3D printing nozzle drag chain structure

Abstract

A 3D printing nozzle tow chain structure relates to the technical field of 3D printing, comprising a tow chain composed of a plurality of chain links connected in sequence, a limiting structure composed of a convex platform and an arc-shaped groove is arranged between adjacent chain links, which is used for limiting the deflection direction and amplitude, ensuring the stability of the movement track of the tow chain, and preventing overturning, knotting or stress concentration; one end of the tow chain is fixed to the rack through a rear fixing seat, and the other end is connected with the nozzle through a front fixing seat, forming a traction layout with one end fixed and one end following, effectively guiding and protecting the internal cable; the last chain link connected with the front fixing seat adopts a reverse deflection design; an end cover is arranged on the top of the front fixing seat, which can shield the cable joint and electronic elements, and enhance the protection; the starting end of the tow chain is connected with the rear fixing seat through a special fixing chain link, improving the connection reliability. The utility model has a large bending interval, effectively improving the safety and flexibility of the 3D printer under large stroke movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure. Background Technology

[0002] In existing 3D printer structures, the printhead typically needs to reciprocate at high speed and frequency along the X and Y axes, requiring the power cables, signal cables, and possibly air hoses connected to the printhead to move synchronously. To address the management of these cables during movement, current equipment generally employs open cabling or simple flexible sheaths for guidance. However, open cabling lacks effective constraints, and cables are prone to fatigue damage from repeated bending and pulling during long-term operation, even becoming tangled or knotted. In severe cases, this can lead to wire breakage or poor contact, affecting printing accuracy and even causing equipment malfunction. Even in models that introduce universal plastic cable chains, their structural design is often rather crude, lacking effective constraints on the direction and angle of deflection between links. When the printhead turns rapidly or stops abruptly, the cable chain is prone to twisting, flipping, or partial stacking, not only occupying extra space but also potentially interfering with the frame, guide rails, or other moving parts, limiting the effective utilization of the printing area.

[0003] Furthermore, traditional cable carriers often employ a unidirectional, consistent hinge structure with a fixed bending path. When the nozzle approaches its travel limit, the end of the cable carrier frequently forms a sharp angle due to insufficient bending radius, causing stress concentration, accelerating material aging, and posing a risk of collision with the equipment casing. These defects are particularly prominent in high-precision, large-size, or long-term continuous printing applications, and have become one of the technical bottlenecks restricting the reliability and stability of 3D printing equipment. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model discloses a 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A 3D printing nozzle cable chain structure, comprising:

[0007] A drag chain is composed of multiple links connected in sequence, and a limiting structure is provided between two adjacent links to limit the deflection direction and deflection amplitude of the corresponding links;

[0008] The rear mounting base is connected to one end of the cable chain and is fixed to the frame of the 3D printer.

[0009] A front mounting bracket is connected to the other end of the cable chain and is fixed to the nozzle of the 3D printer.

[0010] In this design, one link of the cable chain connected to the front fixed seat deflects in the opposite direction to the other links, thereby expanding the bending range of the cable chain.

[0011] Preferably, the top of the front fixing seat is covered with an end cap, and the end cap is provided with a connection structure for connecting to the corresponding chain link at one end of the drag chain.

[0012] Preferably, the cable chain is connected to the rear fixed seat via a fixed link.

[0013] Preferably, the limiting structure includes a boss at the tail end of a link and an arc-shaped groove at the head end of an adjacent link, wherein the boss and the corresponding arc-shaped groove are matched after two adjacent links are connected.

[0014] Preferably, one side of the drag chain link is open, and a stop bar is provided on the open side. One end of the stop bar is hinged to the chain link, and the other end is engaged with the chain link.

[0015] By adopting the technical solution described above, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) This utility model has a simple structure. By setting a limiting structure consisting of a boss and an arc-shaped groove between adjacent links of the cable chain, the deflection direction and amplitude of the links are effectively constrained. This structure ensures that the cable chain maintains a stable bending trajectory during high-speed movement with the nozzle, avoiding problems such as overturning, knotting, or local stress concentration, thereby improving the durability of the cable chain itself and ensuring that the internal cables run in a controlled path, reducing the risk of wear or breakage caused by abnormal bending. One end of the cable chain is fixed to the frame through the rear fixing seat, and the other end is connected to the nozzle through the front fixing seat, forming a traction layout with one end fixed and the other end moving. This arrangement ensures that the cables are always in an orderly guided state, effectively preventing interference problems caused by free hanging or disorderly swinging, and improving the coordination and reliability of the overall machine movement.

[0017] (2) The end link of the cable chain connected to the front fixed seat adopts a reverse deflection design, so that its bending direction is opposite to that of other links. This structure significantly expands the bending range of the entire cable chain, providing greater bending freedom when the nozzle is close to the limit of motion, and avoiding stress abrupt changes caused by rigid bending. At the same time, this design shifts the bending center of the cable chain outward, effectively preventing it from colliding or rubbing against the frame or housing during large stroke movements, thus improving the space utilization efficiency and operational safety of the equipment.

[0018] (3) The front mounting base of this utility model is equipped with an end cap, which not only physically shields the cable connector, signal interface and possibly integrated PCB board or sensor module, preventing dust, printing splatter or cooling airflow from directly intruding, thus improving the protection level and connection stability of the electrical system, but also optimizes the local appearance and reduces the possibility of foreign objects getting caught during movement. In addition, the starting end of the cable chain is connected to the rear mounting base through a dedicated fixed chain link, which enhances the structural strength and positioning accuracy of the installation part, ensuring that the connection is stable and not easy to loosen during long-term operation.

[0019] (4) The drag chain link of this utility model has an open structure with a stop bar on one side. The stop bar can be opened around the hinge end, which makes it easy to quickly insert or replace the cable without disassembling the entire drag chain; after closing, it is reliably closed by a buckle or elastic locking mechanism. This design greatly simplifies wiring and maintenance operations, improves assembly efficiency, and at the same time maintains the continuity of the outer contour of the link in the closed state, without affecting the overall bending performance of the drag chain and the normal cooperation of the limiting structure, thus taking into account both practicality and structural integrity. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the cable chain;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the cable chain;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the connection between the cable chain and the end cap.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Cable chain; 1-1. Boss; 1-2. Arc-shaped groove; 1-3. Stop bar; 2. Rear fixing seat; 3. Front fixing seat; 4. End cap; 5. Fixing link. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] Combined with appendix Figures 1-3 A 3D printing nozzle cable chain structure includes a cable chain 1, a rear fixing seat 2, and a front fixing seat 3. The cable chain 1 houses a cable connected to the 3D printer nozzle, guiding and protecting the cable during nozzle movement. This structure effectively prevents the cable from becoming entangled, worn, or even broken due to repeated bending, pulling, or contact with other moving parts during the nozzle's reciprocating motion, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of the equipment.

[0030] The cable chain 1 is composed of multiple links hinged together in sequence, forming a flexible and bendable belt structure that can move synchronously with the nozzle along the X and Y axes. To ensure that the cable chain 1 maintains a stable trajectory and prevents excessive twisting during movement, a limiting structure is provided between adjacent links to restrict the deflection direction and amplitude of the corresponding links. This limiting structure controls the relative rotation angle between the links through mechanical constraints, preventing the cable chain 1 from overturning, knotting, or experiencing localized stress concentration during high-speed movement, thereby ensuring smooth movement and structural durability.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in the attached document Figure 2 As shown, the limiting structure includes a boss 1-1 at the tail end of one link and an arc-shaped groove 1-2 at the head end of the adjacent link. After two adjacent links are connected, the boss 1-1 is embedded in the corresponding arc-shaped groove 1-2 and can deflect within the range defined by the arc-shaped groove 1-2. This mating structure not only achieves a reliable connection between links, but also restricts the links to deflect only in a preset direction through the geometric contours of the boss 1-1 and the arc-shaped groove 1-2, thereby precisely controlling the overall bending path of the cable chain 1 and enabling it to fold and unfold smoothly within a limited space.

[0032] One end of the cable chain 1 is connected to a rear mounting base 2, which is fixedly mounted on the frame of the 3D printer, serving as the fixed end of the cable chain 1 and providing a stable support reference. The other end of the cable chain 1 is connected to a front mounting base 3, which is fixed to the nozzle slider or nozzle bracket of the 3D printer and moves synchronously with the nozzle. Through the coordinated action of the rear mounting base 2 and the front mounting base 3, the cable chain 1 forms a traction layout with one end fixed and the other end moving, ensuring that the internal cables are always under control and avoiding interference problems caused by free hanging or disorderly swinging.

[0033] It should be noted that, as shown in the attached document Figure 3 As shown, one link connecting the cable chain 1 to the front fixed base 3 deflects in the opposite direction to the other links. This means the limiting structure of this link is reversed, causing it to bend in the opposite direction under stress. This design effectively expands the overall bending range of the cable chain 1, especially when the printhead is near its movement limit. It increases the bending freedom at the end of the cable chain 1, preventing stress abrupt changes or structural jamming caused by rigid bending. Simultaneously, this reverse deflection structure helps shift the bending center of the cable chain 1 away from the frame, preventing collisions or friction between the cable chain 1 and the frame, housing, or other fixed components during the large stroke of the 3D printer printhead, thus improving the compactness and safety of the overall machine's motion envelope.

[0034] Example 2:

[0035] Combined with appendix Figure 1 and 4 This invention relates to an improved 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure based on Embodiment 1. The difference lies in the fact that the top of the front mounting base 3 is covered with an end cap 4. The end cap 4 has a connection structure corresponding to one end of the drag chain 1, which connects to the corresponding link. This connection structure can be in the form of a snap-fit, screw hole, or fitting groove, used to securely connect the end cap 4 to the link at the end of the drag chain 1. The end cap 4 covers the front mounting base 3, not only providing structural enclosure but also shielding the cable connectors, signal interfaces, and potentially integrated PCB boards or sensor modules leading from the drag chain 1 and connecting to the nozzle. This prevents dust, printing splatter, or cooling airflow from directly impacting electronic components, improving the stability and protection level of the electrical connection. Furthermore, the presence of the end cap 4 makes the area of ​​the front mounting base 3 cleaner and reduces the risk of foreign objects getting caught during movement.

[0036] Furthermore, the cable chain 1 is connected to the rear fixed seat 2 via a fixed link 5, which has mounting holes or positioning flanges that match the rear fixed seat 2. By using the fixed link 5 as a transition connector, a reliable fixed relationship can be ensured between the starting end of the cable chain 1 and the rear fixed seat 2, thereby improving the connection stability and assembly consistency of the entire cable chain system during long-term operation.

[0037] Example 3:

[0038] Combined with appendix Figures 1-2 A 3D printing nozzle cable chain structure is further optimized based on Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. This embodiment retains all the aforementioned structural features and improves the link construction of the cable chain 1. Specifically, each link of the cable chain 1 has an opening on one side, which is used to insert or replace internal cables without disassembling the entire cable chain 1. A stop bar 1-3 is provided on the side corresponding to the opening. One end of the stop bar 1-3 is hinged to the link body via a pin or hinge structure, and the other end is provided with a buckle or elastic locking mechanism, which can cooperate with the slot on the other side of the link to achieve closed locking. When it is necessary to insert cables, the operator can flip the stop bar 1-3 outward around the hinge end to open it, so that the opening is fully exposed, making it easy to insert multiple cables into the inner cavity of the link at one time; after the wiring is completed, the stop bar 1-3 is reset and locked to restore the closed state of the link and ensure that the cables will not come out of the opening during movement. This structure significantly simplifies the cable installation and maintenance process, eliminating the need to disassemble the cable carrier 1 section by section or pre-thread the cable through the entire cable carrier, thus improving assembly efficiency and ease of later maintenance. Simultaneously, when the stop bars 1-3 are closed, they form a continuous outer contour with the chain link body, ensuring that the structural integrity of the cable carrier 1 during bending and the limiting fit between adjacent chain links are not affected, balancing functionality and structural reliability.

[0039] The parts of this utility model not described in detail are prior art. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that this utility model can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and are intended to include all changes that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents within this utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure, characterized in that, include: The drag chain (1) is composed of multiple links connected in sequence, and a limiting structure is provided between two adjacent links to limit the deflection direction and deflection amplitude of the corresponding links; The rear mounting base (2) is connected to one end of the drag chain (1) and the rear mounting base (2) is fixed on the frame of the 3D printer; The front mounting bracket (3) is connected to the other end of the drag chain (1), and the front mounting bracket (3) is fixed to the nozzle of the 3D printer. In this case, one link of the drag chain (1) connected to the front fixed seat (3) deflects in the opposite direction to the other links, so as to expand the bending range of the drag chain (1).

2. The 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front fixed seat (3) is covered with an end cap (4) on top, and the end cap (4) is provided with a connection structure for connecting to the corresponding chain link at one end of the drag chain (1).

3. The 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cable chain (1) is connected to the rear fixed seat (2) via a fixed link (5).

4. The 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a boss (1-1) at the tail end of a link and an arc-shaped groove (1-2) at the head end of an adjacent link. After two adjacent links are connected, the boss (1-1) and the corresponding arc-shaped groove (1-2) are matched.

5. The 3D printing nozzle drag chain structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drag chain (1) has an open side on one side of the chain link, and a stop bar (1-3) is provided on the open side. One end of the stop bar (1-3) is hinged to the chain link, and the other end is snapped into the chain link.

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