Printhead mechanism and additive manufacturing apparatus applying the same

Abstract

This application provides a printhead mechanism and an additive manufacturing device using the same. The printhead mechanism includes: a plurality of hot-end components, each of which receives solid printing material and melts it before extrusion molding; a first movable frame detachably housing the plurality of hot-end components; a printhead body configured to detachably connect to at least one of the hot-end components; a second movable frame movably housing the printhead body; and a drive assembly connecting the first and second movable frames, used to drive the first and second movable frames to move. This shortens the docking time between the hot-end components and the printhead body, improving material changing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Generally, 3D printing equipment is also known as additive manufacturing equipment. Additive manufacturing equipment includes a printing nozzle body and multiple hot end components. One of the hot end components is connected to the printing nozzle body, so that the nozzle body can drive the hot end component to move for additive manufacturing. Other hot end components are stored separately in the storage area of ​​the 3D printing equipment. In the process of realizing this application, the inventors found that the related technology has at least the following problems: it takes a long time to replace the hot end components. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the problems in the prior art, embodiments of this application provide a printhead mechanism.

[0004] Additionally, this application also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a printhead mechanism, comprising: a plurality of hot-end assemblies, each of the hot-end assemblies being used to receive solid printing material and then extruding it after melting; a first movable frame, the first movable frame being detachably provided with the plurality of hot-end assemblies; a printhead body, the printhead body being configured to detachably connect to at least one of the hot-end assemblies; a second movable frame, the second movable frame being movably provided with the printhead body; and a drive assembly, the drive assembly connecting the first movable frame and the second movable frame, the drive assembly being used to drive the first movable frame and the second movable frame to move.

[0006] Optionally, the drive assembly is configured to adjust the relative positions of the first movable frame and the second movable frame such that the nozzle body and one of the plurality of hot end assemblies move toward each other along a straight path.

[0007] Optionally, the second movable frame is offset from the first movable frame.

[0008] Optionally, the first movable frame includes a first movable rod and a second movable rod, the first movable rod being movably connected to the second movable rod, and the second movable frame includes a third movable rod and a fourth movable rod, the third movable rod being movably connected to the fourth movable rod.

[0009] Optionally, the first movable rod, the second movable rod, the third movable rod, and the fourth movable rod extend horizontally, and at least one of the first movable rod, the second movable rod, the third movable rod, and the fourth movable rod is higher than the other.

[0010] Optionally, the printhead mechanism further includes a housing that defines an internal printing space, wherein the first movable rod and the third movable rod are translatably disposed in the printing space, and the first movable rod and the third movable rod are offset from each other.

[0011] Optionally, the first movable rod is vertically and movably connected to the second movable rod, and the third movable rod is vertically and movably connected to the fourth movable rod.

[0012] Optionally, the nozzle body includes a first mounting base, an extrusion driver, and a drive wheel. The extrusion driver and the drive wheel are both connected to the first mounting base, and the extrusion driver is throttle-connected to the drive wheel. The first mounting base is located on the fourth movable rod.

[0013] Optionally, the hot end assembly further includes a second mounting base, a driven wheel, and an extrusion wheel. The driven wheel and the extrusion wheel are both disposed on the second mounting base. The driven wheel is drivenly connected to the extrusion wheel. The second mounting base is detachably disposed on the second movable rod and is detachably connected to the first mounting base.

[0014] On the other hand, this application also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, including: a molding platform; and any of the above-described printhead mechanisms, the printhead mechanism being configured to move relative to the molding platform and perform additive manufacturing on the molding platform.

[0015] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the first movable frame and the second movable frame of the printhead mechanism and additive manufacturing equipment provided in this application can both move, rather than only the second movable frame can move, thereby shortening the docking time between the hot end component and the printhead body and improving the material changing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of an additive manufacturing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the printhead mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment shown.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of another state of the printhead mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment shown.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the nozzle body and hot end assembly after assembly.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4The diagram shown is a schematic of the nozzle body and hot end assembly before assembly.

[0021] Figure 6 Book Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic of the nozzle body and hot end assembly from another angle before assembly.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first mounting base of the nozzle body is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the extrusion driver and reduction gear after assembly.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second mounting base for the hot-end assembly is shown.

[0025] Explanation of main component symbols

[0026] Printhead mechanism 100

[0027] First movable shelf 10

[0028] First movable lever 11

[0029] Second movable lever 12

[0030] First Driver 13

[0031] Second movable shelf 20

[0032] Third movable lever 21

[0033] Fourth movable lever 22

[0034] Second drive 23

[0035] Hot end component 30

[0036] Second mounting bracket 31

[0037] Outer plate 311

[0038] First opening 311a

[0039] First bearing 311b

[0040] Inner side panel 312

[0041] Second opening 312a

[0042] Second bearing 312b

[0043] Driven wheel 32

[0044] Second mating tooth 321

[0045] Extrusion wheel 33

[0046] Second magnetic component 34

[0047] Heated section 36

[0048] Passive heat sink 37

[0049] Heatsink fins 371

[0050] Matching wheelset 38

[0051] First mating wheel 381

[0052] Second matching wheel 382

[0053] Control Unit 50

[0054] Sprayer body 40

[0055] First mounting base 41

[0056] Assembly plate 411

[0057] Connector plate 412

[0058] First limiting plate 413

[0059] Second limiting plate 414

[0060] Ventilation hole 414a

[0061] Assembly space 415

[0062] Extrusion driver 42

[0063] Drive wheel 43

[0064] First mating tooth 431

[0065] First magnetic component 44

[0066] Reduction wheel 45

[0067] Heating element 46

[0068] Active heat sink 47

[0069] Cooling fan 471

[0070] 60 shell

[0071] Print space 61

[0072] Length direction A

[0073] Width direction B

[0074] Height direction C

[0075] Thickness direction D

[0076] First Installation Area P1

[0077] Second installation area P2

[0078] Third Installation Area P3

[0079] Containment Room R

[0080] Containment Chamber R1

[0081] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0082] 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.

[0083] Please see Figure 1This application provides an additive manufacturing apparatus 200 according to one embodiment. The additive manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a printhead mechanism 100 and a forming platform 201. The printhead mechanism 100 is used to select the desired solid printing material 300 and move relative to the forming platform 201 (along a preset path) to perform additive manufacturing on the forming platform 201. 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 solid printing material 300 can be a plastic filament, such as polylactic acid filament, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer filament, or polyvinyl alcohol filament. This embodiment of the additive manufacturing apparatus 200 is described using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer as an example, with the solid printing material 300 being a plastic filament.

[0084] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In this embodiment, the printhead mechanism 100 includes a first movable frame 10, a second movable frame 20, multiple hot end components 30, a printhead body 40, and a drive component.

[0085] Each hot-end assembly 30 is used to receive solid printing material and extrude it after melting. The first movable frame 10 detachably houses the plurality of hot-end assemblies 30. The printhead body 40 is configured to be detachably connected to at least one hot-end assembly 30. The second movable frame 20 detachably houses the printhead body 40. A drive assembly connects the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20, and the drive assembly is used to drive the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20 to move.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20 of the printhead mechanism 100 can both move, rather than only the second movable frame 20 can move, thereby shortening the docking time between the hot end assembly 30 and the printhead body 40 and improving the material changing efficiency.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20 are staggered to avoid interference during movement. That is, the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20 are positioned differently in a certain direction, such as in the height direction, the horizontal lateral direction, or the horizontal front-back direction. In some embodiments, the first movable rod 11, the second movable rod 12, the third movable rod 21, and the fourth movable rod 22 extend horizontally, and at least one of the first movable rod 11, the second movable rod 12, the third movable rod 21, and the fourth movable rod 22 is higher than the others.

[0088] In some embodiments, the drive assembly is configured to adjust the relative positions of the first movable frame and the second movable frame such that the nozzle body and one of the plurality of hot end assemblies move toward each other in a straight path.

[0089] For example, the printhead mechanism 100 also includes a control unit 50, which is electrically connected to the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20. The control unit 50 controls the relative positions of the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20, causing the printhead body 40 and one of the hot-end components 30 to move towards each other along a generally straight path. That is, the printhead body 40 moves toward a hot-end component 30, while the hot-end component 30 moves toward the printhead body 40, thereby shortening the moving distance between the printhead body 40 and the hot-end component 30 and improving the efficiency of the printhead body 40 in contact with the hot-end component 30. The control unit 50 includes at least one of a distance sensor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and an industrial computer.

[0090] The first movable frame 10 includes a first movable rod 11 and a second movable rod 12, and the driving assembly includes a first driver 13. The first movable rod 11 is movably connected to the second movable rod 12. The first driver 13 is connected between the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12 or at other locations to drive the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12 to move relative to each other. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the first driver 13. A plurality of hot-end assemblies 30 are detachably disposed on the first movable rod 11. It can be understood that in other embodiments of this application, the plurality of hot-end assemblies 30 are detachably disposed on the second movable rod 12, or the plurality of hot-end assemblies 30 are detachably disposed at other locations of the additive manufacturing equipment 200 other than the first movable frame 10, such as above the forming platform 201. The hot-end assemblies 30 are used to receive solid printing material and melt it for extrusion molding.

[0091] The first actuator 13 can be disposed between the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12. The first actuator 13 is an electric cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, which drives the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12 to move relative to each other via a telescopic rod. The first actuator 13 may include a first pneumatic cylinder, which is mounted on the first movable rod 11. The telescopic rod of the first pneumatic cylinder is connected to the second movable rod 12, thereby driving the second movable rod 12 to translate. For example, the first actuator 13 may include a first motor, which is mounted on the first movable rod 11. The output shaft of the first motor meshes with a rack fixed on the second movable rod 12 via a gear, thereby driving the second movable rod 12 to translate.

[0092] The printhead mechanism 100 includes a housing 60 or a main body. A first driver 13 may be disposed on the housing 60 or the main body to drive the entire or part of the first movable frame 10 (the first movable rod 11 or the second movable rod 12) to move relative to the housing 60 or the main body. The first driver 13 is an electric cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, which drives the entire or part of the first movable frame 10 to move via a telescopic rod. The first driver 13 may include a second cylinder, which is mounted on the housing 60 or the main body. The telescopic rod of the second cylinder is connected to the entire or part of the first movable frame 10, thereby driving the entire or part of the first movable frame 10 to translate. Alternatively, the first driver 13 may include a second motor, which is mounted on the housing 60 or the main body. The output shaft of the second motor engages with a rack fixed on the entire or part of the first movable frame 10 via gears, thereby driving the entire or part of the first movable frame 10 to translate.

[0093] The second movable frame 20 includes a third movable rod 21 and a fourth movable rod 22, and the driving assembly includes a second driver 23. The third movable rod 21 is movably connected to the fourth movable rod 22. The second driver 23 is connected between the third movable rod 21 and the fourth movable rod 22 or at other locations to drive the third movable rod 21 and the fourth movable rod 22 to move relative to each other. The control unit 50 is also electrically connected to the second driver 23. The nozzle body 40 is disposed on the fourth movable rod 22. The first driver 13 and the second driver 23 include one of a stepper motor driver, a servo motor driver, and a DC motor driver. It is understood that in other embodiments of this application, the nozzle body 40 is disposed on the third movable rod 21.

[0094] The second actuator 23 is positioned between the third movable rod 21 and the fourth movable rod 22. The second actuator 23 is an electric cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, which drives the third movable rod 21 and the fourth movable rod 22 to move relative to each other via a telescopic rod. The second actuator 23 may include a third pneumatic cylinder mounted on the third movable rod 21, with its telescopic rod connected to the fourth movable rod 22, thereby causing the fourth movable rod 22 to translate. Alternatively, the second actuator 23 may include a third motor mounted on the third movable rod 21, with its output shaft engaging a rack fixed to the fourth movable rod 22 via gears, thereby causing the fourth movable rod 22 to translate.

[0095] The second actuator 23 can be disposed on the housing 60 or the main body to drive the entire or part of the second movable frame 20 (the third movable rod 21 or the fourth movable rod 22) to move relative to the housing 60 or the main body. The second actuator 23 is an electric cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, which drives the entire or part of the second movable frame 20 to move via a telescopic rod. The second actuator 23 may include a fourth cylinder, which is mounted on the housing 60 or the main body, and the telescopic rod of the fourth cylinder is connected to the entire or part of the second movable frame 20, thereby driving the entire or part of the second movable frame 20 to translate. For example, the second actuator 23 may include a fourth motor, which is mounted on the housing 60 or the main body, and the output shaft of the fourth motor engages with a rack fixed on the entire or part of the second movable frame 20 via gears, thereby driving the entire or part of the second movable frame 20 to translate.

[0096] In practice, when the control unit 50 detects that the solid printing material 300 currently used by the printhead body 40 is about to run out, the control unit 50 calculates the position of the printhead body 40 from the target hot-end assembly 30 and determines the straight-line path L between the printhead body 40 and the hot-end assembly 30. Then, the control unit 50 sends control signals to the first driver 13 and the second driver 23, causing the first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20 to work together to quickly move the printhead body 40 and the target hot-end assembly 30 to the docking position, achieving rapid material change. For example, the control unit 50 determines the straight-line path L based on the distance information between the printhead body 40 and the target hot-end assembly 30. This straight-line path L is the shortest movement path between the printhead body 40 and the target hot-end assembly 30, which can greatly shorten the docking time and improve the material change efficiency. The control unit 50 determines the first control signal and the second control signal based on this straight-line path L. After receiving the first control signal, the first driver 13 drives the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12 to move in a predetermined manner to adjust the position of the hot-end assembly 30. After receiving the second control signal, the second driver 23 drives the third movable rod 21 and the fourth movable rod 22 to move, so that the nozzle body 40 moves closer to the target hot end assembly 30 along the straight path L.

[0097] In this embodiment, the outer casing 60 has a printing space 61, which is generally cuboid in shape and has a length direction A, a width direction B, and a height direction C. The first movable frame 10 and the second movable frame 20 are both located within the printing space 61. Specifically, the first movable rod 11 and the third movable rod 21 are both movably disposed in the printing space 61 along the length direction A, and the first movable rod 11 and the third movable rod 21 are offset in the height direction C. That is, the first movable rod 11 and the third movable rod 21 can move closer to or further away from each other. This increases the degree of freedom of movement of the printhead body 40 and the hot end assembly 30, facilitating more flexible and efficient operations such as printing and changing the solid printing material 300. Specifically, the first movable rod 11 and the third movable rod 21 are both moved within the printing space 61 by stepper motors. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first movable rod 11 and the third movable rod 21 can be moved within the printing space 61 by servo motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, or other means.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first movable rod 11 and the second movable rod 12 are vertically and movably connected, and the third movable rod 21 and the fourth movable rod 22 are vertically and movably connected. The second movable rod 12 and the fourth movable rod 22 are staggered, and the distance between them satisfies the docking requirements between the nozzle body and the hot end assembly 30. That is, the second movable rod 12 is movably connected to the first movable rod 11 along the width direction B, and the fourth movable rod 22 is movably connected to the third movable rod 21 along the width direction B. This facilitates the movement flexibility of the nozzle body 40 and the hot end assembly 30 within the cuboid-shaped three-dimensional printing space 61.

[0099] Please see again Figure 1 In this embodiment, the forming platform 201 is movably disposed in the printing space 61 along the height direction C. Specifically, the forming platform 201 moves along the height direction C via a transmission device such as an electric push rod or a screw jack, which is electrically connected to the control unit 50. This design allows for flexible adjustment of the distance between the forming platform 201 and the printhead body 40 according to printing needs. During printing, when multiple layers need to be printed, the control unit 50 can precisely control the forming platform 201 to gradually descend, continuously providing printing space 61 for the printhead body 40, ensuring printing accuracy and stability. Simultaneously, this adjustable height setting facilitates lowering the forming platform 201 to a position easy to remove the printed product after printing, improving operational convenience.

[0100] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In this embodiment, the nozzle body 40 includes a first mounting base 41, an extrusion driver 42, and a drive wheel 43. Both the extrusion driver 42 and the drive wheel 43 are connected to the first mounting base 41. The extrusion driver 42 is drive-connected to the drive wheel 43 to rotate it. The extrusion driver 42 is a stepper motor. The first mounting base 41 is located on the fourth movable rod 22.

[0101] The hot end assembly 30 also includes a second mounting base 31, a driven wheel 32, and an extrusion wheel 33. Both the driven wheel 32 and the extrusion wheel 33 are mounted on the second mounting base 31. The driven wheel 32 is drivenly connected to the extrusion wheel 33. The second mounting base 31 is detachably mounted on the second movable rod 12 and is detachably connected to the first mounting base 41.

[0102] When the second mounting base 31 is connected to the first mounting base 41, the driven wheel 32 connects to the driving wheel 43. The driving wheel 43 drives the driven wheel 32 to rotate, which in turn drives the extrusion wheel 33 to rotate. The extrusion wheel 33 pushes the solid printing material 300 to move the solid printing material 300. When the second mounting base 31 is separated from the first mounting base 41, the driven wheel 32 separates from the driving wheel 43, and the extrusion wheel 33 stops pushing the solid printing material 300. This allows for flexible connection and separation between the printhead body 40 and the hot-end assembly 30, facilitating quick operation when the solid printing material 300 needs to be replaced. When different types of solid printing material 300 are required for printing, the second mounting base 31 can be detached from the first mounting base 41, easily allowing for replacement of the hot-end assembly 30 containing different solid printing materials 300. Simultaneously, the cooperation between the driving wheel 43 driven by the extrusion driver 42 and the driven wheel 32 precisely controls the moving speed and extrusion volume of the solid printing material 300, ensuring print quality and accuracy. This design helps improve the practicality and reliability of the printhead mechanism 100, enabling the additive manufacturing equipment 200 to better adapt to different printing task requirements.

[0103] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7In this embodiment, the first mounting base 41 includes an assembly plate 411, a connecting plate 412, a first limiting plate 413, and a second limiting plate 414. The connecting plate 412 is disposed on one side of the assembly plate 411. The connecting plate 412 is used to connect the fourth movable rod 22. The first limiting plate 413 and the second limiting plate 414 are spaced apart on the other side of the assembly plate 411. The first limiting plate 413, the second limiting plate 414, and the assembly plate 411 together form an assembly space 415. The assembly space 415 is used to limit the second mounting base 31, so that the hot end assembly 30 is accurately aligned and connected with the nozzle body 40. One side of the connecting plate 412 and the assembly plate 411 form a first mounting area P1, and the extrusion driver 42 is disposed in the first mounting area P1. The drive wheel 43 protrudes from the side of the assembly plate 411 facing the assembly space 415.

[0104] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In this embodiment, the nozzle body 40 further includes a first magnetic chuck 44. The hot-end assembly 30 further includes a second magnetic chuck 34. The first magnetic chuck 44 is disposed in the assembly space 415, and the second magnetic chuck 34 is disposed on the side of the second mounting base 31 facing the first magnetic chuck 44. The first magnetic chuck 44 is used to attract the second magnetic chuck 34. This facilitates the quick and accurate connection between the hot-end assembly 30 and the nozzle body 40, enhancing the stability and convenience of the connection. It also facilitates the disassembly and installation of the hot-end assembly 30, improving the maintainability and efficiency of the additive manufacturing equipment 200.

[0105] Please see Figure 8 In this embodiment, the printhead body 40 also includes a reduction gear 45, which is connected between the output shaft of the extrusion driver 42 and the drive wheel 43. The diameter of the reduction gear 45 is larger than the diameter of the drive wheel 43. The reduction gear 45 is used to reduce the output speed of the extrusion driver 42 and increase the torque exerted by the extrusion driver 42 on the drive wheel 43, ensuring that the force exerted by the extrusion wheel 33 on the solid printing material 300 is sufficient to move the solid printing material 300. The reduction gear 45 and the drive wheel 43 are an integral structure and are coaxially arranged. This helps to reduce the number of parts and improve the stability of the transmission between the extrusion driver 42 and the drive wheel 43.

[0106] Please refer to 9. In this embodiment, the second mounting base 31 is generally a frame structure, including multiple outer side plates 311 and multiple inner side plates 312. The multiple outer side plates 311 are connected end to end to form a receiving chamber R. The multiple inner side plates 312 are disposed within the receiving chamber R to divide the receiving chamber R into multiple receiving sub-chambers R1. A driven wheel 32 protrudes from the outer side of the second mounting base 31, and an extrusion wheel 33 is disposed in one receiving sub-chamber R1. The driven wheel 32 and the extrusion wheel 33 are connected by a rotating shaft 313. Specifically, one outer side plate 311 is provided with a first opening 311a, and a first bearing 311b is disposed in the first opening 311a. One inner side plate 312 is provided with a second opening 312a, and a second bearing 312b is disposed in the second opening 312a. The first bearing 311b and the second bearing 312b are disposed approximately correspondingly. The first bearing 311b and the second bearing 312b are respectively passed through both ends of the rotating shaft 313. This helps reduce friction caused by the contact between the rotating shaft 313 and the second mounting base 31, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0107] In actual operation, the second mounting base 31 has a thickness direction D, the solid printing material 300 is generally strip-shaped, and along the thickness direction D, the solid printing material 300 enters the receiving chamber R1 through the first through hole provided in another outer plate 311. The extrusion wheel 33 rotates and pushes one side of the solid printing material 300, so that the end of the solid printing material 300 extends out of the second mounting base 31 through the second through hole provided in yet another outer plate 311.

[0108] Please see again Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the printhead body 40 further includes a heating element 46, which is connected to the side of the mounting plate 411 facing the assembly space 415. The hot end assembly 30 also includes a heated portion 36, which is connected to the second mounting base 31. When the first mounting base 41 and the second mounting base 31 are assembled, the heating element 46 contacts the heated portion 36. The heated portion 36 has a generally hollow structure, and the side of the heated portion 36 facing the second mounting base 31 allows the end of the solid printing material 300 to enter. When the heating element 46 operates and generates heat, the heat can be conducted to the heated portion 36, thereby heating the solid printing material 300 inside the heated portion 36, causing the solid printing material 300 to change from a solid state to a flowable state. The side of the heated portion 36 facing the second mounting base 31 allows the flowable solid printing material 300 to be discharged.

[0109] Please see again Figure 5 and Figure 6In this embodiment, the hot end assembly 30 further includes a passive heat sink 37, which is connected between the heated part 36 and the second mounting base 31. The passive heat sink 37 includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins 371. The nozzle body 40 also includes an active heat sink 47, which is connected to the first mounting base 41. The active heat sink 47 includes two cooling fans 471, one of which is located in the second mounting area P2 between the assembly plate 411 and the second limiting plate 414. The second limiting plate 414 has a through-hole vent 414a. The cold air generated by the cooling fan 471 can enter the receiving chamber R of the second mounting base 31 through the ventilation hole 414a from the second mounting area P2, and enter between the plurality of heat dissipation fins 371, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling the material other than the heated part 36. Another cooling fan 471 is located in the third mounting area P3 between the mounting plate 411 and the connecting plate 412 on the other side. The mounting plate 411 also has an air duct (not shown) inside, one end of which is connected to the third mounting area P3. The mounting plate 411 protrudes to form two air nozzles 411a on the side facing the heated part 36. The heated part 36 is located between the two air nozzles 411a. The other end of the air duct is connected to the two air nozzles 411a respectively. The air nozzles 411a are used to blow cold air toward the tip of the heated part 36, so that the flowable solid printing material 300 can be quickly cooled and solidified after being discharged from the heated part 36.

[0110] Please see again Figure 9 In this embodiment, the hot end assembly 30 further includes a mating wheel group 38. The mating wheel group 38 includes a first mating wheel 381 meshing with the driven wheel 32 and a second mating wheel 382 coaxially connected to the first mating wheel 381. The second mating wheel 382 is spaced apart from the extrusion wheel 33, allowing the solid printing material 300 to pass through the gap between the second mating wheel 382 and the extrusion wheel 33. The second mating wheel 382 and the extrusion wheel 33 are configured to rotate in opposite directions, so that the solid printing material 300 can be pushed by the second mating wheel 382 and the extrusion wheel 33 together. Specifically, the wheel edges of the second mating wheel 382 and the extrusion wheel 33 are provided with multiple micro-protrusion structures (not shown in the figure). The micro-protrusion structures are used to enhance the friction between the solid printing material 300 and the second mating wheel 382 and the extrusion wheel 33, thereby improving the pushing stability and pushing efficiency of the solid printing material 300.

[0111] Please see again Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the driving wheel 43 has a plurality of first mating teeth 431 distributed radially thereon, and the driven wheel 32 has a plurality of second mating teeth 321 distributed radially thereon. The plurality of first mating teeth 431 are configured to be misaligned with the plurality of second mating teeth 321. This facilitates efficient and stable mating between the driving wheel 43 and the driven wheel 32.

[0112] 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. A printhead mechanism, characterized in that, include: Multiple hot-end assemblies, each of which is used to receive solid printing material and melt it before extrusion molding; A first movable frame is detachably provided with the plurality of hot-end components; The nozzle body is configured to be detachably connected to at least one of the hot end components; The second movable frame is movably provided with the nozzle body; A drive assembly is provided, which connects the first movable frame and the second movable frame, and is used to drive the first movable frame and the second movable frame to move.

2. The printhead mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly is configured to adjust the relative positions of the first movable frame and the second movable frame such that the nozzle body and one of the plurality of hot end assemblies move toward each other in a straight path.

3. The printhead mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second movable frame is offset from the first movable frame.

4. The printhead mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first movable frame includes a first movable rod and a second movable rod, the first movable rod being movably connected to the second movable rod. The second movable frame includes a third movable rod and a fourth movable rod, the third movable rod being movably connected to the fourth movable rod.

5. The printhead mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first movable rod, the second movable rod, the third movable rod, and the fourth movable rod extend horizontally, and at least one of the first movable rod, the second movable rod, the third movable rod, and the fourth movable rod is higher than the other.

6. The printhead mechanism of claim 4, wherein It also includes a housing that defines an internal printing space, wherein the first movable rod and the third movable rod are movably disposed in the printing space, and the first movable rod and the third movable rod are offset from each other.

7. The printhead mechanism of claim 4, wherein The first movable rod is movably connected to the second movable rod perpendicularly, and the third movable rod is movably connected to the fourth movable rod perpendicularly.

8. The printhead mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The nozzle body includes a first mounting base, an extrusion driver, and a drive wheel. The extrusion driver and the drive wheel are both connected to the first mounting base, and the extrusion driver is driven by the drive wheel. The first mounting base is located on the fourth movable rod.

9. The printhead mechanism of claim 8, wherein, The hot end assembly further includes a second mounting base, a driven wheel, and an extrusion wheel. The driven wheel and the extrusion wheel are both disposed on the second mounting base. The driven wheel is drivenly connected to the extrusion wheel. The second mounting base is detachably disposed on the second movable rod and is detachably connected to the first mounting base.

10. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized by include: Molding platform; and The printhead mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the printhead mechanism is configured to move relative to the forming platform and to perform additive manufacturing on the forming platform.

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