Hot-end structure, 3D print head and 3D printer

Abstract

This application relates to the field of 3D printing and aims to solve the problem that the disassembly structure of the hot end in the prior art is relatively complex and inconvenient to replace. It provides a hot end structure, a 3D print head, and a 3D printer. The hot end structure includes a heat sink, a connected nozzle, a heat conductor, a throat, and a locking structure. The heat sink has a socket hole; the heat sink also has a sliding fit hole that connects to the socket hole. The throat is at least partially fitted into the socket hole. The locking structure includes a limiting member and a locking member; the limiting member is slidably disposed in the sliding fit hole; the locking member has a mating surface, including a locking surface and an unlocking surface. The locking structure has a locked state and a released state. In the locked state, the locking surface abuts against the limiting member, and the limiting member compresses the throat, so that the throat is fixedly attached to the heat sink; in the released state, the limiting member corresponds to the unlocking surface, and the throat can be separated from the hot end structure. The beneficial effect of this application is that the nozzle, heat conductor, and throat are easy to disassemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, specifically to hot-end structures, 3D print heads, and 3D printers. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers based on FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology use a hot-end structure to heat and melt filaments and extrude them from a nozzle onto a printing platform to form printed parts.

[0003] During the use of a 3D printer, the internal channels of components such as the throat, heat-conducting parts, and nozzles in the hot-end structure may become clogged, requiring replacement or repair. Existing technologies have complex disassembly mechanisms for the hot-end structure, making replacement inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a hot-end structure, a 3D print head, and a 3D printer to solve the problem that the hot-end structure in the prior art is relatively complex to disassemble and is inconvenient to replace.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hot-end structure, comprising a heat sink, a connected nozzle, a heat conductor, a throat, and a locking structure. The heat sink has a socket hole extending along a first direction; the heat sink also has a sliding engagement hole extending along a second direction and communicating with the socket hole; the second direction is perpendicular to or obliquely intersecting the first direction. The throat is at least partially fitted within the socket hole. The locking structure includes a limiting member and a locking member; the limiting member is slidably disposed in the sliding engagement hole along the second direction; the locking member has a mating surface, including a locking surface and an unlocking surface. The locking structure has a locked state and a released state. In the locked state, the locking surface abuts against the limiting member, and the limiting member compresses the throat to fix the throat to the heat sink; in the released state, the limiting member corresponds to the unlocking surface, and the throat can be separated from the hot-end structure.

[0006] In the embodiments of this application, by having one of the locking surface and the unlocking surface of the locking member correspond to the limiting member, the limiting member can slide in the sliding mating hole, which can conveniently lock or loosen the throat tube and the heat sink relative to each other, making it convenient to disassemble or install the throat tube, heat conduction member and nozzle as a whole from the heat sink and to the heat sink, and making disassembly and assembly convenient.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the mating surface further includes a transition surface, which transitionally connects the locking surface and the unlocking surface.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the surface of the locking member near the heat sink is recessed to form a stepped groove, and the bottom surface of the stepped groove serves as the mating surface.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the locking element is rotatably connected to the heat sink. The locking and unlocking surfaces are spaced apart from each other on an arc centered on the rotation axis of the locking element.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a first elastic element and a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft includes a connected shaft segment and a shaft cap. A locking member has a connecting hole, through which the shaft segment of the rotating shaft passes and is fixedly connected to the heat sink, and the locking member is rotatably fitted onto the shaft segment. The first elastic element is sleeved over the shaft segment and elastically abuts against the shaft cap and the locking member, used to elastically press the locking member against the heat sink.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the locking element includes a rotating handle and an extension block. The rotating handle is strip-shaped, and the extension block extends and protrudes from one end of the rotating handle's width direction near the heat sink. The rotation axis and locking surface of the locking element are spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating handle, and the unlocking surface is located on the extension block.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the hot end structure further includes a second elastic member. The second elastic member elastically abuts between the limiting member and the heat dissipation member, for pressing the limiting member elastically against the mating surface.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the limiting member includes a first pin segment and a second pin segment, the second pin segment being connected to the end of the first pin segment near the locking member. A second elastic member is sleeved on the first pin segment.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the sliding fit hole includes a first hole section and a second hole section, the first hole section communicating with the sleeve hole, the second hole section communicating with the end of the first hole section near the locking member, and the diameter of the second hole section being larger than the diameter of the first hole section. The second pin segment and the second hole segment form a slidable shaft-hole fit, and / or the first pin segment and the first hole segment form a slidable shaft-hole fit.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the end of the first pin segment away from the second pin segment is provided with a chamfer or rounded corner.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the throat includes a core tube and a protective sleeve. The protective sleeve is fitted over the core tube and at least partially fits within the fitting hole. In the locked state, a limiting member abuts against the protective sleeve.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the protective sleeve has an abutment surface whose shape is adapted to the shape of the end face of the limiting member facing the throat.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the outer peripheral surface of the protective sleeve is provided with a recessed groove; the bottom surface of the groove serves as an abutment surface; the groove also includes two side groove surfaces opposite each other along a first direction. In the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the abutment surface along a second direction, and the limiting member abuts against at least one of the two side groove surfaces along the first direction.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the heat sink includes a central heat sink portion and a plurality of fins, the plurality of fins being disposed on one or both sides of the central heat sink portion along a third direction; a socket and a sliding fit hole are respectively disposed in the central heat sink portion; wherein, the third direction, the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a heating assembly, which comprises a mounting block, a heat transfer sleeve, and a heating element. The mounting block is fixedly connected to the heat sink and located on the side of the heat sink closer to the nozzle; the heat transfer sleeve is fixed to the mounting block and sleeved over the heat conductor; the heating element is sleeved over the heat transfer sleeve and is thermally connected to the heat conductor through the heat transfer sleeve. The heat conductor and the heat transfer sleeve are detachably fitted.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element is disposed on the heat transfer jacket and is used to detect the temperature at the heat transfer jacket.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a thermal insulation element and fasteners. The thermal insulation element is supported between the heat sink and the mounting block, and the fasteners securely connect the mounting block, the thermal insulation element, and the heat sink.

[0023] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printing head, which includes a strain element and a hot-end structure. The hot-end structure includes a heat sink, a connected nozzle, a heat conductor, and a throat, as well as a locking structure; the locking structure is configured to movably abut or release the throat, such that the throat is fixedly attached to or detached from the heat sink. The hot-end structure is connected to the strain element.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the strain element includes a strain carrier plate having a through hole extending along a first direction. The hot end structure also includes a connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the heat sink on the side away from the heat conductor, and the other end passing through the through hole.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the 3D printing head further includes a base frame. A strain element is fixedly connected to the base frame. The strain element includes a strain carrier plate and a strain sensing element. The strain carrier plate includes a fixed portion and a protruding portion; the fixed portion is fixedly connected to the base frame, and the protruding portion extends outward relative to the base frame. The strain sensing element is disposed in the protruding portion.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printer including a printing platform and the aforementioned 3D print head. The 3D print head and the printing platform are configured to move relative to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the 3D printing head according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of part of the structure of a 3D printed head.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the strain gauge and hot end structure.

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A sectional view.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view.

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Exploded view.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the protective sleeve and limiting member in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the locking component in this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the locking element along arc S1.

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 3 Exploded view.

[0039] Key component symbols: 1000 - 3D printer; 100 - frame; 110 - base; 120 - gantry; 121 - column; 122 - crossbeam; 200 - printing platform; 300 - optical axis; 400 - 3D print head; 410 - base frame; 411 - vertical plate; 412 - projection plate; 420 - extrusion assembly; 421 - active extrusion wheel; 422 - driven extrusion wheel; T1 - filament channel; 440 - material guide; 450 - Strain gauge; 451 - Strain plate; K8 - Through hole; 451a - Fixing part; 451b - Protrusion part; 500 - Consumable; 430 - Hot end structure; 10 - Heat sink; 11 - Intermediate heat sink; 12 - Fin; K1 - Sleeve hole; K11 - Intermediate hole section; K12 - First end hole section; K13 - Second end hole section; K2 - Sliding fit hole; K21 - First hole section; K22 - Second hole section; K4 - Threaded hole; 13-Connecting pipe; 20-Nozzle; 30-Heat-conducting component; 40-Throat; 41-Core tube; 42-Protective sleeve; P2-Abutting surface; C2-Groogging; P3-Side groove surface; 50-Locking structure; 51-Limiting component; 51a-First pin segment; 51c-Chamfer; 51b-Second pin segment; 52-Locking component; 52a-Rotating handle; 52b-Extension block; 52c-Supporting flange; P1-Mating surface; P11-Locking surface; P1 2-Unlocking surface; P13-Transition surface; C1-Step groove; K3-Connecting hole; 61-First elastic element; 62-Second elastic element; 70-Rotating shaft; 71-Shaft segment; 72-Shaft cap; 80-Heating assembly; 81-Mounting block; 82-Heat transfer sleeve; 83-Heating element; 91-Temperature detection element; 92-Heat insulation; 93-Fastener; 94-Insulation sleeve; Z1-First direction; X1-Second direction; Y1-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0041] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0044] Example See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a 3D printer 1000, which can specifically be a 3D printer 1000 based on FDM technology.

[0045] The 3D printer 1000 includes a frame 100, a printing platform 200, a 3D print head 400, and displacement components in the X, Y, and Z directions. The 3D print head 400 and the printing platform 200 move relative to each other in a controlled manner under the influence of the displacement components. For example, the printing platform 200 can be displaced relative to the frame 100 in the Y direction under the influence of the Y-direction displacement component, and the 3D print head 400 can be displaced in the X and / or Z directions under the influence of the X and Z-direction displacement components, heating and melting the filament 500 along a predetermined path and printing it onto the printing platform 200. The X, Y, and Z-direction displacement components can be driven by a lead screw and nut, a belt, or other mechanisms; no limitation is made here.

[0046] In this system, the Z-axis can be the vertical direction (also known as the up-down direction) of the 3D printer 1000, while the X and Y axes are both horizontal directions of the 3D printer 1000. The X-axis can be the left-right direction of the 3D printer 1000, and the Y-axis can be the front-back direction of the 3D printer 1000. The X, Y, and Z axes can form a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

[0047] In this embodiment, optionally, the frame 100 includes a base 110 and a gantry 120, with the gantry 120 connected to the base 110. The printing platform 200 is movably disposed on the base 110 along the Y direction. The gantry 120 includes two columns 121 spaced apart along the X direction and a crossbeam 122 connecting the ends of the two columns 121 away from the base 110, wherein the columns 121 extend along the Z direction. An optical axis 300 movable along the Z direction can be connected between the two columns 121, and the 3D printing head 400 is movably connected to the optical axis 300 along the X direction. Thus, the 3D printing head 400 can be displaced along the X direction on the optical axis 300, and / or, displaced along the Z direction together with the optical axis 300.

[0048] In other embodiments, the rack 100 may also adopt other forms of structure, which are not limited here.

[0049] In other embodiments, the movement of the 3D printing head 400 and the printing platform 200 can also take other forms. For example, the printing platform 200 may remain stationary, while the 3D printing head 400 may be displaced relative to the printing platform 200 along the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. Alternatively, the printing platform 200 may be displaced in the X and Y directions, while the 3D printing head 400 may be displaced in the Z direction.

[0050] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the 3D printing head 400 includes a base frame 410, an extrusion assembly 420, and a hot-end structure 430. The extrusion assembly 420 and the hot-end structure 430 are fixed relative to each other; for example, the extrusion assembly 420 and the hot-end structure 430 are respectively fixedly mounted on the base frame 410 so that they can move synchronously. The extrusion assembly 420 is used to feed consumable material 500 to the hot-end structure 430. The hot-end structure 430 is located below the extrusion assembly 420 in the Z direction and is used to receive the consumable material 500 fed by the extrusion assembly 420, heat and melt the consumable material 500, and print it onto the printing platform 200 to form a printed part.

[0051] The base frame 410 can be a shell-like structure, and the back side of the base frame 410 (the side opposite to the hot end structure 430) is slidably connected to the optical axis 300. The upper part of the front side of the base frame 410 is used to install the extrusion assembly 420, and the lower part is used to install the hot end structure 430.

[0052] The extrusion assembly 420 may include a driving extrusion wheel 421 and a driven extrusion wheel 422, defining a consumable passage T1 between the driving and driven extrusion wheels 421 and 422. In use, a consumable 500 (such as a linear consumable) is placed into the consumable passage T1 and clamped by the driving and driven extrusion wheels 421 and 422. The driving extrusion wheel 421 is then driven to rotate (e.g., by a motor), thereby conveying the consumable 500 to the hot end structure 430.

[0053] In other embodiments, the 3D printing head 400 may also not include the extrusion assembly 420. In this case, the extrusion assembly 420 may be arranged at a remote end, for example, the extrusion assembly 420 may be fixedly mounted to the frame 100 or fixed to the end of the optical axis 300.

[0054] Optionally, the 3D print head 400 may also include a guide component 440, which is connected to one end of the inlet of the filament channel T1. The linear filament 500 can enter the extrusion assembly 420 through the guide component 440. The guide component 440 may have one or more inlets and one or more outlets to facilitate material changing and enable multi-color / multi-material printing. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the middle, the guide component 440 is a bottom bracket component that includes four inlets and one outlet.

[0055] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 Optionally, the 3D printing head 400 may also include a strain gauge 450. The strain gauge 450 is used to detect the stress on the hot-end structure 430. The stress detection results can be used for leveling the printing platform 200, collision detection of the 3D printing head 400, etc. In this embodiment, optionally, the strain gauge 450 is fixed to the base frame 410, and the hot-end structure 430 is fixed to the strain gauge 450. In this way, while bearing the hot-end structure 430, the strain gauge 450 can directly detect the force on the hot-end structure 430, and the detection results are highly accurate.

[0056] In this embodiment, when leveling the printing platform 200 is required, the 3D printing head 400 can be moved downwards along the Z-axis sequentially to contact multiple selected points on the printing platform 200. When the 3D printing head 400 contacts the printing platform 200, the reaction force of the printing platform 200 on the 3D printing head 400 will be transmitted to the strain gauge 450. Based on the force distribution detected at different selected points, the printing platform 200 is adjusted. When the force deviation at different selected points is within the allowable range, the printing platform 200 can be considered to have been leveled. The multiple selected points may include points located near the four corners, midpoints of surfaces, and midpoints of edges of the printing platform 200. Optionally, the strain gauge 450 includes a strain carrier plate 451 and a strain sensing element. The strain carrier plate 451 includes a fixed part 451a and a protruding part 451b. The fixed part 451a is fixedly connected to the base frame 410, and the protruding part 451b extends outwards relative to the base frame 410. A strain sensing element is disposed in the protrusion 451b. The hot end structure 430 is connected to the protrusion 451b. Thus, the force acting on the hot end structure 430 is transmitted to the protrusion 451b, causing strain in the protrusion 451b relative to the fixed part 451a. The strain sensing element can sense and detect this strain, thereby determining the force acting on the hot end structure 430, and enabling real-time detection of stress changes during the operation of the 3D printing head 400. In this embodiment, the strain element 450 simultaneously performs load-bearing and detection functions, exhibiting high integration, a compact and reasonable structure, and high detection accuracy.

[0057] Furthermore, based on the stress change detection function of strain gauge 450, it can also be used to detect the filament extrusion flow rate of the 3D print head. For example, during the printing process, when the filament extrusion flow rate changes, the reaction force exerted by the filament on the hot end structure will also change, and this reaction force can be detected by strain gauge 450. Thus, strain gauge 450 can also be used to monitor flow rate changes during the printing process.

[0058] Optionally, the base frame 410 includes a vertical plate 411 and a protruding plate 412. The upper part of the vertical plate 411 is used to mount the extrusion assembly 420, and the protruding plate 412 protrudes from the lower part of the vertical plate 411 facing the hot end structure 430. The fixing part 451a of the strain carrier plate 451 is stacked and fixed to the protruding plate 412, and the protruding part 451b is located outside the protruding plate 412 for mounting the hot end structure 430. For example, the heat sink 10 of the hot end structure 430 is fastened to the lower part of the protruding part 451b.

[0059] The hot-end structure 430 is illustrated below.

[0060] See Figures 4-11 In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 includes a heat sink 10, a nozzle 20, a heat conductor 30, a throat 40, and a locking structure 50. The nozzle 20, the heat conductor 30, and the throat 40 are interconnected, with the nozzle 20 connected to one end of the heat conductor 30 and the throat 40 connected to the other end of the heat conductor 30. For example, the heat conductor 30 can be fixedly connected to the nozzle 20 and the throat 40 by interference fit, threaded connection, adhesive bonding, welding, or other means to facilitate assembly and disassembly as a whole.

[0061] The heat sink 10 has a socket K1 extending along a first direction Z1. The first direction Z1 can be parallel to the Z-axis of the 3D printer 1000. The socket K1 can be a through hole, meaning it extends through the upper and lower surfaces of the heat sink 10 along the first direction Z1.

[0062] The throat 40 is at least partially fitted into the socket K1. For example, the end of the throat 40 away from the heat conductor 30 is fitted into the socket K1.

[0063] In this embodiment, optionally, the socket K1 includes a first end hole segment K12, an intermediate hole segment K11, and a second end hole segment K13 connected in sequence. The diameters of the first end hole segment K12 and the second end hole segment K13 are both larger than that of the intermediate hole segment K11.

[0064] One end of the throat tube 40 fits into the first end hole section K12.

[0065] The hot end structure 430 also includes a connecting pipe 13. One end of the connecting pipe 13 is connected to the side of the heat sink 10 away from the heat conductor 30 and fits into the second end hole section K13. The other end passes through the through hole K8 on the strain carrier plate 451 and connects to the consumable channel T1 (see...). Figure 2 In this process, the through hole K8 penetrates the strain carrier plate 451 along the first direction Z1. Thus, the consumable 500 input from the consumable channel T1 can pass sequentially through the connecting pipe 13, the intermediate hole section K11, the throat pipe 40, and the heat-conducting component 30 before being extruded from the nozzle 20.

[0066] In some other embodiments, the connecting pipe 13 may be omitted. In this case, the end of the throat 40 facing away from the heat-conducting element 30 may pass through the socket K1 and then through the through hole K8 to connect to the consumable channel T1; or, the end of the heat sink 10 facing away from the heat-conducting element 30 may have a tubular protrusion surrounding the outer periphery of the socket K1, and the tubular protrusion may pass through the through hole K8 to connect to the consumable channel T1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the heat sink 10 is further provided with a sliding fit hole K2, which extends along the second direction X1 and connects to the socket hole K1, for example, by connecting to the first end hole segment K12 of the socket hole K1. The second direction X1 is perpendicular to or obliquely intersects the first direction Z1. For example, in this embodiment, the second direction X1 may be parallel to the X direction of the 3D printer 1000, and the first direction Z1 and the second direction X1 are perpendicular to each other.

[0068] The locking structure 50 includes a limiting member 51 and a locking member 52. The limiting member 51 is slidably disposed in the sliding mating hole K2 along the second direction X1, and the locking member 52 has a mating surface P1, which includes a locking surface P11 and an unlocking surface P12. The locking structure 50 has a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0069] In the locked state, the locking surface P11 abuts against the limiting member 51, and the limiting member 51 squeezes the throat 40 so that the throat 40 is fixedly attached to the heat sink 10. At this time, the throat 40 is reliably fixed to the heat sink 10 and will not detach from the heat sink 10, ensuring the normal use of the hot end structure 430.

[0070] In the released state, the limiting member 51 corresponds to the unlocking surface P12, and the throat 40 can be separated from the hot end structure 430. The phrase "the limiting member 51 corresponds to the unlocking surface P12" can mean that the limiting member 51 is directly opposite the unlocking surface P12 along the second direction X1. In this case, the limiting member 51 can either abut against the unlocking surface P12 or have a certain gap with it. In the released state, the limiting member 51 can separate from the throat 40 without contacting it, and no longer applies a clamping force along the second direction X1 to the throat 40, or the clamping force is negligible. This allows the throat 40 to be separated from the heat sink 10, facilitating the disassembly of the throat 40 and the heat-conducting component 30 and nozzle 20 connected to it.

[0071] Therefore, the hot end structure 430 of this embodiment can lock or release the throat tube 40 by operating the locking member 52, making the throat tube 40 easy to install and remove.

[0072] During the disassembly of the nozzle 20, heat-conducting component 30, and throat 40, the heat sink 10 can remain fixed to the base frame 410 and the strain element 450. Of course, the heat sink 10 and the base frame 410 or the strain element 450 can be configured to be detachably connected, so that the heat sink 10 can also be replaced when needed.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heat sink 10 can be an air-cooled heat sink or a liquid-cooled heat sink. For example, the heat sink 10 adopts a finned structure and achieves heat dissipation through a fan. The heat sink 10 can remove heat and prevent heat conduction from the heat conductor 30 to the extrusion assembly 420, which would cause the consumable 500 at the extrusion assembly 420 to melt due to heat.

[0074] In this embodiment, optionally, the locking member 52 has a recessed stepped groove C1 formed on the surface near the heat sink 10, and the bottom surface of the stepped groove C1 serves as the mating surface P1. The bottom surfaces of the stepped groove C1 with different recessed depths serve as the locking surface P11 and the unlocking surface P12, respectively, resulting in a simple structure and convenient processing.

[0075] In other embodiments, the locking surface P11 is located on the surface of the locking member 52 near the heat sink 10, and the bottom surface of the hole formed by the recess in the surface of the locking member 52 near the heat sink 10 serves as the unlocking surface P12.

[0076] In this embodiment, optionally, the mating surface P1 further includes a transition surface P13, which transitionally connects the locking surface P11 and the unlocking surface P12. For example, the transition surface P13 is an inclined surface that transitionally connects the locking surface P11 and the unlocking surface P12, and the limiting member 51 can smoothly slide between the locking surface P11 and the unlocking surface P12 through the transition surface P13.

[0077] In this embodiment, optionally, the locking member 52 is rotatably connected to the heat sink 10. Thus, the user can lock or unlock the throat 40 by rotating the locking member 52. The locking surface P11 and the unlocking surface P12 are spaced apart on an arc S1 centered on the rotation axis L1 of the locking member 52. Thus, when the locking member 52 rotates to different angles, the limiting member 51 can slide relative to each other along the arc S1 to the locking surface P11 or the unlocking surface P12.

[0078] In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 further includes a first elastic member 61 and a rotating shaft member 70. The rotating shaft member 70 includes a connected shaft segment 71 and a shaft cap 72. The locking member 52 has a connecting hole K3. The shaft segment 71 of the rotating shaft member 70 passes through the connecting hole K3 and is fixedly connected to the heat sink 10, and the locking member 52 is rotatably fitted to the shaft segment 71. The first elastic member 61 is sleeved on the shaft segment 71 and elastically abuts against the shaft cap 72 and the locking member 52, for elastically pressing the locking member 52 against the heat sink 10. Optionally, the first elastic member 61 can be a coil spring. In this way, the locking member 52 can rotate around the rotating shaft member 70, and the first elastic member 61 can press the locking member 52 tightly against the surface of the heat sink 10, preventing the locking member 52 from being loose and generating noise during operation. Meanwhile, since the locking member 52 is elastically pressed against the heat sink 10, when the locking member 52 needs to be rotated, the torque applied by the user to the locking member 52 can overcome the frictional force of the contact between the locking member 52 and the heat sink 10 and drive the locking member 52 to rotate. Alternatively, the user can apply an additional force along the second direction X1 away from the heat sink 10 to the locking member 52, so that the locking member 52 and the heat sink 10 are separated and do not contact each other. At this time, when the user rotates the locking member 52, the locking member 52 does not rub against the heat sink 10.

[0079] Optionally, a threaded hole K4 is provided on one side of the heat sink 10, and the end of the shaft segment 71 of the rotating shaft 70 facing away from the shaft cap 72 is threaded to the threaded hole K4. The connecting hole K3 of the locking member 52 protrudes inward near the end of the heat sink 10 to form a supporting flange 52c. The first elastic member 61 is located in the connecting hole K3 and is supported between the supporting flange 52c and the shaft cap 72 of the rotating shaft 70. The first elastic member 61 can be kept in a compressed state to elastically press the supporting flange 52c against the surface of the heat sink 10.

[0080] In other embodiments, the locking member 52 may also be slidably fitted to the heat sink 10, and the sliding direction may be a first direction Z1, a second direction X1, or other directions, which are not limited here. In this case, the locking member 52 can slide to make one of its locking surface P11 and unlocking surface P12 correspond to the limiting member 51, thereby locking or unlocking the throat 40.

[0081] See also Figure 4In this embodiment, optionally, the locking member 52 includes a rotating handle 52a and an extension block 52b. The rotating handle 52a is strip-shaped, and the extension block 52b extends and protrudes from one end of the rotating handle 52a in the width direction near the heat sink 10. The rotation axis L1 and the locking surface P11 of the locking member 52 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the rotating handle 52a, and the unlocking surface P12 is located on the extension block 52b. Thus, the strip-shaped rotating handle 52a facilitates the user's grip and rotation of the locking member 52, and the thickness of the extension block 52b (i.e., the dimension along the second direction X1) is smaller than that of the rotating handle 52a, ensuring that both sides of the rotating handle 52a in the width direction retain portions that are convenient for the user to grip. By using the thicker rotating handle 52a to set the locking surface P11 and the thinner extension block 52b to arrange the unlocking surface P12, the locking member 52 can be made easy to grip and has a smaller overall size while ensuring its locking and unlocking functions, which helps to reduce the space occupation and weight of the hot end structure 430.

[0082] See also Figures 5-7 In this embodiment, optionally, the hot end structure 430 further includes a second elastic member 62. The second elastic member 62 elastically abuts between the limiting member 51 and the heat sink 10, and is used to elastically press the limiting member 51 against the mating surface P1. The second elastic member 62 applies an elastic force to the limiting member 51 away from the throat 40 and the heat sink 10, so that the limiting member 51 remains pressed against the mating surface P1, avoiding noise caused by the limiting member 51 shaking during printing. Furthermore, when the locking member 52 moves to the position where the unlocking surface P12 is directly opposite the limiting member 51, the second elastic member 62 can automatically push open the limiting member 51, releasing the locking of the limiting member 51 on the throat 40, so that the throat 40 can be removed from the heat sink 10, which is convenient for operation.

[0083] In this embodiment, the limiting member 51 includes a first pin segment 51a and a second pin segment 51b, with the second pin segment 51b connected to the end of the first pin segment 51a near the locking member 52.

[0084] The second elastic member 62 is sleeved on the first pin segment 51a. For example, the second elastic member 62 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first pin segment 51a and elastically abuts against the heat sink 10 and the second pin segment 51b.

[0085] The sliding fit hole K2 includes a first hole segment K21 and a second hole segment K22. The first hole segment K21 connects to the sleeve hole K1, and the second hole segment K22 connects to the end of the first hole segment K21 near the locking member 52, and the diameter of the second hole segment K22 is larger than the diameter of the first hole segment K21. Thus, the sliding fit hole K2 is a stepped hole. One end of the second elastic member 62 is supported on the stepped surface between the first hole segment K21 and the second hole segment K22, and the other end is supported on the stepped surface between the first pin segment 51a and the second pin segment 51b.

[0086] Optionally, the second pin segment 51b and the second hole segment K22 form a slidable shaft-hole fit, and / or the first pin segment 51a and the first hole segment K21 form a slidable shaft-hole fit. In this way, the sliding fit hole K2 can act as a guide and limiting member 51, ensuring that the limiting member 51 slides accurately along the second direction X1 without easily shifting, ensuring that the limiting member 51 presses horizontally against the throat 40, and improving the reliability of the clamping.

[0087] In this embodiment, the end of the first pin segment 51a away from the second pin segment 51b is provided with a chamfer 51c or a rounded corner. Thus, during the process of inserting the throat tube 40 into the socket hole K1 along the first direction Z1, the throat tube 40 can abut against and press the chamfer 51c or rounded corner, causing the limiting member 51 to retract along the second direction X1 to avoid the throat tube 40, and the throat tube 40 can continue to move upward into place.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second elastic element 62 can be, for example, a coil spring. In the locked state, both the second elastic element 62 and the first elastic element 61 are compressed, and the elastic force of the second elastic element 62 is less than that of the first elastic element 61, to ensure that the heat sink 10 can remain in contact with the heat sink 10.

[0089] See Figures 6-8 In this embodiment, optionally, the throat 40 includes a core tube 41 and a protective sleeve 42. The protective sleeve 42 is sleeved outside the core tube 41, and the protective sleeve 42 is at least partially fitted into the sleeve hole K1. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 abuts against the protective sleeve 42. The protective sleeve 42 can improve the rigidity of the throat 40 and reduce the wear of the core tube 41.

[0090] In some embodiments, the core tube 41 and the protective sleeve 42 can be formed separately and then fixedly connected to each other; in other embodiments, the core tube 41 and the protective sleeve 42 can also be formed integrally.

[0091] The protective sleeve 42 is provided with an abutment surface P2, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the end face of the limiting member 51 facing the throat 40. In this way, the end face of the limiting member 51 can reliably abut against the abutment surface P2, ensuring the reliability of the limiting of the throat 40.

[0092] Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the protective sleeve 42 is provided with a recessed groove C2. In the locked state, one end of the limiting member 51 extends into the groove C2, which can more reliably prevent the throat tube 40 from accidentally disengaging from the heat sink 10. When it is necessary to disassemble the throat tube 40, the limiting member 51 is disengaged from the groove C2 in the second direction X1.

[0093] The bottom surface of the groove C2 serves as the contact surface P2. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 presses against the contact surface P2 along the second direction X1, ensuring that the throat 40 is pressed against the heat sink 10 along the second direction X1.

[0094] The groove C2 also includes two opposing side groove surfaces P3 along the first direction Z1. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 abuts against the abutment surface P2 along the second direction X1, and the limiting member 51 abuts against at least one of the two side groove surfaces P3 along the first direction Z1. Thus, in the locked state, the limiting member 51 can reliably limit the position of the throat 40 along the first direction Z1.

[0095] In some other embodiments, the throat tube 40 may not include the protective sleeve 42. In this case, features such as the abutment surface P2 and the groove C2 can be directly provided on the core tube 41.

[0096] See Figures 4-6 In this embodiment, the heat sink 10 includes a central heat sink 11 and a plurality of fins 12, which are disposed on one or both sides of the central heat sink 11 along a third direction Y1. A socket K1 and a sliding fit hole K2 are respectively disposed on the central heat sink 11. The third direction Y1, the second direction X1, and the first direction Z1 are all perpendicular to each other. For example, the third direction Y1 is parallel to the Y-direction of the 3D printer 1000.

[0097] See also Figure 6 and Figure 11 In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 also includes a heating component 80, which can generate heat and conduct it to the heat-conducting component 30 to heat the consumable 500 passing through the heat-conducting component 30.

[0098] Optionally, the heating assembly 80 includes a mounting block 81, a heat transfer sleeve 82, and a heating element. The heating element is, for example, an electric heating element that generates heat when energized.

[0099] Mounting block 81 is fixedly connected to heat sink 10 and located on the side of heat sink 10 near nozzle 20. For example, mounting block 81 is fixedly connected to the lower part of heat sink 10 by fastener 93. Hot end structure 430 also includes heat insulation element 92, which is supported between heat sink 10 and mounting block 81. Fastener 93 securely connects mounting block 81, heat insulation element 92, and heat sink 10. In this way, heat conduction between heat sink 10 and mounting base is blocked, preventing them from affecting each other.

[0100] The heat transfer sleeve 82 is fixed to the mounting block 81 and sleeved over the heat-conducting component 30. The heating element 83 is sleeved over the heat transfer sleeve 82 and is thermally connected to the heat-conducting component 30 through the heat transfer sleeve 82. The heating part of the heating element 83 is a ring that is detachably sleeved around the outer periphery of the heat-conducting component 30. In this way, the heating element 83 can uniformly heat the heat-conducting component 30 in a circumferential direction, which is beneficial for the heat-conducting component 30 to uniformly heat the consumable 500 inside it.

[0101] The heat-conducting component 30 and the heat transfer sleeve 82 are detachably connected. This allows for the disassembly of only the heat-conducting component 30, the throat 40, and the nozzle 20 as a whole, without needing to remove the heat transfer sleeve 82, the heating element 83, or other components, making operation convenient. In use, the heat generated by the heating element 83 heats the heat-conducting component 30 through the heat transfer sleeve 82, thereby heating the consumable material 500 within the heat-conducting component 30.

[0102] In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 further includes a temperature sensing element 91. The temperature sensing element 91 is thermally connected to the heating assembly 80, and can directly or indirectly detect the temperature at the heat-conducting component 30. The temperature sensing element 91 can be a thermistor or other temperature sensing methods.

[0103] Optionally, the temperature sensing element 91 is fixed to the heat transfer sleeve 82 to detect the temperature at the heat transfer sleeve 82, thereby indirectly detecting the temperature at the heat-conducting component 30. Optionally, the lower end face of the temperature sensing element 91 is flush with the plane containing the center of the heat-conducting component 30 along the first direction Z1. In this way, the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element 91 can more accurately represent the temperature of the consumable 500 inside the heat-conducting component 30.

[0104] In some other embodiments, the temperature sensing element 91 is located near the nozzle 20, in which case the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element 91 can more accurately reflect the temperature of the consumable 500 that is about to be ejected from the nozzle 20.

[0105] Optionally, the distance between the temperature sensing element 91 and the heat-conducting component 30 in the third direction Y1 is 'a', where 0mm ≤ a ≤ 4mm, to ensure that the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element 91 can accurately reflect the temperature of the heat-conducting component 30. For example, the value of 'a' can be 0mm, 1mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, etc. When 'a' = 0mm, that is, when the temperature sensing element 91 and the heat-conducting component 30 are in direct contact, the temperature sensing element 91 can directly obtain the temperature information of the heat-conducting component 30, resulting in more accurate detection. For example, if an opening is made in the heat transfer sleeve 82, the temperature sensing element 91 can at least partially enter the interior of the heat transfer sleeve 82 through the opening to directly contact the heat-conducting component 30.

[0106] In this embodiment, optionally, the hot end structure 430 also includes an insulation sleeve 94. The insulation sleeve 94 is fitted outside the mounting base, heating element 83, heat conductor 30 and other structures to reduce the loss of heat generated by the heating element 83.

[0107] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A hot-end structure, characterized in that, include: The heat sink has a socket hole. The socket extends along a first direction; the heat sink is provided with a sliding fit hole, which extends along a second direction and communicates with the socket; the second direction is perpendicular to or intersects the first direction at an angle. A connected nozzle, a heat-conducting element, and a throat; the throat at least partially fitting within the socket; and, A locking structure includes a limiting member and a locking member; the limiting member is slidably disposed in the sliding mating hole along the second direction; the locking member has a mating surface, the mating surface including a locking surface and an unlocking surface; The locking structure has a locked state and a released state; In the locked state, the locking surface abuts against the limiting member, and the limiting member squeezes the throat so that the throat is fixedly attached to the heat dissipation component; In the released state, the limiting member corresponds to the unlocking surface, and the throat can be separated from the hot end structure.

2. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mating surface also includes a transition surface, which transitionally connects the locking surface and the unlocking surface.

3. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member has a recessed stepped groove on its surface near the heat sink, and the bottom surface of the stepped groove serves as the mating surface.

4. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element is rotatably connected to the heat dissipation element; The locking surface and the unlocking surface are spaced apart on an arc centered on the rotation axis of the locking member.

5. The hot-end structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The hot end structure further includes a first elastic element and a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft includes a connected shaft segment and a shaft cap; The locking member has a connecting hole, and the shaft segment of the rotating shaft passes through the connecting hole and is fixedly connected to the heat sink, and the locking member is rotatably fitted to the shaft segment; The first elastic element is sleeved outside the shaft segment and elastically abuts against the shaft cap and the locking element, for elastically pressing the locking element against the heat dissipation element.

6. The hot-end structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking element includes a rotating handle and an extension block; The rotating handle is strip-shaped, and the extension block extends and protrudes from one end of the rotating handle's surface in the width direction, near the heat sink. The rotation axis of the locking member and the locking surface are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the rotating handle, and the unlocking surface is located on the extension block.

7. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot end structure also includes a second elastic element; The second elastic member elastically abuts between the limiting member and the heat dissipation member, and is used to elastically press the limiting member against the mating surface.

8. The hot-end structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The limiting member includes a first pin segment and a second pin segment, wherein the second pin segment is connected to the end of the first pin segment near the locking member; The second elastic element is fitted onto the first pin segment.

9. The hot-end structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sliding fit hole includes a first hole section and a second hole section. The first hole section is connected to the sleeve hole, and the second hole section is connected to the end of the first hole section near the locking member. The diameter of the second hole section is larger than the diameter of the first hole section. The second pin segment and the second hole segment form a slidable shaft-hole fit, and / or the first pin segment and the first hole segment form a slidable shaft-hole fit.

10. The hot-end structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The end of the first pin segment away from the second pin segment has a chamfer or rounded corner.

11. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The throat tube includes a core tube and a protective sleeve; The protective sleeve is fitted over the core tube, and the protective sleeve is at least partially fitted into the sleeve hole; In the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the protective sleeve.

12. The hot-end structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The protective sleeve has an abutment surface, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the end face of the limiting member facing the throat.

13. The hot-end structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the protective sleeve is provided with a recessed groove; the bottom surface of the groove serves as the abutting surface; the groove also includes two side groove surfaces that are opposite each other along the first direction. In the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the abutting surface along the second direction, and the limiting member abuts against at least one of the two side groove surfaces along the first direction.

14. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat sink includes a central heat sink and multiple fins, with the multiple fins disposed on one or both sides of the central heat sink along a third direction; the socket and the sliding fit hole are respectively disposed in the central heat sink; wherein the third direction, the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

15. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot end structure also includes a heating assembly, which includes a mounting block, a heat transfer sleeve, and a heating element. The mounting block is fixedly connected to the heat sink and is located on the side of the heat sink closer to the nozzle; the heat transfer sleeve is fixed to the mounting block and is sleeved over the heat conductor; the heating element is sleeved over the heat transfer sleeve and is thermally connected to the heat conductor through the heat transfer sleeve. The heat-conducting component and the heat transfer sleeve are detachably fitted.

16. The hot-end structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: The hot end structure also includes a temperature detection element; The temperature sensing element is disposed on the heat transfer sleeve and is used to detect the temperature at the heat transfer sleeve.

17. The hot-end structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: The hot end structure also includes heat insulation components and fasteners; The heat insulation component is supported between the heat sink and the mounting block, and the fastener securely connects the mounting block, the heat insulation component, and the heat sink.

18. A 3D printing head, characterized in that, include: Hot-end structure; the hot-end structure includes a heat dissipation component, a connected nozzle, a heat-conducting component and a throat, and a locking structure; The locking structure is configured to movably abut or release the throat, so that the throat is fixedly attached to the heat sink or can be separated from the heat sink; as well as, Strain element; the hot end structure is connected to the strain element; The strain element includes a strain carrier plate, and the strain carrier plate has a through hole extending along the first direction; The hot end structure also includes a connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the side of the heat sink away from the heat conductor, and the other end passes through the through hole.

19. The 3D printing head according to claim 18, characterized in that, Also includes: Base frame; the strain element is connected to the base frame; The strain gauge also includes a strain sensing element; The strain carrier plate includes a fixed part and a protruding part. The fixed part is fixedly connected to the base frame, and the protruding part extends out of the base frame. The strain sensing element is located on the protrusion.

20. A 3D printer, characterized in that, include: Printing platform; as well as, The 3D printing head as described in claim 18 or 19; The 3D printing head and the printing platform are configured to move relative to each other.

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