Printing head assembly and additive manufacturing equipment
By designing a printhead assembly with a base, telescopic adjustment mechanism, and elastic buffer, the problems of printhead being difficult to fine-tune and easily damaged in high-precision printing tasks are solved, achieving fine position adjustment and effective buffering, and improving the adaptability and reliability of the printhead.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG SANZHAO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing printheads are difficult to fine-tune in high-precision printing tasks and are prone to damage from collisions with external components, affecting printing accuracy and equipment lifespan.
A printhead assembly comprising a base, a telescopic adjustment mechanism, a printhead body, and an elastic buffer is designed. The telescopic adjustment mechanism enables fine-tuning of the printhead position, while the elastic buffer absorbs collision energy and reduces damage.
It enables fine-tuning of the printhead position along the feed path and effective buffer protection, improving the printhead's adjustment flexibility and adaptability, and enhancing its reliability and durability in complex environments.
Smart Images
Figure CN224276220U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a printhead assembly and additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Additive manufacturing technologies (AM), also known as 3D printing, are a manufacturing method that builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing does not require molds and can directly manufacture complex-shaped parts based on digital models. It is particularly suitable for small-batch, customized production and the manufacture of parts with complex internal structures.
[0003] As a core component of additive manufacturing equipment, the printhead is used to precisely deliver printing consumables to the printing area, and its performance directly affects print quality and efficiency. However, existing printheads have certain limitations in practical applications. On the one hand, once the printhead moves into position under the drive of the rear-end drive assembly, its output position remains fixed, making it impossible to fine-tune the feed path according to actual printing needs. This deficiency makes the printhead difficult to adapt to complex printing scenarios, especially in high-precision printing tasks, failing to meet the requirements for precise control of the printing position and path. On the other hand, the printhead is prone to collisions with other external devices during operation, causing damage that negatively impacts printing accuracy and equipment lifespan. These problems limit the application of additive manufacturing technology in high-precision fields and urgently require solutions through technological innovation. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a printhead assembly that enables fine-tuning of the printhead's position along the feed path, while also providing a certain buffering capacity by incorporating an elastic device to reduce damage to the printhead from accidental collisions.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a printhead assembly comprising:
[0006] Base;
[0007] A telescopic adjustment mechanism has a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is connected to the base, and the movable part is adjustablely slidably fitted onto the fixed part along a first path.
[0008] A printhead body, which is slidably fitted onto the movable part along the first path, is used to convey thermoplastic filament to the printing area;
[0009] An elastic buffer is provided, with its first end connected to the movable part and its second end connected to the printhead body; the elastic buffer is used to prevent the printhead body from moving backward along the first path under elastic force.
[0010] In one embodiment, the movable part is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, the first limiting part and the second limiting part being spaced apart along the first path; the printhead body has a mounting part, the mounting part being slidably fitted onto the movable part along the first path, and the mounting part being located between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.
[0011] In one embodiment, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are arranged sequentially from back to front; the first end of the elastic buffer is connected to the first limiting portion, and the elastic buffer is used to push the mounting portion forward under elastic force to abut against the second limiting portion.
[0012] In one embodiment, the printhead body includes a first roller, a second roller, and an extrusion drive device. The first roller is connected to the extrusion drive device, and an extrusion channel is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller. The extrusion channel is used to accommodate thermoplastic filament.
[0013] The extrusion drive device is used to drive the first roller to rotate, so as to push the thermoplastic wire in the extrusion channel outward through the relative motion between the first roller and the second roller.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first roller is configured as a gear structure; and / or, the second roller is configured as a gear structure.
[0015] In one embodiment, the printhead body includes a heat dissipation device and a heating device; the heat dissipation device is disposed towards the extrusion channel and is used to supply cooling energy to the thermoplastic filament in the extrusion channel; the heating device is disposed on the front side of the extrusion channel and is used to cause the thermoplastic filament output from the extrusion channel to enter a molten state through a heating operation.
[0016] In one embodiment, the base includes a first base body, a second base body, and a first fastener. The second base body is pivotally connected to the first base body about a first adjustment axis. The first fastener is used to lock the second base body to the second base body. The fixing part is connected to the second base body. The first adjustment axis is perpendicular to a first vertical plane, and the first vertical plane intersects with the first path.
[0017] In one embodiment, the printhead assembly further includes a guide box connected to the rear side of the printhead body. The guide box has a wiring channel, the outlet end of which faces the inlet end of the printhead body. The wiring channel is used to accommodate thermoplastic wire.
[0018] In one embodiment, the telescopic adjustment mechanism is configured as a micrometer, the fixed sleeve of the micrometer constitutes the fixed part, and the micrometer screw of the micrometer constitutes the movable part.
[0019] This utility model also proposes an additive manufacturing apparatus, which includes the printhead assembly as described above.
[0020] The printhead assembly provided by this invention, through the coordinated operation of the base, telescopic adjustment mechanism, printhead body, and elastic buffer, achieves precise position adjustment and effective buffer protection of the printhead body along the feed path. In practical applications, the operator can drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part along the first path, and then, through the elastic buffer, drive the printhead body to perform fine-tuning operations to move it forward or backward toward the printing area, thus meeting the precise position requirements of high-precision printing tasks. Simultaneously, when the printhead body suffers external collisions or impacts, the elastic buffer can absorb the impact energy, reducing damage to the printhead body, and quickly reset the printhead body after the impact disappears, ensuring that the printhead can continue to perform stable and precise printing operations. This design not only improves the adjustment flexibility and adaptability of the printhead assembly but also enhances its reliability and durability in complex printing environments. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 A front view structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printhead assembly provided by this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printhead assembly provided by this utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective structural diagram of an embodiment of the printhead assembly provided by this utility model.
[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0026] 1. Base; 101. First base body; 102. Second base body;
[0027] 2. Telescopic adjustment mechanism; 201. Fixed part; 202. Moving part; 2021. First limiting part; 2022. Second limiting part;
[0028] 3. Printhead body; 301. Heating device; 302. Mounting part; 303. Heat dissipation device; 304. First roller; 305. Second roller; 306. Extrusion drive device;
[0029] 4. Elastic cushioning components;
[0030] 5. Guide box; 501. Cable routing channel.
[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0035] Additive manufacturing technologies (AM), also known as 3D printing, are a manufacturing method that builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing does not require molds and can directly manufacture complex-shaped parts based on digital models. It is particularly suitable for small-batch, customized production and the manufacture of parts with complex internal structures.
[0036] As a core component of additive manufacturing equipment, the printhead is used to precisely deliver printing consumables to the printing area, and its performance directly affects print quality and efficiency. However, existing printheads have certain limitations in practical applications. On the one hand, once the printhead moves into position under the drive of the rear-end drive assembly, its output position remains fixed, making it impossible to fine-tune the feed path according to actual printing needs. This deficiency makes the printhead difficult to adapt to complex printing scenarios, especially in high-precision printing tasks, failing to meet the requirements for precise control of the printing position and path. On the other hand, the printhead is prone to collisions with other external devices during operation, causing damage that negatively impacts printing accuracy and equipment lifespan. These problems limit the application of additive manufacturing technology in high-precision fields and urgently require solutions through technological innovation.
[0037] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a printhead assembly designed to enable fine-tuning of the printhead's position along the feed path. Furthermore, by incorporating an elastic device, the printhead gains a certain degree of cushioning capability, thereby reducing damage caused by accidental collisions.
[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The printhead assembly provided by this utility model includes:
[0039] Base 1;
[0040] The telescopic adjustment mechanism 2 has a fixed part 201 and a movable part 202. The fixed part 201 is connected to the base 1, and the movable part 202 is adjustablely slidably fitted onto the fixed part 201 along a first path.
[0041] Printhead body 3 is slidably fitted onto movable part 202 along the first path. Printhead body 3 is used to transport thermoplastic filament to the printing area.
[0042] The elastic buffer 4 has its first end connected to the movable part 202 and its second end connected to the printhead body 3. The elastic buffer 4 is used to prevent the printhead body 3 from moving backward along the first path under elastic force.
[0043] In this embodiment, the base 1 can refer to the outer shell, base, or other parts of the additive manufacturing equipment used to provide an installation foundation; the base 1 can be connected to drive components such as robotic arms so that the base 1 and the print head body 3 set on the base 1 can be moved as a whole to a position close to the printing area.
[0044] The fixed part 201 can be installed on the base 1 via a threaded connection or other connection method to serve as the support and guide base for the movable part 202. The movable part 202 is configured to slide relative to the fixed part 201 along a first path, typically using a precision-machined slide rail, slide groove, or similar guide structure. In specific implementation, the fixed part 201 of the telescopic adjustment mechanism 2 can be configured with a dovetail groove, T-groove, or other structure suitable for sliding fit to match the corresponding structure of the movable part 202. The movable part 202 slides with the fixed part 201 via a slider or other sliding component to ensure that the movable part 202 can move smoothly and accurately relative to the fixed part 201 along the first path.
[0045] The printhead body 3 and the movable part 202 can be connected via guide rails, grooves, sliders, or other means to achieve a sliding connection along the first path. The printhead body 3 is used to transport thermoplastic filament to the printing area by extrusion or other methods. During the transport process, the thermoplastic filament will enter a molten state under the heating operation of the heating device 301. The molten thermoplastic filament can be stacked layer by layer in the printing area, and the molten thermoplastic filament will solidify through a cooling operation to finally form a product of a preset shape. For the specific structure of the printhead body 3, please refer to the printhead part of existing additive manufacturing equipment, which will not be described in detail here.
[0046] The elastic buffer 4 can be made of springs, elastic colloids, elastic plastics, or other devices that provide elastic force. In practice, the first end of the elastic buffer 4 can be directly or indirectly connected to the movable part 202 via threaded connection, snap-fit, welding, or bonding. Similarly, the second end of the elastic buffer 4 can be directly or indirectly connected to the printhead body 3 via threaded connection, snap-fit, welding, or bonding. The elastic buffer 4 serves two purposes: firstly, it connects and transmits power between the movable part 202 and the printhead body 3; secondly, it absorbs energy and cushions the printhead body 3 in the event of a collision.
[0047] In the above description, the first path refers to the feed path of the printhead body 3. When the movable part 202 moves forward along the first path, it will drive the printhead body 3 to move closer to the printing area via the elastic buffer 4. When the movable part 202 moves backward along the first path, it will drive the printhead body 3 to move further away from the printing area via the elastic buffer 4. During the movement of the printhead body 3 driven by the elastic buffer 4, the limiting and guiding effect of the movable part 202 on the printhead body 3 can avoid the problem of the printhead body 3 deviating laterally from the first path during the movement due to the uncertainty of the deformation direction of the elastic buffer 4, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the printhead body 3 during the movement along the first path.
[0048] Based on the above settings, during actual printing operations, when it is necessary to fine-tune the position of the printhead body 3 on the feed path (i.e., the first path), the operator can use an external drive device or manually drive the movable part 202 to move along the first path. The movable part 202, through the elastic buffer 4, can move the printhead body 3 forward toward the printing area or backward away from the printing area. This allows for fine and precise adjustment of the printhead body 3's position, better meeting the needs of high-precision printing tasks. During the movement of the printhead body 3, when it is subjected to external collisions or impacts at the printing area, the printhead body 3 will move backward, squeezing or stretching the elastic buffer 4. The elastic buffer 4 can absorb some of the impact energy through its elastic deformation, thus providing a buffering effect and reducing damage to the printhead body 3 caused by the collision. After the impact energy disappears, the elastic force will drive the printhead body 3 to move forward quickly to reset, allowing the printhead body 3 to continue precise printing operations.
[0049] Therefore, the printhead assembly provided in this embodiment, through the coordinated operation of the base 1, the telescopic adjustment mechanism 2, the printhead body 3, and the elastic buffer 4, achieves precise position adjustment and effective buffer protection for the printhead body 3 along the feed path. In practical applications, the operator can drive the movable part 202 to move relative to the fixed part 201 along the first path, thereby using the elastic buffer 4 to drive the printhead body 3 to perform fine-tuning operations, moving it forward towards the printing area or backward away from the printing area, to meet the precise position requirements of high-precision printing tasks. Simultaneously, when the printhead body 3 suffers external collisions or impacts, the elastic buffer 4 can absorb the impact energy, reducing damage to the printhead body 3, and quickly reset the printhead body 3 after the impact disappears, ensuring that the printhead can continue to perform stable and precise printing operations. This design not only improves the adjustment flexibility and adaptability of the printhead assembly but also enhances its reliability and durability in complex printing environments.
[0050] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The movable part 202 is provided with a first limiting part 2021 and a second limiting part 2022, which are spaced apart along a first path; the print head body 3 has a mounting part 302, which is slidably fitted onto the movable part 202 along the first path, and the mounting part 302 is located between the first limiting part 2021 and the second limiting part 2022.
[0051] Specifically, the first limiting part 2021 and the second limiting part 2022 can be a boss, flange or other structure integrally formed on the movable part 202, or they can be structural parts externally connected to the movable part 202.
[0052] The mounting part 302 can be designed with a sliding structure adapted to the movable part 202, such as a slider or a groove, to achieve smooth sliding of the mounting part 302 along the first path. Taking the movable part 202 as a rod-shaped structure as an example, the mounting part 302 can be configured as a boss structure. The boss structure has a through hole for the movable part 202 to pass through and fit. Through the shaft hole fit between the through hole and the movable part 202, the mounting part 302 can slide smoothly along the first path under the guidance of the movable part 202, thereby realizing the smooth movement of the printhead body 3 along the first path.
[0053] By setting the first limiting part 2021 and the second limiting part 2022, the forward and backward movement of the mounting part 302 along the first path can be limited respectively. That is, the movement range of the mounting part 302 is limited between the first limiting part 2021 and the second limiting part 2022. This can reduce the problem of excessive movement of the print head body 3 under the action of the elastic buffer 4 due to the uncontrollability of the elastic buffer 4 during the deformation process, and improve the positional accuracy of the print head body 3 on the first path.
[0054] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The first limiting part 2021 and the second limiting part 2022 are arranged sequentially from back to front; the first end of the elastic buffer 4 is connected to the first limiting part 2021, and the elastic buffer 4 is used to push the mounting part 302 against the second limiting part 2022 under the elastic force.
[0055] In this embodiment, the elastic buffer 4 is always in a pre-tightened state (i.e., in a compressed state), which ensures that the mounting part 302 is always in contact with the second limiting part 2022. When the movable part 202 moves along the first path, it can drive the mounting part 302 to move synchronously along the first path at the same amplitude and speed, thereby avoiding the problem of position fluctuation relative to the movable part 202 on the first path because the mounting part 302 is only connected to the flexible elastic buffer 4.
[0056] When the printhead body 3 collides, the mounting part 302 will move backward along the first path and further compress the elastic buffer 4. The elastic buffer 4 can absorb part of the impact energy through its compression deformation, thereby reducing the damage to the printhead body 3 caused by the collision. When the impact energy disappears, the elastic buffer 4 will return to its original state and drive the printhead body 3 to move forward quickly, so that the mounting part 302 will abut against the second limiting part 2022 again to complete the reset action.
[0057] Based on the above settings, while maintaining the energy absorption and buffering effect and reset function of the elastic buffer 4, the positional accuracy of the printhead body 3 on the first path is further improved.
[0058] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The printhead body 3 includes a first roller 304, a second roller 305 and an extrusion drive device 306. The first roller 304 is connected to the extrusion drive device 306. An extrusion channel is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 304 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 305. The extrusion channel is used to accommodate thermoplastic filaments.
[0059] The extrusion drive device 306 is used to drive the first roller 304 to rotate, so as to push the thermoplastic wire in the extrusion channel outward through the relative movement between the first roller 304 and the second roller 305.
[0060] Specifically, the first roller 304 and the second roller 305 are arranged side by side, and the rotation center axis of the first roller 304 and the rotation center axis of the second roller 305 are parallel to each other; the extrusion drive device 306 may include a motor and a transmission mechanism, a reduction mechanism, etc. used in conjunction with it.
[0061] The thermoplastic filament is sandwiched between the first roller 304 and the second roller 305 (that is, in the extrusion channel between the outer circumferential surfaces of the first roller 304 and the second roller 305). When the extrusion drive device 306 drives the first roller 304 to rotate in the first clockwise direction, the thermoplastic filament will move forward under the friction of the first roller 304. The forward-moving thermoplastic filament will further drive the second roller 305 to rotate in the second clockwise direction based on the friction, which is opposite to the first clockwise direction. In this way, under the combined action of the first roller 304 as the driving wheel and the second roller 305 as the driven wheel, the thermoplastic filament in the extrusion channel can be stably driven to move forward continuously, realizing the extrusion operation of the thermoplastic filament, thereby continuously conveying the thermoplastic filament to the printing area.
[0062] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The first roller 304 is configured as a gear structure; and / or the second roller 305 is configured as a gear structure.
[0063] In specific implementation, only the first roller 304 can be configured as a gear structure, only the second roller 305 can be configured as a gear structure, or both the first roller 304 and the second roller 305 can be configured as gear structures. The toothed portion of the aforementioned gear structure is used to directly contact the thermoplastic filament, which increases the friction between the first roller 304, the second roller 305 and the thermoplastic filament, reduces the slippage of the thermoplastic filament on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first roller 304 and the second roller 305, and thus enables the thermoplastic filament to be conveyed to the printing area more stably through the rotation of the first roller 304 and the second roller 305.
[0064] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The printhead body 3 includes a heat dissipation device 303 and a heating device 301. The heat dissipation device 303 is disposed towards the extrusion channel and is used to deliver cooling energy to the thermoplastic filament in the extrusion channel. The heating device 301 is disposed on the front side of the extrusion channel and is used to make the thermoplastic filament output from the extrusion channel enter the molten state through heating operation.
[0065] Specifically, when the thermoplastic filament passes through the extrusion channel and reaches the heating device 301 on the front side under the extrusion action of the first roller 304 and the second roller 305, the heating device 301 can heat the thermoplastic filament into a molten state by means of electric heating or other methods. The molten thermoplastic filament can continue to be conveyed forward to the printing area under the extrusion action of the first roller 304 and the second roller 305.
[0066] In practical applications, the heat generated by the heating device 301 may diffuse backward to the extrusion channel, causing the thermoplastic wire in the extrusion channel to be heated prematurely and enter a molten state. This prevents the prematurely molten thermoplastic wire from being extruded smoothly under the rotation of the first roller 304 and the second roller 305. To address this problem, this embodiment uses a heat dissipation device 303 to supply cooling energy to the thermoplastic wire in the extrusion channel, preventing the wire from prematurely melting before passing through the extrusion channel and thus failing to be extruded smoothly. The heat dissipation device 303 can be configured as a cooling fan to supply cooling energy to the thermoplastic wire through airflow.
[0067] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The base 1 includes a first base 101, a second base 102, and a first fastener (not shown in the figure). The second base 102 is swayably connected to the first base 101 around a first adjustment axis. The first fastener is used to lock the second base 102 to the second base 102. The fixing part 201 is connected to the second base 102. The first adjustment axis is perpendicular to the first vertical plane, and the first vertical plane intersects with the first path.
[0068] Illustrationly, one of the first seat 101 and the second seat 102 may be provided with an arc-shaped groove with the first adjustment axis as the central axis, and the other of the first seat 101 and the second seat 102 may be provided with a slider structure adapted to the arc-shaped groove. Through the sliding engagement of the slider structure in the arc-shaped groove, the second seat 102 can swing relative to the first seat 101 around the first adjustment axis, thereby conveniently adjusting the angle of the printhead body 3 on the second seat 102 relative to the first seat 101.
[0069] Taking the first fastener as an example of a threaded fastener, the screw portion of the first fastener can pass through the arc-shaped groove and be screwed onto the slider structure. After the angle between the print head body 3 and the first seat 101 is adjusted to the correct position, the operator can screw the first fastener to push the first seat 101 and the second seat 102 to press against each other through the screw head portion of the first fastener. This can conveniently achieve relative fixation between the first seat 101 and the second seat 102, and prevent the print head body 3 from shifting position relative to the first seat 101 in the future.
[0070] Based on the above settings, the degree of freedom of movement of the printhead body 3 relative to the base 1 can be increased, so that the printhead body 3 can be adjusted to a suitable angle and position more flexibly according to actual printing needs.
[0071] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The printhead assembly also includes a guide box 5, which is connected to the rear side of the printhead body 3. The guide box 5 is provided with a wiring channel 501, the outlet end of which is set towards the inlet end of the printhead body 3. The wiring channel 501 is used to accommodate thermoplastic wires.
[0072] By setting up the guide box 5, the wiring channel 501 can, to a certain extent, organize and guide the thermoplastic filament, allowing it to enter the inlet end of the printhead body 3 (i.e., into the extrusion channel between the first roller 304 and the second roller 305 in the above embodiment) at a more suitable angle. This allows the thermoplastic filament to be transported more smoothly to the printing area via the printhead body 3. In addition, the guide box 5 can also provide some protection for the thermoplastic filament before it enters the printhead body 3, preventing excessive exposure and damage.
[0073] In one embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The telescopic adjustment mechanism 2 is configured as a micrometer, the fixed sleeve of the micrometer constitutes the fixed part 201, and the micrometer screw of the micrometer constitutes the movable part 202.
[0074] The micrometer, also known as a micrometer screw gauge, has high adjustment accuracy. When it is necessary to fine-tune the position of the print head body 3 on the first path, the high-precision adjustment capability of the micrometer screw gauge can meet the strict position requirements in high-precision printing tasks, ensuring that the print head body 3 can be accurately moved to the required position, thereby improving print quality.
[0075] In addition, micrometers are typically equipped with coarse and fine adjustment knobs. During operation, the operator can first use the coarse adjustment knob to quickly bring the printhead body 3 close to the target position, and then switch to the fine adjustment knob for precise positioning of the printhead body 3. This combination of coarse and fine adjustment allows the operator to efficiently and conveniently adjust the position of the printhead body 3 while ensuring accuracy.
[0076] In addition, the scale lines on the micrometer provide operators with an intuitive adjustment reference. During the adjustment process, operators can refer to the scale lines to accurately judge the amount of movement of the print head body 3, thereby achieving precise adjustment and control.
[0077] This utility model embodiment also provides an additive manufacturing device, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 3 The additive manufacturing apparatus includes the printhead assembly in any of the above embodiments.
[0078] The specific structure of the printhead assembly can be referred to in the above embodiments. Since this additive manufacturing equipment adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments. That is, through the coordinated cooperation of the base 1, the telescopic adjustment mechanism 2, the printhead body 3, and the elastic buffer 4, fine position adjustment and effective buffer protection of the printhead body 3 on the feed path are achieved. In practical applications, the operator can drive the movable part 202 to move relative to the fixed part 201 along the first path, and then, through the elastic buffer 4, drive the printhead body 3 to perform fine-tuning operations to move forward towards the printing area or backward away from the printing area, so as to meet the precise requirements of high-precision printing tasks for the printhead position. Simultaneously, when the printhead body 3 suffers external collisions or impacts, the elastic buffer 4 can absorb the impact energy, reduce damage to the printhead body 3, and quickly reset the printhead body 3 after the impact disappears, ensuring that the printhead can continue to perform stable and precise printing operations. The above design not only improves the adjustment flexibility and adaptability of the printhead assembly, but also enhances its reliability and durability in complex printing environments.
[0079] It should be noted that other contents of the printhead assembly and additive manufacturing equipment disclosed in this utility model can be found in the prior art, and will not be repeated here.
[0080] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A printhead assembly, comprising: The printhead assembly includes: Base; A telescopic adjustment mechanism has a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is connected to the base, and the movable part is adjustablely slidably fitted onto the fixed part along a first path. A printhead body, which is slidably fitted onto the movable part along the first path, is used to convey thermoplastic filament to the printing area; An elastic buffer is provided, with its first end connected to the movable part and its second end connected to the printhead body; the elastic buffer is used to prevent the printhead body from moving backward along the first path under elastic force.
2. The printhead assembly of claim 1, wherein, The movable part is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, which are spaced apart along the first path; the print head body has a mounting part, which is slidably fitted onto the movable part along the first path, and the mounting part is located between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.
3. The printhead assembly of claim 2, wherein, The first limiting part and the second limiting part are arranged sequentially from back to front; the first end of the elastic buffer is connected to the first limiting part, and the elastic buffer is used to push the mounting part forward under the elastic force to abut against the second limiting part.
4. The printhead assembly of claim 1, wherein, The printhead body includes a first roller, a second roller, and an extrusion drive device. The first roller is connected to the extrusion drive device, and an extrusion channel is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller. The extrusion channel is used to accommodate thermoplastic filament. The extrusion drive device is used to drive the first roller to rotate, so as to push the thermoplastic wire in the extrusion channel outward through the relative motion between the first roller and the second roller.
5. The printhead assembly of claim 4, wherein The first roller is configured as a gear structure; and / or the second roller is configured as a gear structure.
6. The printhead assembly of claim 4, wherein The printhead body includes a heat dissipation device and a heating device; the heat dissipation device is disposed towards the extrusion channel and is used to supply cooling energy to the thermoplastic filament in the extrusion channel; the heating device is disposed on the front side of the extrusion channel and is used to cause the thermoplastic filament output from the extrusion channel to enter a molten state through heating operation.
7. The printhead assembly of claim 1, wherein The base includes a first base body, a second base body, and a first fastener. The second base body is swayably connected to the first base body about a first adjustment axis. The first fastener is used to lock the second base body to the second base body. The fixing part is connected to the second base body. The first adjustment axis is perpendicular to a first vertical plane, and the first vertical plane intersects with the first path.
8. The printhead assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead assembly also includes a guide box connected to the rear side of the printhead body. The guide box has a wiring channel inside, with the outlet end of the wiring channel facing the inlet end of the printhead body. The wiring channel is used to accommodate thermoplastic wires.
9. The printhead assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The telescopic adjustment mechanism is configured as a micrometer, with the fixed sleeve of the micrometer constituting the fixed part and the micrometer screw of the micrometer constituting the movable part.
10. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, The additive manufacturing equipment includes a printhead assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.