Automatic cleaning device for feeding gear of FDM 3D printer
The automatic cleaning device solves the problems of clogging and slippage of the feed gears in FDM 3D printers, enabling automatic detection and cleaning, thus improving the printer's working efficiency and the success rate of large-format printing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520147821.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-22
AI Technical Summary
The feed gears of existing FDM 3D printers are prone to clogging and slippage due to consumable residue, which affects print quality and efficiency. Manual cleaning is difficult and costly, and the risk of print failure is high, especially for large printers.
Design an automatic cleaning device that detects blockage through meshing and uses a brush assembly and photoelectric sensor to automatically clean consumable residue from the feed gear clearance groove. The device includes a brush motor, coupling, photoelectric sensor, and brush controller to ensure the normal operation of the feed gear.
It effectively avoids feed gear clogging and slippage, improves printing success rate, reduces manual intervention, and improves work efficiency, especially the reliability of large printers.
Smart Images
Figure CN223777818U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer. Background Technology
[0002] The working principle of existing FDM 3D printer feeders is as follows: the tip of the feed gear grips the cylindrical surface of the filament, and then rotates to force the filament into the printhead. Since FDM 3D printing primarily targets non-metallic materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and PEEK, during prolonged operation, the gaps in the feed gears often become filled with filament residue. This significantly reduces the protruding length of the gear teeth, drastically decreasing the friction with the linear filament. This leads to gear blockage and slippage, further resulting in insufficient filament during printing, insufficient print density, or even printing failure.
[0003] Manually intervening and cleaning the gear gaps during the printing process is obviously very difficult. It is hard to detect and clean them at any time. In addition, most 3D printers have dust covers on their feeders to prevent dust, making it difficult to observe and clean the feed gears. Furthermore, it is impossible to clean them during printing. By the time the gear slippage is discovered, the printed workpiece is already inevitably scrapped.
[0004] Due to the aforementioned defects, the clogging and slippage of the feed gears in FDM 3D printers pose certain risks to the long-term operation of large printers. Currently, the main cleaning methods are manual periodic cleaning or stopping the machine for cleaning when a significant decrease in the density of the printed workpiece is observed.
[0005] As mentioned above, cleaning the feed gears of current FDM 3D printers mainly relies on manual labor. Furthermore, gear blockage and slippage are related to the printing environment, temperature, printing speed, and materials, making them random and unpredictable. Therefore, cleaning the feed gears is not only labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it can also easily lead to workpiece scrap, especially for large workpieces, where printing time can easily exceed ten days. If gear blockage or slippage occurs during printing, the lost time and asset costs are incalculable, and the resulting product delivery delays are difficult to compensate for. Utility Model Content
[0006] This invention provides an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer. The purpose of this invention is to detect the blockage of the feed gear by means of meshing and to automatically clean the consumable residue in the gap of the feed gear, so as to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0007] An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer, comprising:
[0008] The main body of the feeder serves to support all components of the system.
[0009] The pressure roller bracket is mounted on the main body of the feeder. The pressure roller is installed on the pressure roller bracket. The pressure spring continuously provides pressure to the pressure roller, which works in conjunction with the feeding gear to provide a continuous feeding force for the consumables, ensuring printing needs are met.
[0010] The detection wheel bracket is equipped with a detection wheel return spring and a detection wheel. The spring force of the detection wheel return spring ensures that the detection wheel is always tightly engaged with the feed gear.
[0011] Photoelectric sensors are used to identify whether the position of the detection wheel is normal;
[0012] The brush assembly is used to clean the residue in the gap groove of the feed gear.
[0013] As a further technical solution of this utility model, it also includes a feeding motor, which is used to receive the feeding signal sent by the host and rotate to drive the feeding gear, thereby delivering the consumables required for the printing process.
[0014] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the number of teeth, module, and tooth width of the detection wheel are all equal to those of the feeding gear. The detection wheel is mounted on the detection wheel bracket and is kept in close engagement with the feeding gear by the elastic force provided by the detection wheel return spring.
[0015] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the brush assembly includes:
[0016] The brush motor is a miniature geared stepper motor used to drive the brush head to rotate, thereby cleaning the residue in the gap groove of the feed gear.
[0017] A coupling is used to connect the brush motor and the brush shaft, so that the rotation of the brush motor spindle drives the brush shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the brush head to rotate.
[0018] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the brush assembly also includes:
[0019] A photoelectric sensor is used to detect the position of the brush head, ensuring that the brush head is in the lower position when it stops working, so as not to affect the normal operation of the feed gear;
[0020] The light-shielding plate is installed on the brush shaft. It rotates simultaneously with the brush shaft during operation and is located in the sensing groove of the photoelectric sensor when the brush head is stopped, thus ensuring that the brush head is in the lower position when it is not working.
[0021] The brush shaft is used to mount the brush head and the light shield. It is fixed to the main body of the feeder by two bearing seats and is connected to the main shaft of the brush motor for rotation through a coupling.
[0022] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the brush head is a semi-circular brush with copper wire bristles, which effectively removes the dust and residue of consumables.
[0023] As a further technical solution of this utility model, it also includes a brush controller, which is used to control the rotation of the brush motor.
[0024] As a further technical solution of this utility model, it also includes a nozzle, which is an extrusion element for consumables.
[0025] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are:
[0026] This invention introduces an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer, which effectively solves the problem of printing failure caused by blockage or slippage of the feed gear. At the same time, the automatic cleaning device can effectively solve the problems of manual inspection and cleaning, reduce personnel input, improve work efficiency, and especially improve the success rate of printing large workpieces, providing technical support for the application of large printers. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer.
[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the feed gear in normal condition of an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer when the feed gear is clogged.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram showing the working state of the cleaning brush for the feed gear.
[0031] Figure 5 This is the control logic diagram for the automatic cleaning device.
[0032] Figure label annotations: 1-Main body of the feeder, 2-Pressure spring, 3-Pressure wheel bracket, 4-Pressure wheel, 5-Consumables, 6-Feed motor, 7-Feed gear, 8-Detection wheel bracket, 9-Detection wheel return spring, 10-Detection wheel, 11-Photoelectric sensor, 12-Brush motor, 13-Coupling, 14-Photoelectric sensor, 15-Light shield, 16-Brush shaft, 17-Brush head, 18-Bearing, 19-Nozzle, 20-Brush controller. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This utility model embodiment provides an automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer, including:
[0035] The main body of the feeder 1 is used to support all the components of the system;
[0036] The pressure roller bracket 3 is mounted on the feeder body 1. The pressure roller 4 is mounted on the pressure roller bracket 2. The pressure spring 2 continuously provides pressure to the pressure roller 4, which, together with the feed gear 7, provides a continuous feeding force to the consumable 5 to ensure printing requirements. The consumable 5 is a linear consumable for FDM 3D printers.
[0037] The feeding motor 6 is used to receive the feeding signal sent by the host and rotate to drive the feeding gear 7, thereby feeding the consumables 5 required for the printing process;
[0038] The detection wheel bracket 8 is equipped with a detection wheel return spring 9 and a detection wheel 10. The detection wheel 10 is always tightly engaged with the feed gear 7 by the elastic force of the detection wheel return spring 9.
[0039] The number of teeth, module, and tooth width of the detection wheel 10 are all equal to those of the feed gear 7. The detection wheel 10 is mounted on the detection wheel bracket 8 and is kept in close engagement with the feed gear 7 by the elastic force provided by the detection wheel return spring 9.
[0040] The photoelectric sensor 11 is used to identify whether the position of the detection wheel 10 is normal. If the detection wheel 10 is properly meshed with the feed gear 7, the detection wheel bracket 8 is in the left position, and the photoelectric sensor 11 outputs a low level. When the gap groove of the feed gear 7 is blocked by consumable residue, the detection wheel 10 meshing with the feed gear 7 will be pushed to the right. At this time, the detection wheel bracket 8 is in the right position, the light from the photoelectric sensor 11 is blocked, and it outputs a high level. Figure 3 As shown;
[0041] The brush assembly is used to clean the residue in the gap groove of the feed gear 7.
[0042] The brush assembly includes:
[0043] The brush motor 12, a miniature geared stepper motor, drives the brush head 17 to rotate, thereby cleaning the residue in the gap groove of the feed gear 7. Figure 4 As shown;
[0044] The coupling 13 is used to connect the brush motor 12 and the brush shaft 16, so that the rotation of the main shaft of the brush motor 12 drives the brush shaft 16 to rotate, which in turn drives the brush head 17 to rotate.
[0045] The photoelectric sensor 14 is used to detect the position of the brush head 17, ensuring that the brush head 17 is in the lower position when it stops working, so as not to affect the normal operation of the feed gear 7.
[0046] The light-shielding plate 15 is mounted on the brush shaft 16. It rotates simultaneously with the brush shaft 16 during operation and is located in the sensing groove of the photoelectric sensor 14 when stopped, thus ensuring that the brush head 17 is in the lower position when not working.
[0047] The brush shaft 16 is used to mount the brush head 17 and the light shield 15, and is fixed to the feeder body 1 by two bearing seats 18. At the same time, it is connected to the main shaft of the brush motor 12 for rotation through the coupling 13. The function of the bearing seats 18 is to fix the brush shaft 16 to the feeder body 1 and ensure that the brush shaft 16 rotates smoothly.
[0048] The brush head 17 is a semi-circular brush. During operation, the brush head 17 rotates to remove residue from the inter-tooth grooves of the feed gear 7, ensuring the cleanliness of the grooves and normal operation of the feed gear 7. When not in operation, the semi-circular part of the brush head 17 with bristles is in the lower position, which does not affect the normal operation of the feed gear 7. The bristles are made of copper wire, which can effectively remove debris and residue from the consumable 5.
[0049] It also includes a printhead 19, which is the extrusion element of the consumable 5. The purpose of keeping the feed gear 7 clean is to effectively deliver the consumable 5 to the printhead 19, thereby ensuring that the printing process is normal and stable.
[0050] It also includes a brush controller 20, which is used to control the rotation of the brush motor 12. When there is no residue in the gap of the feed gear 7, the detection wheel 10 is normally engaged with the feed gear 7, the detection wheel bracket 8 is in the left position, the photoelectric sensor 11 outputs a low level, and the brush controller 20 does not drive the brush motor 12 to work. When the gap groove of the feed gear 7 is blocked by consumable residue, the detection wheel 10 meshing with the feed gear 7 will be pushed to the right. At this time, the detection wheel bracket 8 is in the right position, the light of the photoelectric sensor 11 is blocked, and the output level is high. The brush controller 20 drives the brush motor 12 to drive the coupling 13 to rotate, which in turn drives the brush shaft 16 to rotate, which in turn drives the brush head 17 to rotate. After this process continues for a period of time, the photoelectric sensor 11 detects the position of the detection wheel bracket 8 again until it outputs a low level. At this time, there is no residue in the gap of the feed gear 7, the detection wheel 10 meshes normally with the feed gear 7, the detection wheel bracket 8 is in the left position, the brush controller 20 drives the brush motor 12 to rotate the brush head 17 to the lower position, the automatic cleaning work ends, and the next detection cycle begins.
[0051] The aforementioned automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer effectively solves the problem of printing failure caused by blockage or slippage of the feed gear 7. At the same time, the automatic cleaning device can effectively solve the problems of manual inspection and cleaning, reduce personnel input, improve work efficiency, and especially improve the success rate of printing large workpieces, providing technical support for the application of large printers.
[0052] It should be noted that, in this document, the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the device comprising that element.
[0053] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer, characterized in that, include; The main body of the feeder serves to support all components of the system. The pressure roller bracket is mounted on the main body of the feeder. The pressure roller is installed on the pressure roller bracket. The pressure spring continuously provides pressure to the pressure roller, which works in conjunction with the feeding gear to provide a continuous feeding force for the consumables, ensuring printing needs are met. The detection wheel bracket is equipped with a detection wheel return spring and a detection wheel. The spring force of the detection wheel return spring ensures that the detection wheel is always tightly engaged with the feed gear. Photoelectric sensors are used to identify whether the position of the detection wheel is normal; The brush assembly is used to clean the residue in the gap groove of the feed gear.
2. The automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feed motor, which is used to receive a feed signal sent by the host and rotate to drive the feed gear, thereby delivering the consumables required for the printing process.
3. The automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of teeth, module, and tooth width of the detection wheel are all equal to those of the feed gear. The detection wheel is mounted on the detection wheel bracket and is kept in close engagement with the feed gear by the elastic force provided by the detection wheel return spring.
4. An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brush assembly includes: The brush motor is a miniature geared stepper motor used to drive the brush head to rotate, thereby cleaning the residue in the gap groove of the feed gear. A coupling is used to connect the brush motor and the brush shaft, so that the rotation of the brush motor spindle drives the brush shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the brush head to rotate.
5. An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The brush assembly also includes: A photoelectric sensor is used to detect the position of the brush head, ensuring that the brush head is in the lower position when it stops working, so as not to affect the normal operation of the feed gear; The light-shielding plate is installed on the brush shaft. It rotates simultaneously with the brush shaft during operation and is located in the sensing groove of the photoelectric sensor when the brush head is stopped, thus ensuring that the brush head is in the lower position when it is not working. The brush shaft is used to mount the brush head and the light shield. It is fixed to the main body of the feeder by two bearing seats and is connected to the main shaft of the brush motor for rotation through a coupling.
6. An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The brush head is a semi-circular brush with copper wire bristles, which effectively removes dust and residue from consumables.
7. An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a brush controller, which is used to control the rotation of the brush motor.
8. An automatic cleaning device for the feed gear of an FDM 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a nozzle, which is an extrusion element for consumables.