Nozzle for 3D printer, preheating element, and nozzle assembly

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a nozzle for a 3D printer, a preheating element, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle comprises a nozzle body, a flow passage is disposed within the nozzle body along the axial direction thereof, the flow passage comprises an upper communication section and a lower heating section, and the inner diameter of the communication section is smaller than the inner diameter of the heating section. A flow guiding column is disposed within the heating section, a gap is formed between a side outer wall of the flow guiding column and a side inner wall of the heating section, the communication section is used for preheating and preliminary melting of a consumable within said section, the heating section is internally provided with the flow guiding column, the preliminarily melted consumable enters a narrow gap between the flow guiding column and the heating section, so that the consumable changes from a solid cylindrical shape to a hollow cylindrical shape, which increases the contact area with the nozzle body, thereby increasing the heat transfer between the nozzle body and the consumable and improving the melting efficiency. Moreover, the flow guiding column can also be thermally connected to the nozzle body, so that the hollow cylindrical consumable is heated both internally and externally, further improving the melting efficiency and ensuring efficient and rapid melting of the consumable within the nozzle.

Description

Nozzle, preheating part and nozzle assembly for 3D printer

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 31, 2023, with application number 202311872338.1 and entitled “A Nozzle, Preheating Part and Nozzle Assembly for a 3D Printer”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of 3D printers, and in particular to a nozzle, a preheating element, and a nozzle assembly for a 3D printer. Background Art

[0003] 3D printing doesn't create parts by subtracting material like traditional machining does. Instead, it creates parts by adding material. Parts are created using a 3D printer based on a digital model. The 3D printer melts the filament and extrude it from the printer nozzle. After leaving the nozzle, the molten filament becomes solid, thus achieving 3D printing of the part.

[0004] The filament enters from the larger inlet hole at the top of the nozzle, is heated and melted in the nozzle connected to an external heat source, and is then extruded from the smaller outlet hole at the end of the nozzle.

[0005] In order to shorten printing time and improve printing efficiency, the extrusion efficiency of the nozzle outlet hole is increased. However, this will result in the filament not being fully melted in the nozzle, thus reducing the output efficiency and affecting the printing quality, thus limiting the printing speed of the 3D printer. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a nozzle, a preheating element, and a nozzle assembly for a 3D printer to solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art.

[0007] As one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a nozzle for a 3D printer, including a nozzle body, a circulation channel arranged in the nozzle body along its axial direction, the circulation channel including an upper connecting section and a lower heating section, the inner diameter of the connecting section is smaller than the inner diameter of the heating section, a guide column is arranged in the heating section, a gap is formed between the lateral outer wall of the guide column and the lateral inner wall of the heating section, and the guide end of the guide column faces the connection point between the connecting section and the heating section.

[0008] In one embodiment, a smoothly transitioning section is provided between the connecting section and the heating section, the guiding end of the guiding column is located at the transition section, and a gap is formed between the outer side of the guiding end and the inner side of the transition section.

[0009] In one embodiment, the guide end of the guide column is in a conical shape that is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, and the end of the guide end is located at the connection point between the connecting section and the heating section.

[0010] In one embodiment, a through hole is provided at the axis of the guide column.

[0011] In one embodiment, an expansion section is coaxially arranged between the connecting section and the heating section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion section is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section or the heating section, the expansion section has a smooth transition with the connecting section and the heating section, and the guide end of the guide column is located in the space formed by the expansion section.

[0012] In one embodiment, a transition section is provided between the connecting section and the heating section, and an expansion section is provided in the middle of the heating section. The transition section is in the shape of a truncated cone hole with a small top and a large bottom. The expansion section is coaxially arranged with the heating section and its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating section.

[0013] In one embodiment, the guide end of the guide column is located at the transition section, and a gap is formed between the outer side of the guide end and the inner side of the transition section. The outer diameter of the guide column in the expansion section is greater than the outer diameter of the guide column above the expansion section. A plurality of protruding guide strips are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the guide column below the expansion section. The guide strips are in the shape of long strips arranged along the axial direction of the guide column, and the outer side surface of the guide strips is in the shape of a protruding semicircle. The guide strips are integrally formed with the guide column and are tangent to the inner wall of the heating section below the expansion section.

[0014] In one embodiment, an annular groove is laterally arranged on the inner wall of the heating section, and the grooves are arranged in an array along the axial direction of the heating section; or, an annular groove is coaxially arranged on the outer side of the guide column, and the grooves are arranged in an array along the axial direction of the guide column.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heating section is provided with a spiral groove, the top surface of the groove is in contact with the side wall of the guide column, and a conductive gap is formed between the bottom surface of the groove and the side wall of the guide column; or, a spiral groove is provided on the outside of the guide column, the top surface of the groove is in contact with the inner wall of the heating section, and a conductive gap is formed between the bottom surface of the groove and the inner wall of the heating section.

[0016] In one embodiment, a plurality of outwardly protruding guide strips are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the middle part of the guide column. The guide strips are in the shape of long strips arranged along the axial direction of the guide column. The outer side surface of the guide strips is in the shape of a protruding semicircle. The guide strips are integrally formed with the guide column and are tangent to or interference fit with the inner wall of the heating section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the guide column is provided with a pressure relief groove, which is arranged radially along the guide column at the upper part of the guide column. The longitudinal section of the pressure relief groove is ∧-shaped, the tip of the pressure relief groove is located at the tip of the guide end, and the two ends of the pressure relief groove are respectively connected to the two sides of the guide column.

[0018] In one embodiment, a concave pressure relief groove is provided on the side of the guide column. The pressure relief groove is in the shape of a vertical long strip. There are multiple pressure relief grooves evenly distributed along the circumference of the axis of the guide column. The cross section of the pressure relief groove is rectangular, circular or triangular.

[0019] In one embodiment, the guide column includes multiple guide tubes, the cross-section of the guide tubes is a regular polygon, the multiple guide tubes are coaxially staggered and nested with each other, the edge of the inner guide tube is located in the middle of the inner side surface of the outer guide tube, and the guide end at the top of the guide column is conical in shape with a smaller upper part and a larger lower part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide column includes a plurality of guide tubes, all of which have the same planar geometric shape in cross section, and the plurality of guide tubes are coaxially sleeved with each other, with a gap formed between the outer side of the inner guide tube and the inner side of the outer guide tube;

[0021] The guide end at the upper part of the guide column is in a cone shape with a smaller upper part and a larger lower part; or, the height values ​​of all the guide pipes decrease from the inside to the outside; or, the height values ​​of all the guide pipes increase from the inside to the outside.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guide column is coaxially rotated or fixedly arranged in the heating section, and the middle part of the guide column is in the shape of a spirally arranged paddle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cross section of the guide column is cross-shaped or straight-shaped, the guide column spirally rotates along its axis, and the outer diameter of the lower part of the guide column is greater than the outer diameter of the upper part of the guide column.

[0024] In one embodiment, the longitudinal section of the guide end of the guide column is a triangle with the tip facing upward, and the end of the guide end is located at the connection point between the connecting section and the heating section.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cross section of the guide end of the guide column is cross-shaped, the longitudinal section of each side of the cross-shaped guide end is a triangle with the tip facing upward, and the end of the guide end is located at the connection point between the connecting section and the heating section.

[0026] In one embodiment, the guide column is in the shape of a straight tube with a closed guide end and an open end. The guide column is provided with a plurality of groups of hole groups in an axially spaced array. The hole groups include a plurality of through holes, one end of the through holes is connected to the inside of the guide column, and the other end is connected to the gap formed by the guide column and the heating section.

[0027] In one embodiment, the guide end of the guide column is provided with a wear-resistant portion made of wear-resistant material.

[0028] As another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application also provide a preheating element for a 3D printer, which is used to be connected to the nozzle of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the preheating element is arranged at the front end of the connecting section of the circulation channel of the nozzle body of the nozzle, and a preheating channel is arranged in the middle part of the preheating element along its axial direction, and the lower end of the preheating channel is connected to the connecting section of the circulation channel of the nozzle body, and the preheating element is thermally connected to the heat source or directly connected to the heat source.

[0029] In one embodiment, an introduction section is provided at the upper portion of the preheating channel, and the preheating channel includes a removal section and a plurality of guide sections. The removal section is coaxially arranged with the introduction section, and the guide section is arranged outside the removal section. The side of the guide section close to the removal section is connected to the removal section.

[0030] The removal section is in the shape of a multi-step stepped hole that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom.

[0031] In one embodiment, the preheating channel includes a removal section and several guide sections, the cross section of the removal section is circular, the several guide sections are evenly distributed along the circumference of the removal section, and the side of the guide section close to the removal section is connected to the removal section;

[0032] The cross section of the diversion section is in the shape of a segment of a circle or a rectangle.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cross section of the preheating channel is circular, and a removal piece is provided at the lower portion of the preheating channel. The removal piece is a polygonal tube, and the edges of the removal piece are located on the inner wall of the preheating channel.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the preheating channel is circular, and a removal piece is provided at the lower part of the preheating channel. The removal piece is in the shape of a long strip arranged axially along the side wall of the preheating channel, and multiple removal pieces are evenly spaced along the circumference of the inner wall of the preheating channel.

[0035] As another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a nozzle assembly for a 3D printer, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle for the 3D printer and a preheating element for the 3D printer.

[0036] In the above-mentioned technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the present application, the flow channel of the nozzle body includes an upper connecting section and a lower heating section. The connecting section is used to preheat the consumables therein for preliminary melting. A guide column is provided in the heating section. The preliminarily melted consumables enter the narrow gap between the guide column and the heating section, so that the consumables change from a solid column to a hollow column, and the outer diameter is increased, thereby increasing the contact area with the nozzle body, thereby improving the heat conduction between the nozzle body and the consumables and improving the melting efficiency. The guide column can also be thermally connected to the nozzle body, so that the hollow cylindrical consumables are heated inside and outside at the same time, further improving the melting efficiency, and ensuring that the consumables are efficiently and quickly melted in the nozzle.

[0037] The preheating part is arranged on the upper side of the connecting section, which adds a preliminary melting step for the consumables. The melted consumables and the unmelted consumables can also be separated in the preheating part, so that the preheating part can directly heat the unmelted consumables after separation, which can further improve the melting efficiency.

[0038] The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, further aspects, embodiments and features of the present application will be readily apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the multiple drawings represent the same or similar components or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings only depict some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0040] FIG1 shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG2 shows a second structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG3 shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of the guide column of the nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG4 shows a second structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG5 shows a third structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG6 shows a fourth structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG7 shows a fifth structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG8 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG7 ;

[0048] FIG9 shows a third structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG10 shows a sixth structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG11 shows a seventh structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG12 shows a fourth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG13 shows an eighth structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG14 shows a ninth structural diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG15 shows a tenth structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG16 shows an eleventh structural schematic diagram of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG17 shows a fifth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG18 shows a sixth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG19 shows a seventh structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG20 shows an eighth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG21 shows a ninth structural diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG22 shows a tenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG23 shows an eleventh structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG24 shows a twelfth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG25 shows a top view of FIG24;

[0065] FIG26 shows a thirteenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG27 shows a fourteenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG28 shows a fifteenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG29 shows a sixteenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG30 shows a seventeenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG31 shows an eighteenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG32 shows a nineteenth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG33 shows a twentieth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG34 shows a twenty-first structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG35 shows a twenty-second structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG36 shows a twenty-third structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG37 shows a twenty-fourth structural schematic diagram of a guide column of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG38 shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of a preheating element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG39 is a top view of FIG38;

[0079] FIG40 shows a top view of a preheating element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG41 shows a second structural schematic diagram of a preheating element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 42 is a top view of Figure 41;

[0082] FIG43 shows a third structural schematic diagram of a preheating element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 44 is a top view of Figure 43;

[0084] FIG45 is a schematic structural diagram of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 46 shows a schematic structural diagram of a nozzle assembly according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals: 1- nozzle body; 2- circulation channel; 3- guide column; 4- preheating element; 5- preheating channel; 201- connecting section; 202- heating section; 6- heating ring; 7- nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Hereinafter, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0088] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application provides a nozzle for a 3D printer. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 37 .

[0089] As shown in Figure 1, the nozzle for a 3D printer of this embodiment includes a nozzle body 1, and a circulation channel 2 is arranged in the nozzle body 1 along its axial direction. The circulation channel 2 includes an upper connecting section 201 and a lower heating section 202. The connecting section 201 and the heating section 202 are in a stepped hole structure with a small top and a large bottom. A guide column 3 is provided in the heating section 202, and a gap is formed between the lateral outer wall of the guide column 3 and the lateral inner wall of the heating section 202. The guide end of the guide column 3 faces the connecting point of the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202.

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, in order to improve the circulation efficiency of the consumables after melting in the connecting section 201, thereby improving the extrusion efficiency, a transition section with a smooth transition is provided between the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202. The guide end of the guide column 3 is located at the transition section, and a gap is formed between the outer side of the guide end and the inner side of the transition section.

[0091] As shown in Figure 3, in order to facilitate the consumables in the connecting section 201 to evenly enter the gap between the guide column 3 and the heating section 202, the guide end of the guide column 3 is conical in shape with a small top and a large bottom, and the end of the guide end is located at the connecting point between the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, in order to further improve the circulation efficiency of the melted consumables and peel off the part of the outer side of the middle part of the consumables that is melted by heat, so that the unmelted part can be heated separately, a through hole is provided at the axis of the guide column 3. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the consumable. The melted part on the outer side of the consumable can easily enter the gap between the guide column 3 and the heating section 202, and the unmelted part at the axis of the consumable enters the through hole; the upper end of the through hole is pointed. If the diameter of the unmelted part is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole, the upper end of the through hole will cut and separate the unmelted part, thereby improving the melting efficiency.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, during printing, the extrusion volume of the nozzle in different time periods is different according to specific needs, and the melting efficiency of the nozzle is a constant. In order to ensure that enough fully melted consumables can be extruded when the extrusion volume is large, the volume in the nozzle is increased in this embodiment. When the extrusion volume required in a certain period is small, the excess melted consumables are stored in the nozzle and extruded when needed; for this purpose, an expansion section is coaxially arranged between the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion section is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section 201 or the heating section 202. The expansion section has a smooth transition with the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202, and the guide end of the guide column 3 is located in the space formed by the expansion section.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, in order to further increase the capacity, a transition section is provided between the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202, and an expansion section is provided in the middle of the heating section 202. The transition section is in the shape of a truncated cone hole with a small upper part and a large lower part. The expansion section is coaxially arranged with the heating section 202 and its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating section 202. The setting of the expansion section can reduce the pressure inside the nozzle and increase the nozzle volume.

[0095] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in order to improve the heat conduction efficiency and facilitate installation, the guide end of the guide column 3 is located at the transition section, and a gap is formed between the outer side of the guide end and the inner side of the transition section. The outer diameter of the section of the guide column 3 in the expansion section is greater than the outer diameter of the section of the guide column 3 above the expansion section. The outer circumference of the section of the guide column 3 below the expansion section is evenly distributed with a number of protruding guide strips. The guide strips are long strips arranged along the axial direction of the guide column 3, and the outer side surface of the guide strips is a protruding semicircle. The guide strips are integrally formed with the guide column 3 and are tangent to the inner wall of the section of the heating section 202 below the expansion section; the guide strips not only increase the heat conduction contact area between the nozzle and the consumables, but also can be interference fit with the inner wall of the heating section 202. The guide column 3 only needs to be inserted into the heating section 202 of the nozzle body 1 with force to ensure that the guide column 3 is relatively fixed and installed, thereby improving the convenience of installation.

[0096] As shown in Figures 10-12, as another implementation of this embodiment, an annular groove is laterally arranged on the inner wall of the heating section 202, and the grooves are arranged in an array axially spaced apart along the heating section 202; or, an annular groove is coaxially arranged on the outer side of the guide column 3, and the grooves are arranged in an array axially spaced apart along the guide column 3.

[0097] The groove not only increases the volume inside the nozzle body 1 , but also increases the heat conduction area, which is more conducive to ensuring that there is enough melted consumables in the nozzle.

[0098] Further structure, a convex ring is provided at a section of the guide column 3 at the groove, and the convex ring and the guide column 3 are integrally formed. The outer side surface of the convex ring and the bottom surface of the groove are both arc-shaped, and a conductive gap is formed between the outer side surface of the convex ring and the bottom surface of the groove; a part of the volume is reduced, but the heat conduction area is increased, which can make the consumables melt quickly in the nozzle.

[0099] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the heating section 202 is provided with a spiral groove, the top surface of the groove is in contact with the side wall of the guide column 3, and a conductive gap is formed between the bottom surface of the groove and the side wall of the guide column 3; or, a spiral groove is provided on the outside of the guide column 3, the top surface of the groove is in contact with the inner wall of the heating section 202, and a conductive gap is formed between the bottom surface of the groove and the inner wall of the heating section 202; while increasing the heat conduction area, the heating time is extended by the spiral structure to ensure that the consumables can be fully melted.

[0100] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, a plurality of outward-convex guide strips are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the middle part of the guide column 3. The guide strips are in the shape of long strips arranged along the axial direction of the guide column 3, and the outer side surface of the guide strip is in the shape of a convex semicircle. The guide strips are integrally formed with the guide column 3 and are tangent to and fit with the inner wall of the heating section 202 with an interference fit; the guide strips not only increase the heat conduction contact area between the nozzle and the consumables, but also can have an interference fit with the inner wall of the heating section 202. It is only necessary to forcefully insert the guide column 3 into the heating section 202 of the nozzle body 1 to ensure that the guide column 3 is relatively fixedly installed, thereby improving the convenience of installation; in order to increase the flow rate of the melted consumables, a number of through holes are provided in the middle part of the guide column 3 along its axial direction, and the upper and lower ends of the through holes are respectively connected to the top and bottom surfaces of the guide column 3.

[0101] As shown in Figure 19, in order to reduce the pressure of the consumables when moving into the nozzle, the guide column 3 is provided with a pressure relief groove. The pressure relief groove is arranged at the upper part of the guide column 3 along the radial direction of the guide column 3. The longitudinal section of the pressure relief groove is ∧-shaped, and the tip of the pressure relief groove is located at the tip of the guide end. The two ends of the pressure relief groove are respectively connected to the two sides of the guide column 3.

[0102] As shown in Figures 20 to 23, another structure of the pressure relief groove is that an inward-concave pressure relief groove is provided on the upper side of the guide column 3. The pressure relief groove is in the shape of a vertical long strip. There are multiple pressure relief grooves evenly distributed along the circumference of the axis of the guide column 3. The cross-section of the pressure relief groove is rectangular, circular or triangular. The pressure relief groove can be provided only on the upper outer side of the guide column 3, or it can be provided along the entire outer side of the guide column 3.

[0103] When the decompression groove is only provided on the upper outer portion of the guide column 3 , the lower end surface of the decompression groove is an inclined surface that is inclined downward on the outer side.

[0104] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, in order to improve the cutting effect, the preheated consumables are cut longitudinally into multiple sections, thereby improving the heating effect of the unmelted consumables. The guide column 3 includes multiple guide tubes, and the cross-section of the guide tubes is a regular polygon. The multiple guide tubes are coaxially staggered and fitted with each other. The edge of the inner guide tube is located in the middle of the inner side surface of the outer guide tube. The guide end at the top of the guide column 3 is a cone with a small upper part and a large lower part.

[0105] As shown in Figures 26 to 29, in order to facilitate the peeling off of the melted portion of the outer side of the consumable material and thus directly heat the unmelted portion in the middle of the consumable material, the guide column 3 includes multiple guide tubes. The cross-sections of all the guide tubes have the same planar geometric shape. The multiple guide tubes are coaxially sleeved with each other, and a gap is formed between the outer side surface of the inner guide tube and the inner side surface of the outer guide tube.

[0106] The guide end at the top of the guide column 3 is in a conical shape with a smaller top and a larger bottom; or, the height values ​​of all the guide pipes decrease from the inside to the outside; or, the height values ​​of all the guide pipes increase from the inside to the outside.

[0107] As shown in Figures 30-32, the guide column 3 rotates coaxially or is fixedly set in the heating section 202, and the middle part of the guide column 3 is in the shape of a spirally arranged paddle; the guide column 3 is set in the shape of a paddle, which can not only greatly increase the heat conduction area, but also drive the guide column 3 to rotate through the flow of the molten consumables in the nozzle, so that the consumables are heated more evenly in the nozzle.

[0108] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the spiral structure is further optimized, the cross-section of the guide column 3 is cross-shaped or straight-shaped, the guide column 3 spirally rotates along its axis, and the outer diameter value of the lower part of the guide column 3 is greater than the outer diameter value of the upper part of the guide column 3.

[0109] As shown in Figure 35, the longitudinal section of the guide end of the guide column 3 is a triangle with the tip facing upward. The end of the guide end is located at the connection point between the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202. The end of the guide end is in the shape of an upward blade, which is convenient for cutting the consumables longitudinally from the middle and cutting the axial part of the consumables that is most difficult to melt, thereby improving the heating efficiency.

[0110] As shown in Figure 36, the shape of the blade structure is further optimized, from being cut into two petals to being cut into four petals. The cross-section of the guide end of the guide column 3 is cross-shaped, and the longitudinal section of each side of the cross-shaped guide end is a triangle with the tip facing upward. The end of the guide end is located at the connection point between the connecting section 201 and the heating section 202.

[0111] As shown in Figure 37, the guide column 3 is in the shape of a straight tube with a closed guide end and an open end. The guide column 3 is provided with a plurality of hole groups in an axially spaced array. The hole group includes a plurality of through holes, one end of the through hole is connected to the inside of the guide column 3, and the other end is connected to the gap formed by the guide column 3 and the heating section 202; the consumables to be further melted enter the guide column 3 from the through hole, thereby increasing the volume and improving the heating efficiency.

[0112] In order to reduce the wear of the guide column 3 caused by the consumables entering the heating section 202 and to increase the service life of the nozzle, the guide end of the guide column 3 is provided with a wear-resistant part made of wear-resistant material; specifically, the wear-resistant part can be a coating of wear-resistant material, or the guide end as a whole can be made of wear-resistant material.

[0113] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a preheating element for a 3D printer. The preheating element for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to Figures 38 to 44.

[0114] The preheating member 4 is used to be connected to the nozzle of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the preheating member 4 is arranged at the front end of the connecting section 201 of the circulation channel 2 of the nozzle body 1 of the nozzle. A preheating channel 5 is arranged in the middle of the preheating member 4 along its axial direction. The lower end of the preheating channel 5 is connected to the connecting section 201 of the circulation channel 2 of the nozzle body 1, and the preheating member 4 is thermally connected to the heat source.

[0115] The preheating part 4 is arranged on the upper side of the connecting section 201 to increase the initial melting time of the consumables. Furthermore, the melted consumables and the unmelted consumables can be separated in the preheating part 4, so that the preheating part 4 can directly heat the unmelted consumables after separation, which can further improve the melting efficiency.

[0116] Among them, an introduction section is provided at the upper part of the preheating channel 5, and the preheating channel 5 includes a removal section and several guide sections. The removal section is coaxially arranged with the introduction section, and the guide section is arranged on the outside of the removal section. The side of the guide section close to the removal section is connected to the removal section.

[0117] As shown in Figures 38 and 39, in order to optimize the product structure, a cylindrical introduction section is provided on the upper part of the preheating channel 5. The preheating channel 5 includes a removal section and two guide sections. The cross-section of the removal section is in the shape of a circular segment and is coaxially arranged with the introduction section. The two guide sections are respectively mirror-imaged and arranged on both sides of the removal section. The cross-section of the guide section is in the shape of a circular segment. The circular surface of the guide section is on the side away from the removal section and can be tangent to the inner wall of the introduction section. The side of the guide section close to the removal section is connected to the removal section. The removal section is in the shape of a multi-step stepped hole with a larger top and a smaller bottom, or in the shape of a conical hole with a larger top and a smaller bottom. During preheating, the melted part of the outside of the consumable is gradually peeled off by the stepped hole structure of the removal section, and then flows down through the guide section.

[0118] As shown in Figure 40, in another embodiment, the preheating channel 5 includes a removal section and several guide sections. The cross-section of the removal section is circular, and the several guide sections are evenly distributed along the circumference of the removal section. The side of the guide section close to the removal section is connected to the removal section, and the cross-section of the guide section is circular or rectangular; the melted part of the outside of the consumable flows down through the guide section.

[0119] As shown in Figures 41 and 42, in another embodiment, the cross-section of the preheating channel 5 is circular, and a removal piece is provided at the lower part of the preheating channel 5. The removal piece is a polygonal tube, and the edges of the removal piece are located on the inner wall of the preheating channel 5; the melted part of the outside of the consumable is peeled off by the removal piece.

[0120] As shown in Figures 43 and 43, in another embodiment, the cross-section of the preheating channel 5 is circular, and a removal piece is provided at the lower part of the preheating channel 5. The removal piece is in the shape of a long strip arranged axially along the side wall of the preheating channel 5, and multiple removal pieces are evenly spaced along the circumference of the inner wall of the preheating channel 5.

[0121] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a nozzle assembly for a 3D printer is provided. As shown in FIG45 , the nozzle assembly includes a nozzle and a preheating element 4. The preheating element 4 preheats the filament and peels off the melted portion of the filament. The filament then enters the gap formed by the heating section 202 and the guide column 3, increasing the heated area, thereby fully heating the filament in the nozzle and improving melting efficiency.

[0122] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application provide a nozzle assembly for a 3D printer. As shown in FIG46 , a nozzle 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the guide post 3 via a boss. The connection method can be a threaded connection or an interference fit. A heat source is provided outside the boss of the preheating element 4 and the guide post 3. The heat source is a heating ring 6, and other commonly used heating structures in the art, such as a heating plate, can also be used. The direct connection of the heat source to the boss of the guide post 3 facilitates rapid heating of the guide post 3, and thus facilitates rapid heating of the consumables in contact with the guide post 3, thereby improving melting efficiency.

[0123] The nozzle, preheating element 4 and other components of the nozzle assembly for the 3D printer in the above embodiment can adopt various technical solutions known to ordinary technicians in this field now and in the future, and will not be described in detail here.

[0124] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0125] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to implicitly indicate the quantity of the technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0126] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0127] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0128] The disclosure above provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed.

[0129] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle for a 3D printer, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body (1), characterized in that, A flow passage (2) is axially arranged inside the nozzle body (1). The flow passage (2) includes an upper communication section (201) and a lower heating section (202). The inner diameter value of the communication section (201) is smaller than that of the heating section (202). A guide column (3) is arranged inside the heating section (202). A gap is formed between the lateral outer wall of the guide column (3) and the lateral inner wall of the heating section (202). The guiding end of the guide column (3) faces the connection between the communication section (201) and the heating section (202).

2. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A transition section with a smooth transition is arranged between the communication section (201) and the heating section (202). The guiding end of the guide column (3) is located at the transition section, and a gap is formed between the outer side of the guiding end and the inner side of the transition section.

3. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding end of the guide column (3) is in a conical shape with a smaller upper part and a larger lower part, and the end of the guiding end is located at the connection between the communication section (201) and the heating section (202).

4. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A through hole is arranged at the axis of the guide column (3).

5. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, An expansion section is coaxially arranged between the communication section (201) and the heating section (202). The cross-sectional area of the expansion section is larger than that of the communication section (201) or the heating section (202). The expansion section is smoothly transitioned with the communication section (201) and the heating section (202). The guiding end of the guide column (3) is located within the space formed by the expansion section.

6. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A transition section is arranged between the communication section (201) and the heating section (202). An expansion section is arranged in the middle of the heating section (202). The transition section is in the shape of a frustum-shaped hole with a smaller upper part and a larger lower part. The expansion section is coaxially arranged with the heating section (202) and its cross-sectional area is larger than that of the heating section (202).

7. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guiding end of the guide column (3) is located at the transition section, and a gap is formed between the outer side of the guiding end and the inner side of the transition section. The outer diameter value of a section of the guide column (3) within the expansion section is larger than that of a section of the guide column (3) above the expansion section. A plurality of outwardly convex guiding strips are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of a section of the guide column (3) below the expansion section. The guiding strips are integrally formed with the guide column (3) and are tangent to and fit with the inner wall of the heating section (202) below the expansion section.

8. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular groove is horizontally arranged on the inner wall of the heating section (202), and a plurality of the grooves are arranged at intervals along the axis of the heating section (202); or, an annular groove is coaxially arranged outside the guide column (3), and a plurality of the grooves are arranged at intervals along the axis of the guide column (3).

9. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating section (202) is provided with a spiral groove, the top surface of the groove fits against the side wall of the guide column (3), and a conducting gap is formed between the bottom surface of the groove and the side wall of the guide column (3); or, a spiral groove is arranged outside the guide column (3), the top surface of the groove fits against the inner wall of the heating section (202), and a conducting gap is formed between the bottom surface of the groove and the inner wall of the heating section (202).

10. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of outwardly convex guiding strips are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the middle part of the guide column (3). The guiding strips are integrally formed with the guide column (3) and are tangent to and fit with or are in interference fit with the inner wall of the heating section (202).

11. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding column (3) is provided with a pressure reducing groove which is arranged in the upper part of the flow guiding column (3) along the radial direction of the flow guiding column (3). The longitudinal section of the pressure reducing groove is in a ∧ shape, the tip of the pressure reducing groove is located at the tip of the flow guiding end, and both ends of the pressure reducing groove are respectively communicated with both sides of the flow guiding column (3).

12. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side surface of the flow guiding column (3) is provided with concave pressure reducing grooves. The pressure reducing grooves are in a vertically long strip shape, and a plurality of pressure reducing grooves are evenly distributed in a circumferential direction along the axis of the flow guiding column (3). The cross section of the pressure reducing groove is rectangular, a circular segment shape or triangular.

13. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding column (3) comprises a plurality of flow guiding tubes. The cross section of each flow guiding tube is in a regular polygon shape. The plurality of flow guiding tubes are coaxially and staggeredly sleeved with each other. The edges of the inner flow guiding tubes are located in the middle of the inner side surfaces of the outer flow guiding tubes. The flow guiding end at the upper part of the flow guiding column (3) is in a conical shape with a smaller upper part and a larger lower part.

14. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding column (3) comprises a plurality of flow guiding tubes. The cross sections of all the flow guiding tubes are in the same plane geometric shape. The plurality of flow guiding tubes are coaxially sleeved with each other, and a gap is formed between the outer side surface of the inner flow guiding tube and the inner side surface of the outer flow guiding tube. The flow guiding end at the upper part of the flow guiding column (3) is in a conical shape with a smaller upper part and a larger lower part; alternatively, the height values of all the flow guiding tubes decrease in sequence from the inside to the outside; or the height values of all the flow guiding tubes increase in sequence from the inside to the outside.

15. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding column (3) is coaxially rotated or fixedly arranged in the heating section (202), and the middle part of the flow guiding column (3) is in a shape of a paddle with a spiral arrangement.

16. A nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The cross section of the flow guiding column (3) is in a cross shape or a linear shape. The flow guiding column (3) rotates spirally along its axis, and the outer diameter value of the lower part of the flow guiding column (3) is larger than the outer diameter value of the upper part of the flow guiding column (3).

17. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal section of the flow guiding end of the flow guiding column (3) is in a triangular shape with the tip facing upwards, and the end of the flow guiding end is located at the connection part between the connection section (201) and the heating section (202).

18. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross section of the flow guiding end of the flow guiding column (3) is in a cross shape. The longitudinal section of each side of the cross shape of the flow guiding end is in a triangular shape with the tip facing upwards, and the end of the flow guiding end is located at the connection part between the connection section (201) and the heating section (202).

19. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein, The flow guiding column (3) is in a straight tube shape with a closed flow guiding end and an open other end. A plurality of groups of hole groups are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the flow guiding column (3). Each hole group comprises a plurality of through holes. One end of each through hole is communicated with the inside of the flow guiding column (3), and the other end is communicated with the gap formed between the flow guiding column (3) and the heating section (202).

20. The nozzle for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the flow guiding end of the flow guiding column (3) is provided with an abrasion-resistant part made of an abrasion-resistant material.

21. A preheating component for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The preheating member (4) is used for connecting with the nozzle according to any one of claims 1-20, and the preheating member (4) is arranged at the front end of the connection section (201) of the flow passage (2) of the nozzle body (1) of the nozzle. It is characterized in that a preheating passage (5) is arranged in the middle of the preheating member (4) along its axial direction. The lower end of the preheating passage (5) is communicated with the connection section (201) of the flow passage (2) of the nozzle body (1), and the preheating member (4) is thermally connected to a heat source or directly connected to a heat source.

22. The preheating member for a 3D printer according to claim 21, characterized in that, An introduction section is provided at the upper part of the preheating channel. The preheating channel (5) includes a removal section and a plurality of flow guiding sections. The removal section is coaxially arranged with the introduction section. The flow guiding sections are arranged outside the removal section, and one side of the flow guiding section close to the removal section communicates with the removal section; The removal section is in the shape of a multi-step stepped hole with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part.

23. The preheating member for a 3D printer according to claim 21, characterized in that, The preheating channel (5) includes a removal section and a plurality of flow guiding sections. The cross-section of the removal section is circular. A plurality of the flow guiding sections are evenly distributed along the circumference of the removal section, and one side of the flow guiding section close to the removal section communicates with the removal section; The cross-section of the flow guiding section is in the shape of a circular segment or a rectangle.

24. The preheating member for a 3D printer according to claim 21, wherein, A removal member is provided at the lower part of the preheating channel (5). The removal member is in the shape of a polygonal pipe body, and the edges of the removal member are located at the inner wall of the preheating channel (5).

25. The preheating member for a 3D printer according to claim 21, characterized in that, A removal member is provided at the lower part of the preheating channel (5). The removal member is in the shape of a strip arranged axially along the side wall of the preheating channel (5), and a plurality of removal members are evenly distributed at intervals along the inner wall of the preheating channel (5).

26. A nozzle assembly for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle for a 3D printer according to any one of claims 1-20 and a preheating member for a 3D printer according to any one of claims 21-25.

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