Printing mechanism and additive manufacturing apparatus applying the same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a printing mechanism, which comprises a housing, a plurality of material changing parts and at least one nozzle body. The housing comprises a body and a plurality of preheating parts arranged on the body. The body is provided with a plurality of material supply positions, and each material supply position is provided with one preheating part. The material changing part is detachably arranged on the material supply position, and the preheating part is configured to heat the material changing part. The nozzle body is configured to move to one material changing part and connect the preheated material changing part. In addition, the present application also provides an additive manufacturing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, and more particularly to a printing mechanism and additive manufacturing equipment using the same. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of 3D printing, the feeding efficiency of the printhead directly affects the entire printing process. Currently, common 3D printing feeding systems have many shortcomings. When the printhead needs filament replacement, the temperature of the new feed part differs significantly from the printhead's operating temperature. The printhead needs to consume a lot of time and energy to heat the filament in the feed part to the appropriate melting temperature. This results in a long waiting time during the printing process. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the problems in the prior art, embodiments of this application provide a printing mechanism.

[0004] Additionally, this application also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus.

[0005] This application provides a printing mechanism, including a housing, multiple material changing sections, and at least one printhead body. The housing includes a main body and multiple preheating sections disposed on the main body. The main body has multiple material feeding positions, each of which has one preheating section. Each material changing section is detachably disposed on a material feeding position, and the preheating section is configured to heat the material changing section. The printhead body is configured to move towards one of the material changing sections and connect to the preheated material changing section.

[0006] In some possible implementations, the printing mechanism further includes a movable support, which includes a first movable rod and a second movable rod connected to the first movable rod, the second movable rod being configured to move relative to the first movable rod, the first movable rod being disposed on the body, and the printhead body being movably disposed on the second movable rod.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the printing mechanism further includes a control unit electrically connected to the movable support, the preheating unit, and the printhead body. The control unit is configured to control the preheating unit to heat the material changing unit and to control the relative positions of the first movable rod, the second movable rod, and the printhead body such that the printhead connects to the preheated material changing unit.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the preheating section includes a heating element and a temperature sensor, the heating element being configured to generate heat to heat the material changing section, and the temperature sensor being configured to monitor the actual temperature of the material changing section.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the control unit is electrically connected to the heating element and the temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to transmit actual temperature information to the control unit, and the control unit starting and stopping the heating element based on a preset temperature and the actual temperature information.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the refill unit includes a first mounting base, a heating section, and a heat dissipation section connected between the first mounting base and the heating section. The first mounting base is configured to pull consumables into the heating section, the heating section is configured to heat the consumables, and the heat dissipation section is configured to prevent heat from being directed from the heating section to the first mounting base.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the first mounting base has an accommodating space, the heat sink is connected to one end of the mounting base, the heat sink includes a heat-conducting body and a plurality of heat sinks connected to the heat-conducting body, one end of the heat-conducting body is connected to the mounting base, the other end of the heat-conducting body is configured to connect to a heat-receiving body, the plurality of heat sinks are spaced apart from the heat-conducting body, the heat-conducting body is provided with a feeding channel, and the feeding channel communicates with the accommodating space.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the connection direction from one end of the heat-conducting body to the first mounting base is defined as the heat-conducting direction, and a plurality of heat sinks are spaced apart on the heat-conducting body along the heat-conducting direction, with each heat sink extending perpendicular to the heat-conducting direction.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the first mounting base is further provided with a first heat dissipation space, which is located at the end of the accommodating space away from the heat sink, and a feeding channel is provided between the first heat dissipation space and the accommodating space.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the first mounting base includes a top plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, and a first partition. The first side plate and the second side plate are disposed at intervals relative to each other. The top plate is connected between the first side plate and the second side plate to form a receiving space. The first partition is disposed in the receiving space along a direction perpendicular to the heat conduction direction. The first partition, the top plate, a portion of the first side plate, and a portion of the second side plate surround to form the first heat dissipation space.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the first mounting base further includes a second partition, which is disposed in the receiving space along the heat conduction direction. One end of the second partition is connected to the first partition, and the other end is connected to the heat conduction body. The second partition, a portion of the first partition, and a portion of the first side plate surround the receiving space, and the second partition, another portion of the first partition, and a portion of the second side plate surround the second heat dissipation space.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the first mounting base further includes a third partition, which is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the first partition in the second heat dissipation space. One end of the third partition is connected to the second side plate, and the other end is connected to the second partition.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the mounting base and the heat sink are integrally formed.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the housing further includes an electromagnet located at the feeding position, and the material changing part further includes a permanent magnet located on one side of the first mounting base. The electromagnet is configured to attract or repel the permanent magnet, and the control unit is electrically connected to the electromagnet.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the nozzle body includes a second mounting base and an extrusion assembly disposed on the second mounting base. The second mounting base is movably disposed on the second movable rod. The extrusion assembly is drively connected to the first mounting base and is configured to drive the consumable into the heated portion.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first mounting base is provided with a traction assembly for pulling the consumable into the heated part, and the extrusion assembly is drive-connected to the traction assembly.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the extrusion assembly includes a drive wheel, the traction assembly includes a driven wheel, and the drive wheel is drively connected to the drive wheel.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the driving wheel includes a plurality of first teeth distributed along a direction perpendicular to the driving wheel axis, and the driven wheel includes a plurality of second teeth distributed along a direction perpendicular to the driven wheel axis. When the driving wheel and the driven wheel are engaged, the first teeth and the second teeth alternately mesh to achieve torque transmission between the extrusion assembly and the traction assembly.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the outer circumferential surface of the driving wheel is machined with an external spline groove, and the inner circumferential surface of the driven wheel is machined with an internal spline groove that matches the external spline groove. When the driving wheel and the driven wheel are connected, the external spline groove and the internal spline groove mesh with each other, so as to realize the torque transmission between the extrusion assembly and the traction assembly in a multi-tooth simultaneous force transmission manner.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the driving wheel is provided with an axial keyway, and the driven wheel is provided with a keyway that matches the axial keyway. When mating, a flat key is embedded between the axial keyway and the keyway, so that the side of the flat key fits against the side wall of the axial keyway and the keyway, thereby achieving a rigid connection between the driving wheel and the driven wheel.

[0025] In some possible implementations, a first magnetic element is provided at one end of the driving wheel, and a second magnetic element corresponding to the first magnetic element is provided at one end of the driven wheel. When the driving wheel and the driven wheel are connected, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element achieve torque transmission through magnetic field coupling.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the material changing unit further includes a first magnetic suction member disposed on the other side of the mounting base, and the nozzle body further includes a second magnetic suction member disposed on the second mounting base, wherein the first magnetic suction member is configured to attract the second magnetic suction member.

[0027] An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a molding platform and a printing mechanism as described above, the printing mechanism being configured to move relative to the molding platform along a preset path and to perform additive manufacturing on the molding platform.

[0028] The printing mechanism provided in this application has multiple preheating sections in the housing, which can be used to preheat the material changing section, thereby shortening the heating time of the printhead body on the material changing section and improving printing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an additive manufacturing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the multiple material changing sections of the additive manufacturing equipment after they have been separated from the housing.

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection relationship between the control unit, preheating unit, nozzle body, movable support, and electromagnet of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0032] Figure 4for Figure 1 The diagram shows the nozzle body and a material changing section of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the nozzle body of the additive manufacturing equipment and a material changing section from another angle.

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the drive wheel and driven wheel transmission connection of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission connection between a driving wheel and a driven wheel provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another transmission connection between the driving wheel and the driven wheel, provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another transmission connection between the driving wheel and the driven wheel provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 10 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the material changing section.

[0039] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the material changing section from another angle.

[0040] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the material changing section along line VV is shown.

[0041] Explanation of main component symbols Printing facility 100 Casing 10 Body 11 Feeding position 111 Electromagnet 112 Preheating section 12 Heating element 121 Temperature sensor 122 Material changing department 20 First mounting base 21 Storage space 211 Top plate 212 First side panel 213 Second side panel 214 First partition 215 Second partition 216 Third partition 217 Heated section 22 Heat dissipation section 23 Thermally conductive body 231 Feeding channel 231a Heatsink 232 Traction component 24 Driven wheel 241 Roller set 242 Permanent magnet 25 First magnetic component 26 30 movable bracket First movable lever 31 Second movable lever 32 First drive motor 33 Second drive motor 34 Sprayer body 40 Second mounting bracket 41 Extrusion component 42 Driver 421 Drive wheel 422 Second magnetic component 43 Control Unit 50 Fan 51 Temperature sensor 60 Additive manufacturing equipment 200 Molding platform 201 Drive wheel 422 Driven wheel 241 First tooth 1011 Second tooth 1021 External spline groove 1012 Internal spline groove 1022 Axial keyway 1013 Flat key 1015 First magnetic component 1014 Second magnetic component 1024 Matching key slot 1023 The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings for a more complete description of the present application. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present application. However, the present application may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. These exemplary embodiments are provided to make the present application thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present application. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when used herein, “comprising” and / or “including” and / or “having,” integers, steps, operations, components, and / or components, but without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Furthermore, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant technology and in the content of this application, and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 This application provides an additive manufacturing apparatus 200 according to one embodiment. The additive manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a printing mechanism 100 and a forming platform 201. The printing mechanism 100 is used to select the required consumable 300 and move relative to the forming platform 201 along a preset path to perform additive manufacturing on the forming platform 201. Specifically, the additive manufacturing apparatus 200 includes one of a fused deposition modeling 3D printer, a stereolithography 3D printer, a selective laser sintering 3D printer, and a digital light processing 3D printer. The consumable 300 can be one of plastic filament, liquid photosensitive resin, a mixture of metal powder and binder. This embodiment of the additive manufacturing apparatus 200 is described using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer as an example, with plastic filament as the consumable 300.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 100 includes a housing 10, multiple material changing sections 20, a movable support 30, and at least one printhead body 40. The multiple material changing sections 20, the movable support 30, and the printhead body 40 are all housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides overall structural support and spatial separation for the printing mechanism 100, effectively reducing the impact of external ambient temperature and dust on the printing process, while also better controlling the internal temperature distribution and improving print quality.

[0045] The housing 10 includes a main body 11 and a plurality of preheating sections 12 disposed on the main body 11. The main body 11 has a plurality of feeding positions 111 arranged side-by-side. Each feeding position 111 is detachably equipped with a material changing section 20. Each material changing section 20 is used to hold a consumable 300. This allows for rapid switching between multiple materials on the same printer. For example, in the same project, both flexible materials may be needed for shock-absorbing structures, and high-hardness materials may be needed for housing components.

[0046] Each feeding station 111 is equipped with a preheating section 12. The preheating section 12 is used to heat the material changing section 20 located at the feeding station 111. The number and power of the preheating sections 12 can be configured appropriately according to printing requirements. If multiple materials need to be changed frequently, the preheating power can be increased or more preheating sections can be added to reduce waiting time and improve overall printing efficiency. At the same time, the preheating section 12 preheats the material changing section 20, which can also reduce the risk of local overheating caused by concentrated heating of the printhead body.

[0047] A movable support 30 is mounted on the main body 11, and the printhead body 40 is movably mounted on the movable support 30. The movable support 30 is used to move the printhead body 40, allowing it to move towards and connect to a preheated material changing section 20. Simultaneously, the movable support 30 can also move the printhead body 40 and the preheated material changing section 20 relative to the forming platform 201. The printhead body 40 heats and melts the consumable material 300, extrudes the molten material 300, and cools it after it falls onto the forming platform 201 to achieve additive manufacturing. The movement of the movable support 30 can be multi-axis linkage, or a two-axis or three-axis mechanical structure can be used depending on cost or precision requirements. In traditional printing mechanisms, after the printhead body 40 is replaced with new material, it needs to heat the new consumable material area itself, which takes time. However, the preheating section 12 can preheat the material changing section 20, so after the printhead body 40 is connected, only a small amount of additional heating is needed to reach the melting temperature, significantly accelerating the material changing process.

[0048] In multi-material printing scenarios, various materials may have different melting temperatures. The preheating unit 12 can precisely preheat according to the set temperature threshold of different materials, reducing temperature difference shocks and minimizing extrusion difficulties caused by uneven secondary heating of consumables. In addition, the presence of the preheating unit 12 is particularly important if frequent switching between high-temperature materials and ordinary materials is required. It can prevent excessive thermal shock to local areas of the printhead caused by high-temperature materials and also prevent ordinary materials from being over-carbonized at high temperatures, thus extending the life of the printhead and transmission components.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 100 also includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the movable support 30, the preheating unit 12, and the printhead body 40. The control unit 50 controls the preheating unit 12 to heat the material changing unit 20, and controls the relative position of the movable support 30 and the printhead body 40, so that the printhead connects to the preheated material changing unit 20. The control unit 50 includes a processor, a memory, and a communication module. The processor is used for data processing and instruction execution, and can precisely control the preheating unit 12, the movable support 30, and the printhead body 40 according to a preset program and received information. The memory is used to store relevant control programs, operating data, and preset parameters, so that the processor can access them at any time. The communication module is used to interact with external devices or systems, and can receive external instructions and provide feedback on the operating status of the printing mechanism 100. In some embodiments, the processor can also integrate temperature control algorithms, motion trajectory planning algorithms, and multi-material management algorithms; in complex tasks, the processor needs to have both high-speed computing and multi-threaded scheduling capabilities. In addition to storing preset control programs, the memory can also retain printing history logs, error messages, and material temperature curves, facilitating subsequent analysis and fault diagnosis. The communication module may also include a wired interface (such as USB, RJ45) or a wireless interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) for receiving remote task commands or exchanging data with a cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and distributed printing management. The control unit 50 can also dynamically schedule operations based on the real-time position information of the movable support 30 and the printhead body 40. For example, when it is detected that a material changing section 20 has reached the preheating completion state and the current material usage is approaching a shortage, the system can automatically schedule the printhead body 40 to dock, improving resource utilization. In this embodiment, the preheating section 12 includes a heating element 121 and a temperature sensor 122. The heating element 121 is configured to generate heat to heat the material changing section 20. The temperature sensor 122 is configured to monitor the actual temperature of the material changing section 20. Specifically, the heating element 121 can be one of a resistance wire, a ceramic heating plate, or an infrared heating tube. The temperature sensor 122 can be one of a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), or a thermistor. Specifically, the selection of the heating element 121 needs to comprehensively consider power density, thermal inertia, and the heat resistance of the material. Resistance wire can be used for heating needs in most cases, while ceramic heating elements have the characteristics of rapid heating and uniform temperature, and infrared heating tubes are more suitable for applications requiring radiant heating.

[0050] During operation, the control unit 50 sends a heating signal to a preheating section 12 according to a preset heating strategy and temperature threshold. Upon receiving the command from the control unit 50, the heating element 121 begins operation, generating heat through the thermal effect of current and thermal radiation. This heat is transferred to the corresponding material changing section 20, raising its temperature. The temperature sensor 122 monitors the temperature changes in the material changing section 20 and converts the detected temperature data into an electrical signal, feeding it back to the control unit 50. When the actual temperature reported by the temperature sensor 122 reaches the upper limit of the preset temperature threshold of the control unit 50, the control unit 50 issues a command to stop the heating element 121 or reduce its power. When the temperature falls below the lower limit of the preset temperature threshold, the control unit 50 restarts the heating element 121 or increases its power. This cycle repeats, achieving accurate control of the preheating temperature of the material changing section 20. This ensures that the material changing section 20 is always maintained within the optimal temperature range suitable for the printhead body 40 to perform material changing operations and for the consumable 300 to melt, thus improving printing efficiency and ensuring print quality.

[0051] In some implementations, the positioning and installation method of the temperature sensor 122 can also affect the accuracy and response speed of temperature measurement. If a thermocouple is used, a tight contact should be ensured, and a shielded wire should be used to reduce temperature measurement deviations caused by electromagnetic interference.

[0052] In addition, the material exchange section 20 may have uneven temperature distribution due to internal material residue or structural differences, so the temperature sensor 122 can be configured with a multi-point temperature measurement scheme to obtain more accurate heat distribution data.

[0053] In addition, in practical applications, a cooling fan or radiator can be added to the preheating section 12 to quickly remove excess heat in case of overheating, thereby preventing excessive temperature surges that could damage materials or components. Please see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the movable support 30 includes a first movable rod 31 and a second movable rod 32 connected to the first movable rod 31. The second movable rod 32 is movably connected to the first movable rod 31, and the first movable rod 31 is disposed on the body 11. The first movable rod 31 is vertically connected to the second movable rod 32, and a first drive motor 33 is disposed between the first movable rod 31 and the second movable rod 32. The first drive motor 33 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. A second drive motor 34 is disposed between the material changing part 20 and the second movable rod 32, and the second drive motor 34 is electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0054] In practice, after the preheating unit 12 completes heating of the material changing unit 20, the control unit 50 sends drive commands to the first drive motor 33 and / or the second drive motor 34 based on a preset motion trajectory algorithm and position information. The preset motion trajectory algorithm comprehensively considers factors such as the position of the material changing unit 20, the initial position of the nozzle body 40, and the mechanical structural characteristics of the movable support 30 to calculate the motion paths of the first movable rod 31 and the second movable rod 32 required to dock the nozzle body 40 with the material changing unit 20. The position information is fed back to the control unit 50 in real time through sensors installed on the movable support 30, the nozzle body 40, and the material changing unit 20 to ensure the accuracy of the commands.

[0055] Upon receiving a drive command, the first drive motor 33 drives the first movable rod 31 to rotate or translate accordingly, changing the position of the second movable rod 32 and the printhead body 40 in space. Simultaneously, the second drive motor 34 also drives the second movable rod 32 to move relative to the first movable rod 31, such as through extension, retraction, or rotation. The first drive motor 33 and the second drive motor 34 cooperate and work together to move the printhead body 40 towards the preheated material changing section 20, whereupon the printhead body 40 connects to the material changing section 20. This achieves precise docking between the printhead body 40 and the preheated material changing section 20, preparing for subsequent heating and melting of the consumable 300 and printing, improving the automation and accuracy of the material changing process, and reducing manual intervention and malfunctions or printing quality issues caused by inaccurate docking.

[0056] In some implementations, the movable support 30 may also employ a linear module or a multi-joint robotic arm to achieve more flexible movement, depending on the complexity of the printed object and the overall equipment size.

[0057] In some implementations, the power, positioning accuracy, and response speed of the first drive motor 33 and the second drive motor 34 are directly related to the required material changing frequency and nozzle weight. If high-speed and high-precision switching is required, a servo motor can be selected and paired with an encoder for closed-loop control. If cost is a concern, a simple positioning solution such as a stepper motor and photoelectric switch can also be used.

[0058] In some implementations, to ensure smooth movement, the movable support 30 may be equipped with transmission components such as linear guide rails, ball screws, or gear racks, thereby reducing vibration or error accumulation and improving the docking accuracy between the nozzle body 40 and the material changing section 20.

[0059] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5In this embodiment, the material replacement unit 20 includes a first mounting base 21, a heating unit 22, and a heat dissipation unit 23 connecting the first mounting base 21 and the heating unit 22. The first mounting base 21 is provided with a traction assembly 24, which is used to pull the consumable 300 into the heating unit 22. The heating unit 22 is configured to heat the consumable 300, and the heat dissipation unit 23 is configured to prevent heat from being guided from the heating unit 22 to the first mounting base 21.

[0060] The nozzle body 40 includes a second mounting base 41 and an extrusion assembly 42 disposed on the second mounting base 41. The second mounting base 41 is movably mounted on the second movable rod 32 via a second drive motor 34. The extrusion assembly 42 is driven by a traction assembly 24 and is used to drive the consumable 300 into the heated section 22. The heated section 22 is a metal cavity. The heat dissipation section 23 may employ a heat shield structure to form a temperature isolation between the heated section 22 and the first mounting base 21, preventing excessively high temperatures in the heated section 22 from being conducted to the mounting base and electronic component area.

[0061] Specifically, the extrusion assembly 42 includes a driver 421 and a drive wheel 422 that is driveably connected to the driver 421. The driver 421 is located on the second mounting base 41. The drive wheel 422 is exposed on the second mounting base 41. The traction assembly 24 includes a driven wheel 241 and a roller assembly 242 that is driveably connected to the driven wheel 241. The roller assembly 242 is located on the first mounting base 21, and the driven wheel 241 is exposed on the first mounting base 21. The drive wheel 422 can be driveably connected to the driven wheel 241, so that when the nozzle body 40 is connected to the material changing section 20, the driver 421 of the extrusion assembly 42 drives the drive wheel 422 to rotate, and the drive wheel 422 is driveably connected to the driven wheel 241, thereby driving the roller assembly 242 to rotate. The roller assembly 242 pushes the consumable 300 from the first mounting base 21 into the heating section 22, realizing the stable delivery of the consumable 300. The driver 421 in the extrusion assembly 42 can be a stepper motor, a servo motor, or a brushless DC motor. If high extrusion speed and precision are required, a high-microstepping stepper or servo system is preferred.

[0062] Please see Figure 6In this embodiment, the driving wheel 422 has an axial direction A and rotates around axial direction A. The driven wheel 241 has an axial direction B and rotates around axial direction B. The driving wheel 422 has a plurality of first teeth 1011 distributed along the vertical axial direction A, that is, the plurality of first teeth 1011 are radially distributed along the driving wheel 422. Similarly, the driven wheel 241 has a plurality of second teeth 1021 distributed along the vertical axial direction B, that is, the plurality of second teeth 1021 are radially distributed along the driven wheel 241. When the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241 are engaged, the first teeth 1011 and the second teeth 1021 alternately mesh, thereby realizing the transmission connection between the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241. That is, the traction assembly 24 and the extrusion assembly 42 are driven by the meshing of the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241, which effectively avoids the response lag and torque loss caused by long-distance flexible transmission; at the same time, it facilitates modular disassembly and assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0063] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241 are connected by a spline structure, similar to an "external spline-internal spline" fit. The outer circumferential surface of the driving wheel 422 is machined with spline grooves 1012; the driven wheel 241 has corresponding internal spline grooves 1022 machined at the same position. During mating, the spline grooves 1012 of the driving wheel 422 are aligned with the internal spline grooves 1022 of the driven wheel 241, allowing multiple spline teeth to mesh simultaneously. When the driving wheel 422 rotates, torque is transmitted to the driven wheel 241 through the friction and compression between the side of the spline teeth and the sidewall of the spline groove. The tangential force transmitted by the spline teeth drives the driven wheel 241 to rotate synchronously. For disassembly, the driving wheel 422 or the driven wheel 241 is pulled out, disengaging the spline teeth. This connection method allows for simultaneous force transmission from multiple teeth, resulting in a large contact area and uniform force distribution, making it suitable for relatively higher torque transmission requirements. Furthermore, it offers structural stability and high transmission accuracy.

[0064] Please see Figure 8In some embodiments, the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241 are connected by a flat key 1015 structure, similar to a "key-keyway" fit. The driving wheel 422 has an axial keyway 1013; the driven wheel 241 has a corresponding matching keyway 1023. During mating, the flat key 1015 is inserted after aligning the axial keyway 1013 and the matching keyway 1023. The flat key 1015 is a rectangular metal strip, the size of which matches the keyway 1013, and its material has a certain strength and hardness. Standard or custom materials can be selected as needed. After mating, the side of the flat key 1015 fits against the sidewalls of the axial keyway 1013 and the matching keyway 1023. When the driving wheel 422 rotates, the torque is transmitted to the driven wheel 241 through friction and compression between the sidewall of the flat key 1015 and the sidewall of the keyway 1013, driving the driven wheel 241 to rotate synchronously through tangential force. The key 1015 prevents relative rotation and provides a rigid connection. Axial positioning can be reinforced with other components if needed. For disassembly, simply pull out the drive wheel 422 to remove the key 1015. This connection method is simple in structure, easy to install, and meets conventional torque transmission requirements.

[0065] Please see Figure 9 In some embodiments, a first magnetic element 1014 is provided at one end of the driving wheel 422, and a second magnetic element 1024 is provided at one end of the driven wheel 241. When the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241 are connected in a transmission manner, the first magnetic element 1014 and the second magnetic element 1024 achieve torque transmission through magnetic field coupling. This not only allows for automatic engagement of the driving wheel 422 and the driven wheel 241 within a certain distance, making assembly and disassembly extremely convenient, but also prevents magnetic slippage under extreme torque conditions, unlike the jamming that can occur with mechanical gears. The first magnetic element 1014 and the second magnetic element 1024 can be neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, or ferrite, among other magnetic materials; the specific selection depends primarily on magnetic force requirements, heat resistance, and cost factors. Please refer again. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the housing 10 further includes an electromagnet 112 disposed at the feeding position 111, and the material changing unit 20 further includes a permanent magnet 25 disposed on one side of the first mounting base 21. The electromagnet 112 is configured to attract or repel the permanent magnet 25, and the control unit 50 is electrically connected to the electromagnet 112. The material changing unit 20 also includes a first magnetic attractor 26 disposed on the other side of the mounting base, and the nozzle body 40 further includes a second magnetic attractor 43 disposed on the second mounting base 41. The first magnetic attractor 26 can be used to attract the second magnetic attractor 43. The permanent magnet 15, the first magnetic attractor 26, and the second magnetic attractor 43 are all neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, samarium cobalt (SmCo) magnets, or ferrite magnets. The electromagnet 112 is an electromagnet with adjustable magnetic field strength and magnetic pole direction. In some implementations, this magnetic attraction or repulsion design can also be used in conjunction with mechanical snap-fits, positioning pins, etc., to improve positioning accuracy and safety, and avoid the risk of loosening due to insufficient magnetic force under strong vibration environments. In some implementations, for scenarios requiring higher precision during docking or to prevent collisions, flexible washers or buffer mechanisms can be added to provide buffer protection at the moment of magnetic attraction or repulsion, preventing the components from being impacted.

[0066] Specifically, when the printhead body 40 moves away from the material changing section 20, the control unit 50 controls the direction of the current in the electromagnet 112, so that the magnetic poles of the electromagnet 112 are opposite to those of the permanent magnet 25. The electromagnet 112 and the permanent magnet 25 attract each other, thereby causing the housing 10 to hold the material changing section 20. This ensures that the material changing section 20 is stably fixed to the housing 10 when no material changing operation is required, preventing it from moving or falling off accidentally, and ensuring the overall stability and reliability of the printing mechanism 100.

[0067] When the printhead body 40 approaches the material changing section 20, the first magnetic attractor 26 attracts the second magnetic attractor 43. Simultaneously, the control unit 50 adjusts the current direction of the electromagnet 112, making the magnetic poles of the electromagnet 112 the same as those of the permanent magnet 25. The electromagnet 112 and the permanent magnet 25 repel each other, thus separating the material changing section 20 from the housing 10. This facilitates the connection and material changing operation between the printhead body 40 and the material changing section 20, achieving automation and precise control of the material changing process, improving printing efficiency and the accuracy of material changing.

[0068] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12In this embodiment, the first mounting base 21 is a hollow cavity structure. The first mounting base 21 has an accommodating space 211. The first mounting base 21 is made of a metal material, such as aluminum alloy, giving it good thermal conductivity and strength. A heat dissipation part 23 is connected to one end of the first mounting base 21. The heat dissipation part 23 includes a heat-conducting body 231 and multiple heat dissipation fins 232 connected to the heat-conducting body 231. The heat-conducting body 231 is a rectangular metal block, such as a copper block, which has good thermal conductivity. One end of the heat-conducting body 231 is firmly connected to the first mounting base 21 by welding, threaded connection, or other methods. Multiple heat dissipation fins 232 are spaced apart on the heat-conducting body 231. The heat dissipation fins 232 can be thin metal sheets, such as copper sheets or aluminum sheets. The shape of the heat dissipation fins 232 can be rectangular, circular, etc., and their thickness can be adjusted according to actual needs. The heat dissipation fins 232 are connected to the heat-conducting body 231 by welding, riveting, or other methods to ensure a firm connection.

[0069] The connection direction from the heat-conducting body 231 to the first mounting base 21 is defined as the heat conduction direction X. The heat-conducting body 231 is provided with a feeding channel 231a. The feeding channel 231a extends approximately along the heat conduction direction X. The feeding channel 231a is a circular through hole with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the material strip 300 so that the material strip 300 can pass through smoothly. The feeding channel 231a connects to the accommodating space 211 of the first mounting base 21, allowing the material strip 300 to enter the heat dissipation section 23 from the first mounting base 21.

[0070] In this embodiment, multiple heat sinks 232 are spaced apart along the heat conduction direction X on the heat-conducting body 231. For example, the spacing between the heat sinks 232 can be equal or unequal, and the specific spacing can be adjusted according to the heat dissipation requirements. Each heat sink 232 extends perpendicular to the heat conduction direction X to increase the contact area between the heat sink 232 and the air, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. The length of the heat sink 232 can be adjusted according to the length of the heat-conducting body 231 to ensure good heat dissipation. In other embodiments of this application, the heat sink 232 is provided with multiple grooves (not shown) to increase the heat dissipation area and thus improve the heat dissipation effect.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first mounting base 21 includes a top plate 212, a first side plate 213, a second side plate 214, and a first partition 215. The first side plate 213 and the second side plate 214 are arranged at intervals relative to each other, and the top plate 212 is connected between the first side plate 213 and the second side plate 214, thereby forming a receiving space C. The first partition 215 is disposed within the receiving space C along the vertical heat conduction direction X. The first partition 215 is arranged approximately parallel to and at intervals with the top plate 212, with one end of the first partition 215 connected to the first side plate 213 and the other end connected to the second side plate 214. The first partition 215, the top plate 212, a portion of the first side plate 213, and a portion of the second side plate 214 enclose a first heat dissipation space D. The top plate 212 is provided with a first feed inlet 212a, which communicates with the first heat dissipation space D. The first partition 215 is provided with a second feed inlet 215a, which communicates with the receiving space 211. The material bar 300 can enter the first heat dissipation space D from the first feed port 212a, and then enter the accommodating space 211 from the second feed port 215a.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first mounting base 21 further includes a second partition 216. The second partition 216 is disposed in the receiving space C along the heat conduction direction X. One end of the second partition 216 is connected to the first partition 215, and the other end is connected to the heat conduction body 231. The second partition 216, a portion of the first partition 215, and a portion of the first side plate 213 enclose a receiving space 211, which is used to house the extrusion mechanism 50. The extrusion mechanism 50 can push the material strip 300 so that the material strip 300 enters the feeding channel 231a. In addition, the second partition 216, a portion of the first partition 215, and a portion of the second side plate 214 enclose a second heat dissipation space E.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first mounting base 21 further includes a third partition 217, which is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first partition 215. The third partition 217 is located in the second heat dissipation space E, with one end connected to the second side plate 214 and the other end connected to the second partition 216, thereby dividing the second heat dissipation space E into two parts. This not only improves the structural strength of the first mounting base 21 but also further guides the airflow path within the second heat dissipation space E, allowing the air to flow more orderly through the heat dissipation area and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first mounting base 21 and the heat dissipation part 23 are integrally formed structures. Specifically, the top plate 212, the first side plate 213, the second side plate 214, the first partition 215, the second partition 216, and the third partition 217 are integrally formed structures. The heat-conducting body 231 and the multiple heat sinks 232 are also integrally formed structures. This gives the heat dissipation mechanism 40 higher overall strength and stability, avoiding problems such as weak connections and uneven heat dissipation caused by gaps due to the splicing of multiple parts.

[0075] In the field of 3D printing, the feeding efficiency of the printhead directly affects the entire printing process. Currently, common 3D printing feeding systems have many shortcomings. When the printhead needs filament replacement, the temperature of the new feed part differs significantly from the printhead's operating temperature. The printhead needs to consume a lot of time and energy to heat the filament in the feed part to the appropriate melting temperature. This not only leads to longer waiting times in the printing process, reducing overall printing efficiency, but also the frequent heating from low temperatures can easily damage the internal structure of the printhead due to thermal expansion and contraction, shortening the printhead's lifespan.

[0076] Therefore, this embodiment also provides another additive manufacturing apparatus 200, which includes a body, at least one preheating section 12, multiple material changing sections 20, and a nozzle body 40. The body is provided with multiple feeding positions 111, and each preheating section 12 is provided at one feeding position 111. Each material changing section 20 is detachably provided at one feeding position 111, and each material changing section 20 is used to receive solid printing material and melt it for extrusion molding. The nozzle body 40 is movably provided on the body, and the nozzle body 40 is detachably connected to each material changing section 20.

[0077] The specific structures of the preheating section 12, the material changing section 20, the nozzle body 40, and the material supply position 111 are described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0078] The additive manufacturing equipment 200 provided in this embodiment has a preheating unit 12 that can be used to preheat the material changing unit 20, thereby shortening the heating time of the material changing unit 20 by the printhead body 40 and improving printing efficiency. At the same time, the preheating unit 12 can also reduce the risk of local overheating caused by concentrated heating of the printhead body 40.

[0079] The main body may include a frame and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is disposed on the frame and extends horizontally, having multiple horizontally arranged feeding positions. The frame can provide a mounting foundation for the additive manufacturing equipment to mount other structures.

[0080] In some embodiments, the at least one preheating section 12 includes a plurality of preheating sections 12, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of feeding positions 111, and each preheating section 12 is disposed at the corresponding feeding position 111. That is, each feeding position 111 can be preheated.

[0081] In some embodiments, the preheating unit 12 includes a heating element and a temperature sensor, with the heating element fixed to the corresponding feeding position 111. The temperature sensor is also fixed to the corresponding feeding position 111. The specific configuration of the heating element and temperature sensor can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0082] The preheating unit 12 may include a preheating base, which is fixed to the corresponding feeding position 111. The preheating base defines a mounting groove for detachably mounting the corresponding material changing unit 20. The preheating base ensures both the fixation and heating effect of the material changing unit 20.

[0083] In some embodiments, the material changing unit 20 includes a heat sink, a heating block, a throat, and a nozzle. The heat sink receives printing material, the heating block is disposed below the heat sink, the throat connects the heat sink and the heating block, and the nozzle is disposed below the heating block for extruding the melted printing material. The specific structure of the material changing unit 20 can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0084] The material exchange unit 20 also includes an extrusion mechanism, which is located above the heat sink and is used to supply printing material to the heat sink. The specific structure of the extrusion mechanism can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0085] In some embodiments, the nozzle body 40 includes a drive device for driving a connection with a corresponding extrusion mechanism when the nozzle body 40 is connected to the material changing section 20. The specific structure of the drive device can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0086] The additive manufacturing equipment 200 also includes a forming platform, which is vertically movable and mounted on the main body. The nozzle body 40 is also movable and mounted on the main body along a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction, which are perpendicular to each other. The specific structures of the additive manufacturing equipment 200 and the forming platform can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, each preheating section 12 is fixed to a corresponding feeding position 111, and the nozzle body 40 has a heating section, thereby ensuring the heating effect. In other embodiments, each preheating section 12 is detachably disposed at a corresponding feeding position 111, and each preheating section 12 is fixed to a corresponding material changing section 20. Thus, the preheating section 12 can be used for melt extrusion of materials, reducing costs.

[0087] The specific embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made to the specific embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. All such changes and substitutions fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A printing mechanism, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a main body and a plurality of preheating sections disposed on the main body. The main body is provided with a plurality of feeding positions, and each feeding position has a preheating section. Multiple material changing sections are provided, each material changing section is detachably disposed at the material feeding position, and the preheating section is configured to heat the material changing sections; At least one nozzle body is configured to move toward one of the material exchange sections and connect to the preheated material exchange section.

2. The printing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a movable bracket, which includes a first movable rod and a second movable rod connected to the first movable rod. The second movable rod is configured to move relative to the first movable rod. The first movable rod is disposed on the body, and the nozzle body is movably disposed on the second movable rod.

3. The printing mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit electrically connected to the movable bracket, the preheating unit, and the nozzle body. The control unit is configured to control the preheating unit to heat the material changing unit, and to control the relative positions of the first movable rod, the second movable rod, and the nozzle body, so that the nozzle is connected to the preheated material changing unit.

4. The printing mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The preheating section includes a heating element and a temperature sensor. The heating element is configured to generate heat to heat the material changing section, and the temperature sensor is configured to monitor the actual temperature of the material changing section.

5. The printing mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is electrically connected to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to transmit actual temperature information to the control unit, and the control unit starts and stops the heating element according to the preset temperature and the actual temperature information.

6. The printing mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The refill unit includes a first mounting base, a heating section, and a heat dissipation section connected between the first mounting base and the heating section. The first mounting base is configured to pull consumables into the heating section, the heating section is configured to heat the consumables, and the heat dissipation section is configured to prevent heat from being directed from the heating section to the first mounting base.

7. The printing mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first mounting base has an accommodating space. The heat dissipation part is connected to one end of the first mounting base. The heat dissipation part includes a heat-conducting body and a plurality of heat sinks connected to the heat-conducting body. One end of the heat-conducting body is connected to the first mounting base, and the other end of the heat-conducting body is configured to connect to a heat-receiving body. The plurality of heat sinks are spaced apart on the heat-conducting body. The heat-conducting body has a feeding channel, and the feeding channel communicates with the accommodating space.

8. The printing mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The connection direction from one end of the heat-conducting body to the first mounting base is defined as the heat-conducting direction. A plurality of heat sinks are spaced apart on the heat-conducting body along the heat-conducting direction, and each heat sink extends perpendicular to the heat-conducting direction.

9. The printing mechanism as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first mounting base is also provided with a first heat dissipation space, which is located at the end of the accommodating space away from the heat dissipation part, and a feeding channel is provided between the first heat dissipation space and the accommodating space.

10. The printing mechanism as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first mounting base includes a top plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, and a first partition. The first side plate and the second side plate are arranged at intervals relative to each other. The top plate is connected between the first side plate and the second side plate to form a receiving space. The first partition is arranged in the receiving space along a direction perpendicular to the heat conduction direction. The first partition, the top plate, part of the first side plate, and part of the second side plate surround to form the first heat dissipation space.

11. The printing mechanism as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first mounting base further includes a second partition, which is disposed in the receiving space along the heat conduction direction. One end of the second partition is connected to the first partition, and the other end is connected to the heat conduction body. The second partition, a portion of the first partition, and a portion of the first side plate surround the receiving space, and the second partition, another portion of the first partition, and a portion of the second side plate surround the second heat dissipation space.

12. The printing mechanism as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first mounting base also includes a third partition, which is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the first partition in the second heat dissipation space. One end of the third partition is connected to the second side plate, and the other end is connected to the second partition.

13. The printing mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting base and the heat dissipation unit are integrally formed.

14. The printing mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The housing also includes an electromagnet located at the feeding position, and the material changing part also includes a permanent magnet located on one side of the first mounting base. The electromagnet is configured to attract or repel the permanent magnet, and the control unit is electrically connected to the electromagnet.

15. The printing mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The nozzle body includes a second mounting base and an extrusion assembly disposed on the second mounting base. The second mounting base is movably disposed on the second movable rod. The extrusion assembly is drivenly connected to the first mounting base. The extrusion assembly is configured to drive the consumable into the heated part.

16. The printing mechanism as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first mounting base is provided with a traction component, which is used to pull the consumable into the heated part, and the extrusion component is connected to the traction component in a driving manner.

17. The printing mechanism as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The material changing section further includes a first magnetic suction component, which is located on the other side of the first mounting base. The nozzle body further includes a second magnetic suction component, which is located on the second mounting base. The first magnetic suction component is configured to attract the second magnetic suction component.

18. The printing mechanism as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The extrusion assembly includes a drive wheel, and the traction assembly includes a driven wheel, with the drive wheel being driven by the driven wheel.

19. The printing mechanism as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The driving wheel includes a plurality of first teeth distributed along a direction perpendicular to the driving wheel axis, and the driven wheel includes a plurality of second teeth distributed along a direction perpendicular to the driven wheel axis. When the driving wheel and the driven wheel are engaged, the first teeth and the second teeth alternately mesh to achieve torque transmission between the extrusion assembly and the traction assembly.

20. The printing mechanism as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the driving wheel is machined with an external spline groove, and the inner circumferential surface of the driven wheel is machined with an internal spline groove that matches the external spline groove. When the driving wheel and the driven wheel are connected, the external spline groove and the internal spline groove mesh with each other, and the torque transmission between the extrusion assembly and the traction assembly is realized in a multi-tooth simultaneous force transmission manner.

21. The printing mechanism as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The driving wheel is provided with an axial keyway, and the driven wheel is provided with a keyway that matches the axial keyway. When mating, a flat key is embedded between the axial keyway and the keyway, so that the side of the flat key fits against the side wall of the axial keyway and the keyway, thereby achieving a rigid connection between the driving wheel and the driven wheel.

22. The printing mechanism as described in claim 18, characterized in that, One end of the driving wheel is provided with a first magnetic element, and one end of the driven wheel is provided with a second magnetic element corresponding to the first magnetic element. When the driving wheel and the driven wheel are connected, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element achieve torque transmission through magnetic field coupling.

23. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a molding platform and a printing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 22, the printing mechanism being configured to move relative to the molding platform along a preset path and to perform additive manufacturing on the molding platform.

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