Spray head device, multi-color extrusion system and 3D printing apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a spray head device, a multi-color extrusion system and a 3D printing apparatus. The spray head device comprises a spray head switching structure; and the spray head switching structure comprises a first driving member, a turntable, spray head mechanisms and a test mechanism, wherein the first driving member is in driving connection with the turntable, and is used for driving the turntable to rotate; a plurality of spray head mechanisms are provided, are mounted on a first side of the turntable, and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the turntable, and an axis of each spray head mechanism is obliquely arranged relative to an axis of the turntable; and the test mechanism is configured to test the positions of the spray head mechanisms.

Description

Nozzle assembly, multi-color extrusion system, 3D printing equipment

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410703990.9, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on May 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of 3D printing apparatus technology, and more specifically, to nozzle devices, multicolor extrusion systems, and 3D printing equipment. Background Technology

[0004] FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology is widely used in 3D printers. It generally involves heating and melting thermoplastic filaments inside the nozzle, moving the nozzle along the printing path, and extruding the molten material. The extruded material then solidifies to form a printed layer or printed product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a nozzle device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0007] A nozzle device includes a nozzle switching structure, which comprises a first driving member, a turntable, nozzle mechanisms, and a detection mechanism. The first driving member is tractively connected to the turntable and drives the turntable to rotate. Multiple nozzle mechanisms are configured, mounted on a first side of the turntable and spaced apart circumferentially from the turntable. The axis of each nozzle mechanism is inclined relative to the axis of the turntable. The detection mechanism is configured to detect the position of the nozzle mechanisms.

[0008] In this way, different printhead mechanisms can use consumables of different colors. When the color of the consumable needs to be changed, the first drive unit can switch the corresponding color printhead mechanism through the turntable and cooperate with the detection mechanism to locate the position of the printhead mechanism, so as to realize the automatic switching of different printhead mechanisms, reduce the time for printhead cleaning and consumable replacement, and improve printing efficiency.

[0009] In one possible implementation: the detection mechanism includes a sensor and a plurality of sensing plates, the sensor being fixed relative to the first driving member, and each of the sensing plates being configured to correspond to at least one of the nozzle mechanisms, the sensor being configured to detect the plurality of sensing plates to determine the position of the nozzle mechanism.

[0010] In one possible implementation: the second side of the turntable is provided with a plurality of feeding ports, and the plurality of feeding ports are respectively connected to a plurality of nozzle mechanisms.

[0011] In one possible implementation: each of the nozzle mechanisms includes a heat sink, a heating element, a nozzle, and a feed tube. One end of the heat sink is connected to the first side of the turntable, and the other end is spaced apart from the heating element. The nozzle is located at the end of the heating element away from the heat sink. The heat sink and the heating element are sleeved on the feed tube, and the feed tube is connected to the nozzle.

[0012] In one possible implementation: it further includes a cutting mechanism disposed on one side of the nozzle mechanism and configured to cut off consumables in the nozzle mechanism as the nozzle mechanism rotates with the turntable.

[0013] In one possible implementation: the cutting mechanism includes a cutter, and a slit is formed in the heat sink, with the cutter portion disposed in the slit.

[0014] In one possible implementation: it further includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket being located on the second side of the turntable, the first drive unit being mounted on the first bracket, the output end of the first drive unit passing through the first bracket and connected to the turntable, the second bracket being connected to the first bracket, and the detection mechanism being partially mounted on the second bracket.

[0015] In one possible implementation: it further includes an extrusion mechanism mounted on one side of the first drive member, the first drive member being configured to drive the turntable to rotate such that one of the nozzle mechanisms corresponds to the extrusion mechanism.

[0016] In one possible implementation: the nozzle device further includes a moving mechanism, the moving mechanism including a guide rail and a second drive member, the extrusion mechanism being slidably connected to the guide rail, and the second drive member being configured to drive the extrusion mechanism to move along the guide rail.

[0017] In one possible implementation: the housing of the extrusion mechanism is connected to the second bracket of the nozzle switching structure, and the extrusion mechanism is further provided with a third bracket on the side facing the nozzle switching structure, and the cutting mechanism of the nozzle switching structure is mounted on the third bracket.

[0018] Embodiments of this application also provide a multi-color extrusion system, comprising:

[0019] A switching extrusion device includes a third drive unit, at least two extrusion components, and a switching component. The third drive unit is drivenly connected to at least two of the extrusion components and is used to drive at least two of the extrusion components. The switching component is movable relative to at least two of the extrusion components and is used to select the corresponding extrusion component so that the selected extrusion component extrudes consumables.

[0020] A busbar assembly, connecting at least two of the extrusion assemblies, configured to transmit consumables extruded by a selected extrusion assembly; and

[0021] In the above embodiments of the nozzle device, the nozzle switching structure is configured to correspond to the outlet of the manifold assembly, or the extrusion mechanism in the nozzle device is configured to correspond to the outlet of the manifold assembly.

[0022] In one possible implementation: each of the extrusion components includes an active extrusion wheel and a driven extrusion wheel, an extrusion channel for the consumable is formed between the active extrusion wheel and the driven extrusion wheel, the active extrusion wheel is motive-connected to the third drive member, and the driven extrusion wheel can move closer to or further away from the active extrusion wheel; the switching component includes a fourth drive member and a switching member, the fourth drive member is motive-connected to the switching member, and the fourth drive member is used to drive the switching member to a selected extrusion component to push the driven extrusion wheel of the extrusion component closer to the active extrusion wheel.

[0023] In one possible implementation: each of the extrusion assemblies further includes a support, the extrusion channel extends through the support, the active extrusion wheel and the driven extrusion wheel are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the extrusion channel, the active extrusion wheel is rotatably mounted on the support, and the driven extrusion wheel is movably mounted on the support in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion channel.

[0024] In one possible implementation: each of the extrusion assemblies further includes a mounting bracket and an elastic element, the driven extrusion wheel being rotatably disposed on the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being connected to the support via the elastic element, and the abutment of the mounting bracket protruding from the support.

[0025] In one possible implementation: at least two of the extrusion assemblies are arranged in two rows, with each of the extrusion assemblies in each row stacked, the two rows of extrusion assemblies spaced apart to define a movable space, and the top end of the mounting frame located in the movable space; the two rows of extrusion assemblies are staggered by a predetermined distance along the stacking direction of the extrusion assemblies; the switching member is movably disposed in the movable space, the switching member includes two pushing parts, the two pushing parts are respectively located on opposite sides of the switching member, when the pushing part on one side abuts against the mounting frame on the corresponding side, the pushing part on the other side is staggered from the mounting frame on the corresponding side.

[0026] In one possible implementation: the switching element is also connected to a sensing element; each of the extrusion components also includes a sensing element, the sensing element being elastically connected to the support, and the sensing element being located on the side of the extrusion channel facing the driven extrusion wheel, and when consumables pass through the extrusion channel, the consumables extrude the sensing element to a position close to the sensing element.

[0027] Embodiments of this application also provide a 3D printing apparatus, comprising:

[0028] Molding chamber;

[0029] The nozzle device described in the above embodiments, or the multi-color extrusion system described in the above embodiments; the nozzle switching structure, or the nozzle device, or the multi-color extrusion system is installed in the molding chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle switching structure of the nozzle device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the nozzle switching structure shown in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle switching structure shown in Figure 1 in another direction.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle device with a nozzle switching structure in one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle device with a nozzle switching structure in one or more embodiments.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the cutting mechanism in the structure shown in Figure 5.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle device with a nozzle switching structure in one or more embodiments.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle device shown in Figure 7 from another direction.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multicolor extrusion system in one or more embodiments.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the switching extrusion device in the multicolor extrusion system shown in Figure 9.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the switching extrusion device shown in Figure 10 in another direction.

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the switching extrusion device shown in Figure 10 in another direction.

[0043] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the switching extrusion device shown in Figure 12.

[0044] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the switching extrusion device shown in Figure 12 along the AA direction.

[0045] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the extrusion assembly in the switching extrusion device shown in Figure 10.

[0046] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the extrusion assembly shown in Figure 15 along the CC direction.

[0047] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the extrusion assembly shown in Figure 15.

[0048] Figure 18 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the extrusion assembly shown in Figure 15.

[0049] Figure 19 is an exploded structural diagram of the switching component in the switching extrusion device shown in Figure 10.

[0050] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multicolor extrusion system in another embodiment.

[0051] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing device in one or more embodiments.

[0052] The following are the meanings of the labels in the attached diagram: 100, nozzle switching structure; 10, first drive component; 11, first bracket; 12, second bracket; 20, turntable; 21. Feeding interface; 30, Nozzle mechanism; 31, Heat sink; 311, Slit; 32, Heating element; 321, Thermocouple; 33, Nozzle; 34, Material tube; 40, Detection mechanism; 41, Sensor; 42, Induction plate; 50, Cutting mechanism; 51, Cutter; 511, Blade edge; 52, Cutting rack; 53, Third support; 200, Nozzle assembly; 60, Extrusion mechanism; 70, Moving mechanism; 71, Guide rail; 72, Second drive component; 73, Slider; 300, Multi-color extrusion system; 80, Switching extrusion device; 81, Third drive component; 811, Drive motor; 812, Rotating shaft; 82, Extrusion assembly; 821, Driving extrusion wheel; 822, Driven extrusion wheel; 823. Extrusion channel; 824, bracket; 8241, positioning hole; 8242, positioning protrusion; 8243, first mounting groove; 8244, second mounting groove; 825, mounting bracket; 826, elastic element; 827, sensed element; 8271, protrusion; 83, switching assembly; 831, fourth driving element; 8311, drive motor; 8312, lead screw; 832, switching element; 8321, pushing part; 8322, sensing element; 84, first end plate; 85, second end plate; 86, gear assembly; 861, driving gear; 862, driven gear; 87, guide rod; 90, confluence assembly; 91, feed port; 92, discharge port; 400, 3D printing equipment; 401, molding chamber.

[0053] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0055] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on 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. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0057] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment provides a printhead device 200, which includes a printhead switching structure 100. The printhead switching structure 100 includes a first drive member 10, a turntable 20, printhead mechanisms 30, and a detection mechanism 40. The first drive member 10 is tractively connected to the turntable 20 and is used to drive the turntable 20 to rotate. Multiple printhead mechanisms 30 are configured, mounted on a first side of the turntable 20, and spaced apart circumferentially from each other. Different printhead mechanisms 30 can be used to extrude consumables of different colors. The axis of each printhead mechanism 30 is inclined relative to the axis of the turntable 20. Thus, when one printhead mechanism 30 is rotated to a predetermined position, its outlet can be lower than the outlets of other printhead mechanisms 30, reducing the impact of other printhead mechanisms 30 on the printhead mechanism 30 during printing and also reducing the risk of other printhead mechanisms 30 colliding with the printing surface. The detection mechanism 40 is configured to detect the position of the nozzle mechanism 30, allowing the first drive unit 10 to rotate or stop the turntable 20 according to the detection signal, selecting the corresponding nozzle mechanism 30 to the designated position. Existing 3D printers typically only have one nozzle. When printing products of different colors, the existing filament inside the nozzle needs to be cleaned out first, and then replaced with the corresponding color filament. This filament cleaning process is cumbersome and can easily reduce printing efficiency. In this application, different nozzle mechanisms 30 can use different colors of filament. When the filament color needs to be changed, the first drive unit 10 can switch to the corresponding color nozzle mechanism 30 via the turntable 20, and cooperate with the detection mechanism 40 to position the nozzle mechanism 30, achieving automatic switching between different nozzle mechanisms 30. This reduces the time spent on nozzle cleaning and filament replacement, and helps improve printing efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, the side of the turntable 20 facing the printing platform is designated as the first side, and the side facing away from the printing platform is designated as the second side. The detection mechanism 40 can be electrically connected to the first drive unit 10 to transmit detection information via electrical signals. In other embodiments, the detection mechanism 40 can also interact with the first drive unit 10 via radio. Alternatively, the detection mechanism 40 can also interact with the first drive unit 10 via electromagnetic induction in conjunction with a Hall element.

[0060] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 40 includes a sensor 41 and a plurality of sensing plates 42. The sensor 41 is fixed relative to the first driving member 10, and each sensing plate 42 is disposed corresponding to at least one nozzle mechanism 30. The sensor 41 is configured to detect the plurality of sensing plates 42 to determine the position of the nozzle mechanism 30. In one embodiment, the sensor 41 may be a photoelectric sensor, and the plurality of sensing plates 42 may pass through the sensor 41 sequentially when the turntable 20 rotates synchronously, and the sensor 41 determines the position of the nozzle mechanism 30 based on the photoelectric signal.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sensor 41 may be disposed at the end of the first drive member 10 facing the turntable 20 and interact with the first drive member 10 via signals. A plurality of sensing elements 42 are disposed on the first side of the turntable 20, and the plurality of sensing elements 42 rotate synchronously with the turntable 20. During the rotation of the turntable 20, the plurality of sensing elements 42 may pass sequentially through the sensor 41, causing the sensor 41 to generate corresponding detection signals and determine the position of the nozzle mechanism 30.

[0062] Furthermore, the first side of the turntable 20 is also provided with multiple feeding ports 21, each feeding port 21 being connected to a nozzle mechanism 30. Consumables of different colors can enter the corresponding nozzle mechanism 30 through the feeding ports 21. Each sensing plate 42 can be set on one side of a feeding port 21, so that the position of the sensing plate 42 corresponds to the position of the feeding port 21. When the sensing plate 42 rotates to the sensor 41, the corresponding feeding port 21 and the nozzle mechanism 30 also rotate synchronously to the corresponding position.

[0063] In some embodiments, each printhead mechanism 30 includes a heat sink 31, a heating element 32, a nozzle 33, and a feed tube 34. One end of the heat sink 31 is connected to the first side of the turntable 20, and the other end is spaced apart from the heating element 32. The heat sink 31 and the heating element 32 can be connected by bolts or other parts. Adjusting the length or position of the bolts can adjust the gap between the heat sink 31 and the heating element 32, minimizing heat conduction between them while still meeting connection requirements. The nozzle 33 is located at the end of the heating element 32 furthest from the heat sink 31. The heat sink 31 and the heating element 32 are fitted onto the feed tube 34, and the feed tube 34 is connected to the nozzle 33. The heat sink 31 can reduce the problem of feed tube blockage caused by molten material at the upper end of the feed tube 34. The heating element 32 is used to heat and melt the molten material in the lower end of the feed tube 34, causing the molten material to be extruded from the nozzle 33 for printing. The heating element 32 is also connected to a thermocouple 321 for regulating the heating temperature of the heating element 32.

[0064] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, and 6. In some embodiments, the printhead switching structure 100 further includes a cutting mechanism 50. The cutting mechanism 50 is located on one side of the printhead mechanism 30 and is configured to cut the consumable in the printhead mechanism 30 when the printhead mechanism 30 rotates with the turntable 20, so that when the other printhead mechanism 30 rotates to the printing position, it can easily receive new consumables and reduce the problem of consumables getting tangled when rotating with the printhead mechanism 30.

[0065] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 50 includes a cutter 51, and a slit 311 is formed in the heat sink 31, with part of the cutter 51 disposed in the slit 311. The cutter 51 remains relatively fixed to the first driving member 10, so that when the nozzle mechanism 30 rotates with the turntable 20, the relative movement between the cutter 51 and the heat sink 31 can generate a shearing force at the slit 311, cutting the consumable material inside the nozzle mechanism 30. The cutter 51 has a cutting edge 511, which is approximately arc-shaped, with the cutting edge located at the edge of the cutting edge 511. When the cutter 51 and the nozzle mechanism 30 remain relatively stationary, the consumable material can pass through the cutting edge 511 and be transported within the feed tube 34. The arc-shaped cutting edge 511 can also serve to limit the consumable material. When the nozzle mechanism 30 moves relative to the cutter 51, the cutting edge at the edge of the cutting edge 511 cuts the consumable material.

[0066] Referring to Figures 2, 5, and 6, the nozzle switching structure 100 also includes a first bracket 11 and a second bracket 12. The first bracket 11 is located on the second side of the turntable 20, and a first drive member 10 is mounted on the first bracket 11. The output end of the first drive member 10 passes through the first bracket 11 and connects to the turntable 20. The first drive member 10 can drive the turntable 20 to rotate relative to the first bracket 11. The second bracket 12 is connected to one side of the first bracket 11, and a detection mechanism 40 is partially mounted on the second bracket 12. Specifically, the sensor 41 of the detection mechanism 40 is fixedly mounted on the side of the second bracket 12 facing the turntable 20, so that the sensor 41 remains relatively fixed to the first drive member 10.

[0067] Referring again to Figures 4, 5, and 6, in some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 200 further includes an extrusion mechanism 60. The extrusion mechanism 60 is mounted on one side of the first drive member 10 and remains relatively fixed to the first drive member 10. The first drive member 10 is configured to drive the turntable 20 to rotate, causing one of the nozzle mechanisms 30 to correspond to the extrusion mechanism 60, so that the color of the consumable within the extrusion mechanism 60 matches the corresponding nozzle mechanism 30.

[0068] Furthermore, the housing of the extrusion mechanism 60 is connected to the second bracket 12 of the nozzle switching structure 100, and the discharge port of the extrusion mechanism 60 is correspondingly set with the feed interface 21 on the turntable 20. When the corresponding nozzle mechanism 30 rotates to below the extrusion mechanism 60, the extrusion mechanism 60 docks and connects with the corresponding feed interface 21.

[0069] The extrusion mechanism 60 is further provided with a third bracket 53 on the side facing the nozzle switching structure 100, and the cutting mechanism 50 of the nozzle switching structure 100 is mounted on the third bracket 53. The cutting mechanism 50 also includes a cutting frame 52, which is detachably mounted on the third bracket 53, and a cutter 51 is detachably mounted on the cutting frame 52 and is positioned facing the nozzle mechanism 30. The cutting mechanism 50 is kept relatively fixed to the first driving member 10 by a fixed connection structure between the third bracket 53, the extrusion mechanism 60, the second bracket 12, and the first bracket 11.

[0070] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the nozzle assembly 200 also includes a moving mechanism 70. The moving mechanism 70 includes a guide rail 71 and a second drive member 72. The extrusion mechanism 60 is slidably connected to the guide rail 71, and the second drive member 72 is configured to drive the extrusion mechanism 60 to move along the guide rail 71. In some embodiments, the guide rail 71 includes, but is not limited to, a linear guide rail. A slider 73 is also provided on the guide rail 71, and the slider 73 is throttle-connected to the second drive member 72, so that the second drive member 72 can move the slider 73 to any position on the guide rail 71. The slider 73 is also fixedly connected to the third support 53 and / or the extrusion mechanism 60, allowing the extrusion mechanism 60 and the nozzle switching structure 100 to move synchronously with the slider 73.

[0071] Referring to Figures 9 and 20, embodiments of this application also provide a multi-color extrusion system 300, including a switching extrusion device 80, a manifold assembly 90, and the nozzle device 200 described in the above embodiments. Referring further to Figures 10, 11, and 12, the switching extrusion device 80 includes a third drive member 81, at least two extrusion components 82, and a switching assembly 83. The third drive member 81 is drively connected to at least two extrusion components 82 and is used to drive the at least two extrusion components 82 to operate. The switching assembly 83 is movable relative to the at least two extrusion components 82 and is used to select a corresponding extrusion component 82, causing the selected extrusion component 82 to extrude consumables. As shown in Figures 9 and 20, the manifold assembly 90 connects to at least two extrusion components 82 and is configured to transmit the consumables extruded by the selected extrusion component 82. Specifically, the manifold assembly 90 has multiple inlets 91 and outlets 92. The multiple inlets 91 can be connected to at least two extrusion components 82 respectively via pipes, or they can be directly connected to two extrusion components 82. Each inlet 91 can be connected to one extrusion component 82. The extrusion assembly 82 selected by the switching assembly 83 can extrude consumables into the manifold assembly 90, and then extrude them from the outlet 92 of the manifold assembly 90. The nozzle mechanism 30 in the nozzle switching structure 100 or the nozzle device 200 is correspondingly set to the outlet 92 of the manifold assembly 90 to receive the consumables extruded from the manifold assembly 90. The first drive member 10 can rotate the matching nozzle mechanism 30 to a position corresponding to the extrusion mechanism 60 according to the color of the consumables extruded from the manifold assembly 90, so that the consumables can be printed through the matching nozzle mechanism 30.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, each extrusion assembly 82 includes an active extrusion wheel 821 and a driven extrusion wheel 822, with an extrusion channel 823 for the consumable formed between the active and driven extrusion wheels 821. The active extrusion wheel 821 is driven by a third drive member 81. Along a direction perpendicular to the extrusion channel 823, i.e., the horizontal direction of the viewpoint shown in Figure 14, the driven extrusion wheel 822 can approach or move away from the active extrusion wheel 821. When the driven extrusion wheel 822 approaches the active extrusion wheel 821, it can press the consumable against the active and driven extrusion wheels 821 to extrude the consumable towards the outlet of the extrusion assembly 82. When the driven extrusion wheel 822 moves away from the active extrusion wheel 821, the consumable is released between the active and driven extrusion wheels 821, stopping the extrusion of the consumable towards the outlet of the extrusion assembly 82. The switching assembly 83 includes a fourth drive member 831 and a switching member 832, with the fourth drive member 831 driven by the switching member 832. The fourth driving member 831 is used to drive the switching member 832 to move to the selected extrusion assembly 82, so as to push the driven extrusion wheel 822 of the selected extrusion assembly 82 closer to the driving extrusion wheel 821, so that the extrusion assembly 82 can extrude consumables of the selected color.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 15, 16, and 17. In some embodiments, each extrusion assembly 82 further includes a support 824, through which an extrusion channel 823 passes. The active extrusion wheel 821 and the driven extrusion wheel 822 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the extrusion channel 823 and are arranged opposite to each other. The active extrusion wheel 821 is rotatably mounted on the support 824, and the driven extrusion wheel 822 is movably mounted on the support 824 in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion channel 823. The movement direction of the driven extrusion wheel 822 is also perpendicular to the axial direction of the active extrusion wheel 821, so that the driven extrusion wheel 822 can approach or move away from the active extrusion wheel 821. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the third drive member 81 includes a drive motor 811 and a rotating shaft 812. The drive motor 811 is driven by the rotating shaft 812. The active extrusion wheel 821 of each extrusion assembly 82 is driven by the rotating shaft 812. The drive motor 811 drives the active extrusion wheel 821 to rotate via the rotating shaft 812, providing power for the extrusion of consumables. For ease of viewing, the lines of the rotating shaft 812 have been omitted in some of the illustrations, but this does not mean that the structure of the rotating shaft 812 has been omitted. In other embodiments, each active extrusion wheel 821 may also be driven in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0074] Furthermore, each extrusion assembly 82 also includes a mounting frame 825 and an elastic element 826. The driven extrusion wheel 822 is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 825, which is connected to the support 824 via the elastic element 826. The abutment of the mounting frame 825 protrudes from the support 824. The switching element 832 can push and squeeze the abutment of the mounting frame 825 to overcome the elastic force, causing the driven extrusion wheel 822 to move closer to the driving extrusion wheel 821. When the switching element 832 moves away from the mounting frame 825, the elastic element 826 can use its elastic force to reset the mounting frame 825, thereby causing the driven extrusion wheel 822 to move away from the driving extrusion wheel 821.

[0075] In some embodiments, the elastic element 826 can be a spring sheet, the bracket 824 is provided with a first mounting groove 8243, and the mounting frame 825 is partially accommodated in the first mounting groove 8243. The two ends of the elastic element 826 are respectively connected to the two side walls of the first mounting groove 8243, and the mounting frame 825 is connected to the middle position of the elastic element 826. The first mounting groove 8243 communicates with the extrusion channel 823. The driven extrusion wheel 822 is rotatably disposed on the side of the mounting frame 825 near the extrusion channel 823, and can extend into the extrusion channel 823 to extrude consumables together with the active extrusion wheel 14.

[0076] Please refer again to Figures 10 to 14. At least two extrusion assemblies 82 are arranged in two rows, with each extrusion assembly 82 in each row stacked. The two rows of extrusion assemblies 82 are spaced apart to define the movement space. There may also be two rotating shafts 812, each shaft 812 being driven by the drive extrusion wheel 821 of each row of extrusion assemblies 82. The drive motor 811 and the two rotating shafts 812 are connected via a gear assembly 86. The gear assembly 86 includes a drive gear 861 and driven gears 862. The drive gear 861 is driven by the output of the drive motor 811, and the two sets of driven gears 862 are respectively driven by the two rotating shafts 812 and the drive gear 861, enabling the drive gear 861 to drive the two rotating shafts 812 to rotate.

[0077] Furthermore, the switching extrusion device 80 also includes a first end plate 84 and a second end plate 85, with two rows of extrusion assemblies 82 installed between the first end plate 84 and the second end plate 85, and the moving space is also located between the first end plate 84 and the second end plate 85. A drive motor 811 and a gear assembly 86 are installed on the outside of the first end plate 84. One end of a rotating shaft 812 passes through the first end plate 84 and is drivenly connected to the gear assembly 86, while the other end is inserted into the second end plate 85 and rotatably connected to it. The driving extrusion wheel 821 of each row of extrusion assemblies 82 is sleeved on a rotating shaft 812 and is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft 812.

[0078] The top end of the mounting bracket 825 in each extrusion assembly 82 is located within the movable space. Along the stacking direction of the extrusion assemblies 82, the two rows of extrusion assemblies 82 are staggered by a predetermined distance. A switching element 832 is movably disposed within the movable space. The switching element 832 includes two pushing parts 8321, located on opposite sides of the switching element 832. When one pushing part 8321 abuts against the mounting bracket 825 on the corresponding side, the other pushing part 8321 is staggered from the mounting bracket 825 on the corresponding side, so that the switching element 832 can select one extrusion assembly 82 for extruding consumables at a time.

[0079] In one embodiment of this application, along the stacking direction of the extrusion assemblies 82, the abutting ends of a plurality of mounting brackets 825 in each row of extrusion assemblies 82 are evenly distributed at a distance d, and the two rows of extrusion assemblies 82 are staggered by d / 2 along the stacking direction. The two pushing parts 8321 of the switching member 832 are collinearly arranged and are not staggered along the stacking direction of the extrusion assemblies 82. Optionally, each extrusion assembly 82 has the same shape and size, where d is equal to the thickness of the extrusion assembly 82. When the pushing part 8321 on one side abuts against the mounting bracket 825 on the corresponding side, the pushing part 8321 on the other side is located in the gap between two adjacent mounting brackets 825 on the corresponding side. In this way, the switching member 832 can sequentially trigger different extrusion assemblies 82 by moving in steps of d / 2, so that the driven extrusion wheel 822 and the driving extrusion wheel 821 of the selected extrusion assembly 82 cooperate to extrude.

[0080] Optionally, the pushing part 8321 and the abutting end have relatively convex arc surfaces, so that the displacement of the pushing part 8321 along the stacking direction of the extrusion assembly 82 can smoothly realize the pushing or releasing of each mounting bracket 825 along the extension direction of the first mounting groove 8243.

[0081] In this embodiment, the portion of the first end plate 84 near the left extrusion component 82 protrudes by a distance of 2 / d, and the portion of the second end plate 85 near the right extrusion component 82 protrudes by d / 2, thus facilitating the staggering of the two extrusion components 82.

[0082] In other embodiments, the approach effect can also be achieved by staggering the two rows of extrusion components 82 and the two pushers 8321 of the switching component 832 by d / 2.

[0083] In other embodiments, the number of extrusion assemblies 82 can be increased, decreased, or expanded according to design needs. For example, when more types of consumables need to be extruded, simply add an extrusion assembly 82 between the first end plate 84 and the second end plate 85. In the embodiment shown in FIG20, the number of extrusion assemblies 82 can also be two, arranged in two rows, with one extrusion assembly 82 in each row. The two oppositely arranged extrusion assemblies 82 are staggered by d / 2 between the partially protruding structures of the first end plate 84 and the second end plate 85. The number of feed inlets 91 of the manifold assembly 90 can also be adjusted accordingly based on the number of extrusion assemblies 82.

[0084] Referring to Figures 15 to 18, the support 824 of the extrusion assembly 82 is also provided with positioning holes 8241 and positioning protrusions 8242. Along the thickness direction of the support 824, the positioning holes 8241 and positioning protrusions 8242 are located on opposite sides of the support 824. When multiple extrusion assemblies 82 are stacked, adjacent extrusion assemblies 82 are positioned and engaged by the positioning holes 8241 and positioning protrusions 8242. Specifically, the positioning protrusions 8242 on the subsequent support 824 can be accommodated within the positioning holes 8241 on the preceding support 824. In one embodiment, the support 824 is generally a rectangular shell structure, and each extrusion assembly 82 has two positioning holes 8241 and two positioning protrusions 8242, spaced apart along the diagonal of the rectangle. Thus, when multiple extrusion assemblies 82 are stacked, each extrusion assembly 82 can be engaged with each other by the positioning of the positioning holes 8241 and positioning protrusions 8242.

[0085] In other embodiments, the extrusion assembly 82 can also be arranged in a single-row extrusion assembly 82 manner, in which case the switching member 832 may only include a pushing part 8321.

[0086] The fourth driving component 831 includes a drive motor 8311 and a lead screw 8312. The drive motor 8311 is mounted on the outside of the second end plate 85, and the lead screw 8312 is driven by the drive motor 8311 and passes through the movable space. The switching component 832 is driven by the lead screw 8312. The drive motor 8311 drives the lead screw 8312 to rotate, thereby moving the switching component 832 within the movable space to select the corresponding extrusion assembly 82. A guide rod 87 is also provided between the first end plate 84 and the second end plate 85. The switching component 832 is slidably sleeved on the guide rod 87 to guide the movement direction of the switching component 832, reduce the deflection of the switching component 832, improve the movement accuracy of the switching component 832, and reduce the selection error of the extrusion assembly 82.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 14 to 19. The switching component 832 is also connected to a sensing component 8322. Each extrusion assembly 82 also includes a sensing component 827, which is elastically connected to the support 824 and is located on the side of the extrusion channel 823 facing the driven extrusion wheel 822. When consumables pass through the extrusion channel 823, the consumables are extruded by the sensing component 827 to a position close to the sensing component 8322. Specifically, the support 824 is also provided with a second mounting groove 8244, the axis of which is coplanar and parallel to the axis of the first mounting groove 8243. The sensing component 827 can also be movably partially accommodated in the second mounting groove 8244 by means of an elastic component 826. The second mounting groove 8244 communicates with the extrusion channel 823, and the end of the sensing component 827 facing the extrusion channel 823 has a protrusion 8271. When the sensed member 827 is in the initial position and the elastic member 826 connecting the sensed member 827 is in the natural state, the protrusion 8271 may be partially located within the extrusion channel 823.

[0088] When there is consumable material in the extrusion channel 823 of an extrusion assembly 82, the consumable material squeezes the protrusion 8271, causing the sensed part 827 to be pushed out to the side of the sensing element 8322. At this time, if the switching element 832 moves to the position corresponding to the extrusion assembly 82, the sensing element 8322 senses the sensed part 827, and can send a signal to instruct the third drive element 81 to run, thereby driving the active extrusion wheel 821 to rotate to cooperate with the driven extrusion wheel 822 to extrude the consumable material.

[0089] When there is no consumable in the extrusion channel 823 of the extrusion assembly 82, the sensed element 827 is reset under the action of elastic force. Even if the switching element 832 moves the driven extrusion wheel 822 of the extrusion assembly 82 close to the active extrusion wheel 821, the sensed element 8322 cannot sense the sensed element 827, and the active extrusion wheel 821 will not be driven to rotate.

[0090] Optionally, the sensing element 8322 can be a photoelectric sensor. When the sensing element 827 blocks the photoelectric sensor between the transmitting and receiving ends, the photoelectric sensor generates a signal to prompt the switching element 832 to move into place.

[0091] In summary, the switching extrusion device 80 in this embodiment has a compact structure and can easily realize the extrusion and switching of various consumables.

[0092] Referring to Figure 21, an embodiment of this application also provides a 3D printing device 400, including a forming chamber 401 and the nozzle device 200 or the multi-color extrusion system 300 described in the above embodiments. The nozzle switching structure 100, the nozzle device 200, or the multi-color extrusion system 300 is installed in the forming chamber 401 to realize the printing of multi-color three-dimensional structures.

[0093] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A showerhead apparatus, comprising: The nozzle switching structure comprises: a first driving member; a rotating disc, which is drivingly connected to the first driving member for driving the rotating disc to rotate; a plurality of nozzle mechanisms, which are arranged on a first side of the rotating disc and are spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the rotating disc, and an axis of each nozzle mechanism is arranged obliquely relative to an axis of the rotating disc; a detection mechanism configured to detect a position of the nozzle mechanism.

2. The nozzle device according to claim 1, wherein: the detection mechanism comprises a sensor and a plurality of sensing pieces, the sensor is fixed relative to the first driving member, and each sensing piece is arranged corresponding to at least one nozzle mechanism, and the sensor is configured to detect the plurality of sensing pieces to determine the position of the nozzle mechanism.

3. The nozzle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: a second side of the rotating disc is provided with a plurality of feeding interfaces, and each feeding interface is in communication with one nozzle mechanism.

4. The nozzle device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein: each nozzle mechanism comprises a heat dissipation member, a heating member, a nozzle, and a material pipe, one end of the heat dissipation member is connected to the first side of the rotating disc, the other end of the heat dissipation member is spaced apart from the heating member, the nozzle is arranged at an end of the heating member away from the heat dissipation member, the heat dissipation member and the heating member are sleeved on the material pipe, and the material pipe is connected to the nozzle.

5. The nozzle device according to claim 4, further comprising a cutting mechanism arranged on one side of the nozzle mechanism and configured to cut off a consumable in the nozzle mechanism when the nozzle mechanism rotates with the rotating disc.

6. The nozzle device according to claim 5, wherein: the cutting mechanism comprises a cutter, and a gap is formed in the heat dissipation member, and the cutter is partially arranged in the gap.

7. The nozzle device according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a first support and a second support, the first support is located on a second side of the rotating disc, the first driving member is mounted on the first support, an output end of the first driving member penetrates through the first support and is connected to the rotating disc, the second support is connected to the first support, and the detection mechanism is partially mounted on the second support. The nozzle device further comprises an extruding mechanism, which is mounted on one side of the first driving member, and the first driving member is configured to drive the rotating disc to rotate so that one nozzle mechanism corresponds to the extruding mechanism.

9. The nozzle device according to claim 8, further comprising a moving mechanism, the moving mechanism comprises a guide rail and a second driving member, the extruding mechanism is slidingly connected to the guide rail, and the second driving member is configured to drive the extruding mechanism to move along the guide rail.

8. The showerhead assembly of claim 1, wherein, 10. The nozzle device according to claim 9, wherein: a sliding block is further arranged on the guide rail, and the sliding block is drivingly connected to the second driving member, so that the second driving member can drive the sliding block to move along the guide rail. ​ ​ ​ 11. The nozzle device of claim 10, wherein: the housing of the extruding mechanism is connected to a second support of the nozzle switching structure, and the extruding mechanism further comprises a third support on a side of the extruding mechanism facing the nozzle switching structure, and the cutting mechanism of the nozzle switching structure is mounted on the third support.

12. The nozzle device of claim 11, wherein: the cutting mechanism further comprises a cutting frame, and the cutting frame is detachably mounted on the third support.

13. The nozzle device of claim 11, wherein: the sliding block is fixedly connected to the third support and / or the extruding mechanism, so that the extruding mechanism and the nozzle switching structure can move synchronously with the sliding block.

14. A multi-color extrusion system characterized by, including: a switching extruding device, comprising a third driving member, at least two extruding assemblies and a switching assembly, the third driving member is drivingly connected to the at least two extruding assemblies for driving the at least two extruding assemblies, and the switching assembly is movable relative to the at least two extruding assemblies for selecting a corresponding extruding assembly so that the selected extruding assembly extrudes a consumable material; a converging assembly, which is connected to the at least two extruding assemblies and is configured to transport the consumable material extruded by the selected extruding assembly; and the nozzle device of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the nozzle mechanism of the nozzle switching structure is correspondingly arranged with a discharge port of the converging assembly, or the extruding mechanism of the nozzle device is correspondingly arranged with the discharge port of the converging assembly.

15. The multi-color extruding system of claim 14, wherein: each of the extruding assemblies comprises a driving extruding wheel and a driven extruding wheel, and an extruding channel of a consumable material is formed between the driving extruding wheel and the driven extruding wheel, the driving extruding wheel is drivingly connected to the third driving member, and the driven extruding wheel is movable towards or away from the driving extruding wheel; the switching assembly comprises a fourth driving member and a switching member, the fourth driving member is drivingly connected to the switching member, and the fourth driving member is used to move the switching member to the selected extruding assembly so as to push the driven extruding wheel of the extruding assembly to move towards the driving extruding wheel.

16. The multi-color extruding system of claim 15, wherein: each of the extruding assemblies further comprises a support, the extruding channel penetrates through the support, the driving extruding wheel and the driven extruding wheel are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the extruding channel, the driving extruding wheel is rotatably mounted on the support, and the driven extruding wheel is movably mounted on the support in a direction perpendicular to the extruding channel.

17. The multi-color extruding system of claim 16, wherein: each of the extruding assemblies further comprises a mounting frame and an elastic member, the driven extruding wheel is rotatably arranged on the mounting frame, the mounting frame is connected to the support through the elastic member, and a top end of the mounting frame protrudes out of the support.

18. The multi-color extruding system of claim 17, wherein: ​ At least two of the extrusion assemblies are arranged in two rows, each of the extrusion assemblies in each row is arranged in a stack, and the two rows of the extrusion assemblies are spaced from each other to define a space, and the abutting end of the mounting frame is located in the space; and the two rows of the extrusion assemblies are staggered by a preset distance along a stacking direction of the extrusion assemblies; The switching member is movably arranged in the space, and the switching member comprises two pushing portions, and the two pushing portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the switching member; when the pushing portion on one side abuts against the mounting frame on the corresponding side, the pushing portion on the other side is arranged to be staggered with the mounting frame on the corresponding side.

19. The multi-color extrusion system of claim 16, wherein: The switching member is further connected with a sensing member; Each of the extrusion assemblies further comprises a sensed member, the sensed member is elastically connected to the bracket, and the sensed member is located on a side of the extrusion channel facing the driven extrusion wheel; when a consumable passes through the extrusion channel, the consumable extrudes the sensed member to a position close to the sensing member.

20. A 3D printing device, characterized by Comprise: a forming chamber; and The nozzle device of any one of claims 1-13, or the multi-color extrusion system of any one of claims 14-19; the nozzle switching structure, or the nozzle device, or the multi-color extrusion system is installed in the forming chamber.

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