A 3D printing head rapid cooling module

Abstract

The utility model relates to 3D printing technical field especially relates to a 3D printing head quick cooling module. Its technical scheme includes printing head casing, and sets up in its inside feeding pipe, printing head heating piece and spray head. Its innovation lies in integrating a set of composite cooling system, and this system is constituted by water cooling mechanism and air cooling mechanism. Water cooling mechanism includes heat exchanger, concentric circle circulation water pipe and circulating snake pipe that are connected into loop through pipeline, the circulating snake pipe is wound between the radiating fins of feeding pipe outer wall, and its pipe diameter gradually reduces from top to bottom, makes the cooling liquid flow velocity to accelerate when flowing through the high temperature spray head area, and strengthens the heat exchange. Air cooling mechanism is composed of fan, fixed plate and filter screen, forces airflow to flow through printing head casing inside, and assists heat dissipation. The utility model through above-mentioned structure has effectively solved the printing head high temperature area heat accumulation problem, has realized quick, even cooling, has guaranteed the printing quality and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head. Background Technology

[0002] In fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, the print head heats the solid printing material to a molten state before extruding it through the nozzle, layer by layer, to form a solid object. The print head, especially the nozzle and heating element area at its end, accumulates a significant amount of heat during continuous operation. If this heat is not dissipated effectively and promptly, it will be transferred upwards to the feed tube area, which should be kept at a low temperature, causing the material to soften prematurely or even become blocked within the throat—a phenomenon known as "thermal creep." Furthermore, excessively high temperatures can affect the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the printed parts, and limit further increases in printing speed. Therefore, efficient and reliable print head cooling technology is one of the key technologies for ensuring stable operation and high-quality output of 3D printing equipment.

[0003] Currently, common printhead cooling solutions primarily rely on forced air cooling. Specifically, a small fan is installed near the printhead, directing airflow directly at the printhead's cooling components, such as finned heat sinks, using air convection to remove heat. Some more advanced solutions incorporate water cooling systems. Typically, a water-cooled block is placed around the hot-end components of the printhead, containing coolant channels. An external water pump drives the coolant circulation, transferring heat to a distant radiator for dissipation.

[0004] However, the aforementioned existing technologies, especially single forced air cooling or conventional water cooling designs, still fall short in terms of heat dissipation efficiency when facing high heat loads or requiring extremely fast cooling responses. Particularly in the high-temperature area at the printhead tip, where heat dissipation is most critical, conventional cooling methods struggle to achieve rapid, precise, and efficient heat removal, failing to effectively suppress excessive heat accumulation and upward flow. This becomes a bottleneck restricting further improvements in printing performance. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the background technology by proposing a rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head.

[0006] This application provides a 3D print head rapid cooling module, including a print head housing and a feed tube. The print head housing is provided with a print head heating element and a nozzle. The print head heating element is disposed inside the nozzle. The print head housing is also provided with a cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism includes a heat exchanger and concentric circular circulating water pipes and heat dissipation fins disposed inside the printhead housing. The heat exchanger is disposed on one side of the outer wall of the printhead housing. The concentric circular circulating water pipes are connected to the heat exchanger via a cooling water delivery pipe. The upper end of the concentric circular circulating water pipes is connected to the circulating coil via a connecting pipe. The lower end of the circulating coil is connected to the heat exchanger via a cooling water return pipe. The diameter of the circulating coil gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0007] Optionally, a plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided in the middle of the outer wall of the feeding tube, and the circulating coil is distributed among the plurality of heat dissipation fins.

[0008] Optionally, a fixing plate with an air inlet hole is installed on one side inside the printhead housing, and a fan is installed at the air inlet hole position of the fixing plate.

[0009] Optionally, the cooling module also includes two filters, which are respectively located at the air inlet and exhaust vent of the printhead housing.

[0010] Optionally, a mounting bracket is installed on the outer wall of one of the filters located near the air inlet, and the mounting bracket is located outside the fan.

[0011] Optionally, a handle is fixed to one side of the outer wall of the fixing seat, and a threaded sleeve that matches the internal thread of the fixing plate is provided on the other side of the outer wall.

[0012] Optionally, the concentric circular circulating water pipe is disposed inside the fan and fixed to the inner wall of the fixing plate.

[0013] Optionally, the feed tube is disposed inside the printhead housing and connected to the printhead, and a mounting plate is provided on one side of the outer wall of the printhead housing for fixing the components.

[0014] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: This invention employs a water-cooling circuit consisting of a heat exchanger, concentric circular circulating water pipes, and a tapering circulating coil, combined with heat dissipation fins. In particular, the unique design of the circulating coil with its diameter decreasing from top to bottom accelerates the flow rate of the coolant when passing through the high-temperature zone, significantly enhancing the heat exchange intensity and efficiency in the core heat-generating area. This enables rapid and precise heat removal from the printhead, especially the nozzle, effectively preventing thermal creep.

[0015] Furthermore, by combining the air-cooling mechanism with the water-cooling mechanism, the airflow generated by the fan is used to assist in the heat dissipation of components such as the inside of the printhead housing and the concentric circular circulating water pipes, forming a dual heat dissipation mode. This improves the overall heat dissipation capacity and reliability of the module, ensuring the stability of long-term high-temperature printing operations.

[0016] Finally, the modular filter design, through the combination of mounting base, threaded sleeve and handle, makes the disassembly and installation of the filter extremely simple, which is convenient for users to clean and replace daily, effectively maintains the unobstructed air duct and the cleanliness of the cooling system, ensures the long-term stability of air-cooling efficiency, and reduces the difficulty of maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to this utility model is provided. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side view structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printhead housing; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation fin structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a circulating serpentine tube structure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the wind turbine structure.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Printhead housing; 2. Mounting plate; 3. Feed pipe; 4. Heat exchanger; 5. Cooling water delivery pipe; 6. Concentric circular circulating water pipe; 7. Connecting pipe; 8. Heat dissipation fins; 9. Circulating coil; 10. Cooling water return pipe; 11. Nozzle; 12. Printhead heating element; 13. Fixing plate; 14. Fan; 15. Fixing base; 16. Filter screen; 17. Handle; 18. Exhaust vent; 19. Threaded sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0020] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention proposes a 3D printing head rapid cooling module, which includes a printing head housing 1 and a feeding tube 3. In one embodiment, the feeding tube 3 is disposed inside the printing head housing 1 and connected to the nozzle 11. A mounting plate 2 is disposed on one side of the outer wall of the printing head housing 1 for fixing the components. The printhead housing 1 houses a printhead heating element 12 and a printhead 11. The printhead heating element 12 is located inside the printhead 11. The cooling module is described in detail below: In this embodiment, the printing material enters the interior of the printhead housing 1 through the feed pipe 3 and is conveyed downward to the area where the printhead heating element 12 is located. After the printhead heating element 12 is activated, it heats the internal material to melt it. Finally, the molten material is precisely extruded from the nozzle 11 to complete the printing operation. During this process, a large amount of heat will be generated and accumulated in the area of ​​the printhead heating element 12 and the nozzle 11.

[0021] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the cooling module also includes a cooling mechanism disposed inside the printhead housing 1. In one embodiment, the cooling mechanism includes a heat exchanger 4 and concentric circular circulating water pipes 6 and heat dissipation fins 8 disposed inside the printhead housing 1. The heat exchanger 4 is disposed on one side of the outer wall of the printhead housing 1. The concentric circular circulating water pipes 6 and the heat exchanger 4 are connected by a cooling water delivery pipe 5. The upper end of the concentric circular circulating water pipes 6 and the circulating snake tube 9 are connected by a connecting pipe 7. The lower end of the circulating snake tube 9 is connected to the heat exchanger 4 by a cooling water return pipe 10. The diameter of the circulating snake tube 9 gradually decreases from top to bottom. Several heat dissipation fins 8 are provided in the middle of the outer wall of the feed pipe 3, and the circulating coil 9 is distributed among the heat dissipation fins 8. The cooling mechanism is described in detail below: In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 4 is fixed to the outer wall of the printhead housing 1. It is connected to the concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 inside the printhead housing 1 through the cooling water delivery pipe 5. The concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 is arranged in a multi-layer concentric ring pipeline. Its outer interface is connected to the head end of the circulating snake tube 9 in the gap of the heat dissipation fin 8 through the connecting pipe 7. The circulating snake tube 9 spirals around the heat dissipation fin 8 from top to bottom. Its diameter linearly shrinks from the top end to the end. When the cooling water flows down along the circulating snake tube 9, a flow velocity gradient is formed due to the decrease in pipe diameter. The water flow is accelerated and flows back to the heat exchanger 4 at the end cooling water return pipe 10. The tapering structure of the circulating snake tube 9 makes the water flow concentrated in the area of ​​the heat dissipation fin 8 to enhance heat exchange and suppress the heat from rising from the near end of the nozzle 11.

[0022] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the cooling module also includes a fixing plate 13 with an air inlet hole installed on one side of the inside of the printhead housing 1; in one embodiment, a fan 14 is installed at the air inlet hole of the fixing plate 13; the cooling module also includes two filters 16, which are respectively set at the air inlet hole and the air outlet 18 of the printhead housing 1. The cooling module is described in detail below: In this embodiment, after the fan 14 is started, the outside air, under negative pressure, first passes through the filter 16 at the air inlet of the printhead housing 1 to filter out dust and impurities. The clean air is then drawn in by the fan 14 and blown into the inside of the printhead housing 1. During this process, the outside air is cooled by the concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 and its internal cooling water. Then, the cooled air directly acts on the surface of the internal components, especially the structures related to the circulating water circuit, and carries away the heat from their surfaces through convection. Finally, the air carrying heat is discharged from the exhaust port 18 on the other side of the printhead housing 1. The fixing plate 13 is not only used to install and fix the fan 14, but also provides structural support for the entire air duct.

[0023] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the cooling module also includes a mounting base 15. In one embodiment, a mounting base 15 is installed on the outer wall of a filter 16 located near the air inlet, and the mounting base 15 is located outside the fan 14. A handle 17 is fixed to one side of the outer wall of the mounting base 15, and a threaded sleeve 19 that matches the internal thread of the mounting plate 13 is provided on the other side of the outer wall. A concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 is located inside the fan 14 and fixed to the inner wall of the mounting plate 13. The cooling module is described in detail below: In this embodiment, the mounting base 15 provides a stable installation foundation for the filter screen 16, and the threaded sleeve 19 on its outer wall engages with the thread inside the mounting plate 13, realizing a detachable connection between the filter screen 16 module and the main structure. When it is necessary to clean or replace the filter screen 16, the operator can easily unscrew the entire module by holding the handle 17 on the outer wall of the mounting base 15, ensuring the cleanliness of the air intake channel, thereby maintaining the air intake efficiency of the fan 14 and the long-term stable operation of the cooling system. At the same time, the concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 is firmly set inside the fan 14 and fixed to the inner wall of the mounting plate 13, so that it can directly receive airflow cooling and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0024] Specifically, firstly, the printing material is conveyed downward through the feed tube 3 located inside the printhead housing 1 and connected to the nozzle 11, and enters the melting zone where heat is provided by the printhead heating element 12. The printhead heating element 12 starts working and heats and melts the internal material. Finally, the molten material is precisely extruded from the nozzle 11 to complete the printing operation.

[0025] During this process, in order to cope with the large amount of heat generated and accumulated in the area of ​​the printhead heating element 12 and the nozzle 11, the heat exchanger 4 fixed to the outer wall of the printhead housing 1 cools the coolant and then pumps it into the concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 arranged in multiple rings inside the printhead housing 1 through the cooling water delivery pipe 5. The coolant then enters the circulating coil 9 through the connecting pipe 7. The circulating coil 9 passes between several heat dissipation fins 8 installed on the outer wall of the feed pipe 3. Since the diameter of the circulating coil 9 is designed to gradually decrease from top to bottom, the flow rate of the coolant continuously increases during the flow process, forming a flow state from low speed to high speed. This achieves stronger convective heat transfer in the high-temperature area near the nozzle 11, effectively removing heat. Finally, the heated coolant returns to the heat exchanger 4 through the cooling water return pipe 10 to complete the heat exchange cycle.

[0026] Meanwhile, the fan 14 installed at the air inlet of the fixed plate 13 operates. Under negative pressure, the outside air first passes through the filter 16 set at the air inlet of the printhead housing 1 to filter out dust and impurities in the air. The clean air is drawn in by the fan 14 and blown into the inside of the printhead housing 1. The airflow flows over the surface of the concentric circular circulating water pipe 6 fixed to the inner wall of the fixed plate 13 and located inside the fan 14, and cools it. Subsequently, the airflow continues to flow in the housing, enhancing the convective heat dissipation on the surfaces of other components. Finally, the airflow carrying heat is discharged through the exhaust port 18 and the filter 16 attached to it on the other side of the printhead housing 1.

[0027] In addition, a mounting base 15 is installed on the outer wall of the filter screen 16 located near the air inlet. The mounting base 15 is detachably connected to the main structure through a threaded sleeve 19 on its outer wall that matches the internal thread of the mounting plate 13. A handle 17 fixed on one side of the outer wall of the mounting base 15 provides a force point for disassembly and installation. When it is necessary to clean or replace the filter screen 16, the operator can easily unscrew the entire module through the handle 17, thereby ensuring clean air intake and maintaining the air intake efficiency of the fan 14 and the long-term stable operation of the cooling system.

[0028] The above specific embodiments are merely several optional embodiments of this utility model. Based on the technical solution of this utility model and the relevant teachings of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various alternative improvements and combinations to the above specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A rapid cooling module for a 3D print head, comprising a print head housing (1) and a feed tube (3), characterized in that, The printhead housing (1) is provided with a printhead heating element (12) and a nozzle (11). The printhead heating element (12) is located inside the nozzle (11). The printhead housing (1) is also provided with a cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism includes a heat exchanger (4) and concentric circular circulating water pipes (6) and heat dissipation fins (8) disposed inside the printhead housing (1). The heat exchanger (4) is disposed on one side of the outer wall of the printhead housing (1). The concentric circular circulating water pipes (6) and the heat exchanger (4) are connected by a cooling water delivery pipe (5). The upper end of the concentric circular circulating water pipes (6) and the circulating snake pipe (9) is connected by a connecting pipe (7). The lower end of the circulating snake pipe (9) is connected to the heat exchanger (4) by a cooling water return pipe (10). The diameter of the circulating snake pipe (9) gradually decreases from top to bottom.

2. The 3D printing head rapid cooling module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the feeding pipe (3) is provided with several heat dissipation fins (8), and the circulating snake pipe (9) is distributed among the several heat dissipation fins (8).

3. The rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing plate (13) with an air inlet hole is installed on one side inside the printhead housing (1), and a fan (14) is installed at the air inlet hole position of the fixing plate (13).

4. A rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling module also includes two filters (16), which are respectively located at the air inlet and air outlet (18) of the printhead housing (1).

5. A rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mounting base (15) is installed on the outer wall of one of the filter screens (16) located near the air inlet, and the mounting base (15) is located outside the fan (14).

6. A rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to claim 5, characterized in that, A handle (17) is fixed on one side of the outer wall of the fixed base (15), and a threaded sleeve (19) that matches the internal thread of the fixed plate (13) is provided on the other side of the outer wall.

7. A rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to claim 3, characterized in that, The concentric circular circulating water pipe (6) is located inside the blower (14) and fixed to the inner wall of the fixing plate (13).

8. A rapid cooling module for a 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed tube (3) is located inside the printhead housing (1) and connected to the nozzle (11). A mounting plate (2) is provided on one side of the outer wall of the printhead housing (1) for fixing components.

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