Consumable detection device for 3D printing extruder

Abstract

The utility model discloses a consumable detection device for a 3D printing extruder. The consumable detection device comprises a printing head shell, a wire extruding channel is vertically formed in the inner side of the printing head shell in a penetrating mode, and a detection channel, an adjusting groove and a square groove are formed in the inner side of the printing head shell. The inner wall of the detection channel is fixedly connected with a first fixing shaft and a clamping block. Through an innovative mechanical conduction structure, when the consumables are inserted from the top, the balls are pushed and eject the deflector rod, so that the distance between the magnet block on the deflector rod and the Hall sensor is changed, the entry state of the consumables is detected in real time, and meanwhile, the detection accuracy is improved. The Hall sensor can accurately sense the actual diameter of the consumables according to the difference of the shifting distance of the shifting rod caused by small change of the diameters of the consumables, real-time accurate control over the extrusion flow is achieved in combination with the driving motor and the transmission gear set, and the problem that in the prior art, the extrusion amount is unstable due to uneven diameters of the consumables is solved; and the consistency of printing quality is obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, specifically to a device for testing consumables in a 3D printing extruder. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology, as a novel manufacturing process, has been widely applied in industrial manufacturing, medical devices, and architectural models due to its advantages such as rapid prototyping, customization, and material saving. In fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, the extruder, as a key component, is responsible for heating and melting thermoplastic filaments and precisely extruding them. The precise control of the extrusion flow rate directly determines the quality and accuracy of the molded parts. Currently, 3D printer extrusion devices on the market typically control the extrusion volume using preset parameters, lacking a real-time detection and response mechanism for the actual state of the filaments.

[0003] However, existing 3D printing extruders have significant shortcomings in real-time control of extrusion flow. First, they cannot accurately detect whether the filament is entering the extrusion system correctly, which may lead to dry-printing. Second, commercially available filaments often have a diameter error of ±0.05mm or even larger, and existing devices cannot detect these minute changes in real time and adjust the extrusion volume accordingly, resulting in problems such as uneven layer thickness and inconsistent infill density. Furthermore, due to the lack of real-time monitoring of the filament's status, if abnormal situations such as filament jamming or sudden diameter changes occur during printing, the system cannot adjust the extrusion parameters in time, seriously affecting print quality and success rate.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can detect the filament's entry status in real time and automatically adjust the extrusion flow rate according to changes in the filament's diameter, in order to improve the accuracy and stability of 3D printing, solve the problem of inaccurate extrusion flow rate control caused by changes in the filament's status, and thus significantly improve printing quality and efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for testing consumables in 3D printing extruders, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art mentioned in the background section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a 3D printing extruder consumable testing device, including a printhead housing;

[0007] The inner side of the printhead housing has a vertically penetrating filament extrusion channel, and the inner side of the printhead housing also has a detection channel, an adjustment groove, and a square groove.

[0008] The inner wall of the detection channel is fixedly connected to a first fixed shaft and a locking block. A lever is rotatably sleeved on the first fixed shaft. A Hall sensor is installed in the detection channel. An intermediate groove is opened between the detection channel and the extrusion channel. A ball bearing is movably installed in the intermediate groove. A magnet is installed at the lower end of the lever.

[0009] A second fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjusting groove. An adjusting component is rotatably sleeved on the second fixed shaft. A first transmission gear is rotatably mounted on the adjusting component. A drive motor is installed inside the printhead housing. The motor shaft of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the second transmission gear. The first transmission gear and the second transmission gear mesh and are connected to the extrusion channel. A square nut is connected inside the square groove. An adjusting screw is connected inside the square nut through a threaded structure.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the extrusion channel is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0011] Preferably, the opening width of the intermediate groove near the extrusion channel is smaller than the diameter of the ball, and the ball partially moves into the extrusion channel.

[0012] Preferably, the locking block is recessed on the side near the lever, and a protruding post is integrally connected to the middle part of the lever on the side near the locking block. A return spring is fixedly connected between the protruding post and the inner side of the locking block.

[0013] Preferably, both the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear have annular transmission grooves on their surfaces, and the inner walls of the annular transmission grooves are integrally connected in a regular annular array with several sets of teeth.

[0014] Preferably, the lower end of the adjusting member has a through hole on its inner side, the adjusting screw passes through the through hole, and an adjusting spring is connected between the through hole opening and the head of the adjusting screw.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] 1) This application utilizes an innovative mechanical transmission structure. When the filament is inserted from the top, the ball is pushed and actuates the lever, causing a change in the distance between the magnet on the lever and the Hall sensor. This enables real-time detection of the filament's entry status. Simultaneously, the Hall sensor can accurately sense the actual diameter of the filament based on the slight changes in the filament's diameter that cause different lever offset distances. Combined with the drive motor and transmission gear set, this achieves real-time and precise control of the extrusion flow rate, solving the problem of unstable extrusion volume caused by uneven filament diameter in existing technologies and significantly improving the consistency of printing quality.

[0017] 2) This application adopts a modular design, separating the detection channel from the extrusion channel but connecting them through an intermediate groove. This avoids the impact of high temperature on the sensor and ensures the accuracy of detection. The polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the inner wall of the extrusion channel reduces the friction between the consumable and the channel, reducing the risk of blockage. The design of the reset spring and the locking block ensures that the lever can return to its accurate position, improving the reliability of detection. The adjusting screw and adjusting spring mechanism are used to adjust the position of the first transmission gear, enabling the device to automatically adapt to consumables of different diameters, improving the adaptability and versatility of the equipment.

[0018] 3) This application achieves high-precision consumable detection and flow control at low cost through the ingenious combination of Hall sensors and mechanical structures, solving a long-standing technical problem in the industry. The device has a simple overall structure and is easy to integrate into existing 3D printers, with significant cost benefits. By controlling the extrusion flow in real time, it not only improves printing accuracy and stability but also reduces material waste and printing failure rate, providing strong support for the further development and widespread application of 3D printing technology. It has good market promotion value and practical prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial internal schematic diagram of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lever, return spring, and locking block structure of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second transmission gears in this application.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Printhead housing; 2. Extrusion channel; 3. Detection channel; 4. First fixed shaft;

[0027] 5. Toggle lever; 6. Hall sensor; 7. Intermediate groove; 8. Ball bearing;

[0028] 9. Locking block; 10. Magnet block; 11. Protruding post; 12. Return spring;

[0029] 13. Adjusting groove; 14. Second fixed shaft; 15. Adjusting component; 16. First transmission gear;

[0030] 17. Drive motor; 18. Second transmission gear; 19. Square slot; 20. Square nut;

[0031] 21. Adjusting screw; 22. Through hole; 23. Adjusting spring; 24. Annular transmission groove;

[0032] 25. Grinding teeth. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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 protection scope of the present utility model.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] Please see Figure 1-6 This utility model provides a technical solution: a 3D printing extruder testing consumable device, including a printhead housing 1.

[0037] The inner side of the printhead housing 1 is provided with a vertically penetrating filament extrusion channel 2, and the inner side of the printhead housing 1 is provided with a detection channel 3, an adjustment groove 13 and a square groove 19.

[0038] The inner wall of the detection channel 3 is fixedly connected to a first fixed shaft 4 and a locking block 9. A lever 5 is rotatably sleeved on the first fixed shaft 4. A Hall sensor 6 is installed in the detection channel 3. An intermediate groove 7 is opened between the detection channel 3 and the extrusion channel 2. A ball bearing 8 is movably installed in the intermediate groove 7. A magnet block 10 is installed at the lower end of the lever 5.

[0039] A second fixed shaft 14 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjusting groove 13. An adjusting component 15 is rotatably sleeved on the second fixed shaft 14. A first transmission gear 16 is rotatably mounted on the adjusting component 15. A drive motor 17 is installed inside the printhead housing 1. A second transmission gear 18 is fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor 17. The first transmission gear 16 and the second transmission gear 18 are meshed and connected to the extrusion channel 2. A square nut 20 is connected inside the square groove 19. An adjusting screw 21 is connected inside the square nut 20 through a threaded structure.

[0040] Specifically, this device adopts a modular design, separating the detection channel 3 from the extrusion channel 2 but connecting them through the intermediate groove 7, which avoids the influence of high temperature on the sensor and ensures the accuracy of detection.

[0041] The Hall sensor 6 can be designated as MT9105ET.

[0042] The inner wall of the extrusion channel 2 is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Specifically, the PTFE coating has an extremely low coefficient of friction and excellent high-temperature resistance, allowing the filament to slide more smoothly within the extrusion channel 2. This effectively reduces the frictional resistance between the filament and the channel wall, lowering the risk of jamming and clogging during extrusion. This design not only improves the smoothness and stability of filament delivery and ensures continuous and uniform extrusion flow, but also reduces wear inside the print head, extending the equipment's lifespan. Simultaneously, the chemical inertness of the PTFE coating makes it less likely to react with various filaments, ensuring the purity of the printing material and the quality of the printed product. Through this technical feature, this application, while solving the problem of real-time control of extrusion flow, further enhances the operational stability and reliability of the device, providing a solid hardware guarantee for high-quality 3D printing.

[0043] Reference manual attached Figure 2The opening width of the intermediate groove 7 near the extrusion channel 2 is smaller than the diameter of the ball bearing 8, allowing part of the ball bearing 8 to move into the extrusion channel 2. Specifically, this ensures that the ball bearing 8 can directly contact the filament in the extrusion channel 2 without completely detaching from the intermediate groove 7 and entering the extrusion channel 2, thus forming a stable and reliable mechanical sensing mechanism. When the filament enters the extrusion channel 2, it pushes part of the ball bearing 8 that extends into the channel. The ball bearing 8 then drives the lever 5 to rotate, causing a precise change in the distance between the magnet 10 on the lever 5 and the Hall sensor 6. The Hall sensor 6 thus detects the filament entering the extruder. The Hall sensor 6 can also detect the filament diameter by the distance the lever 5 deflects based on the change in the filament diameter, thereby enabling real-time control of the extrusion flow rate by the 3D printer and achieving high-precision detection of the filament's state and diameter changes. This design solves the difficulty of directly installing electronic sensors inside the high-temperature extrusion channel 2, avoiding damage to the sensor from high temperatures while ensuring detection sensitivity and accuracy. Through this mechanical transmission structure, the present invention enables real-time monitoring of consumables, providing a reliable data basis for precise control of extrusion flow, and effectively improving the accuracy and stability of 3D printing.

[0044] Reference manual attached Figure 2-3 The locking block 9 is recessed near the lever 5, and a protrusion 11 is integrally connected to the middle of the lever 5 near the locking block 9. A return spring 12 is fixedly connected between the protrusion 11 and the inner side of the locking block 9. Specifically, the recessed design of the locking block 9, the protrusion 11 in the middle of the lever 5, and the return spring 12 connecting the two constitute a reset mechanism. This allows the lever 5 to accurately return to its initial position under the action of the return spring 12 after being pushed by the consumable through the ball bearing 8, ensuring the repeatability and reliability of the detection system. The return spring 12 is sleeved on the protrusion 11, and the recessed design of the locking block 9 and the protrusion 11 provide a stable connection point for the return spring 12.

[0045] Reference manual attached Figure 6Both the first transmission gear 16 and the second transmission gear 18 have annular transmission grooves 24 on their surfaces. The inner walls of the annular transmission grooves 24 are connected in a regular annular array with several sets of teeth 25. Specifically, the annular transmission grooves 24 on the surfaces of the first transmission gear 16 and the second transmission gear 18, along with the regularly arranged teeth 25 on their inner walls, significantly improve the conveying and control capabilities of the consumables. The annular transmission grooves 24 form a channel for enveloping the consumables, while the regularly distributed teeth 25 on their inner walls precisely engage with the consumable surface, providing stable propulsion without damaging the consumables. Compared to traditional smooth extrusion wheels or single-tooth designs, this structure has a larger contact area and a more uniform pressure distribution, effectively preventing consumables from slipping, deforming, or being over-compressed. The annular design ensures comprehensive gripping of consumables of different diameters, while the regular arrangement of the teeth 25 guarantees the continuity and stability of consumable conveying. This structure, while ensuring transmission accuracy, can also adapt to consumables of various materials, such as PLA, ABS, and TPU, ensuring reliable conveying of both rigid and flexible consumables. Furthermore, it achieves precise conveying of consumables and accurate control of extrusion flow, making the material supply during the printing process more uniform and stable.

[0046] Reference manual attached Figure 4-5 An adjusting member 15 has a through hole 22 on its lower inner side. An adjusting screw 21 passes through the through hole 22, and an adjusting spring 23 connects the opening of the through hole 22 and the head of the adjusting screw 21. Specifically, the adjusting screw 21 can adjust the position of the adjusting spring 23. The pressing force exerted by the adjusting spring 23 on the adjusting member 15 ensures that the first transmission gear 16 and the second transmission gear 18 maintain a stable meshing state, eliminating gaps and wobbling that may occur between gears due to vibration or long-term operation. This elastic pressing structure not only improves the smoothness and reliability of the transmission system but also effectively reduces gear wear and extends the service life of the device. By fine-tuning the adjusting screw 21, the preload of the adjusting spring 23 can be precisely controlled, allowing the transmission system to maintain optimal meshing pressure under different working conditions, adapting to the needs of various printing speeds and consumable characteristics. The spring pressing design also provides a certain buffering effect for the system, effectively absorbing impacts and protecting the transmission components when there is abnormal or sudden resistance in the consumables.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing extruder detection consumable device, characterized in that, Including the printhead housing (1); The inner side of the printhead housing (1) is provided with a vertically penetrating filament extrusion channel (2), and the inner side of the printhead housing (1) is provided with a detection channel (3), an adjustment groove (13) and a square groove (19). The inner wall of the detection channel (3) is fixedly connected to a first fixed shaft (4) and a locking block (9). A lever (5) is rotatably sleeved on the first fixed shaft (4). A Hall sensor (6) is installed in the detection channel (3). An intermediate groove (7) is opened between the detection channel (3) and the extrusion channel (2). A ball bearing (8) is movably arranged in the intermediate groove (7). A magnet (10) is installed at the lower end of the lever (5). The inner wall of the adjusting groove (13) is fixedly connected to a second fixed shaft (14), and an adjusting component (15) is rotatably sleeved on the second fixed shaft (14). A first transmission gear (16) is rotatably mounted on the adjusting component (15). A drive motor (17) is installed inside the printhead housing (1). The motor shaft of the drive motor (17) is fixedly connected to a second transmission gear (18). The first transmission gear (16) and the second transmission gear (18) are meshed and connected in the extrusion channel (2). A square nut (20) is connected inside the square groove (19). An adjusting screw (21) is connected inside the square nut (20) through a threaded structure.

2. The 3D printing extruder consumable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the extrusion channel (2) is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

3. The 3D printing extruder consumable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The opening width of the intermediate groove (7) near the end of the extrusion channel (2) is smaller than the diameter of the ball (8), and the ball (8) partially moves into the extrusion channel (2).

4. The 3D printing extruder consumable testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking block (9) is recessed on the side near the lever (5), and a protruding post (11) is integrally connected to the middle part of the lever (5) near the locking block (9). A return spring (12) is fixedly connected between the protruding post (11) and the inner side of the locking block (9).

5. The 3D printing extruder consumable testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first transmission gear (16) and the second transmission gear (18) have annular transmission grooves (24) on their surfaces. The inner wall of the annular transmission grooves (24) is integrally connected with several sets of teeth (25) in a regular annular array.

6. The 3D printing extruder consumable testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the adjusting member (15) has a through hole (22) on its inner side. The adjusting screw (21) passes through the through hole (22). An adjusting spring (23) is connected between the opening of the through hole (22) and the head of the adjusting screw (21).

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