Heated seat assembly, printhead, and three-dimensional printer

Abstract

The application relates to the field of three-dimensional printing, aims to solve the problem that a three-dimensional printer in some known technologies is inconvenient to disassemble a hot end device, and provides a heating seat assembly, a printing head and a three-dimensional printer. The heating seat assembly comprises a heating seat, a limiting piece, a locking piece and a hot end device. One end of the limiting piece is rotationally connected to the heating seat around a first axis. The locking piece is rotationally connected to the heating seat around a second axis which is not parallel to the first axis, and the locking piece selectively contacts or separates from the other end of the limiting piece. The hot end device comprises a heat radiating piece, a heat conducting piece, a throat pipe and a nozzle, the heat conducting piece is arranged in space with the heat radiating piece, one part of the throat pipe is in contact with the heat conducting piece, the other part of the throat pipe is in contact with the heat radiating piece, the nozzle is connected with the heat conducting piece, the nozzle is communicated with the throat pipe, and at least part of the hot end device is detachably arranged between the heating seat and the limiting piece. The application has the beneficial effect that the hot end device is convenient to disassemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, specifically to heated mount assemblies, print heads, and 3D printers. Background Technology

[0002] A 3D printer (also known as a stereo printer or three-dimensional printer) is a rapid prototyping process. Currently, the 3D printing technology that can be used is fused deposition modeling (FDM). FDM is a technology that constructs three-dimensional objects by printing layer by layer using powdered materials such as metal or plastic based on digital models. In practice, an FDM 3D printer uses a feeding mechanism to supply molten filament material to the hot-end device of the printer. The molten filament material is heated to a molten state within the hot-end device. The hot-end device then extrudes the molten material onto the forming platform as it moves along the printing path of the 3D printer, printing the three-dimensional object layer by layer.

[0003] In the process of developing this application, the inventors discovered that at least the following problems exist in the known technologies: some known 3D printers have the problem of inconvenient disassembly of the hot end device. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a heating mount assembly, a print head, and a 3D printer to solve the problem of inconvenient disassembly of the hot end device in some known 3D printers.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a heating seat assembly, which includes a heating seat, a limiting member, a locking member, and a hot-end device. One end of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the heating seat about a first axis. The locking member is rotatably connected to the heating seat about a second axis not parallel to the first axis, and the other ends of the locking member and the limiting member can selectively contact or separate. The hot-end device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat conduction member, a throat, and a nozzle. The heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member are spaced apart. A portion of the throat contacts the heat conduction member, and another portion of the throat contacts the heat dissipation member. The nozzle is connected to the heat conduction member and communicates with the throat. At least a portion of the hot-end device is detachably disposed between the heating seat and the limiting member.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the heating seat assembly further includes: a first protrusion, the first protrusion being provided on the heating seat; and one end of the locking member being rotatably connected to the first protrusion about a second axis.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first protrusion includes a column segment and a cap, the column segment being connected to the heating base and the cap being connected to the end of the column segment away from the heating base; and the locking member includes a rotatable connecting portion that is rotatably fitted over the column segment.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the dimension of the column segment is larger than the dimension of the rotating connection in the axial direction of the column segment.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the locking member further includes a locking portion and a stop, the locking portion being connected to the rotating connection portion, the stop being connected to the end of the locking portion away from the rotating connection portion, and the locking portion being selectively in contact with or separate from the other end of the limiting member; and the heating seat assembly further includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion being provided on the heating seat, and the second protrusion and the stop being selectively in contact with or separate from the stop.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second protruding surface is provided with an engaging groove that can selectively contact or separate from the abutment.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the locking member further includes a bend connected to the end of the abutment away from the locking portion.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a printhead, which includes a printhead body and a heating seat assembly. The heating seat assembly includes a heating seat, a locking member, a limiting member, and a hot-end device. The heating seat defines a receiving groove with an opening. One end of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the heating seat, and the other end of the limiting member is provided with a mating portion. The limiting member has a closed state where the opening is closed. When the limiting member is in the closed state, at least a portion of the mating portion extends away from the heating seat. The locking member is connected to the heating seat, and when the limiting member is in the closed state, the locking member contacts the mating portion. The hot-end device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat conduction member, a throat, and a nozzle. The heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member are spaced apart. The throat connects the heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member. The nozzle is connected to the heat conduction member and communicates with the throat. At least a portion of the hot-end device is detachably disposed in the receiving groove.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the limiting member further includes a rotating part and a pressing plate. The rotating part is rotatably connected to one side of the heating seat, and the pressing plate connects the rotating part and the mating part. When the limiting member is in the closed state, the pressing plate closes the opening.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the mating part includes a first bend and a second bend, the first bend being bent and connected to the pressing plate, and the second bend being bent and connected to the end of the first bend away from the pressing plate.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the pressing plate is provided with a positioning groove, which is used to accommodate at least part of the hot end device when the limiting member is in the closed state.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the rotating part defines the shaft hole; and the heating seat assembly further includes a rotating shaft fixed to the heating seat and rotatably disposed in the shaft hole.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the rotating part is bent to form a plurality of shaft holes, and the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in each shaft hole.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the heat-conducting element is disposed in the receiving groove when the limiting member is in the closed state.

[0019] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a 3D printer, which includes a forming platform and a print head. The print head includes a heating seat, a limiting member, a locking member, and a hot-end device. The heating seat is movable relative to the forming platform. One end of the limiting member is movably connected to the heating seat, and the locking member is movably connected to the heating seat. The locking member has a locked state. When the locking member is in the locked state, a locking hole is defined between the locking member and the heating seat. The other end of the limiting member is disposed in the locking hole. The hot-end device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat conduction member, a throat, and a nozzle. In the extending direction of the throat, the heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member are spaced apart, and the heat conduction member contacts the throat, the heat dissipation member contacts the throat, the nozzle is connected to the heat conduction member, and the nozzle communicates with the throat. The hot-end device is detachably disposed between the heating seat and the limiting member.

[0020] In one possible implementation, one end of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the heating base about a vertical first axis, and the locking member is rotatably connected to the heating base about a horizontal second axis and / or a horizontal third axis.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the heat-conducting element has a limiting flange at one or both ends along the axial direction of the heating seat assembly. When the hot end device is disposed between the heating seat and the limiting element, the limiting flange contacts the heating seat.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the heating seat assembly further includes: a first protrusion, the first protrusion including a column segment and a cap, the column segment being fixed to the heating seat, the cap being fixed to the end of the column segment away from the heating seat, and the column segment being rotatably connected to one end of a locking member.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the heating base assembly further includes a second protrusion fixed to the heating base and spaced apart from the first protrusion, wherein the second protrusion can selectively contact or separate from the other end of the locking member.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the other end of the limiting member is provided with a mating part, which defines a mating groove. When the locking member is in a locked state, the mating groove accommodates part of the locking member.

[0025] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the heating seat assembly, print head and 3D printer in the embodiments of this application can lock or unlock the limiting member by the locking member, so that the hot end device can be limited by the limiting member to the heating seat or removed from the heating seat, and the hot end device is easy to disassemble and assemble. Attached Figure Description

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the printhead in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the hot end structure and substrate of an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view.

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 2 An exploded view from another perspective.

[0034] Key component symbols: 500 - 3D printer; 510 - Molding platform; 520 - Frame; 521 - Base; 522 - Gantry; 522a - Column; 522b - Crossbeam; 530 - Optical axis; 300 - Print head; 310 - Print head body; 311 - Substrate; 312 - Front shell; 320 - Extrusion assembly; 321 - Driving extrusion wheel; 322 - Driven extrusion wheel; 323 - Driving gear; 324 - Driven gear; T1 - Consumable channel; 700 - Consumable; 100 - Heating seat assembly; 10 - Heating seat; K1 - Opening; C1 - Receiving groove; 20 - Limiting component; 21 - Mating part; 21a - First bend; 21b - Second bend 22-Fold; 33-Rotating part; 44-Shaft hole; 55-Pressure plate; 66-Positioning groove; 77-Locking part; 88-Rotating connection part; 98-Inner hole; 10-Locking part; 11-Top; 22-Bending part; 33-Heat end device; 44-Heat dissipation part; 45-Heat conduction part; 46-Positioning protrusion; 47-Limiting protrusion; 48-Throat; 49-Nozzle; 40-Through hole; 41-Outer sleeve; 42-First axis; 53-Second axis; 64-Third axis; 50-First protrusion; 51-Column segment; 52-Column cap; 60-Second protrusion; 71-Engaging groove; 72-Heating element; 73-Installation space; 74-Temperature detection element; 55-Perforation. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0039] Example See Figure 1 This embodiment also provides a 3D printer 500, which can specifically be a 3D printer 500 based on FDM technology.

[0040] The 3D printer 500 includes a frame 520, a forming platform 510, a print head 300, and displacement components in the X, Y, and Z directions. The X direction can be a horizontal direction, the Y direction can be a horizontal forward-backward direction, and the Z direction can be a vertical direction or a vertical direction.

[0041] The printhead 300 and the forming platform 510 move relative to each other in a controlled manner under the drive of the displacement components. For example, the forming platform 510 can be displaced relative to the frame 520 in the Y direction under the drive of the Y-direction displacement component, and the printhead 300 can be displaced in the X and / or Z directions under the drive of the X-direction displacement components and the Z-direction displacement components, heating and melting the consumables according to a set path, and printing them onto the forming platform 510 to form a printed part. The X, Y, and Z-direction displacement components can be driven by lead screws and nuts, belts, or other mechanisms, and are not limited here.

[0042] In this embodiment, optionally, the frame 520 includes a base 521 and a gantry 522, with the gantry 522 connected to the base 521. The forming platform 510 is movably disposed on the base 521 along the Y-direction. The gantry 522 includes two columns 522a spaced apart along the X-direction and a crossbeam 522b connected to the ends of the two columns 522a away from the base 521, wherein the columns 522a extend along the Z-direction. The crossbeam 522b and the columns 522a can be integrally formed or are separate structures connected by bolts or other connecting components. An optical axis 530 movable along the Z-direction is connected between the two columns 522a, and the print head 300 is movably disposed on the optical axis 530 along the X-direction. Thus, the print head 300 can be displaced along the X-direction on the optical axis 530, and / or displaced along the Z-direction together with the optical axis 530.

[0043] In other embodiments, the rack 520 may also take other forms of structure, which are not limited here.

[0044] In other embodiments, the movement of the print head 300 and the forming platform 510 can also take other forms. For example, the forming platform 510 may remain stationary, while the print head 300 may be displaced relative to the forming platform 510 along the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. Alternatively, the forming platform 510 may be displaced along the X and Y directions, while the print head 300 may be displaced along the Z direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the 3D printer 500 may further include a housing that defines a receiving cavity in which the print head 300 and the forming platform 510 are both disposed. The housing separates the internal and external spaces of the 3D printer 500 to ensure a stable printing environment. A door that can be opened or closed may be provided on the housing to facilitate the removal of the printed parts.

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the printhead 300 includes a printhead body 310 and a heating seat assembly 100.

[0047] The printhead body 310 is movable relative to the forming platform 510. For example, the printhead body 310 is slidably disposed on the optical axis 530 along the X direction, so that the printhead body 310 can move along the X direction relative to the optical axis 530, or move along the Z direction together with the optical axis 530. The forming platform 510 is slidably disposed along the Y direction. Thus, the printhead body 310 and the forming platform 510 are movable relative to each other.

[0048] Optionally, the printhead body 310 may include a substrate 311 and a front shell 312. The substrate 311 is slidably connected to the optical axis 530, the front shell 312 is connected to the substrate 311, and the heating seat assembly 100 is installed between the front shell 312 and the substrate 311. The heating seat assembly 100 can move synchronously with the printhead body 310.

[0049] The extrusion assembly 320 may include a driving extrusion wheel 321 and a driven extrusion wheel 322, defining a consumable channel T1 between them. In use, consumables (such as linear consumables) are placed into the consumable channel T1 and clamped by the driving and driven extrusion wheels 321 and 322. The driving and driven extrusion wheels 321 and 322 then rotate in opposite directions to deliver the consumables to the heating seat assembly 100. In some embodiments, the extrusion assembly 320 further includes a driving gear 323 and a driven gear 324. The driving and driven gears 323 and 324 mesh with each other, with the driving extrusion wheel 321 fixed to the driving gear 323 and the driven extrusion wheel 322 fixed to the driven gear 324. Thus, when the drive gear 323 is driven to rotate (such as when it is driven by a motor), it will drive the driven gear 324 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction. This will enable the drive extrusion wheel 321 and the driven extrusion wheel 322 to rotate, thereby realizing the delivery of consumables.

[0050] Among them, consumable 700 can be a linear polymer material, also known as filament. Examples of consumable 700 include PLA (Polylactic Acid), PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol), BVOH (Butylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate), PC (Polycarbonate), PA (Polyamide), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and PPS (Polyphenylene Powder). Sulfide (polyphenylene sulfide), carbon fiber reinforced materials (referring to a mixture of PLA and other base materials with carbon fiber), or glass fiber reinforced materials (referring to a mixture of PLA and other base materials with glass fiber), etc.

[0051] The extrusion assembly 320 may include a driving extrusion wheel 321 and a driven extrusion wheel 322, defining a consumable passage T1 between the driving and driven extrusion wheels 321 and 322. In use, a consumable 700 (such as a linear consumable) is placed into the consumable passage T1 and clamped by the driving and driven extrusion wheels 321 and 322. The driving extrusion wheel 321 is then driven (e.g., by a motor) to rotate, thereby conveying the consumable 700 to the heating seat assembly 100.

[0052] The consumable 700 can be wound on a tray, and the consumable 700 is conveyed to the consumable channel T1 by the rolling of the tray. The tray can be set inside the material box. Understandably, multiple trays can be set inside the material box, and the material and / or color of the consumable 700 wound on different trays can be the same or different.

[0053] In other embodiments, the printhead 300 may also exclude the extrusion assembly 320. In this case, the extrusion assembly 320 may be arranged at a remote end, for example, the extrusion assembly 320 may be fixedly mounted to the frame 520, fixed to the end of the optical axis 530, or fixed to the material box.

[0054] The heating seat assembly 100 is described below as an example. Figures 3-7A heating seat assembly 100 of this embodiment is shown.

[0055] See Figure 3 This embodiment provides a heating seat assembly 100, which can be used in the print head 300 of a 3D printer 500 (such as an FDM 3D printer 500). The heating seat assembly 100 can heat the consumable so that the consumable can be extruded in a molten state.

[0056] See Figures 3-6 The heating seat assembly 100 of this embodiment includes a heating seat 10, a limiting member 20, a locking member 30, and a hot end device 40. One end of the limiting member 20 is rotatably connected to the heating seat 10 about a first axis L1. The locking member 30 is rotatably connected to the heating seat 10 about a second axis L2 that is not parallel to the first axis L1, and the other end of the locking member 30 and the limiting member 20 can selectively contact or separate. The hot end device 40 includes a heat dissipation member 41, a heat conduction member 42, a throat 43, and a nozzle 44. The heat conduction member 42 is spaced apart from the heat dissipation member 41. A portion of the throat 43 contacts the heat conduction member 42, and another portion of the throat 43 contacts the heat dissipation member 41. The nozzle 44 is connected to the heat conduction member 42 and communicates with the throat 43. At least a portion of the hot end device 40 is detachably disposed between the heating seat 10 and the limiting member 20.

[0057] In this embodiment, during normal use, the locking member 30 contacts the other end of the limiting member 20, thereby limiting the limiting member 20 to the heating base 10, and reliably limiting the hot end device 40 between the heating base 10 and the limiting member 20. When it is necessary to remove the hot end device 40, the user can separate the locking member 30 from the limiting member 20, thereby allowing the limiting member 20 to be rotatably opened, allowing the hot end device 40 to be removed from the heating base 10. Conversely, the hot end device 40 can be installed on the heating base 10. Therefore, the heating base assembly 100 of this embodiment can easily assemble and disassemble the hot end device 40, making it convenient to use.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first axis L1 can be parallel to the Z-axis of the 3D printer 500, and the second axis L2 can be perpendicular to or not perpendicular to the first axis L1. For example, the angle between the second axis L2 and the first axis L1 can be 90°, 75°, 60°, 45°, 30°, etc. In some embodiments, the second axis L2 can be parallel to the X-axis of the 3D printer 500.

[0059] In this embodiment, the heating seat 10 can be fixedly connected to the printhead body 310, for example, fixedly connected to the substrate 311 of the printhead body 310.

[0060] Understandably, at least a portion of the hot-end device 40 is detachably disposed on the heating base 10, and the limiting member 20 and the locking member 30 are used to fix the hot-end device 40 to the heating base 10 or to remove the hot-end device 40 from the heating base 10. The hot-end device 40 can be completely removed from the heating base 10. In other embodiments, the hot-end device 40 can be partially removed from the heating base 10, such as only the heat-conducting member 42, the throat 43, and the nozzle 44 can be removed from the heating base 10. In this case, the heat sink 41 can be fixedly connected to the substrate 311, such as by screws.

[0061] The heat-conducting element 42 is made of a heat-conducting material and is capable of melting the consumable 700 passing through it under the heating of the heating element 71 (such as an electric heating element).

[0062] In one embodiment, the heat sink 41 has an axially extending through hole K4, through which a throat 43 passes, with both ends of the throat 43 extending out of the heat sink 41. One end of a heat conductor 42 is connected to one end of the throat 43, and the other end of the heat conductor 42 is connected to a nozzle 44. Thus, the consumable 700 can enter the hot-end device 40 from the end of the throat 43 away from the heat conductor 42, be heated and melted at the heat conductor 42, and then extruded from the nozzle 44.

[0063] The throat 43 can be made of metal or heat-insulating material to reduce the rate at which heat is conducted through the throat 43 to the heat conductor 42. Meanwhile, the heat sink 41 can dissipate heat through liquid cooling, water cooling, or other methods to prevent the consumable 700 from overheating and melting at the heat sink 41, thus reducing the risk of the consumable 700 becoming blocked at the throat 43, heat sink 41, or the upper extrusion assembly 320, preventing feeding. As shown in the figure, the heat sink 41 can be a finned heat sink, which can dissipate heat through a fan. Alternatively, the heat sink 41 can also be a heat sink with internal water-cooling channels.

[0064] In another embodiment, the end of the throat 43 away from the heat conductor 42 may not protrude through the heat sink 41. In this case, the end of the through hole K4 of the heat sink 41 away from the heat conductor 42 can serve as the consumable 700 inlet of the hot end device 40.

[0065] In this embodiment, the hot end device 40 may further include an outer sleeve 45, which can be sleeved between the throat 43 and the heat sink 41 to protect the throat 43 and reduce damage to the throat 43 during long-term use. At the same time, the outer sleeve 45 can be reliably thermally coupled to the heat sink 41 and the throat 43 respectively, ensuring that the heat at the throat 43 can be quickly transferred to the heat sink 41 to accelerate the heat dissipation of the throat 43.

[0066] The outer tube 45 and the throat 43 can be interference-fitted to ensure a secure connection and improve thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the outer tube 45 can be made of copper or other thermally conductive materials to ensure better heat dissipation.

[0067] The connection between the throat 43 and the heat sink 41, the connection between the throat 43 and the heat conductor 42, and the connection between the heat conductor 42 and the nozzle 44 can all be achieved by interference fit, threaded connection, or other forms of connection.

[0068] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, optionally, the heating seat assembly 100 further includes a first protrusion 50, which protrudes from the heating seat 10, and one end of the locking member 30 is rotatably connected to the first protrusion 50 around the second axis L2. Thus, the locking member 30 can be conveniently and reliably connected to the heating seat 10, resulting in a simple and reasonable structure. The second axis L2 can be parallel to the X-direction of the 3D printer 500.

[0069] Optionally, the first protrusion 50 includes a column segment 51 and a cap 52. The column segment 51 is connected to the heating base 10, and the cap 52 is connected to the end of the column segment 51 away from the heating base 10. The locking member 30 includes a rotating connecting portion 31, which is rotatably fitted over the column segment 51. In this way, the cap 52 can block the rotating connecting portion 31 of the locking member 30, preventing the rotating connecting portion 31 from dislodging from the first protrusion 50.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 50 may be a screw or bolt. The stud portion of the screw or bolt serves as a post segment 51 and is threaded to the heating base 10, with the screw head serving as a post cap 52, or the bolt head serving as a post cap 52.

[0071] Optionally, the rotating connection 31 can be made of a metal rod bent into an annular shape and fitted onto the outside of the column segment 51 to achieve a rotating connection with the first protrusion 50. The diameter of the annular inner hole K3 can be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the column segment 51 and less than or equal to the outer diameter of the cap 52.

[0072] When installing the locking member 30, the column segment 51 of the first protrusion 50 can be passed through the rotating connection part 31 and then threaded to the heating base 10.

[0073] In some embodiments, the dimension of column segment 51 is larger than the dimension of rotating connection portion 31 in the axial direction of column segment 51 (parallel to the second axis L2). Thus, in addition to being able to rotate around the second axis L2, rotating connection portion 31 can also deflect around a third axis L3 perpendicular to the second axis L2 by a certain angle (e.g., within 5°, specifically 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, etc.).

[0074] Optionally, the locking member 30 further includes a locking portion 32 and an abutment 33. The locking portion 32 is connected to the rotating connection portion 31, and the abutment 33 is connected to the end of the locking portion 32 away from the rotating connection portion 31. The locking portion 32 can selectively contact or separate from the other end of the limiting member 20. The heating seat assembly 100 also includes a second protrusion 60, which protrudes from the heating seat 10, and the second protrusion 60 and the abutment 33 can selectively contact or separate. Thus, the second protrusion 60 can abut against the abutment 33 supporting the locking member 30, so that the locking member 30 remains in the state of locking the limiting member 20.

[0075] The second protrusion 60 can be integrally formed with the heating base 10, or the second protrusion 60 can be fixed to the heating base 10 by welding, snap-fitting, threaded connection or other means.

[0076] Optionally, the second protrusion 60 and the first protrusion 50 protrude from the same side surface of the heating base 10 along the X direction, and the second protrusion 60 and the first protrusion 50 are spaced apart along the Z direction. Optionally, the second protrusion 60 is located below, and the first protrusion 50 is located above. In this way, the upper end of the locking member 30 can be used as a position for gripping and operating the locking member 30, making operation convenient.

[0077] Optionally, the surface of the second protrusion 60 is provided with an engaging groove C3, which can selectively contact or separate from the abutment 33. When the abutment 33 is engaged in the engaging groove C3, the abutment 33 is less likely to accidentally separate from the second protrusion 60, ensuring that the locking member 30 can reliably lock the limiting member 20. The specific shape of the engaging groove C3 can be set as needed; for example, the engaging groove C3 can be semi-cylindrical, and correspondingly, the outer peripheral surface of the abutment 33 is cylindrical. In this way, the abutment 33 can be stably positioned and engaged in the engaging groove C3. The wall surface of the engaging groove C3 can have a first end and a second end in the direction of the second axis L2 to ensure that the locking member 30 can reliably lock the limiting member 20.

[0078] In this embodiment, the locking member 30 further includes a bent portion 34, which is connected to the end of the top 33 away from the locking portion 32. The bent portion 34 allows the user to easily operate the locking member 30 by hand, so as to drive the locking member 30 to rotate relative to the first protrusion 50. Optionally, the bent portion 34 has a U-shaped structure protruding along the X direction away from the heating base 10 to facilitate hand operation.

[0079] See also Figures 3-6 In this embodiment, the heating base 10 defines a receiving groove C1 with an opening K1. At least a portion of the hot end device 40 is detachably disposed in the receiving groove C1, for example, a portion of the heat-conducting element 42 of the hot end device 40 is detachably disposed in the receiving groove C1.

[0080] One end of the limiting member 20 is rotatably connected to the heating base 10, and the other end of the limiting member 20 is provided with a mating portion 21. The limiting member 20 has a closed state where the opening K1 is closed. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the mating portion 21 extends away from the heating base 10. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the locking member 30 contacts the mating portion 21. Thus, the mating portion 21 can be reliably locked by the locking member 30.

[0081] Optionally, the limiting member 20 further includes a rotating part 22 and a pressing plate 23. The rotating part 22 is rotatably connected to one side of the heating base 10, and the pressing plate 23 connects the rotating part 22 and the mating part 21. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the pressing plate 23 closes the opening K1, and the rotating part 22 and the mating part 21 can be located on both sides of the receiving groove C1. The pressing plate 23 spans across the receiving groove C1 and presses the heat-conducting member 42 against the heating base 10. When it is necessary to disassemble the hot end device 40, the limiting member 20 can be rotated to open the opening K1 to allow the heat-conducting member 42 to be removed from the receiving groove C1.

[0082] Optionally, the pressing plate 23 is provided with a positioning groove C2. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the positioning groove C2 is used to accommodate at least a portion of the hot end device 40, such as the heat-conducting member 42 for accommodating the hot end device 40. Optionally, the heat-conducting member 42 has a positioning protrusion 42a on the side opposite to the heating base 10, and the positioning protrusion 42a protrudes from the front surface of the heating base 10 along the Y direction. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the positioning protrusion 42a engages within the positioning groove C2.

[0083] Optionally, the heat-conducting element 42 has a limiting flange 42b at one or both ends along the axial direction of the heating base assembly 100. When the hot end device 40 is disposed between the heating base 10 and the limiting element 20, the limiting flange 42b contacts the heating base 10. In this way, the heat-conducting element 42 and the heating base 10 can be mutually limited along the Z direction to ensure accurate relative positioning. In some embodiments, the heating base 10 can also support the heat-conducting element 42 by the limiting flange.

[0084] In this embodiment, the heat-conducting element 42 is pressed onto the heating base 10 by the limiting element 20. The cantilever length of the hot end device 40 is relatively short, which helps to ensure the stable and reliable position of the consumable 700 outlet (i.e., the outlet of the nozzle 44) of the hot end device 40, and can reduce the stress deformation of the throat 43. Optionally, the limiting groove is provided near the end of the heat-conducting element 42 close to the nozzle 44 to further reduce the cantilever length.

[0085] In contrast, in some known technologies, the component that is pressed by the hot end device 40 is the heat sink 41, and the cantilever length of the hot end device 40 is relatively long. In this case, it is difficult to ensure the positional accuracy of the nozzle 44. Furthermore, the horizontal load acting on the nozzle 44 and the heat conductor 42 and other structures will generate a bending moment at the throat 43, making the throat 43 prone to bending deformation.

[0086] In this embodiment, optionally, the mating part 21 includes a first bent part 21a and a second bent part 21b. The first bent part 21a is bent and connected to the pressing plate 23, and the second bent part 21b is bent and connected to the end of the first bent part 21a away from the pressing plate 23. The first bent part 21a can extend rearward along the Y direction, and the second bent part 21b can extend along the X direction away from the heating base 10. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the locking part 32 of the locking member 30 can abut against the second bent part 21b along the Y direction to apply a rearward pressing force along the Y direction to the second bent part 21b. In addition, the abutting top 33 of the locking part 32 abuts against the rear side of the second protrusion 60 along the Y direction, making it difficult for the mating part 21 of the limiting member 20 to disengage from the heating base 10. This ensures that the limiting member 20 reliably presses the heat-conducting member 42 against the heating base 10, ensuring accurate installation and effective heat conduction.

[0087] In this embodiment, the rotating part 22 defines the shaft hole K2. The print head 300 also includes a rotating shaft 11, which is fixed to the heating seat 10 and rotatably disposed in the shaft hole K2. Thus, the limiting part can reliably achieve a rotatable connection with the heating seat 10. Optionally, the rotating part 22 is bent to form multiple shaft holes K2, and the rotating shaft 11 is rotatably disposed in each shaft hole K2. For example, the rotating part 22 is bent to form two shaft holes K2 spaced apart along the Z-direction, and the rotating shaft 11 rotatably engages with the two shaft holes K2 respectively to ensure uniform force transmission along the Z-direction during rotational engagement.

[0088] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the printhead 300 also includes a heating element 71. The heating element 71 is, for example, an electrothermal element that can generate heat when energized.

[0089] The heating element 71 can be disposed on the heating base 10, so that the heat generated by the heating element 71 can be transferred to the heat conductor 42 via the heating base 10. Optionally, the heating base 10 has a mounting space Q1 on the side opposite to the receiving groove C1, and the heating element 71 is at least partially disposed in the mounting space Q1, and can be plugged into the power supply interface through the power connector at the end of its lead wire. The power supply interface can be arranged on a circuit board fixed to the printhead body 310. In this way, the heating element 71 can be easily removed or connected by plugging and unplugging the power connector. In addition, when the hot end device 40 is removed, the heating element 71 does not need to be removed at the same time, which is convenient to use.

[0090] Optionally, the bottom surface of the mounting space Q1 can be set as a semi-cylindrical shape, and the heating element 71 is bent into a semi-cylindrical sheet shape, so that the heating element 71 can fit tightly against the heating base 10. In this way, the contact area between the heating element 71 and the heating base 10 can be increased, which is beneficial to improving the heat conduction efficiency of the heating element 71 and the heating base 10.

[0091] In other embodiments, the heating element 71 may also be in other shapes, such as flat or cylindrical, and is not limited thereto.

[0092] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the printhead 300 may further include a temperature sensing element 72. The temperature sensing element 72 is used to detect temperature. For example, the temperature sensing element 72 includes a thermistor, which is used to detect temperature. The temperature sensing element 72 can be arranged in the mounting space Q1, and can be in thermal contact with the heating base 10. Alternatively, the heating base 10 can have a through hole K5 connecting the mounting space Q1 and the receiving groove C1, and the temperature sensing element 72 can be in thermal contact with the heat-conducting element 42 through the through hole K5. Thus, the temperature sensing element 72 can accurately detect the temperature at the heat-conducting element 42. The temperature sensing element 72 can be plugged into a circuit board fixed to the printhead body 310 via a power connector at the end of its lead. This allows for easy removal or connection of the temperature sensing element 72 by plugging and unplugging the power connector. Furthermore, when removing the hot end device 40, the temperature sensing element 72 does not need to be removed simultaneously, making it convenient to use.

[0093] In this embodiment of the 3D printer 500 and printhead 300, the steps for disassembling the hot end device 40 are as follows: First, the user holds the bent portion 34 of the locking member 30 and rotates the locking member 30 around the second axis L2 toward the side away from the first protrusion 50, so that the abutment 33 of the locking member 30 leaves the engaging groove C3 of the first protrusion 50. During this process, the elastic resistance of the mating part 21 on the locking member 30 needs to be overcome. Then, the user rotates the locking member 30 around the third axis L3 at a certain angle, so that the abutment 33 of the locking member 30 and the first protrusion 50 are misaligned in the X direction. Then, the user rotates the locking part 32 of the locking member 30 away from the mating part 21 of the limiting member 20, thus unlocking the limiting member 20. Afterward, the user can rotate the limiting member 20 relative to the heating seat 10 to open the opening K1 of the receiving groove C1, so that the heat-conducting member 42 can be removed from the receiving groove C1 of the heating seat 10, thereby removing part or all of the hot end device 40.

[0094] The steps for installing the hot end device 40 are the reverse of the steps for disassembling the hot end device 40 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] In this embodiment, the printhead 300 may optionally include a strain gauge holder.

[0096] The strain gauge support includes a first strain gauge sub-support and a second strain gauge sub-support. The first strain gauge sub-support extends horizontally (e.g., in the Y direction), and the second strain gauge sub-support extends vertically (i.e., in the Z direction). The upper end of the second strain gauge sub-support is fixedly connected to the rear end of the first strain gauge sub-support. The strain gauge support may be made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the strain gauge support may consist only of the first strain gauge sub-support, which extends horizontally (e.g., in the Y direction). Understandably, the second strain gauge sub-support may be a substrate 311.

[0097] The front end of the first sub-support of the strain gauge defines a throat hole that extends forward and backward, the throat hole being used to place the upper end of the throat 43 when the hot end device 40 is installed.

[0098] The first sub-support of the strain gauge has threaded holes at both ends of its lateral direction. The threaded holes are used to install the strain gauge support onto the printhead body 310.

[0099] The lower end face of the first strain gauge sub-support is divided into a first lower end face and a second lower end face along the front-rear direction. The second lower end face is located in front of the first lower end face. A detection unit is provided on the first lower end face. When the hot end device 40 is installed, the detection unit contacts the rear part of the upper end face of the heat sink (in other embodiments, other positions of the first strain gauge sub-support may also contact the upper end face of the heat sink). The detection unit can detect the force applied by the heat sink to the first strain gauge sub-support. The measured force can have different uses, for example: (1) The forming platform 510 of the 3D printer 500 may not be flat enough. In order to ensure the printing quality, the flatness of the forming platform 510 needs to be detected so as to compensate for the vertical movement of the print head 300. When measuring the flatness of the forming platform 510, the print head 300 moves downward from the first horizontal position to the position where the nozzle 44 contacts the forming platform 510. At this time, the detection unit measures one of the above-mentioned forces. The print head 300 then moves downward by the same distance from the second horizontal position. At this time, the detection unit measures another of the above-mentioned forces. If the two forces are equal, the positions of the two points are horizontal; if they are not equal, the movement of the print head 300 needs to be compensated. The specific compensation is determined according to the magnitude of the two forces. The greater the difference in forces, the greater the compensation distance. The smaller the difference in forces, the smaller the compensation distance. Here, two horizontal positions are used for explanation. In practice, the above operation can be performed on multiple horizontal positions. (2) Used to detect whether the feeding of the wire is smooth. If the feeding is not smooth, the movement of the wire downstream will cause the hot end device 40 to move downward. At this time, the force measured by the detection unit will decrease. When the force measured by the detection unit decreases, a prompt message can be issued to remind the user, or the extrusion force of the wire can be increased.

[0100] (3) Used to detect the flow rate of the wire material. The movement of the wire material downstream will cause the hot end device 40 to move downward. At this time, the force measured by the detection unit will become smaller. Therefore, the larger the flow rate, the smaller the force. The magnitude of the force can indicate the flow rate of the wire material.

[0101] The first lower end face can contact the front part of the upper end face of the radiator when the hot end device 40 is installed. Since the first lower end face is horizontal and flat, and the upper end face of the radiator is flat, the verticality of the nozzle 44 can be guaranteed when the hot end device 40 is installed.

[0102] In the foregoing embodiments, the locking member 30 is rotatably connected to the heating base 10. In other embodiments, the locking member 30 may also be fixedly connected to the heating base 10, and its free end may be displaced relative to the heating base 10 by means of the elastic deformation capability of the locking member 30, thereby achieving contact or separation with the limiting member 20. For example, the rotatable connecting portion 31 of the locking member 30 may become a fixedly connected portion to the heating base, while the locking portion 32, the abutment portion 33, and the bent portion 34 of the locking member 30 may remain unchanged. In this case, when an external force is applied to the bent portion 34, the other parts of the locking member 30 outside the fixed portion may elastically deform relative to the fixed portion, thereby achieving contact or separation with the mating portion 21 and the second protrusion 60, and achieving locking or unlocking of the limiting member 20.

[0103] See Figures 1-7 The printhead 300 provided in this embodiment includes a printhead body 310 and a heating seat assembly 100. The heating seat assembly 100 includes a heating seat 10, a locking member 30, a limiting member 20, and a hot end device 40. The heating seat 10 defines a receiving groove C1 with an opening K1. One end of the limiting member 20 is rotatably connected to the heating seat 10, and the other end of the limiting member 20 is provided with a mating part 21. The limiting member 20 has a closed state that closes the opening K1. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the mating part 21 extends away from the heating seat 10. The locking member 30 is connected to the heating seat 10. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the locking member 30 contacts the mating part 21. The hot end device 40 includes a heat dissipation member 41, a heat conduction member 42, a throat 43, and a nozzle 44. The heat conduction member 42 and the heat dissipation member 41 are spaced apart. The throat 43 connects the heat conduction member 42 and the heat dissipation member 41. The nozzle 44 is connected to the heat conduction member 42 and communicates with the throat 43. At least a portion of the hot end device 40 is detachably disposed in the receiving groove C1.

[0104] In some embodiments, the limiting member 20 further includes a rotating part 22 and a pressing plate 23. The rotating part 22 is rotatably connected to one side of the heating seat 10, and the pressing plate 23 connects the rotating part 22 and the mating part 21. When the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the pressing plate 23 closes the opening K1.

[0105] In some embodiments, the mating part 21 includes a first bending part 21a and a second bending part 21b, wherein the first bending part 21a is bent and connected to the pressing plate 23, and the second bending part 21b is bent and connected to the end of the first bending part 21a away from the pressing plate 23.

[0106] In some embodiments, the pressing plate 23 is provided with a positioning groove C2, which is used to accommodate at least a portion of the hot end device 40 when the limiting member 20 is in the closed state.

[0107] In some embodiments, the rotating part 22 defines the shaft hole K2; and the heating seat assembly 100 further includes a rotating shaft 11, which is fixed to the heating seat 10 and rotatably disposed in the shaft hole K2.

[0108] In some embodiments, the rotating part 22 is bent to form a plurality of shaft holes K2, and the rotating shaft 11 is rotatably disposed in each shaft hole K2.

[0109] In some embodiments, when the limiting member 20 is in the closed state, the heat-conducting member 42 is disposed in the receiving groove C1.

[0110] See Figures 1-7 The 3D printer 500 provided in this embodiment includes a forming platform 510 and a print head 300. The print head 300 includes a heating seat 10, a limiting member 20, a locking member 30, and a hot end device 40. The heating seat 10 is movable relative to the forming platform 510. One end of the limiting member 20 is movably connected to the heating seat 10, and the locking member 30 is movably connected to the heating seat 10. The locking member 30 has a locked state. When the locking member 30 is in the locked state, a distance is defined between the locking member 30 and the heating seat 10. The other end of the limiting member 20 is located in the locking hole K6. The hot end device 40 includes a heat sink 41, a heat conductor 42, a throat 43, and a nozzle 44. In the extending direction of the throat 43, the heat conductor 42 and the heat sink 41 are spaced apart, and the heat conductor 42 is in contact with the throat 43, the heat sink 41 is in contact with the throat 43, the nozzle 44 is connected to the heat conductor 42, and the nozzle 44 is in communication with the throat 43. The hot end device 40 is detachably disposed between the heating base 10 and the limiting member 20.

[0111] In some embodiments, one end of the limiting member 20 is rotatably connected to the heating base 10 about a vertical first axis L1, and the locking member 30 is rotatably connected to the heating base 10 about a horizontal second axis L2 and / or a horizontal third axis L3. The first axis L1 may be parallel to the Z-direction, the second axis L2 may be parallel to the X-direction, and the third axis L3 may be parallel to the Y-direction.

[0112] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting element 42 is provided with a limiting flange 42b at one or both ends along the axial direction of the heating seat assembly 100. When the hot end device 40 is disposed between the heating seat 10 and the limiting element 20, the limiting flange 42b contacts the heating seat 10.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 50 includes a column segment 51 and a cap 52. The column segment 51 is fixed to the heating base 10, and the cap 52 is fixed to the end of the column segment 51 away from the heating base 10. The column segment 51 is rotatably connected to one end of the locking member 30.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second protrusion 60 is fixed to the heating base 10 and is spaced apart from the first protrusion 50. The second protrusion 60 can selectively contact or separate from the other end of the locking member 30.

[0115] In some embodiments, the other end of the limiting member 20 is provided with a mating part 21, which defines a mating groove C4. When the locking member 30 is in a locked state, the mating groove C4 accommodates part of the locking member 30.

[0116] 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 heating seat assembly, characterized in that, include: Heated base; A limiting member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the heating base about a first axis; A locking element is rotatably connected to the heating base about a second axis that is not parallel to the first axis, and the other end of the locking element can selectively contact or separate from the limiting element; as well as A hot-end device includes a heat sink, a heat conductor, a throat, and a nozzle. The heat conductor is spaced apart from the heat sink. A portion of the throat contacts the heat conductor, and another portion of the throat contacts the heat sink. The nozzle is connected to the heat conductor and communicates with the throat. At least a portion of the hot-end device is detachably disposed between the heating base and the limiting member.

2. The heating seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating base assembly further includes: a first protrusion, the first protrusion being protruding from the heating base; and One end of the locking member is rotatably connected to the first protrusion about the second axis.

3. The heating seat assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protrusion includes a column segment and a cap, the column segment being connected to the heating base, and the cap being connected to the end of the column segment away from the heating base; and The locking element includes a rotating connection portion, which is rotatably fitted onto the outside of the column segment.

4. The heating seat assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the axial direction of the column segment, the dimension of the column segment is larger than the dimension of the rotating connection.

5. The heating seat assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking member further includes a locking part and a stop, the locking part being connected to the rotating connecting part, and the stop being connected to the end of the locking part away from the rotating connecting part. The locking part can selectively contact or separate from the other end of the limiting member; and The heating seat assembly further includes a second protrusion that protrudes from the heating seat and is selectively in contact with or separate from the abutment.

6. The heating seat assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second protruding surface is provided with an engagement groove, which can selectively contact or separate from the abutment.

7. The heating seat assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking member further includes a bent portion connected to the end of the abutment away from the locking portion.

8. A printhead, characterized in that, include: Printhead body; as well as, A heating seat assembly includes a heating seat, a locking member, a limiting member, and a hot end device. The heating seat defines an accommodating groove with an opening. One end of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the heating seat, and the other end of the limiting member has a mating portion. The limiting member has a closed state where the opening is closed. When the limiting member is in the closed state, at least a portion of the mating portion extends away from the heating seat. The locking member is connected to the heating seat, and when the limiting member is in the closed state, the locking member contacts the mating portion. The hot end device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat conduction member, a throat, and a nozzle. The heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member are spaced apart. The throat connects the heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member. The nozzle is connected to the heat conduction member and communicates with the throat. At least a portion of the hot end device is detachably disposed in the accommodating groove.

9. The printhead according to claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting member further includes a rotating part and a pressing plate. The rotating part is rotatably connected to one side of the heating seat, and the pressing plate connects the rotating part and the mating part. When the limiting member is in the closed state, the pressing plate closes the opening.

10. The printhead according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mating part includes a first bending part and a second bending part. The first bending part is bent and connected to the pressing plate, and the second bending part is bent and connected to the end of the first bending part away from the pressing plate.

11. The printhead according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pressing plate is provided with a positioning groove, which is used to accommodate at least a portion of the hot end device when the limiting member is in the closed state.

12. The printhead according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rotating part defines the shaft hole; and The heating base assembly also includes a rotating shaft, which is fixed to the heating base and rotatably disposed in the shaft hole.

13. The printhead according to claim 12, characterized in that, The rotating part is bent to form a plurality of shaft holes, and the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in each of the shaft holes.

14. The printhead according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the limiting member is in the closed state, the heat-conducting member is disposed in the receiving groove.

15. A three-dimensional printer, characterized in that, include: Molding platform; as well as A printhead includes a heating seat, a limiting member, a locking member, and a hot-end device. The heating seat is movable relative to the forming platform. One end of the limiting member is movably connected to the heating seat, and the locking member is movably connected to the heating seat. The locking member has a locked state, and when the locking member is in the locked state, a locking hole is defined between the locking member and the heating seat. The other end of the limiting member is disposed in the locking hole. The hot-end device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat conduction member, a throat, and a nozzle. In the extending direction of the throat, the heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member are spaced apart, and the heat conduction member contacts the throat. The heat dissipation member contacts the throat. The nozzle is connected to the heat conduction member and communicates with the throat. The hot-end device is detachably disposed between the heating seat and the limiting member.

16. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, One end of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the heating base about a vertical first axis, and the locking member is rotatably connected to the heating base about a horizontal second axis and / or a horizontal third axis.

17. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heat-conducting component has a limiting flange at one or both ends along the axial direction of the heating seat assembly. When the hot end device is disposed between the heating seat and the limiting component, the limiting flange contacts the heating seat.

18. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heating base assembly also includes: The first protrusion includes a column segment and a cap. The column segment is fixed to the heating base, and the cap is fixed to the end of the column segment away from the heating base. The column segment is rotatably connected to one end of the locking member.

19. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 18, characterized in that, The heating base assembly also includes: The second protrusion is fixed to the heating base and is spaced apart from the first protrusion. The second protrusion can selectively contact or separate from the other end of the locking member.

20. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The other end of the limiting member is provided with a mating part, which defines a mating groove. When the locking member is in the locked state, the mating groove accommodates part of the locking member.

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