Extrusion mechanism, print head and additive manufacturing apparatus using the same

Abstract

This application provides an extrusion mechanism, a printhead, and an additive manufacturing apparatus. The extrusion mechanism includes an extrusion shell and a rotating body. The extrusion shell includes a side wall and a bottom wall. The side wall surrounds the periphery of the bottom wall to form an extrusion space. The side wall has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the extrusion space. The rotating body is disposed in the extrusion space and rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall. The rotating body includes a first pushing surface facing the side wall, and the side wall includes a second pushing surface facing the first pushing surface. Furthermore, this application also provides a printhead and an additive manufacturing apparatus. This extrusion mechanism, printhead, and additive manufacturing apparatus are advantageous for increasing the extrusion force on the material strip and improving the extrusion effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to an extrusion mechanism, a printing nozzle, and additive manufacturing equipment using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, additive manufacturing equipment (also called 3D printing equipment, 3D printers, etc.) has an extrusion mechanism inside the print head. The extrusion mechanism is used to extrude and transport a material strip to the print head body, where the material strip melts and is ejected to build a three-dimensional model. In the process of developing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problem in the related technology: the extrusion effect of the extrusion mechanism is not good. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the problems in the prior art, embodiments of this application provide an extrusion mechanism, a printing nozzle, and an additive manufacturing apparatus using the same.

[0004] On one hand, this application provides an extrusion mechanism for additive manufacturing equipment. The extrusion mechanism includes: an extrusion shell, the extrusion shell including a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall surrounding the periphery of the bottom wall to form an extrusion space, the side wall having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the extrusion space; and a rotating body, the rotating body disposed in the extrusion space, the rotating body rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall, the rotating body including a first pushing surface facing the side wall, and the side wall including a second pushing surface facing the first pushing surface.

[0005] Optionally, the rotating body includes a rotating spindle, a rotating body, and a plurality of rotating wheels. The rotating body is rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall around the rotating spindle. Each rotating wheel protrudes from the periphery of the rotating body, and each rotating wheel includes the first pushing surface.

[0006] Optionally, the rotating body further includes a plurality of rotary sub-shafts, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of rotating wheels, and each of the rotating wheels is rotatably disposed around the periphery of the rotating body about the corresponding rotary sub-shaft.

[0007] Optionally, the rotary sub-shaft is arranged parallel to the rotary main shaft.

[0008] Optionally, the plurality of rotating wheels are evenly distributed at intervals around the periphery of the rotating body.

[0009] Optionally, the first abutting surface is provided with a first groove, and the second abutting surface is provided with a second groove.

[0010] Optionally, the extruded shell includes a plurality of bottom walls, the plurality of bottom walls including a first bottom wall and a second bottom wall spaced apart, the side wall being connected to the periphery of the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall, and the side wall being disposed in the middle of the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall.

[0011] Optionally, the extrusion shell further includes a feed conduit and / or a discharge conduit, the feed conduit being connected to the feed inlet and the discharge conduit being connected to the discharge outlet.

[0012] On the other hand, this application also provides a printing nozzle for additive manufacturing equipment, the printing nozzle comprising: any of the extrusion mechanisms described above; a nozzle body connected to the extrusion mechanism, the nozzle body being configured to receive a strip of material extruded by the extrusion mechanism.

[0013] In another aspect, this application also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a molding platform; and the aforementioned printhead, the printhead being configured to move relative to the molding platform.

[0014] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects: The extrusion mechanism, printing nozzle and additive manufacturing equipment provided in this application, by setting a rotating body and an extrusion shell, uses the first pushing surface of the rotating body and the second pushing surface of the side wall of the extrusion shell to clamp the material strip in the extrusion space. When the rotating body rotates, the first pushing surface moves relative to the second pushing surface to push the material strip out of the extrusion space, thereby increasing the extrusion force on the material strip and improving the extrusion effect. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of an additive manufacturing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the extrusion mechanism of the printhead in the additive manufacturing equipment shown.

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection between the control unit, drive motor, and translation driver of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the nozzle body and the material changing section before assembly.

[0019] Figure 5 Book Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic of the nozzle body and the material changing section from another angle before assembly.

[0020] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a printing nozzle for an additive manufacturing apparatus provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows a switch for the printhead.

[0022] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the switching seat along line VIII-VIII is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 for Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the switching seat in state one.

[0024] Figure 10 for Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the switcher in another state.

[0025] Figure 11 for Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the switcher in another state.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the switching seat in one state, provided as another embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 13 for Figure 12 The diagram shown illustrates the switcher in another state.

[0028] Figure 14 for Figure 12 The diagram shown illustrates the switcher in another state.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component of another additive manufacturing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application in a first state.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component of another additive manufacturing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application in a second state.

[0031] Explanation of main component symbols

[0032] Print head 100

[0033] 10 movable supports

[0034] First movable lever 11

[0035] Second movable lever 12

[0036] Translation driver 13

[0037] Material changing department 20

[0038] Second mounting bracket 21

[0039] Heat sink 22

[0040] Heated nozzle 23

[0041] Nozzle body 30

[0042] First mounting base 31

[0043] Extrusion driver 32

[0044] Drive motor 321

[0045] Drive wheel 322

[0046] Heating element 33

[0047] Extrusion mechanism 40

[0048] Extruded shell 41

[0049] Sidewall 411

[0050] Feed inlet 411a

[0051] Discharge port 411b

[0052] Bottom wall 412

[0053] Extruded space 413

[0054] Second thrust surface 414

[0055] Feed pipe 415

[0056] Discharge conduit 416

[0057] Rotational body 42

[0058] First thrust surface 421

[0059] Driven wheel 422a

[0060] Rotary spindle 422

[0061] Rotating body 423

[0062] Rotating wheel 424

[0063] Rotary subshaft 425

[0064] Additive manufacturing equipment 200

[0065] Casing 201

[0066] Molding Platform 202

[0067] Material bar 300

[0068] Switch 24

[0069] Feed channel 240

[0070] Part 1, page 241

[0071] First feed channel 241a

[0072] First opening 241b, 241c

[0073] Part 2, page 242

[0074] Second feed channel 242a

[0075] Second opening 242b, 242c

[0076] Rotating component 60

[0077] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0078] The following description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings for a more complete description of the present application. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present application. However, the present application may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. These exemplary embodiments are provided to make the present application thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present application. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when used herein, “comprising” and / or “including” and / or “having,” integers, steps, operations, components, and / or components, but without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Furthermore, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant technology and in the content of this application, and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0079] Please see Figure 1This application provides an additive manufacturing apparatus 200 according to one embodiment. The additive manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a main body 201, a forming platform 202, and a printing nozzle 100. Both the forming platform 202 and the printing nozzle 100 are disposed within the main body 201. The printing nozzle 100 is used to select a desired material strip 300 and move it relative to the forming platform 202 along a preset path to perform additive manufacturing on the forming platform 202. Specifically, the additive manufacturing apparatus 200 includes one of a fused deposition modeling 3D printer, a stereolithography 3D printer, a selective laser sintering 3D printer, and a digital light processing 3D printer. The material strip 300 can be a strip-shaped material formed by a mixture of plastic filament, liquid photosensitive resin, metal powder, and binder. This embodiment of the additive manufacturing apparatus 200 is described using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer as an example, and a plastic strip as an example of the material strip 300.

[0080] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the printhead 100 includes a movable support 10, a plurality of material changing sections 20, at least one printhead body 30, and an extrusion mechanism 40. The movable support 10 is disposed on the body 201. The printhead body 30 is disposed on the movable support 10. The plurality of material changing sections 20 are detachably disposed on the body 201. The extrusion mechanism 40 is disposed on each material changing section 20. The movable support 10 is used to drive the printhead body 30 to move, realizing the docking of the printhead body 30 with different material changing sections 20 and the movement of the printhead body 30 and the material changing section 20 relative to the forming platform 202 along a preset path. Each material changing section 20 can be used to connect a material strip 300. The extrusion mechanism 40 is used to push the material strip 300 out of the material changing section 20.

[0081] This embodiment also provides an extrusion mechanism 40, which is used in additive manufacturing equipment 200. The extrusion mechanism 40 includes an extrusion shell 41 and a rotating body 42. The extrusion shell 41 includes a side wall 411 and a bottom wall 412. The side wall 411 surrounds the periphery of the bottom wall 412 to form an extrusion space 413. The side wall 411 is provided with an inlet 411a and an outlet 411b communicating with the extrusion space 413.

[0082] The rotating body 42 is disposed in the extrusion space 413 and is rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall 412. The rotating body 42 includes a first pushing surface 421 facing the side wall 411, and the side wall 411 includes a second pushing surface 414 facing the first pushing surface 421.

[0083] By setting up a rotating body 42 and an extrusion shell 41, the material strip 300 in the extrusion space 413 is clamped by the first pushing surface 421 of the rotating body 42 and the second pushing surface 414 of the side wall 411 of the extrusion shell 41. When the rotating body 42 rotates, the first pushing surface 421 moves relative to the second pushing surface 414 to push the material strip 300 out of the extrusion space 413, which helps to increase the extrusion force on the material strip 300, avoid problems such as insufficient friction and slippage caused by the smooth surface of the material strip 300, and improve the extrusion effect.

[0084] In related technologies, the extrusion mechanism 40 includes two counter-rotating rollers. The strip material is driven and extruded by the two counter-rotating rollers. Since both rollers can rotate, it is not easy to generate a large friction force, resulting in poor extrusion effect.

[0085] Specifically, the rotating body 42 is rotatably disposed within the extrusion shell 41. The extrusion shell 41 is generally cylindrical and includes a side wall 411 and a bottom wall 412. The side wall 411 surrounds the periphery of the bottom wall 412 to form an extrusion space 413. The side wall 411 is provided with a feed inlet 411a and a discharge outlet 411b. The feed inlet 411a and the discharge outlet 411b are generally correspondingly arranged. Both the feed inlet 411a and the discharge outlet 411b are connected to the extrusion space 413. The feed inlet 411a is used to allow the material strip 300 to enter the extrusion space 413. The discharge outlet 411b is used to allow the material strip 300 to exit the extrusion space 413.

[0086] A rotating body 42 is disposed in the extrusion space 413 and is rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall 412. The rotating body 42 includes a first pushing surface 421 facing the side wall 411, and the side wall 411 includes a second pushing surface 414 facing the first pushing surface 421. The first pushing surface 421 and the second pushing surface 413 are used to clamp the material strip 300 in the extrusion space 413. When the rotating body 42 rotates, the first pushing surface 421 moves relative to the second pushing surface 414, thereby pushing the material strip 300 out of the extrusion space 413.

[0087] In practical use, the material strip 300 first enters the extrusion space 413 from the feed port 411a. Then, the rotating body 42 starts to rotate. As the rotating body 42 rotates, its first pushing surface 421 moves relative to the second pushing surface 414 of the side wall 411. Using the friction and pushing force between the two, the material strip 300 is clamped and pushed towards the discharge port 411b. Finally, the material strip 300 is discharged from the extrusion space 413 from the discharge port 411b.

[0088] In some embodiments, the rotating body 42 includes a rotating spindle 422, a rotating body 423, and a plurality of rotating wheels 424. The rotating body 423 is rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall 412 about the rotating spindle 422. Each rotating wheel 424 protrudes from the periphery of the rotating body 423, and each rotating wheel 424 includes a first pushing surface 421. In this way, the plurality of rotating wheels 424 can simultaneously push the material strip 300 from multiple angles, making the force on the material strip 300 more uniform and improving the stability and efficiency of extrusion.

[0089] In some embodiments, the rotating body 42 further includes a plurality of rotary sub-shafts 425, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of rotating wheels 424, and each rotating wheel 424 is rotatably disposed around the periphery of the rotating body 423 about the corresponding rotary sub-shaft 425.

[0090] Thus, when the rotating body 42 rotates to push the material strip 300, the rotating wheel 424 itself can also rotate, reducing the friction between itself and the material strip 300. This reduces wear on the surface of the material strip 300 and further improves extrusion efficiency. In some embodiments, the rotary auxiliary shaft 425 and the rotary main shaft 422 can be arranged in parallel.

[0091] In some embodiments, the plurality of rotating wheels 424 are evenly distributed at intervals around the periphery of the rotating body 423. In this way, during the rotation of the rotating body 42, the material strip 300 can be pushed with a more balanced force, and it can be ensured that the extrusion force on the material strip 300 can be effectively applied at different positions, ensuring that the material strip 300 is extruded uniformly and stably.

[0092] Specifically, there are three rotating wheels 424, which are evenly distributed around the periphery of the rotating body 423. That is, the fan-shaped angle between each pair of adjacent rotating wheels 424 and the main rotating shaft 422 is approximately 120 degrees.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first abutment surface 421 is provided with a first groove (not shown). The second abutment surface 414 is provided with a second groove (not shown). Thus, during the extrusion of the material strip 300, the first and second grooves can provide positioning and guidance for the material strip 300, preventing it from shifting during extrusion. They also increase the contact area between the material strip 300 and the grooves, improving friction and making the extrusion process more stable and reliable. The first groove can correspond to the second groove; specifically, the first and second grooves can have the same shape.

[0094] In some embodiments, the extrusion shell 41 includes a plurality of bottom walls 412, which include a first bottom wall and a second bottom wall spaced apart. A side wall 411 is connected to the periphery of the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall and is disposed between the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall. This enhances the structural strength of the extrusion shell 41, improves the stability of the extrusion mechanism 40 during operation, and prevents deformation caused by the extrusion force of the material strip 300 or the force generated by the rotation of the rotating body 42, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the extrusion operation.

[0095] Specifically, there are two bottom walls 412, which are spaced apart, and the side walls 411 are connected to the periphery of the two bottom walls 412.

[0096] In some embodiments, the extrusion shell 41 further includes a feed conduit 415 and / or a discharge conduit 416. The feed conduit 415 connects to the feed inlet 411a, and the discharge conduit 416 connects to the discharge outlet 411b. Thus, the feed conduit 415 can easily connect to an external material strip 300, allowing the material strip 300 to accurately enter the extrusion space 413, while the discharge conduit 416 guides the extruded material strip 300 to discharge smoothly, preventing the material strip 300 from becoming disordered or blocked during the discharge process, thereby improving the smoothness of the entire printing process.

[0097] The extrusion mechanism 40 provided in this application, by setting a rotating body 42 and an extrusion shell 41, uses the first pushing surface 421 of the rotating body 42 and the second pushing surface 414 of the side wall 411 of the extrusion shell 41 to clamp the material strip 300 in the extrusion space 413. When the rotating body 42 rotates, the first pushing surface 421 moves relative to the second pushing surface 414 to push the material strip 300 out of the extrusion space 413. This helps to increase the extrusion force on the material strip 300 and avoid problems such as insufficient friction and slippage caused by the smooth surface of the material strip 300.

[0098] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5In this embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a control unit 50. The printhead body 30 also includes a first mounting base 31, an extrusion driver 32, and a heating element 33. Both the extrusion driver 32 and the heating element 33 are disposed on the first mounting base 31. The first mounting base 31 is disposed on the movable bracket 10. The extrusion driver 32 is drively connected to the rotating body 42. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the extrusion driver 32. Specifically, the control unit 50 includes one of a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microcontroller unit (MCU), and an industrial computer. The heating element 33 includes one of a resistance wire heater, a ceramic heater, and an infrared heater.

[0099] In practical use, the control unit 50 sends a control signal to the extrusion driver 32. After receiving the signal, the extrusion driver 32 starts to drive the rotating body 42 to rotate. Under the drive of the extrusion driver 32, the first pushing surface 421 of the rotating body 42 moves relative to the second pushing surface 414 of the side wall 411 of the extrusion shell 41, thereby clamping the material strip 300 located in the extrusion space 413 and pushing the material strip 300 from the feed port 411a to the discharge port 411b, and finally realizing the discharge of the material strip 300 from the extrusion space 413, providing a stable material supply for subsequent additive manufacturing on the forming platform 202.

[0100] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the extrusion driver 32 includes a drive motor 321 and a drive wheel 322. The drive wheel 322 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 321. The extrusion mechanism 40 (another extrusion mechanism 40 is also provided in this embodiment) also includes a driven wheel 422a connected to the rotating main shaft 422. The drive wheel 322 and the driven wheel 422a can be connected to each other to realize power transmission. Specifically, the drive wheel 322 and the driven wheel 422a are two gears that can cooperate with each other.

[0101] Please see Figure 5In this embodiment, the material changing unit 20 includes a second mounting base 21, a heat sink 22, and a heated nozzle 23. The heat sink 22 is connected between the second mounting base 21 and the heated nozzle 23. The extrusion mechanism 40 is disposed on the second mounting base 21. The second mounting base 21 is detachably connected to the first mounting base 31, thereby realizing the replacement of the nozzle body 30 and the material changing unit 20. When the second mounting base 21 is connected to the first mounting base 31, the heating element 33 contacts the heated nozzle 23. The extrusion mechanism 40 discharges the material strip 300 from the extrusion space 413 and enters the heated nozzle 23 through the heat sink 22. The material strip 300 is heated and melted in the heated nozzle 23 and extruded from one end of the heated nozzle 23. The heat sink 22 includes multiple heat dissipation fins. It serves to impede heat conduction from the heated nozzle 23 to the extrusion mechanism 40, providing excellent heat insulation and preventing damage to the extrusion mechanism 40 due to overheating. This ensures stable operation of the extrusion mechanism 40 and also prevents the material strip 300 from softening prematurely before entering the heated nozzle 23, which would affect the extrusion effect and precision. The heated nozzle 23 has a copper cavity structure, allowing the material strip 300 to be rapidly and uniformly heated and melted.

[0102] Please see again Figure 1 In this embodiment, the movable support 10 includes a first movable rod 11, a second movable rod 12, and a translation driver 13. The translation driver 13 is connected between the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12, allowing the second movable rod 12 to translate relative to the first movable rod 11. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the translation driver 13. The first movable rod 11 is located within the main body 201, and the nozzle body 30 is movably connected to the second movable rod 12. Specifically, the first movable rod 11 consists of two lead screws vertically distributed on the second movable rod 12, and the translation driver 13 is a stepper motor.

[0103] In use, the control unit 50 activates the translation driver 13, which drives the second movable rod 12 to move relative to the first movable rod 11. The second movable rod 12 then moves the printhead body 30 closer to the target material changing section 20. Finally, under the control of the control unit 50, the printhead body 30 selectively connects to a material changing section 20 for subsequent printing operations.

[0104] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 7 In another embodiment of this application, the material changing unit 20 further includes a switching seat 24 and a plurality of heated nozzles 23. The switching seat 24 is disposed at one end of the heat sink 22 and has a plurality of feed channels 240. The plurality of heated nozzles 23 are movably disposed on the side of the switching seat 24 opposite to the heat sink 22. Each heated nozzle 23 is connected to one feed channel 240.

[0105] The switching base 24 serves to connect and distribute the material strips 300. When different material strips 300 need to be switched for printing, the switching base 24 can switch through its internal feed channel 240, connecting with the corresponding heated nozzle 23 to meet the printing requirements of different materials. In addition, the heated nozzle 23 is movably mounted on the switching base 24, facilitating the maintenance and replacement of the heated nozzle 23, and can also be flexibly adjusted according to the specific printing task.

[0106] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 In another embodiment, the switching base 24 includes a first portion 241, a second portion 242, and a first driving member (not shown). The first portion 241 is movably connected to the second portion 242. The first driving member is drively connected to the second portion 242 to drive the second portion 242 to move relative to the first portion 241. The first portion 241 has a plurality of first feed channels 241a, and the second portion 242 has a plurality of second feed channels 242a. Each first feed channel 241a can communicate with one second feed channel 242a to form a feed channel 240. Meanwhile, the other first feed channels 241a are blocked by the second portion 242.

[0107] For example, when the currently used feed channel 240 needs to be switched, the second part 242 rotates, disconnecting the originally connected first feed channel 241a and second feed channel 242a, while another first feed channel 241a that needs to be used connects with the corresponding second feed channel 242a, thereby realizing the switching of feed channel 240. This rotational switching method has a compact structure and can realize the rapid switching of multiple material channels in a small space.

[0108] Understandably, in other embodiments of this application, the first driving component may be omitted, and the second part 242 can be rotated manually. For example, when the equipment needs to switch the feed channel 240, the operator can use a special tool or directly rotate the second part 242 manually to make it rotate relative to the first part 241, thereby realizing the connection and switching of different feed channels 240.

[0109] In another embodiment, the switching base 24 has a thickness direction A, along which a first portion 241 and a second portion 242 overlap. The second portion 242 has a center point and is rotatably disposed relative to the first portion 241 about the center point. By setting the switching method in which the second portion 242 rotates about the center point, it is beneficial to achieve a compact structure of the switching base 24 and to make efficient use of space.

[0110] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11Taking three feeding channels 240 as an example, the first part 241 is provided with three first feeding channels 241a, and the second part 242 is provided with three second feeding channels 242a. Each first feeding channel 241a has a first opening 241b facing the second part 242. Each second feeding channel 242a has a second opening 242b facing the first part 241.

[0111] Of the three first openings 241b, the distance between any two first openings 241b is not equal, and the three first openings 241b are asymmetrical about the center point. Similarly, of the three second openings 242b, the distance between any two second openings 242b is not equal, and the three second openings 242b are asymmetrical about the center point.

[0112] The three first openings 241b are denoted as opening a, opening b and opening c respectively; the three second openings 242b are denoted as opening d, opening e and opening f respectively.

[0113] (1) Please see Figure 9 When opening a and opening d are connected, opening b is offset from opening e and opening f, and opening c is offset from opening e and opening f.

[0114] (2) Please see Figure 10 When the second part 242 is rotated so that opening b and opening e are connected, opening a is offset from opening d and opening f, and opening c is offset from opening d and opening f.

[0115] (3) Please see Figure 11 Continue rotating the second part 242 until opening c and opening f are connected, opening a is offset from opening d and opening e, and opening b is offset from opening d and opening e.

[0116] This design enables one-to-one connection between the three feed channels 240 during the rotation of the switching seat 24, avoiding confusion caused by simultaneous connection of multiple channels and ensuring the accuracy and controllability of feeding. Simultaneously, the asymmetrical distribution and unequal spacing of the three first openings 241b and three second openings 242b make switching more precise and reliable, further improving the working efficiency and stability of the switching seat 24. This compact switching seat 24 can achieve efficient switching of the feed channels 240 within a limited space, meeting the needs of different working scenarios.

[0117] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 In another embodiment, the switching seat 24 has a length direction B, and along the length direction B, the first part 241 is slidably disposed relative to the second part 242, thereby realizing the switching of the feed channel 240.

[0118] Specifically, the first part 241 has three first openings 241c, denoted as opening g, opening h and opening i respectively. The second part 242 has three second openings 242c, denoted as opening j, opening k and opening I respectively.

[0119] (4) Please see Figure 12 When opening g and opening j are connected, opening h is offset from opening k and opening I, and opening i is offset from opening k and opening I.

[0120] (5) Please see Figure 13 When the first part 241 slides relative to the second part 242, so that opening h and opening k are connected, opening g is offset from opening j and opening I, and opening i is offset from opening j and opening I.

[0121] (6) Please see Figure 14 Continue sliding until opening i is connected to opening I, at which point opening g is offset from opening j and opening k, and opening h is offset from opening j and opening k.

[0122] This embodiment also provides a printhead 100 for use in additive manufacturing equipment 200. The printhead 100 includes any of the extrusion mechanisms 40 described above and a printhead body 30. The printhead body 30 is connected to the extrusion mechanism 40 and is configured to receive the material strip 300 extruded by the extrusion mechanism 40. The specific structure of the printhead 100 is described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0123] This embodiment also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus 200, which includes a forming platform 202 and the aforementioned print head 100, wherein the print head 100 is configured to move relative to the forming platform 202. The specific structure of the additive manufacturing apparatus 200 is described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0124] This embodiment also provides another additive manufacturing apparatus 200, which includes a main body 201, a forming platform 202, a nozzle body 30, and multiple material changing sections 20. The forming platform 202 is disposed on the main body 201. The nozzle body 30 is disposed on the main body 201 and is movably disposed relative to the forming platform 202. Each material changing section 20 includes a second mounting base 21 and a heated nozzle 23. The second mounting base 21 is detachably connected to the main body 201 and detachably connected to the nozzle body 30. The heated nozzle 23 is connected to the second mounting base 21. A rotating member 60 is movably disposed on the second mounting base 21 or the nozzle body 30. See [reference needed]. Figure 15 as well as Figure 16The rotating member 60 includes a first state and a second state. The first state includes the rotating member 60 being located between the heated nozzle 23 and the molding platform 202. The second state includes the rotating member 60 releasing the space between the heated nozzle 23 and the molding platform 202.

[0125] Under normal circumstances, when changing materials, the old material will remain in the heated nozzle 23 of the additive manufacturing equipment 200, which will affect the printing quality.

[0126] When the rotating part 60 is in its first state during material replacement, it can prevent old material from falling onto the forming platform, thereby ensuring printing quality.

[0127] Specifically, the heated nozzle 23 is used to spray material onto the forming platform 202. The rotating component 60 includes a first state and a second state. The first state prevents old material from falling onto the forming platform 202 when changing materials. The second state causes the rotating component 60 to be misaligned with the heated nozzle 23, allowing the heated nozzle 23 to perform additive manufacturing on the forming platform 202. During material change, the rotating component 60 is in the first state, preventing old material from falling onto the forming platform 202 and avoiding contamination and impact on the new material. When printing is required, the rotating component 60 switches to the second state, misaligned with the heated nozzle 23, allowing the heated nozzle 23 to spray material onto the forming platform 202 normally.

[0128] In some embodiments, the rotating member 60 includes a driving member, a transmission member, and a baffle plate. The driving member is disposed on the second mounting base 21 or the nozzle body 30, and the transmission member is connected between the baffle plate and the driving member.

[0129] Specifically, the rotating component 60 includes a driving component, a transmission component, and a baffle plate. The driving component is disposed on the second mounting base 21 or the nozzle body 30 and is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The transmission component connects the baffle plate and the driving component. The driving component provides power for the movement of the rotating component 60. The transmission component transmits the power of the driving component to the baffle plate, enabling the baffle plate to accurately switch between a first state and a second state.

[0130] In some embodiments, the driving component may include a motor, and the transmission component may include a rotating shaft, with one end of the rotating shaft connected to the output shaft of the motor and the other end connected to one end of the baffle plate. Thus, the overall structure is simple and stable.

[0131] Specifically, the rotating shaft extends vertically, with its upper end connected to the motor's output shaft and its lower end connected to a baffle plate. This allows the baffle plate to rotate around the vertical shaft, preventing interference with the model or other components. The motor can be mounted on the second mounting base 21 or the side wall of the nozzle body 30.

[0132] When changing materials, the control unit 50 sends a command to the drive unit. Upon receiving the command, the drive unit begins operation, moving the baffle plate via the rotating component 60 to a position between the heated nozzle 23 and the forming platform 202, i.e., the rotating component 60 switches to the first state. At this time, the baffle plate prevents the old material from falling onto the forming platform 202, avoiding contamination of the new material and affecting subsequent printing quality. Simultaneously, the control unit 50 monitors the position of the rotating component 60 to ensure the baffle plate is accurately positioned, guaranteeing a smooth material change. After the material change is complete, the control unit 50 sends another command to the drive unit, causing the rotating component 60 to switch back to the second state, allowing the heated nozzle 23 to perform additive processing on the forming platform 202.

[0133] In some embodiments, the shaft extends horizontally, with one horizontal end connected to the output shaft of the motor and the other horizontal end or middle of the shaft connected to a baffle plate.

[0134] In this embodiment, the baffle material typically possesses properties such as high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance to ensure reliable operation during the printing process. Specifically, the baffle material includes one of the following: high-temperature resistant ceramics, special alloy steel, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In other embodiments of this application, the driving component can also be one of a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, or an electromagnetic device. The transmission component can also be one of a linkage mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, or a belt transmission mechanism.

[0135] For example, in some embodiments, the drive component includes a motor, and the transmission component includes a meshing transmission gear and a transmission rack, the transmission gear being connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the transmission rack being fixed to the baffle plate.

[0136] In some embodiments, the baffle plate has an opening. Thus, in the second state, the heated nozzle 23 corresponds to the opening, preventing excessive displacement of the baffle plate.

[0137] In some embodiments, the material exchange section 20 connected to the main body 201 is in a first state, thereby preventing material leakage.

[0138] In some embodiments, the rotating component includes a transmission component and a baffle plate, and the nozzle body 30 is provided with a driving component, which is detachably connected to the transmission component. This reduces the number of overall driving components and saves costs.

[0139] In some embodiments, the nozzle body 30 is horizontally movable relative to the molding platform 202, and the plurality of material changing sections 20 are arranged horizontally. Thus, the movement of the nozzle body 30 and the arrangement of the material changing sections 20 are adapted to each other, making it easy for the nozzle body 30 to pick up and put down the material changing sections 20.

[0140] This embodiment also provides another material changing unit 20, applied to the additive manufacturing equipment 200. The material changing unit 20 includes a switching seat 24 and a plurality of heated nozzles 23. The switching seat 24 is provided with a plurality of feed channels 240, each feed channel 240 having a released state and a blocked state. The plurality of heated nozzles 23 are disposed on the switching seat 24, and each heated nozzle 23 is configured to connect to one feed channel 240.

[0141] The release state allows materials or wires to pass through the feed channel 240, and the release state prevents materials or wires from passing through the feed channel 240.

[0142] Generally, when changing printing materials, additive manufacturing equipment requires replacing the heated nozzle 23 of the material changing unit 20 to avoid problems such as clogging or damage to the heated nozzle 23 by different materials. However, replacing different heated nozzles 23 is a rather cumbersome and complicated operation.

[0143] In this embodiment, the switching of the heated nozzle 23 can be achieved through the switching seat 24, which is simple to operate. The specific structures of the switching seat 24, the additive manufacturing equipment 200, the printing nozzle 100, and the heated nozzle 23 are described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0144] In some embodiments, when any one feed channel 240 is in the released state, the other feed channels 240 are blocked. This avoids unnecessary material leakage and ensures print quality.

[0145] In some embodiments, the switching base 24 includes a first portion 241 and a second portion 242, the first portion 241 being movably connected to the second portion 242, and each feed channel 240 including a first feed channel 241a disposed in the first portion 241 and a second feed channel 242a disposed in the second portion 242. The specific structures of the first portion 241 and the second portion 242 can be found in the above embodiments.

[0146] In some embodiments, the switching seat 24 has a thickness direction A, along which a first portion 241 and a second portion 242 overlap, the second portion 242 has a center point, and the second portion 242 is rotatably configured relative to the first portion 241 about the center point. The specific structure of the rotatable configuration of the second portion 242 can be found in the embodiments described above.

[0147] In some embodiments, the switching seat 24 has a length direction B, along which a first portion 241 is slidably disposed relative to a second portion 242. The sliding arrangement of the first portion 241 can be found in the embodiments described above.

[0148] In some embodiments, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of heating elements 33, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of heated nozzles 23, and each heated nozzle 23 is configured to be connected to a corresponding feed channel 240 through the corresponding heating element 33.

[0149] In some embodiments, the plurality of heated nozzles 23 are disposed below the switching seat 24, thereby facilitating the printing of 3D models.

[0150] In some embodiments, the printhead 100 further includes a heat sink 22 disposed above the switching base 24. The heat sink 22 has heat dissipation channels that connect to each feed channel 240. Thus, multiple heated nozzles 23 can share the heat sink 22, reducing costs. In some embodiments, the heat sink 22 includes heat dissipation fins, further reducing costs.

[0151] This embodiment also provides another additive manufacturing apparatus 200, which includes a forming platform 202 and any of the above-described printing nozzles 100, wherein the printing nozzles 100 are configured to move relative to the forming platform 202. The specific structure of the forming platform 202 is described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0152] The specific embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made to the specific embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. All such changes and substitutions fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. An extrusion mechanism for an additive manufacturing apparatus, the extrusion mechanism comprising: The extrusion mechanism includes: An extrusion shell, the extrusion shell including a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall surrounding the periphery of the bottom wall to form an extrusion space, the side wall having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the extrusion space; A rotating body is disposed in the extrusion space and rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall. The rotating body includes a first pushing surface facing the side wall, and the side wall includes a second pushing surface facing the first pushing surface.

2. The extrusion mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The rotating body includes a rotating spindle, a rotating body, and multiple rotating wheels. The rotating body is rotatably disposed on one side of the bottom wall around the rotating spindle. Each rotating wheel protrudes from the periphery of the rotating body and each rotating wheel includes a first pushing surface.

3. The extrusion mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The rotating body also includes multiple rotary sub-shafts, each of which corresponds to one of the multiple rotating wheels. Each rotating wheel is rotatably disposed around the periphery of the rotating body about its corresponding rotary sub-shaft.

4. The extrusion mechanism of claim 3, wherein, The rotary sub-shaft is arranged parallel to the rotary main shaft.

5. The extrusion mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The plurality of rotating wheels are evenly distributed at intervals around the periphery of the rotating body.

6. The extrusion mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The first pushing surface is provided with a first groove, and the second pushing surface is provided with a second groove.

7. The extrusion mechanism of claim 1, wherein The extruded shell includes a plurality of bottom walls, the plurality of bottom walls including a first bottom wall and a second bottom wall spaced apart, the side wall being connected to the periphery of the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall, and the side wall being disposed in the middle of the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall.

8. The extrusion mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The extrusion shell also includes a feed conduit and / or a discharge conduit, the feed conduit being connected to the feed inlet and the discharge conduit being connected to the discharge outlet.

9. A print head for use in an additive manufacturing apparatus, the print head comprising: The printhead includes: The extrusion mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; A nozzle body connected to the extrusion mechanism, the nozzle body being configured to receive a strip of material extruded by the extrusion mechanism.

10. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized by include: Molding platform; The printhead of claim 9 is configured to move relative to the forming platform.

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