechanism moves upward, the second print head 2 is driven to move upward through the connecting member. When the output shaft end of the telescopic end mechanism moves downward, the second print head 2 is driven to move downward through the connecting member. In this embodiment, the second print head 2 is driven to move by the telescopic cylinder mechanism, and the structure is simple.

[0042] Embodiment 3

[0043] The Z-axis displacement mechanism 4 in this embodiment is a lead screw module, which is connected between the fixed carrier 3 and the second print head 2 along the Z-axis direction. Specifically: The lead screw module includes: a lead screw drive motor, a lead screw connected to the output shaft of the lead screw drive motor, and a lead screw nut connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is pivotally connected to the lead screw seat, the lead screw seat is connected to the fixed carrier 3, and the lead screw nut is connected to the side wall of the second print head 2. The lead screw is driven to rotate by the lead screw drive motor, and the lead screw nut drives the second print head 2 to move up and down under the rotation of the lead screw. In this embodiment, the second print head 2 is driven to move by the lead screw module. The lead screw transmission can achieve high-precision and stable linear motion, improving the safety and stability of the system.

[0044] The working principle of this device is as follows: When the first print head 1 works, the second print head 2 moves to a position above the first print head 1 through the Z-axis displacement mechanism 4. When the second print head 2 needs to work, the second print head 2 moves to a position below the first print head 1 through the Z-axis displacement mechanism 4.

[0045] From the above description, it can be seen that the present application achieves the following technical effects: In the embodiments of the present application, by adjusting the height position of the second print head 2, the second print head 2 is adjusted to be above and below the first print head 1 through the Z-axis displacement mechanism 4, achieving the purpose that there is always a height difference between the second print head 2 and the first print head 1 in the height direction. Thus, the technical effect that there is no interference when the second print head 2 and the first print head 1 are replaced and used is achieved, and further the technical problem of nozzle interference when the two nozzles are replaced and used is solved.

[0046] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A dual-head printing structure for a 3D printer, characterized in that, Comprising: A first print head (1) and a second print head (2) connected to the same fixed carrier (3), wherein the second print head (2) is connected to the fixed carrier (3) through a Z-axis displacement mechanism (4) to adjust the upper and lower positions of the second print head (2) relative to the first print head (1); Wherein, there is always a height difference between the second print head (2) and the first print head (1) in the height direction.

2. The dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two upwardly arranged guide pins (5) are connected to the fixed carrier (3), and the second print head (2) is movably sleeved outside the guide pins (5), and the Z-axis displacement mechanism (4) is connected to the second print head (2) to drive the second print head (2) to move up and down along the guide pins (5).

3. A dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Z-axis displacement mechanism (4) includes: a slide base (41) connected to the fixed carrier (3) and arranged longitudinally, a rack (42) slidably connected to the slide base (41), a gear (43) meshing with the rack (42), and a motor (44) connected to the fixed carrier (3) and connected to the gear (43); a moving plate (45) is connected to the side wall of the second print head (2), an inclined chute (46) is formed on the moving plate (45), a runner (47) is pivotally connected to the rack (42), and the runner (47) is clamped in the inclined chute (46); when the rack (42) moves longitudinally, the runner (47) cooperates with the inclined chute (46) to drive the second print head (2) to move up and down.

4. A dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 3, wherein, A first chute (48) is formed on the slide base (41), the rack (42) is slidably connected in the first chute (48), and the side wall of the rack (42) is in contact with the side surface of the moving plate (45).

5. A dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, A waist-shaped hole (49) is formed on the slide base (41), and the slide base (41) is fixed to the fixed carrier (3) through screws in the waist-shaped hole (49).

6. A dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inclined chute (46) is inclined with the front upper and rear lower.

7. A dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Z-axis displacement mechanism (4) is a telescopic cylinder mechanism, the telescopic cylinder mechanism is arranged in the Z-axis direction, the fixed end of the telescopic cylinder mechanism is connected to the fixed carrier (3), and the output shaft end of the telescopic cylinder mechanism is connected to the side wall of the second print head (2) through a connecting member.

8. A dual-head printing structure of a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Z-axis displacement mechanism (4) is a lead screw module, which is connected between the fixed carrier (3) and the second print head (2) along the Z-axis direction.

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