Print cartridge and 3D printing system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of printing material box and 3D printing system, it is related to 3D printing technical field, the printing material box includes shell and feed and retreat material module, the shell is equipped with placement surface, the placement surface is used to supply the shell to be placed in the load surface of the printing material box, the shell is also equipped with containing space, material tray is equipped in the containing space, and the material tray is used to carry consumable;The feed and retreat material module is located in the containing space away from the one end of the placement surface, the feed and retreat material module is equipped with feed and retreat material passage, the feed and retreat material passage is along first direction extension arrangement, the first direction is crossed with the placement surface, and the feed and retreat material passage is used to supply consumable transmission.The technical scheme provided by the utility model aims at making the printing material box can adapt DIY 3D printer's feed and retreat material demand.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In 3D printing technology, the printing cartridge is used to hold the consumables to be printed. It is usually used with a 3D printer that is paired with a 3D printing system. When in use, the printing cartridge is placed on top of the 3D printer and the material is ejected from the bottom of the cartridge. However, with the development of technology, more and more users are willing to DIY (Do It Yourself) printers. For DIY 3D printers, it is usually impossible to place the printing cartridge on top of the 3D printer. Therefore, the existing printing cartridges are not suitable for use with DIY 3D printers. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a printing cartridge and a 3D printing system, which aims to make the printing cartridge adaptable to the feeding and unloading requirements of DIY 3D printers.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a printing material box, the printing material box comprising:

[0005] The housing has a placement surface for placing the housing on the support surface of the printing material box. The housing also has a receiving space, in which a material tray is provided for holding consumables.

[0006] The material feeding and unloading module is located at one end of the accommodating space away from the placement surface. The material feeding and unloading module is provided with a material feeding and unloading channel, which extends along a first direction and intersects with the placement surface. The material feeding and unloading channel is used for the transmission of consumables.

[0007] In one embodiment, the angle between the first direction and the placement surface is α, where 0° < α ≤ 90°.

[0008] In one embodiment, the angle between the first direction and the placement surface is α, where 30°≤α≤60°.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a mounting plate that divides the receiving space into a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity;

[0010] The feeding / unloading module is connected to the mounting plate. The feeding / unloading module is located in the first receiving cavity, and the material tray is located in the second receiving cavity. The mounting plate has a through hole connecting the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity, for allowing consumables on the material tray to extend into the feeding / unloading channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a partition that divides the second receiving cavity into a plurality of sub-receiving spaces for accommodating trays of the same or different types.

[0012] In one embodiment, one side of the second receiving cavity is open, and the printing cartridge further includes a cover plate covering the open, one end of the cover plate being hinged to the housing, and the other end of the cover plate being connected to the housing via a locking structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cover plate is provided as an arc-shaped panel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the feeding and unloading modules include multiple modules, which are spaced apart in the accommodating space;

[0015] And / or, the trays include multiple trays, which are rotatably disposed in the receiving space.

[0016] In one embodiment, the printing cartridge further includes a buffer module connected to the housing. The buffer module has a material feeding channel and is located on the side of the feeding / unloading module opposite to the material tray. The material feeding channel is arranged along the first direction, and the buffer module is used to buffer consumables in the material feeding channel.

[0017] This utility model also proposes a 3D printing system, the 3D printing system comprising:

[0018] 3D printers; and

[0019] As described above, the multi-color printing cartridge is separately configured from the main body.

[0020] In this invention, the printing cartridge includes a housing and a feeding / returning module. The housing has a receiving space within which both the cartridge tray and the feeding / returning module are located. When the cartridge is fed from the printing cartridge to the print head or ejected from the print head, the cartridge passes through the feeding / returning channel of the module, which provides power for the cartridge's transport. The housing also has a placement surface, on which the printing cartridge rests. When the cartridge is placed on the support surface, the placement surface is parallel to the support surface. The feeding / returning module is located at the end of the receiving space furthest from the placement surface, allowing the cartridge to be fed from above when the cartridge is placed independently on the support surface. This allows the printing cartridge to be placed on the support surface along with a DIY printer, enabling use with DIY printers that cannot support cartridges. Meanwhile, the feeding and unloading channels are set along a first direction that is inclined to the placement surface. This reduces the bends in the transmission tube connecting the feeding and unloading channels and the print head, resulting in less resistance to the transmission of consumables within the feeding and unloading channels and transmission tube, which is more conducive to the feeding and unloading of consumables. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the printing material box in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 An exploded view of the printing cartridge in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure in one embodiment of this utility model, showing the separation of the cover plate and the shell;

[0025] Figure 4 Another structural schematic diagram showing the separation of the cover plate and the shell in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting plate and the feeding / unloading module in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the feeding and unloading module in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7An exploded view of the feeding and unloading module in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 Another exploded view of the feeding and unloading module in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating shaft in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 10 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the buffer module in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure cut along line A-A'.

[0034] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0035] 100. Printing material box; 1. Housing; 11. Placement surface; 12. Accommodation space; 121. First accommodating cavity; 122. Second accommodating cavity; 1221. Sub-accommodating space; 1222. Opening; 13. Material tray; 14. Mounting plate; 141. Mounting groove; 142. Limiting groove; 15. Partition; 16. Lock hole; 17. Through port; 18. Outer shell; 2. Feeding / unloading module; 21. Mounting bracket; 211. Mounting cavity; 22. Guide bracket; 221. Main body section; 2211. Feeding / unloading channel; 222. Limiting section; 23. Drive assembly; 231. Drive component; 232. Gear set; 2321. First gear; 2322. Second gear; 2323. Third gear; 2324. First fixed arm ; 2325, Second fixed arm; 233, Extrusion wheel; 24, First elastic element; 25, Consumable detection assembly; 251, First detection element; 252, Trigger element; 253, Second elastic element; 3, Main control board; 4, Rotary shaft; 41, Fixed element; 42, Rotating element; 43, Third elastic element; 431, First end; 432, Second end; 44, Abutting surface; 441, Recess; 442, Protrusion; 5, Buffer module; 51, Fixed frame; 511, First channel; 52, Buffer frame; 521, Second channel; 53, Fourth elastic element; 54, Second detection element; 55, Mileage metering wheel; 56, Third detection element; 57, Material passage; 58, Fifth elastic element; 6, Cover plate; 61, Lock.

[0036] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0038] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0039] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0040] In related technologies, printing cartridges are used with 3D printers in conjunction with 3D printing systems. During use, the printing cartridge is usually placed on top of the 3D printer, and the material is ejected from the bottom of the cartridge. However, with the development of technology, more and more users are willing to DIY printers. For DIY 3D printers, the printing cartridge cannot usually be placed on top of the 3D printer in a 3D printing system. Therefore, existing printing cartridges are not suitable for use with DIY 3D printers.

[0041] Based on the above issues, please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 12As shown, this utility model proposes a printing material box 100, which includes a housing 1 and a feeding / unloading module 2. The housing 1 has a placement surface 11 for placing the housing 1 on the bearing surface of the printing material box 100. The housing 1 also has a receiving space 12, in which a material tray 13 is provided for holding consumables. The feeding / unloading module 2 is located at the end of the receiving space 12 away from the placement surface 11. The feeding / unloading module 2 has a feeding / unloading channel 2211, which extends along a first direction and intersects with the placement surface 11. The feeding / unloading channel 2211 is used for transporting consumables.

[0042] In this embodiment, the housing 1 serves as the supporting structure for the printing cartridge 100. The housing 1 has a receiving space 12, within which the filament tray 13 for winding the filament and the feeding / unloading module 2 are both located. The housing 1 protects the filament or the feeding / unloading module 2 located in the receiving space 12, preventing dust, moisture, and other impurities from corroding the filament and the feeding / unloading module 2, thus affecting the printing effect. When the filament on the tray 13 is fed from the printing cartridge 100 to the print head of the 3D printing system or unloaded from the print head, the filament must pass through the feeding / unloading channel 2211 of the feeding / unloading module 2, which provides power for the transport of the filament. The housing 1 also has a placement surface 11, which is parallel to the bearing surface when the printing cartridge 100 is placed on the bearing surface. The feed and discharge module is located at the end of the receiving space 12 away from the placement surface 11, that is, away from the bearing surface. This allows the filament to be transferred from above the print cartridge 100 when it is placed independently on the bearing surface. This allows the print cartridge 100 and the 3D printer to be placed together on the table, facilitating the use of the print cartridge 100 with DIY printers that cannot support the cartridge. Furthermore, the feed and discharge channel 2211 is arranged along a first direction inclined to the placement surface 11. This reduces the bends in the transmission tube connecting the feed and discharge channel 2211 and the print head, decreasing the resistance to filament transfer within the feed and discharge channel 2211 and the transmission tube, thus improving filament feeding and discharge.

[0043] Understandably, the filament in the printing cartridge 100 is typically transferred to the print head of the 3D printer via a transfer tube such as a Teflon tube. The 3D printer and printing cartridge 100 are usually placed on a table for use, in which case the table surface serves as the support surface for the printing cartridge 100. The housing 1 also has a through-hole 17 for connecting the transfer tube located outside the printing cartridge 100 to the feed / return channel 2211. Optionally, the placement surface 11 is located on the lower wall surface of the housing 1, and the through-hole 17 is located on the upper wall surface of the housing 1.

[0044] Alternatively, the housing 1 may be configured in a generally cubic, cuboid, or other shape.

[0045] Optionally, the placement surface 11 is provided with legs, and when the printing material box 100 is placed, the placement surface 11 faces the bearing surface, and the legs abut against the bearing surface. Under normal circumstances, the placement surface 11 is parallel to the bearing surface, and the table surface is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0046] In some embodiments, the tilt angle between the first direction and the placement surface 11 is defined as α, where 0° < α ≤ 90°. Specifically, α can be 30°, 45°, 60°, etc.

[0047] In other embodiments, the tilt angle between the first direction and the placement surface 11 is defined as α, where 30° ≤ α ≤ 60°. Specifically, α can be 30°, 45°, and 60°, etc.

[0048] The tilt angle between the first direction and the placement surface 11 can be set according to the actual consumable transmission path.

[0049] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 also includes a mounting plate 14, which divides the accommodating space 12 into a first accommodating cavity 121 and a second accommodating cavity 122. The feeding and unloading module 2 is connected to the mounting plate 14 and is located in the first accommodating cavity 121. The material tray 13 is located in the second accommodating cavity 122. The mounting plate 14 has a through hole that connects the first accommodating cavity 121 and the second accommodating cavity 122, so that the consumables on the material tray 13 can extend into the feeding and unloading channel 2211.

[0050] In this embodiment, the feeding / unloading module 2 and the material tray 13 are respectively disposed in the first receiving cavity 121 and the second receiving cavity 122, so as to separate the feeding / unloading module 2 from the frequently accessed material tray 13, avoiding the feeding / unloading module 2 from malfunctioning or being damaged when the user accesses or places the material tray 13. At the same time, it also further reduces the possibility of the feeding / unloading module 2 being corroded by dust, moisture, and other impurities. Consumables in the second receiving cavity 122 can extend into the feeding / unloading module 2 located in the first receiving cavity 121 through the through hole of the mounting plate 14, realizing the normal transfer of consumables.

[0051] Optionally, the first receiving cavity 121 and the second receiving cavity 122 are arranged vertically, with the first receiving cavity 121 located away from the placement surface 11 and the second receiving cavity 122 located close to the placement surface 11. In this way, the feeding and unloading module 2 located in the first receiving cavity 121 is located closer to the top of the printing material box 100, making it easier for consumables to be transferred from the top of the printing material box 100.

[0052] Optionally, the feeding / unloading module 2 can be detachably mounted on the mounting plate 14 using screws or clips.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mounting plate 14 is provided with a mounting groove 141, and at least part of the feeding and unloading module 2 is confined in the mounting groove 141.

[0054] In this embodiment, the mounting plate 14 is also provided with a mounting groove 141 that corresponds to and cooperates with the feeding and unloading module 2, so as to facilitate the positioning and installation of the feeding and unloading module 2 and effectively improve the stability of the feeding and unloading module 2 during operation.

[0055] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 1 also includes a partition 15, which divides the second receiving cavity 122 into a plurality of sub-receiving spaces 1221, which are used to receive trays 13 of the same or different types.

[0056] In this embodiment, multiple trays 13 can be placed inside the printing cartridge 100. A partition 15 divides the second receiving cavity 122 into multiple sub-receiving spaces 1221, each of which can hold one tray 13. The trays 13 can be of the same or different models.

[0057] Specifically, the partition 15 can be one piece, which divides the second receiving cavity 122 into two sub-receiving spaces 1221 with the same or different volumes to accommodate trays 13 of the same or different models; the partition 15 can also be two pieces, which divide the second receiving cavity 122 into three sub-receiving spaces 1221 with the same volume to accommodate trays 13 of the same model; or, the two partitions 15 can divide the second receiving cavity 122 into sub-receiving spaces 1221 that are larger in the middle and smaller (and equal) on both sides to accommodate trays 13 of different models; the partition 15 can also be three pieces, which divide the second receiving cavity 122 into four sub-receiving spaces 1221 with the same volume to accommodate four trays 13 of the same model.

[0058] In actual implementation, the housing 1 includes an outer shell 18, a mounting plate 14, and a partition 15. The outer shell 18 encloses and forms a receiving space 12. The mounting plate 14 is connected to the outer shell 18 and divides the receiving space 12 into a first receiving cavity 121 and a second receiving cavity 122. The partition 15 is connected to the outer shell 18 and / or the mounting plate 14 and divides the second receiving cavity 122 into multiple sub-receiving spaces 1221. Optionally, the outer shell 18, the mounting plate 14, and the partition 15 can be detachably assembled or integrally installed; no specific limitation is made here.

[0059] Optionally, the partition 15 is equipped with an identification element that can identify the model of the consumables on the tray 13, so as to control the feeding / returning module 2 to feed or return consumables to a specific tray 13. Optionally, the identification element adopts radio frequency identification technology, and the tray 13 is equipped with an radio frequency identification chip.

[0060] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, one side of the second receiving cavity 122 is open 1222. The printing material box 100 also includes a cover plate 6 covering the open 1222. One end of the cover plate 6 is hinged to the housing 1, and the other end of the cover plate 6 is connected to the housing 1 through a locking structure.

[0061] In this embodiment, one end of the cover plate 6 is hinged to the housing 1, and the other end is connected to the housing 1 via a locking structure. By unlocking the cover plate 6 and rotating it, the user can open the opening 1222 of the second receiving cavity 122, facilitating the user to remove the tray 13 from the second receiving cavity 122 or to place the tray 13 into the second receiving cavity 122 to add or remove consumables. When the printing cartridge 100 is in use, the user can close the cover plate 6 onto the second receiving cavity 122 and lock the cover plate 6 using the locking structure. In this way, the second receiving cavity 122 can form a relatively enclosed space, which protects the consumables located in the second receiving cavity 122.

[0062] Optionally, the cover plate 6 and the housing 1 are hinged through a shaft hole. The cover plate 6 is provided with a movable latch 61, and the housing 1 is provided with a locking hole 16. By moving the latch 61, the latch 61 can be engaged into or disengaged from the locking hole 16 to lock or unlock the cover plate 6. The cover plate 6 is located on the side of the housing 1.

[0063] In actual implementation, the lower end of the cover plate 6, which is closer to the placement surface 11, is hinged to the housing 1, and the upper end of the cover plate 6 is connected to the housing 1 through a locking structure. When the cover plate 6 is opened, it can be placed on the support surface, and the user does not need to hold the cover plate 6, further improving the ease of use of the printing cartridge 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cover 6 is transparent to allow the user to observe the delivery of consumables.

[0065] Optionally, the cover plate 6 can be a flat plate or an arc-shaped plate.

[0066] Understandably, when the cover plate 6 is opened, it only communicates directly with the second receiving cavity 122 to improve the protection of the feeding and unloading module 2.

[0067] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the printing material box 100 also includes a main control board 3, which is located in the first receiving cavity 121. The main control board 3 is used to control the operation of the feeding and unloading module 2. In this embodiment, the main control board 3 is located in the first receiving cavity 121 to ensure the protection of the main control board 3 and prevent the main control board 3 from being corroded and interfered with by impurities such as dust or moisture, which would affect its normal operation.

[0068] In actual implementation, a control panel and indicator lights are also provided on the top of the housing 1. The control panel and indicator lights are electrically connected to the main control board 3. Users can control the operation of the feeding and unloading module 2 through the control panel and observe the operating status of the feeding and unloading module 2 through the indicator lights.

[0069] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the feeding and unloading module 2 includes multiple modules, which are spaced apart in the accommodating space 12. In this embodiment, the printing cartridge 100 can be adapted to a multi-color printer, enabling the feeding and unloading of various consumables.

[0070] Optionally, the tray 13 may also include multiple trays 13 rotatably disposed in the receiving space 12, each tray 13 being used to carry a type of consumable to facilitate material replacement during the printing process.

[0071] Specifically, each material tray 13 corresponds to one feed / return module 2, and each feed / return module 2 is responsible for the feed and return of one type of consumable. Correspondingly, a multi-port connector is also provided on the feed side of the print head. The multi-port connector has multiple feed ports and an outlet port communicating with the print head. Each feed / return module 2 is connected to one feed port of the multi-port connector, and each feed / return module 2 can first transfer the consumable to the multi-port connector. During material change, one feed / return module 2 ejects the consumable from the print head into the multi-port connector, while another feed / return module 2 transfers the consumable from the multi-port structure through the outlet port into the print head, thus realizing multi-color material change in 3D printing.

[0072] In actual implementation, the material tray 13 and the feeding / returning module 2 can be set to one, two, three, four or five groups, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0073] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the feeding / unloading module 2 includes a mounting frame 21, a guide frame 22, and a drive assembly 23. The mounting frame 21 is connected to the housing 1 and has a mounting cavity 211. The guide frame 22 is located in the mounting cavity 211 and has a feeding / unloading channel 2211. The drive assembly 23 is connected to the mounting frame 21 and is used to drive the consumables transfer within the feeding / unloading channel 2211. The extending direction of the mounting cavity 211 is parallel to the first direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the mounting frame 21 serves as a support structure for the feeding / unloading module 2 and is connected to the housing 1. When assembling the printing cartridge 100, the guide frame 22 and the drive assembly 23 can be assembled onto the mounting frame 21 first, and then the feeding / unloading module 2 can be assembled onto the housing 1 to achieve modular installation of the feeding / unloading module 2. The mounting frame 21 is provided with a mounting cavity 211 for mounting the guide frame 22. The mounting cavity 211 extends along a first direction so that at least a portion of the guide frame 22 also extends along the first direction, so that the feeding / unloading channel 2211 of the guide frame is kept in an inclined state along the first direction.

[0075] The drive assembly 23 provides power for the transport of consumables within the feed / return channel 2211, enabling the consumables to move smoothly along the feed / return channel 2211.

[0076] Optionally, the mounting bracket 21 is connected to the mounting plate 14 by bolts or clips, and is confined within the mounting groove 141 of the mounting plate 14.

[0077] Optionally, the mounting bracket 21 and the guide bracket 22 can be installed as a single unit.

[0078] In an embodiment of this utility model, the guide frame 22 includes a main body section 221 and a limiting section 222. The main body section 221 and the limiting section 222 are arranged at an angle. The main body section 221 is provided with a feeding and unfeeding channel 2211. The housing 1 is also provided with a limiting groove 142. The limiting section 222 is limited in the limiting groove 142.

[0079] In this embodiment, the main body segment 221 passes through the mounting cavity 211, and the limiting segment 222 extends out of the mounting cavity 211 and is confined within the limiting groove 142. The limiting effect of the limiting groove 142 on the limiting segment 222 can effectively increase the stability of the inclined setting of the guide frame 22. Specifically, the mounting frame 21 is provided with a through hole communicating with the mounting cavity 211 so that the limiting segment 222 can extend out of the mounting cavity 211.

[0080] Optionally, the mounting bracket 21 is disposed on the mounting plate 14, and the connection portion between the mounting plate 14 and the mounting bracket 21 is arranged parallel to the placement surface 11. The limiting groove 142 is disposed on the mounting plate 14. Optionally, the limiting segment 222 is disposed at one end of the main body segment 221 near the abutment surface 44, so that the limiting segment 222 can abut against the mounting plate 14, thereby increasing the connection area between the feeding / unloading module 2 and the mounting plate 14 and improving the stability of the feeding / unloading module 2 during operation.

[0081] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the drive assembly 23 includes a drive member 231 and an extrusion wheel 233. The drive member 231 is mounted on the mounting frame 21, and the extrusion wheel 233 is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 21. The extrusion wheel 233 is connected to the output end of the drive member 231, and at least a portion of the extrusion wheel 233 extends into the feed / return channel 2211.

[0082] In this embodiment, the driving member 231 drives the extrusion wheel 233 to rotate forward or backward, thereby feeding and unloading consumables in the feed and unload channel 2211. Specifically, the circumferential portion of the extrusion wheel 233 extends into the feed and unload channel 2211 and comes into close contact with the consumables in the feed and unload channel 2211. When the driving member 231 drives the extrusion wheel 233 to rotate, the extrusion wheel 233 will drive the consumables to move along the feed and unload channel 2211.

[0083] Optionally, the mounting bracket 21 is provided with a drive cavity, and the drive component 231 is confined within the drive cavity to ensure the stability of the drive component 231 during operation.

[0084] Optionally, the circumferential surface of the extrusion wheel 233 is provided with grooves to guide the consumable material to abut against the circumferential surface of the extrusion wheel 233, preventing the consumable material from shifting. Optionally, the circumferential surface of the extrusion wheel 233 is provided with raised stripes to increase the friction with the consumable material and prevent the consumable material from slipping when driving it. Optionally, the guide frame 22 is also provided with an auxiliary wheel on the side of the feed / retractor channel 2211 facing away from the extrusion wheel 233. The auxiliary wheel is arranged opposite to the extrusion wheel 233 and is rotatably connected to the guide frame 22. The auxiliary wheel presses against the consumable material against the extrusion wheel 233 to make the contact between the consumable material and the circumferential surface of the extrusion wheel 233 more stable.

[0085] Specifically, the auxiliary wheel and the extrusion wheel 233 can be rotatably connected to the guide frame 22 and the mounting frame 21 respectively through the hole shaft cooperation.

[0086] In embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the guide frame 22 is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 21. The feeding and unloading module 2 also includes a first elastic element 24. One end of the first elastic element 24 is connected to the mounting frame 21, and the other end of the first elastic element 24 is connected to the guide frame 22.

[0087] In this embodiment, the guide frame 22 is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 21, allowing the guide frame 22 to move relative to the mounting frame 21, that is, relative to the extrusion wheel 233 located on the mounting frame 21. This allows the depth to which the extrusion wheel 233 extends into the feed / return channel 2211 to be varied. A first elastic element 24 is also provided between the guide frame 22 and the mounting frame 21. When the pressure between the consumable and the extrusion wheel 233 is too high, the consumable will push the guide frame 22 to rotate relative to the mounting frame 21, changing the depth to which the extrusion wheel 233 extends into the feed / return channel 2211. The first elastic element 24 deforms and applies a spring force to the guide frame 22, ensuring that the consumable and the extrusion wheel 233 remain in close contact. This allows for the adaptation to consumables of different diameters and also prevents the consumable from getting stuck in the feed / return channel 2211.

[0088] Optionally, the first elastic element 24 can be disposed on both sides of the guide frame 22 opposite to the extrusion wheel 233, and located on the same side of the rotation axis of the guide frame 22. When the consumable pushes the guide frame 22 to rotate, the first elastic element 24 is compressed. Optionally, the first elastic element 24 and the extrusion wheel 233 are disposed on the same side of the guide frame 22, and located on the same side of the rotation axis of the guide frame 22. When the consumable pushes the guide frame 22 to rotate, the first elastic element 24 is stretched. Optionally, the first elastic element 24 and the extrusion wheel 233 are respectively disposed on both sides of the guide frame 22, and located on different sides of the rotation axis of the guide frame 22. When the consumable pushes the guide frame 22 to rotate, the first elastic element 24 is stretched. Optionally, the first elastic element 24 and the extrusion wheel 233 are disposed on the same side of the guide frame 22, and located on the same side of the rotation axis of the guide frame 22. When the consumable pushes the guide frame 22 to rotate, the first elastic element 24 is compressed.

[0089] Optionally, the guide frame 22 is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 21 through a hole-shaft fit.

[0090] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the drive assembly 23 also includes a gear set 232, which includes at least a first gear 2321, a second gear 2322 and a third gear 2323 rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 21. The output end of the drive member 231 is provided with a worm gear, which meshes with the first gear 2321. The second gear 2322 is connected to the first gear 2321 through a first coupling, and the second gear 2322 meshes with the third gear 2323. The third gear 2323 is connected to the extrusion wheel 233 through a second coupling.

[0091] In this embodiment, the drive component 231 and the extrusion wheel 233 are driven by a gear set 232. The first gear 2321 and the second gear 2322 are connected by a first coupling to achieve synchronous rotation, and the third gear 2323 is connected to the extrusion wheel 233 by a second coupling to achieve synchronous rotation. The second gear 2322 and the third gear 2323 mesh with each other. By adjusting the gear ratio of the second gear 2322 and the third gear 2323, the driving speed and torque of the drive component 231 on the extrusion wheel 233 can be adjusted to optimize the driving effect of the extrusion wheel 233.

[0092] In actual implementation, the gear set 232 also includes a first fixed arm 2324 and a second fixed arm 2325 connected to each other. The mounting bracket 21 is provided with a transmission cavity. The first fixed arm 2324 and the second fixed arm 2325 are located in the transmission cavity. The first gear 2321 is located in the drive cavity and meshes with the worm gear of the drive member 231. The second gear 2322 and the third gear 2323 are rotatably located between the first fixed arm 2324 and the second fixed arm 2325.

[0093] Optionally, the first fixing arm 2324 and the second fixing arm 2325 are connected by screws or elastic clips.

[0094] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the material feeding and unloading module 2 also includes a consumable detection component 25. The detection end of the consumable detection component 25 extends into the material feeding and unloading channel 2211 to detect whether there are consumables being transported in the material feeding and unloading channel 2211.

[0095] Specifically, the consumable detection component 25 includes a first detection element 251, a trigger element 252, and a second elastic element 253. The trigger element 252 is movably disposed on the guide frame 22, and at least a portion of the trigger element 252 extends into the feed / return channel 2211. One end of the second elastic element 253 is connected to the trigger element 252, and the other end of the second elastic element 253 is connected to the guide frame 22. The first detection element 251 is disposed on the guide frame 22 and is used to detect the position of the trigger element 252. The trigger element 252 is the detection end of the consumable detection component 25.

[0096] In this embodiment, when the consumable enters the feed / return channel 2211, the consumable presses against the trigger 252 outward, causing the second elastic member 253 to undergo elastic deformation. The second elastic member 253 applies a spring force to the trigger 252, ensuring that the trigger 252 continuously presses against the consumable. The first detection member 251 detects that the trigger 252 is in the triggered position and determines that consumable has entered the feed / return channel 2211. When the consumable leaves the feed / return channel 2211, the pressing member loses the force of the consumable, the second elastic member 253 rebounds and resets the trigger 252, and the first detection member 251 detects that the trigger 252 is in the untriggered position, determining that there is no consumable in the feed / return channel 2211.

[0097] In actual implementation, the first detection element 251 is electrically connected to the drive component 23. During the process of the user feeding consumables into the feed / return channel 2211, the user inserts the consumables into the feed / return channel 2211 until the first detection element 251 is triggered, the drive component 23 starts, and the consumables are fed. This can greatly help the user complete the initial feeding of consumables and improve the user experience.

[0098] Optionally, the consumable detection component 25 is located on the side of the drive component 23 near the tray 13.

[0099] Optionally, the first detection element 251 can be a non-contact trigger sensor, such as a photoelectric switch or a proximity switch, or it can be a contact trigger sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor.

[0100] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the printing material box 100 also includes a rotary shaft 4, which is connected to the housing 1. The rotary shaft 4 is used to carry the material tray 13 and rotates the material tray 13 when the material is ejected.

[0101] In this embodiment, the rotary shaft 4 has a rotary function. When the feeding and unloading module 2 unloads material, the rotary shaft 4 will drive the material tray 13 to rotate, so that the consumables on the material tray 13 will be automatically tightened, avoiding the consumables from getting tangled outside the material tray 13 and affecting subsequent feeding.

[0102] In actual implementation, the rotary shaft 4 includes a fixed component 41, a rotating component 42, and a third elastic component 43. The fixed component 41 is fixedly connected to the housing 1, the rotating component 42 is rotatably connected to the fixed component 41, one end of the third elastic component 43 is connected to the rotating component 42, and the other end of the third elastic component 43 is in close contact with the fixed component 41. When the rotating component 42 is driven to rotate by the material tray 13, the two ends of the third elastic component 43 will first be in a relatively stationary state, so that the third elastic component 43 gradually deforms until it can overcome the friction with the fixed component 41 after deforming to a certain extent. Then, the third elastic component 43 follows the rotating component 42 to rotate. When the consumable stops feeding, the rotating component 42 loses power, the third elastic component 43 rebounds, and drives the rotating component 42 to rotate, which in turn drives the material tray 13 to rotate, so as to tighten the consumable.

[0103] Optionally, the tray 13 is provided with a rotating hole, and the rotating shaft 4 can pass through the tray 13. The rotating part 42 is engaged with the tray 13, and the tray 13 can drive the rotating part 42 of the rotating shaft 4 to rotate.

[0104] In another embodiment, the rotating shaft 4 includes a fixed member 41, a rotating member 42, and a third elastic member 43. The rotating member 42 and the fixed member 41 are rotatably connected. The third elastic member 43 has a first end 431 and a second end 432. The first end 431 is connected to the rotating member 42. The fixed member 41 is provided with an abutment surface 44, which surrounds the rotation axis of the rotating member 42. The second end 432 abuts against the abutment surface 44. The profile of the abutment surface 44 in a section perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating member 42 is wavy. The wavy shape is formed by alternating recesses 441 that are recessed toward the central axis of the rotating member 42 and protrusions 442 that are protruding away from the central axis of the rotating member 42. The rotating member 42 and the fixed member 41 rotate relative to each other, causing the second end of the third elastic member 43 to move along the abutment surface 44 432.

[0105] In this embodiment, the rotating member 42 is used to place the tray 13 containing the consumable roll. When the consumable is fed, the tray 13 drives the rotating member 42 to rotate relative to the fixed member 41 to unwind. The third elastic member 43 is disposed between the fixed member 41 and the rotating member 42.

[0106] Specifically, when the initial position of the second end 432 is in the recess 441, as the rotating member 42 rotates, the second end 432 is subjected to the support force and friction force of the side wall of the recess 441. The direction of the support force given to the second end 432 by the side wall of the recess 441 is approximately tangential to the rotation circumference. Therefore, the third elastic member 43 will deform along the rotation circumference of the rotating member 42 as the rotating member 42 moves. At the same time, under the action of friction, it will deform perpendicular to the rotation circumference of the rotating member 42, causing the second end 432 to move closer to the first end 431 until the second end 32 slides along the protrusion 442 to follow the rotation of the rotating member 42. During this process, the third elastic member 43 will maintain its deformed state. When the extruder retracts material, the rotating part 42 stops rotating. Under the action of the elastic force of the third elastic part 43, the second end 432 will sink into the recess 441. Under the action of the support force of the side wall of the recess 441 and the frictional resistance, it is stationary relative to the fixed part 41. As the third elastic part 43 continues to rebound, the first end 431 drives the rotating part 42 to rotate.

[0107] Reverse rotation enables automatic tensioning of consumables, preventing them from becoming too loose and getting tangled, which would affect the next feeding.

[0108] Optionally, the third elastic element 43 can be a clockwork spring or a torsion spring.

[0109] Specifically, the third elastic element 43 is a spring-loaded coil spring. The first end 431 of the third elastic element 43 is the inner end of the spring-loaded coil spring, and the second end 432 is the outer end of the spring-loaded coil spring. When the rotating element 42 begins to drive the spring-loaded coil spring to rotate, the second end 432 is engaged in the recess 441 and rotates relative to the first end 431 as the rotating element 42 rotates. The spring-loaded coil spring compresses and accumulates elastic potential energy. When the elastic potential energy accumulates to a certain level, the second end 432 of the spring-loaded coil spring begins to move towards the protrusion 442, the diameter of the spring-loaded coil spring decreases, and it can slide out of the recess 441 to rotate with the rotating element 42. When the rotating element 42 stops unwinding, the second end 432 of the spring-loaded coil spring is engaged in the recess 441 under the action of elastic potential energy. At this time, the spring-loaded coil springs back, the second end 432 remains stationary, and the first end 431 drives the rotating element 42 to rotate in the opposite direction, thus achieving tensioning of the consumable.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotary shaft 4 includes a plurality of rotary shafts 4, which are spaced apart along the periphery of the material tray 13.

[0111] Understandably, in order to facilitate the picking up and putting down of the material tray 13, the material tray 13 is placed directly on the rotating part 42 of the rotary shaft 4. The rotary shaft 4 is set on the lower half of the periphery of the material tray 13. The material tray 13 can be tightly abutted against the rotating part 42 under the action of gravity and drive the rotating part 42 to rotate.

[0112] Optionally, the rotary shaft 4 can be set to two, three, four, etc.

[0113] In embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the printing material box 100 also includes a buffer module 5, which is connected to the housing 1. The buffer module 5 is provided with a material passage 57. The buffer module 5 is located on the side of the feeding and unloading module 2 away from the material tray 13. The material passage 57 is arranged along the first direction. The buffer module 5 is used to buffer the consumables in the material passage 57.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the transmission speed of the consumables by the print head and the feed / retract module 2 is inconsistent, the buffer module 5 can buffer the consumables and reduce the impact of asynchronous transmission between different transmission devices on printing stability and printing quality.

[0115] Understandably, the buffer module 5 is located on the side of the feed and discharge module 2 away from the material tray 13. Therefore, the buffer module 5 is actually connected to the print head through the transmission pipe. Thus, the material passage 57 is also set along the first direction to reduce the bending of the transmission pipe and facilitate the transmission of consumables.

[0116] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the buffer module 5 includes a fixed frame 51 and a buffer frame 52. The fixed frame 51 has a first channel 511. The buffer frame 52 is movably connected to the fixed frame 51 and has a second channel 521. The second channel 521 communicates with the first channel 511 and forms a material passage 57 for the consumables to pass through. A fourth elastic element 53 is provided between the fixed frame 51 and the buffer frame 52. When the transmission speeds of the two transmission devices are not synchronized, the consumables can drive the buffer frame 52 to move relative to the fixed frame 51 to relieve the tension on the consumables. When the transmission speeds of the two transmission devices are synchronized, the fourth elastic element 53 rebounds and drives the buffer frame 52 to reset.

[0117] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, one end of the buffer frame 52 is provided with a fourth elastic element 53, and the other end of the buffer frame 52 is provided with a fifth elastic element 58. Both the fourth elastic element 53 and the fifth elastic element 58 are connected to the fixed frame 51.

[0118] By simultaneously buffering the buffer frame 52 with the fourth elastic element 53 and the fifth elastic element 58, the smoothness and stability of the buffer frame 52 in buffering consumables are further improved, and the translation of the buffer frame 52 during movement is reduced, which affects the transmission of consumables.

[0119] Optionally, the buffer module 5 further includes a second detection element 54, which is disposed on the fixed frame 51 or the buffer frame 52. The second detection element 54 is used to detect the relative position of the buffer frame 52 and the fixed frame 51. The second detection element 54 is electrically connected to the feeding / unloading module 2. The second detection element 54 can adjust the transmission speed of the feeding / unloading module 2 according to the moving direction of the buffer frame 52 relative to the fixed frame 51, until the buffer frame 52 returns to the middle position under the action of the fourth elastic element 53, avoiding problems such as feeding failure or material stripping. The second detection element 54 can be a linear Hall sensor, disposed on the fixed frame 51. The buffer frame 52 is provided with a bar magnetic element that can trigger the linear Hall sensor. The linear Hall sensor detects the position of the buffer frame 52 according to the direction and strength of the magnetic field. The extending direction of the bar magnetic element is consistent with the moving direction of the buffer frame 52.

[0120] In actual implementation, as the bar magnetic component moves along with the buffer frame 52, the magnetic field detected by the linear Hall sensor also changes. The linear Hall sensor generates different electrical signals according to the different magnetic fields sensed by the bar magnetic component. Each electrical signal corresponds to a position value of the buffer frame 52, thereby obtaining the real-time position of the buffer frame 52. Based on the different real-time positions of the buffer frame 52, the second detection element 54 can determine the transmission status of the consumables.

[0121] Specifically, the two transmission devices are the print head and the feed / unfeed module 2. The second detection element 54 can detect the position of the buffer frame 52 as full-load, intermediate, empty, and material-wrapped. When the second detection element 54 detects that the buffer frame 52 is in the intermediate position, the transmission speeds of the extruder and the feed / unfeed module are equal, the consumables are transmitted normally, and the print head and the feed / unfeed module 2 operate normally. When the second detection element 54 detects that the buffer frame 52 is in the full-load position, the transmission speed of the print head is slower than the transmission speed of the feed / unfeed module 2. At this time, the transmission speed of the feed / unfeed module 2 can be decelerated until the second detection element 54 detects that the buffer frame 52 has returned to the intermediate position. When the second detection element 54 detects that the buffer frame 52 is in the empty position, the transmission speed of the print head is faster than the transmission speed of the feed / unfeed module 2. At this time, the transmission speed of the feed / unfeed module 2 can be accelerated until the second detection element 54 detects that the buffer frame 52 has returned to the intermediate position. When the control device receives information that the buffer frame 52 is in the filament entanglement position, the print head may be unable to extrude filament normally due to filament entanglement. In this case, the print head and the feed / unfeed module 2 can be stopped to prevent the print head from printing dry. This also prompts the user to troubleshoot the problem promptly. In this way, the buffer module 5 can automatically adjust the operation of the filament transport device according to the position information of the buffer frame 52 to ensure that the filament is transported, extruded, and printed normally.

[0122] Optionally, the buffer module 5 also includes a mileage measuring wheel 55 and a third detection element 56. The mileage measuring wheel 55 is rotatably connected to the fixed frame 51 and extends at least partially into the first channel 511. The mileage measuring wheel 55 is used to contact consumables. The third detection element 56 is connected to the fixed frame 51. The second detection element 54 is used to detect the number of rotations of the mileage measuring wheel 55.

[0123] In this embodiment, the odometer wheel 55 extends into the first channel 511. When the consumable moves within the first channel 511, it moves along the circumference of the odometer wheel 55, causing the odometer wheel 55 to rotate. Thus, the transmission length of the consumable can be calculated from the number of rotations and the circumference of the odometer wheel 55. During consumable transmission, the third detection element 56 detects the number of rotations of the odometer wheel 55 and calculates the transmission length of the consumable.

[0124] Optionally, the third detection element 56 can also be a Hall sensor. A magnetic element or magnetic pole is provided on the circumferential surface of the odometer wheel 55. Each time the magnetic element or magnetic pole passes the third detection element 56, the third detection element 56 is triggered once. Each time the third detection element 56 is triggered, the odometer wheel 55 rotates one revolution. Optionally, multiple magnetic elements and magnetic poles are provided on the circumferential surface of the odometer wheel 55 to improve detection accuracy.

[0125] This utility model also proposes a 3D printing system, which includes a 3D printer and a printing cartridge 100. The specific structure of the printing cartridge 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the printing cartridge 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here. The printing cartridge 100 and the 3D printer are separately configured. The 3D printer is equipped with a print head that cooperates with the feeding / unloading module 2, and the user performs 3D printing inside the 3D printer.

[0126] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A printing cartridge, characterized in that, The printing cartridge includes: The housing has a placement surface for placing the housing on the support surface of the printing material box. The housing also has a receiving space, in which a material tray is provided for holding consumables. The material feeding and unloading module is located at one end of the accommodating space away from the placement surface. The material feeding and unloading module is provided with a material feeding and unloading channel, which extends along a first direction and intersects with the placement surface. The material feeding and unloading channel is used for the transmission of consumables.

2. The printing cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first direction and the placement surface is α, where 0° < α ≤ 90°.

3. The printing cartridge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the first direction and the placement surface is α, where 30°≤α≤60°.

4. The printing cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes a mounting plate that divides the accommodating space into a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity; The feeding / unloading module is connected to the mounting plate. The feeding / unloading module is located in the first receiving cavity, and the material tray is located in the second receiving cavity. The mounting plate has a through hole connecting the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity, for allowing consumables on the material tray to extend into the feeding / unloading channel.

5. The printing cartridge as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The housing also includes a partition that divides the second receiving cavity into multiple sub-receiving spaces, which are used to accommodate trays of the same or different types.

6. The printing cartridge as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second receiving cavity has an open side, and the printing material box also includes a cover plate covering the open side. One end of the cover plate is hinged to the housing, and the other end of the cover plate is connected to the housing through a locking structure.

7. The printing cartridge as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cover plate is arranged in the form of an arc panel.

8. The printing cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding and unloading modules include multiple modules, which are spaced apart in the accommodating space. And / or, the trays include multiple trays, which are rotatably disposed in the receiving space.

9. The printing cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The printing cartridge also includes a buffer module connected to the housing. The buffer module has a material feeding channel and is located on the side of the feeding / unloading module away from the material tray. The material feeding channel is arranged along the first direction, and the buffer module is used to buffer the consumables in the material feeding channel.

10. A 3D printing system, characterized in that, The 3D printing system includes: 3D printers; and The printing cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the printing cartridge is separately disposed from the 3D printer.

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