Extrusion module
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522008199.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-18
AI Technical Summary
然而，这种设计的3D打印机结构较为复杂且负载较重
[0005]有鉴于此，本公开的一目的在于提出一种可解决上述问题的挤出模块。
Smart Images
Figure CN224644284U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to an extrusion module for a 3D printer, and more particularly to an extrusion module for a 3D printer used in fused deposition modeling (FDM). Background Technology
[0002] In a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer, filament is fed into the hot end and heated to a molten state. The molten material is then extruded through the nozzle of the hot end and deposited layer by layer onto the printing platform. The filament is then rapidly cooled and solidified, combining with the material already deposited on the printing platform to ultimately construct a complete 3D structure.
[0003] To create 3D structures with different colors or materials, the filament used needs to be changed. This is typically achieved in two ways. First, the filament received at the hot end is directly replaced. However, after replacement, time is needed to completely extrude the filament remaining in the hot end before the new filament can be used for printing to avoid color mixing and / or material mixing, thus increasing time costs and generating additional waste. Second, multiple hot ends are used, each loaded with filament of a different color or material, and equipped with a corresponding extrusion mechanism. However, this design results in a more complex and heavier 3D printer structure.
[0004] Therefore, how to propose an extrusion module that can solve the above problems is one of the issues that the industry is currently eager to invest research and development resources to address. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of this, one object of this disclosure is to provide an extrusion module that can solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an extrusion module for a 3D printer, including an outer frame, a rotating structure, multiple hot ends, and an extrusion mechanism. The rotating structure has multiple through-holes. Each through-hole is configured to allow filament to pass through. The through-holes are arranged about an axis. Hot ends are disposed below the rotating structure. Each hot end is aligned with one of the through-holes, thereby receiving filament. The extrusion mechanism is disposed within the outer frame. The extrusion mechanism includes an inner frame, a first gear, and a second gear. The inner frame includes a first gear receiving portion and a second gear receiving portion. The first gear and the second gear are respectively disposed within the first gear receiving portion and the second gear receiving portion. The first gear and the second gear are configured to mesh with each other and rotate in opposite directions to push filament located between the first gear and the second gear.
[0007] In some embodiments, the extrusion mechanism has an extension for clamping the hot ends.
[0008] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes heaters disposed on the extrusion mechanism to heat the hot ends.
[0009] In some embodiments, the extrusion module also includes temperature sensors disposed on the extrusion mechanism and in contact with each hot end.
[0010] In some implementations, the extrusion mechanism is rotatably connected to the outer frame via the inner frame.
[0011] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes two elastic members. The two elastic members respectively connect the first gear receiving portion and the second gear receiving portion to the outer frame. The two elastic members are configured to apply force to the first gear receiving portion and the second gear receiving portion, respectively.
[0012] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes limiting members. The limiting members are disposed on the outer frame. The limiting members are configured to engage with each hot end.
[0013] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a cam structure. The cam structure is disposed between the outer frame and the inner frame. The cam structure is configured to apply force to the first gear and the second gear.
[0014] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a drive unit. The drive unit is configured to drive the first gear and the second gear.
[0015] In some embodiments, the rotating structure has multiple grooves to accommodate portions of the first gear and portions of the second gear.
[0016] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but variations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used wherever possible to refer to similar or identical elements of the embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figures 2 to 5 This is a perspective view of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a first operating state.
[0019] Figure 6AThis is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a first operating state.
[0020] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a second operating state.
[0021] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a first operating state.
[0022] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a second operating state.
[0023] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a first operating state.
[0024] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a second operating state.
[0025] Symbol Explanation
[0026] 10: Extrusion Module
[0027] 102: Outer Frame
[0028] 104: Rotating Structure
[0029] 106: Hot end
[0030] 108: Extrusion Mechanism
[0031] 110: Inner frame
[0032] 112: Spindle
[0033] 114: First Gear Storage Section
[0034] 116: Second gear storage section
[0035] 118: First Gear
[0036] 120: Second Gear
[0037] 122: Drive unit
[0038] 124, 126: Elastic elements
[0039] 124a, 126a: First end
[0040] 124b, 126b: Second end
[0041] 128: Cam Structure
[0042] 130, 132: Extension
[0043] 134, 136: Heater
[0044] 138, 140: Temperature sensor
[0045] 142: Limiting component
[0046] 142a: Card-connecting part
[0047] 144: Heat dissipation airflow
[0048] 146: Pressure sensor
[0049] A: Axis
[0050] A-A', B-B', C-C', D-D': Line segments
[0051] F: Wire
[0052] H: Perforation
[0053] R: Groove
[0054] S: Slide
[0055] X, Y, Z: Direction Detailed Implementation
[0056] To make the description of this disclosure more detailed, the following illustrative description is given of embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to their only form. Embodiments of this disclosure may be combined with and / or substituted for each other where advantageous, and other embodiments may be added without further explanation.
[0057] This disclosure aims to provide an extrusion module equipped with multiple hot ends that are easy to switch, which can be applied to a fused deposition modeling 3D printer.
[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8B . Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an extrusion module 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of some components of the extrusion module 10 in the first operating state. Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of the extrusion module 10 in the first operating state. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of some components of the extrusion module 10 in the second operating state. Figure 7A For along Figure 6A The schematic diagram of the cross section is shown by line segment A-A'. Figure 7B For along Figure 6BThe schematic diagram of the cross section shown is illustrated by line segment B-B'. Figure 8A For along Figure 6A The schematic diagram of the cross section shown is illustrated by line segment C-C'. Figure 8B For along Figure 6B The schematic diagram of the cross section is shown by line segment D-D'.
[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the extrusion module 10 includes an outer frame 102, a rotating structure 104, multiple hot ends 106, and an extrusion mechanism 108. The rotating structure 104 and the extrusion mechanism 108 are disposed within the outer frame 102. In some embodiments, the extrusion module 10 is disposed on a linear guide rail of the 3D printer (not shown) via the outer frame 102.
[0060] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the configuration between the rotating structure 104 and the hot end 106. The rotating structure 104 has a plurality of through holes H. These through holes H are arranged around axis A. Each through hole H is configured to allow a corresponding wire F to pass through. After the wire F passes through the through hole H, the wire F is partially located inside the rotating structure 104. For simplicity, only the wire F passing through one of the through holes H is shown in the diagram.
[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the hot end 106 is positioned below the rotating structure 104. The hot end 106 corresponds to the perforation H. Specifically, each hot end 106 is aligned with one of the perforations H, so that each hot end 106 receives the wire F passing through the perforation H. In this way, different wires F can pass through these hot ends 106, and the extrusion module 10 can simultaneously carry wires F of multiple colors or materials. By driving the rotating structure 104 to rotate about axis A relative to the extrusion mechanism 108, the hot ends 106 rotate accordingly. The user can select one of the multiple hot ends 106 to switch to the desired wire F for operation, thus improving the operating efficiency of the extrusion module 10.
[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the extrusion mechanism 108 includes an inner frame 110, a first gear 118, a second gear 120, and a drive unit 122. The inner frame 110 is located within and connected to the outer frame 102. In some embodiments, the extrusion mechanism 108 is rotatably connected to the outer frame 102 via the inner frame 110. For example, the extrusion mechanism 108 can rotate relative to the outer frame 102 about direction X.
[0063] The inner frame 110 includes a main shaft 112, a first gear housing 114, and a second gear housing 116. The first gear housing 114 and the second gear housing 116 are pivotally connected to the main shaft 112. A first gear 118 and a second gear 120 are respectively disposed in the first gear housing 114 and the second gear housing 116. The first gear 118 and the second gear 120 are configured to mesh with each other and rotate in opposite directions to push the wire F located between them.
[0064] The drive unit 122 is configured to drive the first gear 118 and the second gear 120. Specifically, as follows: Figure 3 As indicated by the arrow, the drive unit 122 is configured to drive the first gear 118 to rotate counterclockwise, and the first gear 118 drives the second gear 120 meshing with it to rotate clockwise.
[0065] When the extrusion mechanism 108 is in the first operating state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 mesh with each other, and a hot end 106 is located below the first gear 118 and the second gear 120. The wire F received by this hot end 106 is sandwiched between the first gear 118 and the second gear 120. As the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 rotate, the wire F is pushed downward toward the hot end 106 and heated and melted by the hot end 106.
[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the rotating structure 104 has a plurality of grooves R. When the extrusion mechanism 108 is in a first operating state, a first gear 118 and a portion of a second gear 120 are received adjacent to two of the grooves R of the extrusion mechanism 108. In this way, the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 can clamp the wire F located inside the rotating structure 104 and corresponding to the lower hot end 106.
[0067] When switching wire F, the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 need to disengage and move out of the groove R to avoid interference between the extrusion mechanism 108 and the rotating structure 104. To achieve this, the extrusion module 10 also includes elastic elements 124 and 126 and a cam structure 128, so that the extrusion module 10 can switch between a first operating state and a second operating state, and then switch wire F in the second operating state.
[0068] Elastic members 124 and 126 respectively connect the first gear receiving portion 114 and the second gear receiving portion 116 to the outer frame 102. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first end 124a of the elastic member 124 is connected to the cantilever extending from the first gear housing 114, while the first end 126a of the elastic member 126 is connected to the cantilever extending from the second gear housing 116. Figure 6A As shown, the elastic element 126 is connected to the outer frame 102 at its second end 126b relative to the first end 126a. Similarly, the elastic element 124 is connected to the outer frame 102 at its second end 124b relative to the first end 124a (not shown).
[0069] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cam structure 128 is disposed between the outer frame 102 and the inner frame 110. The rotation axis of the cam structure 128 is connected to the outer frame 102. In some embodiments, the rotation axis of the cam structure 128 is parallel to the X direction. The cam structure 128 is configured to abut against the protrusions extending from the first gear housing 114 and the second gear housing 116, thereby applying force to the first gear 118 and the second gear 120. In some embodiments, the cam structure 128 is driven by an external motor (not shown).
[0070] The following will explain the actuation relationship between the first gear housing 114, the second gear housing 116, the elastic element 124, the elastic element 126 and the cam structure 128.
[0071] First, such as Figure 6A and Figure 7A As shown, in the first operating state, since the cam structure 128 abuts against the inner frame 110 with its higher profile point, the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 can mesh with each other and push the wire F. Specifically, in the first operating state, although the two elastic members 124 and 126 are in a stretched state, driving the inner frame 110 to rotate relative to the outer frame 102, the cam structure 128 abuts against the protrusions of the first gear receiving portion 114 and the second gear receiving portion 116 of the inner frame 110, thus preventing the inner frame 110 from rotating around the main shaft 112. In general, in the first operating state, since the cam structure 128 abuts against the protrusions of both the first gear receiving portion 114 and the second gear receiving portion 116, the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 can be maintained in a state of meshing to clamp and push the wire F.
[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 6B and Figure 7BAs shown, in the second operating state, since the cam structure 128, after rotation, rests against the inner frame 110 at its lower profile point, the rotating structure 104 can rotate freely, thereby enabling the switching of different wires F. Specifically, in the second operating state, since the cam structure 128 rests against the inner frame 110 at its lower profile point, the two elastic elements 124 and 126 can recover some of their deformation, applying force to the first gear receiving portion 114 and the second gear receiving portion 116 respectively. This causes the inner frame 110 to rotate around the main shaft 112 away from the rotating structure 104, thereby causing the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 to misalign and disengage. At this time, the first gear 118 and the second gear 120 can also disengage from the groove R and separate from the wire F. In this way, the rotating structure 104 can rotate freely, achieving the switching between different wires F without interfering with the extrusion mechanism 108.
[0073] Please return Figure 3 In some embodiments, the extrusion mechanism 108 further includes extensions 130 and 132 for clamping the hot end 106. Specifically, extensions 130 and 132 are respectively connected to the first gear receiving portion 114 and the second gear receiving portion 116 and extend downward to clamp the two sides of the hot end 106 located below the first gear 118 and the second gear 120.
[0074] In some embodiments, the extrusion module 10 further includes heaters 134 and 136, disposed on the extrusion mechanism 108, to heat the hot end 106. Specifically, heater 134 is disposed inside the extension 130 so as to directly contact the hot end 106 for heating while the extension 130 clamps the hot end 106. Similarly, heater 136 is disposed inside the extension 132. In some embodiments, heaters 134 and 136 can be contact heating elements, such as ceramic heating rods.
[0075] In some embodiments, the extrusion module 10 further includes temperature sensors 138 and 140, disposed on the extrusion mechanism 108 and in contact with the hot end 106 to sense the temperature of the hot end 106. Specifically, temperature sensor 138 is disposed inside the extension 130 and below the heater 134, so as to directly contact the hot end 106 for sensing while the extension 130 clamps the hot end 106. Similarly, temperature sensor 140 is disposed inside the extension 132 and below the heater 136. In some embodiments, temperature sensors 138 and 140 can be contact-type temperature sensing elements, such as thermistors.
[0076] Since the heating element and temperature sensing element are disposed on the extension 130 of the extrusion mechanism 108, different hot ends 106 can share the same set of heating elements and temperature sensing elements.
[0077] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the extrusion module 10 also includes a limiting member 142. (As illustrated...) Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the limiting member 142 is disposed on the outer frame 102 and connected to a portion of the inner frame 110. The limiting member 142 is configured to engage with the hot end 106 located below the first gear 118 and the second gear 120. Specifically, the limiting member 142 has an engaging portion 142a and a groove S. A portion of the inner frame 110 is located in the groove S. In the first operating state, as... Figure 8A As shown, the engaging portion 142a of the limiting member 142 engages with the hot end 106. In the second operating state, as... Figure 8B As shown, the inner frame 110 moves away from the rotating structure 104, causing the limiting member 142 to move away from the hot end 106, thereby releasing the engagement.
[0078] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the extrusion mechanism 108 is also equipped with a heat dissipation duct 144 to facilitate heat dissipation. Specifically, the heat dissipation duct 144 is connected to the inner frame 110. In the first operating state, as... Figure 6A As shown, the lower air duct opening of the heat dissipation duct 144 faces the nozzle of the hot end 106 to cool the molten wire F extruded from the nozzle. In the second operating state, as... Figure 6B As shown, the heat dissipation duct 144 moves away from the rotating structure 104 as the inner frame 110 moves away. At this time, the upper air duct opening of the heat dissipation duct 144 faces the hot end 106 to cool the heated hot end 106.
[0079] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the extrusion mechanism 108 is also equipped with a pressure sensor 146. The pressure sensor 146 is connected between the outer frame 102 and the inner frame 110. In the first operating state, the pressure sensor 146 can sense the pressure changes experienced by the drive unit 122. By tracking pressure changes, conditions such as blockage of the hot end 106, jamming of the wire F, depletion of the wire F, or malfunction of the drive unit 122 itself can be detected in a timely manner. In this way, error detection can be accelerated, and continued operation under abnormal conditions can be avoided, which would lead to waste of wire F or energy consumption. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 146 is a load cell (pressure sensing element).
[0080] The detailed description of specific embodiments of this disclosure above clearly shows that in the extrusion module of some embodiments of this disclosure, a pair of gears serves as the extrusion mechanism. Multiple hot ends corresponding to different filaments are arranged on a rotating structure. Through the coordinated operation of the cam structure and the elastic element, the position of the extrusion mechanism relative to the rotating structure and the opening and closing of the gears can be quickly adjusted, thereby switching the hot ends and filaments and avoiding interference, thus improving overall printing efficiency. At the same time, it can avoid the problem of color mixing or material residue caused by different filaments mixing in the same hot end, improving print quality. In addition, the extrusion mechanism can be equipped with a heater and a temperature sensor. When a hot end is selected, these components contact it and provide heating and temperature sensing functions. Therefore, it is not necessary to configure these components separately for each hot end, which can reduce the complexity of the module.
[0081] The foregoing description is merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to exhaustively describe or limit the precise forms of the novel inventions disclosed herein. The teachings above may be modified or varied. The scope of this disclosure is determined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing specification and the exemplary embodiments described therein.
Claims
1. An extrusion module, characterized in that, For use in a 3D printer, the extrusion module includes: Outer frame; A rotating structure having multiple through holes, each through hole being configured to allow wire to pass through, and the through holes being arranged about an axis; Multiple hot ends are disposed below the rotating structure, and each hot end is aligned with one of the through holes, thereby receiving the wire at each hot end; and An extrusion mechanism, disposed within the outer frame, includes: The inner frame includes a first gear storage section and a second gear storage section; and A first gear and a second gear are respectively disposed in the first gear storage portion and the second gear storage portion, wherein the first gear and the second gear are configured to mesh with each other and rotate in opposite directions to push the wire located between the first gear and the second gear.
2. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion mechanism has an extension for clamping each of the hot ends.
3. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes heaters, disposed on the extrusion mechanism, to heat each of the hot ends.
4. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor disposed on the extrusion mechanism and in contact with each of the hot ends.
5. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion mechanism is rotatably connected to the outer frame via the inner frame.
6. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes two elastic members that connect the first gear storage portion and the second gear storage portion to the outer frame, respectively. The two elastic members are configured to apply force to the first gear storage portion and the second gear storage portion, respectively.
7. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting member disposed on the outer frame, and the limiting member is configured to engage with each of the hot ends.
8. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cam structure disposed between the outer frame and the inner frame, and the cam structure is configured to apply force to the first gear and the second gear.
9. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drive unit configured to drive the first gear and the second gear.
10. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating structure has multiple grooves to accommodate portions of the first gear and portions of the second gear.