Consumable rewinding mechanism of 3D printer, stock bin and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a consumable rewinding mechanism of a 3D printer, a stock bin and the 3D printer. The consumable rewinding mechanism comprises a fixed part, a rotating shaft part and an elastic part, the rotating shaft part is arranged on the fixing part, is used for mounting a material disc, and can rotate to release consumables on the material disc or rotate to recycle the consumables to the material disc; the elastic component is arranged between the rotating shaft component and the fixing component and can provide rotating acting force for the rotating shaft component. According to the consumable rewinding mechanism, the tray is installed through the rotating shaft component, the rotating shaft component can be matched with the elastic component, when the feeding and returning mechanism feeds or returns materials, the consumables on the tray can be released or recycled to the tray, the consumables can be prevented from being wound together when the materials are returned, and the material returning efficiency is improved. And it is guaranteed that the material feeding and returning mechanism can smoothly convey the consumables into the 3D printer subsequently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a filament rewinding mechanism, a hopper, and a 3D printer for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers are typically equipped with a hopper to store printing filaments. The hopper contains a feeding mechanism and a retraction mechanism. The feeding mechanism delivers the filaments into the 3D printer, while the retraction mechanism returns the filaments from the 3D printing process to the hopper.

[0003] Traditional ejection mechanisms typically consist of ejection motors, ejection wheels, and other components. Driven by the ejection motor, the ejection wheels rotate the material tray, thus collecting the filament onto it. However, after the ejection mechanism has been running for a period of time, the material tray tends to slip on the ejection wheels, causing the filament to become tangled and unable to be properly wound around the tray. This prevents the feeding mechanism from subsequently delivering the filament to the 3D printer. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, this application provides a filament rewinding mechanism, a filament bin, and a 3D printer for a 3D printer, which is beneficial for the stable recycling of filaments onto the filament tray.

[0005] A filament rewinding mechanism for a 3D printer includes:

[0006] Fixed components;

[0007] A rotating shaft component, disposed on the fixed component and used to mount a tray, is capable of rotating to release consumables from the tray or rotating to recycle consumables back onto the tray; and

[0008] An elastic component is disposed between the rotating shaft component and the fixed component, and is capable of providing a rotational force to the rotating shaft component.

[0009] In one embodiment, the elastic component includes a mounting shell, a gland, and an elastomer;

[0010] The mounting shell is disposed between the rotating shaft component and the fixing component, and the pressure cap presses the elastomer into the mounting shell. The elastomer is connected to the rotating shaft component and the mounting shell.

[0011] In one embodiment, the elastomer is a coil spring.

[0012] In one embodiment, the elastic member is capable of rotating together with the rotating shaft member;

[0013] The consumable rewinding mechanism also includes a dynamic friction component, which is disposed on the elastic component and can abut against the fixed component to generate friction between them.

[0014] In one embodiment, the consumable rewinding mechanism further includes a first elastic element, which is connected to the elastic component and the dynamic friction component, and is capable of providing a force to the dynamic friction component to move toward the fixed component.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first lubricating sleeve is provided between the elastic member and the fixed member; and / or, a second lubricating sleeve is provided between the elastic member and the rotating shaft member.

[0016] A 3D printer hopper includes a hopper body, a feeding and unloading mechanism, and a filament rewinding mechanism as described in any of the above.

[0017] The feeding and unloading mechanism is located inside the hopper and has a feeding mode and an unloading mode.

[0018] The consumable rewinding mechanism is located inside the bin, and the rotating shaft component of the consumable rewinding mechanism can rotate to feed or unload the consumable.

[0019] In one embodiment, the feeding and unloading mechanism includes a power component, a driving wheel component, and a driven wheel component. The driving wheel component is disposed on the output shaft of the power component, and the driven wheel component meshes with the driving wheel component, thereby cooperating with the driven wheel component to push consumables.

[0020] The output shaft of the power component rotates accordingly in the feeding mode or the unloading mode.

[0021] In one embodiment, the feeding and unloading mechanism further includes a clamping swing arm and a second elastic element. The clamping swing arm is rotatably disposed in the bin and is installed on the driven wheel. The second elastic element can provide a force to the clamping swing arm to rotate toward the driving wheel.

[0022] In one embodiment, there is a consumable pushing interval between the driving wheel and the driven wheel;

[0023] The feeding and unloading mechanism also includes a first sensor, which is disposed in the bin and located above the consumable pushing interval. The first sensor can detect the position of the consumable and send the detection result. The power unit can perform power-on or power-off operations based on the detection result of the first sensor.

[0024] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes an excess material detection module disposed within the hopper body, used to detect the weight of the material tray on the consumable rewinding mechanism;

[0025] The residual material detection module includes a second sensor, which is located near the material tray on the consumable rewinding mechanism. The second sensor is used to detect the distance between itself and the material tray and send the detection result. The detection result is used to generate the weight information of the material tray.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes a buffer mechanism disposed between the hopper's outlet and the feeding / returning mechanism;

[0027] The buffer mechanism includes a buffer housing, a buffer swing arm, a feed tube, and a third sensor. The buffer swing arm is rotatably disposed within the buffer housing. The feed tube allows consumables to pass through and is connected to the buffer swing arm. The third sensor is used to detect the rotational position of the buffer swing arm and send the detection result. The feeding and unloading mechanism can perform power-on or power-off operations based on the detection result of the third sensor.

[0028] In one embodiment, the buffer mechanism further includes a third elastic element disposed between the buffer swing arm and the buffer housing, which is capable of providing a force to the buffer swing arm to rotate toward the third sensor.

[0029] In one embodiment, the buffer housing is provided with a first limiting part, which can limit the rotation angle of the buffer swing arm.

[0030] A 3D printer includes a printer body and a hopper as described in any of the above claims, wherein the outlet of the hopper is connected to the outlet of the printer body via a material pipe.

[0031] The aforementioned 3D printer's filament rewinding mechanism, filament hopper, and 3D printer are described above. The filament rewinding mechanism uses a rotating shaft component to mount the filament tray, and the rotating shaft component can cooperate with an elastic component. When the feeding or unloading mechanism feeds or unloads filament, it can release the filament on the tray or recycle the filament onto the tray, which can prevent the filament from getting tangled during unloading and ensure that the feeding or unloading mechanism can smoothly transport the filament into the 3D printer. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view of a filament rewinding mechanism for a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the provided consumable rewinding mechanism at point AA.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hopper of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the provided silo.

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the material collection mechanism of the provided silo.

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading mechanism of the provided silo.

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the buffer mechanism of the provided silo.

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the provided buffer mechanism at BB.

[0040] Figure 9 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the drying mechanism of the provided silo.

[0041] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0042] 10. Material hopper; 100. Consumable rewinding mechanism; 110. Fixing component; 120. Rotating shaft component; 121. Rotating shaft; 122. Mounting plate; 1221. Second limiting part; 123. Pressing cover; 1231. Tightening part; 124. Snap ring; 130. Elastic component; 131. Mounting shell; 132. Pressing cover; 133. Elastic body; 140. Dynamic friction component; 150. First elastic element; 160. First lubrication sleeve; 1 70. Second lubrication sleeve; 180. Threaded component; 200. Bin body; 211. First shell section; 212. Second shell section; 220. First sealing door; 230. Second sealing door; 240. Isolation shell; 250. Bottom plate; 260. Back plate; 300. Feeding / unloading mechanism; 310. Power component; 320. Drive wheel component; 321. First wheel axle; 321a. First feed chute; 330. Driven wheel component; 331. Second wheel axle 331a. Second feed chute; 340. Pressing swing arm; 341. Rotating part; 342. Swinging part; 350. Second elastic element; 360. First sensor; 370. Housing; 371. Upper housing; 371a. Second feed port; 372. Lower housing; 373. Fixing plate; 400. Residual material detection module; 500. Buffer mechanism; 510. Buffer housing; 511. First limiting part; 520. Buffer swing arm; 530. Feed pipe; 540, third sensor; 550, third elastic element; 560, guide wheel assembly; 570, second quick-connect connector; 600, material collection mechanism; 610, material collection shell; 610a, first material inlet; 620, first quick-connect connector; 630, feed pipe; 640, first clamping shell; 650, second clamping shell; 700, drying mechanism; 710, hot air component; 720, drying shell; 730, partition; 20, material tray. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0045] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0049] FDM is currently the most widely used 3D printing technology. It is based on digital three-dimensional model files and prints molding materials such as plastics and photosensitive resins into shaped objects by printing them layer by layer. 3D printers using FDM technology use linear filaments, which are melted and deposited on the work platform to form the shape. This type of 3D printer has a relatively simple structure, low manufacturing, use and maintenance costs, and inexpensive materials, making it one of the most popular types of 3D printers.

[0050] FDM 3D printers are typically equipped with a hopper to store printing consumables. The hopper contains a feeding mechanism and a retraction mechanism. The feeding mechanism delivers the consumables into the 3D printer, while the retraction mechanism returns the consumables from the 3D printing process to the hopper.

[0051] Traditional ejection mechanisms typically consist of an ejection motor and ejection wheels. A material tray rests on the outer circumference of the ejection wheels, which, driven by the motor, rotate the tray to collect the filament. However, after a period of operation, friction between the tray and the wheels causes wear on the ejection wheels, making the tray prone to slipping. This prevents the filament from being properly loaded onto the tray, causing it to become tangled and preventing the feeding mechanism from delivering the filament to the 3D printer.

[0052] In response, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a filament rewinding mechanism 100, which is applied in a 3D printer and can be specifically installed in the filament hopper of the 3D printer. It can cooperate with the feeding and unloading mechanisms in the filament hopper to realize the normal feeding and unloading of filament. Of course, this filament rewinding mechanism 100 can also be used in the welding field.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 includes a fixing component 110, a rotating shaft component 120, and an elastic component 130. The fixing component 110 is used to install the entire consumable rewinding mechanism 100 into the hopper. Optionally, the fixing component 110 can be installed into the hopper by means of screwing, welding, snap-fitting, etc.

[0054] The rotating shaft component 120 is mounted on the fixed component 110 and used to mount the material tray 20. It can rotate forward to release consumables on the material tray 20 or rotate in reverse to recycle consumables back to the material tray 20. The rotating shaft component 120 can rotate forward or in reverse by the pushing force of the consumables during feeding or unloading by the feeding or unloading mechanism, thereby releasing or recycling consumables from the material tray 20. It should be noted that "forward rotation" and "reverse rotation" in this text do not represent specific rotation directions, but only indicate that the rotating shaft component 120 rotates in opposite directions when releasing and recycling consumables. Forward rotation can be clockwise, and correspondingly, reverse rotation can be counterclockwise; or, forward rotation can be counterclockwise, and correspondingly, reverse rotation can be clockwise.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the rotating shaft component 120 includes a connected rotating shaft 121 and a mounting plate 122. The rotating shaft 121 is rotatably mounted on the fixed component 110, and the mounting plate 122 is used to mount the feeding tray 20.

[0056] Optionally, the rotating shaft 121 is detachably connected to the mounting plate 122. This facilitates the installation and removal of the mounting plate 122. As an example, the rotating shaft 121 is screwed to the mounting plate 122. Specifically, the end of the rotating shaft 121 near the mounting plate 122 is provided with an external thread, and the end of the mounting plate 122 near the rotating shaft 121 is provided with a threaded hole that matches the external thread of the rotating shaft 121.

[0057] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the feeding tray 20 is installed on the edge of the mounting tray 122, while the center of the mounting tray 122 protrudes away from the fixing component 110. The center of the mounting tray 122 can guide the installation of the feeding tray 20. The edge of the mounting tray 122 can be detachably mounted on the mounting tray 122 by means of screws, snaps, or other detachable methods.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotating shaft component 120 also includes a clamping cover 123, which is disposed in the middle of the mounting plate 122 and is used to press the material tray 20 onto the edge of the mounting plate 122. The clamping cover 123 can be installed on the mounting plate 122 in a detachable manner such as screwing or snap-fitting.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the clamping cover 123 has a screwing part 1231 on the side opposite to the mounting plate 122. The screwing part 1231 facilitates the removal of the clamping cover 123 from the mounting plate 122, which is convenient for replacing the material tray 20.

[0060] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a second limiting part 1221 is provided on the edge of the mounting plate 122. The second limiting part 1221 can circumferentially limit the material tray 20, ensuring that the material tray 20 can rotate together with the mounting plate 122.

[0061] The elastic component 130 is disposed between the rotating shaft component 120 and the fixed component 110, and can provide a reverse rotational force to the rotating shaft component 120. When the feeding and unloading mechanism feeds material, it applies a pushing force to the filament, which drives the rotating shaft component 120 to rotate in the forward direction, causing the material tray 20 on the rotating shaft component 120 to rotate as well, releasing the filament on the material tray 20. At the same time, the elastic component 130 also deforms under the forward rotation of the rotating shaft component 120. When the feeding and unloading mechanism unloads material, the elastic component 130 returns to its original position, and the rotating shaft component 120 rotates in the reverse direction under the action of the elastic component 130, causing the material tray 20 on the rotating shaft component 120 to rotate as well, which can recycle the filament onto the material tray 20, preventing the filament from getting tangled together and ensuring that the feeding and unloading mechanism can smoothly transport the filament to the 3D printer in the future.

[0062] As can be seen, the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 provided in this application uses a rotating shaft component 120 to mount the material tray 20, and the rotating shaft component 120 can cooperate with the elastic component 130. When the feeding or unloading mechanism feeds or unloads the material, it can release the consumable on the material tray 20 or recycle the consumable onto the material tray 20, which can prevent the consumable from getting tangled together when unloading, and ensure that the feeding or unloading mechanism can smoothly transport the consumable to the 3D printer.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the elastic component 130 includes a mounting shell 131, a pressure cap 132, and an elastic body 133. The mounting shell 131 is disposed between the rotating shaft component 120 and the fixing component 110. The pressure cap 132 presses the elastic body 133 into the mounting shell 131, and the elastic body 133 is connected to the rotating shaft component 120 and the mounting shell 131. This structure of the elastic component 130 facilitates the connection between the elastic body 133 and the rotating shaft component 120 and the fixing component 110, and also prevents the elastic body 133 from shaking along the axial direction of the rotating shaft component 120, thus affecting its deformation.

[0064] Optionally, the elastic body 133 is a coil spring. The coil spring has a large coiling angle, that is, it can rotate at a large angle with the rotating shaft component 120, ensuring smooth feeding and unloading. Of course, in some other embodiments, the elastic body 133 can also be a torsion spring, or a force-receiving mechanism that cooperates with a motor and a magnet; this application does not limit this.

[0065] The coil spring can be connected to the rotating shaft 121 and the mounting housing 131 of the rotating shaft component 120 by welding, snap-fit, or other methods. As an example, the outer peripheral surface of the middle part of the rotating shaft 121 has a first slot, and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting housing 131 has a second slot. The inner hook of the coil spring is inserted into the first slot, and the outer hook of the coil spring is inserted into the second slot.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic member 130 is capable of rotating together with the rotating shaft member 120; such as Figure 2 As shown, the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 also includes a dynamic friction component 140, which is disposed on the elastic component 130 and can abut against the fixed component 110 to generate friction between them. When the feeding and unloading components feed the consumable, if the extrusion force applied to the consumable is appropriate, the mounting shell 131 of the elastic component 130 is fixed in place by friction with the fixed component 110. At this time, the elastic body 133 of the elastic component 130 deforms with the rotation of the rotating shaft component 120. However, if the extrusion force applied to the consumable is large, the extrusion force will act on the mounting shell 131 of the elastic component 130 through the elastic component 130, which will overcome the friction between the mounting shell 131 of the elastic component 130 and the fixed component 110, so that the mounting shell 131 of the elastic component 130 also rotates with the rotating shaft component 120. This can prevent the elastic body 133 of the elastic component 130 from failing to return to its original position due to excessive deformation, thus ensuring the normal recycling of the consumable in the future. The above settings can protect the elastic component 130 and ensure the normal release and recycling of consumables.

[0067] Of course, in some other embodiments, the elastic body 133 of the elastic member 130 can be a coil spring with a large elastic coefficient. In this case, the mounting shell 131 of the elastic member 130 can be fixedly connected to the fixing member 110.

[0068] Optionally, the dynamic friction component 140 includes a dynamic friction plate.

[0069] Optionally, a wear-resistant layer (not shown in the figures) is provided on the side of the fixed component 110 facing the dynamic friction component 140. The wear-resistant layer can increase the wear resistance of the fixed component 110.

[0070] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a first lubricating sleeve 160 is provided between the elastic component 130 and the fixed component 110, and a second lubricating sleeve 170 is provided between the elastic component 130 and the rotating shaft component 120. The first lubricating sleeve 160 and the second lubricating sleeve 170 can reduce the friction between the elastic component 130 and the fixed component 110, and between the rotating part 341, thus facilitating the rotation of the elastic component 130 and the rotating part 341.

[0071] Optionally, the first lubrication sleeve 160 and the second lubrication sleeve 170 may be graphite copper sleeves or bearings, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0072] Optionally, the mounting housing 131 of the elastic member 130 has a first stepped surface, and the end of the rotating shaft 121 of the rotating shaft member 120 away from the mounting plate 122 is provided with a retaining ring 124 (see Figure 2 The first lubrication sleeve 160 is disposed between the first stepped surface and the retaining ring 124. The end of the rotating shaft 121 away from the mounting plate 122 has a receiving groove for accommodating the retaining ring 124.

[0073] Optionally, the middle part of the mounting shell 131 protrudes toward the fixing member 110, the middle part of the fixing member 110 protrudes toward the mounting shell 131, and the second lubrication sleeve 170 is disposed between the middle part of the mounting shell 131 and the middle part of the fixing member 110.

[0074] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 also includes a first elastic element 150, which is connected to the elastic component 130 and the dynamic friction component 140, and can provide a force to the dynamic friction component 140 to move toward the fixed component 110. The first elastic element 150 can not only make the dynamic friction component and the fixed component 110 stably fit together and continuously generate friction with the fixed component 110, but also adjust the friction between the dynamic friction component 140 and the fixed component 110.

[0075] Optionally, the first elastic element 150 is a spring.

[0076] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the dynamic friction component 140 is mounted on the mounting shell 131 of the elastic component 130 via a threaded component 180 (e.g., a screw), and the first elastic component 150 is sleeved on the threaded component 180.

[0077] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a 3D printer hopper 10, which includes a hopper body 200, a feeding / unloading mechanism 300, and a filament rewinding mechanism 100 as described in any of the above claims; the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 is disposed within the hopper body 200 and has a feeding mode and an unloading mode; the filament rewinding mechanism 100 is disposed within the hopper body 200, and in the feeding mode, the rotating shaft component 120 of the filament rewinding mechanism 100 rotates in the forward direction, while in the unloading mode, the elastic component 130 of the filament rewinding mechanism 100 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0078] The material hopper 10 provided in this application uses the rotating shaft component 120 of the material rewinding mechanism 100 to install the material tray 20. The rotating shaft component 120 can also cooperate with the elastic component 130. When the feeding or unloading mechanism 300 feeds or unloads material, it can release the material on the material tray 20 or recycle the material onto the material tray 20. This can prevent the material from getting tangled during unloading and ensure that the feeding or unloading mechanism 300 can smoothly transport the material to the 3D printer.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the storage compartment 200 includes a main shell, a first sealing door 220, a second sealing door 230, and an isolation shell 240. The first sealing door 220 and the second sealing door 230 are disposed on both sides of the main shell and cooperate with the main shell to form a sealed space. The isolation shell 240 is disposed in the sealed space to divide the sealed space into a first sealed space and a second sealed space. Both the first sealed space and the second sealed space are used for the installation of the feeding and unloading mechanism 300 and the consumable rewinding mechanism 100. The storage compartment 200 with this structure can store multiple trays 20 and consumables of different colors or materials, enabling printing of multiple colors or materials, and also facilitating the replacement of trays 20.

[0080] Optionally, the main shell includes a first shell portion 211 and a second shell portion 212 arranged perpendicularly to each other. The first shell portion 211 is located at the bottom of the isolation shell 240 and is installed on the feeding and unloading mechanism 300. The second shell portion 212 is located on the side of the isolation shell 240 and is installed on the consumable rewinding mechanism 100.

[0081] Optionally, the housing 200 also includes a bottom plate 250 and a back plate 260. The bottom plate 250 is located on the side of the first housing portion 211 opposite to the isolation shell 240, and the back plate 260 is located on the side of the second housing portion 212 opposite to the isolation shell 240.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the hopper 10 further includes a material collection mechanism 600, which is disposed within the hopper body 200 and located between the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 and the material feeding / returning mechanism 300. The material collection mechanism 600 facilitates the transport of consumables between the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 and the material feeding / returning mechanism 300.

[0083] The number of material collection mechanisms 600 can be set according to the number and arrangement of consumable material rewinding mechanisms 100. For example, Figure 3As shown, the isolation shell 240 of the bin body 200 is provided with two consumable rewinding mechanisms 100 at intervals along the vertical direction, and the main shell of the bin body 200 is provided with two feeding and unloading mechanisms 300 at intervals along the horizontal direction. The collecting mechanism 600 is located on the isolation shell 240 and between the two consumable rewinding mechanisms 100, and is used to guide the consumables of the upper consumable rewinding mechanism 100 to the corresponding feeding and unloading mechanism 300.

[0084] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the material collection mechanism 600 includes a material collection shell 610, a first quick-connect connector 620, and a feeding pipe 630. The material collection shell 610 is disposed on the isolation shell 240 of the hopper 200 and has a first material inlet 610a. The feeding pipe 630 is installed at the first material inlet 610a through the first quick-connect connector 620 and extends out of the material collection shell 610. Consumables from the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 can be conveyed to the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 through the feeding pipe 630.

[0085] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the collecting mechanism 600 also includes a first clamping shell 640 and a second clamping shell 650. The first clamping shell is disposed inside the collecting shell 610, and the second clamping shell 650 presses the quick-connect structure onto the first clamping shell 640. The cooperation between the first clamping shell 640 and the second clamping shell 650 facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the first quick-connect connector 620. The first clamping shell 640 and the second clamping shell 650 are screwed or snap-fitted together; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 includes a power component 310, a driving wheel 320, and a driven wheel 330. The driving wheel 320 is disposed on the output shaft of the power component 310, and the driven wheel 330 meshes with the driving wheel 320, thereby cooperating with the driving wheel 320 to push consumables. In the feeding mode, the output shaft of the power component 310 rotates in the forward direction, while in the unloading mode, the output shaft of the power component 310 rotates in the reverse direction. The output shaft of the power component 310 can rotate in both directions to perform feeding and unloading operations respectively. That is, the feeding and unloading operations of the hopper 10 share a single power component 310, which can reduce the number of power components 310 used and simplify the structure of the feeding / unloading mechanism 300.

[0087] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 also includes a housing 370, in which the power component 310, the driving wheel 320, and the driven wheel 330 are all housed. The housing 370 protects the power component 310, the driving wheel 320, and the driven wheel 330, and also facilitates the installation of the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 within the storage compartment 200. As an example, the housing 370 includes an upper housing 371 and a lower housing 372 that are connected to each other, with the upper housing 371 having a second feed port 371a.

[0088] Optionally, the power component 310 may be an electric motor, the housing of which is fixed to the lower housing 372.

[0089] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the driving wheel 320 has a first axle 321, and the outer circumferential surface of the first axle 321 is provided with a first feed groove 321a along its own circumference; the driven wheel 330 has a second axle 331, and the outer circumferential surface of the second axle 331 is provided with a second feed groove 331a along its own circumferential direction. Consumables can be conveyed to the 3D printer or drawn back to the consumable rewinding mechanism 100 through the first and second feed grooves. The arrangement of the first and second feed grooves facilitates the conveying of consumables.

[0090] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 also includes a clamping swing arm 340 and a second elastic member 350. The clamping swing arm 340 is rotatably disposed in the housing 200 and provides mounting space for the driven wheel 330. The second elastic member 350 provides a force to the clamping swing arm 340 to rotate toward the driving wheel 320. The second elastic member 350 enables the driven wheel 330 on the clamping swing arm 340 to move toward the driving wheel 320, thereby clamping the consumables.

[0091] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the clamping arm 340 includes a rotating part 341 and a swinging part 342 connected together. The rotating part 341 is rotatably disposed on the lower housing 372, and the swinging part 342 is used for mounting the driven wheel 330.

[0092] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second elastic element 350 is a torsion spring. The spring coil of the torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating part 341 of the pressing arm 340, and the two spring legs of the torsion spring abut against the swing part 342 of the pressing arm 340 and the lower shell 372, respectively.

[0093] In one embodiment, there is a consumable pushing interval between the driving wheel 320 and the driven wheel 330; such as Figure 6As shown, the feeding and unloading mechanism 300 also includes a first sensor 360, which is located in the chamber 200 and above the filament feeding interval. The first sensor 360 can detect the position of the filament and send the detection result. The power unit 310 can perform power-on or power-off operations based on the detection result of the first sensor 360. It should be noted that the filament feeding interval can refer to the interval between the first feeding groove 321a and the second feeding groove 331a mentioned above. When the filament released by the filament rewinding mechanism 100 reaches the side of the filament feeding interval through the first material port 371a of the upper shell 371, it will trigger the first sensor 360. The first sensor 360 will then send a power-on command to the control mechanism in the background. Based on the power-on command, the control mechanism will turn on the power unit 310, which will drive the driving wheel 320 and the driven wheel 330 to rotate, conveying the filament into the 3D printer.

[0094] Optionally, the first sensor 360 is a limit switch. Of course, in some other embodiments, the first sensor 360 may also be an optical sensor.

[0095] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first sensor 360 can be mounted on the lower housing 372 using a fixing plate 373.

[0096] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the hopper 10 further includes a buffer mechanism 500, which is located between the outlet of the hopper 10 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 300; for example Figure 8As shown, the buffer mechanism 500 includes a buffer housing 510, a buffer swing arm 520, a feed pipe 530, and a third sensor 540. The buffer swing arm 520 is rotatably disposed inside the buffer housing 510. The feed pipe 530 allows consumables to pass through and is connected to the buffer swing arm 520. The third sensor 540 is used to detect the rotational position of the buffer swing arm 520 and send the detection result. The feeding and unloading mechanism 300 can perform power-on or power-off operations based on the detection result of the third sensor 540. After the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 of the hopper 10 delivers the filament into the 3D printer, the feeding mechanism inside the 3D printer continues to deliver the filament to the melting nozzle. Due to possible interference such as signal interference, the rotational speed of the power component 310 of the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 differs from that of the power component of the feeding mechanism inside the 3D printer. When the rotational speed of the power component 310 of the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 is greater than that of the power component of the feeding mechanism inside the 3D printer, the filament will accumulate on the feed side of the buffer mechanism 500. This will cause the buffer swing arm 520 to rotate away from the feed side of the buffer housing 510. At this time, the buffer swing arm 520 triggers the third sensor 540, which can send a stop command to the control mechanism in the background. Based on this stop command, the control mechanism will shut down the power component 310 of the feeding / unloading mechanism 300. The power component 310 of the feeding / unloading mechanism 300 can rotate in the reverse direction to recover the accumulated filament, or the filament can be manually recovered. In this way, the buffer mechanism 500 can stably push the consumable between the feeding and unfeeding mechanism 300 and the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer, ensuring the normal printing of subsequent consumables.

[0097] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the feed tube 530 is connected to the buffer swing arm 520 via the second quick-connect connector 570.

[0098] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the discharge side of the buffer housing 510 is provided with a rotatable guide wheel assembly 560, which can push consumables. The feed side and discharge side of the buffer housing 510 are arranged opposite each other, or as shown... Figure 8 As shown, it is set at 90°.

[0099] Optionally, the third sensor 540 is a limit switch.

[0100] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8As shown, the buffer mechanism 500 also includes a third elastic element 550, which is disposed between the buffer swing arm 520 and the buffer housing 510, and can provide a force to the buffer swing arm 520 to rotate toward the third sensor 540. When the buffer swing arm 520 rotates toward the discharge side of the buffer housing 510 due to the accumulation of consumables, the third elastic element 550 deforms. When the accumulated consumables are recycled, the third elastic element 550 resets, thereby driving the buffer swing arm 520 to rotate toward the third sensor 540. When the third sensor 540 is triggered again by the buffer swing arm 520, the third sensor 540 sends a start command to the control mechanism in the background. Based on the start command, the control mechanism opens the power component 310 of the feeding and unfeeding mechanism 300 to perform the feeding operation.

[0101] Optionally, the third elastic element 550 is a torsion spring. Of course, in other embodiments, the third elastic element 550 can also be an elastic element of other structures such as a nitrogen spring. Of course, in other embodiments, the third elastic element 550 may not be provided, and it may be a self-resetting mechanical mechanism such as a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0102] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the buffer housing 510 is provided with a first limiting part 511, which can limit the rotation angle of the buffer swing arm 520. The first limiting part 511 can prevent the buffer swing arm 520 from failing to return to its original position due to excessive rotation angle, and can protect the third elastic element 550.

[0103] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the hopper also includes a residual material detection module 400 located within the hopper body 200. The residual material detection module 400 is used to detect the weight of the filament rewinding mechanism 100. The residual material detection module 400 can detect the weight of the filament rewinding mechanism 100's filament tray 20. When the weight of the filament tray 20 falls below a preset value, the control mechanism in the background can send an alarm command. A display mechanism or a sound mechanism can be installed on the hopper 10. Users can use the reminders from this display mechanism or sound mechanism to promptly replace the filament tray 20, ensuring continuous printing by the 3D printer.

[0104] In one embodiment, the remaining material detection module 400 may include a second sensor facing the trolley 20 on the consumable rewinding mechanism 100. The second sensor is used to detect the distance between itself and the trolley 20 and send the detection result, which is used to generate weight information of the trolley 20. When the trolley 20 is full, the distance between the second sensor and the trolley 20 is the smallest, and when the trolley 20 is empty, the distance between the second sensor and the trolley 20 is the largest. Therefore, the expected weight percentage can be determined by detecting the distance between the second sensor and the trolley 20.

[0105] Optionally, the second sensor can be an optical ranging sensor or an ultrasonic ranging sensor.

[0106] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the hopper also includes a drying mechanism 700 disposed within the hopper body 200. The drying mechanism 700 can be used to dry the consumables in the hopper 10, preventing air bubbles from forming in the consumables during printing and affecting the molding effect.

[0107] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the drying mechanism 700 includes a hot air component 710 and a dehumidifying component; the hot air component 710 is used to heat and circulate the air inside the chamber 200 to evaporate the moisture in the consumables into the air inside the chamber 200; the dehumidifying component is used to absorb moisture from the air. The drying mechanism 700 has a simple structure.

[0108] Optionally, the hot air component 710 is a hot air blower.

[0109] Optionally, the dehumidifier is a desiccant.

[0110] Optionally, the chamber 200 is equipped with a display mechanism and a fourth sensor; the fourth sensor is used to detect the temperature and humidity inside the chamber 200 and send the detection results, the display mechanism displays the detection results of the sensor, and the back-end control mechanism controls the opening and closing of the hot air component 710 based on the detection results, and sends a warning signal when the humidity inside the chamber 200 is higher than a preset value. The operator can replace the dehumidifier according to the warning signal.

[0111] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the drying mechanism 700 also includes a drying housing 720, which is fastened to the bottom of the main shell of the chamber 200 and forms a sealed space between them. The drying housing 720 provides a space for the installation of the heating air component 710 and the dehumidifying component. The drying housing 720 facilitates the installation of the drying mechanism 700 in the chamber 200.

[0112] Optionally, the drying housing 720 extends from the bottom of the second housing portion 212 of the main housing to the side of the first housing portion 211 away from the second housing portion 212. In this way, a portion of the hot air component 710 can be located at the bottom of the second housing portion 212, and another portion of the hot air component 710 can be located on the side of the first housing portion 211 away from the second housing portion 212, while the dehumidifying component is located between these two portions of the hot air component 710, which facilitates the circulation of air in the chamber 200 and facilitates the drying of consumables.

[0113] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, multiple dehumidifiers can be spaced apart along the extension direction of the drying housing 720, and each dehumidifier has a partition 730 on both sides.

[0114] On the other hand, one embodiment of this application provides a 3D printer, which includes a printer body and a hopper as described in any of the above claims, wherein the outlet of the hopper is connected to the outlet of the printer body via a material pipe.

[0115] The 3D printer uses the rotating shaft component 120 of the filament rewinding mechanism 100 to mount the filament tray 20. The rotating shaft component 120 can also cooperate with the elastic component 130. When the feeding and unloading mechanism 300 feeds or unloads filament, it can release the filament on the filament tray 20 or recycle the filament onto the filament tray 20. This can prevent the filament from getting tangled during unloading and ensure that the feeding and unloading mechanism 300 can smoothly transport the filament into the 3D printer in the future.

[0116] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0117] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A consumable take-up mechanism for a 3D printer, characterized by, The application relates to a consumable rewinding mechanism, which comprises a fixed component, a rotating shaft component arranged on the fixed component and used for mounting a tray and capable of rotating to release consumables on the tray or rotating to rewind the consumables onto the tray, and an elastic component arranged between the rotating shaft component and the fixed component and capable of providing a rotating force to the rotating shaft component. The elastic component comprises a mounting shell, a gland and an elastic body. The mounting shell is arranged between the rotating shaft component and the fixed component, the gland is used for pressing the elastic body into the mounting shell, and the elastic body is connected with the rotating shaft component and the mounting shell. The elastic body is a coil spring.

2. The consumable rewind mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The elastic component can rotate together with the rotating shaft component. The consumable rewinding mechanism further comprises a dynamic friction component arranged on the elastic component and capable of abutting against the fixed component to generate a friction force between the dynamic friction component and the fixed component.

3. The consumable rewind mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The consumable rewinding mechanism further comprises a first elastic member connected with the elastic component and the dynamic friction component and capable of providing a moving force to the dynamic friction component towards the fixed component.

4. A consumable rewind mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, First lubricating sleeves are arranged between the elastic component and the fixed component, and / or second lubricating sleeves are arranged between the elastic component and the rotating shaft component. The application further relates to a cartridge body, a feeding and withdrawing mechanism and the consumable rewinding mechanism.

5. The consumable rewind mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The feeding and withdrawing mechanism is arranged in the cartridge body and has a feeding mode and a withdrawing mode.

6. The consumable rewind mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The consumable rewinding mechanism is arranged in the cartridge body, and the rotating shaft component of the consumable rewinding mechanism can rotate to feed or withdraw the consumables.

7. A hopper for a 3D printer, characterized in that The feeding and withdrawing mechanism comprises a power member, a driving wheel member and a driven wheel member. The output shaft of the power member rotates correspondingly in the feeding mode or the withdrawing mode. The feeding and withdrawing mechanism further comprises a pressing swing arm and a second elastic member.

8. The bin of claim 7, wherein, The driving wheel member and the driven wheel member have a consumable pushing interval. The feeding and withdrawing mechanism further comprises a first sensor arranged in the cartridge body and located above the consumable pushing interval.

9. The bin of claim 8, wherein, The cartridge further comprises a surplus material detection module arranged in the cartridge body.

10. The bin of claim 8, wherein, The surplus material detection module is used for detecting the weight of the tray of the consumable rewinding mechanism. The surplus material detection module comprises a second sensor facing the tray of the consumable rewinding mechanism.

11. A silo according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that The second sensor is used for detecting the distance between the second sensor and the tray and sending a detection result, and the detection result is used for generating weight information of the tray. ​ 12. The silo according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The hopper further comprises a buffering mechanism arranged between the discharge port of the hopper and the feeding and withdrawing mechanism; The buffering mechanism comprises a buffering housing, a buffering swing arm rotatably arranged in the buffering housing, a feeding pipe through which the consumable passes and connected with the buffering swing arm, and a third sensor for detecting the rotating position of the buffering swing arm and sending the detection result, and the feeding and withdrawing mechanism can perform the start operation or the shutdown operation based on the detection result of the third sensor.

13. The bin of claim 12, wherein, The buffering mechanism further comprises a third elastic member arranged between the buffering swing arm and the buffering housing and capable of providing the buffering swing arm with a force for rotating towards the third sensor.

14. The bin of claim 13, wherein, The buffering housing is provided with a first limiting portion capable of limiting the rotating angle of the buffering swing arm.

15. A 3D printer characterized by, The printer comprises a printer body and the hopper according to any one of claims 7 to 14, and the discharge port of the hopper is communicated with the material port of the printer body through the material pipe.

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