Hot end quick replacement structure for 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of printing equipment, in particular to a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer. Comprising an extruder part, a positioning holder and a hot end part, a mounting groove is formed in the extruder part, a mounting column is arranged on the hot end part, and accurate fixing and quick disassembly and assembly are achieved through a penetrating channel and a positioning groove. In addition, due to the design of the positioning clamp holder, the operation convenience is improved, and the connection stability is further enhanced through a limiting block on the main body and an embedding piece at the hot end part. The technical effects that the hot end replacement process is simplified, the working efficiency is improved, and the reliability is ensured are achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of printing equipment, in particular to a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous progress of 3D printing technology, its application range has been expanded from the original prototype making to industrial production, medical health, education and scientific research and many other fields. Multifunctionality and flexibility have become an important development direction of modern 3D printing equipment, especially in industrial production and creative design, different types of printing jobs often need to use different materials and characteristics of the hot end to meet the specific needs. Therefore, the efficient and convenient hot end replacement mechanism is of great significance to improve the working efficiency and application range of the 3D printer.

[0003] At present, the common 3D printing equipment on the market usually adopts threaded connection or manual locking method in the hot end replacement. Although these methods can realize the fixation of the hot end, there are many inconveniences in the actual operation process. For example, the threaded connection method needs to be rotated several times to complete the disassembly and assembly, which is time-consuming and laborious; and the manual locking method depends on the skill and force control of the operator, which is easy to cause the damage or loosening of the hot end. In addition, there is also a relatively advanced magnetic attraction type connection method, which realizes quick installation and removal through the attraction force of the magnet, but this scheme needs to be improved in strength and stability, and is not suitable for long-term use in high temperature environment.

[0004] Although the above-mentioned methods can meet the needs of hot end replacement to some extent, there are still obvious deficiencies. Specifically, the hot end replacement methods in the prior art generally have the problems of complex operation, long time consumption and many vulnerable parts, which seriously affect the overall performance and user experience of the 3D printer. Especially for the application scene of frequently replacing the hot end, how to simplify the operation process and reduce human error has become a key problem to be solved. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer.

[0006] The above technical purpose of the present application is realized by the following technical scheme: a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer, comprising an extruder part, a positioning clamp and a hot end part; the extruder part is provided with a mounting groove, the hot end part is provided with a mounting column, the mounting groove is used for mounting the mounting column, the extruder part is provided with a through channel, the through channel and the mounting groove are communicated, the mounting column is provided with a positioning groove, and the positioning clamp can pass through the through channel and be mounted into the positioning groove.

[0007] By adopting the technical scheme, the hot end of the 3D printer is quickly replaced. During installation, the mounting column of the hot end part is embedded into the mounting groove of the extruder part for preliminary positioning, then the positioning clamp passes through the through channel and is embedded into the positioning groove of the mounting column for further stable connection, which is simple and convenient to operate, effectively shortens the hot end replacement time and improves the work efficiency. At the same time, the precise structure design ensures the accuracy and stability of the hot end installation, reduces the risk of hot end damage or loosening caused by improper installation, improves the overall performance of the 3D printer, enhances the user experience, and is especially suitable for application scenarios with high hot end replacement frequency.

[0008] Optionally, the positioning clamp comprises a main body, a positioning pin and a handle, the positioning pin is arranged at one end of the main body, and the handle is arranged at the other end of the main body away from the positioning pin.

[0009] By adopting the technical scheme, the positioning pin is located at one end of the main body, which can accurately embed the positioning groove on the mounting column of the hot end part during installation, ensuring the stable fixation of the hot end in the transverse position, effectively preventing the hot end from shaking or deviating, and improving the accuracy and stability of the installation. The handle is arranged at the other end of the main body away from the positioning pin, which facilitates the operator to operate the positioning clamp and make it move smoothly in the through channel, so as to quickly complete the installation and disassembly operation of the hot end. This structure design not only improves the convenience and efficiency of the hot end replacement process, but also reduces the operation difficulty, making the hot end replacement work more easy and accurate.

[0010] Optionally, a chamfer is arranged at the end of the positioning pin away from the main body.

[0011] By adopting the technical scheme, when the hot end is installed, the chamfer plays a guiding role, making the positioning pin more easily inserted into the positioning groove of the mounting column, reducing the collision or jamming phenomenon that may occur between the positioning pin and the edge of the positioning groove, and making the installation process more smooth. This not only improves the speed of hot end replacement, but also reduces the risk of damage to the positioning pin, the positioning groove and the entire device caused by forced insertion, prolonging the service life of the device. At the same time, the chamfer design helps to improve the accuracy of positioning, ensuring that the positioning pin can be accurately embedded in the positioning groove, further enhancing the stability of the installed hot end.

[0012] Optionally, a limiting block is arranged at the end of the main body close to the handle.

[0013] By adopting the technical scheme, the limiting block can accurately limit the movement range of the main body of the positioning clamp in the through channel of the extruder part. When the positioning clamp is inserted into the through channel for hot end fixation, the limiting block can prevent the main body from being inserted too deeply, avoiding damage to the internal structure of the device or affecting the normal work of other components.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting groove is provided with a step, and the hot end part is provided with a fitting part corresponding to the step position and fitted in the step.

[0015] By adopting the above technical scheme, when the hot end is installed, the cooperation of the step and the fitting part provides an additional positioning and supporting point for the hot end, so that the connection between the hot end part and the extruder part is more tight and stable, the rigidity of the overall structure is improved, and the printing precision is improved. The fitting structure of the step and the fitting part can also share the pressure borne by the hot end part to a certain extent during work, reduce the risk of component damage caused by stress concentration, and prolong the service life of the hot end part and the entire device.

[0016] Optionally, the extruder part is provided with a limiting gap, and the hot end part is provided with a clamping block fitted into the limiting gap to limit the rotation of the hot end part relative to the extruder part.

[0017] By adopting the above technical scheme, when the 3D printer works, the hot end part needs to maintain a stable position and direction to ensure that the material can be accurately extruded and deposited at the predetermined position. By fitting the clamping block and the limiting gap, the rotation of the hot end part relative to the extruder part is effectively limited, the printing position deviation caused by the rotation of the hot end is avoided, and the printing precision and quality are greatly improved. The stability of the hot end during work is enhanced, the interference caused by the shaking or displacement of the hot end on the printing process is reduced, and the continuity and stability of the printing operation are ensured.

[0018] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0019] 1. The speed and convenience of replacing the hot end are significantly improved, the possibility of human error is reduced, and the disassembly and assembly of the hot end are more simple and fast;

[0020] 2. By designing the telescopic positioning clamping device, the stable connection between the hot end and the extruder part is realized, and the stability and reliability during printing are ensured;

[0021] 3. The cooperation of the positioning groove on the mounting column and the positioning clamping device effectively prevents the hot end from loosening or falling off during work, and enhances the safety and durability of the entire device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer;

[0023] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer;

[0024] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the positioning holder;

[0025] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the extruder part;

[0026] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the hot end part.

[0027] Reference signs

[0028] 1, extruder part; 2, positioning holder; 21, main body; 22, positioning pin; 23, handle; 24, limiting block; 3, hot end part; 4, mounting groove; 5, mounting column; 6, through channel; 7, positioning groove; 8, step; 9, fitting part; 10, limiting notch; 11, clamping block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] In this embodiment, with reference to Figure 1 -, 5, a hot end quick replacement structure for a 3D printer, comprising an extruder part 1, a positioning holder 2 and a hot end part 3. Among them, the extruder part 1 is provided with a mounting groove 4, the hot end part 3 is provided with a mounting column 5, the mounting groove 4 is used for mounting the fitting mounting column 5, the extruder part 1 is provided with a through channel 6, the through channel 6 and the mounting groove 4 are in communication, the mounting column 5 is provided with a positioning groove 7, the positioning holder 2 can pass through the through channel 6 and fit into the positioning groove 7.

[0032] With reference to Figure 3The positioning holder 2 includes a main body 21, a positioning pin 22, and a handle 23. The main body 21 is made of high-strength alloy material and has good rigidity. The positioning pin 22 is arranged at one end of the main body 21 and is in a cylindrical shape. The end of the positioning pin 22 away from the main body 21 is chamfered to facilitate insertion into the positioning slot 7. The handle 23 is arranged at the other end of the main body 21 away from the positioning pin 22 to facilitate the operator to pull the positioning holder 2. The chamfer helps to reduce friction, making it easier for the positioning pin 22 to be inserted into the positioning slot 7. The end of the main body 21 close to the handle 23 is provided with a limiting block 24 to prevent the positioning holder 2 from being inserted too far and causing damage. Preferably, a spring can be arranged in the passing channel 6, and the spring is sleeved on the main body 21. With the movement of the main body 21, the spring is compressed or released in cooperation with the extruder part 1. When the hot end part 3 is disassembled, as the positioning holder 2 passes out of the passing channel 6, the positioning pin 22 separates from the positioning slot 7, and the spring is compressed and stores a certain amount of elastic potential energy. When the hot end part 3 is installed, after the hot end part 3 is installed in place, the operator releases the handle 23, and the elastic potential energy of the spring generates a slight inward thrust on the main body 21, so that the positioning pin 22 can be quickly inserted and installed in the positioning slot 7, making the cooperation between the hot end part 3 and the extruder part 1 more closely and stably, effectively preventing the positioning holder 2 from loosening or moving accidentally during work, and further improving the stability and reliability of the hot end installation.

[0033] In detail, referring to Figure 4 The extruder part 1 mainly includes a shell and an internal mechanical structure. The shell is made of high-strength aluminum alloy material and has good corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. The internal mechanical structure includes a gear transmission mechanism and a stepping motor for driving the pushing of the molten material. The installation slot 4 is located on one side of the shell and is in a rectangular groove shape, with a width slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the installation column 5, so that the installation column 5 can be smoothly inserted.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5 The hot end part 3 mainly includes a heating element, a nozzle, and an installation column 5. The heating element is made of resistance wire wound on the outer surface of a ceramic tube and achieves temperature control through current heating. The nozzle is made of stainless steel material and has good wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The installation column 5 is located at the top of the hot end part 3 and is in a cylindrical shape with a smooth surface without burrs. The side of the installation column 5 is provided with a positioning slot 7 for cooperation with the positioning pin 22 of the positioning holder 2.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2 The installation slot 4 has a step 8, and the hot end part 3 has a matching part 9 at the position corresponding to the step 8, which is embedded in the step 8. The step 8 plays a limiting role to prevent the hot end part 3 from being inserted too far and causing damage. The matching part 9 can be made of elastic rubber material and has a certain elasticity and self-locking ability to ensure stable installation of the hot end part 3.

[0036] Referring toFigures 4-5 The extruder part 1 is provided with a limiting gap 10, and the hot end part 3 is provided with a clamping block 11 which is embedded into the limiting gap 10 and used to limit the rotation of the hot end part 3 relative to the extruder part 1. The clamping block 11 is made of metal material and has good rigidity and wear resistance. The shape of the clamping block 11 matches the limiting gap 10, so that the hot end part 3 cannot rotate after installation.

[0037] The implementation principle of the embodiment is that when the hot end needs to be replaced, the operator only needs to pull the handle 23 of the positioning clamp 2 slightly, so that the positioning pin 22 is withdrawn from the positioning groove 7 of the hot end part 3, and the hot end part 3 can be easily pulled out. When installing a new hot end, the installation column 5 of the hot end part 3 is aligned with the installation groove 4 of the extruder part 1, and is pushed slightly until the bottom touches the step 8. The positioning clamp 2 is inserted through the passage 6, the positioning pin 22 of the positioning clamp 2 is inserted into the positioning groove 7, and the hot end part 3 is clamped and fixed on the extruder part 1, thereby completing the locking and fixing of the hot end. The design of the limiting gap 10 and the clamping block 11 effectively prevents the hot end part 3 from rotating during work, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the system.

[0038] Embodiment 2

[0039] The difference between the embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiments is that the main body 21 of the positioning clamp 2 is made of metal material, which increases the durability and strength of the whole; at the same time, the front end of the positioning pin 22 is designed to be flat to adapt to different shapes of the positioning groove 7, thereby improving the compatibility. Specifically, the main body 21 of the positioning clamp 2 is made of stainless steel material, which has higher strength and durability. In order to further improve the stability of the hot end part 3, an auxiliary positioning hole is additionally arranged on the installation column 5 of the hot end part 3, and the auxiliary positioning hole is located on the side surface of the installation column 5. An auxiliary positioning pin is also arranged in the installation groove 4 of the extruder part 1, and the auxiliary positioning pin is made of spring steel material and can rebound after being pressed, thereby ensuring the firmness of the hot end part 3 after installation.

[0040] The implementation principle of the embodiment is that the operator pulls the handle 23 of the positioning clamp 2 to make it disengage from the positioning groove 7 of the hot end part 3, and then pulls out the hot end part 3 slightly. When installing a new hot end, the installation column 5 of the hot end part 3 is aligned with the installation groove 4 of the extruder part 1, and is pushed slightly until the bottom touches the step 8. Then, the auxiliary positioning hole is aligned with the auxiliary positioning pin, and is pressed slightly to ensure that the two are completely matched. When the handle 23 is released, the positioning pin 22 of the positioning clamp 2 will automatically reset and be embedded into the positioning groove 7 of the hot end part 3, and at the same time, the auxiliary positioning pin will also be clamped into the auxiliary positioning hole, thereby forming double locking and ensuring the stability and safety of the hot end part 3 during work.

[0041] Embodiment 3

[0042] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that an electric positioning clamp 2 is used, and the installation and removal of the hot end are controlled by a button, which further simplifies the operation process and improves the degree of automation.

[0043] Specifically, the main body 21 of the positioning clamp 2 houses a small DC motor. The motor drives a push rod via a reducer, the end of which is connected to a positioning pin 22. When the installation button is pressed, the motor starts and pushes the positioning pin 22 out through the push rod, causing it to embed into the positioning groove 7 of the hot end portion 3, thus locking the hot end. When the removal button is pressed, the motor reverses direction, retracting the positioning pin 22 through the push rod, releasing the hot end from its locked state and allowing for easy removal. The electrical control system includes a microprocessor and a power module. The microprocessor receives user commands and controls the motor's movement, while the power module provides the necessary power. The microprocessor uses a low-power single-chip microcomputer with high computing power and response speed, enabling it to execute commands quickly and accurately. The power module uses a rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 1000mAh, allowing for several hours of continuous operation after a full charge. To enhance system safety and reliability, this embodiment also incorporates fault detection and alarm functions. When the motor operates abnormally or the positioning pin 22 fails to embed correctly into the positioning groove 7, the microprocessor immediately stops the motor and issues an alarm, alerting the operator to check the equipment. In addition, to prevent the hot end from falling off in case of accident, this embodiment is equipped with a manual safety switch on the main body 21 of the positioning clamp 2, so that the hot end part 3 can be manually locked even if the electronic control system fails.

[0044] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the hot end needs to be replaced, the operator only needs to press the disassembly button, the motor starts, and the positioning pin 22 is retracted through the push rod, thus unlocking the hot end part 3 and allowing it to be easily removed. When installing a new hot end, align the mounting post 5 of the hot end part 3 with the mounting groove 4 of the extruder part 1, gently push it to the bottom until it touches the step 8, and then press the installation button. The motor starts, and the positioning pin 22 is pushed out through the push rod, embedding it into the positioning groove 7 of the hot end part 3, thus locking the hot end. The fault detection and alarm functions ensure the stability and safety of the system, avoiding problems such as the hot end falling off due to improper operation or equipment failure.

[0045] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A quick-change structure for the hot end of a 3D printer, characterized in that, It includes an extruder section (1), a positioning clamp (2), and a hot end section (3); the extruder section (1) is provided with an installation groove (4), the hot end section (3) is provided with an installation post (5), the installation groove (4) is used to install and fit the installation post (5), the extruder section (1) is provided with a through channel (6), the through channel (6) and the installation groove (4) are connected, the installation post (5) is provided with a positioning groove (7), the positioning clamp (2) can pass through the through channel (6) and fit into the positioning groove (7).

2. The quick-change structure for the hot end of a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning clamp (2) includes a main body (21), a positioning pin (22) and a handle (23). The positioning pin (22) is located at one end of the main body (21), and the handle (23) is located at the other end of the main body (21) away from the positioning pin (22).

3. A quick-change structure for the hot end of a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the positioning pin (22) away from the main body (21) has a chamfer.

4. A quick-change structure for the hot end of a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, A limiting block (24) is provided at one end of the main body (21) near the handle (23).

5. A quick-change structure for the hot end of a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting groove (4) has a step (8) at the opening, and the hot end part (3) has a fitting (9) corresponding to the step (8) and is fitted onto the step (8).

6. A quick-change structure for the hot end of a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extruder section (1) is provided with a limiting notch (10), and the hot end section (3) is provided with a locking block (11). The locking block (11) is fitted into the limiting notch (10) to restrict the hot end section (3) from rotating relative to the extruder section (1).

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