A print head switching mechanism for a 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model provides a printing head switching mechanism for 3D printer, compact structure, high reliability, realize quick switching printing head work position, improve movement precision, include: mounting seat, with printing head assembly connection, rocker assembly, with mounting seat rotation connection, sliding assembly, make mounting seat move in Z direction, moving assembly is connected with sliding assembly, with driving mounting seat, rocker assembly moves in X, Y direction together, switching adjustment subassembly, including first switching adjustment spare, second switching adjustment spare, the first rolling spare is equipped on rocker assembly, is used for under the driving of moving assembly, with first switching adjustment spare contact, and moves along first switching adjustment spare contact surface to guide rocker assembly to change from first state to second state, the second rolling spare is equipped on mounting seat, is used for under the driving of moving assembly, with second switching adjustment spare contact, and moves along second switching adjustment spare contact surface to guide rocker assembly to change from second state to first state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of designing and creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer using computer-generated materials. It's an additive manufacturing process that allows the construction of material layers to create 3D parts. 3D printers can support printing on various materials using multiple print heads. During the same printing process, different types, colors, or properties of objects can be printed simultaneously. When multiple print heads are present, there are active print heads and idle print heads. If the idle print head and the active print head are at similar heights relative to the printing platform, the idle print head may touch the printed object, affecting the printing process. Therefore, a switching mechanism is needed to change the working state (i.e., height position) of the print heads to meet printing requirements.

[0003] However, most 3D printing head switching mechanisms on the market today are composed of push rods, servo motors, and other mechanisms. These not only have poor reliability, but also have a large overall structure, which can easily affect motion accuracy. Especially when printing complex objects, they cannot quickly switch the working state of the printing head, thus affecting printing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer, which has a compact structure, high reliability, and can quickly switch the working state of the printhead, thereby improving motion accuracy.

[0005] This utility model adopts the following technical solution: a printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer, comprising: Mounting bracket for assembling and connecting with the printhead; The rocker arm assembly is rotatably connected to the mounting base; A sliding component is connected to the mounting base to enable the mounting base to move in the Z direction; A movable component is connected to the sliding component to drive the mounting base and the rocker arm assembly to move together in the X and Y directions; The switching adjustment assembly includes a first switching adjustment element and a second switching adjustment element; The rocker arm assembly is equipped with a first rolling element, and the first switching adjustment element is located on the moving path of the first rolling element as the moving assembly moves. It is used to contact the first switching adjustment element under the drive of the moving assembly and move along the contact surface of the first switching adjustment element to guide the rocker arm assembly from a first state to a second state so as to drive the mounting base to move downward in the Z direction. The mounting base is equipped with a second rolling element, and the second switching adjustment element is located on the moving path of the second rolling element as it moves with the moving component. It is used to contact the second switching adjustment element under the drive of the moving component and move along the contact surface of the second switching adjustment element to guide the rocker arm assembly from the second state to the first state so as to drive the mounting base to move upward in the Z direction.

[0006] Furthermore, the rocker arm assembly includes a connecting seat, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The connecting seat is U-shaped. The first end of the first rocker arm and the first end of the second rocker arm are rotatably connected to the connecting seat via a first pin. The second end of the first rocker arm and the middle part of the second rocker arm are respectively rotatably connected to the mounting seat via a second pin. The second end of the second rocker arm is assembled and connected to the first rolling element. Furthermore, the first end of the second rocker arm is provided with a U-shaped mounting port, the first end of the first rocker arm is disposed in the mounting port, and the first end of the first rocker arm is provided with a waist-shaped hole one, and the first end of the second rocker arm is provided with a waist-shaped hole two. The first pin passes through the waist-shaped hole one and the waist-shaped hole two and is then assembled and connected to the connecting seat. Furthermore, a gasket is fitted on the first rocker arm, and a spring is fitted on the first rocker arm between the second end of the first rocker arm and the gasket, and the spring is clamped by the second end of the first rocker arm and the gasket in a compressed state, and the gasket abuts against the first end of the second rocker arm; Furthermore, the first rolling element and the second rolling element are selected from one or more combinations of cam bearings and rollers; Furthermore, the sliding assembly includes a Z-axis slide rail and a Z-axis slider. The Z-axis slide rail is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, and the Z-axis slider is fixedly connected to the mounting seat. The Z-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail. Furthermore, the moving component includes an X-axis track, an X-axis moving block, a Y-axis track, and a Y-axis moving block. The X-axis moving block is slidably mounted on the X-axis track, and the Z-axis slide rail is fixedly mounted on the X-axis moving block. The X-axis track is assembled and connected to the Y-axis moving block, and the X-axis track moves on the Y-axis track under the drive of the Y-axis moving block. Furthermore, when the moving component drives the rocker arm assembly to initially contact the contact surface of the first adjusting member in the first state, the contact surface of the first switching adjusting member is a first slope that is inclined downward relative to the movement trajectory of the first rolling member. The first rolling member rolls along the first slope and is pressed by the first slope to guide the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm to form an inverted V-shaped second state. Furthermore, when the moving component drives the rocker arm assembly to initially contact the contact surface of the second adjusting member in the second state, the contact surface of the second switching adjusting member is a second inclined slope relative to the movement trajectory of the second rolling member. The second rolling member rolls along the second inclined slope and is supported by the second inclined slope to guide the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm to form a V-shape in the first state. Furthermore, the second end of the first rocker arm and the second end of the second rocker arm are respectively located on both sides of the connecting seat, and the first rolling element and the second rolling element are located on the same side of the connecting seat; the radial direction of the first rolling element is perpendicular to the radial direction of the second rolling element.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this utility model are that it has a compact structure, and the mounting base and rocker arm assembly can quickly switch to the first state or the second state under the cooperation of the sliding component, the moving component, the switching and adjusting component, the first rolling component, and the second rolling component. That is, it can realize the rapid switching of the print head height in the Z direction, and can ensure the switching accuracy, high reliability, and good application value. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rocker arm assembly in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in its first state; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in its second state; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial assembly structure of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0009] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more definite definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0010] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "horizontal," "lateral," "vertical," and "longitudinal," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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. Furthermore, terms such as "a," "b," "first," and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0011] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to detachable connections, integrated molding connections, etc., and two structures can be directly connected or indirectly connected through other structures. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0012] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to the present invention includes: a mounting base 1 for assembling and connecting with a printhead (not shown in the figure); The rocker arm assembly is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1; A sliding component is connected to the mounting base 1 so that the mounting base 1 can move in the Z direction; The movable component is connected to the sliding component to drive the mounting base 1 and the rocker arm assembly to move together in the X and Y directions; The switching adjustment assembly includes a first switching adjustment element 2 and a second switching adjustment element 3; The rocker arm assembly is equipped with a first rolling element 4, and a first switching adjustment element 2 is located on the moving path of the first rolling element 4 as the moving assembly moves. It is used to contact the first switching adjustment element 2 under the drive of the moving assembly and move along the contact surface of the first switching adjustment element 2 to guide the rocker arm assembly from the first state to the second state so as to drive the mounting base 1 to move downward in the Z direction. The mounting base 1 is equipped with a second rolling element 5, and a second switching adjustment element 3 is located on the moving path of the second rolling element 5 as the moving component moves. It is used to contact the second switching adjustment element 3 under the drive of the moving component and move along the contact surface of the second switching adjustment element 3 to guide the rocker arm assembly from the second state to the first state so as to drive the mounting base 1 to move upward in the Z direction.

[0013] Here, the mounting base 1 is fixedly connected to the print head after assembly. The rocker arm assembly is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1. The sliding assembly is connected to the mounting base 1, allowing the mounting base 1 to move in the Z direction, thereby driving the print head to move in the Z direction. The moving assembly is connected to the sliding assembly, and by moving the sliding assembly, it drives the mounting base 1 and the rocker arm assembly to move together in the X and Y directions. The switching assembly includes a first switching adjustment member 2 and a second switching adjustment member 3. The rocker arm assembly is equipped with a first rolling member 4, which is used to contact the first switching adjustment member 2 under the drive of the moving assembly and move along the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2. The mounting base 1 is equipped with a second rolling member 5, which is used to contact the second switching adjustment member 3 under the drive of the moving assembly and move along the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member 3. Here, the first switching adjustment member 2 is located on the moving path of the first rolling member 4 moving with the moving assembly, and the second switching adjustment member 3 is located on the moving path of the second rolling member 5 moving with the moving assembly. More specifically, the first switching adjustment member 2 is located on the movement path of the first rolling member 4 when the rocker arm assembly is in the first state, so that the first rolling member 4 can contact the first switching adjustment member 2 after moving with the moving assembly. The second switching adjustment member 3 is located on the movement path of the second rolling member 5 when the rocker arm assembly is in the second state, so that the second rolling member 5 can contact the second switching adjustment member 3 after moving with the moving assembly. This satisfies the following conditions: when the rocker arm assembly is in the first state, the first rolling member 4 moves with the moving assembly and contacts the first switching adjustment member 2 and moves on its contact surface; when the rocker arm assembly is in the second state, the second rolling member 5 moves with the moving assembly and contacts the second switching adjustment member 3 and moves on the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member 3. The first switching adjustment member 2 and the second switching adjustment member 3 can be set on the moving assembly, such as on the track of the moving assembly, or on other supports or structures of the 3D printer. No specific limitations are imposed here.

[0014] The mounting base 1 and the printhead assembly can be directly connected or indirectly connected through a connector. Similarly, the moving component and the sliding component can be directly connected or indirectly connected through a connector.

[0015] This patent mainly aims to achieve a first V-shaped state or an inverted V-shaped state between the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8. The function of the moving component is to move the first rolling element 4 in the X and Y directions to move to the first switching adjustment element 2 for switching, and to move the second rolling element 5 in the X and Y directions to move to the second switching adjustment element 3 for switching. The moving component includes a drive module (not shown in the figure), an X-axis track 17, an X-axis moving block 18, a Y-axis track 23, and a Y-axis moving block 24. The Y-axis moving block 24 is set at both ends of the X-axis track 17. The drive module drives the X-axis moving block 18 to move on the X-axis track 17, and the drive module drives the Y-axis moving block 24 to move on the Y-axis track 23 and drive the X-axis track 17 to move in the Y direction. Existing 3D printer printheads also need to achieve X and Y direction movement through the moving component during the printing process. In this application, the moving component of an existing 3D printer is used to move the first rolling element 4 to the first switching adjustment element 2 and the second rolling element 5 to the second switching adjustment element 3. Therefore, the moving component is not specifically limited based on the existing technology. In a specific embodiment, the second state refers to the print head being in a working state, that is, the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 are in an inverted V-shape; the first state refers to the print head being in a non-working state, that is, the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 are in a V-shape.

[0016] The rocker arm assembly includes a connecting base 6, a first rocker arm 7, and a second rocker arm 8. The connecting base 6 is U-shaped. The first end 71 of the first rocker arm 7 and the first end 81 of the second rocker arm 8 are rotatably connected to the connecting base 6 via a first pin 9. The second end 72 of the first rocker arm 7 and the middle part of the second rocker arm 8 are rotatably connected to the mounting base 1 via second pins 10. The second end 82 of the second rocker arm 8 is assembled with a first rolling element 4. Here, the first end 71 of the first rocker arm 7 and the first end 81 of the second rocker arm 8 can be connected to the connecting base 6 within the U-shaped opening. The connecting seat 6 is rotatably connected. The first end 71 of the first rocker arm 7 and the first end 81 of the second rocker arm 8 are rotatably connected to the connecting seat 6 through the first pin 9. The first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 rotate around the first pin 9 to form a V-shape or an inverted V-shape. The second end 82 of the second rocker arm 8 is assembled and connected to the first rolling element 4. The first rolling element 4 can be installed by opening a U-shaped groove at the end of the second end 82 of the second rocker arm 8 and then installing it through a pin or pin shaft. Alternatively, the first rolling element 4 can be installed on the side of the second end 82 of the second rocker arm 8.

[0017] The first end of the second rocker arm 8 is provided with a U-shaped mounting opening 11. The first end of the first rocker arm 7 is located inside the mounting opening 11, and the first end 71 of the first rocker arm 7 has a waist-shaped hole 12. The first end 81 of the second rocker arm 8 has a waist-shaped hole 22. The first pin 9 passes through the waist-shaped hole 12 and the waist-shaped hole 22 and is assembled and connected to the connecting seat 6. It can be understood that, in addition, since the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 are also rotatably connected to the mounting seat 1, the switching between their first and second states is restricted. Therefore, the waist-shaped hole 1 and the waist-shaped hole 2 are through holes with a certain length. Based on the U-shaped mounting opening 11 provided at the first end of the second rocker arm 8, the first... The first end of the second rocker arm 8 has two oblong holes 12. During the formation of the first state, the second state and the switching process, the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 rotate around the first pin 9. The first pin 9 also moves relative to the first pin 9 in the corresponding length direction within the oblong holes 1 and 22. To be precise, the first pin 9 does not undergo displacement. Instead, after the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 are restricted by the rotational connection with the mounting base 1, the oblong holes 1 and 22 move relative to the first pin 9 so as to eliminate the restriction of the rotational connection between the rocker arm assembly and the mounting base 1 during the switching process of the first state and the second state.

[0018] It is understood that in other embodiments, the above-mentioned U-shaped mounting port 11 may also be opened at the first end of the first rocker arm 7, and the first end of the second rocker arm 8 may be disposed in the U-shaped mounting port 11 at the first end of the first rocker arm 7.

[0019] A shim 13 is fitted onto the first rocker arm 7. A spring 14 is fitted onto the first rocker arm 7 between the second end of the first rocker arm 7 and the shim 13. The spring 14 is clamped by the second end of the first rocker arm 7 and the shim 13 in a compressed state. The shim 13 abuts against the first end of the second rocker arm 8. In this application, when the rocker arm assembly switches from a V-shape in the first state to an inverted V-shape in the second state, the first rolling member 4 moves along the shape trajectory of the contact surface (i.e., the first ramp surface 19) of the first switching adjustment member 2. The elastic force of the spring 14 causes the rocker arm assembly to change from a V-shape in the first state to an "I" shape. With the help of the elastic force of the spring 14 and the restriction of the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2, it can jump to an inverted V-shape. This reduces the length of the shape trajectory of the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2, so that the rocker arm assembly only needs to change from a V-shape to an "I" shape when the shape trajectory of the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2 is minimized, without having to go from a V-shape to an inverted V-shape. Switching is achieved using the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2, which reduces the path length of the contact surface shape trajectory. Similarly, the spring force of spring 14 causes the rocker arm assembly to change from an inverted V-shape to a straight line in the second state. This can be achieved by using the spring force of spring 14 and the constraint of the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member 3 (i.e., the second ramp surface 20) to jump to a V-shape, further reducing the path length of the contact surface shape trajectory. Furthermore, spring 14 applies a resisting force to the first end 81 of the second rocker arm 8 through its elasticity, making the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 more stable in their V-shape and inverted V-shape states. It is understood that the structure of the first rocker arm 7, similar to a pin, bolt, or screw, results in a large head and a slender body. Spring 14 is fitted onto the body and is held and restricted by the head and the washer. Of course, when the first end of the second rocker arm 8 can be abutted by spring 14, the washer 13 can be simplified.

[0020] The first rolling element 4 and the second rolling element 5 can be any rolling element that rotates around the axis. Based on the existing technology, no specific restrictions are made here. The first rolling element 4 and the second rolling element 5 can be selected from one or more combinations of cam bearings and rollers.

[0021] It is understood that in other embodiments, the spring 14 and the washer 13 may also be fitted onto the second rocker arm 8 such that the spring 14 is clamped between the washer 13 and the second end of the second rocker arm 8, and the washer 13 abuts against the first end of the first rocker arm 7.

[0022] The sliding assembly includes a Z-axis slide rail 15 and a Z-axis slider 16. The Z-axis slide rail 15 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 6, and the Z-axis slider 16 is fixedly connected to the mounting seat 1. The Z-axis slider 16 is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail 15. Here, when the Z-axis slider 16 slides along the Z-direction on the Z-axis slide rail 15, it drives the mounting seat 1 to slide along the Z-direction.

[0023] The moving component includes an X-axis track 17, an X-axis motion block 18, and a Y-axis moving module. The Y-axis moving module includes a Y-axis track 23 and a Y-axis motion block 24. The X-axis motion block 18 is slidably mounted on the X-axis track 17, and the Z-axis slide rail 15 is fixedly mounted on the X-axis motion block 18. The X-axis track 17 and the Y-axis motion block 24 are connected and the X-axis track 17 moves on the Y-axis track 23 under the drive of the Y-axis motion block 24.

[0024] It is understood that the Z-axis slide rail 15 and the connecting seat 6 can be directly connected and then directly connected to the X-axis moving block 18 for fixed assembly, or the Z-axis slide rail 15 and the connecting seat 6 can be fixedly connected to the connecting plate (not shown in the figure) as a connecting member, and then fixedly connected to the X-axis moving block 18 through the connecting plate for fixed assembly. No specific limitation is made here. The moving component also includes a drive module for driving the X-axis moving block 18 to move on the X-axis track 17 and for driving the Y-axis moving block to move on the Y-axis track. For example, the drive module includes a motor and may also include a synchronous pulley, etc., so that when moving in the X direction, the corresponding motor drives the corresponding synchronous pulley to move and drive the X-axis moving block 18 to move on the X-axis track 17, and when moving in the Y direction, the corresponding motor drives the corresponding synchronous pulley to move and drive the Y-axis moving block 24 to move on the Y-axis track 23. No specific limitation is made here based on the prior art.

[0025] As one feasible approach, the sliding component can be a straight line gauge, the X-axis track can be an X-axis slide rail, the Y-axis track can be a Y-axis slide rail, the X-axis moving block can be an X-axis slider, and the Y-axis moving block can be a Y-axis slider.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, it includes two Y-axis tracks, and the X-axis track 17 is connected to the two Y-axis tracks respectively through Y-axis motion blocks connected at both ends.

[0027] When the moving component drives the rocker arm assembly to initially contact the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2 in the first state, the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2 is a downward-sloping first ramp 19 relative to the movement trajectory of the first rolling member 4 and is compressed by the first ramp. The first rolling member 4 rolls along the first ramp 19 to guide the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 into an inverted V-shaped second state. At this time, a resisting force is applied to the second rocker arm 8 by the spring 14 to improve the stability of the structure. When the moving component drives the rocker arm assembly to initially contact the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member 3 in the second state, the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member 3 is an upward-sloping second ramp 20 relative to the movement trajectory of the second rolling member 5. The second rolling member 5 rolls along the second ramp 20 and is supported by the second ramp to guide the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 into a V-shaped first state. At this time, a resisting force is also applied to the second rocker arm 8 by the spring 14 to improve the stability of the structure. Here, the ramps of the first ramp 19 and the second ramp 20 can be straight or... Figure 1 At least part of the slope has curvature or bend.

[0028] The second ends of the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 are located on both sides of the connecting seat 6, the first rolling element 4 and the second rolling element 5 are located on the same side of the connecting seat 6, the first switching adjustment element 2 and the second switching adjustment element 3 are located on the same side of the Y-axis track, and the radial direction of the first rolling element 4 is perpendicular to the radial direction of the second rolling element 5.

[0029] The 3D printer may include a rectangular or square frame 21, with two parallel sides of the frame 21 serving as Y-axis tracks 23, and the other two parallel sides parallel to X-axis tracks 17. A first switching adjustment member 2 and a second switching adjustment member 3 may be mounted on the frame 21. For example, the first switching adjustment member 2 may be mounted on the X-axis track 17, and the second switching adjustment member 3 may be mounted on a frame side parallel to the X-axis track 17. Alternatively... Figure 5 , Figure 6 The first switching adjustment component 2 and the second switching adjustment component 3 are both located on the Y-axis track on one side near the second rocker arm 8.

[0030] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When both the first switching adjustment member 2 and the second switching adjustment member 3 are positioned on the Y-axis track near the second rocker arm 8, and the rocker arm assembly is in the first state, the mounting base 1 and the rocker arm assembly move along the X and Y directions, i.e., in the direction of the first switching adjustment member 2, under the action of the sliding assembly and the moving assembly (i.e., the X-axis track 17 and the X-axis moving block 18), until the first rolling member 4 contacts the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member 2. As the X-axis moving block 18 continues to move along the X direction, the first rolling member 4 rolls along the first ramp surface 19 and is constrained by the shape of the first ramp surface 19, causing the second rocker arm 8 to rotate downwards around the first pin 9, thereby driving the Z-axis slider 16. The mounting base 1 moves downward along the Z-axis slide rail 15, thereby causing the other end of the first rocker arm 7 connected to the mounting base 1 to rotate downward. When the first rolling element 4 rolls to a certain position on the first slope surface 19, for example, when the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm change from the V-shape of the first state to a "-" shape and continue to move downward, under the action of the spring 14, the other end of the first rocker arm 7 and the middle part of the second rocker arm 8 continue to rotate downward until they reach the second state position (that is, the working position of the print head). At this time, the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 form an inverted V-shape, thus realizing the downward switching of the switching head, that is, realizing the switching of the print head to the working state, and then moving along the X and Y directions to the working position of the print head. The printhead needs to be switched to a non-working state. Under the action of the moving component (that is, the Y-axis moving module), the mounting base 1 and the rocker arm assembly move along the X and Y directions, that is, towards the second switching adjustment component 3, until the second rolling component 5 contacts the second switching adjustment component 3. As the second rolling component 5 continues to move in the Y direction, the second rolling component 5 rolls upward along the second ramp surface 20. Due to the shape limitation of the second ramp surface 20, it can drive the Z-axis slider 16 and the mounting base 1 to move upward along the Z-axis slide rail 15. The other end of the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 rotate upward around the first pin 9. After the second rolling component 5 rolls to a certain position on the second ramp surface 20, under the action of the spring 14, the other end of the first rocker arm 7 and the middle part of the second rocker arm 8 continue to rotate upward until they reach the first state position (that is, the non-working position of the printhead). At this time, the first rocker arm 7 and the second rocker arm 8 form a V shape, thus realizing the upward switching of the switching head, that is, realizing the switching of the printhead to the non-working state 22.

[0031] Figure 3 The arrow in the image indicates the rolling direction of the first rolling element 4 on the first ramp surface 19. Figure 4 The arrow in the figure indicates the rolling direction of the second rolling element 5 on the second slope surface 20.

[0032] Figure 5In the diagram, the X double arrow direction represents the X direction; the Y double arrow direction represents the Y direction; and the Z double arrow direction represents the Z direction.

[0033] It should be noted that the X-axis track 17 is a track set along the X direction, and the X-axis moving block 18 moves in the X direction when it moves on the X-axis track 17; the Y-axis track is a track set along the Y direction, and the Y-axis moving block moves in the Y direction when it moves on the Y-axis track; the Z-axis slide rail 15 is a track set along the Z direction. The Z-axis slider 16 moves along the Z-axis track in the Z direction, and the X, Y, and Z directions are mutually perpendicular.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer, characterized in that: include: Mounting bracket for assembling and connecting with the printhead; The rocker arm assembly is rotatably connected to the mounting base; A sliding component is connected to the mounting base to enable the mounting base to move in the Z direction; A movable component is connected to the sliding component to drive the mounting base and the rocker arm assembly to move together in the X and Y directions; The switching adjustment assembly includes a first switching adjustment element and a second switching adjustment element; The rocker arm assembly is equipped with a first rolling element, and the first switching adjustment element is located on the moving path of the first rolling element as the moving assembly moves. It is used to contact the first switching adjustment element under the drive of the moving assembly and move along the contact surface of the first switching adjustment element to guide the rocker arm assembly from a first state to a second state so as to drive the mounting base to move downward in the Z direction. The mounting base is equipped with a second rolling element, and the second switching adjustment element is located on the moving path of the second rolling element as it moves with the moving component. It is used to contact the second switching adjustment element under the drive of the moving component and move along the contact surface of the second switching adjustment element to guide the rocker arm assembly from the second state to the first state so as to drive the mounting base to move upward in the Z direction.

2. The printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rocker arm assembly includes a connecting seat, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The connecting seat is U-shaped. The first end of the first rocker arm and the first end of the second rocker arm are rotatably connected to the connecting seat via a first pin. The second end of the first rocker arm and the middle part of the second rocker arm are rotatably connected to the mounting seat via second pins. The second end of the second rocker arm is assembled and connected to the first rolling element.

3. The printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first end of the second rocker arm is provided with a U-shaped mounting port, the first end of the first rocker arm is disposed in the mounting port, and the first end of the first rocker arm is provided with a waist-shaped hole one, and the first end of the second rocker arm is provided with a waist-shaped hole two. The first pin passes through the waist-shaped hole one and the waist-shaped hole two and is then assembled and connected to the connecting seat.

4. The printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: A gasket is fitted on the first rocker arm, and a spring is fitted on the first rocker arm between the second end of the first rocker arm and the gasket. The spring is clamped by the second end of the first rocker arm and the gasket in a compressed state, and the gasket abuts against the first end of the second rocker arm.

5. The printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rolling element and the second rolling element are selected from one or more combinations of cam bearings and rollers.

6. The printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sliding assembly includes a Z-axis slide rail and a Z-axis slider. The Z-axis slide rail is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, and the Z-axis slider is fixedly connected to the mounting seat. The Z-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail.

7. A printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The moving component includes an X-axis track, an X-axis moving block, a Y-axis track, and a Y-axis moving block. The X-axis moving block is slidably mounted on the X-axis track, and the Z-axis slide rail is fixedly mounted on the X-axis moving block. The X-axis track is assembled and connected to the Y-axis moving block, and the X-axis track moves on the Y-axis track under the drive of the Y-axis moving block.

8. The printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the moving component drives the rocker arm assembly to initially contact the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member in the first state, the contact surface of the first switching adjustment member is a first slope that is inclined downward relative to the movement trajectory of the first rolling member. The first rolling member rolls along the first slope and is pressed by the first slope to guide the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm to form an inverted V-shaped second state.

9. A printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the moving component drives the rocker arm assembly to initially contact the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member in the second state, the contact surface of the second switching adjustment member is a second inclined slope relative to the movement trajectory of the second rolling member. The second rolling member rolls along the second inclined slope and is supported by the second inclined slope to guide the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm to form a V-shape in the first state.

10. A printhead switching mechanism for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second end of the first rocker arm and the second end of the second rocker arm are respectively located on both sides of the connecting seat, and the first rolling element and the second rolling element are located on the same side of the connecting seat; the radial direction of the first rolling element is perpendicular to the radial direction of the second rolling element.

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