3D printing hot end module

Abstract

A 3D printing hot end module includes a housing, a rotating portion, a plurality of hot ends, and a bearing. The rotating part is provided with a plurality of through holes which are distributed around the axis. The hot ends are arranged on the rotating part, and each hot end is aligned with one penetrating hole so that the 3D printing wire rod can penetrate through. The bearing is connected with the shell and the rotating part and is configured to allow the rotating part to rotate around the axis relative to the shell; according to the 3D printing hot end module, a user can simply and easily select one hot end for operation from a plurality of hot ends so as to switch the 3D printing wire rod to be used, so that the operation efficiency of the 3D printing hot end module can be effectively improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a 3D printing hot end module for a 3D printer of fused deposition modeling (FDM). BACKGROUND

[0002] Due to the advantages of 3D printing in forming different structures accurately and conveniently, 3D printing has been widely used in different aspects in recent years.

[0003] In the field of 3D printing, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the commonly used technologies. When FDM is applied, 3D printing wires are sprayed from the hot end to allow users to make the required structure.

[0004] However, since the required structure may use 3D printing wires of different colors or different materials, how to allow users to conveniently replace different 3D printing wires during operation undoubtedly improves the efficiency of 3D printing. SUMMARY

[0005] One of the purposes of the utility model is to provide a 3D printing hot end module, which allows users to easily select one of the multiple hot ends for operation to switch the 3D printing wire to be used, thereby effectively improving the operation efficiency of the 3D printing hot end module.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the utility model, a 3D printing hot end module includes a housing, a rotating part, multiple hot ends, and a bearing. The rotating part has multiple perforations distributed around an axis. The hot ends are arranged on the rotating part, and each hot end is aligned with one perforation to allow a 3D printing wire to pass through. The bearing connects the housing and the rotating part, and the bearing is configured to allow the rotating part to rotate relative to the housing around the axis.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the utility model, the above-mentioned 3D printing hot end module further includes a first gear, a second gear, and a first driving device. The first gear is arranged on the rotating part. The second gear is connected to the first gear. The first driving device is connected to the second gear to rotate the rotating part.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the utility model, the above-mentioned 3D printing hot end module further includes an arm body and multiple fasteners. The arm body is pivotally connected to the housing and has a fixing groove. The fasteners are each arranged on the rotating part corresponding to one hot end, wherein the fixing groove is engaged with one of the fasteners to fix the rotating part.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the 3D printing hot end module further comprises a second driving device. The second driving device is connected to the arm body and configured to control the movement of the arm body relative to the housing, so as to make the fixing groove and the fastener engage or separate.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the 3D printing hot end module further comprises a plurality of first pulleys and a second pulley. The first pulleys are arranged on the side of the rotating part away from the hot end, and the edges of the first pulleys are aligned with one of the perforations. The second pulley is arranged on the arm body, and when one of the fixing groove and the fastener is engaged, one of the 3D printing wires is clamped between the corresponding first pulley and the second pulley.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the 3D printing hot end module further comprises a third driving device. The third driving device is connected to the second pulley and configured to rotate the second pulley relative to the arm body.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the 3D printing hot end module further comprises a fan. The air outlet of the fan is configured to be aligned with the plurality of hot ends, so as to cool the plurality of hot ends.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the 3D printing hot end module further comprises a sleeve and a communication pipe. The sleeve covers the plurality of hot ends, and the sleeve has a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of first air outlets, each air inlet and each first air outlet corresponding to one of the hot ends. The communication pipe connects one of the air inlets to the air compressor, so that the cooling gas can enter the sleeve.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the sleeve has a plurality of bottom plates. Each of the plurality of bottom plates corresponds to the mouth of each hot end, and each bottom plate has a plurality of second air outlets.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present application, each of the hot ends extends along the working direction, and the working direction and the axis have an included angle of 2 to 30 degrees.

[0016] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present application have at least the following advantages: Since each hot end is aligned with a perforation to allow the 3D printing wire to pass through, the plurality of hot ends can simultaneously allow the 3D printing wires of multiple colors or multiple materials to pass through. By rotating the hot end with the rotating part relative to the housing around the axis, the user can easily select one of the plurality of hot ends for operation to switch the 3D printing wire to be used, thereby effectively improving the operation efficiency of the 3D printing hot end module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 To illustrate the perspective view of the 3D printing hot end module according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 To illustrate Figure 1 A bottom view of the 3D printed hot end module.

[0019] Figure 3 To draw along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line segment AA.

[0020] Figure 4 To illustrate Figure 1 A perspective diagram of a 3D printed hot end module, with the housing omitted.

[0021] Figure 5 To illustrate Figure 1 A three-dimensional rear view of the 3D printed hot end module, with the housing and arm omitted.

[0022] Figure 6 To illustrate Figure 1 A perspective rear view of the 3D printed hot end module, with the housing partially omitted.

[0023] Figure 7 FIG1 is a bottom view illustrating a kit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 To illustrate Figure 7 Application cutaway view of the kit.

[0025] Figure 9 FIG1 is a partially enlarged view of a hot end according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The description of the accompanying drawings is as follows:

[0027] 100: 3D printing hot end module

[0028] 110: Shell

[0029] 120: Rotating part

[0030] 130: Hot end

[0031] 131: Mouth

[0032] 140: Bearings

[0033] 151: First Gear

[0034] 152: Second gear

[0035] 156: First drive device

[0036] 157: Second drive unit

[0037] 158: Third drive unit

[0038] 160: Arm

[0039] 170: Fasteners

[0040] 181: First pulley

[0041] 182: Second pulley

[0042] 191: Fan

[0043] 196: Kit

[0044] 1961: Baseplate

[0045] 197: Connecting pipe

[0046] 200: Air compressor

[0047] AA: Line segment

[0048] F: 3D printing filament

[0049] D: Operation direction

[0050] G: Fixed slot

[0051] H: Perforated

[0052] WN: Air inlet

[0053] WOF: air outlet

[0054] WO1: First air outlet

[0055] WO2: Second air outlet

[0056] XL: Axis

[0057] θ: angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following will disclose multiple embodiments of the present invention with the aid of accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit the present invention. In other words, in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, to simplify the drawings, some conventional structures and components will be depicted in a simple schematic manner in the drawings, and the same reference numerals will be used to represent the same or similar components in all drawings. And if practically possible, the features of different embodiments can be applied interchangeably.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have their ordinary meaning. Further, all terms used herein are intended to be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context of the present application. Further, the definitions of the above terms are intended to be interpreted in the context of the present application and not normal dictionary definitions. Unless specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail.

[0060] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 . Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective top view illustrating a 3D printing hot end module 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view illustrating the 3D printing hot end module 100 of Figure 1 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view illustrating the 3D printing hot end module 100 of Figure 1 FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a 3D printing hot end module 100 according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a 3D printing hot end module 100 according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a 3D printing hot end module 100 according to another embodiment of the present application. Figures 1 to 4 As shown in FIG. 4, the present application provides a 3D printing hot end module 100, which can be applied to a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer. In the present embodiment, the 3D printing hot end module 100 comprises a housing 110, a rotating portion 120, a plurality of hot ends 130, and a bearing 140. The rotating portion 120 has a plurality of through holes H, which are distributed around an axis XL. The hot ends 130 are arranged on the rotating portion 120, and each hot end 130 is aligned with one through hole H to allow a 3D printing filament F to pass through. When the 3D printing filament F passes through the hot end 130, the hot end 130 can heat the 3D printing filament F to melt and spray the 3D printing filament F. The bearing 140 is connected between the housing 110 and the rotating portion 120, and the bearing 140 is configured to allow the rotating portion 120 to rotate around the axis XL relative to the housing 110, so that the plurality of hot ends 130 on the rotating portion 120 rotate around the axis XL relative to the housing 110.

[0061] As described above, since each hot end 130 is aligned with one through hole H to allow a 3D printing filament F to pass through, the plurality of hot ends 130 can simultaneously allow 3D printing filaments F of multiple colors or multiple materials to pass through. By rotating the hot ends 130 with the rotating portion 120 around the axis XL relative to the housing 110, a user can easily select one of the plurality of hot ends 130 for operation to switch the 3D printing filament F to be used, thereby effectively improving the operation efficiency of the 3D printing hot end module 100.

[0062] In practical applications, as Figure 2As shown, each of the hot ends 130 extends along an operating direction D, and the operating direction D forms an angle θ of 2 to 30 degrees with the axis XL. Thus, when one of the hot ends 130 is operating vertically, the other hot ends 130 can be tilted without obstructing the operating hot end 130.

[0063] Specifically, if Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes a first gear 151, a second gear 152, and a first drive device 156. The first gear 151 is disposed on the rotating portion 120 along the axis XL. The second gear 152 is connected to the first gear 151, and the first drive device 156 is connected to the second gear 152. When the first drive device 156 is in operation, it rotates the second gear 152, which in turn drives the first gear 151 to rotate, causing the rotating portion 120 to rotate relative to the housing 110 about the axis XL. To simplify the drawing, the first drive device 156 is shown schematically.

[0064] Furthermore, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes an arm 160 and a plurality of fasteners 170. The arm 160 is pivotally connected to the housing 110 and has a fixing slot G. Each fastener 170 corresponds to a hot end 130 and is disposed on the rotating portion 120, wherein the fixing slot G is used to engage with one of the fasteners 170 to fix the rotating portion 120. Figure 4 As shown, the fixing groove G of the arm 160 is engaged with one of the fasteners 170 , so that the rotating portion 120 is restricted and cannot rotate relative to the housing 110 .

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes a plurality of first pulleys 181 and second pulleys 182. The first pulleys 181 are disposed on the side of the rotating portion 120 away from the hot end 130, with the edge of each first pulley 181 aligned with one of the through-holes H. The second pulleys 182 are disposed on the arm 160. When the fixing slot G engages with one of the fasteners 170, one of the 3D printing filaments F is sandwiched between the second pulley 182 and the corresponding first pulley 181, thereby limiting the position of the 3D printing filament F.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 To illustrate Figure 1 The 3D printing hot end module 100 is a three-dimensional rear view of the 3D printing hot end module 100, wherein the housing 110 and the arm 160 are omitted. In this embodiment, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes a third drive device 158. The third drive device 158 is connected to the second pulley 182 and is configured to be opposite to the arm 160 (see FIG. 160 for the arm 160). Figure 2 、 Figure 4 ) rotates the second pulley 182, thereby driving the 3D printing wire F sandwiched between the first pulley 181 and the second pulley 182 to be transported along the operation direction D, so that the hot end 130 can continuously melt the 3D printing wire F.

[0067] In practical applications, to improve the efficiency of conveying the 3D printing filament F, for example, the second pulley 182 may be configured with a gear structure, or the second pulley 182 may have a groove to accommodate the 3D printing filament F, thereby improving the second pulley 182's ability to retain the 3D printing filament F. Depending on actual conditions, the first pulley 181 may also be configured with a gear structure or a groove to cooperate with the second pulley 182 to smoothly push the 3D printing filament F.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 To illustrate Figure 1 3D printing hot end module 100 is a three-dimensional rear view, wherein the housing 110 is partially omitted. In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes a second driving device 157. The second driving device 157 is connected to the arm body 160 and is configured to control the movement of the arm body 160 relative to the housing 110, thereby causing the fixing groove G to be aligned with the fastener 170 (see Figure 4 ) engaged or disengaged. When the fixing slot G is engaged with one of the fasteners 170, the rotating portion 120 is restricted and cannot rotate relative to the housing 110. Conversely, when the fixing slot G is disengaged from the fastener 170, the rotating portion 120 can rotate relative to the housing 110 under the drive of the first driving device 156. To simplify the drawings, the second driving device 157 is shown schematically.

[0069] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8 . Figure 7 FIG1 is a bottom view of a kit 196 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 To illustrate Figure 7 sectional view of the application of the kit 196. In this embodiment, as Figures 7 and 8 As shown, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes a sleeve 196 and a connecting pipe 197. The sleeve 196 is configured to enclose the multiple hot ends 130 and has multiple air inlets WN and multiple first air outlets WO1. Each air inlet WN and each first air outlet WO1 corresponds to one of the hot ends 130. The connecting pipe 197 connects one of the air inlets WN to the air compressor 200, allowing cooling air to enter the sleeve 196 and be discharged from a corresponding one of the first air outlets WO1 to cool the hot ends 130.

[0070] More specifically, if Figures 7 and 8As shown, the kit 196 has multiple base plates 1961. The multiple base plates 1961 correspond to the nozzles 131 of the hot ends 130, and each base plate 1961 has multiple second air outlets WO2. When the cooling gas enters the kit 196, the cooling gas can also be discharged from the second air outlets WO2 to cool the 3D printing filament F melt-blown from the hot ends 130.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a partial enlarged view of the hot end 130 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the 3D printing hot end module 100 further includes a fan 191. The air outlet WOF of the fan 191 is configured to be directed toward the multiple hot ends 130, thereby cooling the multiple hot ends 130. In practical applications, the number of fans 191 can be multiple depending on the actual situation, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0072] In summary, the technical solutions disclosed in the above-described embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages: Because each hot end is aligned with a perforation for 3D printing filament to pass through, multiple hot ends can simultaneously pass through 3D printing filaments of multiple colors or materials. Because the hot end rotates relative to the housing around the axis along with the rotating portion, the user can easily select one of the multiple hot ends for operation to switch the 3D printing filament to be used, effectively improving the operating efficiency of the 3D printing hot end module.

[0073] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of embodiments as described above, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printing hot end module, characterized in that: include: case; The rotating portion has a plurality of through holes, wherein the through holes are distributed around the axis; A plurality of hot ends are disposed on the rotating portion, each of the hot ends being aligned with one of the through holes to allow 3D printing wire to pass through; as well as A bearing connects the housing and the rotating part, and the bearing is configured to allow the rotating part to rotate relative to the housing around the axis.

2. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: a first gear, disposed on the rotating portion; a second gear connected to the first gear; as well as The first driving device is connected to the second gear to rotate the rotating part.

3. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An arm body, pivotally connected to the housing and having a fixing slot; as well as A plurality of fasteners are respectively corresponding to one of the hot ends and are disposed on the rotating portion, wherein the fixing groove is engaged with one of the fasteners to fix the rotating portion.

4. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a second driving device connected to the arm body, and the second driving device is configured to control the arm body to move relative to the shell, so that the fixing groove and the fastener are engaged or separated.

5. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a plurality of first pulleys disposed on a side of the rotating portion away from the hot end, with an edge of each first pulley aligned with one of the through holes; as well as The second pulley is disposed on the arm, wherein when the fixing groove is engaged with one of the fasteners, one of the 3D printing wires is clamped between the corresponding first pulley and the second pulley.

6. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a third driving device connected to the second pulley and configured to rotate the second pulley relative to the arm body.

7. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 1, wherein: A fan is also included, wherein an air outlet of the fan is configured to be aimed at the plurality of hot ends, thereby cooling the plurality of hot ends.

8. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a kit covering the plurality of hot ends, the kit having a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of first air outlets, each of the air inlets and each of the first air outlets corresponding to one of the hot ends; as well as The connecting pipe connects one of the plurality of air inlets to the air compressor so that the cooling gas can enter the kit.

9. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 8, wherein: The kit has a plurality of bottom plates, each corresponding to the mouth of each hot end, and each bottom plate has a plurality of second air outlets.

10. The 3D printing hot end module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the hot ends extends along a working direction, and an angle between the working direction and the axis is 2 degrees to 30 degrees.

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