Printhead and three-dimensional printer

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a printing head and a three-dimensional printer. The printing head comprises a rotating wheel, a supporting part and a plurality of nozzle assemblies. The supporting part is fixed to the rotating wheel. The nozzle assembly has a supporting state of being supported by the supporting part, and the nozzle assembly has a separated state of being separated from the supporting part. The positions of the nozzle assembly in the supporting state and the separated state are different. The three-dimensional printer comprises a main body and the printing head. The printing head is movably arranged on the main body. The printing head and the three-dimensional printer of the present application realize high efficiency of three-dimensional printing of multi-color or multi-material consumables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, and more particularly to a printhead and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is a rapid prototyping technology that uses digital model files as a basis and employs adhesive materials such as special waxes, powdered metals, or plastics to create three-dimensional objects by printing layers of material. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the main 3D printing technologies. This technology involves heating and melting a hot-melt filament, extruding it from a nozzle, and depositing it onto a forming platform or a previously cured layer of material. Once the temperature drops below the filament's curing temperature, it begins to solidify, ultimately creating the physical object.

[0003] Currently, users have an increasing demand for 3D printers to achieve 3D printing of consumables with multiple colors or materials. However, in the process of realizing this application, the inventors have discovered at least the following problems in the related technologies: the efficiency of achieving 3D printing of consumables with multiple colors or materials in the related technologies is low. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems in the prior art, this application provides a square printhead and a 3D printer.

[0005] This application provides a printhead for a 3D printer, including a rotating wheel, a supporting part, and multiple nozzle assemblies; the supporting part is fixed to the rotating wheel, the nozzle assembly has a supporting state being supported by the supporting part, and the nozzle assembly has a separated state from the supporting part, the position of the nozzle assembly in the supporting state is different from that in the separated state.

[0006] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of guide protrusions, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies. Each guide protrusion is fixed to the corresponding printhead assembly and has a guide surface for abutting against the abutment portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the distance between the guide surface and the corresponding nozzle assembly is the guide distance, and the guide distance at one end of the guide protrusion is greater than the guide distance at the other end.

[0008] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of linkage mechanisms and a plurality of baffles, wherein the plurality of linkage mechanisms correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies, and each linkage mechanism is disposed on the corresponding printhead assembly; the plurality of baffles correspond one-to-one with the plurality of linkage mechanisms, and each baffle is drively connected to the corresponding linkage mechanism.

[0009] In one embodiment, the print head further includes:

[0010] A first mounting base, wherein the first mounting base has multiple mounting holes;

[0011] Multiple positioning posts are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each positioning post is fixed to the corresponding nozzle assembly. Each positioning post is also corresponding to one of the multiple mounting holes, and each positioning post is movably disposed in the corresponding mounting hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the print head further includes:

[0013] A second mounting base, on which the plurality of nozzle assemblies are mounted;

[0014] Multiple elastic elements are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies, and each elastic element is connected to the corresponding nozzle assembly and the second mounting base.

[0015] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a radiator, a throat, a heating block, and a nozzle, wherein the radiator and the heating block are connected via the throat, and the nozzle is connected to the heating block.

[0016] This application embodiment also provides a printhead, the printhead comprising:

[0017] Rotating part;

[0018] A retaining shaft, fixed to the rotating part, configured to rotate with the rotating part; and

[0019] Multiple nozzle assemblies are arranged along the rotation path of the abutment shaft, and each nozzle assembly is in a abutting state where it is abutted by the abutment shaft and undergoes displacement.

[0020] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of guide portions, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies. Each guide portion is disposed on a corresponding printhead assembly, and the guide portion has a guiding state in which it is held against by the abutment shaft and displaced.

[0021] In one embodiment, the guide portion has a guide surface for abutting against the abutting shaft, the guide surface including an inclined surface.

[0022] In one embodiment, each printhead assembly includes a heating block and a nozzle, one end of the nozzle being connected to the heating block; the printhead also includes a plurality of baffles, each baffle corresponding to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies, and each baffle being movably disposed at the other end of the corresponding nozzle.

[0023] In one embodiment, each printhead assembly includes a heat sink; the printhead further includes a plurality of positioning posts, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies, and each positioning post is fixed to the corresponding heat sink.

[0024] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of elastic elements, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies. Each elastic element is connected to the corresponding printhead assembly, and when the printhead assembly is in the resisting state, the corresponding elastic element is in the stretched state.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the nozzle assemblies includes a heat sink, and the nozzle assembly is held abutted by the abutment shaft via the heat sink.

[0026] This application embodiment also provides a 3D printer, including a main body and a print head. The print head is movably disposed on the main body. The print head includes a rotating part, a supporting part, a plurality of nozzle assemblies, and a plurality of guide protrusions. The supporting part is fixed to the rotating part. The plurality of guide protrusions correspond one-to-one with the plurality of nozzle assemblies. Each guide protrusion is fixed to the corresponding nozzle assembly. The guide protrusion has a guide surface for abutting against the supporting part. The guide surface includes an inclined surface.

[0027] In one embodiment, the distance between the guide surface and the corresponding nozzle assembly is a guide distance, which gradually increases in the rotation direction of the rotating part.

[0028] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of baffles, each baffle corresponding to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies, and each baffle being movably disposed at the lower end of the corresponding printhead assembly.

[0029] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of positioning posts, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies, and each positioning post is fixed to the upper end of the corresponding printhead assembly.

[0030] In one embodiment, the printhead further includes a plurality of elastic elements, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of printhead assemblies, with each elastic element sleeved on the outside of the corresponding printhead assembly.

[0031] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a radiator, a throat, a heating block, and a nozzle, wherein the radiator and the heating block are connected via the throat, and the nozzle is connected to the heating block; each guide protrusion is fixed to the corresponding radiator.

[0032] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects: This application provides a rotatable supporting part or supporting shaft, and has multiple printhead assemblies. The supporting part or supporting shaft can support different printhead assemblies, so that the supported printhead assembly can be used for printing. Compared with the method of switching consumables with a single printhead assembly (which requires cutting and pulling out the old consumable, and then feeding in the new consumable), this application uses multiple printhead assemblies, which can correspond to multiple consumables respectively. The printhead assembly can be selected and switched through the supporting part or supporting shaft to realize the selection and switching of consumables. The printhead and 3D printer of this application have high efficiency in 3D printing of multi-color or multi-material consumables. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a printhead at an angle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the printhead from another angle, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view of the multi-consumable extrusion unit of the printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a multi-nozzle printing unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a partial perspective view of a multi-nozzle printing unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a partial plan view of the multi-nozzle printing unit of the printhead provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a multi-nozzle printing unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a partial perspective view of a multi-nozzle printing unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Key component symbols: 100, Printhead; 10, Multi-material extrusion unit; 11, Material extrusion assembly; 111, Extrusion drive unit; 1111, Extrusion drive motor; 1112, Extrusion output gear; 1113, Extrusion drive gear; 1114, Extrusion mating gear; 112, Extrusion drive shaft; 113, Extrusion drive wheel; 114, Extrusion driven wheel; 115, Extrusion transmission gear; 116, Extrusion driven gear; 117, Extrusion drive sleeve; 118, Extrusion driven sleeve; 12, Material selection assembly; 121, Selection drive unit; 1211, Selection drive motor; 1212, Selection output gear; 1213, Selection drive gear. ; 122. Select drive shaft; 1221. Positioning protrusion; 123. Cam; 1231. Protrusion; 1232. Recess; 1233. Rounded edge; 1234. Center angle; 1235. Through hole; 124. Swing arm; 1241. Swinging end; 1242. Rotating end; 1243. Supporting wall; 1244. Connecting wall; 125. Pressure component; 126. Swing sensing assembly; 1260. Sensing end; 13. Feeding and guiding assembly; 130. Feeding and guiding part; 131. Guide seat; 132. Consumable sensing part; 1321. Sensing element; 1322. Circuit board; 133. First guiding channel; 14. Extrusion unit housing; 141 142. Extrusion upper mounting base; 143. Extrusion inner mounting frame; 15. Extrusion mechanism; 20. Multi-nozzle printing unit; 21. Nozzle drive assembly; 211. Nozzle drive unit; 212. Nozzle drive shaft; 213. Rotating wheel; 2130. Rotating part; 214. Supporting part; 2140. Supporting shaft; 22. Nozzle assembly; 220. Nozzle body; 221. Radiator; 222. Nozzle; 2221. Transfer section; 2222. Extrusion section; 223. Mounting part; 2231. Connecting column; 2232. Nozzle outer mounting sleeve; 2233. First step structure; 2234. Nozzle inner mounting sleeve; 2235. Second step Structure; 224, throat; 225, heating block; 226, positioning post; 227, guide protrusion; 2270, guide surface; 2271, high end; 2272, low end; 2273, guide part; 228, elastic element; 23, shielding assembly; 230, linkage mechanism; 231, first rotating arm; 232, second rotating arm; 233, linkage rotation shaft; 234, baffle; 24, nozzle unit housing; 241, first mounting base; 2410, mounting hole; 242, second mounting base; 251, nozzle heat dissipation assembly; 252, nozzle heat dissipation assembly; 30, consumables; 200, 3D printer; 201, main body; L, consumables transmission direction.

[0049] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0050] 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.

[0051] Typically, 3D printing technology is a rapid prototyping technology that uses digital model files as a basis and employs adhesive materials such as special waxes, powdered metals, or plastics to create three-dimensional objects by printing layers of material. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the main 3D printing technologies. This technology involves heating and melting a thermoplastic filament, extruding it from a nozzle, and depositing it onto a forming platform or a previously cured layer of material. Once the temperature drops below the filament's curing temperature, it begins to solidify, ultimately producing the physical object. Currently, users have an increasing demand for 3D printers capable of printing with multi-color or multi-material consumables. However, in developing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problem in related technologies: the efficiency of 3D printing with multi-color or multi-material consumables is low.

[0052] Correspondingly, this application provides a printhead and a 3D printer using the same. The printhead includes a rotating wheel, a supporting portion, and multiple nozzle assemblies; the supporting portion is fixed to the rotating wheel, and the nozzle assembly has a supporting state where it is supported by the supporting portion, and a separated state where it is separated from the supporting portion. The positions of the nozzle assembly in the supporting state and the separated state are different. The 3D printer includes a main body and the above-described printhead, with the printhead movably disposed on the main body. The printhead includes a rotating portion, a supporting portion, multiple nozzle assemblies, and multiple guide protrusions. The supporting portion is fixed to the rotating portion, and the multiple guide protrusions correspond one-to-one with the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each guide protrusion is fixed to a corresponding nozzle assembly, and the guide protrusion has a guide surface for supporting the supporting portion, the guide surface including an inclined surface.

[0053] Furthermore, this application features a rotatable supporting part or supporting shaft, and multiple printhead assemblies. The supporting part or supporting shaft can abut against different printhead assemblies, allowing the abutted printhead assembly to be used for printing. Compared to the method of switching consumables using a single printhead assembly (which requires cutting and retracting the old consumable, and then feeding in the new consumable), this application uses multiple printhead assemblies, each corresponding to multiple consumables. The supporting part or supporting shaft allows for selection and switching of printhead assemblies, thus achieving the selection and switching of consumables. The printhead and 3D printer of this application achieve high efficiency in 3D printing of multi-color or multi-material consumables.

[0054] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that components depicted in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale; and identical or similar components will be designated with the same or similar reference numerals or similar technical terms.

[0055] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, this application embodiment provides a printhead 100 for a 3D printer 200, including a rotating wheel 213, a supporting portion 214, and a plurality of nozzle assemblies 22. The supporting portion 214 is fixed to the rotating wheel 213. The nozzle assembly 22 has a supporting state where it is supported by the supporting portion 214, and a separated state where it is separated from the supporting portion 214. The positions of the nozzle assembly 22 in the supporting state and the separated state are different.

[0057] The abutment 214 is connected to the rotating wheel 213 and is configured to be driven to rotate. A plurality of printhead assemblies 22 are configured to be located on the rotation path of the abutment 214 and to be in separable contact with it, such that the abutment 214 can rotate with the rotating wheel 213 and sequentially contact one of the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, such that one of the plurality of printhead assemblies 22 abuts against the abutment 214 and is lifted relative to the other printhead assemblies 22, and the lifted printhead assembly 22 protrudes relative to the other printhead assemblies 22 so that it can be used for printing.

[0058] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of guide protrusions 227, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22. Each guide protrusion 227 is fixed to the corresponding printhead assembly 22, and the guide protrusion 227 has a guide surface 2270 for abutting against the abutment portion 214.

[0059] The printhead 100 also includes a printhead body 220, each printhead body 220 corresponding to a consumable 30. The printhead body 220 is used to melt and extrude the rigid consumable 30. A guide protrusion 227 is provided on the feed side of the printhead body 220 and connected to the printhead body 220. It is used for separable contact with the abutment 214 to transmit the force applied by the abutment 214 to the printhead body 220 and move together with the printhead body 220 along the consumable transport direction L.

[0060] The guide protrusion 227 includes a guide surface 2270 inclined relative to the protruding direction of the nozzle assembly 22, and the abutment portion 214 is in detachable contact with the guide surface 2270. The rotation path of the abutment portion 214 is circular, and multiple guide protrusions 227 are provided on the circular rotation path of the abutment portion 214, with each guide surface 2270 corresponding to a segment of the circular rotation path. The multiple guide surfaces 2270 are sequentially aligned end to end and roughly form a ring, allowing the abutment portion 214 to engage with one of the multiple guide surfaces 2270 during rotation.

[0061] In one embodiment, the distance between the guide surface 2270 and the corresponding nozzle assembly 22 is the guide distance, and the guide distance at one end of the guide protrusion 227 is greater than the guide distance at the other end.

[0062] In this embodiment, the guide surface 2270 is inclined and curved. Specifically, the guide protrusion 227 includes a spaced-apart lower end 2272 and a higher end 2271. The lower end 2272 is further away from the supporting portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L than the higher end 2271, and the higher end 2271 is closer to the supporting portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L than the lower end 2272. The guide surface 2270 extends smoothly from the lower end 2272 to the higher end 2271 and is inclined relative to the consumable transport direction L. At the same time, the shape of the projection of the guide surface 2270 along the consumable transport direction L is a curved arc, corresponding to a segment of the arc of the circular rotation path.

[0063] Understandably, the guide surface 2270 is curved to fit the support portion 214; the guide surface 2270 is inclined, and the support portion 214 and the rotating wheel 213 are configured not to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 rotates to squeeze the guide protrusion 227, causing the guide protrusion 227 to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 further drives the nozzle body 220 to move along the consumable transport direction L, pushing the nozzle assembly 22.

[0064] The section of the guide surface 2270 near the high end 2271 can be configured to be perpendicular to the consumable transport direction L. When the holding part 214 moves along the guide surface 2270 to the high end 2271, the contact between the holding part 214 and the guide protrusion 227 can be switched from side holding to top holding. That is, after the holding part 214 moves to the high end 2271 and completes the switching of the printhead assembly 22, the force applied by the holding part 214 to the guide protrusion 227 is approximately parallel to the consumable transport direction L, so that the holding part 214 and the printhead assembly 22 have a better dwell posture, which facilitates the printhead assembly 22 to print in this posture and ensures that it has good printing accuracy.

[0065] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of linkage mechanisms 230 and a plurality of baffles 234. Each linkage mechanism 230 corresponds one-to-one with one of the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, and each linkage mechanism 230 is disposed on a corresponding printhead assembly 22. Each baffle 234 corresponds one-to-one with one of the linkage mechanisms 230, and each baffle 234 is drive-connected to a corresponding linkage mechanism 230.

[0066] The linkage mechanism 230 is connected to the nozzle assembly 22, and the baffle 234 is drivenly connected to the linkage mechanism 230. The baffle 234 is configured to block the nozzle assembly 22 when it retracts and to avoid the nozzle assembly 22 when it extends.

[0067] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a first mounting base 241 and a plurality of positioning posts 226. The first mounting base 241 has a plurality of mounting holes 2410. The plurality of positioning posts 226 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, each positioning post 226 is fixed to the corresponding printhead assembly 22, and the plurality of positioning posts 226 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of mounting holes 2410, each positioning post 226 being movably disposed in the corresponding mounting hole 2410.

[0068] The nozzle assembly 22 includes a heat sink 221, a throat 224, a heating block 225, and a nozzle 222. The heat sink 221 and the heating block 225 are connected via the throat 224, and the nozzle 222 is connected to the heating block 225. The heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222 are spaced apart along the material transport direction L. The mounting part 223 is used to connect the nozzle 222 and the heat sink 221. The throat 224 extends along the material transport direction L and is used to transport the material 30, so that the material 30 passes sequentially through the heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222 along the material transport direction L and is finally extruded in a molten state at the end of the nozzle 222. The nozzle 222 and the heat sink 221 can provide different temperature control schemes for different parts of the material 30, improve the heat treatment effect of the material 30, and improve the 3D printing effect. Multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are slidably arranged relative to the first mounting base 241 along the material transport direction L. Multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are fixed to the first mounting base 241 respectively. Each nozzle assembly 22 includes a throat 224 and a positioning post 226. The throat 224 and the positioning post 226 are both disposed through the first mounting base 241.

[0069] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a second mounting base 242 and a plurality of elastic members 228. A plurality of printhead assemblies 22 are mounted on the second mounting base 242. The plurality of elastic members 228 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, and each elastic member 228 is connected to the corresponding printhead assembly 22 and the second mounting base 242.

[0070] The elastic element 228 is disposed on the side of the nozzle assembly 22 away from the supporting portion 214 and abuts against the nozzle assembly 22, for pushing the nozzle assembly 22 to retract. In this embodiment, the elastic element 228 can be a compression spring; the elastic element 228 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle outer mounting sleeve 2232, and the two ends of the elastic element 228 spaced along the consumable transmission direction L abut against the inner wall surface of the second mounting base 242 and the lower wall surface of the second step structure 2235 toward the second mounting base 242, respectively.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the printhead 100 also includes a multi-material extrusion unit 10 and a multi-nozzle printing unit 20, which are arranged sequentially along the material transport direction L. The printhead 100 is used to accommodate multiple consumables 30, which are fed along the material transport direction L to engage with the multi-material extrusion unit 10. After passing through the multi-material extrusion unit 10, the multiple consumables 30 can further extend to the multi-nozzle printing unit 20, where the multi-nozzle printing unit 20 can melt and extrude the consumables 30. The multi-material extrusion unit 10 and the multi-nozzle printing unit 20 can cooperate with each other to select at least one of the multiple consumables 30 and use that consumable 30 for printing. The cooperation between the multi-material extrusion unit 10 and the multi-nozzle printing unit 20 can also switch between the multiple consumables 30, thereby achieving multi-color printing.

[0072] In one embodiment, the multi-head printing unit 20 includes a printhead drive assembly 21 and a plurality of printhead assemblies 22 connected by a drive. The plurality of printhead assemblies 22 are used to respectively adapt to a plurality of consumables 30. The printhead drive assembly 21 is configured to rotate and selectively abut against one of the plurality of printhead assemblies 22 to push one printhead assembly 22 outward relative to the other printhead assemblies 22. The multi-consumable extrusion unit 10 includes a plurality of extrusion mechanisms 15, which are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22. The plurality of extrusion mechanisms 15 are configured to respectively adapt to a plurality of consumables 30 and to push at least one of the plurality of extrusion mechanisms 15 to the protruding printhead assembly 22.

[0073] Furthermore, the printhead 100 provided in this application embodiment includes a multi-material extrusion unit 10 and a multi-nozzle printing unit 20 that cooperate with each other, capable of extruding and feeding multiple consumables 30 respectively. Multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are used to respectively adapt to multiple consumables 30. The nozzle drive assembly 21 is rotatable and selectively abuts against one of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 to push that one nozzle assembly 22 to protrude relative to the other nozzle assemblies 22 for printing. Multiple extrusion mechanisms 15 are configured to respectively adapt to multiple consumables 30, such that at least one of the multiple extrusion mechanisms 15 pushes the consumable 30 to the protruding nozzle assembly 22, thus achieving a corresponding cooperation between one extrusion mechanism 15 and one nozzle assembly 22 so that the combination can be used for printing.

[0074] Further integration Figures 3 to 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the multi-consumable extrusion unit 10 includes a consumable extrusion assembly 11, a consumable selection assembly 12, a feeding and guiding assembly 13, and an extrusion unit housing 14. The feeding and guiding assembly 13 is used to guide the consumable 30 into the multi-consumable extrusion unit 10 and guide the consumable 30 to the consumable extrusion assembly 11. The consumable extrusion assembly 11 is used to realize consumable extrusion. The consumable selection assembly 12 is used to cooperate with the consumable extrusion assembly 11 to realize the selection and switching of multiple consumables 30. The extrusion unit housing 14 is used to house the consumable extrusion assembly 11, the consumable selection assembly 12, and the feeding and guiding assembly 13.

[0075] In one embodiment, the consumable extrusion assembly 11 includes a plurality of extrusion drive wheels 113 and a plurality of extrusion driven wheels 114 respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The position of the extrusion driven wheels 114 relative to the extrusion drive wheels 113 is adjustable. The consumable selection assembly 12 includes a plurality of cams 123 and a plurality of rocker arms 124 respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The outer peripheral surface of the cams 123 abuts against the rocker arms 124 separably. Each rocker arm 124 is connected to at least one extrusion driven wheel 114. The plurality of cams 123 are configured to have different rotational postures and can rotate synchronously to drive at least one of the plurality of rocker arms 124 to swing, so as to drive at least one of the plurality of extrusion driven wheels 114 to clamp and engage with the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113.

[0076] Furthermore, the printhead 100 provided in this application embodiment includes a multi-consumable extrusion unit 10 and a multi-nozzle printing unit 20 that cooperate with each other, capable of extruding and feeding multiple consumables 30 respectively. The multi-consumable extrusion unit 10 includes a consumable extrusion assembly 11 and a consumable selection assembly 12. The consumable extrusion assembly 11 and the consumable selection assembly 12 cooperate with each other to select and extrude at least one of the multiple consumables 30, while leaving the other consumables 30 unselected. Multiple cams 123 and multiple swing arms 124 correspond one-to-one, and multiple extrusion drive wheels 113 and multiple extrusion driven wheels 114 correspond one-to-one, with the position of the extrusion driven wheels 114 relative to the extrusion drive wheels 113 adjustable. Each swing arm 124 is connected to at least one extrusion driven wheel 114. The cams 123 drive the corresponding swing arm 124 to swing, causing at least one extrusion driven wheel 114 to clamp and engage with the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113, for extruding at least one consumable 30. Meanwhile, the outer peripheral surface of the cam 123 can be separably abutted against the rocker arm 124. Multiple cams 123 are configured to have different rotational postures and can rotate synchronously. During the synchronous rotation of multiple cams 123, the engagement posture between at least one cam 123 and the corresponding rocker arm 124 is such that the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113 and the extrusion driven wheel 114 are in a clamping engagement posture, and the engagement posture between other cams 123 and the corresponding rocker arm 124 is such that the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113 and the extrusion driven wheel 114 are released from each other.

[0077] In one embodiment, the feeding and guiding assembly 13 includes a plurality of feeding and guiding sections 130, each feeding and guiding section 130 being configured to correspond to an extrusion drive wheel 113 and an extrusion driven wheel 114. The plurality of feeding and guiding sections 130 are used to correspond to a plurality of consumables 30 respectively, with each feeding and guiding section 130 guiding one consumable 30.

[0078] In one embodiment, the feeding guide section 130 includes a guide seat 131 and a consumable sensing section 132. The feeding guide section 130 extends from the outside of the extrusion unit housing 14 into the inside of the extrusion unit housing 14. The feeding guide section 130 has a first guide channel 133 that extends through it along the consumable conveying direction L. The first guide channel 133 is used to receive and guide the consumable 30, so that the consumable 30 is guided to the consumable extrusion assembly 11 more smoothly and accurately. The consumable sensing unit 132 includes a sensor 1321 and a circuit board 1322. The circuit board 1322 is connected to the feeding guide unit 130, and the sensor 1321 is connected to the circuit board 1322 and electrically connected. The sensor 1321 passes through the side wall of the feeding guide unit 130 through the transverse opening on the feeding guide unit 130 and extends into the first feeding channel 133. The sensor 1321 senses whether there is consumable 30 in the first feeding channel 133 and the movement of consumable 30 in a contact and / or non-contact manner.

[0079] In this embodiment, the sensor 1321 is configured to be rotatably connected to the circuit board 1322. One end of the sensor 1321 has a triangular cross-section, and the end of the triangle extends into the first guide channel 133 to contact the consumable 30. Since the surface of the consumable 30 is not perfectly flat (or can be understood as having minute bumps and depressions), the sensor 1321, which is pressed against the surface of the consumable 30, will swing accordingly as the consumable 30 moves along the consumable transport direction L. By analyzing the swing, the movement state and / or feeding state of the consumable 30 can be monitored.

[0080] Understandably, the feed end of the feed guide section 130 is fixedly mounted to the extrusion unit housing 14 to improve the feeding accuracy; the discharge end of the feed guide section 130 is constructed as a wedge to match the transition area between the extrusion drive wheel 113 and the extrusion driven wheel 114, thereby extending the length of the first feed channel 133 while avoiding the extrusion drive wheel 113 and the extrusion driven wheel 114, further improving the feeding accuracy. The sensing element 1321 can be a contact sensor, such as a micro switch; the sensing element 1321 can also be a non-contact sensor, such as a capacitive sensing unit, a magnetic sensing unit, or an optical sensing unit, which will not be elaborated here.

[0081] In this embodiment, the feeding and guiding assembly 13 includes four feeding and guiding sections 130. The four feeding and guiding sections 130 are arranged in a matrix and divided into two groups, with two guide seats 131 integrally connected in each group of feeding and guiding sections 130. The two groups of feeding and guiding sections 130 are spaced apart, and four consumable sensing units 132 are located in the middle gap between the two groups of feeding and guiding sections 130, which can improve space utilization and help to achieve device miniaturization.

[0082] In one embodiment, the consumable extrusion assembly 11 includes an extrusion drive unit 111, an extrusion drive shaft 112, a plurality of extrusion drive wheels 113, a plurality of extrusion driven wheels 114, a plurality of extrusion drive gears 115, and a plurality of extrusion driven gears 116. The extrusion drive unit 111 is drivenly connected to the extrusion drive shaft 112, and the plurality of extrusion drive wheels 113 and the plurality of extrusion drive gears 115 are connected to the extrusion drive shaft 112 and are driven to rotate by the extrusion drive unit 111. The plurality of extrusion driven wheels 114 are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of extrusion drive wheels 113, and the position of each extrusion driven wheel 114 relative to the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113 is adjustable. The extrusion driven wheel 114 can be driven to clamp and engage with the extrusion drive wheel 113 to extrude the corresponding consumable 30. Multiple extrusion drive gears 115 and multiple extrusion driven gears 116 are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The position of each extrusion driven gear 116 relative to the corresponding extrusion drive gear 115 is adjustable, and the extrusion driven gear 116 can be driven to mesh with the extrusion drive gear 115. Multiple extrusion driven wheels 114 and multiple extrusion driven gears 116 are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each extrusion driven wheel 114 is connected to the corresponding extrusion driven gear 116 and is constructed to rotate synchronously. After the extrusion driven gear 116 meshes with the corresponding extrusion drive gear 115, it rotates, and further drives the corresponding extrusion driven wheel 114 to rotate, so that the extrusion driven wheel 114 cooperates with the extrusion drive wheel 113 to extrude the clamped consumable 30, thereby realizing the feeding of consumable 30.

[0083] In one embodiment, an extrusion drive unit 111 is used to generate rotational torque. The extrusion drive unit 111 is located outside the extrusion unit housing 14 and connected to the extrusion unit housing 14. An extrusion drive shaft 112 is a cylindrical drive shaft. One end of the extrusion drive shaft 112 along its axial direction is connected to the extrusion drive unit 111, allowing the extrusion drive shaft 112 to rotate about its axial direction. The other end of the extrusion drive shaft 112 along its axial direction is rotatably connected to the extrusion unit housing 14, allowing the extrusion drive shaft 112 to rotate smoothly. Multiple extrusion drive wheels 113 and multiple extrusion drive gears 115 are sleeved on the outside of the extrusion drive shaft 112 and spaced apart along the axial direction of the extrusion drive shaft 112. Multiple extrusion driven wheels 114 are located on the sides of the extrusion drive shaft 112 and correspond to the multiple extrusion drive wheels 113. Multiple extrusion driven gears 116 are located on the sides of the extrusion drive shaft 112 and correspond to the multiple extrusion drive gears 115.

[0084] In this embodiment, the extrusion drive unit 111 includes an extrusion drive motor 1111, an extrusion output gear 1112, an extrusion drive gear 1113, and two extrusion mating gears 1114. The extrusion output gear 1112 is connected to the output end of the extrusion drive motor 1111; the extrusion drive gear 1113 meshes with the extrusion output gear 1112, and is connected to the extrusion drive shaft 112 to drive the extrusion drive shaft 112 to rotate. The two extrusion mating gears 1114, as driven gears, mesh with the extrusion drive gear 1113 respectively. The two extrusion mating gears 1114 and the extrusion output gear 1112 are spaced apart from each other and arranged around the extrusion drive gear 1113 to improve the rotational stability of the extrusion drive gear 1113. The two extrusion mating gears 1114 and the extrusion output gear 1112 can be helical gears of the same size, and the extrusion drive gear 1113 can be a large gear sleeved on the outside of the extrusion drive shaft 112.

[0085] In this embodiment, there are two extrusion drive wheels 113 and two extrusion drive gears 115. One extrusion drive wheel 113 and one extrusion drive gear 115 are connected by an extrusion drive sleeve 117, and the other extrusion drive wheel 113 and the other extrusion drive gear 115 are connected by another extrusion drive sleeve 117. The two extrusion drive sleeves 117 are sleeved on the outside of the extrusion drive shaft 112 and connected to the extrusion drive shaft 112, so that the extrusion drive shaft 112 can drive the extrusion drive wheel 113 and the extrusion driven wheel 114 to rotate. The extrusion drive gear 115 can be a gear with circumferential teeth, and the extrusion drive wheel 113 can be a drive wheel with circumferential grooves and anti-slip texture on the surface of the grooves.

[0086] In one embodiment, the consumable selection assembly 12 includes a selection drive unit 121, a selection drive shaft 122, a plurality of cams 123, a plurality of swing arms 124, a plurality of pressure application elements 125, and a swing sensing assembly 126. The selection drive unit 121 is drivenly connected to the selection drive shaft 122, and the plurality of cams 123 are connected to the selection drive shaft 122 and are driven to rotate by the selection drive unit 121. The plurality of swing arms 124 are disposed on the side of the selection drive shaft 122 and are swingable relative to the selection drive shaft 122. Each swing arm 124 is connected to at least one extrusion driven wheel 114 and at least one extrusion driven gear 116. The plurality of cams 123 are respectively and correspondingly arranged with the plurality of swing arms 124. The cams 123 are used to drive the swing arms 124 to swing, thereby driving the extrusion driven wheel 114 to clamp with the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113, and at the same time driving the extrusion driven gear 116 to mesh with the corresponding extrusion transmission gear 115. Multiple pressure-applying components 125 are respectively and correspondingly arranged with multiple swing arms 124. The pressure-applying components 125 are used to drive the swing arms 124 to tend to move the extrusion driven wheel 114 toward the corresponding extrusion driving wheel 113. The swing sensing component 126 is arranged corresponding to the selection drive shaft 122 and is used to detect the rotational attitude of the selection drive shaft 122, thereby monitoring the rotational attitude of the cam 123.

[0087] In one embodiment, a selection drive unit 121 is used to generate rotational torque and is connected to the extrusion unit housing 14. A selection drive shaft 122 is a cylindrical drive shaft. One end of the selection drive shaft 122 along its axial direction is connected to the selection drive unit 121, allowing the selection drive shaft 122 to rotate about its axial direction. The other end of the selection drive shaft 122 along its axial direction is rotatably connected to the extrusion unit housing 14, allowing the selection drive shaft 122 to rotate smoothly. Multiple cams 123 are sleeved on the outside of the selection drive shaft 122 and spaced apart along the axial direction of the selection drive shaft 122. Multiple swing arms 124 are located on the sides of the selection drive shaft 122 and correspond to the multiple cams 123. A pressure member 125 is clamped between the extrusion unit housing 14 and the swing arms 124 and is used to push the swing arms 124. The multiple pressure members 125 are located on the sides of the multiple swing arms 124 away from the multiple cams 123, and each swing arm 124 is clamped between a cam 123 and a pressure member 125.

[0088] In one embodiment, multiple pressure members 125, multiple swing arms 124, and multiple cams 123 are respectively and correspondingly arranged, with the multiple cams 123 and multiple swing arms 124 arranged around multiple feed guides 130. The cams 123 abut against the swing arms 124 to stop the extrusion driven wheel 114 from moving towards the corresponding extrusion driving wheel 113. The cams 123 and the extrusion driven wheel 114 are located on the same side of the swing arm 124 near the extrusion driving wheel 113. Rotating the cams 123 switches the swing state of the swing arm 124 to loosen or clamp the extrusion driven wheel 114 and the extrusion driving wheel 113.

[0089] In one embodiment, the consumable selection assembly 12 further includes a selection drive unit 121 and two selection drive shafts 122. The two selection drive shafts 122 are respectively driven connected to the selection drive unit 121 and located on different sides of the plurality of extrusion drive wheels 113. A portion of the plurality of cams 123 is connected to one selection drive shaft 122 and rotates synchronously, while the remaining portion of the plurality of cams 123 is connected to the other selection drive shaft 122 and rotates synchronously.

[0090] In this embodiment, the selection drive unit 121 includes a selection drive motor 1211, a selection output gear 1212, and two selection drive gears 1213. The selection output gear 1212 is connected to the output end of the selection drive motor 1211; the selection drive gears 1213 mesh with the selection output gear 1212 and are connected to the selection drive shaft 122 to drive the selection drive shaft 122 to rotate. The two selection drive gears 1213 are respectively located on opposite sides of the selection output gear 1212 and mesh with the selection output gear 1212. The selection output gear 1212 drives the two selection drive gears 1213 to rotate and enables the two selection drive shafts 122 to have the same rotation direction. Both selection drive gears 1213 and the selection output gear 1212 can be helical gears to improve the rotational stability of the extrusion drive gear 1213.

[0091] In this embodiment, the swing sensing component 126 is disposed on the side of the selection drive shaft 122 near the selection drive unit 121. The end of the selection drive shaft 122 near the selection drive unit 121 is provided with a positioning protrusion 1221 extending radially. The swing sensing component 126 is a non-contact sensing structure (e.g., a photoelectric sensing structure), and the two sensing ends 1260 of the swing sensing component 126 are disposed on opposite sides of the positioning protrusion 1221.

[0092] In this embodiment, there are four cams 123, four rocker arms 124, and four pressure-applying components 125. That is, the number of cams 123, four rocker arms 124, and four pressure-applying components 125 can be the same as the number of extrusion drive wheel 113 and extrusion driven wheel 114. Two selection drive shafts 122 are located on both sides of one extrusion drive shaft 112. Each selection drive shaft 122 is provided with two cams 123. Each side of each extrusion drive wheel 113 is provided with one cam 123, one rocker arm 124, one pressure-applying component 125, and one extrusion driven wheel 114.

[0093] In one embodiment, the swing arm 124 includes a swing end 1241 and a rotating end 1242. The extrusion driven wheel 114 and the extrusion driven gear 116 are connected to the rotating end 1242. The swing end 1241 is used to abut against the cam 123 and the pressure member 125. The rotating end 1242 is rotatably connected to the extrusion unit housing 14, so that the swing end 1241 can swing under the combined action of the cam 123 and the pressure member 125 and with the rotating end 1242 as the rotation anchor point, thereby driving the extrusion driven wheel 114 to move closer to or away from the extrusion drive wheel 113, and at the same time driving the extrusion driven gear 116 to move closer to or away from the extrusion driven wheel 114.

[0094] In this embodiment, the swing arm 124 includes a supporting wall 1243 and two connecting walls 1244 connected together. The opposing sides of the supporting wall 1243 abut against the cam 123 and the pressure member 125, respectively. The extrusion driven wheel 114 and the extrusion driven gear 116 are sandwiched between the two connecting walls 1244. In this embodiment, there are four extrusion driven wheels 114 and four extrusion driven gears 116. The four extrusion driven wheels 114 and four extrusion driven gears 116 are connected by four extrusion driven sleeves 118. The four extrusion driven sleeves 118 are set corresponding to the four swing arms 124. Each swing arm 124 has an extrusion driven wheel 114 and an extrusion driven gear 116 connected by a driven sleeve between the two connecting walls 1244. The extrusion driven gear 116 can be a gear with circumferential teeth, and the extrusion driven wheel 114 can be a transmission wheel with circumferential protrusions.

[0095] Understandably, one end of the swing arm 124 is fixed while the other end is movable. If the swing arm 124 swings relative to the extrusion drive shaft 112, it can drive the extrusion driven wheel 114 to move closer to or away from the corresponding extrusion drive wheel 113, and at the same time drive the extrusion driven gear 116 to move closer to or away from the corresponding extrusion transmission gear 115.

[0096] In one embodiment, the cam 123 includes a protrusion 1231 and a recess 1232, the diameter of which is shorter than that of the protrusion 1231. The protrusion 1231 abuts against the rocker arm 124 to release the extrusion driven wheel 114 from the corresponding extrusion driven wheel 113, and the recess 1232 abuts against the rocker arm 124 to clamp the extrusion driven wheel 114 to the corresponding extrusion driven wheel 113. The plurality of cams 123 are configured such that the recess 1232 of one cam 123 abuts against the rocker arm 124, and the protrusion 1231 of the other cams 123 abuts against the rocker arm 124.

[0097] In this embodiment, the cam 123 is fan-shaped, specifically a small fan-shaped one with a central angle less than 180°. The extrusion drive shaft 112 passes through the cam 123 via a through hole 1235 in a direction perpendicular to the cross-section of the cam 123. The length from the through hole 1235 to the arc edge 1233 of the fan-shaped cam 123 is greater than the length from the through hole 1235 to the central angle 1234 of the fan-shaped cam 123. The protrusion 1231 corresponds to the portion of the fan-shaped cam 123 that includes the arc edge 1233, and the recess 1232 corresponds to the portion of the fan-shaped cam 123 that includes the central angle 1234. The boundary line between the protrusion 1231 and the recess 1232 passes through the through hole 1235.

[0098] In this embodiment, cam 123 is sleeved on the outer periphery of extrusion drive shaft 112 and fixed relative to extrusion drive shaft 112. The four cams 123 have different postures relative to extrusion drive shaft 112, so that during the process of extrusion drive shaft 112 driving the four cams 123 to rotate, the recess 1232 of one cam 123 abuts against the rocker arm 124 and the protrusion 1231 of the other cams 123 abuts against the rocker arm 124, so that one of the multiple extrusion driven gears 116 meshes with the corresponding extrusion drive gear 115. The rocker arm 124, which abuts against the recess 1232, swings towards the side of extrusion drive shaft 112 under the drive of pressure member 125, causing the extrusion driven wheel 114 connected to it to clamp and engage with the corresponding extrusion driving wheel 113, and at the same time causing the extrusion driven gear 116 connected to it to mesh with the corresponding extrusion drive gear 115, extruding one of the multiple consumables 30.

[0099] In one embodiment, the two cams 123 connected to the same extrusion drive shaft 112 have different rotational orientations relative to the extrusion drive shaft 112, and there may be a deflection difference of approximately 90° between the two cams 123. The rotational orientations of the two cams 123 on one extrusion drive shaft 112 correspond to the rotational orientations of the two cams 123 on the other extrusion drive shaft 112. Alternatively, it can be understood that the rotational posture of one cam 123 on one extrusion drive shaft 112 is the same as the rotational posture of one cam 123 on another extrusion drive shaft 112, and these two cams 123 are staggered along the axial direction of the extrusion drive shaft 112; the rotational posture of another cam 123 on one extrusion drive shaft 112 is the same as the rotational posture of another cam 123 on another extrusion drive shaft 112, and these two cams 123 are staggered along the axial direction of the extrusion drive shaft 112; at the same time, the two extrusion drive shafts 112 have the same rotational direction, and the four rocker arms 124 are divided into two groups of two, with the two groups of rocker arms 124 located on different sides of the extrusion drive shaft 112. As the extrusion drive shaft 112 rotates, the recessed portion 1232 of only one of the four cams 123 abuts against the corresponding rocker arm 124, and the protrusions 1231 of the remaining three abut against the corresponding rocker arm 124.

[0100] In this embodiment, the pressure applying element 125 is a compression spring, etc.; in other embodiments, the pressure applying element 125 may also be a torsion spring, tension spring, elastic rubber rod, cylinder, or linear drive motor, etc., which can actively or passively provide support for the swing arm 124. One end of the pressure applying element 125 abuts against the side of the swing arm 124 away from the cam 123, and the other end of the pressure applying element 125 abuts against the inner wall of the extrusion unit housing 14.

[0101] In one embodiment, the extrusion unit housing 14 includes an upper extrusion mounting base 141, a lower extrusion mounting base 142, and an inner extrusion mounting frame 143. The upper extrusion mounting base 141 is fastened to the lower extrusion mounting base 142, and the inner extrusion mounting frame 143 is connected to the lower extrusion mounting base 142 and located within the upper extrusion mounting base 141 and the lower extrusion mounting base 142. The feed guide assembly 13 is disposed through the upper extrusion mounting base 141 and is installed via the upper extrusion mounting base 141. The cam 123 is rotatably connected to the lower extrusion mounting base 142. The two ends of the selection drive shaft 122 and the extrusion drive shaft 112 are respectively connected to the lower extrusion mounting base 142 and the inner extrusion mounting frame 143. The selection drive unit 121 is connected to the inner extrusion mounting frame 143, and the extrusion drive shaft 112 is connected to the lower extrusion mounting base 142.

[0102] Further integration Figures 10 to 14 As shown, in one embodiment, the multi-head printing unit 20 includes a printhead drive assembly 21, multiple printhead assemblies 22, a shielding assembly 23, and a printhead unit housing 24. The printhead unit housing 24 is used to fix the multiple printhead assemblies 22, the multiple printhead assemblies 22 are used to realize multi-consumable printing 30, the printhead drive assembly 21 is used to switch the multiple printhead assemblies 22, and the shielding assembly 23 is used to shield the multiple printhead assemblies 22 to prevent residual material from dripping.

[0103] In one embodiment, the nozzle drive assembly 21 includes a rotating wheel 213 and a retaining portion 214 connected to the rotating wheel 213 and configured to be driven to rotate. A plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are configured to be located on the rotation path of the retaining portion 214 and to be in separable contact with it, one of the plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 abutting against the retaining portion 214 and protruding relative to the other nozzle assemblies 22.

[0104] Furthermore, the printhead 100 provided in this embodiment includes a multi-material extrusion unit 10 and a multi-nozzle printing unit 20 that cooperate with each other, and can respectively realize the extrusion and feeding of multiple consumables 30. The holding part 214 is connected to the rotating wheel 213 and is configured to be driven to rotate. The multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are configured to be located on the rotation path of the holding part 214 and to be in separable contact with it, so that the holding part 214 can rotate with the rotating wheel 213 and sequentially contact one of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22, so that one of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 abuts against the holding part 214 and is lifted relative to the other nozzle assemblies 22. The lifted nozzle assembly 22 protrudes relative to the other nozzle assemblies 22 and can be used for printing.

[0105] In one embodiment, the nozzle unit housing 24 is connected to the extrusion unit housing 14. The nozzle unit housing 24 includes a first mounting base 241 and a second mounting base 242 that are interlocked with each other. Multiple feed ends of multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are disposed through the first mounting base 241, and multiple discharge ends of multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are disposed through the second mounting base 242.

[0106] In one embodiment, the nozzle drive assembly 21 includes a nozzle drive unit 211, a nozzle drive shaft 212, a rotating wheel 213, and a supporting part 214. The nozzle drive unit 211 is disposed between the first mounting base 241 and the extrusion lower mounting base 142, and is connected to the extrusion lower mounting base 142. The nozzle drive shaft 212 is disposed between the first mounting base 241 and the second mounting base 242, with its two ends spaced apart along the consumable transport direction L and rotatably connected to the first mounting base 241 and the second mounting base 242, respectively. The nozzle drive shaft 212 is driven to the nozzle drive unit 211 via the rotating wheel 213, enabling the nozzle drive shaft 212 to support the rotating wheel 213 and allowing the rotating wheel 213 to rotate axially around the nozzle drive shaft 212. The supporting part 214 is connected to the drive unit and can rotate with the supporting part 214.

[0107] In this embodiment, the nozzle drive unit 211 is a motor capable of outputting rotational torque. The nozzle drive shaft 212 is generally cylindrical and is offset from the nozzle drive unit 211 along the consumable transport direction L. The rotating wheel 213 is a helical gear with a large diameter, and the output end of the nozzle drive unit 211 is provided with a helical gear with a relatively small diameter for meshing with the rotating wheel 213.

[0108] In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are configured to extend or retract along the consumable transport direction L, a rotating wheel 213 is configured to rotate along a plane of rotation, the consumable transport direction L is perpendicular to the plane of rotation, and a supporting portion 214 is fixed to the rotating wheel 213 and extends relative to the rotating wheel 213 along the consumable transport direction L toward the side where the plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are located.

[0109] In this embodiment, multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are arranged around a nozzle drive shaft 212. A rotating wheel 213 is rotatably connected to the nozzle drive shaft 212 and is located on one side of the nozzle drive shaft 212. A support portion 214 is cylindrical and protrudes from the rotating wheel 213 toward the side where the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are located. The top end of the support portion 214 faces the multiple nozzle assemblies 22. The top end of the support portion 214 has an arc surface and is configured to be separably contactable with the multiple nozzle assemblies 22, for pushing one of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 to achieve switching of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22.

[0110] In other embodiments, after the supporting part 214 is connected to the rotating wheel 213, it may also extend radially toward the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 213. In this case, the side of the supporting part 214 is configured to face the multiple nozzle assemblies 22. The side of the cylindrical supporting part 214 is an arc surface, which is used to contact the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 separably, thereby pushing one of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 to realize the switching of the multiple nozzle assemblies 22.

[0111] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 22 includes a nozzle body 220, a guide protrusion 227, and an elastic member 228. Each nozzle body 220 corresponds to a consumable 30, and the nozzle body 220 is used to melt and extrude the rigid consumable 30. The guide protrusion 227 is located on the feed side of the nozzle body 220 and connected to the nozzle body 220, and is used to make separable contact with the abutment portion 214, transmitting the force applied by the abutment portion 214 to the nozzle body 220 and moving together with the nozzle body 220 along the consumable transport direction L. The elastic member 228 is located on the discharge side of the nozzle body 220 and connected to the nozzle body 220, and is used to push the nozzle body 220 and the guide protrusion 227 to move along the consumable transport direction L and reset after the force applied by the abutment portion 214 to the nozzle body 220 is removed.

[0112] In one embodiment, each nozzle assembly 22 includes a guide protrusion 227, and multiple guide protrusions 227 are disposed on the rotation path of the abutment portion 214. The guide protrusion 227 includes a guide surface 2270 that is inclined relative to the protruding direction of the nozzle assembly 22, and the abutment portion 214 is in detachable contact with the guide surface 2270.

[0113] In this embodiment, the rotation path of the supporting portion 214 is circular, and multiple guide protrusions 227 are provided on the circular rotation path of the supporting portion 214. Each guide surface 2270 corresponds to a segment of the circular rotation path. The multiple guide surfaces 2270 are sequentially aligned end to end and roughly form a ring, so that the supporting portion 214 can engage with one of the multiple guide surfaces 2270 during rotation.

[0114] In one embodiment, the guide surface 2270 is inclined and curved. Specifically, the guide protrusion 227 includes a spaced-apart lower end 2272 and a higher end 2271. The lower end 2272 is further away from the supporting portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L relative to the higher end 2271, and the higher end 2271 is closer to the supporting portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L relative to the lower end 2272. The guide surface 2270 extends smoothly from the lower end 2272 to the higher end 2271 and is inclined relative to the consumable transport direction L. At the same time, the shape of the projection of the guide surface 2270 along the consumable transport direction L is a curved arc, corresponding to a segment of the arc of the circular rotation path.

[0115] Understandably, the guide surface 2270 is curved to fit the support portion 214; the guide surface 2270 is inclined, and the support portion 214 and the rotating wheel 213 are configured not to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 rotates to squeeze the guide protrusion 227, causing the guide protrusion 227 to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 further drives the nozzle body 220 to move along the consumable transport direction L, pushing the nozzle assembly 22.

[0116] In one embodiment, a section of the guide surface 2270 near the high end 2271 can be configured to be perpendicular to the consumable transport direction L. When the holding part 214 moves along the guide surface 2270 to the high end 2271, the contact between the holding part 214 and the guide protrusion 227 can be switched from side abutment to top abutment. That is, after the holding part 214 moves to the high end 2271 and completes the switching of the printhead assembly 22, the force applied by the holding part 214 to the guide protrusion 227 is approximately parallel to the consumable transport direction L, so that the holding part 214 and the printhead assembly 22 have a better dwell posture, which facilitates the printhead assembly 22 to print in this posture and ensures that it has good printing accuracy.

[0117] In this embodiment, each nozzle assembly 22 is provided with a guide protrusion 227. Multiple guide protrusions 227 are arranged around the nozzle drive shaft 212. The lower end 2272 of one guide protrusion 227 is adjacent to the higher end 2271 of another guide protrusion 227, and the higher end 2271 of the one guide protrusion 227 is adjacent to the lower end 2272 of yet another guide protrusion 227.

[0118] In other embodiments, the base portion of the guide protrusion 227 can be of various other shapes, and the guide surface 2270 is provided on the side of the guide protrusion 227 facing the abutment portion 214 and is configured to be inclined and curved, which will not be described in detail here.

[0119] In one embodiment, the nozzle body 220 includes a heat sink 221, a nozzle 222, a heating block 225, a throat 224, and a positioning post 226. The heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222 are spaced apart along the material transport direction L, and the mounting part 223 is used to connect the nozzle 222 and the heat sink 221. The throat 224 extends along the material transport direction L and is used to transport the material 30, so that the material 30 passes sequentially through the heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222 along the material transport direction L and is finally extruded in a molten state at the end of the nozzle 222. The nozzle 222 and the heat sink 221 can provide different temperature control schemes for different parts of the material 30, improve the heat treatment effect of the material 30, and improve the 3D printing effect.

[0120] In one embodiment, multiple nozzle assemblies 22 penetrate the second mounting base 242 along the consumable transport direction L. An elastic member 228 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle assembly 22 and sandwiched between the lower mounting base and the peripheral protrusion of the nozzle assembly 22 along the consumable transport direction L. The multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are respectively fixed to the first mounting base 241. Each nozzle assembly 22 includes a throat 224 and a positioning post 226, both of which penetrate the first mounting base 241.

[0121] Understandably, the main body of the nozzle assembly 22 is configured to extend approximately along the consumable transport direction L, and passes through the upper extrusion mounting base 141 and the lower extrusion mounting base 142 along the consumable transport direction L, and is capable of reciprocating along the consumable transport direction L. The upper extrusion mounting base 141 and the lower extrusion mounting base 142 can limit the nozzle assembly 22 from deflecting as much as possible in the plane perpendicular to the consumable transport direction L, but the supporting part 214 abuts against the nozzle assembly 22 during rotation, applying other component forces intersecting the consumable transport direction L to the nozzle assembly 22, so that the nozzle assembly 22 still has the risk of misalignment due to rotation about the consumable transport direction L as an axis. Therefore, each printhead assembly 22's heat sink 221 is connected to a throat 224 and a positioning post 226. The throat 224 extends from the consumable transport direction L and passes through the first mounting base 241. The positioning post 226 is connected to the heat sink 221 and extends through the first mounting base 241 in the same direction as the throat 224. At the same time, the throat 224 and the positioning post 226 are spaced apart, which can restrict the printhead assembly 22 from rotating along the consumable transport direction L, ensuring the positional accuracy of the printhead assembly 22 and thus improving printing accuracy.

[0122] In one embodiment, the nozzle 222 is configured to be thermally coupled to the heating block 225 for melting and extruding the consumable 30 located within the nozzle 222. The radiator 221 is configured to be thermally coupled to the consumable 30 and / or the nozzle 222 for adjusting and enhancing the heat dissipation of the portion of the consumable 30 located outside the nozzle 222, controlling its temperature, and preventing problems such as excessive expansion or premature melting of the consumable 30 leading to blockage. It is understood that the portion of the consumable transport direction L located within the nozzle body 220 is typically designed as a straight line; however, the consumable transport direction L can also be curved, and the relative positions of the nozzle 222, radiator 221, and mounting portion 223 can change accordingly.

[0123] In one embodiment, the heat sink 221 can be a heat dissipation structure with multiple heat dissipation fins. The heat sink 221 is configured to be able to be penetrated by the throat 224. The heat sink 221 can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the consumable 30 located in the throat 224, preventing this part of the consumable 30 from overheating. The nozzle 222 is spaced apart from the heat sink 221. The nozzle 222 can generate heat itself or can be used to install the heating block 225. The nozzle 222 is configured to be able to be penetrated by the throat 224. The nozzle 222 can heat this part of the consumable 30 to melt it and make it extruded for printing. Based on this, the heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222 usually have different set temperatures. In order to improve the overall thermal efficiency of the printhead body 220, it is necessary to configure the heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222 to be spaced apart. At the same time, in order to ensure the overall connection effect of the printhead body 220, a mounting part 223 can be provided to assemble the heat sink 221 and the nozzle 222.

[0124] In one embodiment, the mounting part 223 may be a connecting post 2231, an outer nozzle mounting sleeve 2232, and an inner nozzle mounting sleeve 2234. The inner nozzle mounting sleeve 2234 is located on the side of the nozzle 222 away from the radiator 221 along the consumable transport direction L, and is connected to the nozzle 222; the outer nozzle mounting sleeve 2232 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle 222 and the inner nozzle mounting sleeve 2234, and is threadedly engaged with the inner nozzle mounting sleeve 2234; the connecting post 2231 connects the outer nozzle mounting sleeve 2232 and the radiator 221, so that the nozzle 222 is connected to the radiator 221.

[0125] In this embodiment, the nozzle inner mounting sleeve 2234 has a first step structure 2233, and the ring-shaped heating block 225 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle 222 and supported by the first step structure 2233; the nozzle 222 has a second step structure 2235, which protrudes radially outward along the direction of consumable transmission L. The second step structure 2235 is located on the side of the nozzle outer mounting sleeve 2232 near the radiator 221 and is used to cooperate with the second mounting base 242 to clamp the elastic member 228.

[0126] In one embodiment, an elastic member 228 is disposed on the side of the nozzle assembly 22 away from the abutment portion 214 and abuts against the nozzle assembly 22, for pushing the nozzle assembly 22 to retract. In this embodiment, the elastic member 228 can be a compression spring; the elastic member 228 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle outer mounting sleeve 2232, and the two ends of the elastic member 228 spaced along the consumable transmission direction L abut against the inner wall surface of the second mounting base 242 and the lower wall surface of the second step structure 2235 toward the second mounting base 242, respectively.

[0127] Understandably, the nozzle body 220 is driven to extend along the consumable transport direction L. During the extension process, the elastic element 228 is gradually compressed, causing it to deform under pressure and accumulate elastic force. When the supporting part 214 separates from the nozzle assembly 22, the elastic element 228 tends to return to its relaxed state and releases its elastic force. The end of the elastic element 228 that contacts the nozzle outer mounting sleeve 2232 pushes the nozzle body 220 to move in the opposite direction along the consumable transport direction L to achieve reset.

[0128] In one embodiment, the nozzle 222 includes a transmission section 2221 and an extrusion section 2222 connected together. The transmission section 2221 is located on the side of the nozzle 222 closer to the heat sink 221 and is used to cooperate with the throat 224 to form a transmission channel. The extrusion section 2222 is located on the side of the nozzle 222 away from the heat sink 221 and is used to narrow the transmission channel to extrude the consumable 30. In this embodiment, the transmission section 2221 and the extrusion section 2222 are detachably connected as an example. For example, the transmission section 2221 can be made of a material with good thermal conductivity, and the extrusion section 2222 can be made of a material with high hardness. In other embodiments, the transmission section 2221 and the extrusion section 2222 can also be an integrally formed structure. For example, the transmission section 2221 and the extrusion section 2222 are integrally formed by die casting or milling.

[0129] Understandably, the transmission section 2221 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity and / or good thermal conductivity (e.g., copper). The transmission section 2221 has a through hole extending along the consumable transmission direction L. This through hole is used to transmit the consumable 30 and form a transmission channel. The consumable 30 located in this through hole can be heated by thermal coupling with the transmission section 2221.

[0130] In one embodiment, the heating block 225 may be a ceramic heating ring capable of converting electrical energy into heat energy and generating heat. In other embodiments, the nozzle 222 may not have a separate heating block 225; the heating block 225 may be integrated into the nozzle 222. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the heating ring may be of other shapes or made of other types of heating materials, which will not be elaborated here.

[0131] In one embodiment, the blocking assembly 23 includes a linkage mechanism 230 and a baffle 234. The linkage mechanism 230 is connected to the nozzle assembly 22, and the baffle 234 is drivenly connected to the linkage mechanism 230. The baffle 234 is configured to block the nozzle assembly 22 when the nozzle assembly 22 is retracted and to avoid the nozzle assembly 22 when the nozzle assembly 22 is extended.

[0132] In one embodiment, the linkage mechanism 230 includes a first rotating arm 231, a second rotating arm 232, and a linkage rotation shaft 233. The two ends of the first rotating arm 231 are connected to the nozzle assembly 22 and the second rotating arm 232, respectively. The other end of the second rotating arm 232, not connected to the first rotating arm 231, is connected to the linkage rotation shaft 233. The linkage rotation shaft 233 is located on the side of the nozzle assembly 22 and is configured to be fixed radially. A baffle 234 is connected to the linkage rotation shaft 233 and is configured to rotate with the linkage rotation shaft 233 to block or avoid the nozzle assembly 22.

[0133] In this embodiment, one end of the first rotating arm 231 is connected to the heat sink 221, and the other end of the first rotating arm 231 is connected to the second rotating arm 232. The first rotating arm 231 is configured to extend approximately along the consumable transport direction L. The end of the second rotating arm 232 away from the second mounting base 242 is connected to the end of the first rotating arm 231 near the second mounting base 242, and the other end of the second rotating arm 232 is connected to the connecting rod rotating shaft 233, enabling the connecting rod rotating shaft 233 to rotate. The second rotating arm 232 is configured to be inclined relative to the consumable transport direction L. One end of the connecting rod rotating shaft 233 is rotatably connected to the second mounting base 242, and the other end of the connecting rod rotating shaft 233 is connected to the end of the second rotating arm 232 near the second mounting base 242. The connecting rod rotating shaft 233 is configured approximately perpendicular to the consumable transport direction L. One end of the baffle 234 is connected to the connecting rod rotation shaft 233 and is configured to rotate with the connecting rod rotation shaft 233. The other end of the baffle 234 extends to the nozzle 222 below the consumable transport direction L.

[0134] Understandably, the printhead body 220 is driven to extend along the consumable transport direction L, the radiator 221 drives the first rotating arm 231 to move downward along the consumable transport direction L, the first rotating arm 231 pushes the second rotating arm 232 to rotate around the axial direction of the connecting rod rotating shaft 233, the connecting rod rotating shaft 233 is connected to the second rotating arm 232 and rotates synchronously, the baffle 234 is deflected by the connecting rod rotating shaft 233 and exits the movement path of the printhead assembly 22 along the consumable transport direction L, so that the printhead assembly 22 can extend for printing. After the supporting part 214 separates from the nozzle assembly 22, the elastic element 228 drives the nozzle assembly 22 to retract and reset along the consumable transmission direction L. The radiator 221 drives the first rotating arm 231 to retract along the consumable transmission direction L. The first rotating arm 231 pulls the second rotating arm 232, i.e. the connecting rod rotating shaft 233, to rotate in the opposite direction. The baffle 234 is driven by the connecting rod rotating shaft 233 to rotate in the opposite direction until it is located below the nozzle 222 along the consumable transmission direction L, in order to prevent residual material from dripping.

[0135] In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of extrusion mechanisms 15 are correspondingly arranged in a matrix, with each nozzle assembly 22 and one extrusion mechanism 15 correspondingly arranged along the consumable transport direction L. The nozzle drive assembly 21 is used to push the nozzle assembly 22 to protrude away from the extrusion mechanism 15 along the consumable transport direction L.

[0136] In one embodiment, the multiple cams 123 corresponding to the multiple extrusion mechanisms 15 are configured to rotate synchronously and have different rotational postures relative to the multiple swing arms 124, for driving at least one of the multiple swing arms 124 to swing, thereby driving at least one extrusion driven wheel 114 to clamp and engage with the corresponding extrusion driving wheel 113 and extrude consumable 30.

[0137] In one embodiment, a plurality of feeding guides 130 are used to respectively accommodate a plurality of consumables 30; the nozzle assembly 22 includes a nozzle throat 224, and the plurality of nozzle throats 224 corresponding to the plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are used to respectively accommodate a plurality of consumables 30; the nozzle throat 224 is spaced apart from the feeding guides 130 and its position relative to the feeding guides 130 along the consumable transport direction L is adjustable.

[0138] In one embodiment, the multi-nozzle printing unit 20 includes a first mounting base 241, and a plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are slidably disposed relative to the first mounting base 241 along the consumable transport direction L; an extrusion lower mounting base 142 is connected to the first mounting base 241 and is stacked along the consumable transport direction L. The plurality of nozzle assemblies 22 are all disposed through the second mounting base 242 along the consumable transport direction L, and a plurality of shielding components 23 are respectively disposed in correspondence with the plurality of nozzle assemblies 22. The baffles 234 of the shielding components 23 are configured to shield the side of the nozzle assembly 22 away from the extrusion lower mounting base 142 along the consumable transport direction L.

[0139] In one embodiment, the multi-nozzle printing unit 20 further includes a nozzle heat dissipation assembly 251 and a nozzle heat dissipation assembly 252. The nozzle heat dissipation assembly 251 is disposed toward the heat sink 221 and is used to dissipate heat from the heat sink 221; the nozzle heat dissipation assembly 252 is disposed toward the nozzle 222 and is used to dissipate heat from the nozzle 222.

[0140] In this embodiment, the printhead cooling assembly 251 can be a fan, and there are two printhead cooling assemblies 251, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the extrusion upper mounting base 141 at a distance. The printhead cooling assembly 251 is connected to the extrusion upper mounting base 141, which has an opening that allows the airflow generated by the printhead cooling assembly 251 to flow toward the radiator 221, thereby helping to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator 221. The nozzle cooling assembly 252 can be a fan with a guide shroud, and there are two nozzle cooling assemblies 252, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the extrusion upper mounting base 141 at a distance, with the openings of both guide shrouds facing the extrusion section 2222 of the nozzle 222, thereby improving the cooling rate of the consumable 30 after it is extruded from the nozzle 222, and thus improving printing efficiency.

[0141] like Figures 1 to 15 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment also provides a 3D printer 200, including a main body 201 and a print head 100. The print head 100 is movably disposed on the main body 201. The print head 100 includes a rotating part 2130, a supporting part 214, a plurality of nozzle assemblies 22, and a plurality of guide protrusions 227. The supporting part 214 is fixed to the rotating part 2130. The plurality of guide protrusions 227 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of nozzle assemblies 22. Each guide protrusion 227 is fixed to the corresponding nozzle assembly 22. The guide protrusion 227 has a guide surface 2270 for abutting against the supporting part 214. The guide surface 2270 includes an inclined surface.

[0142] In this embodiment, the rotating part 2130 includes the aforementioned rotating wheel 213. The abutment shaft 2140 is fixed to the rotating wheel 213 so that the abutment shaft 2140 can rotate with the rotating wheel 213. It is understood that in other embodiments, the rotating part 2130 may also include other rotatable elements with a generally cylindrical shape.

[0143] Multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are configured to extend or retract along the consumable transport direction L. A rotating wheel 213 is configured to rotate along a plane of rotation, with the consumable transport direction L perpendicular to the plane of rotation. A supporting portion 214 is fixed to the rotating wheel 213 and extends relative to the rotating wheel 213 along the consumable transport direction L toward the side where the multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are located. Each nozzle assembly 220 includes a nozzle body 220, each nozzle body 220 corresponding to one consumable 30. The nozzle body 220 is used to melt and extrude the rigid consumable 30. A guide protrusion 227 is provided on the feed side of the nozzle body 220 and connected to the nozzle body 220. It is used for separable contact with the supporting portion 214, transmitting the force applied by the supporting portion 214 to the nozzle body 220 and moving together with the nozzle body 220 along the consumable transport direction L. An elastic member 228 is disposed on the discharge side of the nozzle body 220 and connected to the nozzle body 220. It is used to push the nozzle body 220 and the guide protrusion 227 to move along the consumable transport direction L and reset after the force applied to the nozzle body 220 by the supporting portion 214 is removed. Multiple guide protrusions 227 are disposed on the rotation path of the supporting portion 214. Each guide protrusion 227 includes a guide surface 2270 inclined relative to the protruding direction of the nozzle assembly 22. The supporting portion 214 is in detachable contact with the guide surface 2270.

[0144] In one embodiment, the distance between the guide surface 2270 and the corresponding nozzle assembly 22 is the guide distance, which gradually increases in the rotation direction of the rotating part 2130.

[0145] In this embodiment, the guide surface 2270 is inclined and curved. Specifically, the guide protrusion 227 includes a spaced-apart lower end 2272 and a higher end 2271. The lower end 2272 is further away from the supporting portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L than the higher end 2271, and the higher end 2271 is closer to the supporting portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L than the lower end 2272. The guide surface 2270 extends smoothly from the lower end 2272 to the higher end 2271 and is inclined relative to the consumable transport direction L. At the same time, the shape of the projection of the guide surface 2270 along the consumable transport direction L is a curved arc, corresponding to a segment of the arc of the circular rotation path.

[0146] Understandably, the guide surface 2270 is curved to fit the support portion 214; the guide surface 2270 is inclined, and the support portion 214 and the rotating wheel 213 are configured not to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 rotates to squeeze the guide protrusion 227, causing the guide protrusion 227 to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 further drives the nozzle body 220 to move along the consumable transport direction L, pushing the nozzle assembly 22.

[0147] The section of the guide surface 2270 near the high end 2271 can be configured to be perpendicular to the consumable transport direction L. When the holding part 214 moves along the guide surface 2270 to the high end 2271, the contact between the holding part 214 and the guide protrusion 227 can be switched from side holding to top holding. That is, after the holding part 214 moves to the high end 2271 and completes the switching of the printhead assembly 22, the force applied by the holding part 214 to the guide protrusion 227 is approximately parallel to the consumable transport direction L, so that the holding part 214 and the printhead assembly 22 have a better dwell posture, which facilitates the printhead assembly 22 to print in this posture and ensures that it has good printing accuracy.

[0148] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of baffles 234, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, and each baffle 234 is movably disposed at the lower end of the corresponding printhead assembly 22.

[0149] The printhead 100 also includes multiple linkage mechanisms 230, each corresponding to a plurality of printhead assemblies 22. Each linkage mechanism 230 is disposed on a corresponding printhead assembly 22. The linkage mechanism 230 is connected to the printhead assembly 22, and a baffle 234 is drivenly connected to the linkage mechanism 230. The baffle 234 is configured to block the printhead assembly 22 when it retracts and to avoid the printhead assembly 22 when it extends.

[0150] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of positioning posts 226, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, and each positioning post 226 is fixed to the upper end of the corresponding printhead assembly 22.

[0151] The printhead 100 also includes a first mounting base 241, which has multiple mounting holes 2410. Each positioning post 226 is fixed to the corresponding printhead assembly 22. The multiple positioning posts 226 correspond one-to-one with the multiple mounting holes 2410, and each positioning post 226 is movably set in the corresponding mounting hole 2410.

[0152] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of elastic elements 228, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, with each elastic element 228 sleeved on the outside of the corresponding printhead assembly 22.

[0153] The printhead 100 also includes a second mounting base 242, on which multiple printhead assemblies 22 are mounted. Each elastic element 228 connects to the corresponding printhead assembly 22 and the second mounting base 242. The elastic element 228 is located on the side of the printhead assembly 22 away from the abutment portion 214 and abuts against the printhead assembly 22, for pushing the printhead assembly 22 to retract. In this embodiment, the elastic element 228 can be a compression spring; the elastic element 228 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle outer mounting sleeve 2232, and the two ends of the elastic element 228 spaced apart along the consumable transport direction L abut against the inner wall surface of the second mounting base 242 and the lower wall surface of the second step structure 2235 facing the second mounting base 242, respectively.

[0154] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 22 includes a heat sink 221, a throat 224, a heating block 225, and a nozzle 222. The heat sink 221 and the heating block 225 are connected via the throat 224, and the nozzle 222 is connected to the heating block 225. Each guide protrusion 227 is fixed to the corresponding heat sink 221.

[0155] The radiator 221 and nozzle 222 are spaced apart along the material transport direction L, and the mounting part 223 is used to connect the nozzle 222 and the radiator 221. The throat 224 extends along the material transport direction L and is used to transport the material 30, so that the material 30 passes through the radiator 221 and the nozzle 222 in sequence along the material transport direction L and is finally extruded in a molten state at the end of the nozzle 222. The nozzle 222 and the radiator 221 can provide different temperature control schemes for different parts of the material 30, improve the heat treatment effect of the material 30, and improve the 3D printing effect. Multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are slidably arranged relative to the first mounting base 241 along the material transport direction L. The multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are respectively fixed to the first mounting base 241, and each nozzle assembly 22 includes a throat 224 and a positioning post 226, both of which are disposed through the first mounting base 241.

[0156] Further integration Figure 15 As shown, the printhead 100 is connected to the body 201 and its position relative to the body 201 is adjustable.

[0157] In one embodiment, the main body 201 may include a base, a gantry, a multi-axis drive kit, a control center, and other necessary components for realizing stereoscopic printing, which will not be described in detail here.

[0158] Understandably, the 3D printer 200 uses multiple cams 123, multiple swing arms 124, multiple extrusion drive wheels 113 and multiple extrusion driven wheels 114 to correspond to multiple consumables 30 respectively. The selection and extrusion of multiple consumables 30 are achieved by cooperating with multiple cams 123 and multiple swing arms 124, without the need to set up a cutter or consider the cleaning problem after the nozzle is changed.

[0159] Understandably, the 3D printer 200 uses multiple nozzle assemblies 22 to correspond to multiple consumables 30. The selection and switching of consumables 30 are achieved by selecting and switching the nozzle assemblies 22, without the need to set up a cutter or consider the cleaning problem after changing the nozzle material.

[0160] Understandably, the 3D printer 200 uses multiple extrusion mechanisms 15 and multiple nozzle assemblies 22 to be set up and matched with multiple consumables 30 one by one, so as to achieve printing with multiple consumables 30 without setting up a cutter or considering the cleaning problem after changing the nozzle material.

[0161] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown in the illustration, this application embodiment also provides a printhead 100, which includes a rotating part 2130, a supporting shaft 2140, and a plurality of printhead assemblies 22. The supporting shaft 2140 is fixed to the rotating part 2130 and is configured to rotate with the rotating part 2130. The plurality of printhead assemblies 22 are arranged along the rotation path of the supporting shaft 2140, and each printhead assembly 22 has a supporting state in which it is supported by the supporting shaft 2140 and undergoes displacement.

[0162] In this embodiment, the rotating part 2130 includes the aforementioned rotating wheel 213. The abutment shaft 2140 is fixed to the rotating wheel 213 so that the abutment shaft 2140 can rotate with the rotating wheel 213. It is understood that in other embodiments, the rotating part 2130 may also include other rotatable elements with a generally cylindrical shape.

[0163] In this embodiment, the abutment shaft 2140 is an element included in the abutment portion 214. It is understood that in other embodiments, the abutment portion 214 is an abutment shaft 2140 with a generally circular shaft structure.

[0164] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of guide portions 2273, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22. Each guide portion 2273 is disposed on the corresponding printhead assembly 22, and the guide portion 2273 has a guiding state in which it is held by the abutment shaft 2140 and generates displacement.

[0165] In this embodiment, the guide portion 2273 includes the aforementioned guide protrusion 227. It is understood that in other embodiments, the guide portion 2273 may also include other elements having a guide groove, and the aforementioned guide surface 2270 may be formed by the groove wall of the guide groove.

[0166] The guide protrusion 227 includes a guide surface 2270 inclined relative to the protruding direction of the nozzle assembly 22, and the abutment portion 214 is in detachable contact with the guide surface 2270. The rotation path of the abutment portion 214 is circular, and multiple guide protrusions 227 are provided on the circular rotation path of the abutment portion 214, with each guide surface 2270 corresponding to a segment of the circular rotation path. The multiple guide surfaces 2270 are sequentially aligned end to end and roughly form a ring, allowing the abutment portion 214 to engage with one of the multiple guide surfaces 2270 during rotation.

[0167] In one embodiment, the guide portion 2273 has a guide surface 2270 for abutting against the abutment shaft 2140, and the guide surface 2270 includes an inclined surface. In this embodiment, the guide surface 2270 is inclined and curved. Specifically, the guide protrusion 227 includes a spaced-apart lower end 2272 and a higher end 2271. The lower end 2272 is further away from the abutment portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L relative to the higher end 2271, and the higher end 2271 is closer to the abutment portion 214 along the consumable transport direction L relative to the lower end 2272. The guide surface 2270 extends smoothly from the lower end 2272 to the higher end 2271 and is inclined relative to the consumable transport direction L; at the same time, the shape of the projection of the guide surface 2270 along the consumable transport direction L is a curved arc shape, corresponding to a segment of an arc of a circular rotation path.

[0168] Understandably, the guide surface 2270 is curved to fit the support portion 214; the guide surface 2270 is inclined, and the support portion 214 and the rotating wheel 213 are configured not to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 rotates to squeeze the guide protrusion 227, causing the guide protrusion 227 to move along the consumable transport direction L. The support portion 214 further drives the nozzle body 220 to move along the consumable transport direction L, pushing the nozzle assembly 22.

[0169] The section of the guide surface 2270 near the high end 2271 can be configured to be perpendicular to the consumable transport direction L. When the holding part 214 moves along the guide surface 2270 to the high end 2271, the contact between the holding part 214 and the guide protrusion 227 can be switched from side holding to top holding. That is, after the holding part 214 moves to the high end 2271 and completes the switching of the printhead assembly 22, the force applied by the holding part 214 to the guide protrusion 227 is approximately parallel to the consumable transport direction L, so that the holding part 214 and the printhead assembly 22 have a better dwell posture, which facilitates the printhead assembly 22 to print in this posture and ensures that it has good printing accuracy.

[0170] In one embodiment, each printhead assembly 22 includes a heating block 225 and a nozzle 222, with one end of the nozzle 222 connected to the heating block 225. The printhead 100 also includes a plurality of baffles 234, each baffle 234 corresponding to a plurality of printhead assemblies 22, and each baffle 234 being movably disposed at the other end of the corresponding nozzle 222.

[0171] Each printhead assembly 22 includes a heat sink 221; the printhead 100 also includes a plurality of positioning posts 226, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22, and each positioning post 226 is fixed to the corresponding heat sink 221.

[0172] The nozzle assembly 22 also includes a mounting part 223 and a throat 224. The radiator 221 and the heating block 225 are connected through the throat 224. The radiator 221 and the nozzle 222 are spaced apart along the material transport direction L. The mounting part 223 is used to connect the nozzle 222 and the radiator 221. The throat 224 extends along the material transport direction L and is used to transport the material 30, so that the material 30 passes sequentially through the radiator 221 and the nozzle 222 along the material transport direction L and is finally extruded in a molten state at the end of the nozzle 222. The nozzle 222 and the radiator 221 can provide different temperature control schemes for different parts of the material 30, improve the heat treatment effect of the material 30, and improve the 3D printing effect.

[0173] In one embodiment, the printhead 100 further includes a plurality of elastic elements 228, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of printhead assemblies 22. Each elastic element 228 is connected to the corresponding printhead assembly 22. When the printhead assembly 22 is in a resisting state, the corresponding elastic element 228 is in a stretched state.

[0174] The printhead 100 also includes a second mounting base 242, on which multiple printhead assemblies 22 are mounted. Each elastic element 228 connects to its corresponding printhead assembly 22 and the second mounting base 242. The elastic element 228 is located on the side of the printhead assembly 22 away from the abutment portion 214 and abuts against the printhead assembly 22, used to push the printhead assembly 22 back. In this embodiment, the elastic element 228 can be a compression spring; the elastic element 228 is sleeved on the outside of the nozzle outer mounting sleeve 2232, and the two ends of the elastic element 228 spaced along the consumable transport direction L abut against the inner wall surface of the second mounting base 242 and the lower wall surface of the second step structure 2235 facing the second mounting base 242, respectively.

[0175] In one embodiment, each nozzle assembly 22 includes a heat sink 221, and the nozzle assembly 22 is held by a retaining shaft 2140 via the heat sink 221. Multiple nozzle assemblies 22 are arranged along the rotation path of the retaining shaft 2140. Each nozzle assembly 22 is in a holding state via the heat sink 221, being held by the retaining shaft 2140 and displaced, such that the nozzle assembly 22 has both a holding state and a separation state, where it is separated from the retaining shaft 2140. The positions of the nozzle assembly 22 in the holding state and the separation state are different.

[0176] 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 for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The printhead includes: Rotating wheel; The abutting part, which is fixed to the rotating wheel; and Multiple nozzle assemblies, each nozzle assembly having a resisting state where it is resisted by the resisting part, and a separated state where it is separated from the resisting part, wherein the positions of the nozzle assemblies in the resisting state and the separated state are different.

2. The printhead as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple guide protrusions are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each guide protrusion is fixed to its corresponding nozzle assembly, and each guide protrusion has a guide surface for abutting against the abutting portion.

3. The printhead as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the guide surface and the corresponding nozzle assembly is the guide distance, and the guide distance at one end of the guide protrusion is greater than the guide distance at the other end.

4. The printhead as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple linkage mechanisms are provided, each of which corresponds to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies, and each linkage mechanism is disposed on the corresponding nozzle assembly. Multiple baffles are provided, and each baffle corresponds to a link mechanism. Each baffle is connected to the corresponding link mechanism in a transmission manner.

5. The printhead as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first mounting base, wherein the first mounting base has multiple mounting holes; Multiple positioning posts are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each positioning post is fixed to the corresponding nozzle assembly. Each positioning post is also corresponding to one of the multiple mounting holes, and each positioning post is movably disposed in the corresponding mounting hole.

6. The printhead as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second mounting base, on which the plurality of nozzle assemblies are mounted; Multiple elastic elements are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies, and each elastic element is connected to the corresponding nozzle assembly and the second mounting base.

7. The printhead as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes a radiator, a throat, a heating block, and a nozzle. The radiator and the heating block are connected through the throat, and the nozzle is connected to the heating block.

8. A printhead for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The printhead includes: Rotating part; A retaining shaft, fixed to the rotating part, configured to rotate with the rotating part; and Multiple nozzle assemblies are arranged along the rotation path of the abutment shaft, and each nozzle assembly is in a abutting state where it is abutted by the abutment shaft and undergoes displacement.

9. The printhead as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple guide portions are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each guide portion is disposed on the corresponding nozzle assembly, and the guide portion has a guiding state in which it is held by the abutment shaft and generates displacement.

10. The printhead as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The guide portion has a guide surface for abutting against the abutting shaft, the guide surface including an inclined surface.

11. The printhead as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the nozzle assemblies includes a heating block and a nozzle, one end of which is connected to the heating block; The printhead also includes multiple baffles, each of which corresponds to one of the multiple printhead assemblies, and each baffle is movably disposed at the other end of the corresponding nozzle.

12. The printhead as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the nozzle assemblies includes a heat sink; The printhead also includes multiple positioning posts, each of which corresponds to one of the multiple printhead assemblies, and each positioning post is fixed to the corresponding heat sink.

13. The printhead as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple elastic elements are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each elastic element is connected to the corresponding nozzle assembly. When the nozzle assembly is in the supporting state, the corresponding elastic element is in the stretched state.

14. The printhead as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the nozzle assemblies includes a heat sink, and the nozzle assembly is held abutted by the abutment shaft via the heat sink.

15. A three-dimensional printer, characterized in that, include: main body; A printhead is movably disposed on the main body. The printhead includes a rotating part, a supporting part, multiple nozzle assemblies, and multiple guide protrusions. The supporting part is fixed to the rotating part. The multiple guide protrusions correspond one-to-one with the multiple nozzle assemblies. Each guide protrusion is fixed to the corresponding nozzle assembly. The guide protrusion has a guide surface for abutting against the supporting part. The guide surface includes an inclined surface.

16. The three-dimensional printer as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The distance between the guide surface and the corresponding nozzle assembly is the guide distance, which gradually increases in the rotation direction of the rotating part.

17. The three-dimensional printer as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple baffles, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies, with each baffle movably disposed at the lower end of the corresponding nozzle assembly.

18. The three-dimensional printer as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple positioning posts are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies, with each positioning post fixed to the upper end of the corresponding nozzle assembly.

19. The three-dimensional printer as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple elastic elements are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple nozzle assemblies, with each elastic element sleeved on the outside of the corresponding nozzle assembly.

20. The three-dimensional printer as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes a radiator, a throat, a heating block, and a nozzle. The radiator and the heating block are connected through the throat, and the nozzle is connected to the heating block. Each of the guide protrusions is fixed to the corresponding heat sink.

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