Hot end assembly for three-dimensional printer and three-dimensional printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hot end assembly for a three-dimensional printer and the three-dimensional printer. The hot end assembly comprises a hot end, a hot end support and an induction heater. The hot end bracket is used for fixing the hot end; the hot end comprises a nozzle and a heating block, a stock line channel is formed in the heating block, the heating block is used for heating stock lines in the stock line channel to be in a molten state, the stock line channel communicates with the nozzle, and the nozzle is used for extruding the stock lines in the molten state; the heating block comprises an induction part and a heating part, a stock line channel is formed in the heating part, and the induction part and the heating part are directly connected or connected through a heat conduction part; the induction heater is used for inductively heating the induction part and conducting heat to the heating part, the magnetic conductivity of the induction part is better than that of the heating part, and the thermal conductivity of the heating part is better than that of the induction part. According to the embodiment of the invention, the induction part with better magnetic conductivity and the heating part with better thermal conductivity are arranged, so that the heating efficiency of the heating block on the stock line is improved, and the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, and more particularly to a hot-end component and a 3D printer including said hot-end component. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers heat the material wire within the heating block by utilizing resistance wires inside a heating ceramic. However, because the contact between the heating ceramic and the heating block provides a heat conduction path, the overall heat capacity is relatively large, which may result in a slow heating time.

[0003] In existing technologies, an induction heater connected to an AC circuit can be used to heat the heating block, thereby reducing the contact between the heating block and other components, reducing heat capacity, and thus accelerating the heating speed. Therefore, research on induction heating has been ongoing in the field of 3D printing. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a hot-end component for improving heating efficiency, and a 3D printer including the hot-end component. The technical solutions include the following:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hot end assembly for a 3D printer, the hot end assembly including a hot end, a hot end bracket and an induction heater;

[0006] The hot end bracket is used to fix the hot end;

[0007] The hot end includes a nozzle and a heating block. The heating block has a feed line channel. The heating block is used to heat the feed line in the feed line channel to a molten state. The feed line channel is connected to the nozzle. The nozzle is used to extrude the molten feed line.

[0008] The heating block includes an induction part and a heating part. The heating part has a feed line channel. The induction part is directly connected to the heating part or is connected through a heat-conducting component.

[0009] An induction heater is used to inductively heat an induction unit, which in turn conducts heat to the heating unit. The magnetic permeability of the induction unit is better than that of the heating unit, and the thermal conductivity of the heating unit is better than that of the induction unit.

[0010] The hot end assembly of this application embodiment is provided with a hot end having a nozzle and a heating block, and the hot end is fixed on the hot end support, so that the material in the material line channel of the heating block can absorb the heat of the heating block, convert to a molten state, and be extruded from the nozzle, thereby realizing the heating function of the material line of the hot end assembly of this application embodiment.

[0011] The hot-end assembly of this application embodiment further includes a heating block with an induction section and a heating section, and the material line channel is disposed within the heating block. This allows the induction heater to heat the induction section by induction, generating heat in the induction section, and then directly transferring the heat to the heating section or through a heat-conducting component, thereby heating the material line within the material line channel. This achieves the heating function of the hot-end assembly of this application embodiment.

[0012] Meanwhile, those skilled in the art understand that materials often have only one superior property among thermal conductivity and magnetic conductivity, and it is difficult to balance cost. Therefore, the hot end component of this application embodiment also provides an induction part with superior magnetic conductivity and a heating part with superior thermal conductivity, so that the heating block has both superior magnetic conductivity and superior thermal conductivity, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating block on the material line in the material line channel and improving the heating efficiency of the hot end component of this application embodiment.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the sensing element is conductive.

[0014] In this embodiment, by providing a conductive sensing element, a greater induced current can be generated when the induction heater generates an alternating magnetic field, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly in this application embodiment.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible implementations described above, in one possible implementation, the hot end is detachably fixed to the hot end bracket.

[0016] In this embodiment, the detachable connection between the hot end and the hot end bracket allows the hot end component of this application embodiment to be replaced with different hot ends based on different material discharge requirements, thereby expanding the application scenarios of the hot end component of this application embodiment.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the sensing part is wrapped around the heating part.

[0018] In this embodiment, by wrapping the sensing part around the heating part, the heat conduction area between the sensing part and the heating part is increased, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency between the sensing part and the heating part, and further improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly of this application embodiment.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the induction part includes iron and the heating part includes copper.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the induction heater includes an induction coil and an iron core, the induction coil being wrapped around the outside of the iron core, at least one end of the iron core facing the heating block, and at least one end being spaced apart from the heating block.

[0021] In this embodiment, by setting up an induction heater with an induction coil and an iron core, and making the induction coil surround the outside of the iron core, the magnetic field generated by the induction coil is more concentrated under the action of the iron core, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block and reducing the requirements for the voltage withstand and current carrying capacity of the drive circuit components.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the core is a C-shaped core, the heating block is disposed between the two ends of the core and the two ends are spaced apart from the heating block, the two ends of the core are located on the same side of the heating block, and the two ends of the core face the heating block.

[0023] In this embodiment, by setting the iron core as a C-shaped iron core and positioning both ends of the iron core on the same side of the heating block, the magnetic circuit can be concentrated at the two ends of the iron core near the heating block when the induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field. This further increases the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block and improves the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly in this embodiment. Furthermore, since the two ends are spaced apart from the heating block, it facilitates replacement in scenarios where different hot ends need to be changed based on different material discharge requirements.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the iron core is a C-shaped iron core, the heating block is disposed between the two ends of the iron core and the two ends are spaced apart from the heating block, the two ends of the iron core are located on both sides of the heating block, and the two ends of the iron core face the heating block.

[0025] In this embodiment, by setting the iron core as a C-shaped iron core and aligning the two ends of the iron core on both sides of the heating block, the magnetic circuit can be concentrated between the two ends of the iron core when the induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field. This further increases the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block and improves the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly in this embodiment. Furthermore, since the two ends are spaced apart from the heating block, it is easier to replace the hot end in scenarios where different hot ends need to be used based on different material discharge requirements.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the induction heater includes induction coils and iron cores, the number of iron cores being at least two, the number of induction coils being equal to the number of iron cores, each induction coil being wrapped around the outside of an iron core; at least one end of each iron core is directed toward the heating block.

[0027] In this embodiment, by setting multiple cooperating iron cores and induction coils, with each induction coil surrounding the outside of an iron core and at least one end of each iron core facing the heating block, the magnetic circuit generated by each induction coil can be further concentrated at the heating block, further increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block, thereby further improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly of this application embodiment.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible implementations described above, in one possible implementation, each iron core is arranged symmetrically around the heating block along the feed line channel.

[0029] In this embodiment, by symmetrically arranging each iron core, the magnetic induction lines generated by each iron core in conjunction with the corresponding induction coil are also symmetrical, thereby making the magnetic flux density in each region of the heating block relatively uniform and improving the heat generation uniformity of the heating block. This further enhances the heating effect of the hot-end assembly of this embodiment on the material wire.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the induction heater further includes an insulating frame surrounding the outside of the iron core, and an induction coil surrounding the outside of the insulating frame.

[0031] In this embodiment, by setting an insulating frame between the iron core and the induction coil, the coil is prevented from being directly short-circuited through the iron core, ensuring the safety of the hot end assembly in this application embodiment and avoiding partial coil failure that would reduce heating efficiency.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the insulating frame further includes a stop for limiting the area around the induction coil on both sides.

[0033] In this embodiment, by providing a baffle on the insulating frame, the number of turns of the induction coil can be increased, and the coil is further prevented from being directly short-circuited through the iron core.

[0034] In one possible embodiment, in conjunction with the first aspect or any of the above possible implementations, the sensing part and the heating part are integrally formed.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sensing part and the heating part are integrated to facilitate the simultaneous fabrication of the sensing part and the heating part.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, in one possible embodiment, the induction heater is fixed to the hot end support.

[0037] In this embodiment, by fixing the induction heater to the hot end bracket, the relative position of the induction heater and the hot end is fixed, which can avoid the situation where the relative displacement between the induction heater and the hot end occurs due to external vibration during the actual use of the hot end assembly in this application embodiment, thus ensuring the heating stability of the induction heater to the hot end and ensuring the safety of the hot end assembly in this application embodiment.

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printer, including a 3D print head, a printing platform, and a driving device. The 3D print head is disposed above the printing platform, and the driving device is used to drive relative displacement between the 3D print head and the printing platform. The 3D print head is used to extrude material to print a model. The 3D print head includes a hot-end assembly in the first aspect or any of the possible embodiments described above, and a hot-end support is disposed on the body of the 3D print head. 。

[0039] The 3D printer of this application embodiment is equipped with a 3D print head with a hot end component, so that after the material line is heated and melted by the hot end component, it can be extruded from the nozzle of the hot end component. Under the action of the driving device, the extruded molten material line is used to perform 3D printing on the printing platform, thereby realizing the printing function of the 3D printer of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a hot-end assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the hot-end assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 6This is a top view of the hot-end assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a hot-end assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the front view structure of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another front view of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 10 This is another front view structural schematic diagram of the hot end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 11 This is another front view structural schematic diagram of the hot end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 13 This is another three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the hot-end component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 14 This is another three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the hot end component provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To facilitate understanding of this application, it will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] The following descriptions of the embodiments are based on the accompanying illustrations and are used to illustrate specific embodiments in which this application can be implemented. The component designations used herein, such as "first," "second," etc., are merely for distinguishing the described objects and do not have any sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages). Directional terms used in this application, such as "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "side," etc., are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the use of directional terms is for better and clearer explanation and understanding of this application, and does not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joint" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "may include," "include," or "may include" used in this application indicate the presence of the corresponding disclosed function, operation, element, etc., and do not limit one or more other functions, operations, elements, etc. Moreover, the terms "comprising" or "include" indicate the presence of the corresponding features, number, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, number, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, and are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application.

[0058] This application provides a 3D printer, including a 3D print head, a printing platform, and a driving device. The 3D print head is used to extrude molten material and is positioned above the printing platform. The driving device is used to drive relative displacement between the 3D print head and the printing platform.

[0059] When the 3D printer in this embodiment is working, the 3D print head extrudes molten material. The drive device drives the 3D print head to move along a predetermined trajectory based on an external program. When the 3D print head moves, the extruded molten material is stacked layer by layer on the printing platform along the predetermined trajectory and releases heat to solidify and form a preset 3D model, thereby realizing the printing function of the 3D printer.

[0060] The 3D printhead includes a hot-end assembly, and the hot-end bracket of the hot-end assembly is mounted on the body of the 3D printhead to achieve a fixed connection between the hot-end assembly and the body of the 3D printhead. The hot-end assembly is used to heat the filament to a molten state and extrude it outward, thus realizing the heating function of the 3D printhead on the filament.

[0061] For details, please refer to Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application, and please refer to [the following text is also included]. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. For ease of description, Figure 1 In the following diagrams, the length direction of the hot end 20 is set as the first direction 001, the second direction 002 and the third direction 003 are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the first direction 001 respectively.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment includes a hot-end bracket 10 and a hot-end 20. The hot-end 20 includes a nozzle 21 and a heating block 22. The hot-end may also include heat dissipation fins and a throat located between the heat dissipation fins and the heating block. The heating block 22 has a feed line channel 221 that extends through the heating block 22 along a first direction 001, allowing external feed lines to pass through. The nozzle 21 is disposed at the end of the heating block 22, and the nozzle 21 has a through hole extending along the first direction 001, communicating with the feed line channel 221.

[0063] Specifically, during the operation of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment, the heat from the heating block 22 is transferred to the feed line channel 221, heating the feed line within the channel 221 to a molten state. The molten feed line can then flow out of the nozzle 21 sequentially through the feed line channel 221 and the through hole, thus achieving the heating function of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment further includes an induction heater 30, which is used to connect to an external alternating circuit. The heating block 22 is magnetically and electrically conductive. When alternating current is applied to the induction heater 30, the induction heater 30 can generate an alternating magnetic field around itself. This alternating magnetic field partially passes through the heating block 22 and, in conjunction with the alternating magnetic field, generates induced eddy currents at the heating block 22, thereby causing the heating block 22 to generate heat. That is, the induction heater 30 is used to inductively heat the heating block 22, realizing the heating function of the heating block 22 on the material line and ensuring the heating function of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0065] Please see Figure 3 The diagram shown is a partially exploded view of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0066] like Figures 1-3As shown, the heating block 22 includes a sensing part 222 and a heating part 223. The feed line channel 221 is disposed inside the heating part 223, and the sensing part 222 is directly connected to the heating part 223. The induction heater 30 is used to inductively heat the sensing part 222, and the sensing part 222 is used to conduct heat to the heating part 223.

[0067] That is, when the hot-end assembly 100 of this embodiment is working, the induction heater 30 generates an alternating magnetic field under the action of external alternating current. The alternating magnetic field, in conjunction with the induction unit 222, causes the induction unit 222 to generate heat, which is then conducted from the induction unit 222 to the heating unit 223. The heating unit 223 heats the wire in the wire channel 221 based on the heat conducted by the induction unit 222, so that the wire can be heated to a molten state. The molten wire flows out from the nozzle 21 through the wire channel 221. This achieves the heating function of the hot-end assembly 100 of this embodiment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the magnetic permeability (also referred to as magnetic permeability or magnetic conductivity) of the sensing part 222 is superior to that of the heating part 223. The sensing part 222 is used to generate heat in conjunction with the induction heater 30, which achieves induction heating of the sensing part 222 through electromagnetic induction. It is understood that providing the sensing part 222 with superior magnetic permeability results in better induction heating performance, thereby improving the induction heating efficiency of the induction heater 30 on the sensing part 222 and improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 on the material line in this embodiment.

[0069] The heating element 223 has better thermal conductivity than the induction element 222. The heating element 223 is used to conduct the heat generated by the induction element 222 to the material wire within the material wire channel 221, thereby heating and melting the material wire. Furthermore, the thermally conductive material provides better heat conduction. It is understandable that providing a heating element 223 with superior thermal conductivity enables rapid heating and uniform heating, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating element 222 on the material wire within the material wire channel 221 and enhancing the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0070] Meanwhile, those skilled in the art understand that materials often have only one superior property—thermal conductivity or magnetic permeability—and it is difficult to balance cost. Therefore, the hot-end assembly of this application further incorporates an induction part with superior magnetic permeability and a heating part with superior thermal conductivity, enabling the heating block to simultaneously possess both superior magnetic permeability and superior thermal conductivity. This improves the heating efficiency of the heating block on the material wire within the material wire channel, thereby enhancing the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly of this application. It is worth noting that the magnetic permeability of a material refers to its magnetic permeability or permeability; the better the magnetic permeability, the better the corresponding induction heating performance.

[0071] Understandably, in some other embodiments, the heating block 22 further includes a heat-conducting component connected between the sensing part 222 and the heating part 223, so that the heat generated by the sensing part 222 can be conducted to the heating part 223 via the heat-conducting component, thereby heating the material wire in the material wire channel 221 within the heating part 223. This achieves the heating function of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0072] In one embodiment, the sensing part 222 is conductive.

[0073] In one embodiment, the hot end 20 is detachably fixed to the hot end bracket 10. It is understood that the detachable connection between the hot end 20 and the hot end bracket 10 allows the hot end assembly 100 of this application embodiment to be equipped with different hot ends 20 based on different material discharge requirements, thereby expanding the application scenarios of the hot end assembly 100 of this application embodiment.

[0074] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the sensing part 222 is columnar and is sleeved and fixed to the outer edge of the heating part 223. It can be understood that by wrapping the sensing part 222 around the heating part 223, the heat conduction area between the sensing part 222 and the heating part 223 can be increased, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency between the sensing part 222 and the heating part 223, and further improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0075] It is understood that, in another embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sensing part 222 can also be configured as a sheet, with one end fixed to the outer edge of the heating part 223 and the other end close to the end face of the induction heater 30. In other embodiments, the sensing part 222 can be configured in other ways. This application does not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0076] In one embodiment, the sensing element 222 comprises iron, for example, the sensing element 222 may be a steel pipe. Iron is not easily cracked during heating. It is understood that setting the material of the sensing element 222 to iron allows for a high usable heat density, which can reduce the volume and mass required for the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application while ensuring the heating effect of the induction heater 30 on the sensing element 222, thereby reducing the specific heat capacity and improving the heating efficiency (faster heating response).

[0077] Furthermore, compared to heating ceramics in the prior art, using iron to make the induction part 222 can reduce the possibility of cracking of the induction part 222 during the heating process. This ensures the safe use of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heating element 223 comprises copper. Copper has good thermal conductivity. It is understood that using copper to make the heating element 223 allows for uniform heat conduction within the feed line channel 221, increasing the heating rate of the feed line. This, in turn, improves the heating efficiency and effectiveness of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0079] In one embodiment, the sensing part 222 and the heating part 223 are integrally formed to facilitate the simultaneous fabrication of the sensing part 222 and the heating part 223.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment further includes an induction heater 30, wherein the induction heater 30 includes an induction coil 31, which is spaced apart from the heating block 22 and connected to an external alternating circuit. The heating block 22 is magnetically conductive. When alternating current is applied to the induction coil 31, the induction coil 31 can form an alternating magnetic field around itself. This alternating magnetic field partially passes through the heating block 22 and generates induced eddy currents at the heating block 22, thereby causing the heating block 22 to generate heat. That is, the induction coil 31 of the induction heater 30 realizes the heating function of the heating block 22 on the wire, ensuring the printing function of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0081] The induction heater 30 also includes an iron core 32 (or simply iron core). An induction coil 31 is wound around the outside of the iron core 32. The iron core 32 increases the magnetic field strength and improves the concentration of magnetic field lines, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density and allowing the magnetic field lines generated by the induction coil 31 to flow within the iron core 32. Understandably, the iron core 32 enables the induction coil 31 to generate a stronger alternating magnetic field and increase the concentration of magnetic field lines when the current remains constant.

[0082] Those skilled in the art should understand that "iron core" is a common term in the field and does not necessarily mean that an iron core includes iron or steel. An iron core can be a magnetic conductor, such as an iron oxide, specifically a manganese-zinc ferrite.

[0083] Since the amount of heat generated by induced eddy currents is positively correlated with magnetic flux density, and magnetic flux density is related to both the presence and absence of an iron core and the magnitude of the current flowing through the induction coil, it is understandable that, under the premise of ensuring that the heat acting on the wire within the wire channel 221 remains constant, the presence of an iron core 32 can increase the magnetic flux density of the induction coil 31 when energized, thereby reducing the magnitude of the current flowing through the induction coil 31, lowering the requirements for the energizing capacity of the induction coil 31. Furthermore, the iron core 32 has a higher resistivity, reducing eddy current losses, thereby reducing the losses to the iron core 32 and the induction coil 31 caused by the current flowing through the induction coil 31.

[0084] Meanwhile, under the premise that the magnitude of the current flowing through the induction coil 31 remains unchanged, the setting of the iron core 32 can increase the magnetic flux density, thereby increasing the heat generated on the heating block 22, which increases the heat of the material wire acting on the material wire channel 221, and improves the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0085] In this embodiment, at least one end of the iron core 32 faces the heating block 22 and is spaced apart from it. When current is applied to the induction coil 31, the induction coil 31, in conjunction with the iron core 32, enables the opposite ends of the iron core 32 to exhibit different magnetic poles. Specifically, the opposite ends of the iron core 32 are the N pole and the S pole, respectively. Since the magnetic induction lines on the outside of the iron core 32 all originate from the N pole and return to the S pole, it is understandable that the opposite ends of the iron core 32 have the largest number of magnetic induction lines and the highest magnetic flux density.

[0086] Understandably, when the induction coil 31 and the iron core 32 generate a magnetic field, the magnetic induction lines can be emitted or retracted through the end of the iron core 32, thereby giving the end of the iron core 32 a larger magnetic flux density, which further increases the magnetic flux density acting on the heating block 22, thereby increasing the heat generated on the heating block 22, which increases the heat acting on the material wire in the material wire channel 221, and further improves the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0087] Therefore, compared to the existing technology that uses heated ceramics to heat the wire in the wire channel, the hot-end assembly 100 of this embodiment, by providing a magnetically and electrically conductive induction part 222 and an induction coil 31 connected to an AC circuit, allows the hot-end assembly 100 to heat the wire in the wire channel 221 by utilizing the AC magnetic field generated by the induction coil 31 in conjunction with the induction part 222. This improves the heating density of the hot-end assembly 100 of this embodiment.

[0088] Meanwhile, compared to the existing heating method that requires the heating resistance wire inside the heated ceramic to contact the material wire channel, the hot end assembly 100 of this application, by spaced apart the induction heater 30 and the heating block 22, eliminates the heat dissipation path for the heating block. This allows the heating effect of the induction heater 30 on the heating block 22 to be satisfied while reducing the specific heat capacity of the heating block 22, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 of this application. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement between the induction heater 30 and the heating block 22 facilitates the individual disassembly and replacement of both.

[0089] On the other hand, in this embodiment of the application, the hot end assembly 100 brings at least one end of the iron core 32 close to the heating block 22, which can further increase the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block 22, thereby further improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0090] In one embodiment, the iron core 32 extends toward the heating block 22. For example, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the extension direction of the iron core 32 is the second direction 002. Since the second direction 002 is perpendicular to the first direction 001, it is understood that setting the extension direction of the iron core 32 to the second direction 002 reduces the distance between the iron core 32 and the heating block 22 along the second direction 002. This allows more magnetic induction lines of the alternating magnetic field generated by the energized induction coil 31 to pass through the induction portion 222 of the heating block 22, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the induction portion 222 and thus improving the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0091] It is understood that in other embodiments, the extending direction of the iron core 32 may also be other directions toward the heating block 22. This application does not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0092] In one embodiment, the iron core 32 is a C-shaped iron core, with its two ends located on the same side of the heating block 22 and spaced apart from it. Both ends of the iron core 32 face the heating block 22.

[0093] For ease of description, the two ends of the iron core 32 are defined as the first end 321 and the second end 322.

[0094] For example, please refer to Figure 4 The diagram shown is another structural schematic of the hot end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body of the iron core 32 extends in a direction parallel to the geometric axis of the heating block 22, and the iron core 32 and the heating block 22 are spaced apart from each other. The first end 321 and the second end 322 of the iron core 32 both extend toward the heating block 22 along the second direction 002.

[0096] When the induction coil 31 is energized, the opposite ends of the iron core 32 will exhibit different magnetic poles. For example, the first end 321 of the iron core 32 exhibits the N pole, and the second end 322 of the iron core 32 exhibits the S pole. Based on the fact that the induction section 222 is formed to be both magnetically and electrically conductive, it can be understood that the magnetic field lines generated by the iron core 32 pass through the induction section 222 from the N pole, extend along the first direction 001, and then exit the induction section 222 back to the S pole of the iron core 32, thus forming a closed magnetic circuit.

[0097] When the induction coil 31 is energized, all the magnetic induction lines generated by the iron core 32 will originate from the N pole and return to the S pole. It is understood that the first end 321 and the second end 322 of the iron core 32 are located on the same side of the heating block 22, so that when the induction coil 31 generates an alternating magnetic field, the magnetic induction lines can be concentrated at the two ends of the iron core 32 near the heating block 22, further increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block 22 and further improving the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0098] It is understood that in other embodiments, the extension directions of the first end 321 and the second end 322 of the iron core 32 may be other, such that the opposite ends of the iron core 32 are located on the same side of the heating block 22.

[0099] In one embodiment, the iron core 32 is a C-shaped iron core, with its two ends located on both sides of the heating block 22. The heating block 22 is disposed between the two ends of the iron core 32, and both ends are spaced apart from the heating block 22. The two ends of the iron core 32 face the heating block 22.

[0100] For example, please refer to Figure 5 The diagram shown is another structural schematic of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 6 The diagram shown is a top view of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application, and please refer to [the diagram]. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the hot end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0101] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the main body of the iron core 32 extends in a third direction 003 and is spaced apart from the heating block 22. The first end 321 and the second end 322 of the iron core 32 extend toward the heating block 22 in different directions.

[0102] Specifically, the first end 321 and the second end 322 extend toward the heating block 22 along the second direction 002 to form a C-shaped iron core. After extending to both sides of the heating block 22, the first end 321 and the second end 322 extend toward the second end 322 and the first end 321 respectively along the third direction 003, so that both ends of the iron core 32 face the heating block 22.

[0103] Understandably, along the third direction 003, the heating block 22 is located between the first end 321 and the second end 322. Since the magnetic induction lines generated by the iron core 32 will pass through the first end 321 and the second end 322 respectively, and are transmitted between the first end 321 and the second end 322, the magnetic flux density between the first end 321 and the second end 322 is maximized.

[0104] Therefore, by placing the heating block 22 between the first end 321 and the second end 322, the number of magnetic induction lines passing through the heating block 22 is further increased, thereby further increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the induction part 222 and further improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0105] It is understood that in other embodiments, the extension direction of the iron core 32 may be other, such that the two ends of the iron core 32 are located on both sides of the heating block 22.

[0106] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-7 As shown, the two ends of the iron core 32 are parallel to each other. This is because the magnetic induction lines near the iron core 32 are more integrated at the two ends. It is understandable that setting the end faces of the first end 321 and the second end 322 facing the heating block 22 to be parallel to each other ensures that the distance between the two first ends 321 and the second end 322 and the heating block 22 is equal, reducing the diffusion of magnetic induction lines in all directions and thus ensuring the magnetic flux density between the two ends of the iron core 32.

[0107] Please see Figure 8 The diagram shown is a front view of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. See also: Figure 1 .

[0108] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, there are two iron cores 32, and the number of induction coils 31 is the same as the number of iron cores 32. Each induction coil 31 is wrapped around the outside of one iron core 32, and all induction coils 31 are connected to the same AC circuit. Along the second direction 002, the two iron cores 32 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the heating block 22, with one end of each iron core 32 extending towards the heating block 22, so that the heating block 22 is located between the two iron cores 32.

[0109] Understandably, the matching arrangement of multiple iron cores 32 and induction coils 31 allows the induced magnetic field generated by the iron cores 32 to act together on the induction section 222 when each induction coil 31 is energized, thereby further increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the induction section 222. This further improves the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0110] Meanwhile, by connecting the induction coils 31 surrounding each iron core 32 to an AC circuit, it can be ensured that the magnetic fields generated by each iron core 32 are symmetrical when each induction coil 31 is energized. This avoids the inconsistency of the magnetic fields generated by the iron cores 32 affecting the number of magnetic induction lines passing through the induction section 222, thereby ensuring the magnetic flux density passing through the induction section 222. This ensures the effect of the matching arrangement of multiple iron cores 32 and induction coils 31 on improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0111] Understandably, in other embodiments, the number of iron cores 32 can be set to other values. Correspondingly, the arrangement of each iron core 32 can be set to be symmetrical about the geometric axis of the feed line channel 221, and the induction coils 31 surrounding the outside of each iron core 32 are all connected to the same AC circuit.

[0112] Understandably, symmetrically arranging each iron core 32 ensures that the magnetic induction lines generated by each iron core 32 in conjunction with the corresponding induction coil 31 are also symmetrical, thereby making the magnetic flux density in each region of the heating block 22 relatively uniform and improving the heat generation uniformity of the heating block 22. This, in turn, improves the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 for the material wire in this embodiment of the application.

[0113] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, there are two iron cores 32, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the heating block 22, and one end of each iron core 32 extends toward the heating block 22. Figure 10 As shown, there are four iron cores 32, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the heating block 22. Figure 11 As shown, there are six iron cores 32, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the heating block 22.

[0114] For ease of description, Figures 8-11 The shapes of all the iron cores 32 shown are set to be the same and limited to: Figure 1 The shape of the iron core 32 shown, and the arrangement of each iron core 32 are also limited to the following: Figure 1 The diagram shows the arrangement of the iron cores 32. However, in actual installation, each iron core 32 can also be arranged as... Figure 4 or Figure 5 Any one of the iron cores 32, and the corresponding arrangement method of the iron cores 32. On the other hand, multiple iron cores 32 can also be arranged in a manner that... Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The combination of the iron cores 32 shown is not particularly limited in this application.

[0115] In one embodiment, the two ends of the iron core 32 are further provided with extensions (not shown in the figure), which extend toward and are spaced apart from the heating block 22. The extensions are magnetically conductive so that after the induction coil 31 is energized to generate an alternating magnetic field, magnetic induction lines can enter the extensions from the ends of the iron core 32 and be conducted to the heating block 22 by the extensions.

[0116] Understandably, the provision of the magnetically conductive extension allows the extension to guide the magnetic induction lines toward the heating block 22, reducing the dispersion of the magnetic induction lines in all directions, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block 22 and improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0117] In one embodiment, the extension is made of a material with better magnetic permeability than the iron core 32, so as to further reduce the divergence of the magnetic induction lines extending from the extension while achieving the function of guiding the magnetic induction lines, further increasing the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block 22, and improving the heating efficiency of the hot end assembly 100 of this application embodiment.

[0118] In one embodiment, the extension and the iron core 32 are made of the same material, and the induction coil 31 is also wrapped around the outside of the extension, partially exposed. Since the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil 31 is related to the number of turns of the induction coil 31, it is understood that wrapping the induction coil 31 around the outside of the extension increases the length of the induction coil 31, thereby increasing the overall number of turns and improving the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil 31. This further improves the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment.

[0119] In one embodiment, the extension and the core 32 are made of different materials.

[0120] In one embodiment, the extension and the core 32 are integrally formed to facilitate the simultaneous manufacturing of the core 32 and the extension.

[0121] Please see Figure 12 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The diagram shown is another three-dimensional structural schematic of the hot-end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application, and Figure 14 The diagram shows another three-dimensional structural schematic of the hot end assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0122] like Figures 12-14As shown, there are multiple iron cores 32, and each iron core 32 is surrounded by an induction coil 31 at intervals on its outer side. The iron cores 32 are arranged symmetrically along the geometric axis of the feed line channel 221. The extension direction of each iron core 32 is towards the heating block 22, and one end of each iron core 32 near the heating block 22 extends towards the heating block 22 and is spaced apart from the ends of adjacent iron cores 32.

[0123] The induction heater 30 also includes a magnetically conductive connecting portion 33, wherein one end of each iron core 32 away from the heating block 22 is connected as a whole through the connecting portion 33. This is based on the fact that each induction coil 31 is connected to the same AC circuit. It is understood that connecting the magnetically conductive connecting portion 33 to the ends of each iron core 32 away from the heating block 22 increases the concentration of magnetic induction lines, preventing them from dispersing under the influence of external structures, and further ensuring the magnetic flux density passing through the heating block 22. This ensures that the matched arrangement of multiple iron cores 32 and induction coils 31 improves the heating efficiency of the hot-end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0124] In one embodiment, the core 32 and the connecting part 33 can also be integrally formed to facilitate the simultaneous manufacturing of the core 32 and the connecting part 33.

[0125] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-14 As shown, the induction heater 30 of this application also includes an insulating frame 34, which surrounds the outer edge of the iron core 32, and the induction coil 31 surrounds the outside of the insulating frame 34. Since the iron core 32 is conductive, and current flows through the induction coil 31, the insulating frame 34, while defining the relative position of the induction coil 31 and the iron core 32, also ensures mutual insulation between them. This prevents short circuits caused by current flowing directly from the inlet terminal (not shown) of the induction coil 31 back to the inlet terminal of the induction coil 31 via the iron core 32. This ensures the safe use of the induction coil 31 and avoids partial coil ineffectiveness, thus preventing reduced heating efficiency and guaranteeing the heating effect of the induction heater 30 of this application.

[0126] In one embodiment, the insulating frame 34 may also be coated with an insulating coating between the iron core 32 and the induction coil 31.

[0127] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-14As shown, the insulating frame 34 also includes a retaining edge 341, which is used to limit the induction coil 31 on both sides to define the winding range of the induction coil 31. This allows for a greater number of turns of the induction coil and further prevents the coil from being directly short-circuited through the iron core. In one embodiment, the induction heater 30 is fixed to the hot end bracket 10. The hot end 20 is fixed to the hot end bracket 10. It is understood that fixing the induction heater 30 to the hot end bracket 10, so that the relative position of the induction heater and the hot end is fixed, can avoid the situation where the relative displacement between the induction heater 30 and the hot end 20 occurs due to external vibration during the actual use of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application, thus ensuring the heating stability of the hot end 20 by the induction heater 30 and the safety of the hot end assembly 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0128] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0129] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0130] It should be understood that the application of this application is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the processes of the above embodiments, and making equivalent changes according to the claims of this utility model, still falls within the scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hot-end assembly for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The hot end assembly includes a hot end, a hot end support, and an induction heater; The hot end bracket is used to fix the hot end; The hot end includes a nozzle and a heating block. The heating block has a material line channel. The heating block is used to heat the material line in the material line channel to a molten state. The material line channel is connected to the nozzle. The nozzle is used to extrude the molten material line. The heating block includes a sensing part and a heating part. The heating part has the material line channel. The sensing part is directly connected to the heating part or connected through a heat-conducting component. The induction heater is used to inductively heat the induction part, and the induction part is used to conduct heat to the heating part. The magnetic permeability of the induction part is better than that of the heating part, and the thermal conductivity of the heating part is better than that of the induction part.

2. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing element is conductive.

3. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot end is detachably fixed to the hot end bracket.

4. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing element is wrapped around the heating element.

5. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The induction part includes iron, and the heating part includes copper.

6. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The induction heater includes an induction coil and an iron core, the induction coil being wrapped around the outside of the iron core, at least one end of the iron core facing the heating block, and the at least one end being spaced apart from the heating block.

7. The hot-end assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The iron core is a C-shaped iron core, and the heating block is disposed between the two ends of the iron core, with the two ends spaced apart from the heating block. The two ends of the iron core are located on the same side of the heating block, and the two ends of the iron core face the heating block.

8. The hot-end assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The iron core is a C-shaped iron core, and the heating block is disposed between the two ends of the iron core, with the two ends spaced apart from the heating block. The two ends of the iron core are located on both sides of the heating block, and the two ends of the iron core face the heating block.

9. The hot-end assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The induction heater includes induction coils and iron cores, with at least two iron cores and the number of induction coils being equal to the number of iron cores, each induction coil being wrapped around the outside of one of the iron cores; At least one end of each of the iron cores faces the heating block.

10. The hot-end assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the iron cores is symmetrically arranged around the heating block along the feed line channel.

11. The hot-end assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The induction heater also includes an insulating frame surrounding the outside of the iron core, and the induction coil surrounding the outside of the insulating frame.

12. The hot-end assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insulating frame also includes a retaining edge for limiting the induction coil on both sides, thereby defining the area around which the induction coil is surrounded.

13. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing part and the heating part are integrally formed.

14. The hot-end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The induction heater is fixed to the hot end bracket.

15. A three-dimensional printer, characterized in that, The device includes a 3D print head, a printing platform, and a driving device. The 3D print head is disposed above the printing platform, and the driving device is used to drive the 3D print head to generate relative displacement between the 3D print head and the printing platform. The 3D print head is used to extrude material to print a model. The 3D print head includes a hot end assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, and the hot end support is disposed on the body of the 3D print head.

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