throat tube, print head and 3D printer

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a throat, a print head, and a 3D printer. The throat is used in a circuit merging mechanism, which also includes a heat dissipation device. The throat is connected to the heat dissipation device, which has multiple feed channels. The throat has an discharge channel, or both the heat dissipation device and the throat have discharge channels. The feed channels communicate with the discharge channels. The 3D printer includes the aforementioned throat and print head. The technical solution of this application enables multi-color printing without cutting the filament.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on Chinese Patent No. 202421536064.9, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 1, 2024, entitled "Line Merging Mechanism, Heat Dissipation Device, Throat, Printhead and 3D Printer". Technical Field

[0002] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a circuit merging mechanism, a heat dissipation device, a throat, a print head, and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0003] 3D printing technology is a technique that uses digital model files and adhesive materials such as powdered metal or plastic as printing materials to construct three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. 3D printer technology belongs to the category of rapid prototyping technology and can print complex geometric shapes and functional parts.

[0004] 3D printers include various types, such as FDM 3D printers. Among FDM printers, multi-color printing technology has become mainstream. Current multi-color printing technologies require cutting and retracting the filament to switch between different colors. This filament switching necessitates moving the printing equipment to a specific position so that the cutting blade is subjected to force, thus cutting the filament. This filament cutting process is time-consuming, resulting in low printing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a circuit merging mechanism, heat dissipation device, throat, print head and 3D printer that do not require cutting the consumables when printing with other consumables.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a line merging mechanism applied to a printing device, the printing device further including an extrusion mechanism and a nozzle assembly. The extrusion mechanism is used to selectively drive a target consumable among a plurality of consumables forward or backward. The extrusion mechanism is located upstream of the consumable path of the line merging mechanism and the nozzle assembly. The line merging mechanism includes a plurality of feed channels and at least one discharge channel communicating with the feed channels. The nozzle assembly is used to communicate with the discharge channel.

[0007] Secondly, this application also provides a heat dissipation device, which is applied to a line merging mechanism. The line merging mechanism further includes a throat tube. The heat dissipation device is used to connect with the throat tube. The heat dissipation device has multiple feeding channels, and the throat tube has a discharge channel. Alternatively, both the heat dissipation device and the throat tube have discharge channels, and the feeding channels are used to communicate with the discharge channels.

[0008] Thirdly, this application also provides a throat tube, which is applied to a line merging mechanism. The line merging mechanism further includes a heat dissipation device. The throat tube is used to connect with the heat dissipation device. The heat dissipation device has multiple feeding channels, and the throat tube has a discharge channel. Alternatively, both the heat dissipation device and the throat tube have discharge channels, and the feeding channels are used to communicate with the discharge channels.

[0009] Fourthly, this application also provides a 3D printer, which includes the above-mentioned line merging mechanism, or the above-mentioned heat dissipation device, or the above-mentioned throat.

[0010] Fifthly, this application also provides a 3D printer, which includes the above-mentioned line merging mechanism, or the above-mentioned heat dissipation device, or the above-mentioned throat, or the above-mentioned print head.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0012] In the technical solution of this application, the extrusion mechanism is located upstream of the consumable path of the line merging mechanism and the nozzle assembly. The line merging mechanism includes multiple feeding channels and at least one discharging channel connected to the feeding channels. The nozzle assembly is used to communicate with the discharging channel. When printing multi-color or multi-material consumables, it is not necessary to use a cutting device to cut the consumables. The consumables can be directly withdrawn from the discharging channel, and then the new target consumables can be advanced and printed. Because the extrusion mechanism is located upstream of the filament path of the line merging mechanism and the nozzle assembly, i.e., the line merging mechanism is located on the filament path between the extrusion mechanism and the nozzle assembly, when the filament retracts, the end of the filament does not need to pass through the extrusion mechanism. Even if there are irregularities at the end of the filament, it will not affect the operation of the extrusion mechanism, i.e., it will not affect the retraction of the filament or its next forward movement. As a result, when switching filaments for printing, it is not necessary to cut the filament; only the forward or backward movement of the corresponding filament needs to be controlled. This saves the filament cutting time, improves the printing speed of the model, and eliminates the need for a cutting device for cutting the filament on the printing equipment, saving the manufacturing cost of the printing equipment and reducing its size.

[0013] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the printing device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the printing device provided in the application embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a partial exploded structural diagram of the printing device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the material changing drive device and the switching device in cooperation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the active drive device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the heat dissipation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the larynx provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0022] 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 invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms “a,” “described,” and “the” used in this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used in this invention to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the methods and equipment used in this invention are all conventional reagents, methods and equipment in this technical field.

[0025] As attached Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this application embodiment provides a printing device 1, which is applied to a 3D printer. The printing device 1 is used for multi-color printing. Specifically, the printing device 1 can enter consumables of different materials or different colors to make the target consumable among multiple consumables move forward so as to use the target consumable to print a model, or to make the target consumable that has been printed move backward to a set position and then drive the new target consumable forward so as to use the new target consumable to print a model.

[0026] The specific quantity of consumables is not limited. In this application, multiple consumables refer to at least one consumable, such as four consumables.

[0027] The printing device 1 includes a housing 40, an extrusion mechanism 10, a line merging mechanism 20, and a nozzle assembly 30. The extrusion mechanism 10 selectively drives a target consumable among several consumables forward or backward. The extrusion mechanism 10 is located upstream of the consumable path of the line merging mechanism 20 and the nozzle assembly 30. The line merging mechanism 20 includes multiple feed channels 21 and at least one discharge channel 22 communicating with the feed channels 21. The nozzle assembly 30 is connected to the line merging mechanism 20 and communicates with the discharge channel 22. In this application, the printing device 1 may not include a cutting device for cutting consumables. It is understood that several consumables refer to at least one consumable.

[0028] The consumable path refers to the path used to move consumables. The extrusion mechanism 10 is located upstream of the consumable path between the line merging mechanism 20 and the nozzle assembly 30; that is, the line merging mechanism 20 is located on the consumable path between the extrusion mechanism 10 and the nozzle assembly 30. The consumable first passes through the extrusion mechanism 10, then through the line merging mechanism 20, and then through the nozzle assembly 30. The line merging mechanism 20 and the nozzle assembly 30 can be directly connected or indirectly connected through other devices.

[0029] In this application, the printing device 1 may include a printhead, or may include components other than the printhead. Specifically, the printing device 1 of this application may include at least the following:

[0030] Scenario 1: The printing device 1 includes a printhead, which includes a nozzle assembly 30. The extrusion mechanism 10 and the line merging mechanism 20 are located outside the printhead; that is, if the printhead moves, the extrusion mechanism 10 and the line merging mechanism 20 do not move synchronously with the printhead. In this case, the printhead of the printing device may also include a housing 40, and the nozzle assembly 30 may be directly or indirectly disposed on the housing 40, that is, it can move synchronously with the housing 40.

[0031] Scenario 2: The printing device 1 includes a printhead, which comprises a nozzle assembly 30 and a line merging mechanism 20. The extrusion mechanism 10 is located outside the printhead. That is, if the printhead moves, the line merging mechanism 20 moves synchronously with the printhead, while the extrusion mechanism 10 does not move synchronously with the printhead. In this case, the printhead of the printing device may also include a housing 40. The nozzle assembly 30 and the line merging mechanism 20 may be directly or indirectly disposed on the housing 40, i.e., they may move synchronously with the housing 40.

[0032] Scenario 3: The printing device 1 includes a printhead, which comprises an extrusion mechanism 10, a line merging mechanism 20, and a nozzle assembly 30. That is, if the printhead moves, the extrusion mechanism 10, the line merging mechanism 20, and the nozzle assembly 30 will move synchronously. In this case, the printhead of the printing device may also include a housing 40. The extrusion mechanism 10, the line merging mechanism 20, and the nozzle assembly 30 can be directly or indirectly mounted on the housing 40, meaning they can move synchronously with the housing 40.

[0033] It is understandable that in either scenario one or scenario two, if a component is not part of the print head, then that component is not connected to the housing 40, meaning it does not move synchronously with the housing. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The situation shown belongs to situation three.

[0034] The following description of printing device 1 will be further elaborated. The following description can be applied to cases one and / or two and / or three.

[0035] The number of feed channels 21 can be the same as the number of consumables and correspond to the position of the consumables to accommodate them.

[0036] The same feeding channel 21 may include one channel or multiple connected channels, such as feeding channel 21 may include first feeding channel 231 and second feeding channel 251.

[0037] During use, the user manually inserts the end of the consumable into the extrusion mechanism 10, or another device inserts the end of the consumable into the extrusion mechanism 10. When a target consumable is needed to print a model, the target consumable is driven forward. After passing through the feed channel 21 of the line merging mechanism 20, the target consumable enters the discharge channel 22 and then enters the nozzle assembly 30. The nozzle assembly 30 melts the consumable and ejects it to print the model on the printing platform of the 3D printer. If the current target consumable is temporarily used up, the extrusion mechanism 10 is controlled to drive the target consumable backward. The target consumable is at least withdrawn from the discharge channel 22 so that it does not obstruct the advance of a new target consumable. The process of using a new target consumable is the same as the process of the previous target consumable advancing and printing, and will not be described further here. It can be understood that during printing, if the discharge channel 22 contains a consumable that is not the consumable to be used, then that consumable will be withdrawn from the target channel.

[0038] In this application, by setting up an extrusion mechanism 10, a nozzle assembly 30, and a line merging mechanism 20 for the consumable path located between the nozzle assembly 30 and the extrusion mechanism 10, when printing consumables of multiple colors or multiple materials, it is not necessary to use a cutting device to cut the consumables. The consumables can be directly returned to the discharge channel 22, and then the new target consumables can be advanced and printed. Since the extrusion mechanism 10 of this application is located upstream of the consumable path of the line merging mechanism 20 and the nozzle assembly 30, that is, the line merging mechanism 20 is located in the consumable path between the extrusion mechanism 10 and the nozzle assembly 30, when the consumable retracts, the end of the consumable does not need to pass through the extrusion mechanism 10. Even if there are irregularities at the end of the consumable, it will not affect the operation of the extrusion mechanism 10, that is, it will not affect the retraction of the consumable or the next forward movement of the consumable. As a result, when switching consumables for printing, it is not necessary to cut the consumable, but only to control the corresponding consumable to move forward or backward. This saves the time for cutting the consumable, improves the printing speed of the model, and eliminates the need to set a cutting device for cutting the consumable on the printing equipment 1, saving the manufacturing cost of the printing equipment 1 and reducing the size of the printing equipment 1.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 The specific structure of the extrusion mechanism 10 is not limited, as long as it can drive the consumable forward or backward. The extrusion mechanism 10 can be any existing extrusion mechanism 10, or a new extrusion mechanism 10 designed in the future.

[0040] Optionally, the extrusion mechanism 10 includes a material changing drive device 11, a switching device 12, an active drive device 14, and at least two clamping devices 13. The clamping devices 13 are located at least on one side of the active drive device 14. The material changing drive device 11 is drivenly connected to the switching device 12, and the switching device 12 is drivenly connected to the clamping devices 13, so that the target clamping device 13 among the at least two clamping devices 13 selectively clamps the consumable with the active drive device 14 to drive the target consumable forward or backward. Specifically, the material changing drive device 11 can drive the switching device 12 to rotate, causing the clamping device 13 connected to the switching device 12 to move closer to or away from the active drive device 14. The active drive device 14 is used to rotate to drive the target consumable forward or backward.

[0041] The extrusion mechanism 10 includes a material changing drive device 11, a switching device 12, an active drive device 14, and at least two clamping devices 13. The clamping devices 13 are located at least on one side of the active drive device 14. The material changing drive device 11 is drivenly connected to the switching device 12, and the switching device 12 is drivenly connected to the clamping devices 13, so that the target clamping device 13 among the at least two clamping devices 13 can selectively clamp the consumable with the active drive device 14 to drive the target consumable forward or backward. This application has only one active drive device, which can selectively clamp the target consumable with different clamping devices to drive the target consumable forward or backward, reducing the number of active drive devices, resulting in a simple structure and reduced volume of the extrusion mechanism.

[0042] In this embodiment, the number of clamping devices 13 is not limited, and the number of clamping devices 13 is the same as the number of consumables. Each clamping device 13 is used to clamp one consumable, so that the active drive device 14 drives the consumable to move forward or backward. For example, the printing device 1 includes four clamping devices 13, of which two clamping devices 13 are located on one side of the active drive device 14, and the other two clamping devices 13 are located on the other side of the active drive device 14. This layout can save space and improve space utilization. More clamping devices 13 can be accommodated in a limited space, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the printing device 1 and does not affect the arrangement of other components, such as the line merging mechanism 20. The structure is simple, easy to manufacture, and low in cost. Optionally, the extrusion mechanism 10 includes at least four material changing drive mechanisms, at least two clamping devices 13 are located on one side of the active drive device 14, and at least two clamping devices 13 are located on the other side of the active drive device 14.

[0043] It is understood that the number and local arrangement of the clamping devices 13 here are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the number or layout. In other configurations, four clamping devices 13 may be arranged in a row, all positioned on the same side of the active drive device.

[0044] The clamping device 13 includes a driven wheel 131, a movable rod 132, and an elastic element 133. The movable rod 132 is movably connected to the housing 40, the driven wheel 131 is rotatably connected to the movable rod 132, and the elastic element 133 is connected to both the housing 40 and the movable rod 132. The elastic element 133 applies a force to the movable rod 132 to bring it closer to the active drive device 14, thereby clamping the consumable between the driven wheel 131 and the active drive device 14. In this application, the connection includes abutment.

[0045] The structure of the passive wheel 131 is not limited, as long as it can contact the consumable and clamp the consumable with the active drive device 14. For example, the passive wheel 131 is provided with a first groove for accommodating the consumable. The sidewall of the first groove can be roughened to increase the friction between the consumable and the passive wheel 131. For instance, grooves can be formed on the sidewall of the first groove, with the grooves arranged circumferentially along the passive wheel 131. The number of passive wheels 131 included in each clamping device 13 is not limited, such as including one or more passive wheels 131. In this embodiment, each clamping device 13 may include one passive wheel 131, so the printing device 1 includes four passive wheels 131. Two passive wheels 131 are located on one side of the active drive device 14, and the other two passive wheels 131 are located on the other side of the active drive device 14, thus the passive wheels on the same side of the active drive device 14 are arranged side-by-side.

[0046] The structure and type of the elastic element 133 are not limited. For example, the elastic element 133 can be a torsion spring, a spring, elastic silicone, etc. The number of elastic elements 133 is also not limited. A clamping device 13 may include one or more elastic elements 133, as long as the elastic element 133 can provide a force to the movable rod 132 to approach the active drive device 14. In this embodiment, the elastic element 133 is a torsion spring, and each clamping device 13 includes only one torsion spring, which is connected to the movable rod 132 of the housing 40.

[0047] The movable rod 132 includes a rotating part 1321 and a connecting part 1322. The rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 are connected. The end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322 is rotatably connected to the housing 40. The driven wheel 131 is connected to the end of the connecting part 1322 near the rotating part 1321. The elastic element 133 is connected to the housing 40 and the connecting part 1322 respectively. The end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322 is rotatably connected to the housing 40, and the driven wheel 131 is connected to the end of the connecting part 1322 near the rotating part 1321, which allows the driven wheel 131 to bulge towards the active drive device 14, thus making it less likely for the rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 to interfere with the active drive device 14. The end of the rotating part 1321 away from the connecting part 1322, that is, the distance on the rotating part 1321 from the connecting part 1322, is greater than half the length of the rotating part 1321. The end of the connecting part 1322 near the rotating part 1321, that is, the distance from the rotating part 1321 to the connecting part 1322 is less than half the length of the connecting part 1322.

[0048] The rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 can be integrally formed. The material of the rotating part 1321 and the connecting part 1322 is not limited, such as plastic or metal.

[0049] A contact portion 1323 is provided on the connecting portion 1322 of the movable rod 132. The contact portion 1323 is used to abut against the switching device 12. The switching device 12 is used to push the contact portion 1323 away from the switching device 12, or to make way for the contact portion 1323, the movable rod 132, and the driven wheel 131 to approach the active drive device 14. The contact portion 1323 may protrude towards the switching device 12. The shape of the contact portion 1323 is not limited. In this application, the contact portion 1323 is rod-shaped, and the end of the contact portion 1323 near the switching device 12 is smoothed to facilitate the switching device 12 to push the contact portion 1323. For example, the end of the contact portion 1323 near the switching device 12 may be arc-shaped. The contact portion 1323 may be integrally formed with the connecting portion 1322. The material of the contact portion 1323 is not limited. For example, the contact portion 1323 may be made of plastic.

[0050] The housing 40 may be provided with a rotating shaft 41 so that the rotating part 1321 of the movable rod 132 of the clamping device 13 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 41, that is, the rotating part 1321 is connected to the rotating shaft of the rotating part 1321.

[0051] The switching device 12 is used to enable the passive wheel 131 and the active drive device 14 to clamp consumables at any given time, such as clamping one or two consumables at a time. In this embodiment, the switching device 12 is used to enable the passive wheel 131 and the active drive device 14 to clamp a maximum of one consumable at any given time. The switching device 12 is provided with a reversing groove 121 arranged in the circumferential direction. The reversing groove 121 is used to make way for the abutment portion 1323 of the clamping device 13, so that the abutment portion 1323, the connecting portion 1322, and the passive wheel 131 can approach the active drive device 14, so that the passive wheel 131 and the active drive device 14 can clamp consumables. The material of the switching device 12 is not limited, such as plastic or metal.

[0052] The specific structure of the reversing groove 121 is not limited, such as the shape of the reversing groove 121 matching the abutment portion. In this application, the cross-sectional shape of the reversing groove 121 is arc-shaped to facilitate the rotation of the switching device 12, thereby achieving contact and separation between the abutment portion 1323 and the groove wall of the reversing groove 121. The reversing grooves 121 are arranged along the circumferential direction, that is, the reversing grooves 121 are staggered, and the projections of different reversing grooves 121 on the cross-section of the switching device 12 are located at different positions, so that at any given time, only one clamping device 13 clamps the consumable. The reversing grooves 121 can be distributed on different planes; thus, the clamping devices 13 can be distributed on different planes, which can improve space utilization. At least one reversing groove 121 is distributed on each plane. In this application, one reversing groove is distributed in each plane to drive at least two clamping devices 13 arranged on one plane.

[0053] If the printing device 1 includes at least four clamping devices 13, and the switching device 12 is provided with at least two reversing slots 121, the reversing slots 121 are distributed on at least two planes, and at least one reversing slot 121 is provided on each plane. In one embodiment, the number of reversing slots 121 is two. The positions of the reversing slots can be reasonably arranged so that five positions of the clamping device 13 can be adjusted, that is, one position is neutral. In the neutral state, none of the clamping devices 13 and the active drive device 14 will clamp the consumables.

[0054] Please see Figure 4 The material changing drive device 11 is used to drive the switching device 12 to rotate. The specific structure of the material changing drive device 11 is not limited, as long as it can drive the switching device 12 to rotate.

[0055] Specifically, the material changing drive device 11 includes a first motor 111, a worm gear 112 connected to the first motor 111, and a worm wheel 113 drivenly connected to the worm gear 112. The worm wheel 113 is coaxially connected to the switching device 12; or,

[0056] The material changing drive device 11 includes a first motor 111, a first gear driven by the first motor 111, and a second gear driven by the first gear. The diameter of the second gear is larger than that of the first gear. The second gear is coaxially connected to the switching device 12, and the diameter of the second gear is larger than that of the switching device 12.

[0057] The structures of the two material changing drive devices 11 described above are exemplary descriptions of the embodiments of this application and do not limit the specific structure of the material changing drive device 11.

[0058] Please see Figure 5 The active drive device 14 includes a drive mechanism and an active wheel 141 that is driven and connected to the drive mechanism. The active wheel 141 is used to clamp consumables with the clamping device 13.

[0059] The specific structure of the drive mechanism is not limited, as long as it can drive the drive wheel 141 to rotate. For example, the drive mechanism includes a second motor 142, a motor drive wheel 143 driven by the second motor 142, and a reduction wheel 144 driven by the motor drive wheel 143. The diameter of the reduction wheel 144 is larger than the diameter of the motor drive wheel 143. The reduction wheel 144 is coaxially connected to the drive wheel 141, and the diameter of the reduction wheel 144 is larger than the diameter of the drive wheel 141.

[0060] The specific structure of the drive wheel 141 is not limited, as long as it can contact the consumable and clamp the consumable with the driven wheel 131. For example, the drive wheel 141 is provided with a second groove for accommodating the consumable. The sidewall of the second groove can be roughened to increase the friction between the consumable and the drive wheel 141. For example, grooves can be formed on the sidewall of the second groove, and the grooves are arranged along the circumference of the driven wheel 131.

[0061] The active drive device 14 includes at least two drive wheels 141, which are located on different planes. In this embodiment, at least two drive wheels 141 are coaxially connected to the reduction gear 144 of the drive mechanism to achieve rotation at the same angle.

[0062] Each driving wheel 141 corresponds to at least one clamping device 13, that is, each driving wheel 141 corresponds to at least one driven wheel 131. In this embodiment, each driving wheel 141 corresponds to two clamping devices 13, that is, each driving wheel 141 corresponds to two driven wheels 131. One clamping device 13 is provided on each side of the driving wheel 141, that is, two clamping devices 13 are provided on both sides of the driving wheel 141. If the printing device 1 includes four clamping devices 13, then the printing device 1 includes two driving wheels 141.

[0063] The number of discharge channels 22 included in the line merging mechanism 20 is not limited.

[0064] One discharge channel 22, the printing device 1 includes a nozzle assembly 30, the number of nozzle assemblies 30 being the same as the number of discharge channels 22; or

[0065] The line merging mechanism 20 includes multiple discharge channels 22, and the printing device 1 includes multiple nozzle assemblies 30, the number of which is the same as the number of discharge channels 22.

[0066] Specifically, the line merging mechanism 20 may include a feeding component and a discharging component; the feeding component and the discharging component are connected, the feeding component has a feeding channel 21, the discharging channel 22 is provided on the discharging component, or the discharging channel 22 is provided on both the discharging component and the feeding component; the feeding channel 21 corresponds to the consumables passing through the extrusion mechanism 10, and the discharging component is connected to the nozzle assembly 30.

[0067] It can be understood that the feed channel 21 corresponds to the consumables passing through the extrusion mechanism 10, that is, the consumables of the extrusion mechanism 10 can enter the feed channel.

[0068] The line merging mechanism 20 includes a feeding component and a discharging component, that is, the line merging mechanism 20 is split into two parts, namely the feeding component and the discharging component, which makes it easier to open the feeding channel 21 and the discharging channel 22 and reduces the processing difficulty.

[0069] The circuit merging mechanism 20 is located on the print head, including scenarios two and three. The print head may also include a heat dissipation device 23 and a throat 24, with the heat dissipation device 23 connected to the throat 24, and the throat 24 connected to the nozzle assembly 30. The feed and discharge components of the circuit merging mechanism 20 can be located upstream of the filament path of the heat dissipation device 23 and the throat 24. For example, the heat dissipation device 23 can be directly or indirectly connected to the circuit merging mechanism 20; or the feed component includes the heat dissipation device 23, and the discharge component includes the throat 24. If the feed component includes the heat dissipation device 23 and the discharge component includes the throat 24, the print head volume can be further reduced, the filament ejection length can be reduced, resulting in shorter model printing time and improved printing efficiency.

[0070] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 Optionally, in case two or three, where the line merging mechanism 20 is located on the printhead, the nozzle assembly 30 can be connected to the line merging mechanism 20.

[0071] The line merging mechanism 20 may include a heat dissipation device 23 and a throat 24. The heat dissipation device 23 is connected to the throat 24. The heat dissipation device 23 has the aforementioned feed channel 21, and the aforementioned discharge channel 22 is disposed on the throat 24, or the discharge channel 22 is disposed on both the throat 24 and the heat dissipation device 23. The feed channel 21 corresponds to the consumables passing through the extrusion mechanism 10, and the throat 24 is connected to the nozzle assembly 30. The heat dissipation device 23 may not be directly connected to the extrusion mechanism 10 and may be at a certain distance from it. It is understood that the line merging mechanism 20 does not limit the specific locations of the feed channel 21 and the discharge channel 22, as long as the feed channel 21 and the discharge channel 22 are located in the consumable path between the extrusion mechanism 10 and the nozzle assembly 30. In this embodiment, the description of the locations of the feed channel 21 and the discharge channel 22 is merely an illustrative example and does not constitute a limitation.

[0072] The heat dissipation device 23 has multiple first feeding channels 231 and connecting channels 232 communicating with the feeding channels 21. The throat pipe 24 has a discharge channel 22, and one end of the throat pipe 24 is connected to the heat dissipation device 23 via the connecting channel 232, so that the first feeding channels 231 and the discharge channel 22 are connected. The specific shape and material of the heat dissipation device 23 are not limited. For example, the heat dissipation device 23 may also include heat dissipation fins, and the material of the heat dissipation device 23 may be aluminum or copper, metals that dissipate heat easily.

[0073] The first feeding channel 231 is used for passing consumables. The shape of the first feeding channel 231 is not limited; it can be straight or arc-shaped. In this application, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first feeding channel 231 is circular. The end of the first feeding channel 231 furthest from the connecting channel 232 is located at the first end of the heat dissipation device 23, facilitating the opening of the first feeding channel 231. The length of the first feeding channel 231 is 6-20 mm, and the diameter is 1.5-2.5 mm. The diameter of the first feeding channel 231 can be reasonably set according to the consumables that need to pass through. It is understood that the diameter of the channel or hole used for passing consumables needs to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the consumables. If the length of the first feed channel 231 is too long, it will affect the time it takes for the first consumable to pass through the first feed channel 231, and will result in an excessively large printhead height, which is not conducive to printhead miniaturization. If the length of the first feed channel 231 is too short, it will not be conducive to the merging of the first feed channel 231 and the discharge channel 22, and may result in an excessively small size of the heat dissipation device 23, affecting heat dissipation efficiency. Specifically, the distance between the ends of the multiple first feed channels 231 away from the connecting channel 232 is less than the distance between the ends of the multiple first feed channels 231 close to the connecting channel 232. That is, the distance between the ends of any two first feed channels 231 away from the nozzle assembly 30 is greater than the distance between the ends close to the nozzle assembly 30. This makes the distance between the ends of the two first feed channels 231 away from the nozzle assembly 30 larger, leaving more space for connecting components that transmit consumables, such as Teflon tubes or other components that limit the movement of consumables, such as channels opened in the housing 50.

[0074] The connecting channel 232 is used to connect the throat tube 24 to the heat dissipation device 23. The shape of the connecting channel 232 is not limited; it can be straight. In this application, the cross-section of the connecting channel 232 is circular. The specific connection method between the throat tube 24 and the heat dissipation device 23 is not limited; it can be a threaded connection, riveting, or fixing with set screws, etc. Specifically, threads can be formed on the inner wall of the connecting channel 232. Optionally, the throat tube 24 and the heat dissipation device 23 can be detachably connected. The method of detachment is not limited, as long as it allows for quick disassembly of the throat tube 24 and the heat dissipation device 23. The length of the connecting channel 232 is 5-15 mm, and the diameter is 5.3-7 mm. If the length of the connecting channel 232 is too short, it will be difficult to securely fix the throat tube 24; if the length of the connecting channel 232 is too long, it will result in an excessively large heat dissipation device 23, which is detrimental to the miniaturization of the printhead.

[0075] The end of the connecting channel 232 furthest from the first feeding channel is located at the second end of the heat dissipation device 23 opposite to the first end, thus facilitating the opening of the connecting channel 232. The projections of the ends of the multiple first feeding channels 231 closest to the connecting channel 232 onto the connecting channel 232 are located on the connecting channel 232. Due to the projection relationship between the first feeding channels 231 and the connecting channel 232, directly opening the first feeding channel 231 from the first end of the heat dissipation device 23 and directly opening the connecting channel 232 from the second end of the heat dissipation device 23 directly achieves communication between the first feeding channel 231 and the connecting channel 232, facilitating their opening and reducing the processing difficulty of the heat dissipation device 23.

[0076] The connection method between the throat 24 and the nozzle assembly 30 is not limited. For example, the throat 24 can be connected to the nozzle assembly 30 by thread, interference fit, riveting, or set screw. The length of the throat 24 is 14-25mm. If the length of the throat 24 is too small, it will be difficult to securely fix the heat dissipation device 23 and the nozzle assembly 30. If the length of the throat 24 is too large, it will be difficult to reduce the size of the printhead.

[0077] The throat 24 is also provided with a connecting channel 241 that communicates with the discharge channel 22. Multiple first feed channels 231 are connected to the discharge channel 22 via the connecting channel 241, meaning all first feed channels 231 are connected to the discharge channel 22 via the connecting channel 241. One end of the throat 24 with the discharge channel 22 is connected to the nozzle assembly 30. The length of the discharge channel 22 is 5-15mm, and its diameter is 1.5-2.5mm. The length of the connecting channel 241 is 5-15mm; the maximum diameter of the connecting channel 241 is 5-7mm. The maximum diameter of the connecting channel 241 (5-7mm) makes it easier for consumables from the first feed channels to enter the connecting channel 241 and then the discharge channel 22. The moderate lengths of the discharge channel 22 and the connecting channel 241 facilitate the miniaturization of the printhead.

[0078] The size of the connecting channel 241 is larger than the size of the discharge channel 22, so that when the consumable retracts, the end of the consumable does not need to retract into the first feed channel 231, but can remain in the connecting channel, thus preventing the end of the consumable from blocking the advance of other consumables. Specifically, the size of the end of the connecting channel 241 near the nozzle assembly 30 is smaller than the size of the end of the connecting channel 241 away from the nozzle assembly 30. That is, the shape of the connecting channel 241 is conical.

[0079] The projection of one end of the multiple first feed channels 231 near the connecting channel 232 onto the connecting channel 241 is located in the end of the connecting channel 232 away from the nozzle assembly 30. Thus, when the throat 24 is installed in the connecting channel 232, the alignment of the first feed channels 231 and the connecting channel 241 can be directly achieved, which is convenient for assembly.

[0080] Optionally, the line merging mechanism 20 also includes a connecting device 25, which has multiple second feeding channels 251. The second feeding channels 251 correspond to the consumables passing through the extrusion mechanism 10, and the second feeding channels 251 also correspond one-to-one with the first feeding channels 231.

[0081] The specific structure of the connecting device 25 is not limited, and the connecting device 25 can be connected to the housing 40. Optionally, the connecting device 25 can be integrally formed with the housing 40. In other possible configurations, the connecting device 25 is a consumable guide tube. The distance between the connecting device 25 and the heat dissipation device 23 is 0.1mm-5mm, that is, there is a gap between the connecting device 25 and the heat dissipation device 23.

[0082] The printing device 1 may further include an elastic connector connected to the housing 40 and a force sensor mounted on the elastic connector. The heat sink is connected to the housing 40 via an elastic element 133. When the nozzle assembly 30 of the printing device 1 touches the printing platform of the 3D printer, the elastic connector deforms, and the force sensor detects the deformation of the elastic connector, thus detecting the contact between the nozzle assembly 30 and the printing platform, facilitating the leveling of the 3D printer. A gap exists between the connecting device 25 and the heat dissipation device 23 to facilitate the deformation of the elastic connector.

[0083] The nozzle assembly 30 includes a heating device 31 and a nozzle 32. The heating device 31 is connected to the nozzle 32. The heating device 31 can also be connected to the discharge component, that is, the heating device 31 can also be connected to the throat 24. It can be understood that if the throat 24 is not part of the line merging mechanism 20, the heating device 31 can be connected to the throat 24.

[0084] The heating device 31 is used to melt the consumable entering the heating device 31 from the discharge channel 22 so that it can be ejected from the nozzle 32 for printing. The heating device 31 and the nozzle 32 are common structures in the art, and any existing nozzle assembly 30 or future designed nozzle assembly 30 is within the scope of protection of this application as long as it is within the design concept of this application.

[0085] The printing device 1 may further include a material breakage detection device, which is located at the end of the extrusion mechanism 10 away from the nozzle assembly 30; and / or

[0086] The printing device 1 also includes a filament blockage detection device, which is located at the end of the extrusion mechanism 10 away from the nozzle assembly 30. The specific structure of the filament breakage detection device or the filament blockage detection device is not limited in this application, as long as it can detect filament breakage or blockage.

[0087] Among them, the consumables in the nozzle assembly 30 are melted consumables, the consumables in the feed channel 21 are unmelted consumables, and at least part of the consumables in the discharge channel 22 are solid consumables.

[0088] This application also provides a printhead, which can be the printing device 1 of the above embodiments, and has all the functions and advantages of the printing device 1. The printhead may include the extrusion mechanism 10 of the above embodiments, or the line merging mechanism 20, or the heat dissipation device 23, or the throat 24.

[0089] This application also provides a 3D printer, which includes the extrusion mechanism 10, or line merging mechanism 20, or heat dissipation device 23, or throat 24, or printing device 1 or the print head of the above embodiment, and has all the functions and advantages of the extrusion mechanism 10, or line merging mechanism 20, or heat dissipation device 23, or throat 24, or printing device 1 or the print head of the above embodiment.

[0090] This application provides a line merging mechanism 20, which is applied to a printing device 1. The printing device 1 also includes an extrusion mechanism 10 and a nozzle assembly 30. The extrusion mechanism 10 is used to selectively drive a target consumable among a plurality of consumables forward or backward. The extrusion mechanism 10 is located upstream of the consumable path of the line merging mechanism 20 and the nozzle assembly 30. The line merging mechanism 20 includes a plurality of feed channels 21 and at least one discharge channel 22 communicating with the feed channels 21. The nozzle assembly 30 is used to communicate with the discharge channel 22.

[0091] The number of feeding channels 21 is the same as the number of consumables, and they correspond to the positions of the consumables to accommodate them;

[0092] The line merging mechanism 20 includes a discharge channel 22, and the printing device 1 includes a nozzle assembly 30, the number of which is the same as the number of discharge channels 22; or

[0093] The line merging mechanism 20 includes multiple discharge channels 22, and the printing device 1 includes multiple nozzle assemblies 30, the number of which is the same as the number of discharge channels 22.

[0094] The line merging mechanism 20 and the nozzle assembly 30 are directly connected.

[0095] Printing device 1 includes a printhead, which comprises an extrusion mechanism 10, a line merging mechanism 20, and a nozzle assembly 30; or

[0096] The printing device 1 includes a printhead, which includes a line merging mechanism 20 and a nozzle assembly 30.

[0097] The line merging mechanism 20 includes a feeding component and a discharging component; the feeding component and the discharging component are connected, the feeding component is provided with a feeding channel 21, and the discharging channel 22 is provided on the discharging component, or the discharging channel 22 is provided on both the discharging component and the feeding component;

[0098] The feed channel 21 corresponds to the consumable material passing through the extrusion mechanism 10, and the discharge part is connected to the nozzle assembly 30.

[0099] The feeding component includes a heat dissipation device 23, and the discharging component includes a throat 24. The heat dissipation device 23 is connected to the throat 24. The heat dissipation device 23 is provided with a feeding channel 21, and the discharging channel 22 is provided on the throat 24, or the discharging channel 22 is provided on both the throat 24 and the heat dissipation device 23.

[0100] The feed channel 21 is used to correspond to the consumables passing through the extrusion mechanism 10, and the throat 24 is used to connect to the nozzle assembly 30.

[0101] The heat dissipation device 23 is provided with multiple first feeding channels 231 and a connecting channel 232 connected to the feeding channels 21. The throat pipe 24 is provided with a discharge channel 22. One end of the throat pipe 24 is connected to the heat dissipation device 23 through the connecting channel 232 so that the first feeding channels 231 and the discharge channel 22 are connected.

[0102] The length of the connecting channel 232 is 5-15mm, and the diameter of the connecting channel 232 is 5.3-7mm;

[0103] The length of the first feed channel 231 is 6-20mm; the diameter of the first feed channel 231 is 1.5-2.5mm.

[0104] The projection of one end of the multiple first feeding channels 231 near the connecting channel 232 onto the connecting channel 232 is located within the connecting channel 232;

[0105] The end of the first feeding channel 231 away from the connecting channel 232 is located at the first end of the heat dissipation device 23, and the end of the connecting channel 232 away from the first feeding channel 231 is located at the second end of the heat dissipation device 23 opposite to the first end.

[0106] The throat 24 is also provided with a connecting channel 241 that communicates with the discharge channel 22. Multiple first feed channels 231 are connected to the discharge channel 22 through the connecting channel 241. One end of the throat 24 with the discharge channel 22 is connected to the nozzle assembly 30.

[0107] The length of the throat 24 is 14-25mm; the length of the discharge channel 22 is 5-15mm, the diameter of the discharge channel 22 is 1.5-2.5mm, the length of the connecting channel 241 is 5-15mm, and the maximum diameter of the connecting channel 241 is 5-7mm.

[0108] The distance between the ends of the plurality of first feed channels 231 that are away from the connecting channel 232 is less than the distance between the ends of the plurality of first feed channels 231 that are close to the connecting channel 232.

[0109] The dimension of the end of the connecting channel 241 near the nozzle assembly 30 is smaller than the dimension of the end of the connecting channel 241 away from the nozzle assembly 30.

[0110] The projection of one end of the multiple first feed channels 231 near the connecting channel 232 onto the connecting channel 241 is located on the end of the connecting channel 232 away from the nozzle assembly 30.

[0111] The line merging mechanism 20 also includes a connecting device 25, which has multiple second feeding channels 251. The second feeding channels 251 are used to correspond to the consumables passing through the extrusion mechanism 10. The second feeding channels 251 also correspond one-to-one with the first feeding channels 231.

[0112] The distance between the connecting device 25 and the heat dissipation device 23 is 0.1mm-5mm.

[0113] This application also provides a heat dissipation device 23, which is applied to a line merging mechanism 20. The line merging mechanism also includes a throat 24. The heat dissipation device 23 is used to connect with the throat 24. The heat dissipation device 23 is provided with multiple feeding channels 21, and the throat 24 is provided with a discharge channel 22. Alternatively, both the heat dissipation device 23 and the throat 24 are provided with discharge channels 22. The feeding channels 21 are used to communicate with the discharge channels 22.

[0114] The heat dissipation device 23 is provided with multiple first feeding channels 231 and a connecting channel 232 that communicates with the feeding channels 21. The heat dissipation device 23 is connected to one end of the throat pipe 24 through the connecting channel 232 so that the first feeding channels 231 are connected to the discharge channel 22.

[0115] The length of the connecting channel 232 is 5-15mm, and the diameter of the connecting channel 232 is 5.3-7mm;

[0116] The length of the first feed channel 231 is 6-20mm; the diameter of the first feed channel 231 is 1.5-2.5mm.

[0117] The projection of one end of the multiple first feeding channels 231 near the connecting channel 232 onto the connecting channel 232 is located within the connecting channel 232;

[0118] The end of the first feeding channel 231 away from the connecting channel 232 is located at the first end of the heat dissipation device 23, and the end of the connecting channel 232 away from the first feeding channel 231 is located at the second end of the heat dissipation device 23 opposite to the first end.

[0119] The distance between the ends of the plurality of first feed channels 231 that are away from the connecting channel 232 is less than the distance between the ends of the plurality of first feed channels 231 that are close to the connecting channel 232.

[0120] This application also provides a throat 24, which is applied to a line merging mechanism 20. The line merging mechanism also includes a heat dissipation device 23. The throat 24 is used to connect to the heat dissipation device 23. The heat dissipation device 23 has multiple feeding channels 21, and the throat 24 has a discharge channel 22. Alternatively, both the heat dissipation device 23 and the throat 24 have discharge channels 22. The feeding channels 21 are used to communicate with the discharge channels 22.

[0121] The throat 24 is also provided with a connecting channel 241 that communicates with the discharge channel 22. Multiple feed channels 22 are connected to the discharge channel 22 through the connecting channel 241. One end of the throat 24 with the discharge channel 22 is used to connect to the nozzle assembly 30 of the 3D printer.

[0122] The length of the throat 24 is 14-25mm; the length of the discharge channel 22 is 5-15mm, the diameter of the discharge channel 22 is 1.5-2.5mm, the length of the connecting channel 241 is 5-15mm, and the maximum diameter of the connecting channel 241 is 5-7mm.

[0123] The dimension of the end of the connecting channel 241 near the nozzle assembly 30 is smaller than the dimension of the end of the connecting channel 241 away from the nozzle assembly 30.

[0124] This application also provides a printhead, and the 3D printer includes the above-described line merging mechanism 20, or the above-described heat dissipation device 23, or the above-described throat 24.

[0125] This application also provides a 3D printer, which includes the above-described line merging mechanism 20, or the above-described heat dissipation device 23, or the above-described throat 24, or the above-described printhead.

[0126] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A throat tube, characterized in that, The throat tube is used in the line merging mechanism, which also includes a heat dissipation device. The throat tube is used to connect with the heat dissipation device. The heat dissipation device has multiple feeding channels, and the throat tube has a discharge channel. Alternatively, both the heat dissipation device and the throat tube have discharge channels, and the feeding channels are used to communicate with the discharge channels.

2. The trachea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The throat tube is also provided with a connecting channel that communicates with the discharge channel. The multiple feed channels are respectively connected to the discharge channel through the connecting channel. One end of the throat tube with the discharge channel is used to connect to the nozzle assembly of the 3D printer.

3. The trachea according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the throat is 14-25mm; the length of the discharge channel is 5-15mm, the diameter of the discharge channel is 1.5-2.5mm, the length of the connecting channel is 5-15mm, and the maximum diameter of the connecting channel is 5-7mm.

4. The trachea according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dimension of the connecting channel at the end near the nozzle assembly is smaller than the dimension of the connecting channel at the end away from the nozzle assembly.

5. A printhead, characterized in that, The printhead includes the throat as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. A three-dimensional printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer includes the throat as described in any one of claims 1-4, or the print head as described in claim 5.

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