Simple device suitable for gathering and switching multiple consumables in same color of 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a simple device suitable for gathering and switching same-color multi-consumables of a 3D printer, which comprises a confluence box, a box cover is connected to the confluence box, three mutually independent traction channels are arranged in the confluence box, discharge ends of the traction channels are communicated with each other and connected with a confluence passage, and guide mechanisms are distributed at feed ends of the traction channels. A discharging converging head is installed on the guide mechanism, and hanging assemblies are arranged on the converging box and the box cover. Therefore, unified confluence output after multiple strands of consumables are converged can be achieved, confluence distribution is directly achieved at the feeding end of the printing head, a high-flow printing head with multiple feeding ports does not need to be selected, only a common high-flow printing head needs to be selected, and the printing cost of the high-flow requirement is reduced. Consumable materials cannot be wound in the confluence period, vibration and wire jumping interference are avoided when smooth discharging is achieved, and stable and continuous consumable material conveying is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a simple conduit device, and more particularly to a simple device suitable for the collection and switching of multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, 3D printers primarily use single-strand filament printing. Switching filaments requires unloading the old filament into the feed tray, installing a new feed tray, and then introducing the new filament. This causes the print head to restart heating, expel waste filament, affect printing smoothness, and may result in localized filament shortages. Furthermore, even with multiple feed trays available, new filament still needs to be manually introduced while the printer is stopped.

[0003] Meanwhile, for high-flow, large-area flat fabric printing, the supply of single-strand filament is insufficient, necessitating the selection of high-flow printheads with multi-filament filaments, which increases printing costs. Currently, there are also multi-strand filament feeding devices, but their complex structure requires matching with independent feed-changing motors and cutting components, still increasing the printing costs associated with switching between multiple filaments.

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings, the designer actively researched and innovated in order to create a simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in 3D printers, making it more valuable for industrial use. Utility Model Content

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in 3D printers.

[0006] This utility model discloses a simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer. It includes a manifold box with a cover connected to it. The manifold box has three independent traction channels. The discharge ends of the traction channels are interconnected and connected to a manifold path. The inlet ends of the traction channels are equipped with guide mechanisms, and discharge converging heads are installed on the guide mechanisms. The manifold box and the cover are both equipped with hanging components.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the manifold box has several vertically distributed docking guide posts, the top of each docking guide post has a threaded hole, the manifold box has a through hole at the corresponding position, a screw is installed in the through hole, the lower end of the screw is connected to the threaded hole, and the manifold box and the box cover are connected by screws.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the outer edge of the manifold box is provided with several connecting protrusions, and the corresponding position of the box cover is provided with slots. When the manifold box and the box cover are connected, the connecting protrusions are embedded in the slots.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the traction channel includes a straight channel located in the middle of the manifold box, and circular arc channels are mirror-distributed on both sides of the straight channel in the manifold box; the front ends of the straight channel and the circular arc channels intersect each other and connect to the manifold path.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the cross-section of the traction channel is elliptical.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the guiding mechanism includes an infeed conduit connected to the manifold box, and the infeed conduit is provided with an infeed channel that communicates with the traction channel.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the feed channel extends outward with a positioning ring.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the inner wall of the feed channel is provided with several anti-vibration ridges evenly spaced apart, and the cross-section of the anti-vibration ridges is arc-shaped.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the discharge converging head has a converging channel, which is a non-uniform diameter structure, with the diameter at the outlet of the converging channel being smaller than the diameter at the inlet of the converging channel.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, the mounting component includes a connecting plate that is bonded to the manifold box or the box cover, and a hook mechanism extends from the connecting plate.

[0016] By means of the above solution, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0017] 1. It can achieve unified flow output after multiple consumables are fed in, and the flow distribution can be achieved directly at the feed end of the printhead. There is no need to select a high-flow printhead with multiple feed ports. Ordinary high-flow printheads can be used, which reduces the printing cost of high-flow requirements.

[0018] 2. Consumables will not entangle during the confluence process, and vibration and "skipped wire" interference are avoided when achieving smooth material discharge, ensuring stable and continuous consumable delivery.

[0019] 3. It enables conventional single-disc feed printers to operate with multiple discs in standby mode, meeting the needs of switching between large quantities of consumables during the printing of large 3D modules.

[0020] 4. It can meet the different material supply requirements of high-flow printheads and conventional printheads, and has good versatility.

[0021] 5. The overall structure is simple, facilitating on-site material feeding and maintenance. It can also be directly attached to existing material trays without taking up additional space.

[0022] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it according to the contents of the specification, the following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the manifold (with docking guide posts and discharge converging head).

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the box lid (with screws).

[0025] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a junction box with connecting protrusions.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a box lid with a card slot.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the mounting components.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the traction channel.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the anti-vibration ridges.

[0030] The meanings of the labels in the figures are as follows.

[0031] 1. Combiner box 2. Box lid

[0032] 3. Converging Flow Path 4. Discharge Converging Head

[0033] 5. Mounting assembly 6. Docking guide post

[0034] 7 Screws 8 Connecting convex strips

[0035] 9. Card slot; 10. Linear channel

[0036] 11 Arc-shaped channel 12 Feed conduit

[0037] 13 Beam positioning ring 14 Anti-vibration convex strip

[0038] 15 Convergence Channel 16 Traction Channel

[0039] 17. Mounting Components Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 7 This simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in 3D printers includes a manifold box with a cover. Its unique feature is that the manifold box has three independent traction channels for connecting to external material trays, enabling consumable flow and meeting the needs of high-flow, high-consumption printing. Simultaneously, the discharge ends of the traction channels are interconnected with a convergence path, allowing for the common discharge of consumables and facilitating synchronous printing by the front print head. Furthermore, to accommodate the introduction of consumables from multiple trays, the infeed ends of the traction channels are equipped with guide mechanisms. During implementation, to ensure smooth discharge of multiple consumables without "jumping" or abnormal twisting, discharge convergence heads are installed on the guide mechanisms. Moreover, to facilitate docking with the 3D printer's material tray support, both the manifold box and the cover are equipped with mounting components.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the junction box has several vertically distributed docking guide posts. Each docking guide post has a threaded hole at its top, and a through hole is provided at the corresponding position on the junction box. A screw is installed in the through hole. After assembly, the lower end of the screw is inserted into the threaded hole, and the junction box and its cover are connected by screws. Furthermore, to facilitate user viewing of the current consumable's charging status, the junction box and its cover can be made of transparent material, such as transparent PC or PVC.

[0043] Alternatively, an embedded connection method can be used. Specifically, several connecting protrusions can be provided on the outer edge of the combiner box, and corresponding slots can be distributed on the cover. In this way, when the combiner box and the cover are connected, the connecting protrusions are embedded in the slots.

[0044] Furthermore, to facilitate the flow of consumables, the traction channel includes a straight channel located in the center of the manifold box, with circular arc channels mirrored on both sides of the straight channel. This optimizes the internal space of the device. Simultaneously, the front ends of the straight and circular arc channels intersect, connecting to the flow path. This allows for multi-end input and unified output of consumables. The number and distribution of traction channels can be adjusted according to actual needs during implementation, but typically, the total number of traction channels does not exceed five, considering the heating and flow rate of a standard printhead. Moreover, the cross-section of the traction channel is elliptical, with the two ends of the elliptical protrusions vertically distributed. This provides adequate buffer space even in the event of abnormal consumable vibration, ensuring smooth movement of the consumables and preventing them from twisting and jamming due to vibration.

[0045] In practical implementation, the guiding mechanism includes a feed conduit connected to the manifold box. The feed conduit has a feed channel that communicates with the traction channel, facilitating the introduction of consumables extending from the feed tray. Simultaneously, to enable rapid insertion during the initial feeding of consumables, a retaining ring extends outward from the feed channel. During manufacturing, a funnel-shaped inner wall structure can be constructed inside the retaining ring to prevent unnecessary vibration during consumable use. Furthermore, several anti-vibration ridges are evenly spaced along the inner wall of the feed channel. These ridges have an arc-shaped cross-section, providing appropriate restraint without affecting consumable feeding. This reinforces the anti-vibration effect during consumable feeding.

[0046] Furthermore, to facilitate the smooth extraction of multiple filaments and prevent abnormal frictional resistance caused by differences in feeding rates, a converging channel is provided inside the discharge converging head. This channel has a non-uniform diameter structure, with the diameter at the outlet smaller than the diameter at the inlet. This allows the multiple filaments to gradually converge, and under the drive of the feed drive component in the printhead, they are fed continuously and at a uniform speed. Even when multiple filaments are being discharged one line at a time, proper convergence can be achieved, preventing undue entanglement.

[0047] Furthermore, considering the stability of the connection, the connection component includes a bonding plate that adheres to the junction box or box cover, with a hook mechanism extending from the bonding plate. This allows for convenient connection. During manufacturing, the bonding plate can also be positioned using screws. For tray supports with snap-fit ​​modules, a connecting guide groove can be used instead of the hook mechanism, allowing the present invention to be directly snapped onto the preset snap-fit ​​module, achieving a plug-in connection.

[0048] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0049] Multiple strands of consumable material of the same color are directly connected to the pre-set conduit passage of the high-flow printhead through the aggregation method of this invention. This facilitates synchronous heating and printing of this type of printhead. During the feeding process, the consumable material will not rotate or vibrate improperly, and even if there are fluctuations in the material tray tension, the resulting "skip wire" interference can be reduced, ensuring continuous material supply.

[0050] For conventional printheads, multiple feeds and single-feed standby outputs are possible. The printhead feeds only a single filament at a time, and the corresponding filament tray rotates. After the first tray finishes feeding, the second tray rotates. Since the filament for the first tray is already in standby mode in the traction channel, it can directly enter the printing tube through the manifold. This allows for rapid filament feeding switching. The tray switching operation can be achieved through the control device of a conventional printer, which will not be elaborated here.

[0051] As can be seen from the above textual description and the accompanying drawings, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0052] 1. It can achieve unified flow output after multiple consumables are fed in, and the flow distribution can be achieved directly at the feed end of the printhead. There is no need to select a high-flow printhead with multiple feed ports. Ordinary high-flow printheads can be used, which reduces the printing cost of high-flow requirements.

[0053] 2. Consumables will not entangle during the confluence process, and vibration and "skipped wire" interference are avoided when achieving smooth material discharge, ensuring stable and continuous consumable delivery.

[0054] 3. It enables conventional single-disc feed printers to operate with multiple discs in standby mode, meeting the needs of switching between large quantities of consumables during the printing of large 3D modules.

[0055] 4. It can meet the different material supply requirements of high-flow printheads and conventional printheads, and has good versatility.

[0056] 5. The overall structure is simple, facilitating on-site material feeding and maintenance. It can also be directly attached to existing material trays without taking up additional space.

[0057] Furthermore, the directions or positional relationships described in this utility model are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or structure referred to must have a specific orientation, or to operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer, comprising a junction box with a cover connected to the junction box, characterized in that: The manifold box has three independent traction channels. The discharge ends of the traction channels are interconnected and connected to a convergence path. The inlet ends of the traction channels are equipped with guide mechanisms, and discharge converging heads are installed on the guide mechanisms. The manifold box and the box cover are equipped with hanging components.

2. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The junction box has several vertically distributed docking guide posts, each with a threaded hole at its top. The junction box has a through hole at the corresponding position, and a screw is installed in the through hole. The lower end of the screw is connected to the threaded hole. The junction box and the box cover are connected by screws.

3. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer edge of the junction box is provided with several connecting protrusions, and the corresponding position of the box cover is provided with slots. When the junction box and the box cover are connected, the connecting protrusions are embedded in the slots.

4. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The traction channel includes a straight channel located in the middle of the junction box, and circular arc channels are distributed on both sides of the straight channel in a mirror image. The front ends of the straight channel and the circular arc channels intersect and connect to the junction channel.

5. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the traction channel is elliptical.

6. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism includes a feed conduit connected to the manifold box, and the feed conduit is provided with a feed channel that communicates with the traction channel.

7. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The feed channel extends outward with a positioning ring.

8. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the feed channel is provided with several anti-vibration ridges at equal intervals, and the cross-section of the anti-vibration ridges is arc-shaped.

9. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge converging head has a converging channel, which is a non-uniform diameter structure, with the diameter at the outlet of the converging channel being smaller than the diameter at the inlet of the converging channel.

10. The simple device for switching between multiple consumables of the same color in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting assembly includes a bonding plate that is bonded to the junction box or the box cover, and a hook mechanism extends from the bonding plate.

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