Nozzle assembly and multi-dimensional printing system

Abstract

The utility model provides a nozzle assembly and a multi-dimensional printing system.The nozzle assembly is applied to the multi-dimensional printing system.The nozzle assembly comprises a heating part, a nozzle and a reference part, and the heating part is used for receiving and heating materials; the nozzle is connected to one end, in the first direction, of the heating part, and a spraying opening is formed in the nozzle and used for outputting the materials heated by the heating part; the reference part is arranged between the heating part and the nozzle in the first direction, and the reference part is used for being recognized by a first recognition device so as to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction. According to the embodiment of the invention, the reference part is additionally arranged between the heating part and the nozzle, so that the multi-dimensional printing system can obtain the height of the nozzle assembly based on the reference part, and the height of the nozzle assembly after switching is compensated, thereby ensuring that the nozzle height of the nozzle is always kept consistent before and after switching of the nozzle assembly, and improving the printing quality. And the precision of printed products is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of multidimensional printing technology, specifically to a nozzle assembly and a multidimensional printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Multidimensional printing, such as two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), and four-dimensional (4D) printing, refers to the production method of printing complex geometric models using one or more materials.

[0003] Take 3D printing, a type of multidimensional printing, as an example. 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing technology, has developed into a key technology in the field of rapid prototyping. It allows for the construction of three-dimensional solid objects by adding materials layer by layer.

[0004] With the continuous development of 3D printing technology, in order to manufacture more intricate structures, multiple print heads are often required during the printing process to change the printing material and / or color. When switching print heads, the position of the nozzles on the print head will also change, so coordinate compensation is required for each nozzle.

[0005] In related technologies, sensors are typically used to detect the height of the nozzle. However, after switching printheads, due to various processing errors and differences in nozzle models, the results detected by the sensors may differ significantly from the actual situation, thus affecting the quality of the final printed product. Utility Model Content

[0006] The embodiments of this application provide a nozzle assembly and a multi-dimensional printing system, which can improve the technical problem of inconsistent nozzle positions before and after nozzle assembly switching in related technologies.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a nozzle assembly for use in a multidimensional printing system, the nozzle assembly comprising:

[0008] Heating element, used to receive and heat materials;

[0009] A nozzle, connected to one end of a heating element in a first direction, has an outlet for discharging material heated by the heating element; and...

[0010] A reference element is disposed between the heating element and the nozzle in a first direction. The reference element is used to be identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, at least a portion of the reference component is positioned between the heating element and the nozzle in the first direction. That is, the nozzle is connected to the heating element through the reference component, which allows the reference component to act as a buffer and transition element to a certain extent, preventing the heating element from directly heating the nozzle and extending the nozzle's lifespan. Furthermore, the first identification device can obtain the position of the nozzle assembly in the first direction based on this reference component, thereby compensating for the height of the nozzle assembly after switching. This ensures that the nozzle orifice height remains consistent before and after the nozzle assembly switching, guaranteeing the accuracy of the printed product.

[0012] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the reference member and the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, ensuring sufficient distance between the reference component and the nozzle effectively prevents material from extending and accumulating on the reference component, reducing the probability of surface contamination and thus improving the reliability of the reference component. This also enhances the printing quality of the multi-dimensional printing system. Furthermore, a larger distance between the reference component and the nozzle reduces the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, saving time and labor costs. It also avoids damage to the reference component due to improper cleaning, thereby improving equipment maintenance and production efficiency.

[0014] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the reference member and the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the impact of processing errors caused by excessive distance on the final product accuracy can be effectively reduced, ensuring that production errors can be effectively controlled. This makes the distance between the reference component and the nozzle more precise, thereby improving the consistency of the nozzle assembly. Simultaneously, a smaller distance between the reference component and the nozzle contributes to a more compact overall structure of the nozzle assembly, enhancing its structural stability. During the operation of the nozzle assembly, the possibility of vibration and displacement between the nozzle and the reference component can be reduced, ensuring a more reliable working state of the nozzle assembly and avoiding reduced printing accuracy due to excessive distance between the nozzle assembly and the reference component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reference element includes a bottom surface near the nozzle, at least a portion of which is planar and the planar surface can be identified by a first identification device.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the algorithm required by the first recognition device in the recognition process is greatly simplified. For a plane, the first recognition device only needs to perform relatively simple geometric calculations. Compared with curved surfaces or irregular shapes, the calculation process is more efficient, thereby effectively improving the recognition speed and reducing the demand for computing resources.

[0018] In one embodiment, the multidimensional printing system includes a second identification device disposed opposite to the nozzle along a first direction; the nozzle assembly further includes a positioning mark located on the bottom surface, the positioning mark being identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a second direction and a third direction; wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the second identification device can identify the positioning marks on the nozzle assembly before and after the nozzle assembly switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle before and after the switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly after switching can be compensated, so that the position of the nozzle before and after switching remains consistent in the second and third directions, ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle. This process is completed entirely by the multi-dimensional printing equipment, reducing manual intervention and debugging work, making nozzle position calibration simpler, reducing the difficulty of operation and the probability of errors, greatly improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle position, effectively reducing possible deviations during nozzle assembly switching, achieving efficient nozzle position calibration, and ensuring that the nozzle assembly always ensures that the material is accurately deposited in the designated position during the printing process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of multi-dimensional printing, and significantly improving the quality of printed products.

[0020] In one embodiment, the multidimensional printing system includes a second identification device disposed opposite to the nozzle along a first direction; a reference member includes an outer periphery for being identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a second direction and a third direction; wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the nozzle position can be calculated with high precision, thereby improving the accuracy of the printing process. Furthermore, as a three-dimensional structure, the reference component is less affected by the external environment. For example, external interference factors such as dust and light will not significantly affect the accurate identification of the outer periphery. The identification device can still accurately identify the outer periphery even in harsh environments, thus ensuring the accuracy of the nozzle position. The outer periphery of the reference component can also serve as a reference during nozzle assembly installation, simplifying the process. For example, a specific feature point on the outer periphery of the reference component can be used as a reference point during manufacturing, ensuring precise alignment of the nozzle assembly during installation.

[0022] In one embodiment, the diameter of the outer tangent circle of the reference element along the radial direction of the nozzle is less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the degree of heat loss is reduced, enabling the heating element to heat materials more efficiently. Furthermore, the smaller outer tangent circle diameter effectively concentrates the heat from the heating source, preventing excessive heat from being absorbed by the reference element and radiated into the surrounding environment, thereby improving heating efficiency and reducing the energy required during the heating process.

[0024] In one embodiment, the thickness of the reference element is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solutions, the reference component has sufficient structural strength while avoiding excessive space occupation, ensuring the lightweight nature of the nozzle assembly. The thickness of the reference component is within a suitable range, which also prevents it from absorbing too much heat, improving heating efficiency. Furthermore, a reference component of appropriate thickness helps to improve the precision control of the production process, avoiding component misalignment or failure due to excessive thickness errors. This, in turn, improves the stability and reliability of the nozzle assembly, simplifies the production and assembly process, reduces production costs, and ensures the stability of the final print quality.

[0026] In one embodiment, a reference mark is provided on the periphery of the reference member, and the reference mark can be identified by a first identification device to indicate the position of the nozzle in a first direction.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the positional changes of the nozzle assembly in the first direction can be accurately identified. In a multi-dimensional printing system, the reference mark helps the identification device quickly and accurately determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction. Automated identification replaces manual measurement and adjustment of the nozzle position, thereby reducing manual intervention, simplifying the printing preparation process, and ensuring accuracy during printing. Furthermore, after setting the reference mark, since the first identification device can identify the positional changes of the nozzle assembly in the first direction based on the reference mark on the reference piece, the shape of the reference piece can be set according to actual needs. This eliminates the need for the reference piece to protrude from the nozzle or heating element, reducing the probability of the nozzle assembly affecting other structures in the multi-dimensional printing system and improving the applicability of the nozzle assembly.

[0028] In one embodiment, the reference mark includes a planar mark affixed to the periphery of the reference member. The planar mark can be identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, since planar signs typically have simple geometric shapes or structures, the first identification device can determine the nozzle position through simple geometric calculations (such as distance calculation, angle measurement, edge detection, etc.), thereby improving positioning efficiency. Furthermore, because planar signs have a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, they are suitable for widespread promotion and use.

[0030] In one embodiment, the reference mark includes a three-dimensional mark, which is protruding and / or recessed on the periphery of the reference member. The three-dimensional mark can be identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, the first recognition device can be set at a wider range of angles, and the 3D mark can present a unique shape and features when viewed from different angles, greatly improving the accuracy and stability of recognition. Simultaneously, due to its three-dimensional structure, even if stains and scratches appear on the surface of the 3D mark, the impact on its overall shape and features is minimal, thus reducing the probability of recognition errors by the first recognition device. Furthermore, while planar marks generally only provide positional information within a two-dimensional plane, 3D marks can provide richer positioning information for the first recognition device through additional dimensions such as height and tilt angle, further improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle and thus enhancing print quality. The 3D mark can be protruding from the reference component, facilitating quick installation and removal of the nozzle assembly by operators through touch, and reducing the negative impact on the first recognition device in low-light environments; alternatively, the 3D mark can be recessed into the reference component, reducing the space required for installing the nozzle assembly, lowering the probability of damage from collisions with other structures, and extending its service life.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a multidimensional printing system, comprising:

[0033] The nozzle assembly as described in the foregoing embodiments; and,

[0034] A first identification device is used to identify a reference element to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction.

[0035] By adopting the above technical solution, a reference component is added between the heating element and the nozzle, and the first identification device can obtain the position of the nozzle assembly in the first direction based on the reference component, thereby compensating for the height of the nozzle assembly after switching, so as to ensure that the height of the nozzle orifice remains consistent before and after the nozzle assembly is switched, thus ensuring the accuracy of the printed product.

[0036] In one embodiment, the number of nozzle assemblies is multiple, and the first identification device further includes:

[0037] Mounting base;

[0038] A camera, mounted on a mounting base, is used to identify a reference element to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction; and,

[0039] The light source assembly is mounted on the mounting base;

[0040] In a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the light source assembly, the reference element, and the camera are spaced apart; when the nozzle assembly is switched, the camera is used to identify the first position of the reference element of one nozzle assembly and the second position of the reference element of the other nozzle assembly.

[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, the viewing angle and illumination direction of the light source assembly and camera are always accurate, thus providing stable support when identifying the reference part. Furthermore, the light source assembly illuminates the reference part, enabling the camera to still accurately identify its position even in low-light conditions, thereby improving the environmental adaptability of the multi-dimensional printing system.

[0042] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a nozzle assembly for use in a multidimensional printing system, the nozzle assembly comprising:

[0043] Heating element, used to receive and heat materials;

[0044] A nozzle is connected to one end of a heating element in a first direction. The nozzle is provided with a nozzle orifice, which is used to output the material heated by the heating element.

[0045] The nozzle assembly includes a position marker, and the nozzle assembly has a mounting surface, with the position marker located on the mounting surface; the position marker is used to be identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction.

[0046] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the first identification device can identify the position markings on the nozzle assembly before and after the nozzle assembly switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle in the first direction before and after the nozzle assembly switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly after switching can be compensated to ensure that the position of the nozzle in the first direction remains consistent before and after switching, thus ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle. This process is completed entirely by the multi-dimensional printing equipment, reducing manual intervention and debugging work, making nozzle position calibration simpler, reducing the difficulty of operation and the probability of errors, greatly improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle position, effectively reducing possible deviations during the switching of nozzle assemblies, achieving efficient nozzle position calibration, and ensuring that the nozzle assembly always ensures that the material is accurately deposited at the designated position during the printing process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of multi-dimensional printing, and significantly improving the quality of printed products.

[0047] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly further includes a reference element disposed between the heating element and the nozzle, the reference element being identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction.

[0048] By adopting the above technical solution, the first identification device can simultaneously identify the positional changes of the reference component and the position marker in the first direction before and after the nozzle assembly switching. Furthermore, the identified results can be compared and verified, allowing for mutual calibration and validation, thus improving the reliability of the identification results and reducing the probability of misjudgment. Moreover, when one of the reference component or the position marker cannot be accurately identified due to obstruction or contamination, the first identification device can obtain the positional change of the nozzle in the first direction by identifying the other, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the multidimensional printing system under complex environments and various operating conditions.

[0049] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the reference element and the nozzle is between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0050] By adopting the above technical solution, a sufficient distance is ensured between the reference part and the nozzle, which can effectively prevent material from extending and accumulating on the reference part, reducing the probability of contamination on the surface of the reference part; and effectively reduce the impact of processing errors caused by excessive distance on the accuracy of the final product, ensuring that errors during production can be effectively controlled, making the distance between the reference part and the nozzle more precise, thereby improving the consistency of the nozzle assembly.

[0051] In one embodiment, the reference member includes a bottom surface near the nozzle, and the nozzle assembly further includes a positioning mark disposed on the bottom surface. The positioning mark is used to be identified by a second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a second direction and a third direction.

[0052] Among them, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other in pairs.

[0053] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the second identification device can identify the positioning marks on the nozzle assembly before and after the nozzle assembly switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle before and after the switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly after switching can be compensated, so that the position of the nozzle before and after switching remains consistent in the second and third directions, ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle. This process is completed entirely by the multi-dimensional printing equipment, reducing manual intervention and debugging work, making nozzle position calibration simpler, reducing the difficulty of operation and the probability of errors, greatly improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle position, effectively reducing possible deviations during nozzle assembly switching, achieving efficient nozzle position calibration, and ensuring that the nozzle assembly always ensures that the material is accurately deposited in the designated position during the printing process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of multi-dimensional printing, and significantly improving the quality of printed products.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0055] This application embodiment adds a reference component between the heating element and the nozzle, enabling the multi-dimensional printing system to obtain the height of the nozzle assembly based on the reference component, and to compensate for the height of the nozzle assembly after switching, thereby ensuring that the nozzle orifice height remains consistent before and after the nozzle assembly is switched, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the printed product. Attached Figure Description

[0056] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly and the first identification device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the nozzle assembly shown;

[0060] Figure 4 This is a side view of the reference component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multidimensional printing system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0063] The labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0064] 1. Nozzle assembly;

[0065] 11. Heating element;

[0066] 12. Nozzle; 121. Spray nozzle;

[0067] 13. Reference component; 131. Bottom surface; 132. Outer perimeter; 133. Reference mark;

[0068] 14. Location markers;

[0069] 15. Location markers;

[0070] 2. First identification device;

[0071] 21. Mounting base; 22. Camera; 23. Light source assembly;

[0072] H1, First Direction;

[0073] H2, the axial direction of the nozzle;

[0074] H3, radial direction of the nozzle;

[0075] H4, second direction;

[0076] H5, third-party. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application. In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0078] Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widely used 3D printing technology. In FDM 3D printing, multiple nozzle assemblies are usually required to change the printing material. When switching nozzle assemblies, the position of the nozzles on the nozzle assembly will also change, so coordinate compensation is required for each nozzle.

[0079] In related technologies, sensors are typically used to detect the height of the nozzle. However, the inventors of this application found that when using this 3D printer, after switching the nozzle assembly, due to various processing errors and differences in nozzle models, the results detected by the sensor differed significantly from the actual situation, which in turn affected the quality of the final printed product.

[0080] Based on this, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The first aspect of this application provides a nozzle assembly 1 for use in a multi-dimensional printing system. The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11, a nozzle 12, and a reference element 13. The heating element 11 is used to receive and heat material. The nozzle 12 is connected to one end of the heating element 11 in a first direction H1. The nozzle 12 is provided with an outlet 121 for outputting the material heated by the heating element 11. At least a portion of the reference element 13 is disposed between the heating element 11 and the nozzle 12 in the first direction H1. The reference element 13 is used to be identified by a first identification device 2 to determine the position of the outlet 121 in the first direction H1.

[0081] The heating element 11 is used to receive the material conveyed from the extrusion device and heat it to a suitable temperature so that the material can flow out from the nozzle 121 of the nozzle 12 to complete the printing process of the product. The heating element 11 can be selected from suitable electric heating elements, such as resistance wire, ceramic heating plate or PTC heating material, to heat the material to be heated (such as thermoplastic) to a suitable printing temperature, so as to ensure that the material can flow along the channel in the nozzle assembly 1 and pass smoothly through the nozzle assembly 1 for output.

[0082] The heating element 11 and the reference element 13 can be connected in a non-detachable manner through welding, bonding, or hot pressing to ensure the stability of the connection. Alternatively, they can be connected in a detachable manner through screwing or snap-fitting to facilitate cleaning and replacement of the nozzle assembly 1. The connection between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 12 is similar and will not be described further here. It is understood that the reference element 13 has a through hole connecting the heating element 11 and the nozzle 12, allowing material to be smoothly conveyed from the heating element 11 to the nozzle 121. Since the nozzle 12 is connected to the heating element 11 through the reference element 13, the reference element 13 acts as a buffer and transition element to some extent, preventing the heating element 11 from directly heating the nozzle 12 and extending the service life of the nozzle 12.

[0083] The first identification device 2 is typically installed within the multi-dimensional printing system. It can be positioned near the nozzle assembly 1 to facilitate identification of the reference element 13 on the reference element. For example, the first identification device 2 can be a camera. By taking a picture of the reference element 13 and identifying the relative relationship between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 in the photograph, the position of the nozzle 121 can be obtained. It is understood that there are various ways for the first identification device 2 to identify the reference element 13. For example, devices such as lidar, electromagnetic sensors, and ultrasonic sensors can be installed in the multi-dimensional printing system to identify the position of the reference element 13 through media such as lasers, magnetic fields, and ultrasonic waves. This application embodiment does not limit this approach.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first identification device 2 is disposed on the side of the reference member 13, so that the field of view of the first identification device 2 is directly facing the reference member 13, which makes it easier to directly confirm the shortest distance between the reference member 13 and the nozzle 121 and reduces the difficulty of calculating the position of the nozzle 121.

[0085] The nozzle assembly 1 is provided with a nozzle 121 for outputting material. The number and size of the nozzles 121 can be set according to actual needs. For example, only a single nozzle 121 can be set on the nozzle assembly 1 to ensure the working accuracy of the nozzle 121, which is suitable for situations that require printing precision structures; or multiple nozzles 121 can be set on the nozzle assembly 1 at the same time, and multiple nozzles 121 can output material, thereby improving printing efficiency, which is suitable for situations where the printing accuracy requirement is lower.

[0086] Understandably, since the same product is often made of multiple materials and / or colors, different nozzle assemblies 1 need to be replaced during the printing process. To ensure that the height of the nozzle 121 remains unchanged before and after the nozzle assembly 1 is switched, this application provides an additional reference element 13 between the heating element 11 and the nozzle 12 on the nozzle assembly 1. This allows the first identification device 2 in the multi-dimensional printing system to accurately measure the change in the height of the nozzle assembly 1 before and after the switch based on the reference element 13, and deduce the change in the height of the nozzle 121 based on this, thereby compensating for the height of the nozzle 121.

[0087] The reference element 13 can be designed with a specific geometric shape, such as a cylinder, a prism, or other shapes that are easily located by the identification device. These geometric shapes typically have clear boundaries and symmetry, facilitating rapid and accurate identification by the first identification device 2. For example, the reference element 13 can be set to a prism shape. Since the upper (or lower) surface of the prism is parallel to the horizontal plane, the first identification device 2 can accurately identify the upper (or lower) surface of the reference element 13 and use it as a reference surface. By calculating the height difference of the upper surface of the reference element 13 before and after switching, the height compensation required to maintain the consistent height of the nozzle 121 before and after switching can be derived.

[0088] In some embodiments, the reference member 13 is configured with an irregular shape. For example, the reference member 13 can be configured as a bottle cap, that is, an annular protrusion is added to the periphery of the prism to form a groove, so that the heating element 11 or the nozzle 12 can be accommodated in the groove and connected to the reference member 13. This simplifies the installation steps of the reference member 13 and improves the stability of the nozzle assembly 1. In this case, the first identification device 2 can also use the upper or lower edge of the reference member 13 as a reference to deduce the position of the nozzle 121.

[0089] When the multi-dimensional printing system is running, it first acquires the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 121 and the reference element 13 in each nozzle assembly 1. Then, the multi-dimensional printing system is started, and the identification device identifies the reference element 13 on the nozzle assembly 1 in the first used nozzle assembly 1. Based on the previously acquired relative positional relationship, the position of the nozzle 121 of the first nozzle assembly 1 is calculated. After printing for a period of time, when different printing materials or different printing precisions are used as needed, the multi-dimensional printing system controls the switching to a suitable nozzle assembly 1. After the switching is completed, the multi-dimensional printing system again controls the identification device to identify the reference element 13 on the nozzle assembly 1 in the second used nozzle assembly 1. Based on the previously acquired relative positional relationship, the position of the nozzle 121 of the switched nozzle assembly 1 is obtained. Based on the difference in the position of the nozzle 121 before and after the switching, the position of the second used nozzle assembly 1 is compensated to ensure that the position of the nozzle 121 remains consistent before and after the switching, thus improving printing precision. If the nozzle assembly 1 still needs to be replaced in subsequent processes, the steps after the switching are repeated to ensure that the position of the nozzle 121 remains consistent throughout the printing process.

[0090] In this embodiment, a reference element 13 is added between the heating element 11 and the nozzle 12, so that the first identification device 2 can obtain the position of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 based on the reference element 13, and compensate for the height of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching, thereby ensuring that the height of the nozzle 121 of the nozzle 12 remains consistent before and after the nozzle assembly 1 is switched, thus ensuring the accuracy of the printed product.

[0091] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 Along the axial direction H2 of the nozzle, the minimum distance between the reference piece 13 and the nozzle 121 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0092] The minimum distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 is defined as the vertical distance between the closest point of the reference element 13 to the nozzle 121 and the horizontal plane containing the nozzle 121. If the minimum distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 is less than 2 mm, the distance between them is too close. Since the nozzle 12 continuously outputs material during operation, and this material typically has a certain degree of viscosity and fluidity, it tends to rise along the surface of the nozzle 12 under the influence of capillary action. If the distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 is too close, the material ejected from the nozzle 121 is easily contaminated onto the surface of the reference element 13 due to capillary action, making the surface of the reference element 13 dirty. This affects the normal identification of the reference element 13 by the second identification device, thereby affecting the positioning accuracy of the nozzle 121.

[0093] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the minimum distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 is set to be greater than or equal to 2mm. For example, this minimum distance can be 2mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3mm, 3.2mm, 3.4mm, 3.6mm, 3.8mm, 4mm, or 5mm. By ensuring sufficient distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121, material extension and accumulation on the reference component 13 can be effectively prevented, reducing the probability of surface contamination and thus improving the reliability of the reference component 13, while also improving the printing quality of the multi-dimensional printing system. Furthermore, when the distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 is large, the reference component 13 does not require frequent cleaning and maintenance, saving time and labor costs, and avoiding damage to the reference component 13 due to improper cleaning, thereby improving equipment maintenance efficiency and production efficiency.

[0094] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 Along the axial direction H2 of the nozzle, the minimum distance between the reference piece 13 and the nozzle 121 is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0095] If the minimum distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 is greater than 5mm, the actual distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 is prone to large errors during the production of the nozzle assembly 1 due to limitations in machining accuracy. Furthermore, the larger the distance, the greater the potential error. This means that even if the first identification device 2 can identify the height difference of the reference component 13 before and after the nozzle assembly 1 is switched, the actual distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 will not match the data, resulting in poor position calibration of the nozzle assembly 1. If the distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 in each nozzle assembly 1 needs to be measured subsequently, the labor cost will be high, and manual measurement is prone to large errors. Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the minimum distance between the reference member 13 and the nozzle 121 is set to be less than or equal to 5mm. For example, the minimum distance can be 5mm, 4.9mm, 4.8mm, 4.7mm, 4.6mm, 4.5mm, 4.4mm, 4.3mm, 4.2mm, 4.1mm, 4mm, 3.8mm, 3.6mm, 3.4mm, 3.2mm, 3mm, or 2mm.

[0096] By controlling the minimum distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 to within 5mm, the impact of processing errors caused by excessive distance on the final product accuracy can be effectively reduced. This ensures that errors during production can be effectively controlled, making the distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 more precise, thereby improving the consistency of the nozzle assembly 1. At the same time, a smaller distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 helps to make the overall structure of the nozzle assembly 1 more compact, enhancing its structural stability. During the operation of the nozzle assembly 1, the possibility of vibration and displacement between the nozzle 121 and the reference component 13 can be reduced, ensuring a more reliable working state of the nozzle assembly 1 and avoiding reduced printing accuracy due to excessive distance between the nozzle assembly 1 and the reference component 1.

[0097] Maintaining a distance of less than or equal to 5 mm between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 facilitates the compatibility of the nozzle assembly 1 within the multi-dimensional printing system. If the distance between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 121 is too large, it may lead to incompatibility between the nozzle assembly 1 and other components in the multi-dimensional printing system during assembly, increasing assembly difficulty. Maintaining a distance of less than or equal to 5 mm allows the nozzle assembly 1 to more easily adapt to different models of multi-dimensional printing systems, reducing adjustment work caused by incompatibility and improving the compatibility of the nozzle assembly 1.

[0098] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 The reference element 13 includes a bottom surface 131 near the nozzle 12, at least a portion of which is planar and the planar surface can be identified by the first identification device 2.

[0099] Setting a plane as the bottom surface 131 of the reference component 13 can significantly improve the recognition accuracy of the first recognition device 2. Since a plane has simple geometric features, a planar structure is easier to recognize and locate than a curved surface structure. For example, the first recognition device 2 can clearly identify the edge of the plane, that is, a straight line, thereby more accurately capturing the position and direction of the plane, avoiding the position changes and recognition difficulties caused by curved surfaces, and ensuring that the first recognition device 2 can stably and accurately correct the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0100] Furthermore, by using the plane on the reference piece 13 as a reference, the algorithm required by the first recognition device 2 in the recognition process is greatly simplified. For a plane, the first recognition device 2 only needs to perform relatively simple geometric calculations. Compared with curved surfaces or irregular shapes, the calculation process is more efficient, thereby effectively improving the recognition speed and reducing the demand for computing resources.

[0101] In some embodiments, the entire bottom surface 131 of the reference component 13 is flat, giving the reference component 13 strong stability. This ensures a stable relative position between the reference component 13 and the nozzle 12, reducing displacement errors caused by irregular shapes and improving positioning stability, thereby enhancing the accuracy and quality of the entire printing process. Furthermore, making the entire bottom surface 131 flat simplifies the installation of the first identification device 2. The first identification device 2 can be installed in any direction around the reference component 13 and can still identify the flat surface of the reference component 13. Due to the viscosity and fluidity of the material, the nozzle 12 may cause material to spread along its surface during operation, accumulating on the reference component 13. Making the bottom surface 131 of the reference component 13 flat increases the difficulty of material accumulation, reducing the risk of material contamination and ensuring the reference component 13 remains clean. This allows the identification device to continuously and accurately identify the reference component 13 for a longer period without being affected by material. Moreover, the flat design simplifies the processing of the reference component 13 and makes it easier to control accuracy. Compared to curved or irregular shapes, the machining error of the planar part is smaller, and the accuracy of the planar design is easier to ensure during the machining process. During the machining process, the positioning and machining accuracy of the plane can be easily achieved through standardized tools and equipment, thereby ensuring the consistency of the reference part 13 in the production process, and thus improving the quality and accuracy of the nozzle assembly 1.

[0102] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The multidimensional printing system includes a second identification device, which is disposed opposite to the nozzle 121 along the first direction H1; the nozzle assembly 1 also includes a positioning mark 14, which is located on the bottom surface 131 and is used to be identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5; wherein the first direction H1, the second direction H4 and the third direction H5 intersect each other.

[0103] The positioning mark 14 can have various structures, including simple dots or geometric shapes, or more complex QR codes or other patterns. The only requirement is that the positioning mark 14 can be recognized by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle 121.

[0104] The second identification device is positioned relative to the nozzle 121 along the first direction H1, thereby enabling more comprehensive identification of the positioning mark 14 set on the bottom surface 131 and reducing the probability of the second identification device being obstructed.

[0105] In some alternative implementations, the positioning mark 14 has a high contrast with other locations on the bottom surface 131. For example, the positioning mark 14 may be set to a different color than the bottom surface 131, creating a clear contrast between the two, thereby improving the visibility of the positioning mark 14 and ensuring that the second identification device can clearly detect the mark during scanning. It is understood that the positioning mark 14 can also be distinguished from the bottom surface 131 by providing a different texture, and this application embodiment does not limit this approach.

[0106] During the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the second identification device first identifies the positioning mark 14 on the nozzle assembly 1 before switching, and obtains the position of the nozzle 121 before switching in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5, storing it as the first coordinate. When it is necessary to change to different printing materials or different printing precision, the multi-dimensional printing system can switch to other nozzle assemblies 1. Since the position of the nozzle 121 after switching may deviate from the position of the nozzle 121 before switching, the multi-dimensional printing system can control the second identification device to identify the positioning mark 14 on the nozzle assembly 1 after switching, and obtain the position of the nozzle 121 after switching in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5, storing it as the second coordinate. The first coordinate and the second coordinate are compared. If they are different, the position of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching can be precisely adjusted according to the deviation value of the first coordinate and the second coordinate, so that the position of the nozzle 121 before and after switching is always consistent, ensuring that the path of the material output by the nozzle 121 conforms to the predetermined trajectory.

[0107] Furthermore, in addition to identifying the position of the nozzle 121, the positioning mark 14 can also simplify the installation and maintenance of the nozzle assembly 1. When the various parts of the nozzle assembly 1 need to be adjusted or replaced, the positioning mark 14 provides a clear reference position, helping operators to quickly locate the various structures within the nozzle assembly 1, thereby improving the maintenance efficiency of the equipment and reducing possible errors during installation.

[0108] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the second identification device can identify the positioning mark 14 on the nozzle assembly 1 before and after switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle 121 before and after switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching can be compensated, so that the position of the nozzle 121 before and after switching remains consistent in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5, ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle 121. This process is completed entirely by the multi-dimensional printing equipment, reducing manual intervention and debugging work, making the calibration of the nozzle 12 position simpler, reducing the difficulty of operation and the probability of error, greatly improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle 12 position, effectively reducing the deviation that may occur during the switching of the nozzle assembly 1, achieving efficient nozzle 12 position calibration, ensuring that the nozzle assembly 1 always ensures that the material is accurately deposited at the designated position during the printing process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of multi-dimensional printing, and significantly improving the quality of the printed products.

[0109] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The multidimensional printing system includes a second identification device, which is disposed opposite to the nozzle 121 along the first direction H1; the reference member 13 includes an outer periphery 132, which is used to be identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5; wherein the first direction H1, the second direction H4 and the third direction H5 intersect each other.

[0110] The outer periphery 132 of the reference element 13 can also serve as a basis for identifying the position of the nozzle 121, and can be compared with the position of the nozzle 121 obtained by the identification positioning mark 14, thereby improving the accuracy of the identification result. The outer periphery 132 of the reference element 13 is the part of the reference element 13 along the edge contour, and usually has a relatively simple and regular geometric shape. For example, the outer periphery 132 of the reference element 13 can be a triangle, a rectangle or other common geometric shapes. Through this outer periphery 132, the identification device can determine the relative position of the nozzle assembly 1 by comparing and identifying the features of the geometric shape. For example, the identification device can acquire an image or contour data of the outer periphery 132 of the reference element 13, and extract the specific contour of the outer periphery 132 through an image processing algorithm (such as Canny edge detection) to determine the shape and position of the outer periphery 132; then, based on the geometric features of the outer periphery 132 and the known relative positional relationship between the nozzle 121 and the outer periphery 132, the position of the nozzle 121 can be calculated.

[0111] Since the outer perimeter 132 typically has a clear and regular geometric shape (such as a rectangle), the recognition device can obtain high-precision positioning information through a precise edge extraction algorithm. This allows the position of the nozzle 121 to be calculated with high accuracy based on the positioning of the outer perimeter 132, thereby improving the accuracy of the printing process. Furthermore, as a three-dimensional structure, the reference component 13 is less affected by the external environment. For example, external dust, light, and other interference factors will not significantly affect the accurate identification of the outer perimeter 132. The recognition device can still accurately identify the outer perimeter 132 even in harsh environments, thus ensuring the accuracy of the nozzle 121 position. The outer perimeter 132 of the reference component 13 can also serve as a reference during the installation of the nozzle assembly 1, simplifying the installation process. For example, a certain feature point on the outer perimeter 132 of the reference component 13 can be used as a reference point during manufacturing to ensure precise alignment of the nozzle assembly 1 during installation.

[0112] In one embodiment, the diameter of the outer tangent circle of the reference member 13 along the radial direction H3 of the nozzle is less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0113] In FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing, the heating temperature of nozzle 12 directly affects the molten state of the printing material. Too low a temperature leads to uneven material ejection, affecting print quality. If the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the reference part 13 is greater than 8mm, the size of the reference part 13 will become excessive. Since the reference part 13 is connected to the heating element 11, it absorbs heat from the heating element 11. As the size of the circumscribed circle increases, more of the reference part 13's surface will be exposed to the external environment, increasing the area for heat loss. Excessive heat loss will result in an unsatisfactory heating effect from the heating element 11, affecting the material's heating temperature and consequently its flowability and printing quality.

[0114] Therefore, controlling the diameter of the circumscribed circle to be less than or equal to 8 mm can effectively reduce heat loss, ensuring that the heating element 11 can maintain a sufficient temperature, thereby ensuring that the material can be heated evenly and sprayed smoothly. Examples include 8 mm, 7.8 mm, 7.6 mm, 7.4 mm, 7.2 mm, 7.0 mm, 6.8 mm, 6.6 mm, 6.4 mm, 6.2 mm, 6.0 mm, 5.8 mm, 5.6 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.2 mm, and 5.0 mm. As the diameter of the circumscribed circle decreases, the surface area of ​​the reference element 13 decreases, which helps to reduce the degree of heat loss, allowing the heating element 11 to heat the material more efficiently. A smaller circumscribed circle diameter can effectively concentrate the heat from the heating source, preventing excessive heat from being absorbed by the reference element 13 and radiated to the surrounding environment, thereby improving heating efficiency and reducing the energy required during the heating process. Furthermore, a smaller circumscribed circle allows the nozzle assembly 1 to be more compact, which helps to improve the flexibility of the spray assembly installation and makes it more convenient to use in limited working spaces. In addition, reducing component size can also reduce the weight of multi-dimensional printing systems, improving their convenience and adaptability.

[0115] In one embodiment, the thickness of the reference member 13 is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0116] When the thickness of the reference part 13 is less than 0.5mm, due to the thin material, the structural strength of the reference part 13 is insufficient. Since the reference part 13 is directly connected to the heating element 11, it will absorb the heat emitted by the heating element 11, making it prone to deformation or breakage during use, affecting the normal operation of the nozzle assembly 1. If the thickness of the reference part 13 exceeds 1mm, it will occupy a large space in the first direction H1, increasing the overall volume of the nozzle assembly 1, making it bulky, and increasing the difficulty of installation and assembly. Furthermore, an excessively thick reference part 13 will increase the overall weight of the nozzle assembly 1, requiring more operating space during installation, and may interfere with other components, leading to situations where it cannot be properly installed during assembly. Moreover, during 3D printing, the nozzle assembly 1 needs to respond quickly to heat changes to adapt to different printing requirements. An excessively thick reference part 13 will not only affect heating efficiency but may also reduce heat conduction efficiency. A thicker reference element 13 may hinder the process of heat transfer from the heating element 11 to the material, thus slowing down the heating rate of the material.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the reference part 13 is set between 0.5mm and 1mm. For example, it can be 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, or 1mm. This ensures that the reference part 13 has sufficient structural strength while avoiding excessive space occupation, thus ensuring the portability of the nozzle assembly 1. The appropriate thickness of the reference part 13 also prevents it from absorbing too much heat, improving heating efficiency. Furthermore, the appropriate thickness of the reference part 13 helps improve the precision control of the production process, avoiding component misalignment or failure due to excessive thickness error. This enhances the stability and reliability of the nozzle assembly 1, simplifies the production and assembly process, reduces production costs, and ensures the stability of the final printing quality.

[0118] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 A reference mark 133 is provided on the periphery of the reference member 13. The reference mark 133 can be identified by the first identification device 2, which is the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0119] The size of the reference mark 133 can be set according to actual needs, so that the size of the reference mark 133 matches the resolution of the recognition device, avoiding the reference mark 133 being too small or too large, making it difficult to obtain enough details when the first recognition device 2 performs recognition.

[0120] The reference mark 133 can have various structures, ranging from simple dots or geometric shapes to more complex QR codes or other patterns. The key is to ensure that the reference mark 133 can be recognized by the first identification device 2 to determine the position of the nozzle 121. In addition to identifying the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1, the reference mark 133 also simplifies the installation and maintenance of the nozzle assembly 1. When adjustments or replacements are needed within the nozzle assembly 1, the reference mark 133 provides clear reference positions, helping operators quickly locate the various structures within the nozzle assembly 1, thereby improving equipment maintenance efficiency and reducing potential errors during installation.

[0121] By setting the reference mark 133, the positional change of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 can be accurately identified. In the multi-dimensional printing system, the reference mark 133 can help the identification device quickly and accurately determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1. Automated identification replaces manual measurement and adjustment of the nozzle 121 position, thereby reducing manual intervention, simplifying the printing preparation process, and ensuring accuracy during printing. Furthermore, after setting the reference mark 133, since the first identification device 2 can identify the positional change of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 based on the reference mark 133 on the reference member 13, the shape of the reference member 13 can be set according to actual needs, so that the reference member 13 does not need to protrude from the nozzle 12 or the heating member 11, reducing the probability that the nozzle assembly 1 will affect other structures in the multi-dimensional printing system and improving the applicability of the nozzle assembly 1.

[0122] In one embodiment, the reference mark 133 includes a planar mark affixed to the periphery of the reference member 13. The planar mark can be identified by the first identification device 2 to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0123] The planar markings can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the planar markings can be simple optical marks, such as lines of different colors or reflective layers that reflect different light. Such markings have simple structures and low manufacturing costs. The first identification device 2 can calculate the position of the reference component 13 by identifying the optical markings. The planar markings can also be graphic markings, such as circular, rectangular, or wavy patterns set around the reference component 13, with regular lines and vertices. The identification device can easily find the various features of the rectangular planar markings, making the positioning of the nozzle 121 more stable and less susceptible to noise interference. The planar markings can also be designed as crosses, which can form obvious symmetrical intersecting lines in two mutually perpendicular directions, providing positioning references in two directions. The identification device can quickly determine the direction and position of the planar markings, and thus quickly determine the position of the nozzle 121.

[0124] The first identification device 2 can calculate the positional change of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 before and after switching based on the positional changes of the lines and vertices in these planar markings in the first direction H1. Since the graphic markings have relatively many features, the first identification device 2 can make multiple comparisons to more accurately calculate the positional change of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 before and after switching.

[0125] The planar markings can be applied to the nozzle assembly 1 through etching, spraying, or adhesive bonding. High-contrast materials can be used to create the planar markings, ensuring they are clearly captured by the first identification device 2 even in low-light conditions, thus enabling precise positioning of the nozzle 121. Because planar markings typically have simple geometric shapes or structures, the first identification device 2 can determine the nozzle 12's position through simple geometric calculations (such as distance calculation, angle measurement, and edge detection), thereby improving positioning efficiency. Furthermore, the simple structure and low manufacturing cost of the planar markings make them suitable for widespread application.

[0126] In some embodiments, the planar marking includes at least one QR code mark, which is disposed on a reference member. The nozzle assembly 1 has a first state and a second state. The first state is when the end face of the nozzle 121 is parallel to the horizontal plane. In the first state, the nozzle 121 can output material along the direction of gravity, and the shape of the QR code mark is the first shape. The second state is when the end face of the nozzle 121 intersects the horizontal plane. In the second state, the shape of the QR code mark is the second shape. The first shape and the second shape can be identified by the first identification device 2, so that the first identification device 2 can determine the position and orientation of the nozzle 121 by the difference between the second shape and the first shape. The QR code mark has a unique encoding rule. When the nozzle 12 is in different orientations, the orientation of the QR code mark will also change accordingly. For example, the degree of deformation of each side and each line within the QR code or the angle change of each corner can be obtained. Based on this, the specific changes of the QR code mark compared to the initial state can be obtained, thereby deriving the current orientation of the nozzle 12 and calibrating the orientation of the nozzle 12.

[0127] By adopting the above technical solution, compared with three-dimensional structures, the planar mark 133, serving as the reference mark, is easier to identify. Furthermore, its geometric characteristics, such as length, width, and positional relationships, can be quickly identified and processed by the first identification device 2, thereby simplifying the identification process and reducing computational complexity. The planar mark can also be directly printed, etched, or affixed to the reference component, making production and processing simpler and less costly, effectively reducing production costs and time, and improving production efficiency.

[0128] In one embodiment, the reference mark 133 includes a three-dimensional mark that protrudes and / or is recessed on the periphery of the reference member 13. The three-dimensional mark can be identified by the first identification device 2 to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0129] The 3D marker can be a regular shape such as a hemisphere, a triangular pyramid, or a cylinder. Various irregularly shaped 3D markers can also be designed according to design requirements and application scenarios, such as constructing a 3D shape with a unique curve to better reflect the relative relationship between the 3D marker and the nozzle 121. Understandably, the size and position of the 3D marker can be selected based on the placement angle of the first identification device 2 and the size of other structures in the nozzle assembly 1, as long as it ensures that the first identification device 2 can identify the position of the nozzle 121 based on the 3D marker.

[0130] Compared to planar markings, 3D markings, due to their three-dimensional structure, protrude or recess into the reference component 13, making them easier for the first recognition device 2 to identify. The first recognition device 2 can be set to a wider range of angles, and the 3D markings exhibit unique shapes and features from different angles, significantly improving the accuracy and stability of recognition. Furthermore, because of their three-dimensional structure, even if stains or scratches appear on the surface of the 3D markings, the impact on their overall shape and features is minimal, thus reducing the probability of recognition errors by the first recognition device 2. Moreover, planar markings generally only provide positional information within a two-dimensional plane, while 3D markings, through additional dimensions such as height and tilt angle, provide the first recognition device 2 with richer positioning information, further improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle 121 and thus enhancing print quality.

[0131] The three-dimensional mark can be protruding from the reference component 13, which makes it easy for staff to quickly install and remove the reference component 13 by touch, and can reduce the negative impact on the first identification device 2 in low light environment; the three-dimensional mark can also be recessed into the reference component 13, which reduces the space required for installing the reference component 13, reduces the probability of the three-dimensional mark being damaged by collision with other structures, and extends its service life.

[0132] According to a second aspect of this application, a multidimensional printing system is provided, referring to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The system includes: the nozzle assembly 1 and the first identification device 2 as described in the foregoing embodiments; the first identification device 2 is used to identify the reference member 13 to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1. Since the multi-dimensional printing system includes the above-described nozzle assembly 1, the multi-dimensional printing system has all the beneficial effects of the above-described nozzle assembly 1, which will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0133] By adopting the above technical solution, a reference element 13 is added between the heating element 11 and the nozzle 12, and the first identification device 2 can obtain the position of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 based on the reference element 13, thereby compensating for the height of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching, so as to ensure that the height of the nozzle 121 of the nozzle 12 remains consistent before and after the nozzle assembly 1 is switched, thus ensuring the accuracy of the printed product.

[0134] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 The number of nozzle assemblies 1 is multiple. The first identification device 2 also includes: a mounting base 21, a camera 22 and a light source assembly 23. The camera 22 is disposed on the mounting base 21 and is used to identify the reference member 13 to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1. The light source assembly 23 is mounted on the mounting base 21. In the direction perpendicular to the first direction H1, the light source assembly 23, the reference member 13 and the camera 22 are arranged at intervals. When the nozzle assembly 1 is switched, the camera 22 is used to identify the first position of the reference member 13 of one nozzle assembly 1 and the second position of the reference member 13 of the other nozzle assembly 1.

[0135] The nozzle assembly 1 is a key component for actually performing material conveying. By setting multiple nozzle assemblies 1, the multidimensional printing system can achieve different printing requirements by switching between different nozzle assemblies 1. It is understood that the multiple nozzle assemblies 1 can be of the same or different models, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0136] Mounting base 21 serves as the supporting structure for the entire recognition device, fixing the positions of camera 22 and light source assembly 23 and maintaining their stability relative to nozzle assembly 1. By providing a stable mounting position, mounting base 21 ensures that the viewing angle and illumination direction of light source assembly 23 and camera 22 are always accurate, thus providing stable support when recognizing reference piece 13. Light source assembly 23 illuminates reference piece 13, enabling camera 22 to still effectively recognize the position of reference piece 13 even in low-light conditions, thereby improving the environmental adaptability of the multi-dimensional printing system.

[0137] According to the third aspect of this application, referring to Figure 6 A nozzle assembly 1 is provided for use in a multi-dimensional printing system. The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11 and a nozzle 12. The heating element 11 is used to receive and heat material. The nozzle 12 is connected to one end of the heating element 11 in a first direction H1. The nozzle 12 is provided with an outlet 121 for outputting the material heated by the heating element 11. The nozzle assembly 1 includes a position mark 15. The nozzle assembly 1 has a mounting surface, and the position mark 15 is located on the mounting surface. The position mark 15 is used to be identified by a first identification device 2 to determine the position of the outlet 121 in the first direction H1.

[0138] The mounting surface is typically composed of the heating element 11 and the peripheral surface of the nozzle 12, allowing the position mark 15 on the mounting surface to be identified by the first identification device 2, thereby determining the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1. The setting of the position mark 15 is similar to that of the reference mark 133, and will not be described again here.

[0139] In some alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the mounting surface is a plane or a smooth curved surface, and the position mark 15 is disposed on the plane or smooth curved surface. It is understood that if there are obvious undulations or irregular structures in various parts of the mounting surface, it can easily affect the setting of the position mark 15 and may interfere with the normal recognition of the first recognition device 2, resulting in a large deviation in the recognition result of the nozzle 121 position, thereby affecting the final printing effect of the multi-dimensional printing system.

[0140] In some alternative implementations, the location marker 15 has a high contrast with other locations on the mounting surface. For example, the location marker 15 may be set to a different color than the mounting surface, creating a clear contrast and improving its visibility to ensure the first identification device 2 can clearly detect it during scanning. It is understood that a different texture on the location marker 15 compared to the mounting surface can also be used to distinguish them; this embodiment of the application does not limit this approach.

[0141] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the first identification device 2 can identify the position mark 15 on the nozzle assembly 1 before and after switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 before and after switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching can be compensated to ensure that the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 remains consistent before and after switching, thus ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle 121. This process is completed entirely by the multi-dimensional printing equipment, reducing manual intervention and debugging work, making the calibration of the nozzle 12 position simpler, reducing the difficulty of operation and the probability of errors, greatly improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle 12 position, effectively reducing possible deviations during the switching of the nozzle assembly 1, achieving efficient nozzle 12 position calibration, and ensuring that the nozzle assembly 1 always ensures that the material is accurately deposited at the designated position during the printing process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of multi-dimensional printing, and significantly improving the quality of the printed products.

[0142] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 1 further includes a reference member 13 disposed between the heating member 11 and the nozzle 12. The reference member 13 is used to be identified by the first identification device 2 to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0143] The reference element 13 can be designed with a specific geometric shape, such as a cylinder, a prism, or other shapes that are easily located by the identification device. These geometric shapes typically have clear boundaries and symmetry, facilitating rapid and accurate identification by the first identification device 2. For example, the reference element 13 can be set to a prism shape. Since the upper (or lower) surface of the prism is parallel to the horizontal plane, the first identification device 2 can accurately identify the upper (or lower) surface of the reference element 13 and use it as a reference surface. By calculating the height difference of the upper surface of the reference element 13 before and after switching, the height compensation required to maintain the consistent height of the nozzle 121 before and after switching can be derived.

[0144] In this embodiment, the first identification device 2 simultaneously identifies the positional changes of the reference component 13 and the position marker 15 in the first direction H1 before and after the nozzle assembly 1 is switched. The identified results can be compared and verified, allowing for mutual calibration and validation, thus improving the reliability of the identification results and reducing the probability of misjudgment. Furthermore, when either the reference component 13 or the position marker 15 cannot be accurately identified due to obstruction or contamination, the first identification device 2 can identify the other to obtain the positional change of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the multi-dimensional printing system under complex environments and various operating conditions.

[0145] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the reference member 13 and the nozzle 121 is between 2 mm and 5 mm. The minimum distance between the reference member 13 and the nozzle 121 is the vertical distance between the position of the reference member 13 closest to the nozzle 121 and the horizontal plane where the nozzle 121 is located.

[0146] If the minimum distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 is less than 2mm, the distance between them is too close, and under the influence of capillary action, there is a high risk that the material will climb up the surface of the nozzle 12 to the reference element 13. If the minimum distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 is greater than 5mm, the actual distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 is prone to large errors during the production of the nozzle assembly 1 due to limitations in machining accuracy. This means that even if the first identification device 2 can identify the height difference of the reference element 13 before and after the nozzle assembly 1 is switched, the actual distance between the reference element 13 and the nozzle 121 will not match the data, resulting in poor position calibration of the nozzle assembly 1.

[0147] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the minimum distance between the reference part 13 and the nozzle 121 is set between 2mm and 5mm. For example, the minimum distance can be 2mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3mm, 3.2mm, 3.4mm, 3.6mm, 3.8mm, 4mm, or 5mm. This ensures that there is sufficient distance between the reference part 13 and the nozzle 121, which can effectively prevent material from extending and accumulating on the reference part 13, reducing the probability of contamination on the surface of the reference part 13. It also effectively reduces the impact of processing errors caused by excessive distance on the accuracy of the final product, ensuring that errors during production can be effectively controlled, making the distance between the reference part 13 and the nozzle 121 more accurate, thereby improving the consistency of the nozzle assembly 1.

[0148] In one embodiment, the reference member 13 includes a bottom surface 131 near the nozzle 121, and the nozzle assembly 1 further includes a positioning mark 14 disposed on the bottom surface 131. The positioning mark 14 is used to be identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5; wherein the first direction H1, the second direction H4 and the third direction H5 intersect each other.

[0149] The positioning mark 14 can have various structures, including simple dots or geometric shapes, or more complex QR codes or other patterns. The only requirement is that the positioning mark 14 can be recognized by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle 121.

[0150] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the second identification device can identify the positioning mark 14 on the nozzle assembly 1 before and after switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle 121 before and after switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching can be compensated, so that the position of the nozzle 121 before and after switching remains consistent in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5, ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle 121. This process is completed entirely by the multi-dimensional printing equipment, reducing manual intervention and debugging work, making the calibration of the nozzle 12 position simpler, reducing the difficulty of operation and the probability of error, greatly improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzle 12 position, effectively reducing the deviation that may occur during the switching of the nozzle assembly 1, achieving efficient nozzle 12 position calibration, ensuring that the nozzle assembly 1 always ensures that the material is accurately deposited at the designated position during the printing process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of multi-dimensional printing, and significantly improving the quality of the printed products.

[0151] Furthermore, in addition to identifying the position of the nozzle 121, the positioning mark 14 can also simplify the installation and maintenance of the nozzle assembly 1. When the various parts of the nozzle assembly 1 need to be adjusted or replaced, the positioning mark 14 provides a clear reference position, helping operators to quickly locate the various structures within the nozzle assembly 1, thereby improving the maintenance efficiency of the equipment and reducing possible errors during installation.

[0152] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to specific examples.

[0153] Example 1:

[0154] A nozzle assembly 1, applied in a multidimensional printing system, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11, a nozzle 12, and a reference element 13. The heating element 11 is used to receive and heat the material. The nozzle 12 is connected to one end of the heating element 11 in the first direction H1. The nozzle 12 is provided with a nozzle 121, which is used to output the material heated by the heating element 11. The reference element 13 is disposed between the heating element 11 and the nozzle 12 in the first direction H1. The reference element 13 is used to be identified by the first identification device 2 to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0155] When the multi-dimensional printing system is running, it first acquires the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 121 and the reference element 13 in each nozzle assembly 1. Then, the multi-dimensional printing system is started, and the identification device is controlled to identify the reference element 13 on the nozzle assembly 1 in the first used nozzle assembly 1. Based on the previously acquired relative positional relationship, the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 is calculated. After printing for a period of time, if different printing materials or different printing precisions are used as needed, the multi-dimensional printing system controls the switching to a suitable nozzle assembly 1. After the switching is completed, the multi-dimensional printing system again controls the identification device to identify the reference element 13 on the nozzle assembly 1 in the second used nozzle assembly 1. Based on the previously acquired relative positional relationship, the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 of the switched nozzle assembly 1 is obtained. Based on the positional difference of the nozzle 121 before and after the switching, the position of the second used nozzle assembly 1 is compensated to ensure that the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 remains consistent before and after the switching, thus improving printing precision. If the nozzle assembly 1 still needs to be replaced in subsequent processes, the steps after the switching are repeated to ensure that the position of the nozzle 121 remains consistent throughout the printing process.

[0156] Example 2:

[0157] Nozzle assembly 1, used in a multi-dimensional printing system, see reference. Figure 3The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11, a nozzle 12, and a reference element 13. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the reference element 13 includes a bottom surface 131 near the nozzle 12, at least a portion of which is a plane, and the plane can be identified by the first identification device 2.

[0158] Because planes have simple geometric features, planar structures are easier to identify and locate than curved structures, reducing the identification difficulty of the first identification device 2 and ensuring that the first identification device 2 can stably and accurately correct the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0159] Example 3:

[0160] Nozzle assembly 1, used in a multi-dimensional printing system, see reference. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11, a nozzle 12, and a reference element 13. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the nozzle assembly 1 further includes a second identification device and a positioning mark 14. The second identification device is disposed opposite to the nozzle 121 along a first direction H1; the positioning mark 14 is located on the bottom surface 131 and is used to be identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle 121 in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5; wherein the first direction H1, the second direction H4, and the third direction H5 intersect each other.

[0161] By adding a second identification device and a positioning mark 14 that can be identified by the second identification device, during the operation of the multi-dimensional printing system, the position change of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 can be identified by the first identification device 2, and the changes of the nozzle assembly 1 in the second direction H4 and the third direction H5 can be identified by the second identification device. Thus, the changes of the nozzle assembly 1 in the entire space can be obtained, achieving comprehensive calibration of the nozzle assembly 1 and further improving the accuracy of material delivery by the nozzle assembly 1.

[0162] Example 4:

[0163] Nozzle assembly 1, used in a multi-dimensional printing system, see reference. Figure 4 The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11, a nozzle 12, and a reference element 13. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a reference mark 133 is provided on the periphery of the reference element 13. The reference mark 133 can be identified by the first identification device 2, which identifies the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1.

[0164] Since the first identification device 2 can identify the positional change of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1 according to the reference mark 133 on the reference member 13, the shape of the reference member 13 can be set according to actual needs, so that the reference member 13 does not need to protrude from the nozzle 12 or the heating member 11, reducing the probability that the nozzle assembly 1 will affect other structures in the multidimensional printing system and improving the applicability of the nozzle assembly 1.

[0165] Example 5:

[0166] Nozzle assembly 1, used in a multi-dimensional printing system, see reference. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The nozzle assembly 1 includes a heating element 11 and a nozzle 12. The heating element 11 is used to receive and heat materials. The nozzle 12 is connected to one end of the heating element 11 in the first direction H1. The nozzle 12 is provided with a nozzle orifice 121, which is used to output the materials heated by the heating element 11. The nozzle assembly 1 includes a position mark 15. The nozzle assembly 1 has a mounting surface, and the position mark 15 is located on the mounting surface. The position mark 15 is used to be identified by the first identification device 2 to determine the position of the nozzle orifice 121 in the first direction H1.

[0167] By adopting the above technical solution, during the actual operation of the multidimensional printing system, the first identification device 2 can identify the position mark 15 on the nozzle assembly 1 before and after switching, and obtain the position coordinates of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 before and after switching. If the position coordinates change, the position of the nozzle assembly 1 after switching can be compensated to ensure that the position of the nozzle 121 in the first direction H1 remains consistent before and after switching, thus ensuring the accuracy of the material output from the nozzle 121. Furthermore, since the position mark 15 is set on the mounting surface, this embodiment does not require an additional reference component 13 to identify the position of the nozzle assembly 1 in the first direction H1, saving the manufacturing cost of the nozzle assembly 1, reducing the size of the nozzle assembly 1, and reducing the impact of the nozzle assembly 1 on other structures in the multidimensional printing equipment.

[0168] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly, used in a multidimensional printing system, includes: A heating element, wherein the heating element is used to receive and heat materials; A nozzle, connected to one end of the heating element in a first direction, having an outlet for discharging the material heated by the heating element; and... A reference element, at least a portion of which is disposed in a first direction between the heating element and the nozzle, is used to be identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

2. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the nozzle, the minimum distance between the reference member and the nozzle is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

3. The nozzle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the nozzle, the minimum distance between the reference member and the nozzle is less than or equal to 5 mm.

4. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference element includes a bottom surface near the nozzle, at least a portion of which is planar and the planar surface can be identified by the first identification device.

5. The nozzle assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multidimensional printing system includes a second identification device, which is disposed opposite to the nozzle along the first direction; the nozzle assembly also includes a positioning mark, which is located on the bottom surface and is used to be identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the second direction and the third direction; wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

6. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multidimensional printing system includes a second identification device, which is disposed opposite to the nozzle along the first direction; the reference member includes an outer periphery, which is used to be identified by the second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the second direction and the third direction; wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

7. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the nozzle, the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the reference element is less than or equal to 8 mm.

8. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the reference component is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

9. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference component has a reference mark on its periphery, which can be identified by the first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

10. The nozzle assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reference mark includes a planar mark, which is affixed to the periphery of the reference component. The planar mark can be identified by the first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

11. The nozzle assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reference mark includes a three-dimensional mark, which is protruding and / or recessed on the periphery of the reference member. The three-dimensional mark can be identified by the first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

12. A multidimensional printing system, characterized in that, include: The nozzle assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; and, A first identification device is used to identify the reference element to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

13. The multidimensional printing system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The number of nozzle assemblies is multiple, and the first identification device further includes: Mounting base; A camera, disposed on the mounting base, is used to identify the reference element to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction; and, A light source assembly, wherein the light source assembly is mounted on the mounting base; In a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the light source assembly, the reference element, and the camera are spaced apart; when the nozzle assembly is switched, the camera is used to identify a first position of the reference element of one of the nozzle assemblies and a second position of the reference element of the other nozzle assembly.

14. A nozzle assembly, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly, used in a multidimensional printing system, includes: A heating element, wherein the heating element is used to receive and heat materials; A nozzle is connected to one end of the heating element in a first direction, and the nozzle is provided with a nozzle orifice for outputting the material heated by the heating element. The nozzle assembly includes a position marker, the nozzle assembly has a mounting surface, and the position marker is located on the mounting surface; the position marker is used to be identified by a first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a first direction. The nozzle assembly further includes a reference element disposed between the heating element and the nozzle, the reference element being identified by the first identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in the first direction.

15. The nozzle assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the reference component and the nozzle is between 2 mm and 5 mm.

16. The nozzle assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The reference element includes a bottom surface near the nozzle, and the nozzle assembly further includes a positioning mark disposed on the bottom surface. The positioning mark is used to be identified by a second identification device to determine the position of the nozzle in a second direction and a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other.

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