Feeding device and 3D printing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to a feeding device and 3D printing equipment, the feeding device comprises at least two feeding channels, and consumable detection pieces are arranged on the feeding channels; and when the driving device drives the consumables to move in the feeding channel and pass through the consumable detection piece, the consumable detection piece is triggered so as to output an electric signal to the feeding channel. According to the multi-color printer, the position detection of the consumables during movement in the feeding channel is realized, the situation that the consumables are moved in place can be accurately known through the output electric signals, and the problem that the printing precision and the printing quality are affected due to the fact that the materials are not loaded in place in the initial or continuous material process of some existing multi-color printers is solved.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Since its inception, 3D printing technology has undergone rapid development. Structurally, it has evolved from the initial monochrome printers to today's multicolor printers, and its application areas have gradually expanded from rapid prototyping to multiple fields such as medical, aerospace, automotive, and construction.

[0003] Currently, 3D printing technology is developing towards higher precision, multi-material capabilities, and intelligence; however, filament loading remains a key challenge affecting print quality. Some multi-color printers experience incomplete filament loading during the initial printing or subsequent refills, which impacts printing accuracy and quality. [Utility Model Content]

[0004] To address the issue of incomplete material loading during the initial or subsequent material feeding processes in some multi-color printers, which affects printing accuracy and quality, this invention provides a feeding device and a 3D printing equipment.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a feeding device, which includes at least two feeding channels, wherein a consumable detection element is provided on the feeding channel;

[0006] A driving device is provided, which drives the consumable to move within the feeding channel and pass the consumable detection element, triggering the consumable detection element to output an electrical signal.

[0007] In one feasible implementation, the feeding device is further provided with a movable part, part of which extends into the feeding channel; when the driving device drives the consumable to move in the feeding channel and pass through the movable part, it drives the movable part to move, and the moved movable part triggers the consumable detection device to output an electrical signal.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the feeding device is provided with a fixing member, and the consumable detection member is fixedly connected to the fixing member; a support structure is provided around the feeding channel, and a limit groove is provided on the support structure, and the movable member is rotatably connected or slidably connected to the limit groove.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the movable part includes a connecting part and a swinging part, the swinging part extending into the feeding channel; the feeding device further includes an elastic element disposed between the connecting part and the fixed part, the connecting part having a groove on the side facing away from the feeding channel, a limiting block being disposed in the groove, and the elastic element being sleeved on the limiting block.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the consumable detection element is one of photoelectric sensors, mechanical sensors, magnetic sensors, and pressure sensors.

[0011] In one feasible implementation, a notch is provided on the photoelectric sensor; when the driving device drives the consumable through the movable member and causes the swinging part of the movable member to rotate into the notch, the photoelectric sensor senses the swinging part entering the notch and outputs an electrical signal; or, when the driving device drives the consumable through the movable member and causes the movable member to slide on the limiting groove in a direction away from the feeding channel, so as to cause the swinging part to translate into the notch, the photoelectric sensor senses the swinging part entering the notch and outputs an electrical signal.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the oscillating part is a sheet-like structure; the oscillating part is crescent-shaped or the side of the oscillating part near the feeding channel is arc-shaped.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, the feeding device further includes a heating device and a preset area located between the consumable detection element and the heating device; the driving device drives the consumable to the preset area to await printing.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, the driving device includes an active extrusion wheel and at least two driven extrusion wheels, the driven extrusion wheels corresponding to the feeding channel; the active extrusion wheel engages with the driven extrusion wheels to extrude and drive the consumable to move within the feeding channel.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model also provides a 3D printing device, including the feeding device as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the feeding device and 3D printing equipment of this utility model have the following beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention provides a feeding device, including at least two feeding channels, each equipped with a consumable detection element; and a driving device. When the driving device moves the consumable within the feeding channel and passes the consumable detection element, the detection element is triggered to output an electrical signal. By setting a consumable detection element on each feeding channel, when the driving device moves the consumable within the feeding channel and reaches the corresponding position area of ​​the detection element, the detection element is triggered to generate an electrical signal. This signal accurately determines whether the consumable has been moved into position, avoiding the problem of incomplete loading of consumables in some existing multi-color printers during initial or subsequent refills, which affects printing accuracy and quality. [Attached Image Description]

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the feeding device provided in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of part of the structure of the feeding device provided in the first embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of part of the structure of the feeding device provided in the first embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of the 3D printing equipment provided in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0025] 1. Feeding device; 2. 3D printing equipment;

[0026] 11. Feeding channel; 12. Drive unit; 13. Pre-setting area; 14. Heating unit;

[0027] 111. Testing area; 112. Moving parts; 113. Consumable testing parts; 114. Fixing parts; 115. Elastic parts; 116. Photoelectric sensing parts; 117. Support structure;

[0028] 121. Driving extrusion wheel; 122. Driven extrusion wheel;

[0029] 1121. Connecting part; 1122. Swinging part; 1123. Groove; 1124. Limiting block; 1125. Main body; 1126. Connecting shaft; 1161. Notch; 1171. Limiting groove.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0032] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0033] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first embodiment of this utility model provides a feeding device 1, including: at least two feeding channels 11, and a consumable detection element 113 is provided on the feeding channel 11;

[0036] When the drive device 12 drives the consumable to move within the feeding channel 11 and pass through the consumable detection element 113, the consumable detection element 113 is triggered to output an electrical signal.

[0037] Specifically, the consumable used in the feeding device 1 provided in this embodiment is a solid consumable. The feeding channel 11 can be used to transport the consumable from the loading port to the nozzle. A single feeding channel 11 can be filled with consumable of one color or one type.

[0038] Optionally, the feeding device 1 may include two feeding channels 11, or three feeding channels 11, or four feeding channels 11, or more than two feeding channels 11. This embodiment does not limit this, as long as the feeding device 1 in this embodiment can achieve multi-color printing.

[0039] Specifically, the consumable detection component can be used to detect and determine the position of the consumable after it has been moved, that is, to detect and determine that the consumable has been moved into place. The drive device 12 is mainly used to drive the consumable to move within the feeding channel 11. Specifically, when the consumable moves past the consumable detection component 113, the consumable detection component 113 is triggered to output an electrical signal, and the consumable moves through the consumable detection component 113 until it reaches the final heating and melting position to complete the printing.

[0040] Understandably, by setting a consumable detection element 113 on each feeding channel 11, when the driving device 12 drives the consumable to move within the feeding channel 11 and reaches the area corresponding to the consumable detection element 113, the electrical signal generated by the triggered consumable detection element 113 can accurately determine whether the consumable has moved into place. This avoids the problem of some existing multi-color printers where the consumable is not loaded properly during the initial or subsequent feeding process, affecting printing accuracy and quality. In addition, in this embodiment, each feeding channel 11 corresponds to a consumable detection element 113, thereby realizing independent detection of whether the consumable has moved into place within multiple feeding channels 11, making the detection more accurate.

[0041] In one embodiment, the consumable detection element 113 can be a photoelectric detection element, which includes a light emitting structure and a light receiving structure. The light emitting structure and the light receiving structure can be respectively arranged on opposite sides in the feeding channel, thereby forming a detection area between the light emitting structure and the light receiving structure. When the consumable is driven through the detection area, the light between the light emitting structure and the light receiving structure is blocked, and the light changes to output a corresponding electrical signal, thereby realizing the position detection of the consumable by relying solely on the consumable detection element 113.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the feeding device 1 is further provided with a movable part 112, part of which extends into the feeding channel 11. When the driving device 12 drives the consumable to move in the feeding channel 11 and passes the movable part 112, it drives the movable part 112 to move. After the movable part 112 moves, it triggers the consumable detection device 113 to output an electrical signal.

[0043] Understandably, the area where the consumable detection element 113 and the movable element 112 are located, along with the resulting detection area, can be defined as the detection zone 111. The detection zone 111 can extend through the interior of the feeding channel 11, allowing part of the movable element 112 to extend into the feeding channel 11. The movable element 112 can move, including but not limited to rotation, translation, and extension, thereby changing its spatial position so that it enters the detection range of the consumable detection element 113. The movable element 112 then triggers the consumable detection element 113 to output an electrical signal, thus detecting the position of the consumable in the detection zone 111. Furthermore, the movement of the movable element 112 within the detection zone 111 allows for detection without affecting the movement of the consumable within the feeding channel 11, preventing printing interruptions and facilitating better control of the consumable's movement within the feeding channel 11.

[0044] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment of the first optional movement mode of the movable part 112, the feeding device 1 is provided with a fixing part 114, and the consumable detection part 113 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 114; a support structure 117 is provided around the feeding channel 11, and a limit groove 1171 is provided on the support structure 117, and the movable part 112 is rotatably connected to the limit groove 1171.

[0045] Specifically, the feeding device 1 may also be equipped with a fixing member 114, which is connected to the support structure 117 to fix the fixing member 114. The side of the fixing member 114 near the feeding channel 11 can be connected to the consumable detection member 113 and the movable member 112 respectively. Thus, the movable member 112 and the consumable detection member 113 are integrated into the detection area 111 through the fixing member 114 and the support structure 117, so as to ensure that the movable member 112 and the consumable detection member 113 can cooperate to achieve detection. In addition, the setting of the fixing member 114 limits the consumable detection member 113 and the movable member 112, ensuring that the movable member 112 only rotates in the current position, and preventing the movable member 112 from shifting after rotation, thus preventing the detection of the consumable detection member 113.

[0046] More specifically, in this embodiment, a limiting groove 1171 can be provided on the support structure 117, and the movable member 112 can rotate in the limiting groove 1171. Furthermore, part of the movable member 112 is located inside the feeding channel 11, meaning the movable member 112 can rotate in its current position, causing the portion of the movable member 112 that has entered the feeding channel 11 to move away from its current position and closer to the consumable detection member 113, thus rotating the movable member 112 from a first spatial position to a second spatial position. The first spatial position is when part of the movable member 112 has penetrated into the feeding channel 11, and the consumable detection member 113 cannot sense or detect the spatial position of the movable member 112; the second spatial position is the spatial position that the movable member 112 can sense and detect after moving under the contact of consumables. When the consumable detection member 113 senses and detects the movable member 112, it can output an electrical signal, which represents the positional change of the movable member 112. Therefore, when the electrical signal is not output, it can be determined that the consumable has not arrived at the detection area 111; when the electrical signal is output, it can be determined that the consumable has arrived at the detection area 111, thereby realizing the detection of the consumable's position in the feeding channel 11.

[0047] Understandably, each feeding channel 11 is equipped with a corresponding movable part 112 and a consumable detection part 113. When the drive device 12 drives the consumable to move within the feeding channel 11 and it reaches the position of the movable part 112, the consumable abuts against and pushes open the movable part 112, causing the movable part 112 to rotate. This allows the consumable detection part 113 to detect the rotated movable part 112, generating and outputting an electrical signal. This electrical signal accurately indicates that the consumable has moved into place, avoiding the problem of overloading or underloading during the initial or subsequent feeding of some existing multicolor printers, which affects printing accuracy and quality. In addition, the rotation setting of the movable part 112 allows detection without affecting the movement of the consumable within the feeding channel 11, thus avoiding printing interruptions and facilitating better control of the movement of the consumable within the feeding channel 11. In addition, each feeding channel 11 in this embodiment corresponds to a moving part 112 and a consumable detection part 113, thereby realizing independent detection of whether the consumables in multiple feeding channels 11 have moved into place, making the detection more accurate.

[0048] In this second alternative embodiment of the movable member 112's movement method, the only difference between this embodiment and the first alternative embodiment is the connection method between the movable member 112 and the limiting groove 1171. In this embodiment, the movable member 112 and the limiting groove 1171 are slidably connected.

[0049] Understandably, by setting the movable part 112 to slide in the limiting groove 1171, when the driving device 12 drives the consumable to move in the feeding channel 11 and moves to the position of the movable part 112, the consumable can abut against the part of the movable part 112 that has entered the feeding channel 11, thereby pushing the movable part 112 to slide in the limiting groove 1171, so that the movable part 112 moves away from the feeding channel 11, so as to translate from the first spatial position to the second spatial position, thereby triggering the consumable detection element 113 to generate and output an electrical signal after the translation of the movable part 112, so as to accurately know that the consumable has moved into place through the electrical signal.

[0050] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the movable member 112 includes a connecting part 1121 and a swinging part 1122, the swinging part 1122 extending into the feeding channel 11; the feeding device 1 also includes an elastic member 115 disposed between the connecting part 1121 and the fixing member 114, the connecting part 1121 is provided with a groove 1123 on the side facing away from the feeding channel 11, a limiting block 1124 is disposed in the groove 1123, and the elastic member 115 is sleeved on the limiting block 1124.

[0051] Understandably, the connecting part 1121 includes a main body 1125 and connecting shafts 1126 on both sides of the main body 1125. The connecting shafts 1126 can be located in the corresponding limiting grooves 1171 and can be rotatably or slidably connected to the limiting grooves 1171. The swinging part 1122 extends into the feeding channel 11, so that the swinging part 1122 leaves its current position under the action of the moving consumable and moves away from the inside of the feeding channel 11 to approach the consumable detection element 113 to achieve detection sensing. This realizes that the movable part 112 moves from the first spatial position to the second spatial position, so as to make way for the movement of the consumable in the feeding channel 11 while triggering the consumable detection element 113. In addition, the arrangement of the connecting part 1121 and the swinging part 1122 makes the driving of the movable part 112 simpler and reduces the difficulty of the movement of the movable part 112.

[0052] Understandably, the fixing member 114 can close the limiting groove 1171 to prevent the moving member 112 from disengaging from the limiting groove 1171 and thus being unable to cooperate with the consumable detection member 113 to detect the position of the consumable.

[0053] Optionally, a limiting groove 1171 can be provided on the fixing member 114; or limiting grooves 1171 can be provided on both the fixing member 114 and the bracket structure 117, so that the connecting shaft 1126 can rotate or slide within a single limiting groove 1171 or within two limiting grooves 1171 after docking and assembly. The bracket structure 117 and the fixing member can cooperate to close the limiting groove 1171 to achieve the limiting effect on the connecting shaft 1126.

[0054] Optionally, the connecting part 1121 and the swing part 1122 can be integrally formed to improve the overall structural strength of the moving part 112 and the dynamic stability of the rotation of the moving part 112.

[0055] Understandably, an elastic element 115 can be provided at the end of the connecting part 1121 facing away from the feeding channel 11, so that the elastic element 115 is located between the connecting part 1121 and the fixing member 114. Furthermore, a groove 1123 can be provided on the side of the connecting part 1121 facing away from the feeding channel 11, and a limiting block 1124 can be provided in the groove 1123, so that the elastic element 115 enters into the groove 1123 and is sleeved on the limiting block 1124, thereby limiting the elastic element 115, preventing the elastic element 115 from falling off, and thus improving the stability of the connection between the elastic element 115 and the connecting part 1121. Therefore, when the consumable comes into contact with the swinging part 1122, the elastic element 115 is compressed; when the consumable is not in contact with the swinging part 1122, the elastic element 115 returns to its compressed state, thereby driving the swinging part 1122 to move into the feeding channel 11, causing the movable part 112 to move from the second spatial position to the first spatial position. This achieves automatic reset of the movable part 112 and simplifies the mechanical structure for resetting the movable part 112. In addition, the elastic element 115 is low in cost, easy to install and maintain, and is also suitable for scenarios where the movable part 112 needs to be operated frequently, improving reliability and durability.

[0056] Optionally, the elastic element 115 can be a spring-type elastic element, a rubber / elastomer-type elastic element, a metal elastic element, a composite material elastic element, a coil spring, etc., and can be selected according to actual needs. This embodiment does not limit this, as long as the elastic element 115 can realize the automatic reset of the moving part 112 after movement.

[0057] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 As a first optional embodiment of the consumable detection element 113, the consumable detection element 113 is a photoelectric sensor 116.

[0058] Understandably, using photoelectric sensor 116 to detect the rotated moving part 112 enables non-contact, high-precision detection of the moving part 112, avoiding structural wear caused by contact detection. Furthermore, it can adapt to various environmental conditions.

[0059] As a second optional implementation of the consumable detection component 113, the consumable detection component 113 may also be a mechanical sensor, including but not limited to a touch control or a contact switch. When the movable component 112 rotates to contact the touch control, the touch control can trigger the generation of an electrical signal to detect whether the consumable in the feeding channel 11 is in place.

[0060] As a third alternative implementation of the consumable detection component 113, the consumable detection component 113 can also be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor. By setting a magnetic movable component 112, it can be rotated and brought close to the Hall sensor to determine whether the consumable in the feeding channel 11 is in place by the change of magnetic field.

[0061] As a fourth optional implementation of the consumable detection element 113, the consumable detection element 113 can also be a pressure sensor, which determines whether the consumable in the feeding channel 11 is in place by detecting the pressure applied by the moving part 112 to the pressure sensor.

[0062] It should be noted that the consumable detection component 113 can also be other detection devices. The specific consumable detection component 113 can be selected according to cost or actual detection needs. This embodiment does not limit this, as long as the consumable detection component 113 can perform sensing detection on the rotatable or slidable movable component 112.

[0063] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the consumable detection element 113 may be a photoelectric sensor 116, and the movable element 112 is rotatably connected to the limiting groove 1171. A notch 1161 is provided on the photoelectric sensor 116; when the driving device 12 drives the consumable to pass through the movable element 112 and causes the swing part 1122 of the movable element 112 to rotate into the notch 1161, the photoelectric sensor 116 senses the swing part 1122 entering the notch 1161 and outputs an electrical signal.

[0064] Understandably, the movable component 112 and the photoelectric sensor 116 are arranged sequentially along the feeding direction of the feeding channel 11, so that the movable component 112 and the photoelectric sensor 116 correspond in position. A notch 1161 may be provided on the photoelectric sensor 116, specifically corresponding to the swing portion 1122 of the movable component 112, providing a detection environment for the photoelectric sensor 116 to sense the movable component 112. Furthermore, a light source can be built into the notch 1161 to emit light and a light receiver to receive light. The thickness of the swing portion 1122 must be less than the width of the notch 1161 so that the swing portion 1122 can enter the notch 1161. When the drive unit 12 drives the consumable material past the movable member 112, causing the swinging part 1122 of the movable member 112 to enter the notch 1161 as the consumable material rotates, the swinging part 1122 will block the light. When the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the light in the notch 1161 is blocked, the internal circuit will convert this change into an electrical signal. This realizes the detection of whether the consumable material in each feeding channel 11 has moved into place, thereby ensuring the accuracy of material loading during the printing process.

[0065] In one embodiment, the consumable detection element 113 may be a photoelectric sensor 116, and the movable element 112 is slidably connected to the limiting groove 1171. The driving device 12 drives the consumable through the movable element 112, causing the movable element 112 to slide on the limiting groove 1171 in a direction away from the feeding channel 11, so that when the swing part 1122 moves into the notch 1161, the photoelectric sensor 116 senses the swing part 1122 entering the notch 1161 and outputs an electrical signal.

[0066] Understandably, when the movable part is slidably connected to the limiting groove 1171, the driving device 12 drives the consumable material through the movable part 112. Through the abutment action, the connecting shaft 1126 on the connecting part 1121 can slide on the limiting groove 1171 and slide away from the feeding channel 11, thereby causing the movable part 112 as a whole to translate away from the feeding channel 11, so that the swing part 1122 translates into the notch 1161. At this time, the swing part 1122 will block the light. When the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the light in the notch 1161 is blocked, the internal circuit will convert this change into an electrical signal. This realizes the detection of whether the consumable material in each feeding channel 11 has moved into place, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the material loading during the printing process.

[0067] Please see Figures 2-4 In one embodiment, the swing portion 1122 has a sheet-like structure, which can be better inserted into the notch 1161 of the optical sensor, avoiding contact between the swing portion 1122 and the optical sensor. At the same time, the sheet-like structure can improve the effect of blocking light from both sides after the swing portion 1122 is inserted into the notch 1161, thereby ensuring the sensing effect of the photoelectric sensor 116 on the swing portion 1122.

[0068] Optionally, the side of the swing portion 1122 closest to the feeding channel 11 can be arc-shaped, so that the surface of the convex portion 1122 protrudes towards the feeding channel 11 and forms a smooth curved surface, which facilitates the smooth passage of consumables through the swing portion 1122. In addition, the arc-shaped structure not only facilitates the insertion of the swing portion 1122 into the feeding channel 11, but also increases the surface area of ​​the swing portion 1122, thereby further improving the effect of the swing portion 1122 in blocking light from both sides after it is inserted into the notch 1161.

[0069] Optionally, the swing section 1122 can be a crescent-shaped sheet structure. This shape allows the central area of ​​the swing section 1122 to protrude more easily into the feeding channel 11, and the protruding part of the central area has a smooth curve, allowing the consumable to pass through the swing section 1122 more smoothly without obstructing it. Furthermore, this crescent shape facilitates the faster entry of the tail end of the swing section 1122 into the notch 1161 of the photoelectric sensor 116 when the movable part 112 is rotatably connected to the limiting groove 1171, thereby enabling rapid detection of the consumable passing through the movable part 112.

[0070] Optionally, the swing part 1122 can also be other shapes, including but not limited to C-shape, U-shape, semi-circle, semi-ellipse, etc. This embodiment does not limit this, as long as the swing part 1122 can move into the notch 1161 under the contact of the consumable and be detected by the photoelectric sensor 116.

[0071] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the feeding device 1 further includes a heating device 14 and a preset area 13 located between the consumable detection piece 113 and the heating device 14. The driving device 12 drives the consumable to the preset area 13 to wait for printing.

[0072] Specifically, the heating device 14 is used to heat and melt the conveyed consumables. The consumable detection element 113, the preset area 13, and the heating device 14 are arranged sequentially along the feeding direction, such that the preset area 13 is located between the consumable detection element 113 and the heating device 14. That is, the preset area 13 is closer to the heating device 14 that heats and melts the consumables than the consumable detection element 113. Before printing, the consumables can be driven to the preset area 13 for pre-printing preparation, thereby speeding up the switching speed between multiple consumables in multiple feeding channels 11. In addition, the sequential arrangement of the consumable detection element 113 and the preset area 13 along the feeding direction allows the consumable detection element 113 to continuously detect the consumables entering the preset area 13, ensuring that the consumables enter the preset area 13.

[0073] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the drive device 12 includes an active extrusion wheel 121 and at least two driven extrusion wheels 122, the driven extrusion wheels 122 corresponding to the feeding channel 11; the active extrusion wheel 121 and the driven extrusion wheels 122 engage to extrude and drive the consumable to move within the feeding channel 11.

[0074] Specifically, each feeding channel 11 corresponds to a driven extrusion wheel 122. When the driving extrusion wheel 121 engages with one of the driven extrusion wheels 122, it can extrude and drive the consumable to move in the feeding channel 11 corresponding to the driven extrusion wheel 122 along the direction from the consumable detection element 113 to the last consumable heating device area or along the direction from the last consumable heating device area to the consumable detection element 113. In other words, it can control the consumable to move forward or backward in the feeding channel 11, realizing independent control of the movement of consumables in each feeding channel 11, and realizing the control of the movement of consumables in at least two feeding channels 11 by a single driving extrusion wheel 121, avoiding mutual interference between the feeding of multiple feeding channels 11.

[0075] It should be noted that after the consumable moves forward in a feeding channel 11, the active extrusion wheel 121 can be controlled to rotate in the opposite direction to drive the consumable to move backward by reverse extrusion with the meshing driven extrusion wheel 122.

[0076] Optionally, the drive unit 12 may also include a motor that can drive the active extrusion wheel 121 to rotate.

[0077] Please see Figure 5 The second embodiment of this utility model provides a 3D printing device 2, which includes the feeding device 1 described in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0078] It is understood that the 3D printing equipment 2 provided in the second embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same beneficial effects as the feeding device 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention, and will not be described in detail here.

[0079] This utility model also provides the following embodiments:

[0080] Reference numeral 1, a feeding device, comprising:

[0081] There are at least two feeding channels, and consumable detection devices are installed on the feeding channels;

[0082] The drive unit moves the consumables within the feeding channel and triggers the consumables detection unit when it passes the consumables detection unit, thereby outputting an electrical signal.

[0083] Based on No. 1, No. 2, the feeding device is also equipped with a movable part, part of which extends into the feeding channel; when the driving device drives the consumable to move in the feeding channel and pass through the movable part, it drives the movable part to move, and the moved movable part triggers the consumable detection element to output an electrical signal.

[0084] Based on No. 2, No. 3 has a fixed component on the feeding device, and the consumable detection component is fixedly connected to the fixed component; a support structure is set around the feeding channel, and a limit groove is set on the support structure, and the movable component is rotatably connected or slidably connected to the limit groove.

[0085] Reference numeral 4, based on reference numeral 3, includes a connecting part and a swinging part, with the swinging part extending into the feeding channel; the feeding device also includes an elastic element disposed between the connecting part and the fixed part, with a groove provided on the side of the connecting part facing away from the feeding channel, a limit block disposed in the groove, and the elastic element sleeved on the limit block.

[0086] Reference numeral 5, based on reference numeral 4, refers to one of the following consumable detection components: photoelectric sensor, mechanical sensor, magnetic sensor, and pressure sensor.

[0087] Reference numeral 6, based on reference numeral 5, has a notch on the photoelectric sensor; when the driving device drives the consumable through the movable part and causes the swinging part of the movable part to rotate into the notch, the photoelectric sensor senses the swinging part entering the notch and outputs an electrical signal; or, when the driving device drives the consumable through the movable part and causes the movable part to slide on the limiting groove in a direction away from the feeding channel, so as to cause the swinging part to move into the notch, the photoelectric sensor senses the swinging part entering the notch and outputs an electrical signal.

[0088] Number 7, based on number 6, has a sheet-like structure for the oscillating part; the oscillating part is crescent-shaped or the side of the oscillating part near the feeding channel is arc-shaped.

[0089] Reference numeral 8, based on reference numeral 1, the feeding device also includes a heating device and a preset area located between the consumable detection piece and the heating device. The driving device drives the consumable to the preset area to wait for printing.

[0090] Reference numeral 9, based on reference numeral 1, includes a drive device comprising an active extrusion wheel and at least two driven extrusion wheels, the driven extrusion wheels corresponding to the feeding channel; the active extrusion wheel meshes with the driven extrusion wheels to extrude and drive the consumable to move within the feeding channel.

[0091] Compared with the prior art, the feeding device and 3D printing equipment of this utility model have the following beneficial effects:

[0092] 1. This utility model provides a feeding device, including at least two feeding channels, each feeding channel being equipped with a consumable detection element; and a driving device, which triggers the consumable detection element when it moves the consumable within the feeding channel and passes the detection element, thereby outputting an electrical signal. By setting a consumable detection element on each feeding channel, when the driving device moves the consumable within the feeding channel and reaches the position corresponding to the detection element, the electrical signal generated by the triggered detection element accurately determines whether the consumable has moved into place. This avoids the problem in some existing multi-color printers where overloading or underloading occurs during initial or subsequent refilling processes, affecting printing accuracy and quality.

[0093] 2. The feeding device provided by this utility model also includes a movable component, part of which extends into the feeding channel. When the driving device drives the consumable to move within the feeding channel and pass through the movable component, it causes the movable component to move. The moved movable component then triggers the consumable detection element to output an electrical signal. By configuring the movable component, when the driving device drives the consumable to pass through it, the movable component changes its spatial position, allowing it to enter the detection range of the consumable detection element. This triggers the consumable detection element to output an electrical signal, thus achieving consumable position detection. Furthermore, the movable component's movement allows detection to be performed without affecting the movement of the consumable within the feeding channel, preventing printing interruptions and facilitating better control of the consumable's movement within the feeding channel.

[0094] 3. The feeding device provided by this utility model is equipped with a fixing component, and the consumable detection component is fixedly connected to the fixing component; a support structure is provided around the feeding channel, and a limit groove is provided on the support structure. The movable component is rotatably or slidably connected to the limit groove. By setting the rotatable or slidable connection between the movable component and the limit groove of the support structure, the movable component can change its position by rotation or translation to trigger the consumable detection component to output an electrical signal.

[0095] 4. The movable component provided by this utility model includes a connecting part and a swinging part, with the swinging part extending into the feeding channel. The feeding device also includes an elastic component disposed between the connecting part and the fixed component. A groove is provided on the side of the connecting part facing away from the feeding channel, and a limiting block is provided in the groove. The elastic component is sleeved on the limiting block. By sleeved on the limiting block in the groove, the elastic component is limited, preventing it from falling off. Thus, the movable component can be automatically reset through the elastic component, simplifying the mechanical structure for resetting the movable component. In addition, the elastic component is low in cost, easy to install and maintain, and suitable for scenarios where the movable component needs to be frequently operated, improving reliability and durability.

[0096] 5. The consumable detection component provided by this utility model is one of a photoelectric sensor, a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a pressure sensor. This allows for the selection of the appropriate consumable detection component based on different actual conditions, meeting diverse usage requirements.

[0097] 6. The photoelectric sensor provided by this utility model has a notch, which corresponds to the swinging part of the movable part, providing a detection environment for the photoelectric sensor to sense the movable part. Thus, when the driving device drives the consumable to pass through the movable part, and the swinging part of the movable part enters the notch by rotation or translation, the photoelectric sensor can sense the swinging part entering the notch and generate and output an electrical signal. This realizes the detection of whether the consumable in each feeding channel has moved to the correct position, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the material loading during the printing process.

[0098] 7. The swinging part provided by this utility model has a sheet-like structure, which can be better inserted into the notch of the optical sensor and avoid contact between the swinging part and the optical sensor. At the same time, the sheet-like structure can improve the effect of blocking light from both sides after the swinging part is inserted into the notch, thereby ensuring the sensing effect of the optical sensor on the swinging part.

[0099] 8. The feeding device provided by this utility model also includes a heating device and a preset area located between the consumable detection piece and the heating device. The driving device drives the consumable to the preset area to await printing. By conveying the consumable to the preset area before printing, the conveying and switching speed between consumables in multiple feeding channels can be accelerated.

[0100] 9. The driving device provided by this utility model includes an active extrusion wheel and at least two driven extrusion wheels, with the driven extrusion wheels corresponding to the feeding channels. The active extrusion wheel meshes with the driven extrusion wheels to extrude and drive the consumables to move within the feeding channels. This achieves control of the movement of consumables in at least two feeding channels by one active extrusion wheel, and realizes independent control of the movement of consumables in each feeding channel, avoiding mutual interference between feeding channels.

[0101] 10. This utility model also provides a 3D printing device, which has the same beneficial effects as the above-mentioned feeding device, and will not be described in detail here.

[0102] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A feeder device, characterized by: The application relates to a feeding device for consumables. The feeding device comprises at least two feeding channels, a consumable detection element arranged on the feeding channels, and a driving device for driving the consumables to move in the feeding channels and pass through the consumable detection element, so that the consumable detection element is triggered to output an electric signal. The feeding device is further provided with movable elements, part of which extends into the feeding channels; the driving device drives the consumables to move in the feeding channels and pass through the movable elements, so that the movable elements are driven to move, and the movable elements after moving trigger the consumable detection element to output an electric signal.

2. The feeder of claim 1, wherein: The feeding device is provided with a fixed element, the consumable detection element is fixedly connected with the fixed element; the feeding channels are provided with a support structure, the support structure is provided with a limiting groove, and the movable elements are rotationally connected or slidingly connected with the limiting groove.

3. The feeder of claim 2, wherein: The movable elements comprise connecting portions and swing portions, the swing portions extend into the feeding channels; the feeding device further comprises elastic elements arranged between the connecting portions and the fixed element, one side of the connecting portion away from the feeding channels is provided with a groove, and the groove is provided with a limiting block, and the elastic elements are sleeved on the limiting block.

4. The feeder of claim 3, wherein: The consumable detection element is one of photoelectric sensing elements, mechanical sensors, magnetic sensors and pressure sensors.

5. The feeder of claim 4, wherein: The photoelectric sensing element is provided with a notch; the driving device drives the consumables to pass through the movable elements, drives the swing portions of the movable elements to rotate into the notch, and the photoelectric sensing element senses the swing portions in the notch and outputs an electric signal; or the driving device drives the consumables to pass through the movable elements, drives the movable elements to slide on the limiting groove in a direction away from the feeding channels, drives the swing portions to translate into the notch, and the photoelectric sensing element senses the swing portions in the notch and outputs an electric signal.

6. The feeder of claim 5, wherein: The swing portions are in a sheet structure; the swing portions are in a crescent shape or one side of the swing portions close to the feeding channels is in an arc shape.

7. The feeder of claim 6, wherein: The feeding device further comprises a heating device and a preset area between the consumable detection element and the heating device; the driving device drives the consumables to the preset area to wait for printing.

8. The feeder of claim 1, wherein: The driving device comprises a driving extrusion wheel and at least two driven extrusion wheels, the driven extrusion wheels correspond to the feeding channels; the driving extrusion wheel is engaged with the driven extrusion wheels to extrude and drive the consumables to move in the feeding channels.

9. The feeder of claim 1, wherein: The application further relates to a feeding device comprising any one of the feeding devices according to claims 1 to 9.

10. A 3D printing device, characterized by: ​

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