Hot end structure and 3D printing head

Abstract

The application relates to the field of 3D printing, aims to solve the problem that a hot end structure dismounting structure in the prior art is relatively complex and inconvenient to dismount and replace, and provides a hot end structure and a 3D printing head. The hot end structure comprises a heat dissipation piece, a nozzle connected to the heat dissipation piece, a heat conduction piece, a throat pipe and a locking structure. The heat dissipation piece is provided with a sleeving hole; the sleeving hole extends along a first direction; the heat dissipation piece is provided with a sliding fit hole which extends along a second direction and is communicated with the sleeving hole; the second direction is perpendicular to or obliquely intersects with the first direction. The throat pipe is at least partially fitted in the sleeving hole. The locking structure comprises a limiting piece; the limiting piece is in sliding fit with the sliding fit hole and can slide to a locking state or a loosening state. In the locking state, the limiting piece presses the throat pipe against the hole face of the sleeving hole; in the loosening state, the throat pipe can be separated from the heat dissipation piece. The application has the beneficial effect that the nozzle, the heat conduction piece and the throat pipe are convenient to dismount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, and more specifically, to hot-end structures and 3D printing heads. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers based on FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology use a hot-end structure to heat and melt filaments and extrude them from a nozzle onto a printing platform to form printed parts.

[0003] During the use of a 3D printer, the internal channels of components such as the throat, heat-conducting parts, and nozzles in the hot-end structure may become clogged, requiring replacement or repair. Existing technologies have complex disassembly mechanisms for the hot-end structure, making replacement inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a hot-end structure, a 3D print head, and a 3D printer to solve the problem that the hot-end structure in the prior art is relatively complex to disassemble and is inconvenient to replace.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hot-end structure, comprising a heat sink, a connected nozzle, a heat conductor, and a throat, as well as a locking structure. The heat sink has a socket hole extending along a first direction; the heat sink also has a sliding engagement hole extending along a second direction and communicating with the socket hole; the second direction is perpendicular to or obliquely intersecting the first direction. The throat is at least partially fitted within the socket hole. The locking structure includes a limiting member; the limiting member forms a sliding engagement with the sliding engagement hole and is slidable to a locked state or a released state. In the locked state, the limiting member presses the throat against the surface of the socket hole; in the released state, the throat can disengage from the heat sink.

[0006] In the embodiments of this application, the sliding of the limiting member in the sliding mating hole can easily achieve the relative locking or loosening of the throat and the heat sink, making it convenient for the throat, heat conduction member and nozzle to be disassembled from or installed on the heat sink as a whole, and disassembly and assembly are convenient.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the heat sink includes a central heat sink portion and a plurality of fins, the fins being spaced apart and connected to each other on one or both sides of the central heat sink portion along a second direction. A socket is formed in the central heat sink portion. A sliding fit hole is located on the side of the central heat sink portion and between two adjacent fins, or on the side of a thickened fin facing away from the central heat sink portion along the second direction, the thickened fin being configured to have a thickness greater than the other fins.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the limiting member is annular and has an inner hole extending in a first direction. The throat passes through the inner hole in the first direction. In the locked state, the surface of the inner hole presses the throat against the surface of the socket.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the limiting member includes a pressing portion and two side connecting portions, which are respectively connected to both ends of the pressing portion to form an inner hole. The pressing portion and the throat are opposite each other along a second direction and are used to press against the throat; the side connecting portions extend along the second direction and form a sliding fit with the sliding fitting hole along the second direction.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the sliding fit hole has an elongated oval cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The limiting member includes a U-shaped rod bent into a U-shape, the U-shaped rod including a pressing portion extending along the semi-circular arc of the U-shaped rod for pressing against the throat; the U-shaped rod also includes two side connecting portions extending in a straight line along the U-shaped rod, the two side connecting portions being connected to the pressing portion, and the two side connecting portions being configured to slide within the sliding fit hole.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the throat includes a core tube and a protective sleeve, the protective sleeve being fitted around the outer periphery of the core tube. In the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the protective sleeve.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the socket includes a central hole and an enlarged hole. The central hole extends through the heat sink in a first direction, and the enlarged hole connects to the central hole and is located at the end of the central hole near the nozzle. The diameter of the enlarged hole is larger than the diameter of the central hole. The core tube passes through the central hole, and the protective sleeve at least partially fits into the enlarged hole. In the released state, the throat tube can be removed from the socket in the first direction.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the outer circumferential surface of the protective sleeve is provided with an annular groove. In the locked state, the limiting member engages with the annular groove.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the annular groove is a V-shaped groove. In the locked state, the limiting member is tangent to the groove surface of the V-shaped groove.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the locking structure further includes a locking member. The locking member is connected to the limiting member and can drive the limiting member to slide to a released state or lock in a locked state under the action of external force.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the limiting member has a pressing end and a connecting end disposed opposite to each other along a second direction. The connecting end extends beyond the sliding fit hole and is connected to the locking member. A throat is located between the pressing end and the connecting end.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the locking member includes a connected cam portion and a handle portion. The cam portion has a cam surface. The cam portion is rotatably connected to the end of the limiting member away from the throat, and can rotate relative to the limiting member under the action of the handle portion, so that different positions of the cam surface abut against the heat sink, thereby causing the limiting member to slide relative to the heat sink.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the limiting member includes a pressing portion and two side connecting portions, which are respectively connected to both ends of the pressing portion to form a U-shaped rod. The limiting member also includes two bent portions, which are formed by bending and extending towards each other from the ends of the two side connecting portions away from the pressing portion. The cam portion has a rotating fitting hole, which is rotatably fitted onto the two bent portions.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the limiting member is integrally bent from an elastic rod-shaped material, and the two bent portions can be inserted into the rotating fitting hole.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a hot-end structure, which includes a heat sink, a connected nozzle, a heat conductor, a throat, and a heating assembly. The heat sink has a socket. The throat is at least partially fitted into the socket; the throat is detachably connected to the heat sink; the heating assembly includes a mounting block and a heating element. The mounting block is fixedly connected to the heat sink and is located on the side of the heat sink near the nozzle. The heat conductor and the heating element are thermally connected, and the heat conductor and the heating element are detachably fitted.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a heating assembly comprising a mounting block and a heating element. The mounting block is fixedly connected to the heat sink and located on the side of the heat sink near the nozzle. The heat-conducting element and the heating element are thermally connected, and the heat-conducting element and the heating element are detachably coupled.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a temperature sensing element. The mounting block has a mounting hole extending along a first direction. The temperature sensing element at least partially mates with the mounting hole and extends into the middle of the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the hot-end structure further includes a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element at least partially mates with the mounting hole. The distance between the temperature sensing element and the heat-conducting element in the second direction is 'a', where 0 mm ≤ a ≤ 4 mm, and the second direction is perpendicular to or obliquely intersecting the first direction.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printing head, which includes a strain element and the aforementioned hot-end structure. The hot-end structure is connected to the strain element.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the strain element includes a strain carrier plate having a through-hole extending along a first direction. A throat passes through the through-hole.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the 3D printing head further includes a base frame. A strain element is fixedly connected to the base frame. The strain element includes a strain carrier plate and a strain sensing element. The strain carrier plate includes a fixed portion and a protruding portion; the fixed portion is fixedly connected to the base frame, and the protruding portion extends outward relative to the base frame. The strain sensing element is disposed in the protruding portion.

[0027] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printer including a printing platform and the aforementioned 3D print head. The 3D print head and the printing platform are configured to move relative to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the 3D printing head according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of part of the structure of a 3D printing head.

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the strain gauge and hot end structure.

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A sectional view.

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Exploded view.

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the heat sink component.

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A.

[0037] Figure 9 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view.

[0038] Figure 10 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the locking structure.

[0039] Figure 11 The figure shows a perspective view of the base frame, strain element, and another hot end structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 12 for Figure 11A three-dimensional view of the strain gauge and hot end structure.

[0041] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view.

[0042] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Another state view.

[0043] Figure 15 for Figure 12 A 3D view of the heat sink component.

[0044] Key component symbols: 1000 - 3D printer; 100 - Frame; 110 - Base; 120 - Gantry; 121 - Column; 122 - Crossbeam; 200 - Printing platform; 300 - Optical axis; 400 - 3D print head; 410 - Base frame; 411 - Vertical plate; 412 - Extrusion plate; 420 - Extrusion assembly; 421 - Active extrusion wheel; 422 - Driven extrusion wheel; T1 - Material channel; 440 - Material guide; 450 - Strain gauge; 45 1-Strain plate; K8-Through hole; 451a-Fixing part; 451b-Protrusion part; 500-Consumable material; 430, 430a-Hot end structure; 10, 10a-Heat sink; K1-Socket hole; K11-Center hole; K12-Enlarged hole; K2-Sliding fit hole; 11-Intermediate heat sink; 12-Fin; Q1-Gap space; 12a-Thickened fin; C1-Groove; 13-First part; 14-Second part; 15-Third part; 20-Spray Nose; 30-Heat-conducting component; 40-Throat tube; 41-Core tube; 42-Protective sleeve; C2-Annular groove; P1-Upper groove surface; P2-Lower groove surface; 50, 50a-Locking structure; 51-Limiting component; K3-Inner hole; 51a-Pressure part; 51b-Side connection part; 51c-Bending part; 51d-U-shaped rod; 51e-Pressure end; 51f-Connecting end; 52-Locking component; 52a-Cam part; 52b-Handle part; K5-Rotation mating hole; 53- 54-Second shaft; 55-Operating handle; 55a-Rotating connection; 55b-Locking part; 55c-Handle part; P3-Cam surface; C3-Slide groove; P4-Side groove surface; W1-Locking position; W2-Loosening position; 431-Heating component; 61-Mounting block; K4-Mounting hole; 62-Heating element; 63-Temperature detection element; 64-Fastener; 65-Heat insulation component; 66-Insulation sleeve; Z1-First direction; Y1-Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0046] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0049] Example See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a 3D printer 1000, which can specifically be a 3D printer 1000 based on FDM technology.

[0050] The 3D printer 1000 includes a frame 100, a printing platform 200, a 3D print head 400, and displacement components in the X, Y, and Z directions. The 3D print head 400 and the printing platform 200 move relative to each other in a controlled manner under the influence of the displacement components. For example, the printing platform 200 can be displaced relative to the frame 100 in the Y direction under the influence of the Y-direction displacement component, and the 3D print head 400 can be displaced in the X and / or Z directions under the influence of the X and Z-direction displacement components, heating and melting the filament 500 along a predetermined path and printing it onto the printing platform 200. The X, Y, and Z-direction displacement components can be driven by a lead screw and nut, a belt, or other mechanisms; no limitation is made here.

[0051] In this system, the Z-axis can be the vertical direction (also known as the up-down direction) of the 3D printer 1000, while the X and Y axes are both horizontal directions of the 3D printer 1000. The X-axis can be the left-right direction of the 3D printer 1000, and the Y-axis can be the front-back direction of the 3D printer 1000. The X, Y, and Z axes can form a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

[0052] In this embodiment, optionally, the frame 100 includes a base 110 and a gantry 120, with the gantry 120 connected to the base 110. The printing platform 200 is movably disposed on the base 110 along the Y direction. The gantry 120 includes two columns 121 spaced apart along the X direction and a crossbeam 122 connecting the ends of the two columns 121 away from the base 110, wherein the columns 121 extend along the Z direction. An optical axis 300 movable along the Z direction can be connected between the two columns 121, and the 3D printing head 400 is movably connected to the optical axis 300 along the X direction. Thus, the 3D printing head 400 can be displaced along the X direction on the optical axis 300, and / or, displaced along the Z direction together with the optical axis 300.

[0053] In other embodiments, the rack 100 may also adopt other forms of structure, which are not limited here.

[0054] In other embodiments, the movement of the 3D printing head 400 and the printing platform 200 can also take other forms. For example, the printing platform 200 may remain stationary, while the 3D printing head 400 may be displaced relative to the printing platform 200 along the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. Alternatively, the printing platform 200 may be displaced in the X and Y directions, while the 3D printing head 400 may be displaced in the Z direction.

[0055] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the 3D printing head 400 includes a base frame 410, an extrusion assembly 420, and a hot-end structure 430. The extrusion assembly 420 and the hot-end structure 430 are fixed relative to each other; for example, the extrusion assembly 420 and the hot-end structure 430 are respectively fixedly mounted on the base frame 410 so that they can move synchronously. The extrusion assembly 420 is used to feed consumable material 500 to the hot-end structure 430. The hot-end structure 430 is located below the extrusion assembly 420 in the Z direction and is used to receive the consumable material 500 fed by the extrusion assembly 420, heat and melt the consumable material 500, and print it onto the printing platform 200 to form a printed part.

[0056] The base frame 410 can be a shell-like structure, and the back side of the base frame 410 (the side opposite to the hot end structure 430) is slidably connected to the optical axis 300. The upper part of the front side of the base frame 410 is used to install the extrusion assembly 420, and the lower part is used to install the hot end structure 430.

[0057] The extrusion assembly 420 may include a driving extrusion wheel 421 and a driven extrusion wheel 422, defining a consumable passage T1 between the driving and driven extrusion wheels 421 and 422. In use, a consumable 500 (such as a linear consumable) is placed into the consumable passage T1 and clamped by the driving and driven extrusion wheels 421 and 422. The driving extrusion wheel 421 is then driven to rotate (e.g., by a motor), thereby conveying the consumable 500 to the hot end structure 430.

[0058] In other embodiments, the 3D printing head 400 may also not include the extrusion assembly 420. In this case, the extrusion assembly 420 may be arranged at a remote end, for example, the extrusion assembly 420 may be fixedly mounted to the frame 100 or fixed to the end of the optical axis 300.

[0059] Optionally, the 3D print head 400 may also include a guide component 440, which is connected to one end of the inlet of the filament channel T1. The linear filament 500 can enter the extrusion assembly 420 through the guide component 440. The guide component 440 may have one or more inlets and one or more outlets to facilitate material changing and enable multi-color / multi-material printing. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the middle, the guide component 440 is a bottom bracket component that includes four inlets and one outlet.

[0060] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 Optionally, the 3D printing head 400 may also include a strain gauge 450. The strain gauge 450 is used to detect the stress on the hot-end structure 430. The stress detection results can be used for leveling the printing platform 200, collision detection of the 3D printing head 400, etc. In this embodiment, optionally, the strain gauge 450 is fixed to the base frame 410, and the hot-end structure 430 is fixed to the strain gauge 450. In this way, while bearing the hot-end structure 430, the strain gauge 450 can directly detect the force on the hot-end structure 430, and the detection results are highly accurate.

[0061] In this embodiment, when leveling the printing platform 200 is required, the 3D printing head 400 can be moved downwards along the Z-axis sequentially to contact multiple selected points on the printing platform 200. When the 3D printing head 400 contacts the printing platform 200, the reaction force of the printing platform 200 on the 3D printing head 400 will be transmitted to the strain gauge 450. Based on the force distribution detected at different selected points, the printing platform 200 is adjusted. When the force deviation at different selected points is within the allowable range, the printing platform 200 can be considered to have been leveled. The multiple selected points may include points located near the four corners, midpoints of surfaces, and midpoints of edges of the printing platform 200. Optionally, the strain gauge 450 includes a strain carrier plate 451 and a strain sensing element. The strain carrier plate 451 includes a fixed part 451a and a protruding part 451b. The fixed part 451a is fixedly connected to the base frame 410, and the protruding part 451b extends outwards relative to the base frame 410. A strain sensing element is disposed in the protrusion 451b. The hot end structure 430 is connected to the protrusion 451b. Thus, the force acting on the hot end structure 430 is transmitted to the protrusion 451b, causing strain in the protrusion 451b relative to the fixed part 451a. The strain sensing element can sense and detect this strain, thereby determining the force acting on the hot end structure 430, and enabling real-time detection of stress changes during the operation of the 3D printing head 400. In this embodiment, the strain element 450 simultaneously performs load-bearing and detection functions, exhibiting high integration, a compact and reasonable structure, and high detection accuracy.

[0062] Furthermore, based on the stress change detection function of strain gauge 450, it can also be used to detect the filament extrusion flow rate of the 3D print head. For example, during the printing process, when the filament extrusion flow rate changes, the reaction force exerted by the filament on the hot end structure will also change, and this reaction force can be detected by strain gauge 450. Thus, strain gauge 450 can also be used to monitor flow rate changes during the printing process.

[0063] Optionally, the base frame 410 includes a vertical plate 411 and a protruding plate 412. The upper part of the vertical plate 411 is used to mount the extrusion assembly 420, and the protruding plate 412 protrudes from the lower part of the vertical plate 411 facing the hot end structure 430. The fixing part 451a of the strain carrier plate 451 is stacked and fixed to the protruding plate 412, and the protruding part 451b is located outside the protruding plate 412 for mounting the hot end structure 430. For example, the heat sink 10 of the hot end structure 430 is fastened to the lower part of the protruding part 451b.

[0064] The hot-end structure 430 is illustrated below.

[0065] See Figures 4-7 In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 includes a heat sink 10, a nozzle 20, a heat conductor 30, a throat 40, and a locking structure 50.

[0066] The nozzle 20, the heat-conducting component 30, and the throat 40 are interconnected, for example, by interference fit, threaded connection, adhesive bonding, welding, or other means, to facilitate assembly and disassembly as a whole.

[0067] The heat sink 10 has a socket K1. The socket K1 extends along a first direction Z1. The first direction Z1 can be parallel to the Z-direction of the 3D printer 1000. The socket K1 can be a through hole, that is, the socket K1 extends through the upper and lower surfaces of the heat sink 10 along the first direction Z1.

[0068] The heat sink 10 also has a sliding engagement hole K2, which extends along the second direction Y1 and connects to the socket hole K1. The second direction Y1 is perpendicular to or intersects the first direction Z1 at an angle. For example, the second direction Y1 is parallel to the Y direction of the 3D printer 1000.

[0069] The throat 40 is at least partially fitted into the socket K1. For example, the end of the throat 40 away from the heat conductor 30 passes through the socket K1. The throat 40 and the socket K1 can be fitted with a slidable shaft hole, so that the throat 40 can be separated from the heat sink 10 when needed.

[0070] The throat 40 can pass through the socket K1, and the consumable can be ejected from the nozzle 20 after passing through the throat 40 and the heat-conducting component 30. Optionally, the strain carrier plate 451 has a through hole K8 extending along the first direction Z1, and the throat 40 passes through the through hole K8 to communicate with the consumable channel T1 of the extrusion assembly 420 above.

[0071] In other embodiments, the throat 40 may not extend beyond the heat sink 10. In this case, the socket K1 inside the heat sink 10 can serve as part of the consumable channel T1. That is, the consumable can pass sequentially through the socket K1 of the heat sink 10, the throat 40, and the heat conductor 30 before being ejected from the nozzle 20.

[0072] The locking structure 50 includes a limiting member 51, which forms a sliding fit with the sliding hole K2 and can slide to a locked state or a released state. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 presses the throat 40 against the hole surface of the sleeve hole K1; in the released state, the throat 40 can be disengaged from the heat sink 10.

[0073] In normal use, the limiting member 51 presses the throat 40 against the surface of the socket K1, preventing the throat 40 from detaching from the heat sink 10 and ensuring the normal operation of the hot end structure 430. Furthermore, the pressing of the throat 40 by the limiting member 51 ensures that the throat 40 and the heat sink 10 are reliably pressed together, maintaining a high thermal conductivity between the heat sink 10 and the throat 40.

[0074] When it is necessary to remove the nozzle 20, heat conductor 30 and throat 40 (such as when the nozzle 20, heat conductor 30 or throat 40 is blocked), the limiting member 51 can be slid in the sliding fit hole K2 to the loose state. At this time, the nozzle 20, heat conductor 30 and throat 40 can be removed from the heat sink 10 together.

[0075] During the disassembly of the nozzle 20, heat-conducting component 30, and throat 40, the heat sink 10 can remain fixed to the base frame 410 and the strain element 450. Of course, the heat sink 10 and the base frame 410 or the strain element 450 can be configured to be detachably connected, so that the heat sink 10 can also be replaced when needed.

[0076] In this embodiment, the heat sink 10 can be an air-cooled heat sink or a liquid-cooled heat sink. For example, the heat sink 10 adopts a finned 12-type structure and achieves heat dissipation through a fan. The heat sink 10 can remove heat and prevent heat conduction from the heat conductor 30 to the extrusion assembly 420, which would cause the consumables at the extrusion assembly 420 to melt due to heat.

[0077] In this embodiment, optionally, the heat sink 10 includes a central heat sink 11 and a plurality of fins 12, the plurality of fins 12 being connected to each other at intervals on one or both sides of the central heat sink 11 along the second direction Y1. A socket K1 is formed in the central heat sink 11. For example, in this embodiment, the central heat sink 11 has a plurality of fins 12 arranged at intervals along the first direction Z1 connected to both sides along the second direction Y1. An interval space Q1 is formed between adjacent fins 12, and the interval space Q1 can be used for the passage of heat dissipation airflow.

[0078] The fins 12 on both sides of the middle heat dissipation section 11 can be directly opposite each other along the second direction Y1, or they can be staggered.

[0079] The sliding fit hole K2 is located on the side of the middle heat dissipation part 11 and between two adjacent fins 12, or on the side of the thickened fin 12a away from the middle heat dissipation part 11 along the second direction Y1. The thickened fin 12a is configured to have a thickness greater than the other fins 12, where the thickness refers to the dimension along the first direction Z1.

[0080] For example, in this embodiment, among the multiple fins 12 on one side of the intermediate heat dissipation section 11, there is a thickened fin 12a. A sliding fitting hole K2 penetrates the thickened fin 12a and the intermediate heat dissipation section 11 along the second direction Y1. One end of the sliding fitting hole K2 is located on the surface of the thickened fin 12a away from the intermediate heat dissipation section 11, and the other end is located on the side of the intermediate heat dissipation section 11 away from the thickened fin 12a and connects to the interval space Q1. The through sliding fitting hole K2 is easy to process and facilitates the installation and removal of the limiting member 51.

[0081] In some embodiments, the throat 40 includes a core tube 41 and a protective sleeve 42, with the protective sleeve 42 fitted around the outer periphery of the core tube 41. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 abuts against the protective sleeve 42. The core tube 41 can be a hollow tube, with an internal channel allowing consumables to pass through. The protective sleeve 42 can be made of a material with high hardness and high thermal conductivity to ensure that the protective sleeve 42 is not easily worn and can efficiently conduct heat from the core tube 41 to the heat sink 10.

[0082] The core tube 41 and the protective sleeve 42 can be fixedly connected by interference fit, threaded connection or other means. In some embodiments, the core tube 41 and the protective sleeve 42 can also be integrally formed.

[0083] The socket K1 includes a central hole K11 and an enlarged hole K12. The central hole K11 penetrates the heat sink 10 along the first direction Z1. The enlarged hole K12 connects to the central hole K11 and is located at the end of the central hole K11 near the nozzle 20. The diameter of the enlarged hole K12 is larger than the diameter of the central hole K11. The core tube 41 passes through the central hole K11, and the protective sleeve 42 is at least partially fitted with the enlarged hole K12. In the loosened state, the throat tube 40 can be removed from the socket K1 along the first direction Z1. The protective sleeve 42 can protect the core tube 41. Specifically, the protective sleeve 42 increases the total thickness of the throat tube 40 at the contact position with the limiting member 51, improving the structural strength at that point. In addition, the end face of the enlarged hole K12 facing away from the heat conductor 30 along the first direction Z1 can serve as the limiting surface of the protective sleeve 42 upward along the first direction Z1. For example, when installing the entire assembly consisting of the throat 40, the heat-conducting element 30, and the nozzle 20, the throat 40 is inserted upward along the first direction Z1 into the socket K1 of the heat sink 10. When the protective sleeve 42 abuts against the end face of the enlarged hole K12 on the side away from the heat-conducting element 30 along the first direction Z1, the throat 40 is considered to be in place. At this time, the throat 40 can be locked by the limiting member 51.

[0084] In this embodiment, see Figure 8Optionally, the outer circumferential surface of the protective sleeve 42 is provided with an annular groove C2. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 engages with the annular groove C2. Thus, in the locked state, the limiting member 51 is not easily disengaged from the protective sleeve 42, reducing the possibility of accidental disengagement between the throat 40 and the heat sink 10. In some embodiments, in the locked state, the limiting member 51 abuts against the groove surface of the annular groove C2 along the first direction Z1, which can ensure the relative positional accuracy of the throat 40 and the heat sink 10 along the first direction Z1. Optionally, the annular groove C2 is a V-shaped groove, including an upper groove surface P1 and a lower groove surface P2. In the locked state, the limiting member 51 is tangent to the groove surface of the V-shaped groove. The cross-section of the limiting member 51 can be circular, and when tangent, the limiting member 51 is tangent to the upper groove surface P1 and the lower groove surface P2, respectively. The mutual limiting of the circular and V-shaped grooves can ensure the accurate relative position of the throat 40 and the heat sink 10 along the Z direction, and the force borne by the throat 40 can be transmitted to the heat sink 10 by the limiting member 51.

[0085] See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 The limiting member 51 is annular and has an inner hole K3 extending along the first direction Z1. The throat 40 passes through the inner hole K3 along the first direction Z1. In the locked state, the surface of the inner hole K3 presses the throat 40 against the surface of the socket K1. The limiting member 51 with this structure can easily apply pressure to the throat 40.

[0086] Optionally, the limiting member 51 includes a pressing portion 51a and two side connecting portions 51b, which are respectively connected to both ends of the pressing portion 51a to form an inner hole K3. The pressing portion 51a and the throat 40 are opposite each other along the second direction Y1, and the pressing portion 51a is used to press against the throat 40; the side connecting portions 51b extend along the second direction Y1 and form a sliding fit with the sliding fit hole K2 along the second direction Y1. In this way, the limiting member 51 can slide smoothly relative to the sliding fit hole K2, the movement path of the limiting member 51 is accurate and not easily deviated, and at the same time, the pressing portion 51a can reliably press against the throat 40 to ensure that the throat 40 is reliably pressed.

[0087] In some embodiments, the pressing portion 51a and two side connecting portions 51b of the limiting member 51 are connected to a U-shaped rod 51D. The U-shaped rod 51D includes a pressing portion 51a extending along a semi-circular arc of the U-shaped rod 51D, which is used to press against the throat 40. The U-shaped rod 51D also includes two side connecting portions 51b extending in a straight line along the U-shaped rod 51D. The two side connecting portions 51b are connected to the pressing portion 51a and are configured to slide in the sliding fitting hole K2. In this way, the pressing portion 51a presses against the throat 40 on half a circumference of the throat 40, and can press against the throat 40 from different angles. The contact surface between the pressing portion 51a and the throat 40 is large, reducing the stress applied to the throat 40 by the pressing portion 51a.

[0088] Optionally, the sliding fit hole K2 has an elongated oval cross section in a plane perpendicular to the second direction Y1. The cross section of the side connection portion 51b is circular and matches the diameter of the elongated oval of the sliding fit hole K2, so that the limiting member 51 can reliably limit each other with the sliding fit hole K2 in the Z and X directions, and so that the limiting member 51 can maintain a single degree of freedom along the Y direction (or the second direction Y1).

[0089] See you again Figures 4-10 In this embodiment, the locking structure 50 further includes a locking member 52, which is connected to the limiting member 51 and can drive the limiting member 51 to slide to the loosened state or lock in the locked state under the action of external force. The locking member 52 facilitates user operation to control the limiting member 51 to lock or loosen the throat 40, making it convenient to use.

[0090] Optionally, the limiting member 51 has a pressing end 51e and a connecting end 51f disposed opposite to each other along the second direction Y1. The connecting end 51f extends beyond the sliding fitting hole K2 and is connected to the locking member 52. The throat 40 is located between the pressing end 51e and the connecting end 51f. For the annular limiting member 51 in this embodiment, the pressing part 51a extending along the semi-circular arc of its U-shaped rod 51D is located at the pressing end 51e and is used to press against the throat 40. The end of the U-shaped rod 51D opposite to the pressing part 51a serves as the connecting end 51f and is used to connect to the locking member 52.

[0091] Optionally, the locking member 52 includes a connected cam portion 52a and a handle portion 52b. The cam portion 52a has a cam surface P3. The cam portion 52a is rotatably connected to the end of the limiting member 51 away from the throat 40, and can rotate relative to the limiting member 51 under the drive of the handle portion 52b, so that different positions of the cam surface P3 abut against the heat sink 10, thereby driving the limiting member 51 to slide relative to the heat sink 10. The limiting member 51 also includes two bent portions 51c, which are formed by bending and extending towards each other from the ends of the two side connecting portions 51b away from the pressing portion 51a. The cam portion 52a has a rotating fitting hole K5, which is rotatably fitted onto the two bent portions 51c, so as to enable the rotational connection between the locking member 52 and the limiting member 51. In this embodiment, the limiting member 51 can be integrally bent from a rod-shaped material, which has a certain elastic deformation capability. In this way, the two side connecting parts 51b can be pried open by external force, so that the two bent parts 51c can be inserted into the rotating fitting holes K5 from both sides, thus completing the assembly of the limiting part 51 and the locking part 52.

[0092] See you again Figures 4-6 In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 also includes a heating component 431, which can generate heat and conduct it to the heat conductor 30 to heat the consumables passing through the heat conductor 30.

[0093] Optionally, the heating assembly 431 includes a mounting block 61 and a heating element 62, the heating element 62 being mounted on the mounting block 61. The heating element 62 is, for example, an electric heating element, capable of generating heat when energized.

[0094] Mounting block 61 is fixedly connected to heat sink 10 and located on the side of heat sink 10 near nozzle 20. For example, mounting block 61 is fixed to the underside of heat sink 10 by fastener 64 (such as screw).

[0095] Optionally, the mounting block 61 and the heat sink 10 are spaced apart from each other, and a heat insulation element 65 is provided between the mounting block 61 and the heat sink. The heat insulation element 65 is made of heat insulation material and is used to reduce the thermal conductivity between the mounting block 61 and the heat sink 10.

[0096] The heat-conducting component 30 is thermally connected to the heating element 62, and the heat-conducting component 30 and the heating element 62 are detachably connected. In this way, the heat generated by the heating element 62 can be conducted to the heat-conducting component 30, and when disassembling the whole assembly of the throat 40, the heat-conducting component 30 and the nozzle 20, the heating element 62 does not need to be removed, making it convenient to use.

[0097] Optionally, the heating part of the heating element 62 is a ring that is detachably sleeved on the outer periphery of the heat-conducting component 30. In this way, the heating element 62 can heat the heat-conducting component 30 uniformly in the circumference, which is beneficial for the heat-conducting component 30 to heat the consumables inside it evenly.

[0098] In this embodiment, the hot end structure 430 further includes a temperature sensing element 63. The temperature sensing element 63 is thermally connected to the heating assembly 431, and can directly or indirectly detect the temperature at the heat-conducting component 30. The temperature sensing element 63 can be a thermistor or other temperature sensing methods.

[0099] Optionally, the mounting block 61 has a mounting hole K4 that extends along the first direction Z1. For example, the mounting hole K4 is a blind hole formed by a recess at the end of the mounting block 61 near the heat sink 10.

[0100] The temperature sensing element 63 is at least partially fitted into the mounting hole K4 and extends to the middle position of the corresponding heat-conducting component 30, that is, the lower end face of the temperature sensing element 63 is flush with the plane containing the center of the heat-conducting component 30 along the first direction Z1. In this way, the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element 63 can accurately represent the temperature of the consumable material inside the heat-conducting component 30.

[0101] In other embodiments, the temperature sensing element 63 is located near the nozzle 20, in which case the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element 63 can more accurately reflect the temperature of the consumable that is about to be ejected from the nozzle 20.

[0102] Optionally, the distance between the temperature sensing element 63 and the heat-conducting component 30 in the second direction Y1 is 'a', where 0 mm ≤ a ≤ 4 mm, to ensure that the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element 63 can accurately reflect the temperature of the heat-conducting component 30. For example, the value of 'a' can be 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, etc. When a = 0 mm, that is, when the temperature sensing element 63 and the heat-conducting component 30 are in direct contact, the temperature sensing element 63 can directly obtain the temperature information of the heat-conducting component 30, resulting in more accurate detection.

[0103] In this embodiment, optionally, the hot end structure 430 further includes an insulation sleeve 66. The insulation sleeve 66 can wrap around the mounting base, the heating element 62, and the heat-conducting component 30 to reduce the loss of heat generated by the heating element 62.

[0104] Figures 11-15 Another hot-end structure 430a is shown, which can replace the aforementioned hot-end structure 430 for use in the 3D print head 400 and the 3D printer 1000. This hot-end structure 430a can also be connected to the protruding plate 412 of the base frame 410 via a strain element 450.

[0105] The main difference between this hot-end structure 430a and the aforementioned hot-end structure 430 is that the heat sink 10a and the locking structure 50a are different.

[0106] The hot-end structure 430a includes a heat sink 10a, a nozzle 20, a heat conductor 30, a throat 40, and a locking structure 50a. The structure and connection relationship of the nozzle 20, the heat conductor 30, and the throat 40 can be referred to the description in the hot-end structure 430.

[0107] In the hot-end structure 430a, the heat sink 10a is provided with a socket K1, and the throat 40 is at least partially fitted into the socket K1. The heat sink 10a is also provided with a groove C1, which extends from one side of the heat sink 10a along the second direction Y1 to the socket K1. Thus, the front part of the heat sink 10a along the second direction Y1 is divided into two spaced-apart parts (defined as the first part 13 and the second part 14) by the groove C1 and the socket K1. The first part 13 and the second part 14 of the heat sink 10a are respectively fixed to the rear part of the heat sink 10a along the second direction Y1 (defined as the third part 15). The first part 13 and / or the second part 14 can elastically deform relative to the third part 15 so that the first part 13 and the second part 14 can move closer or further away from each other, thereby changing the size of the socket K1.

[0108] The locking structure 50a is movably connected between the first part 13 and the second part 14, and can control the first part 13 and the second part 14 to move closer or further apart under the action of external force, thereby adjusting the size of the socket K1, so that the throat 40 is pressed into the socket K1, or can be separated from the socket K1.

[0109] Optionally, the locking structure 50a includes a first shaft 53, a second shaft 54, and an operating handle 55. The first shaft 53 is connected to the first part 13, and the second shaft 54 ​​is connected to the second part 14. The operating handle 55 includes a connected rotating connection part 55a, a locking part 55b, and a handle part 52b. The rotating connection part 55a is rotatably connected to the first shaft 53. The outer surface of the locking part 55b includes a cam surface P3, and a groove C3 is formed on the locking part 55b. The groove surface P4 of the groove C3 opposite to the first shaft 53 has a locking position W1 and a releasing position W2 spaced apart in its extending direction, and the distance from the locking position W1 to the first shaft 53 is less than the distance from the releasing position W2 to the first shaft 53. The second shaft 54 ​​is fitted into the groove C3 and can slide between the locking position W1 and the releasing position W2 of the groove C3. The handle part 52b is used for easy gripping by the operator.

[0110] When it is necessary to lock the throat 40, the user can hold the handle 52b to rotate the operating handle 55 around the first shaft 53, so that the operating handle 55 rotates to the point where the second shaft 54 ​​slides to the locking position W1 (see...). Figure 13 At this time, the operating handle 55 applies a clamping force to the first shaft 53 and the second shaft 54, causing the first part 13 and the second part 14 to press against each other against the throat 40 located in the socket K1. At this time, the cam surface P3 of the locking part 55b can abut against the heat sink 10a to improve the locking reliability.

[0111] When it is necessary to release the throat tube 40, the user can rotate the operating handle 55 in the reverse direction, causing the second shaft 54 ​​to slide to the release position W2 (see...). Figure 14 At this point, there is sufficient space within the groove C3 to allow the second shaft 54 ​​to shift away from the first shaft 53, so that... Figure 14 In the shown state, the distance L2 between the second shaft member 54 and the first shaft member 53 is... Figure 13 The spacing L1 in the shown state is larger, which in turn makes the first part 13 and the second part 14 farther apart, so that the socket K1 becomes larger, and the throat 40 can be removed from the socket K1.

[0112] In this embodiment, the locking structure 50a can easily lock or loosen the throat tube 40 through the heat sink 10, and the throat tube 40 is easy to install and remove.

[0113] The hot end structure 430a in this embodiment may also include a heating element 62, a temperature detection element 63, a heat insulation element 65, etc. For details, please refer to the corresponding settings in the hot end structure 430, which will not be elaborated here.

[0114] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A hot-end structure, characterized in that, include: The heat sink has a socket hole. The socket extends along a first direction; the heat sink is provided with a sliding fit hole, which extends along a second direction and communicates with the socket; the second direction is perpendicular to or intersects the first direction at an angle. A connected nozzle, a heat-conducting element, and a throat; the throat at least partially fitting within the socket; and, The locking structure includes a limiting member; the limiting member forms a sliding fit with the sliding hole and can slide to a locked state or a released state. In the locked state, the limiting member presses the throat against the hole surface of the sleeve hole; in the released state, the throat can be detached from the heat dissipation member.

2. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat sink includes a central heat sink and a plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of fins are connected to each other at intervals on one or both sides of the central heat sink along the second direction; The socket is formed in the middle heat dissipation part; The sliding fitting hole is located on the side of the intermediate heat dissipation part and between two adjacent fins, or on the side of the thickened fin away from the intermediate heat dissipation part along the second direction, wherein the thickened fin is configured to have a thickness greater than the other fins.

3. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting member is annular and has an inner hole extending along the first direction; The throat tube passes through the inner hole along the first direction; In the locked state, the inner hole surface presses the throat against the socket surface.

4. The hot-end structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting member includes a pressing part and two side connecting parts, the two side connecting parts being respectively connected to both ends of the pressing part to form the inner hole; The pressing part and the throat are opposite each other along the second direction and are used to press against the throat; the side connecting part extends along the second direction and forms a sliding fit with the sliding hole along the second direction.

5. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding fit hole has an elongated oval cross section in a plane perpendicular to the second direction; The limiting member includes a U-shaped rod bent into a U-shape, the U-shaped rod including a pressing portion extending along the semi-circular arc of the U-shaped rod, the pressing portion being used to press against the throat tube; the U-shaped rod also includes two side connecting portions extending in a straight line along the U-shaped rod, the two side connecting portions being connected to the pressing portion, and the two side connecting portions being configured to slide in the sliding mating hole.

6. The hot-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The throat tube includes a core tube and a protective sleeve, with the protective sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the core tube; In the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the protective sleeve.

7. The hot-end structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The socket includes a central hole and an enlarged hole. The central hole penetrates the heat sink along the first direction. The enlarged hole connects to the central hole and is located at the end of the central hole near the nozzle. The diameter of the enlarged hole is larger than the diameter of the central hole. The core tube passes through the central hole, the protective sleeve is at least partially fitted to the enlarged hole, and in the loosened state, the throat tube can be removed from the socket hole along the first direction.

8. The hot-end structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the protective sleeve is provided with an annular groove; In the locked state, the limiting member engages with the annular groove.

9. The hot-end structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The annular groove is a V-shaped groove; In the locked state, the limiting member is tangent to the groove surface of the V-shaped groove.

10. The hot-end structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The locking structure also includes a locking element; The locking member is connected to the limiting member and can drive the limiting member to slide to the loosened state or lock to the locked state under the action of external force.

11. The hot-end structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The limiting member has a pressing end and a connecting end disposed opposite to each other along the second direction; The connecting end extends beyond the sliding fitting hole and is connected to the locking member; The throat is located between the pressure end and the connection end.

12. The hot-end structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The locking element includes a connected cam portion and a handle portion; The cam portion has a cam surface; The cam portion is rotatably connected to the end of the limiting member away from the throat, and can rotate relative to the limiting member under the drive of the handle portion, so that different positions of the cam surface abut against the heat sink, thereby causing the limiting member to slide relative to the heat sink.

13. The hot-end structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The limiting member includes a pressing part and two side connecting parts, and the two side connecting parts are respectively connected to the two ends of the pressing part to form a U-shaped rod; The limiting member also includes two bent portions, which are formed by bending and extending the two side connecting portions away from the pressing portion towards each other; The cam portion has a rotating fitting hole, which is rotatably fitted onto the two bent portions.

14. The hot-end structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: The limiting member is integrally bent from an elastic rod-shaped material, and the two bent portions can be inserted into the rotating fitting hole.

15. A hot-end structure, characterized in that, include: The heat sink has a socket hole. The nozzle, heat-conducting element, and throat are connected; the throat is at least partially fitted into the socket; the throat is detachably connected to the heat sink; and, A heating assembly, the heating assembly including a mounting block and a heating element; The mounting block is fixedly connected to the heat sink and is located on the side of the heat sink closer to the nozzle; The heat-conducting component is thermally connected to the heating element, and the heat-conducting component and the heating element are detachably coupled.

16. The hot-end structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: The hot end structure also includes a temperature detection element; The mounting block has a mounting hole that extends along a first direction; The temperature sensing element is at least partially fitted into the mounting hole and extends into the middle position corresponding to the heat-conducting element.

17. The hot-end structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: The hot end structure also includes a temperature detection element; The mounting block has a mounting hole that extends along a first direction; The temperature sensing element is at least partially fitted into the mounting hole; The distance between the temperature sensing element and the heat-conducting element in the second direction is 'a', where 0 mm ≤ a ≤ 4 mm; the second direction is perpendicular to or intersects the first direction at an angle.

18. A 3D printing head, characterized in that, include: Strain gauge; as well as, The hot-end structure according to any one of claims 1-17; The hot end structure is connected to the strain element.

19. The 3D printing head according to claim 18, characterized in that: The strain element includes a strain carrier plate, and the strain carrier plate has a through hole extending along the first direction; The throat tube passes through the through hole.

20. The 3D printing head according to claim 19, characterized in that, Also includes: Base frame; the strain element is connected to the base frame; The strain gauge also includes a strain sensing element; The strain carrier plate includes a fixed part and a protruding part. The fixed part is fixedly connected to the base frame, and the protruding part extends out of the base frame. The strain sensing element is located on the protrusion.

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