Consumable conveying mechanism and three-dimensional forming equipment

Abstract

According to the consumable conveying mechanism and the three-dimensional forming equipment, a switching part moves to a feeding position, a discharging opening is opened to enable consumables to enter a lower consumable channel, movement of the consumables is stopped when the consumables are returned, the consumables are guided to a waste material opening, waste materials are led out through the waste material opening, a material guide pipe does not need to be disassembled and reassembled, and therefore the consumable conveying mechanism and the three-dimensional forming equipment are convenient to use. And feeding is convenient and fast. According to the technical scheme, the consumable conveying mechanism is characterized in that a lower consumable channel of a main body comprises a discharging opening; when the switching part is located at the feeding position, the ratio of the overlapping area of the projection of the discharging opening and the projection of the switching part to the projection of the discharging opening is smaller than or equal to a first threshold value, and when the switching part is located at the discharging position, the ratio of the overlapping area of the projection of the discharging opening and the projection of the switching part to the projection of the discharging opening is larger than or equal to a second threshold value. The first threshold is smaller than the second threshold. The consumable conveying device is mainly used for conveying consumables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a consumable conveying mechanism and a stereolithography device. Background Technology

[0002] In an FDM printer, filamentous filament is introduced into the feed tube and filament channel of the print head. The extruder continuously feeds the filament, which melts in the print head and is then ejected onto the printing platform, where it is layered to achieve three-dimensional molding.

[0003] When the consumable material passes through the detection element in the consumable material channel at the end, it will be triggered to send a signal indicating that the consumable material is used up. Some consumable material will remain in the consumable material channel, requiring the removal of the feed tube to expose the channel. The extruder then reverses the flow to push the remaining consumable material, which is then picked up at the channel outlet to clean up the residue. This process requires the removal and reinstallation of the feed tube, making it inconvenient to operate, cumbersome to refill, and inefficient. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, in order to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a consumable conveying mechanism and a three-dimensional forming equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model mainly provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] On the one hand, this utility model provides a consumables conveying mechanism, including:

[0007] The main body has a consumable channel and a waste opening. The consumable channel includes a feeding opening, which is used to allow consumables to pass through in the feeding direction or the unfeeding direction. The unfeeding direction is opposite to the feeding direction.

[0008] The conversion component includes a switching part, the position of which includes a feeding position and a discharging position. In the feeding position, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the feeding opening and the projection of the switching part to the projection of the feeding opening is less than or equal to a first threshold in the feeding direction. In the discharging position, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the feeding opening and the projection of the switching part to the projection of the feeding opening is greater than or equal to a second threshold in the feeding direction, and the feeding opening is connected to the waste opening, and the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0009] The switching unit is at least used to move to the feeding position when subjected to external force, so as to make way for the consumable to enter the lower consumable channel, and to move to the unloading position when the external force is removed, so as to guide the consumable moving in the unloading direction to the waste opening.

[0010] The first threshold is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.2;

[0011] The second threshold is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 1.

[0012] At least a portion of the switching section is elastic;

[0013] And / or, the consumables conveying mechanism also includes an elastic element, the switching part is connected to the main body through the elastic element, and the elastic element stores energy when the switching part moves to the feeding position.

[0014] The switching section includes a hard region and an elastic region. The hard region includes a feeding position and a retraction position, and the elastic region is used for deformation to move the hard region between the feeding position and the retraction position.

[0015] The elastic modulus of the elastic region is less than that of the hard region.

[0016] Alternatively, the thickness of the elastic region may be less than the thickness of the hard region.

[0017] The switching component includes a blocking component, which contacts the switching component at least when the switching component is in the unloading position, thereby restricting the switching component from continuing to move in the direction of moving towards the unloading position.

[0018] The switching section is inclined relative to the feeding direction;

[0019] The surface of the switching section that comes into contact with the consumable is either flat or curved.

[0020] The switching section also includes two limiting walls, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the width direction of the switching section. The limiting walls extend towards the waste opening and are either flat or curved.

[0021] The end of the switching section near the discharge opening includes an end guide slope that extends at an angle so that the thickness of the switching section decreases in the direction near the discharge opening.

[0022] The consumables delivery mechanism also includes a consumables detection element, which is located on the side of the conversion element near the lower consumables channel and is used to sense consumables.

[0023] The number of consumable channels is at least two, and the number of switching units is the same as that of the consumable channels, and they are set up in correspondence with the consumable channels.

[0024] The waste opening is a single one, or the number of waste openings is the same as the number of lower consumable channels, and the waste openings are set in correspondence with the switching unit.

[0025] The movement mode of the switching unit includes at least one of linear movement, curved movement, and rotation;

[0026] And / or, the conversion component also includes a connector, the switching part is connected to the main body through the connector, the connector has a material through hole, and in the feeding direction, the projection of the material discharge opening is located in the projection area of ​​the material through hole; the waste opening is opened on the side wall of the main body, and the edge of the connector abuts against the inner surface of the side wall of the main body.

[0027] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a stereolithography apparatus, including the consumable conveying mechanism of any of the above.

[0028] This utility model proposes a consumable conveying mechanism and a three-dimensional forming device. It mainly features a switching part with a feeding position and a discharging position. When consumables are fed, the switching part is moved to the feeding position by external forces such as the consumables, opening the discharge opening so that the consumables can enter the lower consumable channel for feeding and spraying. When the consumables are used up, the switching part loses the external force and returns to the discharging position, blocking the movement of the consumables in the discharging direction and guiding the consumables to the waste opening connected to the discharge opening. This allows the remaining consumables to be led out through the waste opening without the need to remove and reinstall the guide pipe, making material replenishment convenient and quick. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a consumable conveying mechanism provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a consumable conveying mechanism at position AA, provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a conversion component provided in an embodiment of this utility model from a first-view perspective;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a conversion component provided in an embodiment of this utility model from a second perspective;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a conversion component provided in an embodiment of this utility model from a third-person perspective;

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a conversion component provided in an embodiment of this utility model from a fourth perspective;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a conversion component provided in an embodiment of the present utility model from a fifth perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model to achieve its intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, provides a detailed explanation of the specific implementation, structure, features, and effects of the consumable conveying mechanism proposed according to this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0037] On the one hand, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a consumable conveying mechanism, including:

[0038] The main body 100 has a consumable channel 101 and a waste opening 103. The consumable channel 101 includes a discharge opening 102, which is used to allow consumable 300 to pass through in the feeding direction and the discharge direction opposite to the feeding direction.

[0039] The conversion component 200 includes a switching part 210. The switching part 210 has two positions: a feeding position and a discharging position. In the feeding position, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the discharge opening 102 and the projection of the switching part 210 to the projection of the discharge opening 102 in the feeding direction is less than or equal to a first threshold. In the discharging position, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the discharge opening 102 and the projection of the switching part 210 to the projection of the discharge opening 102 in the feeding direction is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The discharge opening 102 is connected to the waste opening 103. The first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0040] The switching unit 210 is at least used to move to the feeding position when subjected to external force, so as to make way for the consumable 300 to enter the lower consumable channel 101, and to move to the unloading position when the external force is removed, so as to guide the consumable 300 moving in the unloading direction to the waste opening 103.

[0041] The consumable delivery mechanism can be used independently and can be located at the front end of the printhead in the feeding direction. The main body 100 is separate from the printhead. An extruder is installed between the lower consumable channel 101 of the consumable delivery mechanism and the printhead. The consumable delivery mechanism may also include a consumable detection element 400, with its detection end located within the lower consumable channel 101. Alternatively, the consumable delivery mechanism can be the printhead itself, i.e., the main body 100 is the main body of the printhead. The consumable delivery mechanism may also include an extruder, a consumable detection element 400, a heating block, and a nozzle, with the lower consumable channel 101, heating block, and nozzle arranged sequentially in the feeding direction of the consumable 300. The extruder can be located between the lower consumable channel 101 and the heating block, with the detection end of the consumable detection element 400 located before the extruder in the feeding direction of the consumable 300. In one optional embodiment, the consumable detection element 400 is located on the side of the conversion element 200 near the lower consumable channel 101; that is, it can be disposed on the extension path of the lower consumable channel 101, or it can be located between the conversion element 200 and the lower consumable channel 101. Figure 2 Taking the direction shown as an example, the feeding direction is vertically downward, and the unloading direction is vertically upward. During the printing process, the filament 300 is conveyed towards the nozzle through the extruder, and the feeding direction is when it passes through the discharge opening 102. The filament detection component 400 is used to detect whether filament 300 has passed through. When the filament is exhausted and the tail end of the filament 300 passes through the filament detection component 400, the filament detection component 400 sends a material cut-off signal, and then the extruder can move the filament 300 in the reverse direction. The unloading direction is when the filament 300 passes through the discharge opening 102.

[0042] In some embodiments, the main body 100 further includes an upper consumable channel 104, which is spaced apart from the lower consumable channel 101 on the side opposite to the heating block. At least the bottom opening of the upper consumable channel 104 is coaxially arranged with the feeding opening 102. The switching part 210 is located between the upper consumable channel 104 and the lower consumable channel 101. The upper consumable channel 104 and the lower consumable channel 101 can be channels opened on the main body 100, or channels formed by opening holes in the main body 100 and inserting guide tubes. Both the upper consumable channel 104 and the lower consumable channel 101 can extend in a single direction, meaning the movement direction of the consumable 300 in the upper consumable channel 104 and the lower consumable channel 101 is either the feeding direction or the unloading direction. Alternatively, the upper consumable channel 104 and the lower consumable channel 101 can also be curved. That is, the consumable 300 moves from the feeding opening 102 in the feeding direction or the unfeeding direction, but can be conveyed at a location away from the feeding opening 102 in a direction different from the feeding direction or the unfeeding direction. In the embodiment where the lower consumable channel 101 is curved, the consumable 300 is only fed into the lower consumable channel 101 at the feeding opening 102 in the feeding direction, and the direction will change at the middle position of the lower consumable channel 101, and it will move out of the lower consumable channel 101 in a direction different from the feeding direction.

[0043] The feeding opening 102 refers to the opening of the consumable material channel 101 on the side opposite to the extruder, or in other words, in... Figure 2 In actual use, the top of the lower consumable channel 101 is open. The inner diameter of the lower consumable channel 101 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the consumable, such as 0.05 mm or 0.1 mm larger, so that the consumable can be limited by the lower consumable channel 101 and transmitted smoothly. Figure 2 As shown, the main body 100 may also include a converging channel 105, which is located on the side of the lower consumable channel 101 close to the upper consumable channel 104 and is connected to the lower consumable channel 101. The inner diameter of the converging channel 105 increases in the direction away from the lower consumable channel 101. The converging channel 105 can guide consumables to the lower consumable channel 101 through its surface that is inclined towards the center.

[0044] When an external force is applied, the switching unit 210 is in the feeding position. In the vertical direction, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the feeding opening 102 and the projection of the switching unit 210 to the projection of the feeding opening 102 is less than or equal to a first threshold. This ratio should ensure that the consumable 300 can pass through the non-overlapping area of ​​the projections of the feeding opening 102 and the switching unit 210 and enter the feeding opening 102. Alternatively, the non-overlapping area of ​​the projections of the feeding opening 102 and the switching unit 210 is at least larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable 300, so that the switching unit 210 does not obstruct the consumable 300 from entering the feeding opening 102 in the vertical direction. In an optional embodiment, the first threshold is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.2. For example, the projection of the switching unit 210 can be located just outside the projection of the feeding opening 102, that is, the overlapping area of ​​the projections of the feeding opening 102 and the switching unit 210 is 0. Alternatively, when the inner diameter of the consumable channel 101 is 0.1 mm larger than the outer diameter of the consumable 300, the switching unit 210 is allowed to block the annular area 0.1 mm away from the edge of the projection of the unloading opening 102. For example, if the outer diameter of the consumable 300 is 1.75 mm, the ratio of the area of ​​the consumable 300 to the area of ​​the unloading opening 102 is about 0.8, that is, the projection of the switching unit 210 occupies at least less than 0.2 of the projection of the unloading opening 102, so as to make way for the movement of the consumable 300.

[0045] When no external force is applied, the switching unit 210 will return to the unloading position. The ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the unloading opening 102 and the switching unit 210 to the projection of the unloading opening 102 is greater than or equal to a second threshold. This ratio should ensure that the consumable 300 cannot pass through the non-overlapping area of ​​the projections of the unloading opening 102 and the switching unit 210, thus preventing the consumable 300 from being conveyed upwards past the switching unit 210. Alternatively, the non-overlapping area of ​​the projections of the unloading opening 102 and the switching unit 210 is at least smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable 300, thereby preventing the consumable 300 from moving or exiting the unloading opening 102 in the vertical direction. In an optional embodiment, the second threshold is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 1. For example, the projection of the switching unit 210 can completely block the unloading opening 102, that is, the overlapping area of ​​the projections of the unloading opening 102 and the switching unit 210 is the entire projection of the unloading opening 102. Alternatively, the switching unit 210 may only block a portion of the material feeding opening 102 to ensure that the consumable 300 is blocked. However, in order to ensure that the consumable 300 can be further guided by the switching unit 210 to one side of the waste opening 103 when it is blocked, the switching unit 210 should block at least half of the material feeding opening 102.

[0046] The external force can be applied manually to the switching unit 210, or it can be automatically driven, such as by a combination of a motor and a transmission component, or by the consumable 300. For example, when the consumable 300 is inserted, it is introduced downwards through the upper consumable channel 104. The switching unit 210 will move under the action of the consumable 300; that is, the switching unit 210 is moved to the feeding position by the consumable 300 moving in the feeding direction. This allows the consumable 300 to continue moving downwards into the feeding opening 102, thus preventing it from entering the feeding opening 102 and the lower consumable channel 101. When the consumable 300 is exhausted and its tail end passes over the switching unit 210, the switching unit 210 will lose the external force from the consumable 300 and automatically return to the unloading position. When the extruder drives the consumable 300 to move vertically upward, after the consumable 300 moves out of the discharge opening 102, it will be blocked by the switching part 210 and cannot move in the original direction. Instead, it will be guided by the switching part 210 to the waste opening 103, which is connected to the discharge opening 102, and then moved out. This achieves automatic obstruction of the consumable 300 conveying by switching the position of the switching part 210, and discharge of the remaining consumable through the waste opening 103.

[0047] This utility model proposes a consumable conveying mechanism and a three-dimensional forming device, including a switching part, which includes a feeding position and a discharging position. When the consumable is fed, the switching part is moved to the feeding position by the external force of the consumable, opening the discharge opening so that the consumable can enter the lower consumable channel to realize feeding and spraying. When the consumable is used up, the switching part loses the external force of the consumable and returns to the discharging position, blocking the movement of the consumable in the discharging direction and guiding the consumable to the waste opening connected to the discharge opening, so that the remaining consumable can be led out through the waste opening without removing and reinstalling the guide pipe, making the feeding convenient and quick.

[0048] The position switching of the switching unit 210 can be a change in the position of the entire unit. For example, in some embodiments, the consumable conveying mechanism also includes an elastic element. The switching unit 210 is connected to the main body 100 through the elastic element. When the switching unit 210 moves to the feeding position, the elastic element stores energy. After the external force is removed, the elastic element releases the energy, driving the switching unit 210 to move to the unloading position. The elastic element can be a spring, foam, soft rubber, elastic band, etc. The position is then switched by the overall movement of the switching unit 210.

[0049] Alternatively, the position switching of the switching unit 210 can also involve a partial change in position, or simply a change in position at one end. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the switching unit 210 is elastic, and the switching unit 210 switches between the feeding position and the unloading position through its own elasticity. For example, the switching unit 210 may include a hard region and an elastic region. The hard region includes both the feeding and unloading positions, and the elastic region is used for deformation to move the hard region between the feeding and unloading positions. The hard region is the area in direct contact with the consumable 300. The deformation amplitude of the hard region is smaller than that of the elastic region and can be approximately ignored. The position change of the hard region is caused by the large deformation of the elastic region. When the elastic region is in its natural state without external force, the hard region is in the unloading position. The elastic region can be implemented by using materials with different elastic coefficients than the hard region, such as the elastic coefficient of the elastic region being smaller than that of the hard region, thus making the elastic region more prone to deformation. Alternatively, the thickness of the elastic region may be smaller than the thickness of the hard region, thus making the elastic region more prone to deformation. Alternatively, the width of the elastic region may be smaller than the width of the rigid region, making the elastic region more easily deformable. There may be only one elastic region or multiple elastic regions. In some other embodiments, the elastic coefficient of the switching part 210 may be uniform overall. The switching part 210 includes a switching end, the position of which includes a feeding position and a discharging position. Under the action of the consumable 300, the switching part 210 bends or compresses, causing the switching end to move to the feeding position, thus avoiding obstruction of the consumable's movement. After the consumable's end passes the switching end, the switching part 210 rebounds to the discharging position due to its own elasticity.

[0050] To ensure that the switching unit 210 is not dislodged from the unloading position by the consumable 300 moving in the unloading direction, and to provide more accurate directional guidance for the consumable 300, in some embodiments, the switching member 200 includes a blocking member. At least when the switching unit 210 is in the unloading position, the blocking member contacts the switching unit 210, thus restricting the switching unit 210 from continuing to move in the direction of movement towards the unloading position. The blocking member can be of various types, such as a limiting plate disposed on one side of the aforementioned elastic region, used to restrict the continued movement of the rigid region in the direction of movement from the feeding position to the unloading position when in the unloading position.

[0051] The movement of the switching unit 210 includes at least one of linear movement, curved movement, and rotation. In embodiments where the overall position changes to switch positions, the switching unit 210 can be moved linearly by an external force to achieve the position switch. In embodiments where the switching unit 210 includes a hard region and an elastic region, the hard region can be approximated as rotating relative to the elastic region to achieve the position switch.

[0052] In one embodiment, the switching unit 210 is inclined relative to the feeding direction, thereby guiding the consumable into the waste opening 103 in the unloading position and having a horizontal movement component due to the push of the consumable in the feeding position, thus achieving clearance. In the feeding position, the switching unit 210 may be inclined relative to the feeding direction, but the inclination angle is smaller than the inclination angle of the switching unit 210 relative to the feeding direction in the unloading position. Alternatively, in the feeding position, the switching unit 210 is parallel to the feeding direction.

[0053] In some embodiments, the switching unit 210 includes a material ejection guide surface 211, which, at least in the ejection position, extends toward the side closer to the waste opening 103 in a direction away from the material discharge opening 102, so as to guide the consumable removed from the material discharge opening 102 to the waste opening 103.

[0054] The switching part 210 can be a plate-shaped structure, and the unloading guide surface 211 is the downward-facing surface of the switching part 210. In the unloading position, the unloading guide surface 211 is simultaneously opposite to the unloading opening 102 and the waste opening 103. The consumable moving upward will move towards the waste opening 103 side under the obstruction of the unloading guide surface 211 and be removed from the waste opening 103.

[0055] The ejection guide surface 211 can be simply planar, meaning the switching part 210 is a planar plate structure. Alternatively, the ejection guide surface 211 can be an arc-shaped surface, meaning it is concave only in the direction extending from the feeding opening 102 to the waste opening 103, and extends straight in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. In some other embodiments, the switching part 210 further includes two limiting walls, each disposed on both sides of the ejection guide surface 211 in the width direction, extending towards the waste opening 103. The limiting walls facilitate guiding the consumable material towards the waste opening 103, preventing it from overflowing into the main body 100 from both sides of the ejection guide surface 211 in the width direction, or from blocking the outside of the waste opening 103 and being unable to move smoothly out of it. In some implementations, the distance between the two limiting walls is less than the width of the waste opening 103, and the width direction is perpendicular to the feeding direction, thereby preventing the consumable from pressing against the two sides of the width of the waste opening 103, which would prevent the consumable 300 from extending out of the waste opening 103.

[0056] The limiting wall can be a flat or curved surface. In some embodiments, the ejector guide surface 211 is a curved surface that bends in the width direction, and the limiting wall has the same curvature as the ejector guide surface 211, resulting in a smooth transition. Alternatively, a portion of the ejector guide surface 211 can be a cylindrical surface, thereby further increasing the accuracy of guiding the consumable.

[0057] The waste opening 103 can be positioned in various locations according to the shape of the main body 100, and its orientation can be flexibly adjusted. The waste opening 103 can be located on the circumferential side wall of the main body 100, and its orientation can be horizontal. Alternatively, an upper insertion hole can be provided on the main body 100, into which a guide tube is inserted as an upper consumable channel 104, and the waste opening 103 is arranged side by side with the upper insertion hole, with the opening facing upward.

[0058] In one embodiment, the switching unit 210 further includes a feed guide surface 212, which extends radially in the lower consumable channel 101 in a direction close to the discharge opening 102, at least in the unloading position. The feed guide surface 212 is at least used to move the switching unit 210 to the feeding position by the action of the consumable 300 moving in the feeding direction.

[0059] The feed guide surface 212 and the unfeed guide surface 211 can be parallel. Figure 2Taking the leftmost switching section 210 as an example, when the consumable 300 moves down the consumable channel 101, the front end of the consumable 300 will abut against the feed guide surface 212. As the consumable 300 moves downward, it will exert a downward force on the feed guide surface 212, thereby forcing the feed guide surface 212 to move towards the lower consumable channel 101, that is, towards the waste opening 103 closest to the left, until it reaches the feeding position. During this process, the consumable 300 continues to slide relative to the feed guide surface 212 until it passes the end of the feed guide surface 212, or in other words, passes the end of the switching section 210, and enters the lower consumable channel 101. During the unloading process, the end of the consumable 300 abuts against the unloading guide surface 211. As the consumable 300 moves upward, the unloading guide surface 211 will exert a downward and leftward force on the consumable 300, thereby forcing the consumable 300 to bend and move towards the waste opening 103.

[0060] In one embodiment, the end of the switching section 210 near the discharge opening 102 includes an end guide slope 213. The end guide slope 213 extends obliquely so that the thickness of the switching section 210 decreases in the direction near the discharge opening 102. The end guide slope 213 makes the end of the switching section 210 near the discharge opening 102 have a reduced thickness structure, reducing the space occupied by the switching section 210 and facilitating the guidance of the consumable 300 into the lower consumable channel 101.

[0061] The number of upper consumable channel 104 and lower consumable channel 101 can be a single entity, enabling printing with a single consumable. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the number of lower consumable channels 101 is at least two, and the number of switching units 210 is the same as that of the lower consumable channels 101, and they are correspondingly arranged to correspond with the lower consumable channels 101. The waste opening 103 is a single entity, or the number of waste openings 103 is the same as that of the lower consumable channels 101, and the waste openings 103 are correspondingly arranged to correspond with the switching units 210.

[0062] The number of upper consumable channels 104 and lower consumable channels 101 can be four, as shown in the figure, enabling printing with various consumables, such as color printing or changing consumables of different materials during printing. There are four switching units 210, corresponding to the lower consumable channels 101, providing feeding and unloading switching for each lower consumable channel 101. There can be only one waste opening 103, meaning that unloaded material from all lower consumable channels 101 is removed through the same waste opening 103; alternatively, the waste openings 103 can be corresponding to the switching units 210, allowing unloaded material from the consumable channels 101 to be removed through their respective waste openings 103.

[0063] In one embodiment, the conversion component 200 further includes a connector 220. The switching part 210 is connected to the main body 100 via the connector 220, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the switching part 210. This is particularly useful when there are multiple switching parts 210, allowing for simultaneous movement and assembly / disassembly of multiple switching parts 210. The switching part 210 can be replaced or cleaned as needed. The connection method between the connector 220 and the main body 100 can be at least one of the following: snap-fit, screw-fit, adhesive, bolt-fit, hook-fit, or plug-in.

[0064] In one embodiment, the connector 220 has a plate-like structure and a material through hole 221. In the feeding direction, the projection of the discharge opening 102 is located within the projection area of ​​the material through hole 221. After the consumable 300 is led downward from the upper consumable channel 104, it passes through the material through hole 221 and contacts the switching part 210. The material through hole 221 serves as a buffer for the consumable 300. The plate-like structure provides more effective support for the switching part 210.

[0065] The waste opening 103 is opened on the side wall of the main body 100, and the edge of the connector 220 abuts against the inner surface of the side wall of the main body 100, thereby preventing the consumable from overflowing into the interior of the main body 100 between the connector 220 and the side wall of the main body 100, and ensuring that the consumable can be removed through the waste opening 103.

[0066] On the other hand, this invention also provides a stereolithography device, including the consumable delivery mechanism of any of the above-mentioned components. When the consumable delivery mechanism serves as a printhead, the stereolithography device further includes a base, a gantry mechanism, an X-axis mechanism, and a printing platform. The consumable delivery mechanism is driven to the X-axis mechanism, the gantry mechanism is mounted on the base, the printing platform is connected to the base, the X-axis mechanism is driven to the gantry mechanism, and the consumable delivery mechanism is located above the printing platform for spraying consumables onto the printing platform. When the consumable delivery mechanism is different from the printhead, the stereolithography device further includes a printhead, a base, a gantry mechanism, an X-axis mechanism, and a printing platform. The printhead is driven to the X-axis mechanism, the consumable delivery mechanism is driven to the printhead and / or the X-axis mechanism, the gantry mechanism is mounted on the base, the printing platform is connected to the base, the X-axis mechanism is driven to the gantry mechanism, and the printhead is located above the printing platform for spraying consumables onto the printing platform.

[0067] The 3D forming equipment includes any of the aforementioned consumable conveying mechanisms, and the advantages of including any of the aforementioned consumable conveying mechanisms will not be elaborated here.

[0068] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A consumables conveying mechanism, characterized in that, include: The main body has a consumable channel and a waste opening. The consumable channel includes a discharge opening for consumables to pass through in the feeding direction or the discharge direction, wherein the discharge direction is opposite to the feeding direction. A conversion component includes a switching part, the switching part being positioned at a feeding position and a discharging position. At the feeding position, in the feeding direction, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the discharge opening and the projection of the switching part to the projection of the discharge opening is less than or equal to a first threshold. At the discharging position, in the feeding direction, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the discharge opening and the projection of the switching part to the projection of the discharge opening is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the discharge opening is connected to the waste opening. The first threshold is less than the second threshold. The switching unit is at least used to move to the feeding position when subjected to external force, so as to make way for the consumable to enter the lower consumable channel, and to move to the unloading position when freed from external force, so as to guide the consumable moving in the unloading direction to the waste opening.

2. The consumable conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first threshold is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.2; The second threshold is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 1.

3. The consumables conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the switching section is elastic; And / or, the consumable conveying mechanism further includes an elastic element, the switching part is connected to the main body through the elastic element, and the elastic element stores energy when the switching part moves to the feeding position.

4. The consumable conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching section includes a hard region and an elastic region. The hard region includes the feeding position and the unloading position. The elastic region is used for deformation to move the hard region between the feeding position and the unloading position. The elastic coefficient of the elastic region is less than that of the hard region; Alternatively, the thickness of the elastic region may be less than the thickness of the rigid region.

5. The consumables conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching member includes a blocking member, which contacts the switching member at least when the switching part is in the unloading position, thereby restricting the switching part from continuing to move in the direction of moving toward the unloading position.

6. The consumables conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching unit is inclined relative to the feeding direction; The surface of the switching part that comes into contact with the consumable is a flat surface or an arc surface; The switching part further includes two limiting walls, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the width direction of the switching part. The limiting walls extend towards the waste opening and are planar or arc-shaped. The end of the switching section near the discharge opening includes an end guide slope, which extends obliquely to reduce the thickness of the switching section in the direction near the discharge opening.

7. The consumables conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The consumables delivery mechanism also includes: A consumable detection device is located on the side of the conversion element near the lower consumable channel, and the consumable detection device is used to sense the consumable.

8. The consumables conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the lower consumable channels is at least two, and the number of the switching units is the same as the number of the lower consumable channels, and they are set in correspondence with the lower consumable channels; The waste opening is a single one, or the number of waste openings is the same as the number of lower consumable channels, and the waste openings are correspondingly set with the switching unit.

9. The consumables conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movement mode of the switching unit includes at least one of linear movement, curved movement, and rotation. And / or, the conversion component further includes a connector, the switching part is connected to the main body through the connector, the connector has a material through hole, and in the feeding direction, the projection of the discharge opening is located in the projection area of ​​the material through hole; the waste opening is opened on the side wall of the main body, and the edge of the connector abuts against the inner surface of the side wall of the main body.

10. A three-dimensional forming device, characterized in that, The consumable delivery mechanism includes any one of claims 1-9.

Images