Printing module and 3D printer

Abstract

The present application discloses a printing module and a 3D printer. The printing module comprises an extrusion module and a printing head module. The extrusion module comprises a first roller, a first driving assembly, and a plurality of second rollers. The plurality of second rollers are arranged at intervals in a first direction, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the first roller to move in the first direction, the first roller is transmittingly fitted with one of the plurality of second rollers, and consumables can be extruded when the first roller and the second roller form transmission motion; The printing head module comprises a printing head, the printing head is configured to synchronously move along with the first roller in the first direction and receive the consumables extruded by the extrusion module, and the printing head heats the received consumables to a molten state and then sprays the consumables to perform printing treatment. The printing module in the present application can perform automatic extrusion of multiple consumables, simplify the structure of the printing module, and improve the printing efficiency.

Description

Printing modules and 3D printers

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410680086.0, filed on May 28, 2024, entitled "Printing Module and 3D Printer", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a printing module and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0003] A 3D printer is a machine that uses digital model files as a basis to print three-dimensional objects layer by layer using filaments. 3D printers have been applied to printing multi-color products. However, existing 3D printers do not have a proximal extrusion module with multi-filament extrusion capabilities. Instead, they use multiple independent printheads directly connected to a remote filament device, achieving multi-color printing through alternating switching between these independent printheads. This approach is cumbersome in operation and control, resulting in a complex structure for the print module and the overall 3D printer, and low printing efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a print module and 3D printer with a proximal extrusion module that features multi-filament extrusion capabilities, a simple overall structure, and high printing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to solve the above problems and provide a printing module and a 3D printer; the printing module can automatically extrude multiple consumables, simplifies the structure of the printing module, and improves printing efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a printing module, which includes an extrusion module and a printhead module;

[0007] The extrusion module includes a first rotating wheel, a first driving assembly, and a plurality of second rotating wheels. The plurality of second rotating wheels are arranged at intervals along a first direction. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the first rotating wheel to move along the first direction, and to make the first rotating wheel form a transmission engagement with one of the plurality of second rotating wheels. When the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel form a transmission motion, consumables can be extruded.

[0008] The printhead module includes a printhead configured to move synchronously with the first rotary wheel in the first direction. The printhead is also configured to receive consumables extruded by the extrusion module. The printhead heats the received consumables to a molten state and then ejects them to perform printing.

[0009] Optionally, the first drive assembly includes a first rotating shaft extending along the first direction, and the first rotating wheel is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft; the printhead module further includes a second rotating shaft and a first transmission component connected to the second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft being parallel to the first rotating shaft, the printhead being connected to the first transmission component, and the second rotating shaft passing through the first transmission component.

[0010] Optionally, the printing module further includes a first side plate and a second side plate, and a housing disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate; the second rotating wheel is disposed in the housing, and the upper and lower sides of the housing are respectively provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, the first rotating shaft is disposed through the housing, and the housing has a first hole for the first rotating shaft and the first rotating wheel to pass through; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are respectively connected to the first side plate and the second side plate, and the two ends of the second rotating shaft are respectively connected to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0011] Optionally, the printhead is located near the first discharge port, and the printhead includes a second feed port and a nozzle. The second feed port is located toward the first discharge port, and the nozzle is located away from the first discharge port. The second feed port is configured to receive consumables transmitted from the first discharge port.

[0012] Optionally, the extrusion module further includes a plurality of third rotating wheels, which are disposed between the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, and the third rotating wheel cooperates with the second rotating wheel under the drive of the first rotating wheel to extrude the consumable.

[0013] Optionally, the cross-section of the first rotating shaft is polygonal.

[0014] Optionally, the extrusion module is located on the first side and / or the second side of the printhead module; a plurality of second rollers are evenly distributed along the first direction.

[0015] Optionally, when the extrusion module is located on the first or second side of the printhead module, the first transmission component includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part being connected to the printhead and the second connecting part being connected to the first rotating shaft.

[0016] Optionally, the first connecting portion includes a first segment disposed along a second direction and a second segment disposed perpendicular to the first segment, with the print head disposed in the second segment; the second connecting portion includes a third segment and a fourth segment sleeved on the first rotating shaft, with the first rotating wheel disposed between the third segment and the fourth segment.

[0017] Optionally, the extrusion module further includes a discharge pipe and a connecting block located at the lower end of the discharge pipe. The connecting block is provided with a second discharge port communicating with the discharge pipe. The second section is slidably connected to the connecting block.

[0018] Optionally, when the extrusion module is located on the first side and the second side of the printhead module, the second roller located on the first side and the second roller located on the second side are staggered; the first transmission member is located between the two extrusion modules, and the second feed port is located on both sides of the printhead and is respectively connected to the nozzle.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a 3D printer, which includes a motion module and a printing module as described above, wherein the motion module is configured to drive the printing module to move in order to perform printing processing.

[0020] Optionally, the printing module includes an extrusion module and a printhead module; the extrusion module includes a first roller, a first drive assembly, and a plurality of second rollers, the plurality of second rollers being arranged at intervals along a first direction, the first drive assembly being configured to drive the first roller to move along the first direction, and to make the first roller and one of the plurality of second rollers form a transmission engagement, the first roller and the second rollers forming a transmission motion can extrude consumables; the printhead module includes a printhead, the printhead being configured to move synchronously with the first roller in the first direction, the printhead being further configured to receive the consumables extruded by the extrusion module, the printhead heating the received consumables to a molten state and then ejecting them to perform printing processing.

[0021] Optionally, the first drive assembly includes a first rotating shaft extending along the first direction, and the first rotating wheel is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft; the printhead module further includes a second rotating shaft and a first transmission component connected to the second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft being parallel to the first rotating shaft, the printhead being connected to the first transmission component, and the second rotating shaft passing through the first transmission component.

[0022] Optionally, the printing module further includes a first side plate and a second side plate, and a housing disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate; the second rotating wheel is disposed in the housing, and the upper and lower sides of the housing are respectively provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, the first rotating shaft is disposed through the housing, and the housing has a first hole for the first rotating shaft and the first rotating wheel to pass through; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are respectively connected to the first side plate and the second side plate, and the two ends of the second rotating shaft are respectively connected to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0023] Optionally, the printhead is positioned close to the first discharge port, and the printhead includes a second inlet and a nozzle. The second inlet is positioned toward the first discharge port, and the nozzle is positioned away from the first discharge port. The second inlet is configured to receive consumables transmitted from the first discharge port.

[0024] Optionally, the extrusion module further includes a plurality of third rotating wheels, which are disposed between the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, and the third rotating wheel cooperates with the second rotating wheel under the drive of the first rotating wheel to extrude the consumable.

[0025] Optionally, the extrusion module is located on the first side and / or the second side of the printhead module; a plurality of second rollers are evenly distributed along the first direction.

[0026] Optionally, when the extrusion module is located on the first or second side of the printhead module, the first transmission component includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part is connected to the printhead, and the second connecting part is connected to the first rotating shaft. The first connecting part includes a first segment arranged along a second direction and a second segment perpendicular to the first segment, and the printhead is located on the second segment. The second connecting part includes a third segment and a fourth segment sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the first rotating wheel is located between the third segment and the fourth segment. The extrusion module also includes a discharge pipe and a connecting block located at the lower end of the discharge pipe. The connecting block has a second discharge port communicating with the discharge pipe. The second segment is slidably connected to the connecting block.

[0027] Optionally, when the extrusion module is located on the first side and the second side of the printhead module, the second roller located on the first side and the second roller located on the second side are staggered; the first transmission member is located between the two extrusion modules, and the second feed port is located on both sides of the printhead and is respectively connected to the nozzle.

[0028] This application discloses a printing module and a 3D printer. The printing module includes an extrusion module and a printhead module. The extrusion module includes a first roller, a first drive assembly, and several second rollers. The first roller moves along a first direction under the drive of the first drive assembly and forms a transmission connection with any one of the second rollers. During the transmission movement between the first and second rollers, filament is extruded. The printhead module includes a printhead that moves synchronously with the first roller in the first direction. The filament extruded by the transmission movement of the first and second rollers is received by the printhead, which then heats the received filament to a molten state and ejects it to perform the printing process. The extrusion module selectively extrudes one of multiple consumables through the transmission between the first rotary wheel and any one of the second rotary wheels. The printhead module receives the consumables extruded by the extrusion module through the movement of a printhead. The printing module of this application, through the overall structure of the extrusion module and the printhead module working together, realizes automatic switching, extrusion and printing of multiple consumables. It eliminates the need to configure a separate printhead for each consumable, simplifies the overall structure of the printing module, avoids the alternating switching of multiple printheads, simplifies the operation and control steps, and improves printing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printing module shown in Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the printing module shown in Figure 1 from another angle;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the box structure;

[0033] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the box from another angle;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the printhead module when the extrusion module is disposed on the first or second side of the printhead module;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the printhead module when the extrusion module is located on the first and second sides of the printhead module.

[0036] Among them, 1-extrusion module, 11-first rotating wheel, 12-first drive assembly, 121-first rotating shaft, 13-second rotating wheel, 14-first side plate, 15-second side plate, 16-box body, 161-first feed port, 162-first discharge port, 163-first hole, 17-third rotating wheel, 2-printhead module, 21-printhead, 211-second feed port, 212-nozzle, 22-second rotating shaft, 23-first transmission component, 231-first connecting part, 2311-first section, 2312-second section, 232-second connecting part, 2321-third section, 2322-fourth section, 25-discharge pipe, 26-connecting block, 261-second discharge port, 3-consumables. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0039] In this application, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0040] In the description of this application, the indicated orientations or positional relationships are 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. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. To clearly illustrate the structure of the printing module in three-dimensional space, this application uses a spatial coordinate system XYZ as an example for explanation. The first direction refers to the direction parallel to the X-axis in the spatial coordinate system, and the second direction refers to the direction parallel to the Z-axis in the spatial coordinate system.

[0041] Example

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment of this application, the printing module includes an extrusion module 1 and a printhead module 2;

[0043] The extrusion module 1 includes a first rotating wheel 11, a first driving component 12, and a plurality of second rotating wheels 13. The plurality of second rotating wheels 13 are arranged at intervals along a first direction. The first driving component 12 is configured to drive the first rotating wheel 11 to move along the first direction, and to make the first rotating wheel 11 form a transmission engagement with one of the plurality of second rotating wheels 13. When the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13 form a transmission motion, the consumable 3 can be extruded.

[0044] The printhead module 2 includes a printhead 21, which is configured to move synchronously with the first rotary wheel 11 in a first direction. The printhead 21 is also configured to receive the consumable 3 extruded by the extrusion module 1. The printhead 21 heats the received consumable 3 to a molten state and then ejects it to perform printing.

[0045] In use, the first rotating wheel 11 moves along the first direction under the drive of the first driving component 12 and forms a transmission engagement with any one of the second rotating wheels 13. When the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13 are in transmission motion, the consumable 3 is extruded. The print head 21 moves synchronously with the first rotating wheel 11 in the first direction. The consumable 3 extruded by the transmission motion of the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13 is received by the print head 21. Then, the print head 21 heats the received consumable 3 to a molten state and sprays it out to perform the printing process. The extrusion module 1 selectively extrudes one of multiple consumables 3 through the transmission cooperation between the first rotating wheel 11 and any one of the second rotating wheels 13. The printhead module 2 receives the consumables 3 extruded by the extrusion module 1 through the movement of a printhead 21. Thus, the printing module of this application, through the overall structure of the extrusion module 1 and the printhead module 2 working together, realizes automatic switching, extrusion and printing of multiple consumables 3. It eliminates the need to configure a separate printhead for each consumable 3, simplifies the overall structure of the printing module, avoids the alternating switching operation of multiple printheads, simplifies the operation control steps, and improves printing efficiency; it also avoids the impact of multiple complex structural switching on print quality and improves print quality.

[0046] The first drive assembly 12 includes a first rotating shaft 121 extending along the first direction, and the first rotating wheel 11 is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft 121; the printhead module 2 also includes a second rotating shaft 22 and a first transmission member 23 connected to the second rotating shaft 22, the second rotating shaft 22 is parallel to the first rotating shaft 121, and the printhead 21 is connected to the first transmission member 23; the second rotating shaft 22 passes through the first transmission member 23.

[0047] In use, the first rotating shaft 121 rotates, driving the first rotating wheel 11 to move along the first direction. After the first rotating wheel 11 moves to align with one of the second rotating wheels 13, the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13 drive each other to extrude the consumable material 3. At the same time, the second rotating shaft 22 rotates, and the first transmission component 23 moves synchronously with the first rotating wheel 11 along the first direction. In turn, the first transmission component 23 drives the print head 21 to move synchronously with the first rotating wheel 11. The consumable material 3 extruded by the transmission movement of the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13 is received by the print head 21. The print head 21 heats the consumable material 3 to a molten state and then sprays it out to perform the printing process.

[0048] The number of consumables 3 is the same as the number of the second rotary wheel 13. When it is necessary to replace the printing consumables 3, the first rotary wheel 11 and the print head 21 are moved to the second rotary wheel 13 that is aligned with the consumables 3 to be printed.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22 are synchronously driven by the same first driving member. The single first driving member ensures the consistency of rotation of the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22, thereby ensuring the synchronicity of movement of the first rotating wheel 11 and the first transmission member 23. Simultaneously, the single first driving member reduces the overall weight of the printing module, improving operational flexibility and printing accuracy. In other embodiments, the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22 can be driven by two separate first driving members. Under the drive of the two first driving members, the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22 rotate synchronously, driving the first rotating wheel 11 and the print head 21 to move synchronously. Compared to the scheme where only one first driving member is used, driving the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22 by two separate first driving members ensures synchronous rotation of the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22 while eliminating the need for an intermediate transmission structure, thus improving the control accuracy of the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 22.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the printing module further includes a first side plate 14, a second side plate 15, and a housing 16 disposed between the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 15; the second rotating wheel 13 is disposed inside the housing 16. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the housing 16 has a first inlet 161 and a first outlet 162 on its upper and lower sides, respectively. The first rotating shaft 121 passes through the housing 16. The housing 16 has a first hole 163 for the first rotating shaft 121 and the first rotating wheel 11 to pass through. The first hole 163 ensures the normal operation of the first rotating shaft 121 while also allowing the first rotating shaft 121 to pass through. This avoids interference between the wall of the box 16 and the movement of the first rotating wheel 11; the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 15 provide mounting bases for other components, and both the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 15 are arranged along a plane perpendicular to the first direction; the box 16 provides accommodating space for the second rotating wheel 13 and provides mounting bases for the first feed port 161 and the first discharge port 162; the two ends of the first rotating shaft 121 are respectively located on the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 15, and the two ends of the second rotating shaft 22 are respectively located on the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 15.

[0051] The printhead 21 is disposed near the first discharge port 162. The printhead 21 includes a second inlet 211 disposed toward the first discharge port 162 and a nozzle 212 disposed away from the first discharge port 162. The second inlet 211 is configured to receive consumables 3 transmitted from the first discharge port 162.

[0052] In some embodiments, the box body 16 is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second rotating wheel 13, and the two side walls of the box body 16 are respectively provided with a first mating structure and a second mating structure; two adjacent box bodies 16 are connected by the first mating structure and the second mating structure. The one-to-one correspondence between the box body 16 and the second rotating wheel 13 allows the second rotating wheel 13 and related components to be integrated into one box body 16, which facilitates modular production of components and makes it easy to replace and adjust them. The mutual cooperation between the first mating structure and the second mating structure improves the connection strength between adjacent box bodies 16 and ensures the connection stability between adjacent box bodies 16. It can be understood that the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 15 are respectively provided with a first mating structure or a second mating structure that cooperates with the box bodies 16 located at both ends. Specifically, the first mating structure is located close to the first side plate 14, and the second mating structure is located close to the second side plate 15. In some embodiments, the first mating structure is a protruding structure, and the second mating structure is a groove structure that cooperates with the protruding structure; in other embodiments, the first mating structure is a groove structure, and the second mating structure is a protruding structure that cooperates with the groove structure. Understandably, other interlocking structures can also be used for the first and second mating structures.

[0053] In other embodiments, the number of housings 16 is one, with a first side of the housing 16 connected to the first side plate 14 and a second side of the housing 16 connected to the second side plate 15. The first feed port 161 and the first discharge port 162 are respectively corresponding to the second rotary wheel 13. By housing the second rotary wheel 13 and related components in one housing, the use of raw materials is reduced, production costs are lowered, and the overall weight of the printing module is reduced.

[0054] The extrusion module 1 is disposed on the first side and / or the second side of the printhead module 2; a plurality of second rotating rollers 13 are evenly distributed along the first direction. When the relative positions of the extrusion module 1 and the printhead module 2 change, the relevant components need to be adjusted accordingly. Specifically, this includes:

[0055] In some embodiments, to ensure the flexibility of the extrusion module 1 operation or when the number of consumables 3 to be printed is small, the extrusion module 1 can be disposed on the first side or the second side of the printhead module 2; as shown in FIG6, when the extrusion module 1 is disposed on the first side or the second side of the printhead module 2, the first transmission member 23 includes a first connecting part 231 and a second connecting part 232, the first connecting part 231 is connected to the printhead 21, and the second connecting part 232 is connected to the first rotating shaft 121.

[0056] The first connecting part 231 includes a first segment 2311 arranged along the second direction and a second segment 2312 arranged perpendicularly to the first segment 2311, and the print head 21 is disposed in the second segment 2312; the second connecting part 232 includes a third segment 2321 and a fourth segment 2322 sleeved on the first rotating shaft 121, the third segment 2321 being connected to the first segment 2311, and the first rotating wheel 11 being disposed between the third segment 2321 and the fourth segment 2322. The third segment 2321 and the fourth segment 2322 work together to drive the first rotating wheel 11 to move along the first direction. The third segment 2321 and the fourth segment 2322 provide two connecting arms for the second connecting part 232 and the first rotating shaft 121, ensuring the stability of the movement of the second connecting part 232 along the first rotating shaft 121. The third segment 2321 and the fourth segment 2322 simultaneously limit the movement of the first rotating wheel 11, ensuring the stability of the movement of the first rotating wheel 11. In use, the first rotating shaft 121 rotates, driving the first rotating wheel 11 to rotate, and the first rotating wheel 11 drives the third rotating wheel 17 to rotate. The third rotating wheel 17 cooperates with the second rotating wheel 13 to extrude the consumable 3. The second rotating shaft 22 rotates, driving the first transmission component 23 to move along the first rotating shaft 121, and driving the first rotating wheel 11 and the print head 21 to move synchronously in the first direction.

[0057] The extrusion module 1 further includes a discharge pipe 25 and a connecting block 26 located at the lower end of the discharge pipe 25. The connecting block 26 has a second discharge port 261 communicating with the discharge pipe 25. The second segment 2312 is slidably connected to the connecting block 26. Specifically, the second segment 2312 has a groove, and the connecting block 26 is located in the groove. The second segment 2312 and the connecting block 26 cooperate to slide along a first direction. The cooperation between the second segment 2312 and the connecting block 26 improves the stability of the movement of the second segment 2312, ensures the stability of the movement of the print head 21, and further ensures the printing quality. In use, the print head 21 moves along the first direction under the drive of the second segment 2312 to the second discharge port 261 corresponding to the consumable 3 to be printed. Multiple consumables 3 can be printed by cooperating with the extrusion module 1 through one print head 21, which simplifies the structure of the print head module 2 and avoids the impact of switching between multiple print heads 21 on the printing quality.

[0058] Specifically, in order to ensure that the print head 21 can receive the consumable 3 extruded by the extrusion module 1, when the extrusion module 1 is located on the first side or the second side of the print head module 2, the number of the second feed port 211 is 1.

[0059] When the extrusion module 1 is located on the first or second side of the printhead module 2, the number of first rotating shafts 121 is 1, the first rotating shaft 121 is located on the first or second side of the second rotating shaft 22, and the second rotating wheel 13 and the first rotating shaft 121 are located on the first or second side of the second rotating shaft 22.

[0060] In other embodiments, in order to increase the amount of consumables 3 that the printing module can transmit, the extrusion module 1 can be disposed on the first side and the second side of the printing module, respectively.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, several second rotating wheels 13 are evenly distributed along the first direction. When the extrusion module 1 is located on the first and second sides of the printhead module 2, the second rotating wheels 13 on the first side and the second rotating wheels 13 on the second side are staggered to ensure that when the first rotating wheel 11 moves along the first direction, it engages with one of the second rotating wheels 13, and only one type of consumable 3 is extruded at a time. The first transmission member 23 is located between the two extrusion modules 1, and the second feed inlet 211 is located on both sides of the printhead 21 and communicates with the nozzle 212 respectively.

[0062] When the extrusion module 1 is located on the first side and the second side of the printhead module 2, the number of first rotating shafts 121 is 2. The first rotating shafts 121 are located on the first side and the second side of the second rotating shaft 22, and the second rotating wheel 13 and the first rotating shaft 121 are located on both sides of the second rotating shaft 22.

[0063] When the extrusion module 1 is located on the first side and the second side of the printhead module 2, the number of second feed ports 211 is 2, and the two second feed ports 211 are respectively connected to the nozzle 212. When printing consumables, the print head 21 moves synchronously with the first rotary wheel 11. When the first rotary wheel 11 moves to align with the second rotary wheel 13 located on the first side, the consumables 3 extruded by the first rotary wheel 11 and the second rotary wheel 13 are transmitted to the second feed port 211 located on the first side. The second feed port 211 located on the first side receives the consumables 3, and the consumables 3 are transmitted from the second feed port 211 to the nozzle 212. The consumables 3 are heated to a molten state and then ejected. When the first rotary wheel 11 moves to align with the second rotary wheel 13 located on the second side, the consumables 3 extruded by the first rotary wheel 11 and the second rotary wheel 13 are transmitted to the second feed port 211 located on the second side. The second feed port 211 located on the second side receives the consumables 3, and the consumables 3 are transmitted from the second feed port 211 to the nozzle 212. The consumables 3 are heated to a molten state and then ejected.

[0064] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the extrusion module 1 further includes a plurality of third rollers 17 corresponding one-to-one with the second roller 13. The third rollers 17 are located between the first roller 11 and the second roller 13, and the third rollers 17 cooperate with the second rollers 13 under the drive of the first roller 11 to extrude the consumable 3. The arrangement of the third rollers 17 ensures that the first roller 11 does not need to directly contact the consumable 3 during the transmission of the consumable 3. Compared with the transmission cooperation between the first roller 11 and the second roller 13, direct contact between the first roller 11 and the consumable 3 is avoided, thereby avoiding damage to the consumable 3 by the first roller 11 and cross-contamination of different consumables 3.

[0065] The first rotating shaft 121 has a polygonal cross-section. Optionally, the first rotating shaft 121 has a cross-shaped cross-section; that is, the first rotating shaft 121 is preferably a cross-shaped shaft. The cross-shaped cross-section of the first rotating shaft 121 has a more obvious shape feature, which ensures a stable connection between the first rotating wheel 11 and the first rotating shaft 121, effectively preventing mutual rotation between the first rotating shaft 121 and the first rotating wheel. This ensures that gaps or slight wear between the first rotating shaft 121 and the first rotating wheel 11 will not affect the performance, reduces the installation accuracy of the printing module, ensures a longer service life of the first rotating shaft 121, and reduces the replacement frequency of the first rotating shaft 121.

[0066] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the cross-section of the first rotating shaft 121 may also be in other polygonal shapes. Specifically, the cross-section of the first rotating shaft 121 may be an n-sided polygon, where n is greater than or equal to 3.

[0067] This embodiment also discloses a 3D printer, which includes a motion module and a printing module as described above; the motion module is configured to drive the printing module to move in order to perform printing processing.

[0068] The 3D printer described in this application is particularly suitable for printing multi-color, complex-structured models.

[0069] During the printing process, the operation of the 3D printer includes the following steps:

[0070] The printing module moves under the drive of the motion module;

[0071] The extrusion of consumable 3 involves different consumables 3 being transported into the housing 16 and aligned with the second rotating wheel 13. The first drive assembly 12 drives the first rotating wheel 11 to move along a first direction. The first rotating wheel 11 moves to align with any one of the second rotating wheels 13, so that the consumable 3 is clamped between the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13. The transmission and cooperation between the first rotating wheel 11 and the second rotating wheel 13 extrudes the consumable 3. The first rotating wheel 11 moves to different positions to align with different second rotating wheels 13 and transmits its movement to each other to extrude different consumables 3.

[0072] The printing of consumable 3 involves the print head of print head module 2 moving synchronously with the first rotary wheel 11 and receiving the consumable 3 extruded by the extrusion module 1. The print head heats the received consumable 3 to a molten state and then ejects it to print the consumable 3.

[0073] The extrusion module 1 selectively extrudes one of multiple consumables 3 through the transmission cooperation between the first rotating wheel 11 and any one of the second rotating wheels 13. The printhead module 2 receives the consumables 3 extruded by the extrusion module 1 through the movement of a printhead 21. Thus, the printing module of this application, through the overall structure of the extrusion module 1 and the printhead module 2 working together, realizes automatic switching, extrusion and printing of multiple consumables 3. It eliminates the need to configure a separate printhead for each consumable 3, simplifies the overall structure of the printing module, avoids the alternating switching operation of multiple printheads, simplifies the operation control steps, and improves printing efficiency; it also avoids the impact of multiple complex structural switching on print quality and improves print quality.

[0074] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the 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.

[0075] The above embodiments merely illustrate preferred implementations of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A print module, characterized by: The printing module comprises an extrusion module and a print head module; The extrusion module comprises a first rotating wheel, a first driving assembly and a plurality of second rotating wheels, the plurality of second rotating wheels are arranged in a first direction, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the first rotating wheel to move in the first direction and to make the first rotating wheel form a transmission cooperation with one of the plurality of second rotating wheels, and the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel form a transmission movement to extrude a consumable material; The print head module comprises a print head, the print head is configured to move synchronously with the first rotating wheel in the first direction, and the print head is also configured to receive the consumable material extruded by the extrusion module, heat the received consumable material to a molten state, and then spray the consumable material to perform a printing process.

2. The print module of claim 1, wherein: The first driving assembly comprises a first rotating shaft arranged in the first direction, and the first rotating wheel is rotationally connected to the first rotating shaft; the print head module further comprises a second rotating shaft and a first transmission member connected to the second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft is arranged in parallel with the first rotating shaft, the print head is connected to the first transmission member, and the second rotating shaft passes through the first transmission member.

3. The print module of claim 2, wherein: The printing module further comprises a first side plate and a second side plate, and a box body arranged between the first side plate and the second side plate; the second rotating wheel is arranged in the box body, the box body is provided with a first feeding port and a first discharging port on the upper side and the lower side respectively, the first rotating shaft passes through the box body, and the box body is provided with a first hole for the first rotating shaft and the first rotating wheel to pass through; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are connected to the first side plate and the second side plate respectively, and the two ends of the second rotating shaft are connected to the first side plate and the second side plate respectively.

4. The print module of claim 3, wherein: The print head is arranged close to the first discharging port, the print head comprises a second feeding port and a nozzle, the second feeding port is arranged towards the first discharging port, and the nozzle is away from the first discharging port, and the second feeding port is configured to receive the consumable material discharged from the first discharging port.

5. The print module of claim 2, wherein: The extrusion module further comprises a plurality of third rotating wheels, the third rotating wheels are arranged between the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, and the third rotating wheels are driven by the first rotating wheel to cooperate with the second rotating wheel to extrude the consumable material.

6. The print module of claim 2, wherein: The cross section of the first rotating shaft is polygonal.

7. The print module of claim 4, wherein: The extrusion module is arranged on the first side and / or the second side of the print head module; the plurality of second rotating wheels are uniformly distributed in the first direction.

8. The print module of claim 7, wherein: When the extrusion module is arranged on the first side or the second side of the print head module, the first transmission member comprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is connected to the print head, and the second connecting portion is connected to the first rotating shaft.

9. The print module of claim 8, wherein: The first connecting portion comprises a first segment arranged in a second direction and a second segment arranged perpendicularly to the first segment, and the print head is arranged on the second segment; the second connecting portion comprises a third segment and a fourth segment sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the first rotating wheel is arranged between the third segment and the fourth segment.

10. The print module of claim 8, wherein: The extrusion module further comprises a discharge pipe and a connecting block arranged at the lower end of the discharge pipe, and a second discharge port is arranged on the connecting block and communicates with the discharge pipe; the second section is connected to the connecting block in a sliding fit.

11. The print module of claim 7, wherein: When the extrusion module is arranged on the first side and the second side of the print head module, the second rotating wheel on the first side and the second rotating wheel on the second side are arranged in a staggered manner; the first transmission member is arranged between the two extrusion modules, and the second feeding port is arranged on both sides of the print head and communicates with the nozzle respectively.

12. A 3D printer characterized by: The printing module comprises a movement module and a printing module as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, and the movement module is configured to drive the printing module to move to perform a printing process.

13. The 3D printer of claim 12, wherein: The printing module comprises an extrusion module and a print head module; the extrusion module comprises a first rotating wheel, a first driving assembly and a plurality of second rotating wheels, the plurality of second rotating wheels are arranged in a spaced manner along a first direction, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the first rotating wheel to move along the first direction and form a transmission fit with one of the plurality of second rotating wheels, and the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel form a transmission movement to extrude consumables; the print head module comprises a print head, the print head is configured to move synchronously with the first rotating wheel in the first direction, and the print head is further configured to receive the consumables extruded by the extrusion module, heat the received consumables to a molten state, and then eject the consumables to perform a printing process.

14. The 3D printer of claim 13, wherein: The first driving assembly comprises a first rotating shaft arranged in the first direction, and the first rotating wheel is rotationally connected to the first rotating shaft; the print head module further comprises a second rotating shaft and a first transmission member connected to the second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft is arranged in parallel with the first rotating shaft, the print head is connected to the first transmission member, and the second rotating shaft passes through the first transmission member.

15. The 3D printer of claim 14, wherein: The printing module further comprises a first side plate and a second side plate and a box body arranged between the first side plate and the second side plate; the second rotating wheel is arranged in the box body, the box body is provided with a first feeding port and a first discharge port on the upper side and the lower side respectively, the first rotating shaft passes through the box body, and the box body is provided with a first hole for the first rotating shaft and the first rotating wheel to pass through; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are connected to the first side plate and the second side plate respectively, and the two ends of the second rotating shaft are connected to the first side plate and the second side plate respectively.

16. The 3D printer of claim 15, wherein: The print head is arranged close to the first discharge port, the print head comprises a second feeding port and a nozzle, the second feeding port is arranged towards the first discharge port, and the nozzle is away from the first discharge port, and the second feeding port is configured to receive the consumables discharged from the first discharge port.

17. The 3D printer of claim 14, wherein: The extrusion module further comprises a plurality of third rotating wheels, the third rotating wheels are arranged between the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, and the third rotating wheels are driven by the first rotating wheel to cooperate with the second rotating wheel to extrude consumables.

18. The 3D printer of claim 14, wherein: The extrusion module is arranged on the first side and / or the second side of the print head module; the second rotating wheels are evenly distributed along the first direction.

19. The 3D printer of claim 18, wherein: When the extrusion module is arranged on the first side or the second side of the print head module, the first transmission member comprises a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is connected to the print head, and the second connecting part is connected to the first rotating shaft; the first connecting part comprises a first section arranged along the second direction and a second section arranged perpendicularly to the first section, and the print head is arranged on the second section; the second connecting part comprises a third section and a fourth section sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the first rotating wheel is arranged between the third section and the fourth section; the extrusion module further comprises a discharge pipe and a connecting block arranged at the lower end of the discharge pipe, the connecting block is provided with a second discharge port in communication with the discharge pipe; and the second section is slidingly connected to the connecting block.

20. The 3D printer of claim 18, wherein: When the extrusion module is arranged on the first side and the second side of the print head module, the second rotating wheel on the first side and the second rotating wheel on the second side are arranged in a staggered manner; the first transmission member is arranged between the two extrusion modules, and the second feeding port is arranged on both sides of the print head and is in communication with the nozzle respectively.

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