3D Printer Head Nozzle

Abstract

This invention aims to provide a 3D printer nozzle, mounted on the heating module of the print head, comprising a nozzle cap and at least two blocks. One side of each block has a slot, and the other side has a retaining strip. The blocks also have arc-shaped grooves. The slots and retaining strips engage to form a single unit, while the arc-shaped grooves together create a material channel. The unit is screwed to the heating module, and the nozzle cap is screwed to the unit. The nozzle cap has a spray hole that communicates with the material channel. This allows for rapid cleaning of residual material within the unit, improving printing efficiency and reducing printing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular to a 3D printing head nozzle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, it has been widely applied in various fields such as industrial manufacturing, aerospace, medical and health, consumer electronics, and education due to its advantages such as personalized customization, complex structure molding, and relatively high material utilization. Among them, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most mature and popular 3D printing technologies. Its core working principle is to heat thermoplastic materials (such as PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.) to a molten state through an extruder head, and then build up the molten material layer by layer according to a preset printing path to finally form a three-dimensional solid model. The nozzle in the extruder head is a key component for material extrusion, and its performance directly determines the printing accuracy, molding quality, and printing efficiency, making it one of the core components of the printer. Currently, most mainstream 3D printer extruder nozzles on the market adopt a one-piece metal structure (such as brass, stainless steel, hardened steel, etc.), which has an axially penetrating material channel inside. One end of this channel is connected to the feeding mechanism of the extruder, and the other end forms a nozzle for the molten material to flow out. During the printing process, the nozzle is maintained at a specific temperature by the heating module (usually matching the melting temperature of the material used, generally between 180℃ and 220℃) to ensure that the thermoplastic material remains in a molten and flowing state within the channel, thus allowing for successful extrusion molding.

[0003] However, existing 3D printer nozzles have the following shortcomings in practical use: First, due to the "cooling and solidifying" characteristic of thermoplastic materials, after each print, the residual material that is not completely extruded from the nozzle gradually hardens as the nozzle temperature naturally decreases. This hardened residue blocks the material channels, requiring the nozzle to be preheated (usually 3-10 minutes) before the next print to allow the residual material to remelt and be extruded; otherwise, it will clog the channels and cause print failure. This process prolongs the printing cycle and significantly reduces equipment efficiency. Second, when changing to different colors of printing material, the hardened old color material remaining in the nozzle mixes with the new color material after preheating and melting. To avoid color mixing in the finished product, a large amount of new color material (usually 5-20 ml) is needed to flush away the old color residue from the nozzle. This cleaning material cannot be used for printing, resulting in serious waste and increased printing costs, especially for high-priced specialty color materials. In view of this, the 3D printer nozzle proposed in this application is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a 3D printing head nozzle that can be modularly disassembled to facilitate quick cleaning of residual material inside the nozzle, thereby improving printing efficiency and reducing printing costs.

[0005] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: A 3D printer nozzle, mounted on the heating module of the printer head, includes: The device includes a nozzle cap and at least two blocks. One side of each block has a slot, and the other side has a retaining strip. The blocks also have arc-shaped grooves. The slots and retaining strips engage with each other to form a single unit, and the arc-shaped grooves together form a material channel. The unit is screwed onto the heating module, and the nozzle cap is screwed onto the unit. The nozzle cap has a spray hole that communicates with the material channel.

[0006] Optionally, the block is provided with an upper boss and a lower boss, which are respectively provided on the upper and lower end faces of the block. The upper boss is connected to the heating module, and the lower boss is connected to the nozzle cap.

[0007] Optionally, threads are provided on the outer side walls of both the upper boss and the lower boss.

[0008] Optionally, the nozzle cap is provided with a circular groove, which is screwed to each of the lower bosses, and the spray hole is opened in the circular groove.

[0009] Optionally, the nozzle has a tapered orifice structure.

[0010] Optionally, the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove is provided with a plurality of half-grooves, and the half-grooves are distributed at intervals.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages: This utility model's 3D printer head nozzle adopts a modular block design. The blocks are connected by slots and strips to form a base. During disassembly, each block can be separated to quickly clean hardened residual material in the material channel without consuming a large amount of new material for rinsing, thus improving printing efficiency and reducing printing costs. The blocks have upper and lower bosses, and the outer walls have threads. After being screwed to the heating module and nozzle cap, the blocks can be prevented from detaching, improving the overall stability of the base. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove has spaced semi-circular grooves, which increases the inner wall area of ​​the material channel, improves heating efficiency, and reduces the energy consumption of the heating module. The nozzle cap spray hole has a conical structure. Combined with the modular design, it further optimizes the cleaning effect, ensures the quality of secondary printing, and combines practicality and economy. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the 3D printing head nozzle mounting position according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing head nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the nozzle of a 3D printing head according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 An exploded structural diagram showing the location of the lower boss in one embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the nozzle of a 3D printing head according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure of part A in the diagram; Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the exploded structure of the nozzle of a 3D printing head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. 3D printer head nozzle; 10. Heating module; 20. Nozzle cap; 200. Circular groove; 201. Spray hole; 21. Block; 210. Slot; 211. Slot strip; 212. Arc groove; 2120. Half groove; 213. Upper boss; 214. Lower boss; 22. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more comprehensive description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of this utility model.

[0016] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0017] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0018] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0019] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in one embodiment, a 3D printing head nozzle 1 is installed on the heating module 10 of the printing head, including a nozzle cap 20 and at least two blocks 21. A slot 210 is provided on one side of the block 21, and a retaining strip 211 is provided on the other side of the block 21. An arc-shaped groove 212 is also provided on the block 21. The slot 210 and the retaining strip 211 are engaged so that the blocks 21 together form a body 22, and the arc-shaped grooves 212 together form a material channel. The body 22 is screwed onto the heating module 10, and the nozzle cap 20 is screwed onto the body 22. The nozzle cap 20 has a spray hole 201, and the spray hole 201 is connected to the material channel.

[0020] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, a slot 210 is provided on one side of the block 21, and a strip 211 is provided on the other side of the block 21 adjacent to it; there are three blocks 21, and the slots 210 and strips 211 on each block 21 are sequentially and precisely engaged to form a cone-shaped base 22; in order to increase the stability of the blocks 21 after they are engaged with each other, a slot 210 and a strip 211 are provided on one side of the block 21, and a slot 210 and a strip 211 are also provided on the other side. Specifically, a strip 211 is provided on one side of the block 21 near the included angle, and a slot 210 is provided on the other side away from the included angle; a slot 210 is provided on the other side of the block 21 near the included angle, and a strip 211 is provided on the other side away from the included angle. For ease of description, the three blocks 21 are defined as the first block, the second block, and the third block, respectively. A slot 210 and a strip 211 on one side of the first block engage with a strip 211 and a slot 210 on the second block. Then, a slot 210 and a strip 211 on the side of the first block away from the second block engage with a strip 211 and a slot 210 on the third block. Similarly, a strip 211 and a slot 210 on the side of the second block away from the first block engage with a slot 210 and a strip 211 on the third block. This together forms a conical base 22. Furthermore, the strips 211 and slots 210 on each block 21 are arranged / opened in the vertical direction, allowing each block 21 to engage or disengage in the vertical direction.

[0021] It should be noted that an arc-shaped groove 212 is also provided at the included angle of the block 21. The arc-shaped groove 212 is oriented in the same direction as the slot 210. When the blocks 21 are interlocked to form the seat 22, the arc-shaped grooves 212 together form a material channel, and the material channel coincides with the axis of the seat 22. Furthermore, the upper end of the seat 22 is screwed to the heating module 10 so that the seat 22 can be fixed on the heating module 10, and the heat generated on the heating module 10 can be conducted to the seat 22. The nozzle cap 20 is screwed to the lower end of the seat 22; the blocks 21 and the nozzle cap 20 are made of brass with high thermal conductivity to improve the heating effect.

[0022] It should be noted that after the printing material remaining in the material channel hardens, the seat 22 can be removed from the heating module 10, and the nozzle cap 20 screwed to the lower end of the seat 22 can be removed. Then, each seat 22 can be disassembled into a block 21 in the vertical direction, so that the material channel is divided into arc-shaped grooves 212. In this way, the printing material remaining in the material channel can be quickly removed, avoiding the need to preheat and use new material to squeeze out the residual material to achieve the removal effect in the next printing. The 3D printing head nozzle 1 of this application, through its modular design, allows the material channel to be opened, enabling rapid cleaning of hardened residual material. This also ensures that the residual material is removed in a blocky structure, allowing residual material in the crevices to be carried out. Compared to residual material that has softened after heating, new material is less likely to squeeze out the residual material in the crevices. As a result, during the second printing, the extruded new material will be mixed with residual material, affecting the quality of the second printing. Moreover, in the process of extruding the softened residual material with new material, several times more new material is often needed to flush it out, which leads to the consumption of more new material and further increases the printing cost.

[0023] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the block 21 is provided with an upper boss 213 and a lower boss 214. The upper boss 213 and the lower boss 214 are respectively provided on the upper and lower end faces of the block 21. The upper boss 213 is connected to the heating module 10, and the lower boss 214 is connected to the nozzle cap 20.

[0024] It should be noted that the upper boss 213 and the lower boss 214 are arc-shaped structures. When the blocks 21 are interlocked to form the seat 22, the upper bosses 213 together form an upper protrusion, and the lower bosses 214 together form a lower protrusion. The arc-shaped groove 212 extends to the end of the upper boss 213 away from the block 21, thereby extending the material channel to the end of the upper protrusion away from the block 21. The upper protrusion is screwed to the heating module 10, and the nozzle cap 20 is screwed to the lower protrusion.

[0025] like Figures 2 to 4 , Figures 6 to 7 As shown, in one embodiment, threads are provided on the outer side walls of both the upper boss 213 and the lower boss 214.

[0026] It should be noted that the upper protrusion can be screwed to the heating module 10, and the lower protrusion can be screwed to the nozzle cap 20. Furthermore, when the upper protrusion is screwed to the heating module 10, it simultaneously prevents the blocks 21 from detaching along the vertical direction, thus making the base 22 more stable. Furthermore, the nozzle cap 20 is screwed to the lower protrusion, so that the upper and lower ends of the base 22 are respectively screwed to the heating module 10 and the nozzle cap 20, allowing the heating module 10 and the nozzle cap 20 to clamp the vertical ends of the base 22, further increasing the stability of the base 22.

[0027] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a circular groove 200 is provided on the nozzle cap 20, and the circular groove 200 is screwed to each of the lower bosses 214, and the spray hole 201 is opened in the circular groove 200.

[0028] It should be noted that the nozzle cap 20 tends to be conical; the circular groove 200 is formed on the end face of the nozzle cap 20 with the largest diameter; the inner sidewall of the circular groove 200 is provided with threads, and the outer sidewall of the lower protrusion is also provided with threads, so that the nozzle cap 20 can be screwed onto the lower protrusion. The spray hole 201 is coaxially formed on the inner bottom wall of the circular groove 200, and the spray hole 201 penetrates the inner bottom wall of the circular groove 200 and the end face of the nozzle cap 20 away from the lower protrusion. When the nozzle cap 20 is screwed onto the lower protrusion, the spray hole 201 is connected to the material channel.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the nozzle 201 has a conical nozzle structure.

[0030] It should be noted that the diameter of the nozzle 201 at the end near the bottom wall of the circular groove 200 is larger than the diameter at the end away from the bottom wall of the circular groove 200, making the nozzle 201 a conical hole structure. Specifically, since the material channel is connected to the nozzle 201, the material remaining in the material channel and nozzle 201 will harden into a single structure. When the nozzle cap 20 rotates relative to the lower protrusion to disengage from the screw connection, the residual material in the material channel will pull the residual material in the nozzle 201 (tending towards a demolding state). Then, the base 22 will rotate to disengage from the heating module 10 screw connection. At this time, each block 21 can be slid along the axial direction for disassembly, thereby dividing the material channel into arc-shaped grooves 212. In this way, the material remaining in the base 22 and nozzle cap 20 can be quickly removed, thereby improving printing efficiency and reducing printing costs.

[0031] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, in one embodiment, a plurality of half-grooves 2120 are provided on the inner sidewall of the arc-shaped groove 212, and the half-grooves 2120 are distributed at intervals.

[0032] It should be noted that the two ends of each half-groove 2120 are respectively connected to the opposite ends of the upper boss 213 and the lower boss 214, and each half-groove 2120 is distributed at equal intervals, so that the cross-section of the arc-shaped groove 212 has a wave-shaped structure; thus, when each arc-shaped groove 212 forms a material channel, the area of ​​the inner sidewall of the material channel increases, thereby increasing the heating efficiency of the seat 22 and reducing the heating power of the heating module 10.

[0033] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printing head nozzle, mounted on the heating module of the printing head, characterized in that, include: The device includes a nozzle cap and at least two blocks. One side of each block has a slot, and the other side has a retaining strip. The blocks also have arc-shaped grooves. The slots and retaining strips engage with each other to form a single unit, and the arc-shaped grooves together form a material channel. The unit is screwed onto the heating module, and the nozzle cap is screwed onto the unit. The nozzle cap has a spray hole that communicates with the material channel.

2. The 3D printing head nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The block is provided with an upper boss and a lower boss, which are respectively provided on the upper and lower end faces of the block. The upper boss is connected to the heating module, and the lower boss is connected to the nozzle cap.

3. The 3D printing head nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the upper boss and the lower boss have threads on their outer side walls.

4. The 3D printing head nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The nozzle cap is provided with a circular groove, which is screwed to each of the lower bosses, and the spray hole is opened in the circular groove.

5. The 3D printing head nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The nozzle has a tapered orifice structure.

6. The 3D printing head nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove is provided with a number of half-grooves, and the half-grooves are distributed at intervals.

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