Extrusion module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an extrusion module. An extrusion module for a 3D printer includes an outer frame, a rotating structure, a plurality of hot ends, an idler gear and an extrusion gear. The rotating structure has a central shaft and a plurality of through holes. The rotating structure is rotatably connected to the outer frame by the central shaft. The through holes are arranged around the central shaft and configured to pass a wire. The hot ends are located below the rotating structure. Each hot end is aligned with one of the through holes, such that the hot end receives the wire. The idler gear is located in the rotating structure. The extrusion gear is located at one side of the rotating structure. The idler gear and the extrusion gear are configured to rotate towards each other to press and push the wire located between the idler gear and the extrusion gear. The extrusion module provided by the present disclosure can improve the overall printing efficiency and enhance the printing quality.

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 3D printer that uses fused deposition modeling (FDM), 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 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, an idler wheel, and an extrusion gear. The rotating structure has a central shaft and multiple through-holes. The rotating structure is rotatably connected to the outer frame via the central shaft. The through-holes are arranged around the central shaft and configured to allow filament to pass through. The hot ends are located below the rotating structure. Each hot end is aligned with one of the through-holes, thereby receiving filament. The idler wheel is located within the rotating structure. The extrusion gear is located on one side of the rotating structure. The idler wheel and the extrusion gear are configured to rotate in opposite directions to compress and push the filament located between the idler wheel and the extrusion gear.

[0007] In some embodiments, the outer frame has a connecting portion. The connecting portion extends from above the top of the rotating structure to below the bottom. The two ends of the connecting portion are respectively connected to the two ends of the central shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rotating structure has a heat insulation element located between two adjacent hot ends.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extrusion module is configured on a linear guide rail assembly, and the linear guide rail assembly has a protrusion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a rotating structure. The rotating structure connects the extrusion gear and the outer frame. When the extrusion module contacts the protrusion, the protrusion applies force to the rotating structure, thereby moving the extrusion gear away from the rotating structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a worm gear reducer. The worm gear reducer is located above the rotating structure and connected to the central shaft. The worm gear reducer is configured to rotate or lock the rotating structure.

[0012] In some implementations, the side of the rotating structure has multiple heat dissipation fins.

[0013] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a first fan and a first conduit connected to each other. The first fan and the first conduit are disposed on the outer frame. The first fan dissipates heat from the hot end through the first conduit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a fairing. The fairing is located below the rotating structure. The fairing has an arcuate surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extrusion module further includes a second fan and a second duct connected to each other. The second duct is located below the shroud. The second fan dissipates heat from the wire extruded from the hot end through the second duct.

[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] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of some components of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an extrusion module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Symbol Explanation

[0022] 10: Extrusion Module

[0023] 20: Linear guide rail assembly

[0024] 102: Outer Frame

[0025] 104: Rotating Structure

[0026] 106: Hot end

[0027] 108: Extrusion Mechanism

[0028] 110: Central axis

[0029] 112: Connecting part

[0030] 114: Thermal insulation components

[0031] 116: Heat dissipation fins

[0032] 118: Extruded gear

[0033] 120: Idle Gear

[0034] 122: Drive unit

[0035] 124: Worm Gear Reducer

[0036] 126: Rotational Structure

[0037] 126a: Fixed shaft

[0038] 126b: Rotary rod

[0039] 128: First Fan

[0040] 130: First Pipeline

[0041] 132: Fairing

[0042] 132a: Activities Department

[0043] 134: Second Fan

[0044] 136: Second Pipeline

[0045] 202: Slide rail

[0046] 204: Protrusion

[0047] BP: Bottom

[0048] F: Wire

[0049] H: Perforation

[0050] SP: Side

[0051] TP: Top

[0052] X, Y, Z: Direction Detailed Implementation

[0053] To provide a more detailed description of this disclosure, embodiments are described below in an illustrative manner, 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.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have their ordinary meanings, meanings that are understandable to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the definitions of the foregoing terms in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted in the context of this specification as meanings consistent with the relevant field of this disclosure. Unless specifically and explicitly defined, these terms will not be construed as having idealized or overly formal meanings.

[0055] As used herein, the words “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and similar terms indicate the features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components described herein, but do not exclude one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof described herein or additionally.

[0056] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "connected to" another element, it may be directly on or connected to the other element, or an intermediate element may also be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected to" another element, no intermediate element is present. As used in this disclosure, "connection" may refer to a physical and / or electrical connection. Furthermore, "electrical connection" or "coupling" may mean the presence of other elements between the two elements.

[0057] This disclosure aims to provide an extrusion module equipped with multiple hot ends and easy to switch between hot ends, which can be applied to fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 . Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an extrusion module 10 disposed on a linear guide rail assembly 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of some components of the extrusion module 10. Figure 4 This is a top view of the extrusion module 10 located on the linear guide rail assembly 20. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the extrusion module 10. The directions X, Y, and Z of the reference coordinates are shown in the figures.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the extrusion module 10 includes an outer frame 102, a rotating structure 104, a plurality of hot ends 106, and an extrusion mechanism 108. The rotating structure 104 and the extrusion mechanism 108 are connected to the outer frame 102. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the extrusion module 10 is configured on the slide rail 202 of the linear slide rail assembly 20 via the outer frame 102.

[0060] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image shows some components of the extrusion module 10. For clarity, Figure 2 A portion of the outer casing of the rotating structure 104 is omitted to show the configuration of the wire F located inside the rotating structure 104. Similarly, for clarity, Figure 3 A portion of the housing of the rotating structure 104, including the three hot ends 106 and the wires F it receives, is omitted to show the configuration of the idler wheel 120 inside the rotating structure 104 and the configuration of the first conduit 130 below the rotating structure 104.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rotating structure 104 is generally conical in shape. The rotating structure 104 has a central shaft 110. The rotating structure 104 is rotatably connected to the outer frame 102 via the central shaft 110.

[0062] The rotating structure 104 also has a plurality of through holes H. These through holes H are arranged around the central axis 110 and configured to allow wire F to pass through. After wire F passes through the through holes H, wire F is partially located inside the rotating structure 104.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the hot end 106 is located 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 the hot end 106 receives the wire F passing through the perforation H. In this way, different wires F pass through these hot ends 106, allowing the extrusion module 10 to simultaneously carry wires F of multiple colors or materials. By driving the rotating structure 104 to rotate relative to the extrusion mechanism 108 about the central axis 110, the hot end 106 rotates accordingly. The user can select one of the multiple hot ends 106 to switch to the desired wire F for operation with the extrusion mechanism 108, thus improving the operating efficiency of the extrusion module 10.

[0064] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer frame 102 has a connecting portion 112 extending from above the top TP of the rotating structure 104 to below the bottom BP. In other words, the connecting portion 112 can be approximately C-shaped. The two ends of the connecting portion 112 are respectively connected to the two ends of the central shaft 110, so that the rotating structure 104 can remain stable during rotation and will not deviate due to load changes.

[0065] It is worth noting that, since the two ends of the connecting portion 112 are respectively connected to the two ends of the central shaft 110, the hot end 106 is arranged along an arc shape rather than a complete circle to allow space for the connecting portion 112 to move, in order to prevent the connecting portion 112 from colliding with the hot end 106. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the four hot ends 106 are arranged equidistantly along a semicircle.

[0066] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the rotating structure 104 has a heat insulation element 114 located between two adjacent hot ends 106. This reduces heat transfer between adjacent hot ends 106, minimizes unnecessary heat loss, and concentrates heat more effectively at the nozzles of the hot ends 106, improving printing efficiency. In some embodiments, the heat insulation element 114 is a sheet material comprising thermally insulating material.

[0067] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the side SP of the rotating structure 104 has multiple heat dissipation fins 116. The heat dissipation fins 116 are used to increase the heat dissipation surface area and achieve the function of throat heat dissipation, thereby preventing the heat accumulated at the hot end 106 and the heated wire F from affecting adjacent components, reducing local heat accumulation, and preventing overheating from affecting the operation of the extrusion mechanism 108.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the extrusion mechanism 108 includes an extrusion gear 118, a plurality of idler gears 120, and a drive unit 122. The extrusion gear 118 is disposed on one side of the rotating structure 104. In some embodiments, the extrusion gear 118 is connected to a sun gear in a planetary gearbox. The idler gears 120 are disposed in the rotating structure 104. The idler gears 120 are arranged corresponding to wires F. For example, two idler gears 120 are disposed next to each wire F. The idler gears 120 and the extrusion gear 118 are configured to rotate in opposite directions to extrude and push the wire F located between the idler gears 120 and the extrusion gear 118. Figure 3 As shown, two idler wheels 120 correspond to the extrusion gear 118 and clamp the wire F.

[0069] Drive unit 122 is configured to drive extrusion gear 118 to rotate (e.g., along...) Figure 3 (in the direction of the arrow in the diagram), which in turn drives the two idler gears 120 to rotate. As the extrusion gear 118 rotates, the wire F is pushed downward toward the hot end 106 and heated and melted by the hot end 106. In some embodiments, the drive unit 122 includes a motor. For example, the drive unit 122 may be a motor coupled to a planetary gearbox.

[0070] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the extrusion module 10 also includes a worm gear reducer 124. The worm gear reducer 124 is located above the rotating structure 104 and connected to the central shaft 110. The worm gear reducer 124 is configured to rotate or lock the rotating structure 104. The worm gear reducer 124 has a self-locking function, which, through worm gear transmission, allows the rotating structure 104 to maintain a stable angle and prevents reverse rotation. In this way, during feeding, the worm gear reducer 124 ensures that the position of the rotating structure 104 and the hot end 106 is locked, preventing accidental displacement during printing and thus ensuring stability during long-term printing. Furthermore, during the switching of the hot ends 106, the worm gear reducer 124 ensures that each hot end 106 is positioned according to a preset position, avoiding misalignment that could affect subsequent printing accuracy.

[0071] When switching wire F, the extrusion gear 118 needs to separate from wire F to allow the rotating structure 104 to rotate freely to switch the hot end 106. To achieve this, the extrusion module 10 also includes a rotating structure 126, and the linear guide rail assembly 20 also has a protrusion 204 located at the end of the guide rail 202. When the extrusion module 10 contacts the protrusion 204, the protrusion 204 applies force to the rotating structure 126 of the extrusion module 10, thereby moving the extrusion gear 118 away from the rotating structure 104.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rotating structure 126 connects the extrusion gear 118 and the outer frame 102. For example, the rotating structure 126 has a fixed shaft 126a and a rotating rod 126b. The fixed shaft 126a is fixed to the outer frame 102. The rotating rod 126b is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft 126a and configured to rotate about the fixed shaft 126a. Simultaneously, the rotating rod 126b is connected to the extrusion gear 118.

[0073] When switching wire F, the extrusion module 10 moves toward the end of the slide rail 202, causing the end of the rotating rod 126b of the rotating structure 126 away from the extrusion gear 118 to contact the protrusion 204. As the extrusion module 10 continues to move toward the end of the slide rail 202, the protrusion 204 applies a force in the opposite direction (X) to the end of the rotating rod 126b away from the extrusion gear 118, causing the rotating rod 126b to rotate around the fixed shaft 126a. In this way, the other end of the rotating rod 126b connected to the extrusion gear 118 moves in the same direction (X), driving the extrusion gear 118 to move in the same direction (X), away from the rotating structure 104, and thus separating from the wire F.

[0074] Please return Figure 3 In some embodiments, the extrusion module 10 further includes a first fan 128 and a first duct 130. The first fan 128 and the first duct 130 are connected to each other and disposed on the outer frame 102. More specifically, the first fan 128 and the first duct 130 are disposed along the connection portion 112. The air outlet of the first duct 130 is configured to face the hot end 106 in operation. The first fan 128 exhausts air to the hot end 106 in operation through the first duct 130 for heat dissipation.

[0075] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the extrusion module 10 also includes a shroud 132. The shroud 132 is located below the rotating structure 104 and connected to the outer frame 102. The shroud 132 has an arcuate surface. The shroud 132 is equipped with a movable part 132a. The movable part 132a is movable relative to the rest of the shroud 132. The hot end 106 passes through the movable part 132a, positioning its nozzle below the movable part 132a. When switching the hot end 106, the movable part 132a rotates accordingly. In this way, during printing, the shroud 132 can act as a barrier to prevent dust, impurities, or molten residue from the filament F from adhering to the area around the nozzle, thereby reducing clogging and ensuring extrusion quality. At the same time, the arcuate surface design guides airflow, making the airflow more evenly distributed around the hot end 106, improving heat dissipation efficiency and avoiding localized overheating. Overall, this reduces maintenance frequency and the need to replace the hot end 106.

[0076] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the extrusion module 10 also includes two second fans 134 and two second pipes 136. Each second fan 134 is connected to a corresponding second pipe 136. The second pipes 136 are positioned below the shroud 132. The air outlets of the two second pipes 136 face each other. The second fans 134 dissipate heat from the wire F extruded from the hot end 106 through the second pipes 136. This utilizes the Coanda effect. (effect) The airflow output by the second fan 134 naturally flows along the curved surface of the shroud 132. When one of the second fans 134 is activated alone, the output airflow is a wide-range laminar flow, which provides stable and predictable heat dissipation performance, facilitating precise thermal management and avoiding localized overcooling or overheating, thereby ensuring stable extrusion of the molten filament F, especially suitable for high-precision printing. When both second fans 134 are activated simultaneously, the flow rate and direction of the converged airflow can be controlled by adjusting the airflow on both sides. This mode provides high flexibility, adjusting the airflow direction according to the heat dissipation requirements of different printing states. For example, when rapid cooling is required, the flow rate can be increased and the airflow concentrated to the nozzle to accelerate the solidification of the molten filament F. When gentle cooling is required, the airflow can be adjusted to ensure uniform airflow distribution, avoiding a decrease in interlayer adhesion between the deposited layers due to excessively rapid cooling.

[0077] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments of this disclosure above, it is evident that in the extrusion module of some embodiments of this disclosure, by arranging multiple hot ends corresponding to different filaments on a rotating structure, the hot ends and filaments can be switched quickly, improving overall printing efficiency. Simultaneously, it avoids the problem of color mixing or material residue caused by different filaments mixing in the same hot end, thus improving print quality.

[0078] The foregoing description is only for illustrating and describing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to exhaustively describe or limit the precise forms of the novel features disclosed herein. The above teachings may be modified or varied.

[0079] The selected and illustrated embodiments are intended to explain the content of this disclosure and their practical application, thereby inspiring those skilled in the art to utilize this disclosure and various embodiments, and to make various modifications to suit a particular intended use. Alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is determined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.

Claims

1. An extrusion module for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The extrusion module includes: Outer frame; A rotating structure having a central shaft and a plurality of through holes, the rotating structure being rotatably connected to the outer frame via the central shaft, the through holes being arranged and configured around the central shaft to allow wires to pass through; Multiple hot ends are located below the rotating structure, each hot end being aligned with one of the through holes, thereby receiving the wire at the hot end; An idler wheel, located in the rotating structure; and An extrusion gear is located on one side of the rotating structure. The idler wheel and the extrusion gear are configured to rotate in opposite directions to squeeze and push the wire located between the idler wheel and the extrusion gear.

2. The extrusion module of claim 1, wherein, The outer frame has a connecting portion extending from the top of the rotating structure to the bottom, and the two ends of the connecting portion are respectively connected to the two ends of the central shaft.

3. The extrusion module of claim 1, wherein, The rotating structure has a heat insulation element located between two adjacent hot ends.

4. The extrusion module of claim 1, wherein, The extrusion module is configured on a linear guide rail assembly, and the linear guide rail assembly has a protrusion.

5. The extrusion module of claim 4, wherein, It also includes a rotating structure that connects the extrusion gear and the outer frame. When the extrusion module contacts the protrusion, the protrusion applies force to the rotating structure, thereby moving the extrusion gear away from the rotating structure.

6. The extrusion module of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a worm gear reducer located above the rotating structure and connected to the central shaft, the worm gear reducer being configured to rotate or lock the rotating structure.

7. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating structure has multiple heat dissipation fins on its side.

8. The extrusion module of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a first fan and a first duct connected to each other, disposed on the outer frame, wherein the first fan dissipates heat from the hot end through the first duct.

9. The extrusion module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fairing located below the rotating structure, and the fairing has an arcuate surface.

10. The extrusion module of claim 9, wherein, It also includes a second fan and a second duct connected to each other, wherein the second duct is located below the shroud, and the second fan dissipates heat from the wire extruded from the hot end through the second duct.

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