A hot-end elastic connection structure

Abstract

A hot-end elastic connection structure, relating to the field of 3D printer technology, includes components such as a heat sink, a connecting seat, a nozzle assembly, and a pressure spring plate. The connecting seat is installed at the bottom of the heat sink, with an arc-shaped groove on one side for mounting the nozzle assembly. One end of the pressure spring plate is hinged to the connecting seat, and the other end is snapped in place, pressing the nozzle assembly and automatically adapting to the thermal expansion and contraction of the nozzle assembly through its own deformation capacity. The pressure spring plate has an arc-shaped locking groove corresponding to the nozzle assembly position, with the closed end of the locking groove wider than the open end. The connecting seat has a corresponding locking groove, allowing the arc-shaped locking groove to detach when the open end of the locking groove narrows. This invention facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the nozzle assembly. The pressure spring plate provides radial limiting for the nozzle assembly, ensuring its vertical stability, adapting to thermal expansion and contraction, and allowing for simple and quick disassembly, thus improving equipment maintenance efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printer technology, and in particular to a hot-end elastic connection structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of 3D printing technology, stable delivery of printing consumables and reliable connection of the nozzle assembly are crucial to ensuring print quality and efficiency. Traditional 3D printer hot-end structures often employ rigid connections, which have numerous drawbacks. Currently, 3D printer extruders on the market feature quick-release structures for easy replacement and maintenance. A common design connects the hot end and heat sink longitudinally via a mounting bracket (with heat insulation pillars) secured with screws. The mounting bracket and hot end have a threaded fit, and the mounting bracket and heat sink are fastened together with screws. This design requires extremely high precision in parts machining, ensuring strict alignment of contact surfaces; otherwise, the hot end may tilt. The mounting bracket includes plastic insulation pillars, and differences in the thermal expansion coefficients of different materials may cause structural loosening after long-term use, also increasing assembly steps and basic costs.

[0003] Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need for a new hot-end connection structure that can enable convenient installation and stable connection of the hot-end structure, while also having the ability to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, so as to improve the overall performance of 3D printers and user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model discloses a hot-end elastic connection structure.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A hot-end elastic connection structure, comprising:

[0007] Heat sink;

[0008] The connector is installed at the bottom of the heat sink and has an arc-shaped groove on one side.

[0009] The nozzle assembly is installed in the arc-shaped groove of the connector;

[0010] The pressure spring plate has one end hinged to the corresponding connecting seat and the other end snapped into the corresponding connecting seat. After the pressure spring plate snaps into the connecting seat, it presses the nozzle assembly and fixes the nozzle assembly on the connecting seat. The pressure spring plate automatically adapts to the thermal expansion and contraction of the nozzle assembly through its deformation capacity.

[0011] Preferably, the compression spring plate has an arc-shaped groove at the position corresponding to the nozzle assembly.

[0012] Preferably, the closed end of the clamping spring plate has a wider arc-shaped clamping part than the open end, and the connecting seat has a clamping groove corresponding to and adapted to the arc-shaped clamping part at the position of the arc-shaped clamping part; when the width of the open end of the arc-shaped clamping part decreases, the arc-shaped clamping part can disengage from the clamping groove.

[0013] Preferably, the hinged end of the compression spring plate is provided with an annular structure, which is hinged to the connecting seat via a pin.

[0014] Preferably, the nozzle assembly includes:

[0015] Heat pipe;

[0016] The nozzle is inserted into one end of the heat pipe;

[0017] The throat tube has one end connected to the other end of the heat pipe, and the other end passes through the heat sink and is connected to the heat sink.

[0018] A heating jacket is fitted over the heat-conducting pipe.

[0019] Preferably, a boss is provided on one side of the bottom of the heat sink, and the connecting seat is fastened to the boss by bolts, so that there is a gap between the top of the heating sleeve and the bottom of the heat sink.

[0020] By adopting the technical solution described above, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] (1) The arc-shaped groove of the connector of this utility model is used to install the printhead assembly, and the top of the printhead assembly is detachably connected to the heat sink, which provides convenience for subsequent maintenance and replacement. In addition, the installation of the clamping spring plate not only plays a radial limiting role for the printhead assembly, ensuring its vertical stability, but also adapts to the thermal expansion and contraction of the printhead assembly caused by temperature changes, ensuring the stability of the printhead assembly during printing, thereby improving printing quality and efficiency. At the same time, the hinge and snap-fit ​​design of the clamping spring plate and the connector makes the disassembly of the printhead assembly simple and quick, improving the maintenance efficiency of the equipment.

[0022] (2) The present invention further enhances the limiting effect of the printhead assembly by adding an arc-shaped groove to the position of the clamping spring plate corresponding to the printhead assembly, thereby improving the reliability of installation and the stability and accuracy during operation, effectively reducing printing errors and improving printing precision. The special teardrop-shaped design of the clamping spring plate's snap-fit ​​end makes the unlocking operation convenient and quick, requiring no complicated tools and reducing maintenance costs. The ring structure of the clamping spring plate's hinge end is connected to the pin shaft, which facilitates assembly and enhances the safety and reliability of the connection, preventing loosening or detachment during use, ensuring the stable operation of the hot-end elastic connection structure, and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0023] (3) The boss at the bottom of the heat sink block and the connecting seat are fastened together by bolts, leaving a gap between the top of the heating sleeve and the bottom of the heat sink block. This facilitates the installation of the connecting seat and improves assembly efficiency. On the other hand, it avoids direct contact between the heating sleeve and the heat sink block, preventing heat transfer from affecting the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink block, ensuring that printing consumables are printed at a suitable temperature, and improving printing quality and efficiency. At the same time, the connecting seat is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, further reducing the possibility of heat transfer to the heat sink block, better ensuring the heat dissipation performance of the heat sink block, providing a good working environment for printing consumables, improving printing quality and efficiency, and ultimately achieving performance improvement and stable operation of the entire hot end elastic connection structure to meet the needs of high-quality printing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the connector.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the compression spring plate.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Heat sink; 2. Connecting seat; 3. Compression spring plate; 4. Arc-shaped slot; 5. Arc-shaped snap-fit; 6. Pin; 7. Heat pipe; 8. Nozzle; 9. Throat; 10. Heating jacket. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify 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.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Combined with appendix Figure 1 A hot-end elastic connection structure includes a heat sink 1, a connecting seat 2, and a pressure spring plate 3. The heat sink 1, as the basic component, primarily provides heat dissipation for the printing consumables, preventing them from melting prematurely and causing blockages. The connecting seat 2 is installed at the bottom of the heat sink 1, and one side of the connecting seat 2 has an arc-shaped groove for mounting the printhead assembly. The top of the printhead assembly is detachably connected to the heat sink 1. Furthermore, the pressure spring plate 3 is provided on the connecting seat 2, which radially limits the printhead assembly, ensuring stable installation and maintaining a vertical position to prevent tilting during printing.

[0034] Specifically, one end of the clamping spring plate 3 is hinged to the connecting seat 2, while the other end is snapped into the connecting seat 2. Once the clamping spring plate 3 and the connecting seat 2 are snapped together, the clamping spring plate 3 applies pressure to the nozzle assembly, thus fixing the nozzle assembly to the connecting seat 2. Simultaneously, the clamping spring plate 3 possesses a certain degree of deformation capability, automatically adapting to the thermal expansion and contraction of the nozzle assembly due to temperature changes. When it is necessary to disassemble the nozzle assembly, simply separating the snap-fit ​​end of the clamping spring plate 3 from the connecting seat 2 allows for quick disassembly of the nozzle assembly.

[0035] Example 2:

[0036] Combined with appendix Figure 3 To be continued Figure 4 The hot-end elastic connection structure shown is an improvement on this one, differing from Embodiment 1 in that an arc-shaped groove 4 is added to the position of the pressure spring plate 3 corresponding to the nozzle assembly. This arc-shaped groove 4 further limits the nozzle assembly, effectively improving the reliability of the nozzle assembly installation and ensuring its stability and accuracy during operation.

[0037] Furthermore, the locking end of the pressure spring plate 3 employs a special structural design, featuring an arc-shaped locking portion 5 whose closed end is wider than its open end, resembling a teardrop shape. A corresponding locking groove is formed on the connecting seat 2 at the position of the arc-shaped locking portion 5. When the width of the open end of the arc-shaped locking portion 5 decreases, it can easily disengage from the locking groove. Therefore, when it is necessary to unlock the pressure spring plate 3, the operator only needs to push the end of the locking end of the pressure spring plate 3, causing the arc-shaped locking portion 5 to shrink and deform, thus allowing it to disengage from the locking groove of the connecting seat 2. The entire structural design is simple and reasonable, and the operation is very convenient and quick.

[0038] In addition, the hinged end of the compression spring plate 3 is designed with a ring structure, which is hinged to the connecting seat 2 via a pin 6. This design not only facilitates the assembly of the compression spring plate 3, but also ensures the safety and reliability of the connection, effectively preventing loosening or detachment during use, and providing a strong guarantee for the stable operation of the entire hot-end elastic connection structure.

[0039] Example 3:

[0040] Combined with appendix Figure 2 The hot-end elastic connection structure described herein, based on Embodiment 1 or 2, provides a detailed explanation of the nozzle assembly. This nozzle assembly mainly consists of a heat-conducting pipe 7, a nozzle 8, a throat 9, and a heating jacket 10. The primary function of the heat-conducting pipe 7 is to conduct heat. The nozzle 8 is inserted into the bottom of the heat-conducting pipe 7, while the throat 9, which communicates with the nozzle 8, is inserted into its top. The other end of the throat 9 passes through and connects to the heat sink 1. It should be noted that the throat 9 and the nozzle 8 can be designed as an integral structure. This allows for easy removal of the throat 9 and nozzle 8 from the heat-conducting pipe 7 simply by separating the throat 9 from the heat sink 1, greatly improving the convenience of maintenance and replacement.

[0041] Meanwhile, a heating sleeve 10 is also fitted around the heat pipe 7. When the heating sleeve 10 is powered on, it generates heat. This heat is conducted through the heat pipe 7, causing the printing consumables inside the nozzle 8 to be heated and melted, so that they can be smoothly extruded to complete the printing job and ensure the normal operation of the printing process.

[0042] Example 4:

[0043] Combined with appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 2 Based on any of the above embodiments, the connection method and structure of the heat sink 1 and the connecting seat 2 have been optimized. Specifically, a boss is provided on one side of the bottom of the heat sink 1, and the connecting seat 2 is fastened to the boss by bolts. This design leaves a certain gap between the top of the heating sleeve 10 and the bottom of the heat sink 1.

[0044] On the one hand, this structure facilitates the installation of the connector 2, making it convenient for staff to assemble and fix it; on the other hand, by leaving a gap, it can effectively prevent the heating sleeve 10 from directly contacting the heat sink 1, thereby preventing heat from being directly transferred to the heat sink 1 and affecting the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 1 on the printing consumables.

[0045] Furthermore, the connector 2 can be made of a material with low thermal conductivity. This is to reduce the possibility of heat being transferred to the heat sink 1 through the connector 2, thereby ensuring that the heat sink 1 can effectively dissipate heat from the printing consumables, ensuring that the printing consumables are used for printing operations at a suitable temperature, and improving print quality and efficiency.

[0046] The parts of this utility model not described in detail are prior art. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that this utility model can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and are intended to include all changes that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents within this utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal elastic connection structure, characterized by, include: Heat sink (1); The connecting seat (2) is installed at the bottom of the heat sink (1), and an arc-shaped groove is provided on one side; The nozzle assembly is installed in the arc-shaped groove of the connector (2); The compression spring plate (3) has one end hinged to the connecting seat (2) and the other end snapped to the connecting seat (2). After the compression spring plate (3) snaps to the connecting seat (2), it presses the nozzle assembly and fixes the nozzle assembly on the connecting seat (2). The compression spring plate (3) automatically adapts to the thermal expansion and contraction of the nozzle assembly through its deformation capability.

2. The hot-end elastic connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The compression spring plate (3) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (4) at the position corresponding to the nozzle assembly.

3. The hot-end elastic connection structure as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The clamping spring plate (3) has a closed end with a width greater than the open end with an arc-shaped clamping part (5). The connecting seat (2) has a clamping groove corresponding to the arc-shaped clamping part (5) at the position of the arc-shaped clamping part (5). When the width of the open end of the arc-shaped clamping part (5) is reduced, the arc-shaped clamping part (5) can disengage from the clamping groove.

4. The hot-end elastic connection structure as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The compression spring plate (3) has an annular structure at its hinge end, which is hinged to the connecting seat (2) via a pin (6).

5. The hot-end elastic connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes: Heat pipe (7); The nozzle (8) is inserted into one end of the heat pipe (7); The throat (9) is connected at one end to the heat pipe (7) at the other end, and the other end passes through the heat sink (1) and is connected to the heat sink (1) in a corresponding manner; Heating jacket (10) is fitted over heat pipe (7).

6. The hot-end elastic connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heat sink (1) has a boss on one side of its bottom, and the connecting seat (2) is fastened to the boss by bolts; so that there is a gap between the top of the heating sleeve (10) and the bottom of the heat sink (1).

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