3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of 3D printers, it is related to 3D printing technical field, 3D printer includes printer head, hot bed, pedestal, sensor, fixed base and heat-conducting end, wherein, hot bed is located at the below of printer head;Pedestal is installed on printer head, and movably set in the above of hot bed;Sensor is located at the side of pedestal away from printer head;Fixed base is installed at the side of sensor away from pedestal;Heat-conducting end is installed at the side of fixed base, fixed base heats heat-conducting end to melt printing material inside heat-conducting end, and the bottom of heat-conducting end is equipped with nozzle for ejecting the printing material.The technical scheme provided by the utility model solves the problem that existing sensor is directly installed on hot end, which is prone to damage the sensor when disassembling the hot end.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] 3D printing technology, especially fused deposition modeling (FDM), involves heating thermoplastic materials to a molten state and extruding them through nozzles, depositing them layer by layer on a printing platform along a pre-defined path to ultimately create a three-dimensional solid. The success of printing the first layer is crucial to the overall success of the printing process.

[0003] Before printing begins, the relative position between the printer nozzles and the heated bed (i.e., the printing platform) must be precisely calibrated; this process is often referred to as "leveling" or "auto-leveling." Existing sensors are typically integrated directly into or mounted on the printer's hot end assembly. However, the hot end is prone to clogging, carbonization, or physical damage, requiring disassembly for cleaning or complete replacement. When the sensor is directly fixed to the hot end, any operation on the hot end must first remove or disconnect the sensor's associated wiring and mounting structure, making the sensor highly susceptible to physical damage from impacts, pulling, or excessive twisting. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a 3D printer that aims to solve the problem that existing sensors, which are directly mounted on the hot end, are easily damaged when the hot end is removed.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a 3D printer, which includes: Printer head; A heated bed is located below the printer head; The base is mounted on the printer head and is movably positioned above the heated bed; The sensor is located on the side of the base opposite to the printer head; A mounting base is installed on the side of the sensor opposite to the base; and A heat-conducting end is installed on one side of the fixing base. The fixing base heats the heat-conducting end to melt the printing material inside the heat-conducting end, and a nozzle for spraying the printing material is installed at the bottom of the heat-conducting end.

[0006] In one embodiment, the fixing base is snapped into the heat-conducting end.

[0007] In one embodiment, the fixing base is provided with a clamping groove extending along its length, the opening of the clamping groove is disposed facing the heat-conducting end, and at least a portion of the heat-conducting end is clamped in the clamping groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, a heating element is provided inside the fixing base, and the heating element heats the heat-conducting end through the groove wall of the clamping groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base forms an open mounting space, and a portion of the mounting base and the sensor are located within the mounting space.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fixing base is arranged parallel to the heat-conducting end and extends in a direction away from the base.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a buffer step, which is located on the side of the base facing the sensor and abuts against the sensor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensor is detachably connected to the base; and / or, the sensor is detachably connected to the mounting base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sensor forms a semi-enclosed space; the 3D printer further includes a heat dissipation module, which is located at the end of the heat-conducting end away from the nozzle, and the end of the heat dissipation module near the sensor is embedded in the semi-enclosed space.

[0014] In one embodiment, the interior of the heat dissipation module and the interior of the heat-conducting end are provided with a liquid injection channel, which is connected to the nozzle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation module is provided with a filling hole, which is located on the side of the heat dissipation module away from the heat-conducting end and is connected to the liquid injection channel.

[0016] In this invention, the sensor, heat-conducting end, and fixing base are all integrated onto a base, allowing them to move synchronously above the heated bed, thus achieving leveling between the nozzle and the heated bed. The heat-conducting end is mounted on the fixing base, which is then mounted on the sensor, which is in turn mounted on the base. This mounting structure allows the sensor to indirectly receive vibration and deformation signals from the nozzle when it contacts the heated bed, thereby obtaining information about the contact between the nozzle and the heated bed and achieving leveling. By placing the sensor on the base and mounting the heat-conducting end to the sensor via the fixing base, this design avoids the problem of the sensor being easily damaged due to frequent disassembly of the heat-conducting end. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the 3D printer provided by this utility model; Figure 2 Exploded view of an embodiment of the 3D printer provided by this utility model; Figure 3 Another exploded view of the 3D printer provided by this utility model; Figure 4 A side view of the structure of another embodiment of the 3D printer provided by this utility model.

[0019] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. 3D printer; 1. Base; 11. Buffer step; 2. Sensor; 3. Fixing base; 31. Clamping groove; 32. Placement hole; 4. Heat-conducting end; 5. Nozzle; 6. Heat dissipation module; 61. Liquid injection channel; 62. Injection hole; 7. First fastener; 8. Second fastener.

[0020] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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 scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0022] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0024] Before printing begins, the relative position between the printer nozzles and the heated bed (i.e., the printing platform) must be precisely calibrated; this process is often referred to as "leveling" or "auto-leveling." Existing sensors are typically integrated directly into or mounted on the printer's hot end assembly. However, the hot end is prone to clogging, carbonization, or physical damage, requiring disassembly for cleaning or complete replacement. When the sensor is directly fixed to the hot end, any operation on the hot end must first remove or disconnect the sensor's associated wiring and mounting structure, making the sensor highly susceptible to physical damage from impacts, pulling, or excessive twisting.

[0025] This utility model proposes a 3D printer.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the 3D printer 100 includes: Printer head; A heated bed is located below the printer head; Base 1 is mounted on the printer head and is movably positioned above the heated bed; Sensor 2 is located on the side of the base 1 away from the printer head; Mounting base 3 is installed on the side of sensor 2 opposite to base 1; and The heat-conducting end 4 is installed on one side of the fixing base 3. The fixing base 3 heats the heat-conducting end 4 to melt the printing material inside the heat-conducting end 4, and a nozzle 5 for spraying the printing material is installed at the bottom of the heat-conducting end 4.

[0027] In this invention, the sensor 2, the heat-conducting end 4, and the fixing base 3 are all integrated onto the base 1, allowing them to move synchronously above the heated bed, thereby achieving leveling between the nozzle 5 and the heated bed. In this solution, the heat-conducting end 4 is mounted on the fixing base 3, then the fixing base 3 is mounted on the sensor 2, and the sensor 2 is then mounted on the base 1. This mounting structure allows the sensor 2 to indirectly receive vibration and deformation signals from the nozzle 5 when it contacts the heated bed, thus obtaining the contact information between the nozzle 5 and the heated bed and achieving leveling between them. By placing the sensor 2 on the base 1 and mounting the heat-conducting end 4 onto the sensor 2 via the fixing base 3, the problem of the sensor 2 being easily damaged due to frequent disassembly and reassembly of the heat-conducting end 4 is avoided.

[0028] Specifically, the base 1 can be a plate or block structure made of materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or carbon fiber reinforced nylon. The upper surface of the base 1 can be fixedly connected to the motion module (such as a slider) of the printer head by screws or clips, so that the base 1 can move above the heated bed under the drive of the motion module. The sensor 2 can be a pressure sensor 2 or an inductive proximity sensor 2, which is embedded or fixed with screws in a groove on the lower surface of the base 1. The fixing seat 3 can be a plate structure such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, and can integrate a rod-shaped heater and a thermistor inside to heat the heat-conducting end 4. The fixing seat 3 can be installed below the sensor 2 by screws or other fasteners. The heat-conducting end 4 can be a throat structure made of brass or copper alloy. The upper part of the heat-conducting end 4 can be connected to the feed tube for conveying printing material, and the lower part is threaded with a brass nozzle 5. In this design, the entire heat-conducting end 4 is tightly mounted on the fixed base 3, ensuring that heat can be efficiently transferred from the fixed base 3 to the heat-conducting end 4. The printing material is rapidly heated to a molten state when passing through the interior of the heat-conducting end 4, and finally extruded from the micro-holes of the nozzle 5 at the bottom under the action of pressure and gravity.

[0029] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2The mounting base 3 engages with the heat-conducting end 4. For example, the mounting base 3 may have multiple metal protrusions with L-shaped guide grooves on its side, and the heat-conducting end 4 may have multiple matching locating pins or T-shaped protrusions on its side facing the mounting base 3. During installation, the user aligns the locating pin of the heat-conducting end 4 with the opening end of the L-shaped groove on the mounting base 3, inserts it vertically, and then rotates it clockwise by a certain angle (e.g., 15-30 degrees). The locating pin will then slide into the locking end of the L-shaped groove and be locked by the end of the groove, achieving a tight connection. For disassembly, simply rotate it counterclockwise by the same angle and then pull it out vertically. Optionally, a small hole may be provided near the locking end of the L-shaped groove on the mounting base 3, housing a spring-loaded ball locator. When the heat-conducting end 4 is rotated into position, the ball will click into a recess on the heat-conducting end 4, effectively preventing loosening due to vibration during printing.

[0030] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 The fixing base 3 is provided with a clamping groove 31 extending along its length. The opening of the clamping groove 31 faces the heat-conducting end 4, and at least a portion of the heat-conducting end 4 is clamped in the clamping groove 31. The clamping groove 31 can be a groove provided along the length of the fixing base 3. The cross-sectional shape of the groove can be rectangular, U-shaped, or V-shaped, etc. The width of the groove and the outer dimension of the heat-conducting end 4 are transitioned or slightly interference-fitted to ensure that the heat-conducting end 4 can be smoothly inserted without being too loose.

[0031] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 The fixing base 3 is equipped with a heating element, which heats the heat-conducting end 4 through the wall of the clamping groove 31. The fixing base 3 may also be provided with a placement hole 32, which can be located at the bottom of the clamping groove 31, for placing the thermal sensor 2 and heating rods, etc. The heating element can heat the heat-conducting end 4 in the clamping groove 31, and the thermal sensor 2 can detect the temperature change in the clamping groove 31 in real time, and adjust the heating temperature of the clamping groove 31 for the heat-conducting end 4 in a timely manner according to the different melting temperatures of the printing material in the heat-conducting end 4.

[0032] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base 1 forms an open mounting space, within which a portion of the mounting base 3 and the sensor 2 are located. The base 1 may include two assembly plates bent and connected together to form an open mounting space, with the opening facing downwards to facilitate the installation of the sensor 2 and the mounting base 3. The entire sensor 2 and most of the mounting base 3 are "locked" within this mounting space; for example, the top of the sensor 2 may have a flange, which is secured to the bottom of the base 1 with screws. This combined structure minimizes the overall size of the printhead functional module, resulting in an exceptionally compact structure.

[0033] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The mounting base 3 is arranged parallel to the heat-conducting end 4 and extends away from the base 1. The mounting base 3 can be a cuboid or an "L-shaped" structure. The top surface of the mounting base 3 is connected to the base 1, and the bottom surface of the mounting base 3 is machined with the aforementioned clamping groove 31. A mounting wing (e.g., a flat metal block) is provided on the side of the heat-conducting end 4 near the mounting base 3 and is clamped in the groove. After installation, the longitudinal axis of the mounting base 3 and the longitudinal axis of the heat-conducting end 4 (i.e., the direction of material feeding) are parallel to each other. They together form a slender whole extending away from the base 1. The nozzle 5 is located at the end of this cantilever structure, which facilitates the delivery of printing material to the heated bed below by gravity.

[0034] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The base 1 is provided with a buffer step 11, which is located on the side of the base 1 facing the sensor 2 and abuts against the sensor 2. The buffer step 11 can be an annular or square groove provided on the lower surface of the base, and the buffer step 11 is set directly opposite the sensor 2. During automatic leveling, the print head descends, the nozzle 5 contacts the heated bed and triggers a signal to the sensor 2. After receiving the pressure signal, the sensor 2 will generate a corresponding deformation. The setting of the buffer step 11 can reserve space for the sensor 2 to generate the corresponding deformation.

[0035] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sensor 2 and the base 1 are detachably connected, for example, by snap-fit ​​or magnetic connection. When snap-fit ​​is used, a slot can be provided on one of the sensor 2 and the base 1, and a buckle on the other. When magnetic connection is used, two magnetically opposite pieces can be provided on the contact surfaces of the sensor 2 and the base 1, utilizing the principle of attraction between opposite magnetic poles to achieve a detachable connection. In other embodiments, both the sensor 2 and the base 1 can have threaded holes, through which a first fastener 7 passes for fastening. The first fastener 7 can be a bolt or screw, etc. In another embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sensor 2 and the mounting base 3 can be detachably connected, for example, by snap-fit ​​or magnetic connection. Alternatively, both the sensor 2 and the mounting base 3 can have threaded holes, through which a second fastener 8 can be passed to secure them. The second fastener 8 can also be a bolt or screw or other locking structure.

[0036] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2The sensor 2 forms a semi-enclosed space. The 3D printer 100 also includes a heat dissipation module 6, which is located at the end of the heat-conducting end 4 away from the nozzle 5, and the end of the heat dissipation module 6 closest to the sensor 2 is embedded in the semi-enclosed space. The sensor 2 can have a "U"-shaped or "C"-shaped structure, with the opening of the "U" or "C" facing the heat dissipation module 6. The bottom of the "U" shape is the sensing surface of the sensor 2, used to sense data such as the pressure transmitted from the heat-conducting end 4 to the heat dissipation module 6, and transmit this data to the printer's control system to obtain precise distance data between the nozzle 5 and the heated bed. Furthermore, the end of the heat dissipation module 6 is concentrated in the semi-enclosed space, which can reduce the overall size of the device and improve the compactness of the structure.

[0037] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 The heat dissipation module 6 and the heat conduction end 4 are provided with interconnected liquid injection channels 61, which are connected to the nozzle 5. The liquid injection channels 61 can be spiral or straight. The nozzle 5 can have a Y-shaped mixing chamber. The liquid injection channels 61 and the nozzle 5 are interconnected, allowing the printing material to melt within the liquid injection channels 61 and then be ejected through the nozzle 5.

[0038] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 The heat dissipation module 6 is provided with a filling hole 62, which is located on the side of the heat dissipation module 6 away from the heat-conducting end 4 and communicates with the liquid injection channel 61. The filling hole 62 can be a circular hole or a triangular hole, and the opening can be a recessed countersunk hole. A one-way valve can also be provided inside the hole to allow liquid injection while preventing printing material from splashing out during printing. Optionally, the filling hole 62 is provided to protrude from the top surface of the heat dissipation module 6 to facilitate connection with external structures for injecting printing material into the filling hole 62.

[0039] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer includes: Printer head; A heated bed is located below the printer head; The base is mounted on the printer head and is movably positioned above the heated bed; The sensor is located on the side of the base opposite to the printer head; A mounting base is installed on the side of the sensor opposite to the base; and A heat-conducting end is installed on one side of the fixing base. The fixing base heats the heat-conducting end to melt the printing material inside the heat-conducting end, and a nozzle for spraying the printing material is installed at the bottom of the heat-conducting end.

2. The 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base is engaged with the heat-conducting end.

3. The 3D printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing base is provided with a clamping groove extending along its length direction, the opening of the clamping groove is facing the heat-conducting end, and at least a portion of the heat-conducting end is clamped in the clamping groove.

4. The 3D printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing base is equipped with a heating element, which heats the heat-conducting end through the groove wall of the clamping groove.

5. The 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base forms an open mounting space, and a portion of the mounting base and the sensor are located within the mounting space; and / or, The fixing base is arranged parallel to the heat-conducting end and extends away from the base.

6. The 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with a buffer step, which is located on the side of the base facing the sensor and abuts against the sensor.

7. The 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is detachably connected to the base; and / or the sensor is detachably connected to the mounting base.

8. The 3D printer as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The sensor forms a semi-enclosed space; the 3D printer also includes a heat dissipation module, which is located at the end of the heat-conducting end away from the nozzle, and the end of the heat dissipation module near the sensor is embedded in the semi-enclosed space.

9. The 3D printer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module and the heat-conducting end are provided with a connected liquid injection channel, which is connected to the nozzle.

10. The 3D printer as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module is provided with a filling hole, which is located on the side of the heat dissipation module away from the heat-conducting end and is connected to the liquid injection channel.

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