Timing belt tensioner for 3D printers and 3D printers

Abstract

Timing belt tensioner for a three-dimensional printer (3D printer), wherein the timing belt tensioner comprises the following: a mounting frame (100); a deflection pulley (200) pivotably connected to the mounting frame (100), wherein a toothed belt (700) of a 3D printer is wound around the deflection pulley (200) and is configured to drive a movement mechanism of the 3D printer to move on an XY plane; and an elastic component (300) which is designed to connect the mounting frame (100) and a base (600) of the 3D printer in such a way that the mounting frame (100) drives the deflection pulley (200) to slide into an equilibrium position relative to the base (600) under the influence of an elastic force of the elastic component (300), wherein in the equilibrium position an equilibrium is achieved between the elastic force of the elastic component (300) and a tensile force of the toothed belt (700) acting on the deflection pulley (200).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and in particular to a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer and the 3D printer itself. BACKGROUND

[0002] A 3D printer, also known as a three-dimensional printer, is a machine that uses bondable materials such as powdered metals or plastics to construct a 3D object by layer-by-layer printing based on rapid prototyping technology.

[0003] In the prior art, a 3D printer comprises a base, a print head for ejecting the printing material, and a build platform for receiving the material. The build platform or print head can be connected to the base via a timing belt transmission mechanism, and the movement of the build platform or print head in an XY plane is achieved by a timing belt. The tension of the timing belt can decrease over time, further impairing the transmission effect. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the timing belt occasionally to maintain proper tension.

[0004] However, with current technology, the tension of a timing belt can hardly be adjusted to a suitable range. SUMMARY

[0005] It would be advantageous to provide a mechanism that alleviates, mitigates, or even eliminates one or more of the problems mentioned above.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer is provided, comprising: a mounting frame; a pulley, wherein the pulley is connected to the mounting frame, and a timing belt of the 3D printer is wound around the pulley and configured to drive a motion mechanism of the 3D printer to move in an XY plane; and an elastic component, wherein the elastic component is configured to connect the mounting frame and a base of the 3D printer such that the mounting frame drives the pulley to slide into an equilibrium position under the influence of an elastic force of the elastic component relative to the base. In the equilibrium position, an equilibrium is achieved between the elastic force of the elastic component and a tensile force of the timing belt acting on the pulley.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a 3D printer is provided which includes: a motion mechanism; a base provided with a timing belt configured to drive the motion mechanism to move on an XY plane; and the aforementioned timing belt tensioner, wherein the timing belt is wound around the idler pulley of the timing belt tensioner.

[0008] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become clear on the basis of the embodiments described below and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Further details, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings include: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged view of position A of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view, taken from an angle at a position of a deflection pulley in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a partial sectional view, taken from a different angle of the pulley's position in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is another exploded view of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 7 is another schematic structure diagram of a fastening arrangement in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a rotary block of Fig. 7 is turned to penetrate through a through-hole. Fig. Figure 9 is another schematic structure diagram of the fastening arrangement in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 10 is another schematic structural diagram of the fastening arrangement in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is an exploded view of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view at a position of a deflection pulley in Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic structure diagram of a part in Fig. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, in this disclosure the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used to describe different elements and are not intended to define any positional, temporal, or importance relationship between these elements; such terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. In some examples, a first element and a second element may refer to the same instance of the element, while in other cases, based on the context of the description, they may refer to different instances.

[0011] The terms used in the description of the various examples described in this disclosure serve only to describe particular examples and are not intended to be limiting. Unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context, if the number of elements is not specifically limited, there may be one or a multitude of elements. As used herein, the term "multitude" means two or more, and the term "based on" should be interpreted as "at least partially based on." Furthermore, the terms "and / or" and "at least one of" encompass any of and all possible combinations of the items listed.

[0012] In the prior art, a 3D printer comprises a base, a print head for ejecting printing material, and a build platform for receiving the printing material. The build platform and the print head are considered moving components of the 3D printer, and both can move relative to the base. For example, the build platform can move along a Z-axis (vertical direction), while the print head can move in an XY plane (horizontal plane). Taking the movement of the print head in the XY plane as an example, the print head can be connected to the base via a toothed belt transmission mechanism, and the toothed belt engages with a pulley to enable the movement of the print head in the XY plane.

[0013] However, the tension of the timing belt can decrease over time, further impairing its transmission performance. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the timing belt occasionally to maintain proper tension. In the prior art, an operator is typically required to manually adjust the timing belt tension and repeatedly measure the tensile force until it falls within a suitable predetermined range.

[0014] However, this process is time-consuming, as repeated adjustment and measurement are required; additionally, it is difficult to adjust the tension of the timing belt to a suitable range, which reduces the printing precision of the 3D printer.

[0015] To solve at least one of the problems mentioned above, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer and the 3D printer itself. By arranging a mounting frame, a deflection pulley connected to the mounting frame, and an elastic component connected between a base and the mounting frame, the timing belt can be automatically adjusted to a suitable tension state.

[0016] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged view of position A of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view, taken from an angle at a position of a deflection pulley in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a partial sectional view, taken from a different angle of the pulley's position in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is another exploded view of Fig. 2.

[0017] Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 6 describes an embodiment of the present disclosure providing a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer, wherein the timing belt tensioner can be used for a 3D printer and the 3D printer includes a base 600 and a motion mechanism. The motion mechanism includes at least one print head for ejecting printing material, a print bed for receiving the printing material, or the like. The print bed and the print head are considered motion mechanisms of the 3D printer, and both can move relative to the base. For example, the print bed can move along a Z-axis (vertical direction), and the print head can move in an XY plane (horizontal plane). Of course, in further embodiments, the print bed can also move in the XY plane, and the print head can move along the Z-axis.The movement of both the printhead and the print bed in the XY plane can be achieved by a belt transmission mechanism. The belt transmission mechanism includes a multitude of pulleys 800 and a toothed belt 700 wound around the pulleys 800.

[0018] It is understood that the toothed belt tensioner, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, is aligned and adjusted to a toothed belt of a belt transmission mechanism for driving a moving component to move in an XY plane. The toothed belt tensioner includes the following: a mounting frame 100, a deflection pulley 200, and an elastic component 300.

[0019] The mounting frame 100 can have a box- or frame-like structure and can be made from conventional materials such as metal or plastic.

[0020] The deflection pulley 200 can have a wheel-shaped structure that is pivotably connected to the mounting frame 100, and the deflection pulley 200 is configured to be wound with a timing belt 700 of the 3D printer, and an axis of the deflection pulley 200 can extend along the Z-axis such that the timing belt 700 is configured to drive a movement mechanism of the 3D printer to move on the XY plane. As used herein, the term "deflection pulley" refers to a pulley on a shaft that bears against or presses against a timing belt to guide the timing belt and tighten a loose section.

[0021] It is understood that the idler pulley 200 can rotate about its axis relative to the mounting frame 100. For example, the idler pulley 200 can be connected to the mounting frame 100 via a pivot shaft, the pivot shaft being attached to the mounting frame 100, and the idler pulley 200 being enclosed outside the pivot shaft and able to rotate relative to it. The idler pulley 200 can be arranged between two pulleys 800 of the belt transmission mechanism, and an idler pulley surface of the idler pulley can be configured to engage the toothed belt 700 such that a portion of the toothed belt 700 can be wound around a section of the idler pulley surface of the idler pulley 200. As shown in Fig. 2 In some embodiments, a connecting wheel 900 can also be arranged between the deflection pulley 200 and the pulley 800, and the connecting wheel 900 can play a role in increasing the wrap angle of the toothed belt in order to improve smooth running.

[0022] The elastic component 300 is designed to connect the mounting frame 100 and the base 600 of the 3D printer, and the mounting frame 100 can slide into a preset position relative to the base 600 under the influence of an elastic force of the elastic component 300.

[0023] The elastic component 300 can be a spring, an elastic block, or another structure with an elastic force. The elastic component 300 can be connected between the mounting frame 100 and the base 600. The preset position can be a position in which the mounting frame 100 can remain stationary relative to the base 600, i.e., a position with balanced force into which the mounting frame 100 can be automatically moved under the influence of the elastic force of the elastic component 300 relative to the base 600. It is understood that in the preset position, the tensile force of the toothed belt 700 acting on the deflection pulley 200 and the elastic force of the elastic component 300 can be kept in equilibrium (i.e., the two cancel each other out) such that the toothed belt 700 is in a suitable state of tension, i.e., the toothed belt is neither over-tensioned nor over-relaxed.Therefore, the preset position can also be referred to as an equilibrium position. It should be understood that the preset position mentioned here is not a predetermined position, but rather a position that already exists.

[0024] The arrangement of the elastic component 300 ensures that the tensile force of the toothed belt 700 always remains within a predetermined range within the deformation adjustment range of the elastic component 300. Therefore, when the mounting frame 100 is moved into the equilibrium position, the tensile force of the toothed belt 700 is also within the predetermined range, and thus the toothed belt 700 is in a suitable tension state without the need for additional measurement.

[0025] In some embodiments, the toothed belt tensioner further includes a fastening arrangement 400. The fastening arrangement 400 is designed to be connected between the mounting frame 100 and the base 600 in order to secure the mounting frame 100 in an equilibrium position. The fastening arrangement 400 can be a screw, a nut, or other structures capable of achieving a fastening. It is understood that the fastening arrangement 400 can be configured to secure the mounting frame 100 to the base 600 after the mounting frame 100 has automatically slid into the equilibrium position.

[0026] If the 3D printer detects that the tensile force of the timing belt exceeds an expected range, the user may be prompted to tension the timing belt. The user can loosen the mounting assembly 400 so that the mounting frame 100 and the base 600 can move relative to each other. Under the influence of the elastic force of the elastic component 300, the mounting frame 100 can slide into the equilibrium position relative to the base 600. In this position, the tensile force of the timing belt 700, acting on the mounting frame 100 via the pulley 200, and the elastic force of the elastic component 300 are balanced such that the mounting frame 100 stops sliding. The timing belt 700 is in a suitable tension state; that is, the timing belt is neither over-tensioned nor over-relaxed, and in this tension state, the tensile force of the timing belt also falls within a predetermined range.The mounting frame 100 can then be attached to this equilibrium position by means of the mounting arrangement 400. Compared to manually adjusting the tension of a timing belt, the present disclosure makes it easier to adjust the tension of the timing belt to a predetermined range with simpler operation, thus guaranteeing the printing precision of the 3D printer.

[0027] In one embodiment of the mounting frame 100, the mounting frame 100 has a bottom wall 150, a top wall 160, and a side wall 170 connecting the bottom wall 150 and the top wall 160. The deflection pulley 200 is pivotally connected between the bottom wall 150 and the top wall 160. For example, two ends of a pivot shaft of the deflection pulley 200 can each be connected to the top wall 160 and the bottom wall 150, and the side wall 170 is provided with a first opening 171 and a second opening 172 through which the toothed belt 700 passes in and out, respectively. The first opening 171 and the second opening 172 can be arranged opposite each other, and the widths of the first opening 171 and the second opening 172 can be large enough to allow adjustment of the position of the timing belt 700 and thus adjust the tensile force of the timing belt. Additionally, the elastic component 300 can be connected to the side wall 170.With such a configuration, the deflection pulley 200 can be mounted in the mounting frame 100, and the first opening 171 and the second opening 172 are designed to separate the toothed belt 700 from the mounting frame 100, thereby preventing interference in the transmission of the toothed belt 700.

[0028] In some embodiments, the elastic component 300, as a possible implementation, includes a helical spring 310, wherein a first end of the helical spring 310 rests against the mounting frame 100 and a second end of the helical spring 310 rests against the base 600. The helical spring 310 can be in a compressed state, and if the tensile force of the timing belt is insufficient, the mounting frame 100 can be set in motion by the helical spring 310 such that the timing belt 700 is again under tension. The helical spring 310 has a simple structure and low cost.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The mounting frame 100 is provided with an annular projection 110. In one example, the annular projection 110 can be located on the side wall 170. The first end of the coil spring 310 can be located in a space defined by the annular projection 110, and the annular projection 110 can act as a limiting element for the coil spring 310 to prevent it from moving back and forth. In some embodiments, the first end of the coil spring 310 can also be enclosed outside the annular projection 110. Generally, the first end of the coil spring 310 is located in a position defined by the annular projection 110. The coil spring 310 can be rigidly connected to the mounting frame 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the mounting frame 100 may also be provided with an annular recess, and the first end of the coil spring 310 may be arranged in a space defined by the annular recess. Thus, the annular recess acts as a limiting element for the coil spring 310 to prevent it from vibrating back and forth. The first end of the coil spring 310 may rest against the bottom wall of the annular recess and be connected to it by adhesive or the like, and / or the first end of the coil spring 310 may be connected to the side wall of the annular recess.

[0031] In some embodiments, the toothed belt tensioner further includes the following: a press block 500, wherein the press block 500 has a press section 510 configured to contact the mounting frame 100 in order to press the mounting frame 100 against the base 600. The fastening arrangement 400 is configured to fasten the press block 500 to the base 600.

[0032] It is understood that the press block 500 can have a plate-like or block-like structure. The press block can have a press section 510 capable of contacting the mounting frame 100, and the press section 510 can be part of the surface of the press block 500. The fastening arrangement 400 can be configured to fasten the press block 500 to the base 600, connecting the mounting frame 100 and the base 600 through the press block 500, and pressing and fastening the mounting frame 100 to the base 600 by the force acting between the press block 500 and the base 600.

[0033] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 6. The press section 510 includes two projections 511 arranged on the press block 500. The mounting frame 100 has two extension sections 130 spaced apart along the axis of the deflection roller 200, and each projection 511 is designed to be pressed against one of the extension sections 130. In some embodiments, two extension sections 130 may also be spaced apart in the sliding direction of the mounting frame 100 (i.e., the direction of the elastic force of the elastic component), as long as both extension sections bear against the base 600.

[0034] Still referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The base 600 is provided with a mounting groove that accommodates the elastic component 300 and the mounting frame 100. Two extension sections 130 of the mounting frame 100 protrude from the mounting groove in such a way that the two extension sections 130 can easily rest against the two projections 130 on the mounting frame 100. As illustrated, two extension sections 130 are located between the two projections 130 and the side wall of the base 600.

[0035] The projection 511 can have a circular shape, a square shape, or the like. Two extension sections 130 can be arranged on two sides of the second opening 172 and can each project from the ceiling wall 160 and the floor wall 150. Each projection 511 can be configured to abut one of the extension sections 130, and the mounting frame 100 is attached to the base 600 by the action of the fastening arrangement 400.

[0036] As one possible implementation of the fastening arrangement 400, the fastening arrangement 400 includes a plurality of first fastening elements 410, and the first fastening element 410 can be a screw, a bolt, or another fastening structure. The press block 500 is provided with a plurality of first mounting holes 520, and each first fastening element 410 penetrates one of the first mounting holes 520 and is threaded into the base 600. Some of the first mounting holes 520 of the plurality of first mounting holes 520 are located along the axis of the pulley 200 at one end of the pulley 200, and the other first mounting holes 520 of the plurality of first mounting holes 520 are located along the axis of the pulley 200 at the other end of the pulley 200.

[0037] It is understood that there can be a large number of first fastening elements 410, such as 2, 4, and 6 first fastening elements. These first fastening elements 410 can be located separately at both ends of the deflection pulley 200 along the axis of the deflection pulley in such a way that the mounting frame 100 can be more securely connected to the base 600.

[0038] Still referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 In some embodiments, the press block 500 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the deflection roller 200, wherein a total of two first fastening elements 410 are arranged in the mounting assembly 400, and the two first fastening elements 410 are each located at opposite ends of the deflection roller 200. The press block 500 is provided with two first mounting holes 520, and each of the first mounting holes 520 can be connected to a first fastening element 410. In addition, two projections 511 can also be arranged between the two first mounting holes 520 such that the entire press block 500 can cover the entire mounting frame 100 in the direction parallel to the axis of the deflection roller 200, thus achieving a better pressing effect.

[0039] If it is necessary to adjust the tensile force of the timing belt 700, a plurality of first fasteners 410 can be loosened such that the press section 510 is separated from the mounting frame 100, and at this point the mounting frame 100 can be moved into the equilibrium position under the influence of the elastic force of the elastic component 300. The plurality of first fasteners 410 can then be tightened such that the press section 510 can press the mounting frame 100 against the base 600 and the mounting frame 100 can remain stationary relative to the base 600.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fastening arrangement 400 can be implemented in ways other than being configured to include a plurality of first fastening elements 410. Fig. Figure 7 is another schematic structure diagram of a fastening arrangement in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a rotary block of Fig. 7 is turned to penetrate a through-hole. Referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 The fastening arrangement 400 includes the following: a rotary block 420 and a second fastening element 430.

[0041] The rotary block 420 is rotatably connected to the base 600 and can have a block-like structure. The rotary block 420 can have a first longitudinal direction and a first transverse direction, wherein a dimension of the rotary block in the first longitudinal direction can be larger than a dimension of the rotary block in the first transverse direction. Furthermore, the first longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction are both perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotary block 420.

[0042] The press block 500 is provided with a through hole 530 which fits the shape of the rotary block 420, i.e., the through hole 530 can also have a second longitudinal direction and a second width direction, and the dimension of the through hole in the second longitudinal direction is also larger than the dimension of the through hole in the second width direction.

[0043] When the rotary block 420 rotates through a preset angle relative to the through-hole 530, it can pass through the through-hole 530. The preset angle can be one formed when the first longitudinal direction of the rotary block 420 is parallel to the second longitudinal direction of the through-hole 530, and the first lateral direction is parallel to the second lateral direction. Conversely, if the rotary block does not rotate through the preset angle, it interferes with the through-hole 530 and cannot pass through it.

[0044] The second fastening element 430 can also be a fastening structure such as a screw or a bolt. The press block 500 is further provided with a second mounting hole, and the second fastening element 430 penetrates the second mounting hole and is threaded into the base 600.

[0045] It is understood that, if it is necessary to adjust the tensile force of the timing belt 700, the second fastening element 430 can be unscrewed and then the swivel block 420 can be rotated by a preset angle. The press block 500 can then be removed from the base 600, and at this point, the mounting frame 100 can be moved into the equilibrium position under the influence of the elastic force of the elastic component 300. The press block 500 is then brought so close to the base 600 that the swivel block 420 can pass through the through-hole 530 of the press block 500. The second fastening element 430 then passes through the second mounting hole and is tightened on the base 600.

[0046] Fig. Figure 9 is another schematic structure diagram of the fastening arrangement in Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 9 In further embodiments, the fastening arrangement 400 may also include at least one third fastening element 440, wherein the mounting frame 100 is provided with at least one elongated hole 140, wherein each elongated hole 140 extends in a direction parallel to a sliding direction of the mounting frame 100 and wherein each third fastening element 440 passes through an elongated hole 140 and is threaded in connection with the base 600.

[0047] The third fastener 440 can be a fastening structure such as a screw or a bolt. There can be 1, 2, 4, or 6 third fasteners 440, and the slot 140 can be in a variety of shapes, such as an oval slot and a rectangular slot.

[0048] In Fig. 9 Two third fastening elements 440 are arranged, the mounting frame 100 is provided with two elongated holes 140 and the two elongated holes 140 can each be arranged on the two extension sections 130 of the mounting frame 100. Each of the third fastening elements 440 can penetrate through one of the elongated holes 140 and is threaded in connection with the base 600.

[0049] Of course, the slot 140 can also be arranged at the base 600. Fig. Figure 10 is another schematic structural diagram of the fastening arrangement in Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 10 the base 600 is provided with at least one elongated hole 140, wherein each elongated hole 140 extends in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the mounting frame 100 and every third fastening element 440 passes through an elongated hole 140 and is threaded in connection with the mounting frame 100.

[0050] In Fig. 10 two third fastening elements 440 are arranged, the base 600 is provided with two elongated holes 140 and each third fastening element 440 can penetrate through one of the elongated holes 140 and is threaded in connection with the mounting frame 100.

[0051] It is understood that base 600 does not refer to just one part, but is a general term for reference objects for the movement of the mounting frame 100. Base 600 can include a multitude of sections or a multitude of parts. For example, two positions designated with reference 600 in Fig. The numbers 10 are relatively fixed and both can be referenced to the base 600.

[0052] In the various embodiments of the third fastening element described above, the third fastening element 440 and the elongated hole 140 can be arranged to fasten the mounting frame 100 to the base 600, and the elongated hole 140 can allow the mounting frame 100 to be fastened at different positions on the base 600 in such a way that the tensile force of the toothed belt 700 can be conveniently adjusted and the structure can be implemented simply and easily.

[0053] In Fig. 9 and Fig. The fastening arrangement 400 includes two third fastening elements 440, and the two third fastening elements 440 are each located at opposite ends of the deflection pulley 200 along the axis of the deflection pulley 200. That is, the two third fastening elements 440 are each located at opposite ends of the mounting frame 100, and the two ends of the mounting frame 100 are opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction of the mounting frame 100 relative to the base 600. In this way, the mounting frame 100 can be securely connected to the base 600.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mounting frame 100 is further provided with a sliding block and the base 600 can be provided with a sliding rail such that when the mounting frame 100 slides relative to the base 600, the sliding block can slide in the sliding rail, thereby playing a guiding role.

[0055] In one example, a sliding block can be arranged on a mounting section 130 of the mounting frame 100, i.e., each mounting section 130 can be provided with a sliding block such that the movement of the mounting frame 100 is smooth and uniform.

[0056] Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a timing belt tensioner for a 3D printer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is an exploded view of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view at a position of a deflection pulley in Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic structure diagram of a part in Fig. 11. It is understood that the embodiments described in Fig. 11 to Fig. Figure 14 shows variations of the elastic component 300 based on the embodiments described above, and other components not described in detail are the same or similar to the embodiments described above.

[0057] In some embodiments, the elastic component 300 includes a torsion spring 320, the torsion spring 320 includes a body 321 and a first torsion arm 322 and a second torsion arm 323, which are connected to two ends of the body 321, wherein the base 600 is provided with a mounting column 610, the body 321 is sheathed on the mounting column 610, the first torsion arm 322 rests against the base 600, the mounting frame 100 is provided with a clamping groove 120, and the second torsion arm 323 is clamped in the clamping groove 120.

[0058] The body 321 can have a spiral structure, a certain angle can be formed by the first torsion arm 322 and the second torsion arm 323, and the torsion spring 320 can be deformed by changing the angle to provide an elastic force.

[0059] The mounting column 610 can have a column-shaped structure, the base 600 can be provided with a clamping hook or a clamping hole, and an end of the first torsion arm 322 facing away from the body 321 can be clamped in the clamping hook or the clamping hole.

[0060] The mounting frame 100 can be provided with a clamping groove 120, that is, the clamping groove 120 can be a groove formed on the mounting frame 100. Additionally, a stop section 121 can be arranged on the outside of the clamping groove 120, and the stop section 121 can prevent the second torsion arm 323 from disengaging from the clamping groove 120.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fastening arrangement 400 can include a third fastening element 440, and the base 600 can include a plurality of sections. The two sections designated by reference numeral 600 in Fig. The elements designated 11 can both refer to the base and can be held relatively firmly. The first torsion arm 322 can be connected to a section, and the further section can be provided with an elongated hole 140. The third fastening element 440 can bring the base 600 into threaded connection with the mounting frame 100 through the elongated hole 140.

[0062] It goes without saying that Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig. Ten modifications to the configuration mode of the fastening arrangement 400 are based on the embodiment in which the elastic component 300 encloses the helical spring 310. The configuration mode of the fastening arrangement 400 in Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig. However, 10 can be used not only in the embodiment of the coil spring, but also in the embodiment of the torsion spring, which is described in Fig. Figure 11 shows, depending on the actual situation. Of course, the configuration mode of the fastening arrangement 400 in the embodiment shown in Figure 11 can vary. Fig. Figure 11 is also applied to the embodiment of the coil spring 310 described above.

[0063] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a 3D printer, wherein the 3D printer includes: a movement mechanism; a base 600 and a toothed belt tensioner for a 3D printer, wherein the base 600 is provided with a toothed belt 700 which is configured to drive the movement mechanism of the 3D printer to move on an XY plane, and the toothed belt 700 is wound around the deflection pulley 200 of the toothed belt tensioner.

[0064] The structure and function of the base 600 and the toothed belt tensioner are the same as those of the embodiments described above, and reference may be made to the embodiments described above.

[0065] The 3D printer provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is provided with a timing belt tensioner. The timing belt tensioner includes the following: a mounting frame, a pulley, and an elastic component, wherein the pulley is connected to the mounting frame, and a timing belt of the 3D printer is wound around the pulley and configured to drive a motion mechanism of the 3D printer to move in an XY plane; and the elastic component is configured to connect the mounting frame and a base of the 3D printer, and the mounting frame can slide into an equilibrium position relative to the base under the influence of an elastic force of the elastic component.If it is necessary to adjust the tension of the timing belt, the mounting arrangement can be designed such that the mounting frame can drive the deflection pulley into an equilibrium position relative to the base under the influence of the elastic force of the elastic component. In the equilibrium position, the force of the timing belt acting on the deflection pulley and the elastic force of the elastic component can be balanced, and the timing belt can be automatically tensioned to a predetermined range and is in a suitable state of tension. Compared to manually adjusting the tension of a timing belt, this disclosure makes it easier to adjust the tension of the timing belt to a predetermined range with simpler operation.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” are used for descriptive purposes only and must not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of technical features described. Thus, the features defined by “first”, “second”, and “third” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features. In the description of this disclosure, “multiple” refers to two or more unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0067] Unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, in this disclosure the terms “arrange”, “link”, “connect”, “fasten”, and the like are to be understood in their broadest sense. For example, “connect” may mean “permanently connecting”, “detachably connecting”, or “integrally connected as a unit”; “mechanically connecting”, “electrically connecting”, or “communicating”; “connecting directly” or “connecting indirectly via an intermediate element”; or “communication between the interiors of two elements” or “interaction between two elements.” For the person skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure may be interpreted according to the specific situations.

[0068] Unless expressly stated or defined otherwise herein, the recitation of a first feature “on” or “below” a second feature may include the recitation that the first and second features are in direct contact, and may also include the recitation that the first and second features are not in direct contact, but are connected via another intervening feature. Furthermore, a first feature “on,” “above,” and “over” a second feature includes a first feature being directly above and obliquely above a second feature, or simply indicates that a horizontal height of a first feature is higher than that of a second feature.A first feature “below”, “under”, and “below” a second feature includes a first feature that is directly below and obliquely below a second feature, or simply indicates that a horizontal height of a first feature is less than that of a second feature.

[0069] The present specification provides a number of different embodiments or examples that can be used to implement the present disclosure. It should be understood that these different embodiments or examples are for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application is subject to the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. Reference symbol: 100 mounting frames; 110 ring-shaped projection; 120 clamping groove; 121 Stop section; 130 Approach section; 140 slotted hole; 150 floor wall; 160 Ceiling wall; 170 side wall; 171 first opening; 172 second opening; 200 pulley; 300 elastic component; 310 coil spring; 320 Torsion spring; 321 bodies; 322 first torsion arm; 323 second torsion arm; 400 Mounting arrangement; 410 first fastening element; 420 Rotary block; 430 second fastening element; 440 third fastening element; 500 Pressblock; 510 Press section; 511 lead; 520 first mounting hole; 530 Through hole; 600 base; 610 Mounting column; 700 timing belts; 800 pulley; and 900 connecting wheel.

Claims

[1] Timing belt tensioner for a three-dimensional printer (3D printer), wherein the timing belt tensioner comprises the following: a mounting frame (100); a deflection pulley (200) pivotably connected to the mounting frame (100), wherein a toothed belt (700) of a 3D printer is wound around the deflection pulley (200) and is configured to drive a movement mechanism of the 3D printer to move on an XY plane; and an elastic component (300) which is designed to connect the mounting frame (100) and a base (600) of the 3D printer in such a way that the mounting frame (100) drives the deflection pulley (200) to slide into an equilibrium position relative to the base (600) under the influence of an elastic force of the elastic component (300), wherein in the equilibrium position an equilibrium is achieved between the elastic force of the elastic component (300) and a tensile force of the toothed belt (700) acting on the deflection pulley (200). [2] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the elastic component (300) comprises a helical spring (310) having a first end that rests against the mounting frame (100) and a second end that rests against the base (600). [3] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 2, wherein the mounting frame (100) is provided with an annular projection (110) and the first end of the coil spring (310) is arranged at a position defined by the annular projection; or the mounting frame (100) is provided with an annular recess and the first end of the coil spring (310) is arranged at a position defined by the annular recess. [4] Timing belt tensioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic component (300) comprises a torsion spring (320), wherein the torsion spring (320) comprises a body (321) and a first torsion arm (322) and a second torsion arm (323) which are connected to two ends of the body (321); the base (600) is provided with a mounting column (610) on which the body is encased and the first torsion arm (322) rests against the base (600); and the mounting frame (100) is provided with a clamping groove (120) and the second torsion arm (323) is clamped in the clamping groove (120). [5] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 4, wherein a stop section (121) is arranged on an outside of the clamping groove (120) and rests against the second torsion arm (323). [6] Timing belt tensioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a fastening arrangement (400) wherein the mounting frame (100) is attached to the base (600) by the fastening arrangement (400) and is in the equilibrium position. [7] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 6, further comprising: a press block (500) with a press section for contacting the mounting frame (100) in order to press the mounting frame (100) against the base (600), wherein the fastening arrangement (400) is designed to fasten the press block (500) to the base (600). [8] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 7, wherein the press section comprises two projections arranged on the press block (500), and the mounting frame (100) is provided with two attachment sections and each projection of the two projections is designed to be pressed against a corresponding attachment section of the two attachment sections. [9] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 8, wherein the base (600) is provided with a mounting groove for receiving the elastic component (300) and the mounting frame (100), and the two extension sections of the mounting frame (100) protrude from the mounting groove and are each positioned between the two projections and a side wall of the base (600). [10] Timing belt tensioner according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the fastening arrangement (400) comprises a plurality of first fastening elements (410), the press block (500) is provided with a plurality of first mounting holes, and each first fastening element (410) of the plurality of first fastening elements (410) penetrates through a corresponding first mounting hole of the plurality of first mounting holes and is threaded in connection with the base (600). [11] Timing belt tensioner according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the press block (500) is provided with a second mounting hole and the fastening arrangement (400) comprises: a rotary block (420) rotatably connected to the base (600), wherein the press block (500) is provided with a through-hole (530) that matches the shape of the rotary block (420), and when the rotary block (420) rotates at a preset angle relative to the through-hole (530), the rotary block (420) is able to penetrate through the through-hole (530); and a second fastening element (430), wherein the second fastening element (430) penetrates through the second mounting hole and is threaded in connection with the base (600). [12] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 6, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises at least one third fastening element, wherein the fastening arrangement (400) comprises at least one third fastening element (440), wherein the mounting frame (100) is provided with at least one elongated hole (140) extending in a direction parallel to a sliding direction of the mounting frame (100), and each third fastening element (440) of the at least one third fastening element (440) penetrates through a corresponding elongated hole (140) of the at least one elongated hole (140) and is threaded in connection with the base (600); or the base (600) is provided with at least one elongated hole (140) extending in a direction parallel to a sliding direction of the mounting frame (100), and each third fastening element (440) of the at least one third fastening element (440) penetrates through a corresponding elongated hole (140) of the at least one elongated hole (140) and is threaded in connection with the mounting frame (100). [13] Timing belt tensioner according to claim 12, wherein the at least one third fastening element (440) comprises two third fastening elements (440) located at two ends of the mounting frame (100), and the two ends of the mounting frame (100) are opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the mounting frame (100) relative to the base (600). [14] Toothed belt tensioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mounting frame (100) is provided with a bottom wall (150), a top wall (160) and a side wall (170) connecting the bottom wall (150) and the top wall (160), the deflection pulley (200) is pivotably connected between the bottom wall (150) and the top wall (160), the side wall (170) is provided with a first opening (171) and a second opening (172) through which the toothed belt (700) passes in and out, respectively, and the elastic component (300) is connected to the side wall (170). [15] Three-dimensional printer (3D printer) comprising a timing belt tensioner according to any one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Three-dimensional printer (3D printer) according to claim 15, further comprising: a movement mechanism, wherein the movement mechanism includes at least one print head for ejecting a printing material and a print table for receiving the printing material, and a base (600) which is provided with a timing belt (700). [17] Three-dimensional printer (3D printer) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the base (600) is configured to drive the motion mechanism to move on an XY plane; and the timing belt (700) is wound around the idler pulley (200) of the timing belt tensioner.

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