Feeding and discharging device and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a material feeding and discharging device and a 3D printer, and relates to the technical field of 3D printing, the material feeding and discharging device comprises a shell, a plurality of material guiding frames, a material feeding and discharging mechanism and a gear shifting mechanism, the plurality of material guiding frames are rotatably connected with the shell, and each material guiding frame is provided with a material passing channel; the feeding and retreating mechanism is connected to the shell and provided with an extrusion face, and the extrusion face is configured to drive the wire materials in the material passing channel to move; the gear shifting mechanism is connected to the shell, the gear shifting mechanism is provided with a gear shifting face, and the gear shifting face is configured to abut against the material guiding frame; and the gear shifting mechanism drives the gear shifting surface to drive the material guiding frame to rotate, so that each material passing channel has a material moving state in which the extrusion surface enters and a switching state in which the extrusion surface leaves. According to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, the switching mechanism of the multi-color thread materials and the driving mechanism of the thread materials are simplified, and the switching efficiency of the multi-color thread materials is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a printing material holder and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] A 3D printer, also known as a three-dimensional printer or stereo printer, is a rapid prototyping device that typically uses digital technology to print materials. To meet more application scenarios, multi-color 3D printers have emerged on the market.

[0003] In multi-color printing scenarios, 3D printers need to switch the color of the filament. Existing multi-color printing solutions include using multiple nozzles, but this requires extremely high assembly precision; otherwise, the printed parts will be misaligned or deformed. Furthermore, multi-nozzle solutions require the moving end to carry multiple nozzles simultaneously, increasing weight and inertia, making high-speed printing impossible. Another approach is to eject multi-color filament from a single nozzle through an angled throat, but each type of filament requires a separate stepper motor, resulting in poor hardware compatibility and significantly increasing the operating cost of the 3D printer. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a feeding and unfeeding device and a 3D printer, which aims to simplify the switching mechanism and driving mechanism of multi-color filaments and improve the switching efficiency of multi-color filaments.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a feeding / unloading device, which includes:

[0006] case;

[0007] Multiple guide frames are rotatably connected to the housing, and each guide frame is provided with a material passage.

[0008] A feeding / unloading mechanism, connected to the housing, is provided with an extrusion surface configured to move the wire material within the material passage; and

[0009] A shifting mechanism is connected to the housing, and the shifting mechanism is provided with a shifting surface, which is configured to abut against the guide frame;

[0010] The shifting mechanism drives the shifting surface to rotate the guide frame, so that each material passage has a material transfer state where the extrusion surface enters and a switching state where the extrusion surface leaves.

[0011] In one embodiment, the shifting mechanism includes a shifting drive assembly and a plurality of shifting wheels. The shifting wheels are connected to the output end of the shifting drive assembly. Each shifting wheel is provided with a shifting surface, which includes an abutment surface and a clearance groove. Each clearance groove is provided corresponding to a guide frame.

[0012] The shift drive assembly drives the shift wheel to rotate, thereby causing the bottom of the clearance groove or the contact surface to abut against the guide frame, so that the guide frame is in a material transfer state or a switching state.

[0013] In one embodiment, the line connecting any two of the clearance slots is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the shift wheel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the shift drive assembly includes a shift drive member and a shift transmission shaft. The shift transmission shaft is rotatably connected to the housing and connected to the output end of the shift drive member. The shift wheel is sleeved on the shift transmission shaft. The shift drive member drives the shift transmission shaft to rotate, thereby driving the shift wheel to rotate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the feeding and unloading mechanism includes a feeding and unloading drive, a feeding and unloading transmission shaft, and a plurality of extrusion wheels. The feeding and unloading transmission shaft is rotatably connected to the housing and connected to the output end of the feeding and unloading drive. The plurality of extrusion wheels are spaced apart on the feeding and unloading transmission shaft. Each extrusion wheel is provided with a material passage corresponding to a material passage and has an extrusion surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a rotating shaft, at least a portion of the guide frame is rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the guide frame is provided with an opening communicating with the material passage, the opening allowing the extrusion surface to enter the material passage;

[0017] The guide frame has a first position and a second position;

[0018] At the first position, the extruded surface enters the material conveying channel through the inlet, and the material conveying channel is in the material transfer state;

[0019] In the second position, the extruded surface leaves the material passage through the outlet, and the material passage is in the switching state.

[0020] In one embodiment, the feeding and unloading device further includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the housing and the other end of which is connected to the guide frame. The extending direction of the elastic element is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0021] In one embodiment, the feeding / unloading device further includes a material breakage detection mechanism, which includes a material breakage detection switch, a material breakage elastic element, and a pressing element. The material breakage detection switch is connected to the guide frame, and the pressing element is connected to the guide frame through the material breakage elastic element and extends at least partially into the material passage. The pressing element is used to trigger the material breakage detection switch.

[0022] In one embodiment, the feeding / unloading device further includes a mileage detection mechanism, which includes a mileage detection switch, a mileage detection wheel, and a mileage detection gear. The mileage detection switch is connected to the guide frame, the mileage detection wheel is rotatably connected to the guide frame and extends at least partially into the material passage, and the mileage detection gear rotates synchronously with the mileage detection wheel to trigger the mileage detection switch.

[0023] This utility model also proposes a 3D printer, which includes a printing device and a feeding / unloading device as described above.

[0024] In this invention, the guide frame is rotatably connected to the housing. The shifting mechanism can drive the guide frame to rotate relative to the housing via the shifting surface, thereby changing the relative position of the guide frame and the feeding / retracting mechanism. This allows the extrusion surface to enter or leave the material passage, thus enabling the material passage of a particular guide frame to be in a material transfer state or a switching state. The shifting mechanism can switch the material passage of any guide frame between the material transfer state and the switching state. When the material passage is in the material transfer state, the extrusion surface extends into the material passage and abuts against the wire material inside. The feeding / retracting mechanism drives the extrusion surface to move the wire material within the material passage. When the material passage is in the switching state, the extrusion surface leaves the material passage.

[0025] The feeding / unfeeding mechanism drives the extrusion surface to move, preventing the filament from moving within the feeding channel. Multiple guide frames can accommodate filaments of different colors. When switching to a target color filament in the 3D printer, a shifting mechanism switches the feeding channel of the corresponding guide frame to a transfer state, enabling the switching and transfer of different colored filaments. This allows for the switching and driving of multi-color filaments using only two drive mechanisms, improving the efficiency of multi-color filament switching. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading device in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading device without its outer shell in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading device without its housing in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 Another structural schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading device without the housing in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the shifting mechanism in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading mechanism in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 An exploded view of the material guide frame, the material breakage detection mechanism, and the mileage detection mechanism in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 8 Another exploded structural diagram of the guide frame, the material breakage detection mechanism and the mileage detection mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the guide frame, the material breakage detection mechanism, and the mileage detection mechanism in one embodiment provided by this utility model;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the material guide frame in the material transfer state in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0038] 100. Feeding / Unloading Device; 1. Housing; 11. Rotating Shaft; 2. Guide Frame; 21. Material Passage Channel; 22. Passage Outlet; 23. Bending Protrusion; 3. Feeding / Unloading Mechanism; 31. Feeding / Unloading Drive Component; 32. Feeding / Unloading Transmission Shaft; 33. Extrusion Roller; 331. Extrusion Surface; 4. Gear Shifting Mechanism; 41. Gear Shifting Drive Assembly; 411. Gear Shifting Drive Component; 412. Gear Shifting Transmission Shaft; 42. Gear Shifting Wheel; 421. Gear Shifting Surface; 4211. Abutment Surface; 4212. Alternating Groove; 5. Elastic Component; 6. Material Breakage Detection Mechanism; 61. Material Breakage Detection Switch; 62. Material Breakage Elastic Component; 63. Pressing Component; 7. Mileage Detection Mechanism; 71. Mileage Detection Switch; 72. Mileage Detection Wheel; 73. Mileage Detection Gear.

[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0041] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0042] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0043] Please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this utility model proposes a feeding / unloading device 100, which includes a housing 1, multiple guide frames 2, a feeding / unloading mechanism 3, and a shifting mechanism 4. The multiple guide frames 2 are rotatably connected to the housing 1, and each guide frame 2 is provided with a material passage 21. The feeding / unloading mechanism 3 is connected to the housing 1 and is provided with an extrusion surface 331, which is configured to drive the linear material in the material passage 21 to move. The shifting mechanism 4 is connected to the housing 1 and is provided with a shifting surface 421, which is configured to abut against the guide frames 2. The shifting mechanism 4 drives the shifting surface 421 to drive the guide frames 2 to rotate, so that each material passage 21 has a material transfer state with the extrusion surface 331 entering and a switching state with the extrusion surface 331 leaving.

[0044] Understandably, a 3D printer typically includes a filament tray, a feeding / retracting mechanism, and a printing unit. The filament tray contains filament, which can be fed into the printing unit via the feeding / retracting mechanism or returned to the tray. That is, the feeding / retracting mechanism can be used for both feeding and retracting. The printing unit includes an extrusion assembly and a nozzle. The extrusion assembly is used for feeding or retracting filament into the nozzle. During filament feeding, the filament passes through the feeding / retracting mechanism and the extrusion assembly to feed into the nozzle; during filament retracting, the printing unit cuts the filament, and the extrusion assembly and feeding / retracting mechanism return the filament to the filament tray. Optionally, the printing unit can cut the filament between the extrusion assembly and the nozzle, or it can cut the filament directly in the extrusion assembly; no specific limitation is made here.

[0045] In this embodiment, the guide frame 2 is rotatably connected to the housing 1. The shifting mechanism 4 can drive the guide frame 2 to rotate relative to the housing 1 through the shifting surface 421, thereby changing the relative position of the guide frame 2 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3, so that the extrusion surface 331 enters or leaves the feeding channel 21, thus making the feeding channel 21 of a certain guide frame 2 in a material transfer state or a switching state. The shifting mechanism 4 can switch the feeding channel 21 of any guide frame 2 between the material transfer state and the switching state.

[0046] When the material feeding channel 21 is in the material transfer state, the extrusion surface 331 extends into the material feeding channel 21 and comes into contact with the wire material inside the material feeding channel 21. The feeding and unloading mechanism 3 drives the extrusion surface 331 to move the wire material within the material feeding channel 21. When the material feeding channel 21 is in the switching state, the extrusion surface 331 leaves the material feeding channel 21. Even if the feeding and unloading mechanism 3 continues to drive the extrusion surface 331 to move, it will not move the wire material within the material feeding channel 21.

[0047] Understandably, different colored filaments can be threaded through the feeding channels of multiple guide frames 2. When the 3D printer switches to the target color filament, the shifting mechanism 4 switches the feeding channel of the guide frame 2 corresponding to the filament to the material transfer state, so as to realize the switching and transmission of filaments of different colors.

[0048] In actual implementation, the feed inlet and discharge outlet of the material passage 21 are located at both ends of the guide frame 2. The wire enters the material passage 21 from the feed inlet and leaves the material passage 21 from the discharge outlet to enter the printing device. The feeding and unfeeding mechanism 3 can drive the extrusion surface 331 to move from the feed inlet to the discharge outlet to feed the wire into the printing device, or it can drive the extrusion surface 331 to move from the discharge outlet to the feed inlet to unfeed the wire into the material tray.

[0049] Optionally, the number of guide racks 2 can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.

[0050] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the shifting mechanism 4 includes a shifting drive assembly 41 and multiple shifting wheels 42. The shifting wheels 42 are connected to the output end of the shifting drive assembly 41. Each shifting wheel 42 is provided with a shifting surface 421. The shifting surface 421 includes an abutment surface 4211 and a clearance groove 4212. Each clearance groove 4212 is provided corresponding to a guide frame 2. The shifting drive assembly 41 drives the shifting wheels 42 to rotate, so that the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 or the abutment surface 4211 abuts against the guide frame 2, so that the guide frame 2 is in a material transfer state or a switching state.

[0051] In this embodiment, the circumferential surface of the shift wheel 42 forms a shift surface 421, which includes an abutment surface 4211 and a clearance groove 4212. Specifically, the clearance groove 4212 is a groove on the circumferential surface of the shift wheel 42, and the abutment surface 4211 is the portion of the circumferential surface of the shift wheel 42 excluding the clearance groove 4212. It is understood that the distances between the bottom of the abutment surface 4211 and the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 and the rotation center of the shift wheel 42 are different. The distance between the abutment surface 4211 and the rotation center of the shift wheel 42 is longer than the distance between the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 and the rotation center of the shift wheel 42. Therefore, when the shift drive assembly 41 drives the shift wheel 42 to rotate, and the portion of the shift wheel 42 abutting against the guide frame 2 changes from the abutment surface 4211 to the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 or vice versa, the guide frame 2 will rotate. In this embodiment, the guide frame 2 is in a material transfer state, that is, the material passage 21 of the guide frame 2 is in a material transfer state, the extrusion surface 331 extends into the material passage 21 and abuts against the wire material in the material passage 21, and the feeding and unloading mechanism 3 drives the extrusion surface 331 to move the wire material in the material passage 21. When the guide frame 2 is in a switching state, that is, the material passage 21 of the guide frame 2 is in a switching state, the extrusion surface 331 leaves the material passage 21, and even if the feeding and unloading mechanism 3 drives the extrusion surface 331 to continue moving, it will not move the wire material in the material passage 21.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 abuts against the guide frame 2, the material passage 21 of the guide frame 2 is in the material transfer state. When the contact surface 4211 abuts against the guide frame 2, the material passage 21 of the guide frame 2 is in the switching state. Thus, the material passage 21 of the guide frame 2 can switch between the material transfer state and the switching state.

[0053] Furthermore, the guide frame 2 is provided with a curved protrusion 23, which abuts against the shifting surface 421. The contact surface 4211 between the curved protrusion 23 and the shifting surface 421 is smoothly arranged to reduce the rotational resistance of the shifting wheel 42.

[0054] Optionally, the shift wheel 42 can be a long-shaft roller, and the abutment surface 4211 and the clearance groove 4212 corresponding to each guide frame 2 are provided on a long-shaft roller. In this case, one shift wheel 42 corresponds to multiple guide frames 2.

[0055] In actual implementation, the shift surface 421 includes at least a first part and a second part, with different distances between the first part and the rotation center of the shift wheel 42. The shift drive assembly 41 drives the shift wheel 42 to rotate, and the first part and the second part alternately abut against the guide frame 2. The material passage 21 of the guide frame 2 can switch between a material transfer state and a switching state. Optionally, the first part is an abutment surface 4211, and the second part is a clearance groove 4212. Alternatively, the first part is an abutment surface 4211, and the second part is a protrusion. The specific shapes of the first part and the second part are not limited here. Both the first part and the second part are smoothly rounded to reduce the rotational resistance of the shift wheel 42.

[0056] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the shift wheels 42 are arranged one-to-one with the guide frame 2. Each shift wheel 42 is provided with an abutment surface 4211 and a clearance groove 4212, which can reduce the load on the shift drive component 411 and improve the rotation stability of the shift wheel 42. Each shift wheel 42 is positioned on the shift drive shaft 412 corresponding to the position of the guide frame 2, and is sleeved on the shift drive shaft 412. The shift drive component 411 drives the shift rotating shaft 11 to rotate, thereby driving all the shift wheels 42 to rotate simultaneously.

[0057] Understandably, the number of shift wheels 42 and guide frames 2 are set in a one-to-one correspondence. When a shift wheel 42 malfunctions and needs to be replaced, the user can replace a single shift wheel 42.

[0058] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the line connecting any two clearance slots 4212 is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the shift wheel 42.

[0059] In this embodiment, the line connecting any two clearance grooves 4212 is not parallel to the rotation axis of the shift wheel 42, so that at most one guide frame 2 abuts against the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 at any given time. That is, the shift drive assembly 41 switches the material passage 21 of one guide frame 2 to the material transfer state at the same time, and the feeding and unloading device 100 supplies only one color of thread to the extrusion assembly at the same time.

[0060] Understandably, the arrangement direction of the multiple guide racks 2 is parallel to the axial direction of the shift wheel 42, and the projections of the clearance grooves 4212 in the axial direction of the shift wheel 42 do not overlap, so that at most only one guide rack 2 abuts against the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 at any given time.

[0061] In actual implementation, multiple clearance grooves 4212 are evenly spaced along the circumferential distance of the shift wheel 42 on the projection of the shift wheel 42 in the axial direction. For example, when there are three guide frames 2, three clearance grooves 4212 are set accordingly, and the three clearance grooves 4212 are set at 120° intervals along the circumferential distance of the shift wheel 42 on the projection of the shift wheel 42 in the axial direction; when there are four guide frames 2, four clearance grooves 4212 are set accordingly, and the four clearance grooves 4212 are set at 90° intervals along the circumferential distance of the shift wheel 42 on the projection of the shift wheel 42 in the axial direction.

[0062] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the shift drive assembly 41 includes a shift drive component 411 and a shift transmission shaft 412. The shift transmission shaft 412 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 and connected to the output end of the shift drive component 411. The shift wheel 42 is sleeved on the shift transmission shaft 412. The shift drive component 411 drives the shift transmission shaft 412 to rotate, thereby driving the shift wheel 42 to rotate.

[0063] In this embodiment, the shift wheel 42 is fixedly sleeved on the shift drive shaft 412, which is arranged along the axial direction of the shift wheel 42 and rotatably connected to the housing 1. The shift drive component 411 drives the shift drive shaft 412 to rotate, thereby driving the shift wheel 42 to rotate. This allows a single drive mechanism to switch the states of multiple guide racks 2. It is understood that one end of the shift drive shaft 412 can be rotatably connected to the housing 1, and the other end can be directly connected to the drive end of the shift drive component 411.

[0064] In this embodiment, the fixed sleeve means that the positions of the shift wheel 42 and the shift drive shaft 412 are relatively fixed. The shift wheel 42 can be connected to the shift drive shaft 412 in a detachable manner, such as by a buckle or screw, or it can be integrally set with the shift drive shaft 412.

[0065] Optionally, both ends of the shift drive shaft 412 are rotatably connected to the housing 1. A helical gear is fixedly sleeved on the shift drive shaft 412. The shift drive component 411 is a rotary motor. A worm gear is provided at the output end of the shift drive component 411. The worm gear meshes with the helical gear, so that the shift drive component 411 drives the shift drive shaft 412 to rotate. In this way, the drive shaft of the shift drive component 411 and the shift drive shaft 412 can be set at an angle to reduce the installation space of the shift mechanism 4, improve the utilization rate of the space inside the housing 1, and help to reduce the size of the feeding and unloading device 100.

[0066] In actual implementation, the shift drive component 411 and the shift transmission shaft 412 can also be driven by other reduction transmission mechanisms, which are not specifically limited here. The shift drive component 411 is connected to the housing 1. The shift transmission shaft 412 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via bearings.

[0067] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the feeding and unloading mechanism 3 includes a feeding and unloading drive 31, a feeding and unloading transmission shaft 32, and multiple extrusion wheels 33. The feeding and unloading transmission shaft 32 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 and connected to the output end of the feeding and unloading drive 31. Multiple extrusion wheels 33 are spaced apart on the feeding and unloading transmission shaft 32. Each extrusion wheel 33 is provided corresponding to a material passage 21 and has an extrusion surface 331.

[0068] In this embodiment, the extrusion wheel 33 can extend into the feed channel 21 so that the extrusion surface 331 and the wire material in the feed channel 21 press against each other. Simultaneously, the feed / retractor drive 31 drives the extrusion wheel 33 to rotate, thereby moving the wire material within the feed channel 21. It can be understood that the circumferential surface of the extrusion wheel 33 is the extrusion surface 331, and the central axis of the extrusion wheel 33 is the axis of rotation. The distance from the extrusion surface 331 to the center of rotation of the extrusion wheel 33 is equal everywhere; that is, the cross-section of the extrusion wheel 33 is circular, thus improving the smoothness of the wire material movement. The feed / retractor drive 31 can drive the wire material to feed or retract by driving the extrusion wheel 33 to rotate forward or backward.

[0069] Optionally, the extrusion roller 33 can be configured as a long-shaft roller, in which case one extrusion roller 33 can correspond to multiple material passages of the guide frame 2. The guide frame 2 is provided with an opening 22 connecting to the material passage, so that the extrusion roller 33 can extend into or exit from the material passage. Optionally, the extrusion surface 331 of the extrusion roller 33 is provided with raised stripes along the axial direction of the extrusion roller 33 to increase the friction between the extrusion surface 331 and the wire material, and to prevent the wire material from slipping, which would affect the feeding or discharging of the wire material.

[0070] Understandably, the extrusion wheel 33 is fixedly sleeved on the feed / retractable drive shaft 32. The feed / retractable drive shaft 32 is arranged along the axial direction of the extrusion wheel 33 and rotatably connected to the housing 1. The feed / retractable drive component 31 drives the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 to rotate, thereby driving the shift wheel 42 to rotate. Understandably, one end of the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 can be rotatably connected to the housing 1, and the other end can be directly connected to the drive end of the feed / retractable drive component 31. The feed / retractable drive component 31 drives the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 to rotate forward or backward, thereby driving the extrusion wheel 33 to rotate forward or backward, and thus feeding or unloading the wire material in the material passage 21. In this embodiment, "fixedly sleeved" means that the positions of the extrusion wheel 33 and the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 are relatively fixed. The extrusion wheel 33 can be connected to the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 in a detachable manner, such as by clips or screws, or it can be integrally set with the feed / retractable drive shaft 32.

[0071] In actual implementation, both ends of the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 are rotatably connected to the housing 1. A helical gear is fixedly sleeved on the feed / retractable drive shaft 32. The feed / retractable drive unit 31 is a rotary motor, and a worm gear is provided at the output end of the feed / retractable drive unit 31. The worm gear meshes with the helical gear, causing the feed / retractable drive unit 31 to drive the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 to rotate. Thus, the drive shaft of the feed / retractable drive unit 31 and the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 can be arranged at an angle to reduce the installation space of the feed / retractable mechanism 3, which is beneficial for reducing the size of the feed / retractable device 100. The feed / retractable drive unit 31 and the feed / retractable drive shaft 32 can also be driven by other reduction transmission mechanisms, which are not specifically limited here. The feed / retractable drive shaft 32 can be rotatably connected to the housing 1 via bearings, and the feed / retractable drive unit 31 is connected to the housing 1.

[0072] Furthermore, the extrusion rollers 33 and the material feeding channels 21 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The volume of the extrusion rollers 33 is adapted to the volume of the guide frame 2, so that the extrusion rollers 33 can extend into the material feeding channels 21 through the through holes of the guide frame 2. At the same time, it can also reduce the load on the feed and discharge drive components 31 and improve the stability of the material movement driven by the extrusion rollers 33. When the extrusion rollers 33 malfunction and need to be replaced, the user can replace a single extrusion roller 33.

[0073] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the housing 1 is provided with a rotating shaft 11, and at least a portion of the guide frame 2 is rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft 11. The guide frame 2 is provided with an opening 22 connected to the material passage 21, and the opening 22 allows the extrusion surface 331 to enter the material passage 21. The guide frame 2 has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the extrusion surface 331 enters the material passage 21 through the opening 22, and the material passage 21 is in a material transfer state. In the second position, the extrusion surface 331 leaves the material passage 21 through the opening 22, and the material passage 21 is in a switching state.

[0074] In this embodiment, the position of the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 is fixed relative to the housing 1, and the guide frame 2 is rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft 11 to achieve a rotatable connection with the housing 1. Optionally, the guide frame 2 may also have a rotating shaft 11, which is rotatably connected to the housing 1.

[0075] The shifting mechanism 4 can drive the shifting surface 421 to rotate the guide frame 2, so that the guide frame 2 rotates to the first position or the second position. When the guide frame 2 is in the first position, the extrusion surface 331 extends into the material passage 21, that is, the material passage 21 is in the material transfer state, and the extrusion surface 331 can drive the wire material in the material passage 21 to move. When the guide frame 2 is in the second position, the extrusion surface 331 leaves the material passage 21, that is, the material passage 21 is in the switching state, and the wire material in the material passage 21 is not driven.

[0076] Understandably, the guide frame 2 is equipped with an inlet and an outlet connecting the material passage 21. During feeding, the wire enters the material passage 21 through the inlet and leaves the material passage 21 through the outlet. When there is no other external force acting on it, the guide frame 2 will naturally be in a vertical position under the action of gravity.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first position is an inclined position, and the second position is a vertical position or a slightly vertical position.

[0078] In this embodiment, the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 are respectively arranged on both sides of the guide frame 2. The shifting mechanism 4 is located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the feed inlet, and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 is located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the discharge outlet. Alternatively, the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 are respectively arranged on both sides of the guide frame 2, with the shifting mechanism 4 located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the discharge outlet and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the feed inlet. Thus, when the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 of the shifting wheel 42 abuts against the guide frame 2, the guide frame 2 is in the first position, i.e., the inclined position. At this time, the extrusion wheel 33 is close to the outlet 22. When the contact surface 4211 of the shifting wheel 42 abuts against the guide frame 2, the guide frame 2 is in the second position, i.e., the vertical position or the slightly vertical position. At this time, the extrusion wheel 33 is away from the outlet 22.

[0079] Optionally, each guide frame 2 can be individually mounted on a rotating shaft 11, and the housing 1 includes multiple spaced mounting walls for mounting at both ends of the rotating shaft 11. Multiple guide frames 2 can also be mounted on the same rotating shaft 11, with both ends of the rotating shaft 11 mounted on the housing 1.

[0080] In actual implementation, the extension directions of the rotating shaft 11, the shift transmission shaft 412, and the feed / retract transmission shaft 32 are arranged in parallel to improve the stability of the shift mechanism 4 shifting and the feed / retract mechanism 3 driving the material.

[0081] In another embodiment, the first position may be a vertical position or a slightly vertical position, and the second position may be an inclined position.

[0082] In this embodiment, the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 are respectively disposed on both sides of the guide frame 2. Both the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 are located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 closest to the inlet or outlet. Alternatively, the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 can be disposed on the same side of the guide frame 2, with the shifting mechanism 4 located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 closest to the inlet and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 closest to the outlet; or, the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 can be disposed on the same side of the guide frame 2, with the shifting mechanism 4 located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 closest to the outlet and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 closest to the inlet. The above-mentioned shifting mechanism 4 and feeding / retracting mechanism 3 can be positioned as follows: when the bottom of the clearance groove 4212 of the shifting wheel 42 abuts against the guide frame 2, the guide frame 2 is in the second position, that is, the inclined position, at which time the extrusion wheel 33 is away from the outlet 22; when the contact surface 4211 of the shifting wheel 42 abuts against the guide frame 2, the guide frame 2 is in the first position, that is, the vertical position or the slightly vertical position, at which time the extrusion wheel 33 is close to the outlet 22.

[0083] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the feeding and unloading device 100 also includes an elastic element 5. One end of the elastic element 5 is connected to the housing 1, and the other end of the elastic element 5 is connected to the guide frame 2. The extending direction of the elastic element 5 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 11.

[0084] In this embodiment, the guide frame 2 is connected to the housing 1 by an elastic member 5. The elastic force of the elastic member 5 ensures that the guide frame 2 is always in contact with the shifting surface 421 of the shifting mechanism 4, so as to ensure that the guide frame 2 can smoothly switch between the material transfer state and the switching state.

[0085] Optionally, the shifting mechanism 4 and the elastic element 5 are located on both sides of the guide frame 2, and the shifting mechanism 4 and the guide frame 2 are simultaneously arranged on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the feed port or the discharge port. The elastic element 5 is preset to be in a compressed state so that the guide frame 2 always abuts against the shifting surface 421.

[0086] Optionally, the shifting mechanism 4 and the elastic element 5 are located on both sides of the guide frame 2, and the shifting mechanism 4 and the guide frame 2 are located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the inlet and the side of the outlet, respectively. Alternatively, the shifting mechanism 4 and the guide frame 2 are located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the outlet and the side of the inlet, respectively. The elastic element 5 is preset to be in a stretched state so that the guide frame 2 always abuts against the shifting surface 421.

[0087] Optionally, when the shifting mechanism 4 and the elastic element 5 are located on the same side of the guide frame 2, and the shifting mechanism 4 and the guide frame 2 are simultaneously arranged on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the feed port or the discharge port, the elastic element 5 is preset to be in a stretched state so that the guide frame 2 always abuts against the shifting surface 421.

[0088] Optionally, the shifting mechanism 4 and the elastic element 5 are located on the same side of the guide frame 2, and the shifting mechanism 4 and the guide frame 2 are respectively located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the inlet and the side of the outlet, or the shifting mechanism 4 and the guide frame 2 are respectively located on the side of the rotating shaft 11 near the outlet and the side of the inlet, and the elastic element 5 is preset to be in a compressed state so that the guide frame 2 always abuts against the shifting surface 421.

[0089] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the feeding and unloading device 100 also includes a material breakage detection mechanism 6. The material breakage detection mechanism 6 includes a material breakage detection switch 61, a material breakage elastic element 62, and a pressing element 63. The material breakage detection switch 61 is connected to the guide frame 2. The pressing element 63 is connected to the guide frame 2 through the material breakage elastic element 62 and extends at least partially into the material passage 21. The pressing element 63 is used to trigger the material breakage detection switch 61.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the wire enters the feeding channel 21, it continuously presses against the pressing member 63 under the constraint of the feeding channel cavity wall, causing the material breaking elastic member 62 to undergo elastic deformation. At the same time, the pressing member 63 moves towards the material breaking detection switch 61 to trigger the material breaking detection switch 61, and the material breaking detection mechanism 6 determines that there is wire in the feeding channel 21. When the wire leaves the feeding channel 21, the pressing member 63 is no longer pressed by the wire, and the material breaking elastic member 62 rebounds to its original state, causing the pressing member 63 to move away from the material breaking detection switch 61. The material breaking detection switch 61 is not triggered, and at this time, the material breaking detection mechanism 6 determines that there is no wire in the feeding channel 21.

[0091] Understandably, each guide rack 2 is equipped with a material breakage detection mechanism 6 to detect the condition of the wire material in each material passage 21.

[0092] Optionally, the material breakage detection switch 61 can be a non-contact trigger sensor, such as a photoelectric switch or a proximity switch, or it can be a contact trigger sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor. The material breakage detection switch 61 and the material passage 21 are located on both sides of the pressing member 63. One end of the material breakage elastic member 62 is connected to the guide frame 2, and the other end is connected to the pressing member 63. In the initial state of the pressing member 63, that is, in the state where it is not pressed by the wire, the pressing member 63 extends at least partially into the material passage 21 for the wire to press against it.

[0093] In actual implementation, the material breakage detection switch 61 can be electrically connected to the shifting mechanism 4 and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3. When feeding each guide rack 2, the user inserts the wire into the feeding channel 21 so that the wire presses against the pressing member 63, which triggers the material breakage detection switch 61. Then, the shifting mechanism 4 switches the guide rack 2 to the material transfer state, and the feeding / unloading mechanism 3 drives the shifting surface 421 to move the wire and feed it, so that the wire completely enters the feeding channel, so that it can be automatically entered into the printing device later.

[0094] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the feeding and unloading device 100 also includes a mileage detection mechanism 7. The mileage detection mechanism 7 includes a mileage detection switch 71, a mileage detection wheel 72 and a mileage detection gear 73. The mileage detection switch 71 is connected to the guide frame 2. The mileage detection wheel 72 is rotatably connected to the guide frame 2 and extends at least partially into the material passage 21. The mileage detection gear 73 rotates synchronously with the mileage detection wheel 72 to trigger the mileage detection switch 71.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the wire moves within the feed channel 21, it drives the mileage detection wheel 72 to rotate. Simultaneously, the mileage detection gear 73 rotates synchronously with the mileage detection wheel 72. The teeth on the mileage detection gear 73 can trigger the mileage detection switch 71. The mileage detection mechanism 7 can determine the number of rotations of the mileage detection gear 73 by the number of times the mileage detection switch 71 is triggered, and thus determine the number of rotations of the mileage detection wheel 72 driven by the wire. The length of the wire movement is then determined based on the circumference of the mileage detection wheel 72. The number of rotations does not necessarily have to be a positive integer. The more teeth on the mileage detection gear 73, the higher the mileage detection accuracy.

[0096] Optionally, the mileage detection wheel 72 and the extrusion surface 331 are arranged opposite to each other so that the mileage detection wheel 72 and the extrusion surface 331 can press against the wire material, thereby increasing the pressure on the wire material and preventing the wire material from slipping during its movement in the feed channel 21.

[0097] In actual implementation, the odometer detection wheel 72 and the odometer detection gear 73 are fixedly mounted on the same connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the guide frame 2, so that the odometer detection wheel 72 and the odometer detection gear 73 can rotate synchronously. Optionally, the odometer detection switch 71 is a non-contact trigger sensor, such as a photoelectric switch or a proximity switch, or it can be a contact trigger sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor.

[0098] In one embodiment, the material breakage detection mechanism 6 and the mileage detection mechanism 7 are mounted on the same detection circuit board. The detection circuit board can be mounted on the housing 1 or connected to the guide frame 2, without any specific limitation.

[0099] This utility model also proposes a 3D printer, which includes a printing device and a feeding / unloading device 100. The specific structure of the feeding / unloading device 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this 3D printer adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0100] The printing device includes an extrusion assembly and a nozzle. The extrusion assembly is used to feed or eject material into the nozzle. During the feeding process, the wire passes through the feeding / retracting mechanism 3 and the extrusion assembly to feed into the nozzle. During the ejection process, the printing device cuts the wire, and the extrusion assembly and the feeding / retracting mechanism 100 return the wire to the tray.

[0101] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this utility model and the contents of the specification and drawings of this utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A feeding / unloading device, characterized in that, The feeding and unloading device includes: case; Multiple guide frames are rotatably connected to the housing, and each guide frame is provided with a material passage. A feeding / unloading mechanism, connected to the housing, is provided with an extrusion surface configured to move the wire material within the material passage; and A shifting mechanism is connected to the housing, and the shifting mechanism is provided with a shifting surface, which is configured to abut against the guide frame; The shifting mechanism drives the shifting surface to rotate the guide frame, so that each material passage has a material transfer state where the extrusion surface enters and a switching state where the extrusion surface leaves.

2. The feeding / unloading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting mechanism includes a shifting drive assembly and multiple shifting wheels. The shifting wheels are connected to the output end of the shifting drive assembly. Each shifting wheel is provided with a shifting surface. The shifting surface includes an abutment surface and a clearance groove. Each clearance groove is provided corresponding to a guide frame. The shift drive assembly drives the shift wheel to rotate, thereby causing the bottom of the clearance groove or the contact surface to abut against the guide frame, so that the guide frame is in a material transfer state or a switching state.

3. The feeding / unloading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The line connecting any two of the aforementioned clearance slots is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the shift wheel.

4. The feeding / unloading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The shift drive assembly includes a shift drive component and a shift transmission shaft. The shift transmission shaft is rotatably connected to the housing and connected to the output end of the shift drive component. The shift wheel is sleeved on the shift transmission shaft. The shift drive component drives the shift transmission shaft to rotate, thereby driving the shift wheel to rotate.

5. The feeding / unloading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The feeding and unloading mechanism includes a feeding and unloading drive component, a feeding and unloading transmission shaft, and multiple extrusion wheels. The feeding and unloading transmission shaft is rotatably connected to the housing and to the output end of the feeding and unloading drive component. The multiple extrusion wheels are spaced apart on the feeding and unloading transmission shaft. Each extrusion wheel corresponds to a material passage and is provided with an extrusion surface.

6. The feeding / unloading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a rotating shaft, and the guide frame is at least partially rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft. The guide frame is provided with an opening that communicates with the material passage, and the opening allows the extrusion surface to enter the material passage. The guide frame has a first position and a second position; At the first position, the extruded surface enters the material conveying channel through the inlet, and the material conveying channel is in the material transfer state; In the second position, the extruded surface leaves the material passage through the outlet, and the material passage is in the switching state.

7. The feeding / unloading device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The feeding and unloading device also includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the housing and the other end of which is connected to the guide frame. The extension direction of the elastic element is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

8. The feeding / unloading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The feeding and unloading device further includes a material breakage detection mechanism, which includes a material breakage detection switch, a material breakage elastic element, and a pressing element. The material breakage detection switch is connected to the guide frame, and the pressing element is connected to the guide frame through the material breakage elastic element and extends at least partially into the material passage. The pressing element is used to trigger the material breakage detection switch.

9. The feeding / unloading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The feeding and unloading device also includes a mileage detection mechanism, which includes a mileage detection switch, a mileage detection wheel, and a mileage detection gear. The mileage detection switch is connected to the guide frame, the mileage detection wheel is rotatably connected to the guide frame and extends at least partially into the material passage, and the mileage detection gear rotates synchronously with the mileage detection wheel to trigger the mileage detection switch.

10. A 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer includes a printing device and a feeding / unloading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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