A 3D printer capable of continuous printing

Abstract

This utility model discloses a continuous printing 3D printer, including one or more sets of 3D printing mechanisms arranged in a straight line; it also includes a heated bed mechanism that moves in a straight line, such that the movement trajectory of the heated bed passes through the projection of all the 3D printing mechanisms. The heated bed mechanism can be a heated bed conveyor belt, or a heated bed combined with a linear movement mechanism. When using one 3D printing mechanism with a heated bed conveyor belt, continuous printing can be achieved. After printing is completed, the heated bed conveyor belt moves, and the 3D printing mechanism can continue printing, thus achieving continuous printing. When using multiple 3D printing mechanisms with heated bed conveyor belts, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can work simultaneously to print multiple models, achieving continuous simultaneous printing. When using multiple 3D printing mechanisms with heated bed conveyor belts, multi-color model printing can also be achieved. This utility model can improve printing efficiency and save printing time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printer capable of continuous printing. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers, also known as three-dimensional printers, are rapid prototyping devices. They create three-dimensional objects by printing layers of a digital model file, using special waxes, powdered metals, or plastics as adhesives. Currently, 3D printers are used to manufacture products, employing a layer-by-layer printing method to construct objects.

[0003] With the development of technology, the types and functions of 3D printing are increasing, and the demand for 3D printers to achieve multi-color printing is becoming increasingly prominent. Currently, there are many ways to achieve multi-color printing of models. For example, multiple print heads can be used, each with a different color of filament. Another method is to use a single print head with an external feeding mechanism. In both of these methods, when a 3D printer uses multiple print heads, its movement space is greatly reduced because multiple print heads are installed at the printing end. In addition, the installation accuracy of the parallel print heads is required to avoid interference and collisions between the print heads, so the print heads need to be kept at the same height. 3D printers using feeding mechanisms need to completely extrude the original filament during the feeding process, resulting in material waste. Furthermore, printing needs to be stopped during feeding, which takes a long time.

[0004] In addition, most of the heated beds in current 3D printers are fixed heated beds, which have a limited printing area and cannot achieve continuous printing when printing a single model. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a 3D printer capable of continuous printing.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A continuously printable 3D printer includes one or more sets of 3D printing mechanisms arranged in a straight line; it also includes a heated bed mechanism that moves in a straight line such that the movement trajectory of the heated bed passes through the projection of all the 3D printing mechanisms.

[0008] Preferably, the heated bed mechanism includes a heated bed conveyor belt, the upper surface of which forms a heated bed printing area, and the projections of all 3D printing mechanisms are located in the heated bed printing area.

[0009] Preferably, the heated bed conveyor belt is mounted on pulleys, with one of the pulleys serving as the drive pulley connected to the motor drive.

[0010] Preferably, the heated bed mechanism includes a heated bed and a linear motion mechanism, on which the heated bed moves.

[0011] Preferably, the linear motion mechanism includes a linear guide rail, and the heated bed is slidably connected to the linear guide rail; at the same time, the heated bed is connected to a linear drive unit.

[0012] Preferably, the linear drive unit includes a lead screw arranged parallel to the linear guide rail, one end of the lead screw is connected to a drive motor, and the nut seat on the lead screw is connected to the heated bed.

[0013] Preferably, the heated bed is a circular heated bed or an elongated heated bed extending along the straight movement direction.

[0014] Preferably, the elongated heated bed spans at least two 3D printing mechanisms.

[0015] Preferably, the 3D printing mechanism includes a print head, a connecting arm, a frame, and a filament support, with one end of the connecting arm connected to the print head and the other end of the connecting arm mounted on the frame.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting arm is a robotic arm, a spider arm, or a parallel arm.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] (1) When a 3D printing mechanism is used in conjunction with a heated bed conveyor belt, continuous printing can be achieved. After printing is completed, the heated bed conveyor belt moves, and the 3D printing mechanism can continue printing to achieve continuous printing.

[0019] (2) When multiple 3D printing mechanisms are used in conjunction with a heated bed conveyor belt, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can work simultaneously to print multiple models when printing monochrome models, thus achieving continuous simultaneous printing.

[0020] During printing, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can print simultaneously. After printing, if the object is small, the heated bed conveyor belt moves and the 3D printing mechanism continues printing; if the object is large, the printed object is removed and printing continues simultaneously, thus achieving continuous simultaneous printing.

[0021] (3) When multiple 3D printing mechanisms are used in conjunction with heated bed conveyor belts, multi-color model printing can also be achieved.

[0022] An object is printed simultaneously using filaments of different colors. After the object is partially printed under one 3D printing unit, the heated bed conveyor belt moves to the position of another 3D printing unit to print other colors.

[0023] When printing models with two or more colors, one of the 3D printing units can change the color in advance, avoiding the long printing time caused by material changes when printing multi-color models with a single 3D printing unit.

[0024] (4) When a long hot bed is selected and a 3D printing mechanism is used, continuous printing can be achieved. After printing is completed, the hot bed moves and the 3D printing mechanism can continue printing to achieve continuous printing.

[0025] (5) When a long hotbed (the long hotbed spans at least two 3D printing mechanisms) is selected and multiple 3D printing mechanisms are used, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can work simultaneously to print multiple models when printing monochrome models, thus achieving continuous simultaneous printing.

[0026] During printing, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can print simultaneously. After printing, if the object is small, the heated bed moves and the 3D printing mechanism continues printing; if the object is large, the printed object is removed and printing continues simultaneously, thus achieving continuous simultaneous printing.

[0027] (6) When a long or round hot bed is selected and multiple 3D printing mechanisms are used, multi-color model printing can also be achieved.

[0028] An object is printed simultaneously using filaments of different colors. After the object is partially printed under one 3D printing unit, the heated bed is moved to the position of another 3D printing unit to print other colors.

[0029] When printing models with two or more colors, one of the 3D printing units can change the color in advance, avoiding the long printing time caused by material changes when printing multi-color models with a single 3D printing unit.

[0030] (7) This utility model can improve printing efficiency and save printing time. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 2;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 3;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 4.

[0035] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate this embodiment, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a continuously printing 3D printer, including three sets of 3D printing mechanisms arranged in parallel along a straight line. The number of 3D printing mechanisms 2 is not limited to this; in other embodiments, multiple mechanisms can be arbitrarily set according to requirements.

[0039] In this embodiment, the 3D printing mechanism includes a print head 21, a parallel arm 22, a frame 23, and a filament support 24. One end of the parallel arm 22 is connected to the print head 21, and the other end of the parallel arm 22 is mounted on a vertical track of the frame 23. The filament support 24 is located at the top of the frame 23.

[0040] It also includes a heated bed mechanism. In this embodiment, the heated bed mechanism is a heated bed conveyor belt 3. The heated bed conveyor belt 3 is arranged in a straight line below the three sets of 3D printing mechanisms, so that the movement trajectory of the heated bed conveyor belt 3 passes through the projection of the three sets of 3D printing mechanisms.

[0041] The heated bed conveyor belt 3 is a belt type and is installed on pulleys, one of which is the drive pulley and is connected to the motor 30 for transmission.

[0042] The upper surface of the heated bed conveyor belt 3 forms the heated bed printing area, and the projections of the three 3D printing mechanisms are all located within the heated bed printing area. Furthermore, the heated bed conveyor belt 3 is rotated by the motor 13, enabling the movement and changes of the heated bed printing area.

[0043] This embodiment has the following operating modes:

[0044] The first method: When printing monochrome models, the three 3D printing mechanisms can work simultaneously to print multiple models, enabling continuous simultaneous printing.

[0045] During printing, the three 3D printing mechanisms 2 can print simultaneously. After printing, if the object is small, the heated bed conveyor belt 3 moves and the 3D printing mechanism continues printing; if the object is large, the printed object is removed and printing continues simultaneously, thus achieving continuous simultaneous printing.

[0046] The second method: Implementing multi-color model printing

[0047] An object is printed simultaneously using consumables of different colors. After the object is partially printed under one 3D printing mechanism, the heated bed conveyor belt 3 moves to the position of another 3D printing mechanism to print other colors.

[0048] Furthermore, the 3D printing mechanism to be printed can be changed in advance, avoiding the long printing time caused by material changes when printing multi-color models with a single 3D printing mechanism.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the heated bed mechanism includes a heated bed 1 and a linear motion mechanism, and the heated bed 1 moves on the linear motion mechanism.

[0051] The linear motion mechanism includes a linear guide rail 71, and the heated bed 1 is slidably connected to the linear guide rail 71 through a slide block under the heated bed. The linear guide rail 71 is arranged in a straight line under the three sets of 3D printing mechanisms, so that the movement trajectory of the heated bed 1 passes through the projection of the three sets of 3D printing mechanisms.

[0052] In this embodiment, two linear guide rails 71 are arranged in parallel, and the lead screw 72 is located in the middle of the two linear guide rails. One end of the lead screw 72 is connected to the drive motor 73, and the nut seat on the lead screw is connected to the heated bed 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, heated bed 1 is a circular heated bed.

[0054] This embodiment has the following operating modes:

[0055] The first method: When printing a monochrome model, one of the 3D printing mechanisms is working.

[0056] The second method: Implementing multi-color model printing

[0057] An object is printed simultaneously using consumables of different colors. After the object is partially printed under one 3D printing unit, heated bed 1 moves to the position of another 3D printing unit to print other colors.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment two is that the 3D printing mechanism in this embodiment adopts the form of a robotic arm. The robotic arm 25 is installed on the vertical track of the frame 23, and the movable end of the robotic arm 25 is connected to the print head 21.

[0060] Example 4

[0061] like Figure 4As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the 3D printing mechanism in this embodiment adopts the form of a robotic arm. The robotic arm 25 is installed on the vertical track of the frame 23, and the movable end of the robotic arm 25 is connected to the print head 21.

[0062] Example 5

[0063] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment two is that the 3D printing mechanism in this embodiment adopts the form of a spider arm, which is mounted on the frame and the movable end of the spider arm is connected to the print head.

[0064] Example 6

[0065] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, only one 3D printing mechanism is provided above the heated bed conveyor belt 3.

[0066] This embodiment uses a 3D printing mechanism in conjunction with a heated bed conveyor belt 3 to achieve continuous printing. After printing is completed, the heated bed conveyor belt 3 moves, and the 3D printing mechanism can continue printing to achieve continuous printing.

[0067] Example 7

[0068] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment Six is ​​that the heated bed in this embodiment is an elongated heated bed that extends along the straight-line movement direction.

[0069] When a long heated bed is used in conjunction with a 3D printing mechanism, continuous printing can be achieved. After printing is completed, the heated bed moves, and the 3D printing mechanism can continue printing, thus achieving continuous printing.

[0070] Example 8

[0071] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment two is that the heated bed in this embodiment is an elongated heated bed that extends along the linear movement direction and spans at least two 3D printing mechanisms.

[0072] When a long heated bed is selected and multiple 3D printing mechanisms are used, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can work simultaneously to print multiple models when printing monochrome models, enabling continuous simultaneous printing.

[0073] During printing, multiple 3D printing mechanisms can print simultaneously. After printing, if the object is small, the heated bed moves and the 3D printing mechanism continues printing; if the object is large, the printed object is removed and printing continues simultaneously, thus achieving continuous simultaneous printing.

[0074] This embodiment can also achieve multi-color model printing.

[0075] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate and not limit the technical solutions of this utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model. Any modifications or partial substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

[0076] If the terms "first" or "second" are used in this document to define the components, those skilled in the art should know that the use of "first" or "second" is merely for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning.

[0077] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0078] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A 3D printer capable of continuous printing, characterized in that: It includes one or more sets of 3D printing mechanisms arranged in a straight line; it also includes a heated bed mechanism that moves in a straight line so that the movement trajectory of the heated bed passes through the projection of all the 3D printing mechanisms.

2. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heated bed mechanism includes a heated bed conveyor belt, the upper surface of which forms a heated bed printing area, and the projections of all 3D printing mechanisms are located in the heated bed printing area.

3. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heated bed conveyor belt is mounted on pulleys, one of which serves as the drive pulley and is connected to the motor drive.

4. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heated bed mechanism includes a heated bed and a linear motion mechanism, on which the heated bed moves.

5. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The linear motion mechanism includes a linear guide rail, and the heated bed is slidably connected to the linear guide rail; at the same time, the heated bed is connected to a linear drive unit.

6. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The linear drive unit includes a lead screw arranged parallel to the linear guide rail, one end of which is connected to a drive motor, and a nut seat on the lead screw is connected to a heated bed.

7. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heated bed is either a circular heated bed or an elongated heated bed extending along the direction of linear movement.

8. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elongated heated bed spans at least two 3D printing mechanisms.

9. The continuously printable 3D printer according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The 3D printing mechanism includes a print head, a connecting arm, a frame, and a filament holder. One end of the connecting arm is connected to the print head, and the other end of the connecting arm is mounted on the frame.

10. The continuously printable 3D printer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting arm can be a robotic arm or a parallel arm.

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