Dual nozzle switching apparatus and 3D printer

Abstract

The present application provides a dual nozzle switching apparatus and a 3D printer. The dual nozzle switching device comprises a driving assembly, a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly; the driving assembly comprises a driving member, and a moving member connected to the driving member, the first nozzle assembly being connected to a first end of the moving member by means of a sliding assembly; the driving member is configured to drive the moving member to move in a first direction, so as to drive the first nozzle component to move relative to the second nozzle component in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction; the moving member comprises a central gear, and a rack meshing with the central gear, a first side of the rack being provided with a meshing portion, the meshing portion being provided with an outer tooth profile adapted to the central gear, the central gear being driven to rotate by the driving member, so as to cause the rack to move back and forth relative to the driving member in the first direction, thereby realizing switching use of the first nozzle assembly and the second nozzle assembly.

Description

Dual-nozzle switching device and 3D printer

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202323232341.5 filed on November 29, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, and specifically relates to a dual-nozzle switching device and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0004] 3D printing equipment, also known as three-dimensional printing equipment, is a cumulative manufacturing technology, that is, a machine of rapid prototyping technology. It is based on a digital model file and uses special wax materials, powdered metal or plastic and other adhesive materials to create three-dimensional objects by printing layers of adhesive materials.

[0005] Existing dual-head printers typically have two printhead assemblies. These two assemblies need to work alternately, meaning one is active while the other is paused. However, the paused printhead assembly and the active printhead assembly cannot be switched up and down. This can cause the paused printhead assembly to scratch the printed part, affecting the printing quality. Therefore, how to achieve the up-and-down switching of the dual-head assembly to prevent the paused printhead assembly from scratching the printed part is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a dual-nozzle switching device and a 3D printer to solve the problem of how to achieve the up and down switching of the dual-nozzle assembly and avoid the problem of the suspended printing nozzle assembly scratching the printed model.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a dual-nozzle switching device, including a drive assembly, a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly;

[0008] The driving assembly includes a driving member and a moving member transmission-connected to the driving member, and the first nozzle assembly is connected to the first end of the moving member via a sliding assembly;

[0009] The driving member is configured to drive the moving member to move in a first direction to drive the first nozzle assembly to move in a second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present application, the moving member includes a central gear drivingly connected to the driving shaft of the driving member, and a rack meshing with the central gear;

[0011] An engaging portion is provided at a first side of the rack, and the engaging portion is provided with an outer tooth profile adapted to the central gear. The central gear is driven to rotate by the driving member so that the rack moves back and forth in a first direction relative to the driving member.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present application, a rack pressure plate is provided at the second side of the rack, the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other, and the rack pressure plate abuts against the rack to limit the moving direction of the rack to the first direction.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present application, the outer tooth profile is recessed in the first side, and the length of the outer tooth profile is configured to allow the first nozzle assembly to move to a preset height in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly;

[0014] When the first nozzle assembly moves to a preset height, the central gear abuts against the meshing portion of the rack to limit the first nozzle assembly that has moved to the preset height.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present application, the sliding assembly includes a sliding member provided on the first nozzle assembly, a guide groove is provided on a side wall of the sliding member, and a guide member capable of moving in the guide groove is provided on the first end of the moving member;

[0016] The guide member passes through and is arranged in the guide groove, so as to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present application, the sliding assembly includes a sliding member provided at the first end of the moving member, a guide groove is provided on a side wall of the sliding member, and a guide member capable of moving in the guide groove is provided at a position of the first nozzle assembly near the first end of the moving member;

[0018] The guide member passes through and is arranged in the guide groove, so as to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present application, the guide member includes a roller arranged in the guide groove and an axle pin arranged through the roller. The first end of the movable member is provided with an extension portion extending in the horizontal direction. After the axle pin passes through the roller arranged in the corresponding guide groove, it extends to the extension portion at the corresponding position.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present application, the switching device further includes a rack for mounting the moving member;

[0021] The rack is reciprocatably movable in a first direction and is inserted into the interior of the frame. The driving member is disposed at the bottom of the frame. The driving shaft of the driving member passes through the frame and is in transmission connection with a central gear also disposed inside the frame.

[0022] A guide column is provided on one end of the frame close to the sliding assembly and extends downwards, and a guide hole for the guide column to pass through is provided on the sliding assembly.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present application, a stop plate is provided on one side of the frame close to the sliding assembly;

[0024] The top protrusion of the stop plate is arranged along the moving trajectory of the moving part in the first direction to limit the front of the rack from moving back and forth in the first direction and not exceeding the top protrusion of the stop plate; the sliding assembly is provided with a stop hole for the bottom of the stop plate to pass through when the sliding assembly moves up and down.

[0025] The present application also provides a 3D printer, comprising any of the dual-nozzle switching devices described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0027] FIG1 is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an extrusion assembly in a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving assembly in a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a sliding assembly in a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a meshing portion in a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide hole in the dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a frame in a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a stop plate in a dual-nozzle switching device provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a dual-nozzle switching device provided in one or more embodiments of the present application.

[0036] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 10-driving assembly; 11-driving member; 111-driving shaft; 12-moving member; 121-center gear; 122-rack; 123-meshing portion; 124-external tooth profile; 13-rack pressure plate; 14-guide member; 141-roller; 142-axle pin; 15-extension portion; 20-sliding assembly; 21-sliding member; 22-guide groove; 24-guide hole; 25-stop hole; 30-first nozzle assembly; 40-second nozzle assembly; 50-frame; 51-guide column; 52-stop plate; 521-top protrusion; 53-slot; 60-extrusion assembly; 62-front shell; 63-rear shell; 64-heat sink; 65-material guide tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clearly understood, this application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0038] In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. All directional indications in the embodiments of this application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship and movement of the components under a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0039] To provide a more detailed and complete description of the present disclosure, the following provides illustrative descriptions of the embodiments and examples of the present application; however, these descriptions are not intended to be the only ways to implement or use the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments cover features of various embodiments, as well as the method steps and sequences for constructing and operating these embodiments. However, other embodiments may also be used to achieve the same or equivalent functionality and step sequences.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1 to 9. In order to solve the problem in the prior art of how to achieve the up and down switching of the dual nozzle assembly and avoid the nozzle assembly that pauses printing from scratching the printed model, an embodiment of the present application provides a dual nozzle switching device and a 3D printer. Please refer to Figure 1, which is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the dual nozzle switching device provided in the embodiment of the present application. The dual nozzle switching device includes a drive assembly 10, a first nozzle assembly 30 and a second nozzle assembly 40.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, the driving component 10 includes a driving member 11 and a moving member 12 that is transmission-connected to the driving member 11. The first nozzle assembly 30 is connected to one end of the above-mentioned moving member 12 through a sliding assembly 20. In an embodiment of the present application, the driving member 11 is configured to drive the moving member 12 to move in a first direction to drive the first nozzle assembly 30 to move in a second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly 40, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; in a specific embodiment, the driving member 11 is configured to drive the moving member 12 to move back and forth, thereby driving the first nozzle assembly 30 to move up and down relative to the second nozzle assembly 40.

[0042] It should be noted that the above-mentioned first nozzle assembly 30 and second nozzle assembly 40 are used to heat the solid-state consumables into a molten state, and then extrude the molten wire from the discharge port to cooperate with the 3D printer for printing. Therefore, as long as any 3D printing nozzle selected can achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, this application does not elaborate on or limit the specific structure of the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40, and those skilled in the art should be aware of this.

[0043] As an optional embodiment, please refer to FIG3, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving assembly 10 in the dual-nozzle switching device provided in the embodiment of the present application. The above-mentioned moving member 11 includes a central gear 121 that is transmission-connected to the driving shaft 111 of the driving member 11, and a rack 122 that meshes with the central gear 121; specifically, please refer to FIG4, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding assembly 20 in the dual-nozzle switching device provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0044] A meshing portion 123 is provided on the first side of the rack 122. The meshing portion 123 is parallel to the rack 122 to prevent the rack 122 from shifting during movement. An outer tooth profile 124 that is compatible with the above-mentioned center gear 121 is provided on the meshing portion 123, thereby realizing the meshing connection between the center gear 121 and the meshing portion 123 of the rack 122.

[0045] The central gear 121 is driven to rotate by the drive shaft 111 of the drive member 11, and the outer tooth profile 124 is driven to drive the rack 122 to reciprocate in the first direction relative to the drive member 11. In a specific embodiment, the outer tooth profile 124 is recessed in the first side, and the length of the outer tooth profile 124 is configured to allow the first nozzle assembly 30 to move to a preset height in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly 40. Since the present application is provided with an inwardly recessed meshing portion 123, and the outer tooth profile 124 that is adapted to the central gear 121 is only provided on the meshing portion 123, when the rack 122 moves back and forth to the distance engaged by the outer tooth profile 124, it will stop moving due to the obstruction of the outer wall of the rack 122, thereby limiting the forward and backward movement distance of the rack 122. At this time, the first nozzle assembly 30 moves to a preset height in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly 40, further limiting the movement distance of the first nozzle assembly 30 in the second direction.

[0046] Preferably, the driving member 11 can be set to a driving motor or a servo. Any form of the driving member 11 that can drive the central gear 121 to rotate is feasible, and this application does not impose further restrictions on this.

[0047] Furthermore, in order to prevent the rack 122 from shifting in position when moving in the first direction, the present application not only provides a meshing portion 123 parallel to the extension direction of the rack 122, but also provides a rack pressure plate 13 on the second side of the rack 122. It can be observed that the first side and the second side are arranged relative to each other. The present application sets the rack pressure plate 13 against the rack 122 to limit the moving direction of the rack 122 in the first direction. The rack 122 is limited by the rack pressure plate 13 to limit the above-mentioned rack 122 between the center gear 121 and the rack pressure plate 13, without affecting the movement of the rack 122 relative to the driving member 11 in the first direction, and at the same time avoiding the rack 122 from shifting during movement, affecting the moving trajectory of the sliding assembly 20.

[0048] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 5, which is a structural diagram of the engaging portion 123 in the dual-nozzle switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. It can be observed that the sliding assembly 20 includes a sliding member 21 arranged above the first nozzle assembly 30, and the side wall of the sliding member 21 is provided with a guide groove 22. At the same time, a guide member 14 capable of moving within the guide groove 22 is provided at the first end of the moving member 12. The guide member 14 passes through and is arranged in the guide groove 22 to convert the movement of the moving member 12 in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly 30 in the second direction through the guide groove 22 and the guide member 14.

[0049] Of course, the sliding member 21 can also be set at the first end of the moving member 12, and a guide groove 22 can be opened on the side wall of the sliding member 21. The guide member 14 can be set at the position of the first nozzle assembly 30 close to the first end of the moving member 12, and the positional relationship of the guide member 14 passing through and being set in the guide groove 22 can also be satisfied. Similarly, the movement of the moving member 12 in the first direction can be converted into the movement of the first nozzle assembly 30 in the second direction through the guide groove 22 and the guide member 14.

[0050] It should be noted that no matter whether the sliding member 21 and the guide member 14 are set at the first end of the movable member 12, or are set at the position of the first end of the movable member 12 corresponding to the first end of the movable member 12 of the first nozzle assembly 30, as long as the guide member 14 passes through and is set in the guide groove 22 and can move in the guide groove 22, the movement of the movable member 12 in the first direction can be converted into the movement of the first nozzle assembly 30 in the second direction. Therefore, this application does not impose further restrictions on the specific setting positions of the sliding member 21 and the guide member 14, and the above setting methods are all feasible.

[0051] Preferably, the guide member 14 includes a roller 141 arranged in the guide groove 22 and an axle pin 142 arranged through the roller 141. The roller 141 can roll in the guide groove 22 to achieve position movement. The contact surface between the guide groove 22 and the roller 141 is preferably smoothly set to avoid unnecessary friction overcome by the rolling member 141 when sliding in the guide groove 22, thereby improving the stability between the sliding member 21 and the moving member 12 when relative movement occurs.

[0052] It can be observed that the first end of the movable member 12 is provided with an extension portion 15 extending in the horizontal direction. In this application, the axle pin 142 passes through the roller 141 provided in the corresponding guide groove 22 and extends to the extension portion 15 at the corresponding position. When the movable member 12 moves back and forth, the roller 141 is driven to slide along the guide groove 22, and the movement of the movable member 12 in the first direction is converted into the movement of the first nozzle assembly 30 in the second direction.

[0053] In a specific embodiment provided in the present application, in order to improve the stability of the connection between the sliding assembly 20 and the rack 122, the present application provides two extensions 15 extending in the horizontal direction at the first end of the movable member 12, and two sliding members 21 are provided above the first nozzle assembly 30. The side walls of each sliding member 21 are provided with a guide groove 22. At this time, the two sliding members 21 abut against the outer side walls of the two extensions 15, thereby achieving the first end of the movable member 12 being clamped between the two sliding members 21. Each guide groove 22 is provided with a corresponding roller 141 and an axle pin 142 set through the roller 141. It can be observed that the axle pin 142 passes through the roller 141 set in the corresponding guide groove 22 and extends to the extension 15 at the corresponding position.

[0054] In this application, a sliding member 21 and a guide member 14 are provided to enable the first nozzle assembly 30 to move in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly 40. Since the second nozzle assembly 40 is not provided with a corresponding driving assembly 10 and sliding assembly 20, that is, the distance of the second nozzle assembly 40 relative to the printing object during the printing process is certain, the driving assembly 10 and sliding assembly 20 provided in the first nozzle assembly 30 can change the distance of the first nozzle assembly 30 relative to the printing object during the printing process, thereby achieving the effect that the first nozzle assembly 30 can move in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly 40, so that the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40 can be staggered in the vertical direction when working, thereby avoiding the nozzle assembly scratching the printed model during the printing process.

[0055] It can also be understood that the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40 provided in the present application can work alternately. When the first nozzle assembly 30 is working, the first nozzle assembly 30 is driven to move downward by the driving assembly 10 and the sliding assembly 20. At this time, the distance between the first nozzle assembly 30 and the printing object is smaller than the distance between the second nozzle assembly 40 and the printing object, and the second nozzle assembly 40 is in a paused state, thereby preventing the second nozzle assembly 40 from scratching the printing object during the printing process of the first nozzle assembly 30; when the second nozzle assembly 40 is working, the first nozzle assembly 30 is driven to move upward by the driving assembly 10 and the sliding assembly 20. At this time, the distance between the first nozzle assembly 30 and the printing object is greater than the distance between the second nozzle assembly 40 and the printing object, and the first nozzle assembly 30 is in a paused state, thereby preventing the first nozzle assembly 30 from scratching the printing object during the printing process of the second nozzle assembly 40, thereby improving the printing accuracy; in a specific embodiment provided in the present application, the above-mentioned printing correspondence can be understood as a printing model.

[0056] Please continue to refer to Figure 3. When the guide member 14 moves to the first position of the guide groove 22, the distance between the first nozzle assembly 30 and the printing object is smaller than the distance between the second nozzle assembly 40 and the printing object. At this time, the first nozzle assembly 30 is in a working state. When the guide member 14 moves to the second position of the guide groove 22 (not shown in the figure), that is, when the roller 141 of the guide member 14 is located at the end opposite to the position of the roller 141 in the above-mentioned first position, the distance between the first nozzle assembly 30 and the printing object is greater than the distance between the second nozzle assembly 40 and the printing object. At this time, the second nozzle assembly 40 is in a working state.

[0057] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 7, which is a structural diagram of the frame 50 in the dual-nozzle switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The present application also provides a frame 50 for mounting a drive assembly 10, and the frame 50 is correspondingly provided with a slot 53 for the rack 122 to move back and forth, so that the rack 122 can achieve reciprocating movement in the first direction inside the frame 50 through the slot 53. The driving member 11 is provided at the bottom of the frame 50, and the driving shaft 111 of the driving member 11 passes through the frame 50 and is connected to the center gear 121 which is also provided inside the frame 50. At the same time, the rack pressure plate 13 is mounted on the frame 50, so that the rack 122 is clamped between the center gear 121 and the rack pressure plate 13, so that the rack 122 can achieve reciprocating movement in the first direction along the slot 53 under the driving action of the driving member 11.

[0058] Please further refer to Figure 8, which is a structural schematic diagram of the stop plate 52 in the dual-nozzle switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. In order to achieve the guiding effect on the sliding assembly 20, the present application provides a guide column 51 extending downward at one end of the frame 50 close to the sliding assembly 20, and provides a guide hole 24 for the guide column 51 to pass through when the sliding assembly 20 moves up and down on the sliding part 21 of the sliding assembly 20, that is, one end of the guide column 51 is fixed on the frame 50, and the other end extends along the side wall of the first nozzle assembly 30 after passing through the guide hole 24 at the corresponding position.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a structural diagram of the guide hole 24 in the dual-nozzle switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. When the guide column 51 is too long, it is also necessary to set a guide hole 24 for the guide column 51 to pass through on the side wall of the first nozzle assembly 30. By setting the guide column 51 and the guide hole 24 at the corresponding position, the moving trajectory of the first nozzle assembly 30 is limited to the second direction.

[0060] The present application also provides a stop plate 52 on the side wall of the frame 50 close to the sliding assembly 20. The top protrusion 521 of the stop plate 52 is adapted to the inner side wall of the two extensions 15. The top protrusion 521 of the stop plate 52 needs to be arranged along the moving track of the rack 122 in the first direction of the moving member 12 to limit the rack 122 from moving in the first direction. The top protrusion 521 of the stop plate 52 is not allowed to exceed the top protrusion 521 of the stop plate 52.

[0061] When sliding to the first position of the guide groove 22, the top protrusion 521 of the stop plate 52 just abuts between the two extensions 15 set on the rack 122, and the height of the top protrusion 521 is greater than the bottom of the rack 122, thereby limiting the rack 122 from continuing to move in the first direction.

[0062] Of course, the sliding member 21 of the sliding assembly 20 is also provided with a stop hole 25 for the stop plate 52 to pass through when the sliding assembly 20 moves in the second direction. It can be observed that one end of the stop plate 52 is fixed to the side wall of the frame 50, and the other end passes through the stop hole 25 at the corresponding position and extends along the side wall of the first nozzle assembly 30. When the stop hole 25 is too long, a stop hole 25 for the stop hole 25 to pass through is also required to be provided on the side wall of the first nozzle assembly 30. By providing the stop plate 52 and the stop hole 25 at the corresponding position, the movement of the first nozzle assembly 30 is limited to the second direction, and the forward and backward movement of the rack 122 is limited between the first position and the second position.

[0063] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 2. The dual-nozzle switching device provided in this application can be used in conjunction with the extrusion assembly 60 commonly available on the market. Two extrusion assemblies 60 can be set on the frame 50, and they are respectively mounted above the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40 to provide consumables to the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40. In actual application, the first nozzle assembly 30 and the extrusion assembly 60 corresponding to the upper position need to be connected through a retractable material guide pipe 65 to meet the requirement that the first nozzle assembly 30 can move up and down relative to the second nozzle assembly 40. Since the second nozzle assembly 40 does not need to move up and down, it can be connected to the extrusion assembly 60 corresponding to the upper position through an ordinary material guide pipe 65.

[0064] It should be noted that the above-mentioned extrusion assembly 60 is used to extrude the consumables to the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40 at the corresponding positions, so as to cooperate with the corresponding nozzle assembly to realize 3D printing. Therefore, as long as any extrusion assembly 60 selected can achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, this application does not elaborate on or limit the specific structure of the extrusion assembly 60, and those skilled in the art should be aware of this.

[0065] In a specific embodiment provided in the present application, please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the dual-nozzle switching device provided in the embodiment of the present application. The present application is also provided with a front shell 62 and a rear shell 63 for providing protection for the above-mentioned drive component 10, sliding component 20, first nozzle component 30, second nozzle component 40 and extrusion component 60. By arranging the drive component 10, sliding component 20, first nozzle component 30, second nozzle component 40 and extrusion component 60 in the space enclosed by the front shell 62 and the rear shell 63, the influence of long-term exposure to air on the various components in the dual-nozzle switching device is avoided, thereby improving the service life of the dual-nozzle switching device.

[0066] Furthermore, the present application also provides heat sinks 64 at positions corresponding to the side walls of the first nozzle assembly 30 and the second nozzle assembly 40, at positions corresponding to the driving member 11, and at positions corresponding to the first nozzle assembly 30, the second nozzle assembly 40, and the two extrusion assemblies 60, thereby dissipating heat in a timely manner during the 3D printing process. Preferably, the heat sink 64 can be configured as a fan. Of course, other heat sinks 64 that can achieve heat dissipation are also feasible, and the present application does not impose further restrictions on this.

[0067] Based on the above-mentioned dual-nozzle switching device, the present application further provides a 3D printer, including the dual-nozzle switching device provided in the above-mentioned embodiment. The structure and principle of the dual-nozzle switching device can refer to the above-mentioned embodiment. Since the 3D printer provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the dual-nozzle switching device in the above-mentioned embodiment, the 3D printer provided in the embodiment of the present application has all the beneficial effects of the dual-nozzle switching device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0068] The dual-nozzle switching device and 3D printer provided in the embodiment of the present application include a driving assembly, a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly. By driving the movable member to move in the first direction, the first nozzle assembly connected to the movable member through the sliding assembly is driven to move in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly, so that the first nozzle assembly and the second nozzle assembly can work alternately to prevent one nozzle assembly from being in a working state and the other nozzle assembly from being in a non-working state from scratching the printed model; an engaging portion and a rack pressure plate parallel to the extension direction of the rack are provided to prevent the rack from being offset when it moves back and forth, and to adjust the moving direction of the rack The outer tooth profile is recessed in the first side, and the length of the outer tooth profile is configured to allow the first nozzle assembly to move to a preset height relative to the second nozzle assembly in the second direction, thereby limiting the movement distance of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction to a preset height; a sliding member and a guide member are provided to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member; a frame is provided, and a plurality of heat dissipation members are provided between the front shell and the rear shell of the frame, so that the dual nozzle switching assembly can be cooled in time during the 3D printing process, thereby improving the printing efficiency.

[0069] It can be understood that the various technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0070] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of the present application, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A dual nozzle switching device, characterized in that: It includes a driving assembly, a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly; The driving assembly includes a driving member and a moving member drivingly connected to the driving member, and the first nozzle assembly is connected to a first end of the moving member through a sliding assembly; The driving member is configured to drive the moving member to move in a first direction to drive the first nozzle assembly to move in a second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. A dual nozzle switching device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The moving part includes A central gear drivingly connected to the driving shaft of the driving member, and a rack meshing with the central gear; A meshing portion is provided at a first side edge of the rack, and the meshing portion is provided with an outer tooth profile matched with the central gear. The central gear is driven to rotate by the driving member so that the rack reciprocates in a first direction relative to the driving member.

3. A dual nozzle switching device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The rack is provided with a rack pressing plate at the second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge are arranged opposite to each other, and the rack pressing plate abuts against the rack to limit the moving direction of the rack to the first direction.

4. A dual nozzle switching device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The outer tooth profile is recessed in the first side edge, and the length of the outer tooth profile is configured to allow the first nozzle assembly to move to a preset height in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly; When the first nozzle assembly moves to a preset height, the central gear abuts against the meshing portion of the rack to limit the first nozzle assembly that moves to the preset height.

5. A dual nozzle switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sliding assembly comprises a sliding member arranged on the first nozzle assembly, a guide groove is provided on a side wall of the sliding member, and a guide member capable of moving in the guide groove is provided on a first end of the moving member; The guide member passes through and is arranged in the guide groove, so as to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member.

6. A dual nozzle switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The sliding assembly comprises a sliding member arranged at the first end of the moving member, a guide groove is provided on a side wall of the sliding member, and a guide member capable of moving in the guide groove is provided at a position of the first nozzle assembly close to the first end of the moving member; The guide member passes through and is arranged in the guide groove, so as to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member.

7. A dual nozzle switching device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The guide member includes a roller arranged in the guide groove and an axle pin passing through the roller. The first end of the movable member is provided with an extension portion extending in the horizontal direction. After the axle pin passes through the roller arranged in the corresponding guide groove, it extends to the extension portion at the corresponding position.

8. A dual nozzle switching device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The switching device also includes a frame for mounting the moving member; The rack is arranged inside the frame so as to be reciprocatingly movable in a first direction, the driving member is arranged at the bottom of the frame, and the driving shaft of the driving member passes through the frame and is transmission-connected with a central gear also arranged inside the frame; A guide column is provided on one end of the frame close to the sliding assembly and extends downward, and a guide hole for the guide column to pass through is provided on the sliding assembly.

9. A dual nozzle switching device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: A stop plate is provided on one side of the frame close to the sliding assembly; The top protrusion of the stop plate is arranged along the moving trajectory of the moving part in the first direction to limit the rack from moving back and forth in the first direction and not exceeding the top protrusion of the stop plate; the sliding assembly is provided with a stop hole for the bottom of the stop plate to pass through when the sliding assembly moves up and down.

10. A dual nozzle switching device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The frame is correspondingly provided with a slot for the rack to move back and forth, and the dual-nozzle switching device also includes a rack pressure plate, which is mounted on the frame so that the rack is clamped between the central gear and the rack pressure plate, so that the rack can realize reciprocating movement in the first direction along the slot under the driving action of the driving member.

11. The dual nozzle switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat sink is provided at a position corresponding to the side wall of the first nozzle assembly and the second nozzle assembly, and a heat sink is provided at a position corresponding to the bottom of the driving member.

12. A 3D printer, characterized in that: The 3D printer includes a dual-nozzle switching device; The dual-nozzle switching device comprises a driving assembly, a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly; The driving assembly includes a driving member and a moving member drivingly connected to the driving member, and the first nozzle assembly is connected to a first end of the moving member through a sliding assembly; The driving member is configured to drive the moving member to move in a first direction to drive the first nozzle assembly to move in a second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

13. A 3D printer as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The moving part includes A central gear drivingly connected to the driving shaft of the driving member, and a rack meshing with the central gear; A meshing portion is provided at a first side edge of the rack, and the meshing portion is provided with an outer tooth profile matched with the central gear. The central gear is driven to rotate by the driving member so that the rack reciprocates in a first direction relative to the driving member.

14. A 3D printer as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The rack is provided with a rack pressing plate at the second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge are arranged opposite to each other, and the rack pressing plate abuts against the rack to limit the moving direction of the rack to the first direction.

15. A 3D printer as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The outer tooth profile is recessed in the first side edge, and the length of the outer tooth profile is configured to allow the first nozzle assembly to move to a preset height in the second direction relative to the second nozzle assembly; When the first nozzle assembly moves to a preset height, the central gear abuts against the meshing portion of the rack to limit the first nozzle assembly that moves to the preset height.

16. A 3D printer according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The sliding assembly comprises a sliding member arranged on the first nozzle assembly, a guide groove is provided on a side wall of the sliding member, and a guide member capable of moving in the guide groove is provided on a first end of the moving member; The guide member passes through and is arranged in the guide groove, so as to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member.

17. A 3D printer according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The sliding assembly comprises a sliding member arranged at the first end of the moving member, a guide groove is provided on a side wall of the sliding member, and a guide member capable of moving in the guide groove is provided at a position of the first nozzle assembly close to the first end of the moving member; The guide member passes through and is arranged in the guide groove, so as to convert the movement of the moving member in the first direction into the movement of the first nozzle assembly in the second direction through the guide groove and the guide member.

18. A 3D printer as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The guide member includes a roller arranged in the guide groove and an axle pin passing through the roller. The first end of the movable member is provided with an extension portion extending in the horizontal direction. After the axle pin passes through the roller arranged in the corresponding guide groove, it extends to the extension portion at the corresponding position.

19. A 3D printer according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that: The switching device also includes a frame for mounting the moving member; The rack is arranged inside the frame so as to be reciprocatingly movable in a first direction, the driving member is arranged at the bottom of the frame, and the driving shaft of the driving member passes through the frame and is transmission-connected with a central gear also arranged inside the frame; A guide column is provided on one end of the frame close to the sliding assembly and extends downward, and a guide hole for the guide column to pass through is provided on the sliding assembly.

20. A 3D printer as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that: A stop plate is provided on one side of the frame close to the sliding assembly; The top protrusion of the stop plate is arranged along the moving trajectory of the moving part in the first direction to limit the rack from moving back and forth in the first direction and not exceeding the top protrusion of the stop plate; the sliding assembly is provided with a stop hole for the bottom of the stop plate to pass through when the sliding assembly moves up and down.

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