Reloading mechanism of 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printer material changing mechanism, and relates to the 3D printer field, the 3D printer material changing mechanism comprises a base plate, the base plate is rotatingly provided with two groups of first rollers used for conveying wire rods, the shell is also included, a Y-shaped pipe is fixedly connected in the shell, the wire rods used for printing pass through the Y-shaped pipe, the two sides of the upper part of the Y-shaped pipe are provided with first contact ports, and the first contact ports are provided with second contact ports. The first rolling wheel can make contact with the wire in the Y-shaped pipe through the first contact opening, and the short wire located in the Y-shaped pipe keeps the trend of being conveyed downwards under the friction force action of the first rolling wheel. According to the utility model, the bottom end of the wire rod in the standby state is always contacted with the other group of wire rods and keeps a downward conveying trend under the friction force of the rollers, and after one group of wire rods is used up, the wire rod in the standby state can automatically move downwards for a certain distance to realize automatic filling of the wire rod; and splicing traces on a product caused by replacement of the wire rod in a machine halt in the printing process are effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printers, specifically a material changing mechanism for 3D printers. Background Technology

[0002] A 3D printer is a digital manufacturing device based on additive manufacturing (i.e., layer-by-layer material stacking) technology. It can transform a three-dimensional digital model into a physical object. Its core principle is to use computer-aided design (CAD) or scanning to obtain three-dimensional data, decompose the object into thin slices, and then print and bond the materials layer by layer to form the final product.

[0003] Existing 3D printers typically place a single roll of filament inside the feeding mechanism, using the friction between the rollers and the filament to achieve continuous filament feeding. Once a roll of filament is used up, the machine casing needs to be opened to replace the filament roll before printing can continue.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, existing 3D printing equipment requires stopping the machine to replace the filament when it runs out. During the process of interrupting printing and replacing the filament, splicing marks can easily appear on the product, thus affecting the quality of the printed product. In summary, existing 3D printers are not convenient for automatic filament replacement. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a 3D printer filament changing mechanism to solve the technical problem that existing 3D printers are not convenient for automatic filament changing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a 3D printer feed changing mechanism, including a base plate, on which two sets of first rollers for conveying filament are rotatably mounted, and a housing, in which a Y-shaped tube is fixedly connected, through which the printing filament passes, and first contact ports are provided on both sides of the upper part, so that the first rollers can contact the filament inside the Y-shaped tube through the first contact ports, and the shorter filament inside the Y-shaped tube is kept to be conveyed downward by the friction of the first rollers.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, when one set of wires is being fed normally, the other set of wires is in a standby state. The bottom end of the standby wire is always in contact with the other set of wires and is kept in a downward feeding trend due to the friction of the roller. When one set of wires is used up, the standby wire can automatically move downward a certain distance to achieve automatic filling of wires, effectively avoiding splicing marks on the product caused by stopping the machine to replace wires during the printing process.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that a rotating seat is fixedly connected to the substrate, a rotating ring and a rotating shaft are coaxially rotatably connected inside the rotating seat, a spring is provided between the rotating ring and the rotating seat, a ratchet ring is provided on the outer wall of the rotating shaft, a ratchet tongue for engaging the ratchet ring is installed on the inner wall of the rotating ring, and a first roller for contacting the wire is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. When the first roller rotates in the direction of conveying the wire, the ratchet tongue will not restrict the rotation of the ratchet ring.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic potential energy stored in the spring between the rotating ring and the rotating seat is used to provide power for the first roller to drive the wire.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the end of the rotating shaft extends out of the housing, and the portion extending out of the housing is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0011] Preferably, the shaft can be rotated without opening the housing.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that a second contact port is provided on both sides of the bottom end of the Y-shaped tube, and a second roller for contacting a longer wire is rotatably connected on both sides of the second contact port of the substrate.

[0013] Preferably, the second roller located at the second contact point is driven by a drive structure to achieve stable conveying of the wire.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that each of the second rollers has a meshing transmission gear fixed on its shaft, and a drive mechanism for driving one of the second roller shafts is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the substrate.

[0015] Preferably, using a drive structure to drive one of the second rollers can make the two second rollers rotate synchronously in opposite directions, thereby conveying the wire more stably.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that the bottom end of the shorter wire inside the Y-shaped tube is always in contact with the longer wire.

[0017] Preferably, the wire can be replenished in a timely manner when the longer wire is exhausted.

[0018] The present invention is further configured such that when the first roller rotates in the reverse direction, the spring between the rotating ring and the rotating seat can store energy, and the spring in the rotating seat corresponding to the shorter wire in the Y-shaped tube is in an energy-storing state.

[0019] Preferably, the first roller should be avoided from interfering with normal wire feeding.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following main advantages:

[0021] This invention features a Y-shaped tube within the housing structure for the passage of wires. Rotating, energy-storing rollers are installed on both sides of the Y-shaped tube. When one set of wires is being fed normally, the other set is in standby mode. The bottom of the standby wire is always in contact with the other set and is kept in a downward feeding trend by the friction of the rollers. When one set of wires is used up, the standby wire automatically moves downward a distance to automatically refill the stock. This effectively avoids the need to stop printing to replace wires during the printing process, thus preventing splicing marks on the product. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cross-section of the Y-shaped tube and the shell of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 For the present utility model Figure 3 Enlarged view of A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the first roller and rotating seat of this utility model.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 1. Substrate; 2. Housing; 3. Y-shaped tube; 301. First contact port; 302. Second contact port; 4. Rotating seat; 5. Rotating ring; 501. Ratchet; 6. Rotating shaft; 601. Ratchet ring; 7. First roller; 8. Transmission gear; 9. Second roller; 10. First wire; 11. Second wire. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below based on its overall structure.

[0031] First embodiment:

[0032] A 3D printer material changing mechanism, please refer to Figure 1-5The system includes a substrate 1, on which two sets of first rollers 7 for conveying wires are rotatably mounted. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first rollers 7 are driven by an energy storage mechanism to push the spare wires. In other undisclosed embodiments, the first rollers 7 can also be controlled by a drive motor to directly convey the spare wires when they need to be conveyed.

[0033] It also includes a housing 2, in which a Y-shaped tube 3 is fixedly connected. The Y-shaped tube 3 is used to pass through the printing wire, and a first contact port 301 is provided on both sides of the upper part. Specifically, a first wire 10 in normal use and a spare second wire 11 pass through the Y-shaped tube 3, wherein the bottom end of the second wire 11 contacts the outer wall of the first wire 10.

[0034] Specifically, the first roller 7 can contact the wire inside the Y-shaped tube 3 through the first contact port 301. The shorter wire inside the Y-shaped tube 3 is kept to be conveyed downward by the friction of the first roller 7.

[0035] For details regarding the above embodiments, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2-5 A rotating seat 4 is fixedly connected to the base plate 1. A rotating ring 5 and a rotating shaft 6 are coaxially rotatably connected inside the rotating seat 4. A spring is provided between the rotating ring 5 and the rotating seat 4. A ratchet ring 601 is provided on the outer wall of the rotating shaft 6. A ratchet tongue 501 for cooperating with the ratchet ring 601 is installed on the inner wall of the rotating ring 5. A first roller 7 for contacting the wire is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 6. When the first roller 7 rotates in the direction of conveying the wire, the ratchet tongue 501 does not restrict the rotation of the ratchet ring 601. The spring between the rotating ring 5 and the rotating seat 4 stores elastic potential energy to provide power for the first roller 7 to drive the wire.

[0036] Furthermore, the end of the rotating shaft 6 extends out of the housing 2, and the part extending out of the housing 2 is provided with anti-slip texture, so that the rotating shaft 6 can be rotated without opening the housing 2.

[0037] For details regarding the above embodiments, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2-5 The bottom end of the shorter wire inside the Y-shaped tube 3 is always in contact with the longer wire, so that the wire can be replenished in time when the longer wire is exhausted. When the first roller 7 rotates in the reverse direction, the spring between the rotating ring 5 and the rotating seat 4 can store energy. However, when the first roller 7 rotates in the forward direction due to the friction of the wire, the spring will not store energy. The spring in the rotating seat 4 corresponding to the shorter wire inside the Y-shaped tube 3 is in a stored energy state, so as to avoid the first roller 7 from affecting the normal wire conveying.

[0038] Second embodiment:

[0039] A 3D printer material changing mechanism, please refer to Figure 1-5Based on the first embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that a second contact port 302 is provided on both sides of the bottom end of the Y-shaped tube 3. The substrate 1 is rotatably connected to a second roller 9 for contacting a longer wire on both sides of the second contact port 302. The second roller 9 provided at the second contact port 302 is driven by the driving structure to achieve stable conveying of the wire.

[0040] Furthermore, each of the second rollers 9 has a meshing transmission gear 8 fixed on its shaft. The outer wall of the substrate 1 is fixedly equipped with a drive mechanism for driving one of the second rollers 9 shafts. Specifically, the drive structure is a drive box installed outside the substrate 1. In this embodiment, the drive box is equipped with a motor for driving one of the second rollers 9 shafts to rotate. By using one drive structure to drive one of the second rollers 9, the two second rollers can rotate synchronously in opposite directions, thereby conveying the wire more stably.

[0041] In practical operation, this utility model is as follows:

[0042] Rotate the shaft 6 corresponding to the second wire 11 in the opposite direction to allow the spring between the rotating seat 4 and the rotating ring 5 to store energy, and then push the second wire 11 further so that its bottom end contacts the first wire 10.

[0043] When the first wire 10 is about to be consumed, the top of the first wire 10 gradually moves downward until it passes the bottom of the second wire 11. Since the second wire 11 is no longer limited by the first wire 10, the second wire 11 can be pushed downward by the first roller 7. The bottom of the second wire 11 contacts the top of the first wire 10. The first roller 7 continues to push the second wire 11 until the second wire 11 contacts the second roller 9, thus conveniently completing the automatic replacement of the wire. Afterward, a new wire can be inserted into the original position of the first wire 10.

[0044] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, and variations are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.

Claims

1. A material changing mechanism for a 3D printer, characterized in that, include: The substrate (1) has two sets of first rollers (7) for conveying wires rotatably mounted on it. The housing (2) has a Y-shaped tube (3) fixedly connected inside it. The Y-shaped tube (3) is used to pass through the printing wire, and a first contact port (301) is provided on both sides of the upper part. The first roller (7) can contact the wire inside the Y-shaped tube (3) through the first contact port (301). The shorter wire inside the Y-shaped tube (3) is kept to be conveyed downward by the friction of the first roller (7).

2. The 3D printer material changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rotating seat (4) is fixedly connected to the substrate (1). A rotating ring (5) and a rotating shaft (6) are coaxially rotatably connected inside the rotating seat (4). A spring is provided between the rotating ring (5) and the rotating seat (4). A ratchet ring (601) is provided on the outer wall of the rotating shaft (6). A ratchet tongue (501) for cooperating with the ratchet ring (601) is installed on the inner wall of the rotating ring (5). A first roller (7) for contacting the wire is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (6). When the first roller (7) rotates in the direction of conveying the wire, the ratchet tongue (501) will not restrict the rotation of the ratchet ring (601).

3. The 3D printer material changing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the shaft (6) extends out of the housing (2), and the part extending out of the housing (2) is provided with anti-slip texture.

4. The 3D printer material changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the Y-shaped tube (3) is provided with a second contact port (302) on both sides, and the substrate (1) is rotatably connected with a second roller (9) for contacting a longer wire on both sides of the second contact port (302).

5. The 3D printer material changing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the second rollers (9) has a transmission gear (8) that meshes with each other fixed on its shaft, and the outer wall of the base plate (1) is fixedly equipped with a drive mechanism for driving the shaft of one of the second rollers (9).

6. The 3D printer material changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the shorter wire inside the Y-shaped tube (3) is always in contact with the longer wire.

7. The 3D printer material changing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the first roller (7) rotates in the opposite direction, the spring between the rotating ring (5) and the rotating seat (4) can store energy, and the spring in the rotating seat (4) corresponding to the shorter wire in the Y-shaped tube (3) is in an energy-storing state.

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