A 3D printer consumable pulling buffer mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to 3D printer technical field discloses a kind of 3D printer consumable pulling buffer mechanism, including printer rack, mounting bracket, buffer shell, grooved feed wheel, grooved discharge wheel, elastic pressure material mechanism, pressure sensor, one-way clutch, motor and controller.Using this structure, by the staggered arrangement of multiple elastic pressure material mechanisms in buffer shell, the consumable can form S-shaped caching mode in buffer shell;When print head moves and pulls consumable, by releasing the cached consumable in buffer shell, it can avoid the excessive pulling force of print head on the consumable at the end of the tray, effectively solve the problem of consumable stretching and breaking, thereby ensuring the uniformity of consumable diameter and the stability of feeding, and further improving the printing quality and ensuring the uninterrupted printing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printer technology, specifically to a 3D printer consumable pulling and buffering mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology, as an important branch of rapid prototyping, has been widely applied in various fields such as industrial manufacturing, medical care, and education. Its core workflow involves feeding filaments (such as PLA or ABS plastic filaments) from a filament tray to the print head. After being heated and melted by the print head, the filaments are then deposited layer by layer according to the digital model to form a solid component. Currently, existing 3D printer filament feeding systems lack effective buffering and adjustment devices; the filaments are directly connected from the filament tray into the print head. This structure has certain drawbacks: the print head needs to move frequently along the X, Y, and Z axes during printing, and the speed and direction of this movement dynamically change with the model structure, resulting in an unstable tensile force on the filament. When the tensile force is too high, it can easily cause the filament to stretch and deform, reducing print quality; and even if the filament breaks, it can cause the printing process to stop, reducing printing efficiency and increasing waste costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model mainly provides a 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism to solve problems such as the printer pulling the filament during operation, the deformation of the filament leading to insufficient input to the print head and reduced print quality, and the filament breaking causing the entire printing process to stop.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism includes a printer frame, a mounting bracket on the printer frame, and a buffer shell on the mounting bracket. A grooved feed wheel is rotatably connected to the feed end of the buffer shell, and a grooved discharge wheel is rotatably connected to the discharge end of the buffer shell. Multiple elastic pressing mechanisms are equidistantly and alternately arranged on the buffer shell between the grooved feed wheel and the grooved discharge wheel. A pressure sensor for detecting pressure information is installed between each elastic pressing mechanism and the inner wall of the buffer shell. A one-way clutch is installed through the buffer shell on the shaft of any one end of the grooved feed wheel, and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of a motor through the one-way clutch. The mechanism also includes a controller for collecting pressure information and starting / stopping the motor. The one-way clutch can be any type of existing technology, capable of rotating when driven by the motor and also rotating when the motor is not working, thus not affecting the feeding of filament by the print head. The motor can be any type of servo geared motor from the prior art. The controller employs any existing control element capable of collecting pressure information detected by a pressure sensor and determining whether to start or stop the motor based on this information, such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). When a pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor is continuously collected, if the pressure signal is greater than a preset threshold, it indicates that the filament is straightened by the print head, and its buffer length is lower than the safe length. This triggers the motor to drive the grooved feed wheel, which in turn pulls the filament on the tray into the buffer housing, ensuring a safe value for subsequent print head displacement and preventing excessive tension on the filament. If the pressure signal is less than the preset threshold, it indicates that the filament is formed into an S-shape by multiple staggered elastic pressing mechanisms in conjunction with the motor's feeding, thus achieving a safe pulling length. The motor is not required to start feeding, and it remains in a stopped state. The multiple elastic pressing mechanisms are arranged at equal intervals, with one extending through the upper side wall and the other through the lower side wall, and continuously staggered vertically. "Multiple" refers to two or more mechanisms. Specifically, a pressure frame is slidably mounted on the buffer shell above the grooved feed roller. A pressure roller is rotatably connected to this pressure frame to press down on the consumable material inside the groove of the grooved feed roller. A pressure spring is installed between the wheel base of the pressure roller and the buffer shell, thereby maintaining friction between the grooved feed roller and the consumable material, and ensuring that the rotating pressure roller does not affect the movement of the consumable material. The entire mechanism is powered by the printer's overall power supply system.In use, the operator feeds the filament from the grooved feed roller in the buffer housing through the groove of the feed roller. The filament then passes through the staggered, equidistantly spaced elastic pressing mechanism, forming an S-shaped buffer state, and finally exits through the grooved output roller before entering the print head. When the printer is working, the feeding or movement of the print head pulls the filament, causing it to compress the elastic pressing mechanism as it straightens from the S-shape. During compression, a pressure sensor collects pressure information and sends it to the controller. If the pressure signal exceeds a preset threshold... When the value is true, it means that the consumable is straightened by the print head, and its buffer length is lower than the safe length. This causes the motor to start and drive the grooved feed wheel to rotate. The grooved feed wheel drives the consumable on the tray into the buffer shell, ensuring a safe value during subsequent print head displacement and preventing excessive tension on the consumable. If the pressure signal is less than the preset threshold, it means that the consumable is pushed into an S-shape by multiple staggered elastic pressing mechanisms in conjunction with the motor's feeding, thus having a safe pulling length. The motor does not need to be started for feeding, and the motor is in a stopped state. This structure, by interlacing multiple elastic pressing mechanisms within the buffer shell, allows the filament to form an S-shaped buffer shape. When the printhead moves and pulls the filament, releasing the buffered filament prevents excessive pulling force from the printhead on the filament at the tray end, effectively solving the problems of filament stretching and breakage. This ensures uniform filament diameter and feeding stability, thereby improving print quality and ensuring uninterrupted printing. Simultaneously, pressure sensors detect pressure changes in the elastic pressing mechanisms to determine the amount of filament buffered within the shell. When the buffer amount falls below a safety threshold, the controller activates the motor, which, via a one-way clutch, drives the grooved feed wheel to replenish the filament.

[0006] Furthermore, the elastic pressing mechanism includes a polygonal guide rod that slides through the buffer shell. An inner platform is provided at the inner end of the polygonal guide rod, and a deep-groove guiding roller is rotatably connected to the inner platform. A return spring is sleeved on the polygonal guide rod between the inner platform and the buffer shell. "Sliding through" means that the polygonal guide rod passes through the upper or lower sidewall of the buffer shell, and that the polygonal guide rod can slide on the buffer shell. Specifically, the polygonal guide rod can be a rectangular guide rod. In use, the polygonal guide rod guides and limits the up and down movement of the deep-groove guiding roller. When the consumable is subjected to displacement and pulling from the print head or feeding, the gradually increasing pulling force compresses the return spring, causing the entire assembly to gradually straighten in an S-shape. Simultaneously, during the straightening process, the return spring presses against the pressure sensor, subjecting it to pressure. The pressure sensor then sends the detected pressure signal to the controller. This structure allows for the limiting of the consumable through staggered polygonal guide rods and other components, and the buffer shell can buffer the consumable through the return spring and the motor.

[0007] Furthermore, the pressure sensor is located above the return spring of the polygonal guide rod that penetrates the upper sidewall of the buffer housing, and is positioned on the inner sidewall of the buffer housing at this location. With this structure, by placing the pressure sensor above the return spring of the polygonal guide rod penetrating the upper sidewall, when the printer is not pulling on the filament or the filament has sufficient buffer length, the polygonal guide rod and other components will never compress the return spring under the influence of gravity, thus preventing upward pressure on the pressure sensor and effectively avoiding false detection and false start-up.

[0008] Furthermore, the pressure sensor includes an inner mounting base and an outer limiting base. Multiple limiting telescopic guide cylinders are disposed between the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base. A pressure detection component is disposed between the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base. The inner mounting base is mounted on the buffer shell. The inner mounting base and the outer limiting base are provided with mating guide holes for cooperating with the polygonal guide rod. The pressure detection component can be any existing component that detects and transmits pressure signals under pressure, as long as its working principle is implemented. With this structure, the inner mounting base is mounted on the buffer shell, the outer limiting base cooperates with the return spring to detect pressure on the pressure detection component, and the limiting telescopic guide cylinders provide limiting and guiding for the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base.

[0009] Furthermore, the mounting frame is equipped with a lifting electric push rod, the upper end of which has a mating platform. A mating guide rod, penetrating the mounting frame, is located on the lower side of the mating platform. The buffer shell is detachably connected to the mating platform. The lifting electric push rod can be any existing technology, as long as it achieves the desired technical effect. With this structure, the lifting electric push rod can drive the mating platform to move up and down, making it easier for operators to load and unload consumables and to adjust the height of the buffer shell, resulting in better printing performance.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By staggering multiple elastic pressing mechanisms within the buffer shell, the filament can form an S-shaped buffer shape within the shell. When the print head moves and pulls the filament, releasing the buffered filament prevents excessive pulling force from the print head on the filament at the tray end, effectively solving the problems of filament stretching and breakage. This ensures uniform filament diameter and feeding stability, thereby improving print quality and ensuring uninterrupted printing. Simultaneously, pressure sensors detect pressure changes in the elastic pressing mechanisms to determine the amount of filament buffered within the shell. When the buffer amount falls below a safety threshold, the controller starts the motor, which uses a one-way clutch to drive the grooved feed wheel to replenish the filament. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a slanted view of the printer frame in this embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 This is an example. Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the buffer shell portion in this embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic pressing mechanism in this embodiment.

[0015] Reference numerals: 1. Printer frame; 2. Mounting bracket; 3. Buffer shell; 4. Grooved feed roller; 5. Grooved discharge roller; 6. Elastic pressing mechanism; 6. Polygonal guide rod; 601. Inner platform; 602. Deep grooved guide roller; 603. Return spring; 604. Pressure sensor; 7. One-way clutch; 8. Motor; 9. Lifting electric push rod; 10. Mating platform; 11. Mating guide rod; 12. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following will provide a more detailed description of the technical solution of a 3D printer consumable pulling and buffering mechanism according to the present invention, with reference to the embodiments.

[0017] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of 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.

[0018] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism of this embodiment includes a printer frame 1, a mounting frame 2 on the printer frame 1, a buffer shell 3 on the mounting frame 2, a grooved feed wheel 4 rotatably connected to the feed end of the buffer shell 3, and a grooved discharge wheel 5 rotatably connected to the discharge end of the buffer shell 3. Multiple elastic pressing mechanisms 6 are equidistantly and alternately arranged on the buffer shell 3 between the grooved feed wheel 4 and the grooved discharge wheel 5. A pressure sensor 7 for detecting pressure information is provided between any of the elastic pressing mechanisms 6 and the inner wall of the buffer shell 3. A one-way clutch 8 is provided through the shaft of any end of the grooved feed wheel 4, passing through the buffer shell 3, and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of a motor 9 through the one-way clutch 8. The mechanism also includes a controller for collecting pressure information and starting / stopping the motor 9. The elastic pressing mechanism 6 includes a polygonal guide rod 601 that slides through the buffer shell 3. An inner platform 602 is provided at the inner end of the polygonal guide rod 601. A deep groove guiding pressure roller 603 is rotatably connected to the inner platform 602. A return spring 604 is sleeved on the polygonal guide rod 601 between the inner platform 602 and the buffer shell 3. The pressure sensor 7 is located above the return spring 604 of the last polygonal guide rod 601 that penetrates the upper sidewall of the buffer shell 3, and is positioned on the inner sidewall of the buffer shell 3 at this location. The pressure sensor 7 includes an inner mounting base and an outer limiting base. Multiple limiting telescopic guide cylinders are provided between the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base. A pressure detection component is provided between the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base. The inner mounting base is mounted on the buffer shell 3. The inner mounting base and the outer limiting base are provided with mating guide holes that cooperate with the polygonal guide rod 601. The mounting frame 2 is provided with a lifting electric push rod 10, the upper end of the lifting electric push rod 10 is provided with a mating platform 11, and the lower side of the mating platform 11 is provided with a mating guide rod 12 that penetrates the mounting frame 2. The buffer shell 3 is detachably connected to the mating platform 11.In use, the operator feeds the consumables from the tray into the grooved feed roller 4 of the buffer housing 3, placing them within the groove of the feed roller 4. The consumables then pass through the staggered, equidistantly spaced elastic pressing mechanism 6, forming an S-shaped buffer state, and finally exit through the grooved discharge roller 5 before entering the print head. When the printer is working, the feeding or movement of the print head pulls the consumables, causing them to compress the elastic pressing mechanism 6 as they straighten from the S-shape. During compression, pressure information is collected by the pressure sensor 7 and sent to the controller. If the pressure signal exceeds a preset threshold... When the pressure signal is below the preset threshold, it means that the consumable is straightened by the print head, and its buffer length is lower than the safe length. This causes the motor 9 to start and drive the grooved feed wheel 4 to rotate. The grooved feed wheel 4 drives the consumable on the tray into the buffer shell 3, ensuring a safe value when the print head moves later and preventing excessive tension on the consumable. If the pressure signal is less than the preset threshold, it means that the consumable is pushed into an S-shape by multiple staggered elastic pressing mechanisms 6 in conjunction with the feeding of the motor 9, thus having a safe pulling length. The motor 9 does not need to start feeding, and the motor 9 is in a stopped state. This structure, by interleaving multiple elastic pressing mechanisms 6 within the buffer shell 3, allows the consumables to form an S-shaped buffer shape within the buffer shell 3. When the print head moves and pulls the consumables, releasing the consumables buffered within the buffer shell 3 prevents the print head from exerting excessive pulling force on the consumables at the trolley end, effectively solving the problems of consumable stretching and breakage, thereby ensuring the uniformity of consumable diameter and feeding stability, thus improving print quality and ensuring uninterrupted printing. Simultaneously, the pressure sensor 7 detects pressure changes in the elastic pressing mechanism 6 to determine the amount of consumables buffered within the buffer shell 3. When the buffer amount is lower than a safety threshold, the controller starts the motor 9, which drives the grooved feed wheel 4 to replenish the consumables via the one-way clutch 8.

[0019] The control method of this utility model is automatic control through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by those skilled in the art. The power supply is also common knowledge or conventional technology in the field. Therefore, this utility model will not explain the control method and circuit connection in detail.

[0020] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism, characterized in that: The device includes a printer frame with a mounting bracket and a buffer housing. A grooved feed wheel is rotatably connected to the feed end of the buffer housing, and a grooved discharge wheel is rotatably connected to the discharge end. Multiple elastic pressing mechanisms are equidistantly and alternately arranged on the buffer housing between the grooved feed wheel and the grooved discharge wheel. A pressure sensor for detecting pressure information is installed between each elastic pressing mechanism and the inner wall of the buffer housing. A one-way clutch is installed through the buffer housing on the shaft of each grooved feed wheel and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of a motor via the one-way clutch. The device also includes a controller for collecting pressure information and starting / stopping the motor.

2. The 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic pressing mechanism includes a polygonal guide rod that slides through the buffer shell. An inner platform is provided at the inner end of the polygonal guide rod. A deep groove guiding pressure roller is rotatably connected to the inner platform. A return spring is sleeved on the polygonal guide rod between the inner platform and the buffer shell.

3. The 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is located above the reset spring of the last polygonal guide rod that penetrates the upper sidewall of the buffer shell, and is disposed on the inner sidewall of the buffer shell at that location.

4. The 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure sensor includes an inner mounting base and an outer limiting base. Multiple limiting telescopic guide cylinders are provided between the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base. A pressure detection component is provided between the inner mounting base and the outer limiting base. The inner mounting base is disposed on the buffer shell. The inner mounting base and the outer limiting base are provided with mating guide holes that cooperate with the polygonal guide rod.

5. The 3D printer filament pulling and buffering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting frame is equipped with a lifting electric push rod, the upper end of which is provided with a mating platform, and the lower side of the mating platform is provided with a mating guide rod that passes through the mounting frame. The buffer shell is detachably connected to the mating platform.

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