Nozzle device, printing head device and 3D printer

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a nozzle device, a printing head device and a 3D printer. The nozzle device has a feeding end and a discharging end. The nozzle device comprises a heating assembly and a switching assembly, wherein the heating assembly has a defined first axis; a plurality of first material channels are provided on the heating assembly; the switching assembly comprises a rotating member, wherein the rotating member is rotatably connected to one end of the heating assembly that is close to the discharging end around the first axis; and a discharging port is provided in the rotating member, and the rotating member is configured to rotate relative to the heating assembly, such that the discharging port is in selective communication with one of the first material channels. In this way, the nozzle device of the present application can heat consumables in the plurality of first material channels by means of a single heating assembly, and can switch a first material channel in communication with the discharging port by means of the rotation of the rotating member, thereby realizing the switching of the consumables.

Description

Printhead assembly, printhead assembly, and 3D printer

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410703556.0, filed on May 31, 2024, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202421244597.X, filed on May 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a nozzle device, a printhead device, and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0004] Multicolor FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers are mostly equipped with multiple nozzles, each of which is connected to the extrusion channel of a different color of filament. Each nozzle also has a heating structure, which results in the large size and high cost of the 3D printer's print head assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a nozzle assembly, a print head assembly, and a 3D printer to solve the problem that the print head assembly of a known 3D printer is large in size and expensive.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a nozzle device having an inlet end and an outlet end. The nozzle device includes a heating assembly and a switching assembly. The heating assembly has a defined first axis and is provided with a plurality of first material channels. The switching assembly includes a rotating member rotatably connected to one end of the heating assembly near the outlet end about the first axis. The rotating member is provided with an outlet and is configured to rotate relative to the heating assembly so that the outlet selectively connects to one of the first material channels.

[0007] Secondly, this application also provides a printhead device for a 3D printer, the printhead device comprising: a mounting component; a switching component, the switching component including a power component, a first switching component, and a second switching component, the power component being rotatably connected to the mounting component, the power component being in transmission cooperation with the first switching component, the first switching component being connected to the second switching component; an extrusion mechanism, the extrusion mechanism including an active component and a plurality of driven components, the active component being disposed on the mounting component, the plurality of driven components being movably connected to the mounting component and configured to be driven to move by the first switching component; and a nozzle mechanism, the nozzle mechanism being connected to the mounting component, the nozzle mechanism having a plurality of printing channels, each printing channel corresponding to one of the driven components, the printing channel having a first state of outputting consumables and a second state of stopping outputting consumables, the second switching component being disposed at one end of the printing channel where consumables are output;

[0008] When the printhead device moves to the first position, the power component is triggered and drives the first switching component to rotate relative to the mounting component; after the first switching component rotates by a preset angle, the selected driven component moves to a position that cooperates with the active component to form an extrusion channel, and the corresponding printing channel enters the first state.

[0009] Thirdly, this application also provides a 3D printer, comprising: a frame, wherein a trigger is provided on the frame; a printing platform, mounted on the frame and configured to carry a printing model; the aforementioned nozzle device; or the aforementioned print head device, wherein the print head device is configured to move relative to the frame to perform printing on the printing platform; wherein, when the print head device moves to a first position, the trigger abuts against the power member to drive the first switching member to rotate relative to the mounting member. Attached Figure Description

[0010] 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.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the nozzle device of this application in one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle device in Figure 1 along the II-II direction in one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is an explosion schematic diagram of the nozzle device in Figure 1 in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the nozzle device in Figure 1 from another perspective in one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a top view of the rotating shaft of the nozzle device in Figure 1 in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relative position of the rotating shaft and the detection element of the nozzle device in one embodiment of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the printhead device of this application in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printing device of this application in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printhead device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 11 is a top view of the 3D printer in Figure 10.

[0022] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the printhead assembly in Figure 9.

[0023] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0024] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the mounting components and switching assembly of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0025] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the transmission part and the first switching component of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0026] Figure 16 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0027] Figure 17 is a top view of the printhead assembly in Figure 9.

[0028] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the driven component of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0029] Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printhead assembly in Figure 9.

[0030] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the detection component of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0031] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the printhead mechanism of the printhead device in Figure 9.

[0032] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the nozzle mechanism in Figure 21.

[0033] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description will refer to the accompanying drawings to provide a more complete picture of the present application. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present application. However, the present application may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. These exemplary embodiments are provided to make the present application thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. Furthermore, when used herein, “comprising” and / or “including” and / or “having,” integers, steps, operations, components, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Furthermore, unless expressly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant art and in the content of this application, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0037] The specific implementation of an embodiment of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment provides a nozzle device 100, which has an inlet end Z1 and an outlet end Z2. The inlet end Z1 and the outlet end Z2 are opposite ends of the nozzle device 100. Consumables enter the nozzle device 100 from the side where the inlet end Z1 is located, and the nozzle device 100 heats the consumables and then sends them out from the side where the outlet end Z2 is located.

[0039] The nozzle assembly 100 includes a heating component 6 and a switching component 72.

[0040] The heating assembly 6 has a first axis L and a plurality of first feed channels 610, which are used to convey consumables of different colors or materials. The extension direction of the first feed channels 610 is parallel to the direction of the first axis L, and the first feed channels 610 penetrate the heating assembly 6.

[0041] The switching component 72 includes a rotating member 721 with a discharge port 722. The discharge port 722 is used to connect to one of a plurality of first material channels 610 to receive consumables conveyed from the first material channel 610. The rotating member 721 is rotatably connected to the end of the heating component 6 near the discharge end Z2 about a first axis L, so that the discharge port 722 selectively connects to one of the first material channels 610. By driving the rotating member 721 to rotate, the discharge port 722 is docked with different first material channels 610 to achieve the discharge of consumables of the desired color or material.

[0042] Thus, the printhead device 100 of this application, by opening multiple first material channels 610 on the heating component 6, allows a single heating component 6 to heat multiple first material channels 610, avoiding the excessive cost of the entire printhead device 100 caused by setting a heating component 6 for each color of consumable. In addition, the discharge port 722 is opened on the rotating component 721, which can rotate relative to the heating component 6, so that the discharge port 722 can receive consumables of different colors after cooperating with different first material channels 610, simplifying the structure of the printhead device 100.

[0043] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4, in one embodiment, the heating component 6 includes a heat-conducting element 61 and a heating element 62.

[0044] The heat-conducting component 61 has a cylindrical structure, and its axis coincides with the first axis L. The heat-conducting component 61 has multiple first channels 610, each extending inward from one end face and penetrating the heat-conducting component 61. The number of first channels 610 can be four or six, and these channels are evenly spaced around the first axis L. It is understood that the number and arrangement of the first channels 610 can be adjusted according to actual design requirements.

[0045] The heat-conducting component 61 can be made of a metal material with thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper.

[0046] The heating element 62 has a circular ring structure and is sleeved on the outside of the heat-conducting element 61. The heating element 62 and the heat-conducting element 61 are thermally coupled to transfer heat to the heat-conducting element 61. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the heating element 62 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the heat-conducting element 61, so that after the heat-conducting element 61 comes into contact with the heating element 62, the heating element 62 heats the heat-conducting element 61. The heating element 62 can achieve its heating function by incorporating a heating coil or other means.

[0047] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4, in one embodiment, the heat-conducting component 61 has a mounting groove 611 at one end near the rotating component 721. The bottom wall of the mounting groove 611 has a protruding limiting part 612, which is located at the center of the mounting groove 611, and the axis of the limiting part 612 coincides with the first axis L.

[0048] The rotating component 721 has a disc-shaped structure, and a rotating protrusion 723 protrudes from one end of the rotating component 721 near the heat-conducting component 61. The rotating protrusion 723 is located at the center of the rotating component 721, and its axis coincides with the first axis L. The rotating protrusion 723 has an annular structure and is rotatably disposed within the mounting groove 611, and surrounds the outer periphery of the limiting portion 612. The inner peripheral surface of the rotating protrusion 723 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the limiting portion 612, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating protrusion 723 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 611 to ensure that the rotating protrusion 723 does not shift when rotating.

[0049] Specifically, the height of the limiting part 612, the depth of the mounting groove 611, and the height of the rotating protrusion 723 are kept consistent to ensure that there is no gap between the rotating part 721 and the heat-conducting part 61 when they are installed.

[0050] Furthermore, the discharge port 722 passes through the rotating protrusion 723 and the rotating member 721, and the first material channel 610 is connected to the mounting groove 611. The end face of the rotating protrusion 723 away from the rotating member 721 abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove 611 so that the discharge port 722 is connected to the first material channel 610, and there is no gap at the connection between the discharge port 722 and the first material channel 610 that would cause consumables to overflow.

[0051] In addition, the end of the rotating member 721 away from the heat-conducting member 61 is provided with a nozzle part 724, which is connected to the discharge port 722 so that the consumables in the discharge port 722 can flow directly to the nozzle part 724 and be guided to the required position through the nozzle part 724.

[0052] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4, in one embodiment, the nozzle device 100 further includes a heat sink 73. The heat sink 73 is made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. Along the direction of the first axis L, the heat sink 73 is connected to the end of the heat conductor 61 away from the rotating member 721 and is thermally coupled to the heat conductor 61, so that it can dissipate some of the heat from the heat conductor 61 after receiving it, thus avoiding excessively high temperatures from affecting the structure above or outside the area of ​​the heat sink 73.

[0053] The heat sink 73 includes a main body 731 and multiple heat sinks 734. The main body 731 has a columnar structure, and its axis coincides with the first axis L. The main body 731 has multiple second material channels 732, which are equally spaced around the axis of the main body 731. The extension direction of the second material channels 732 is parallel to the direction of the first axis L, and the second material channels 732 penetrate the main body 731.

[0054] Multiple second feed channels 732 are correspondingly arranged with multiple first feed channels 610, and each of the multiple second feed channels 732 is connected to each of the multiple first feed channels 610, so that consumables enter the first feed channel 610 from the second feed channel 732 and then enter the discharge port 722 from the first feed channel 610. In addition, each second feed channel 732 can be connected to the extrusion device 77 (as shown in Figure 7) through a throat (not shown), so that the extrusion device 77 can transport consumables into the second feed channel 732 through the throat.

[0055] Along the direction of the first axis L, multiple heat dissipation sections 734 are spaced apart and connected to the outer side of the main body 731, and the multiple heat dissipation sections 734 are integrally formed with the main body 731. The heat dissipation section 734 has a sheet-like structure, and a heat dissipation channel 735 is formed between any two adjacent heat dissipation sections 734. When the main body 731 receives heat transferred from the heat-conducting member 61, the main body 731 transfers the heat to the heat dissipation section 734. When cold air flows through the heat dissipation channel 735, it comes into contact with the heat dissipation section 734 and carries away the heat on the heat dissipation section 734.

[0056] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4, in one embodiment, the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61 are spaced apart to avoid direct contact between the heat conductor 61 and the heat sink 73, which would cause a large amount of heat to be carried away from the heat conductor 61, resulting in insufficient heating of the consumable material in the first material channel 610 opened on the heat conductor 61. The nozzle device 100 also includes a connector 74. The extension direction of the connector 74 is parallel to the direction of the first axis L and is located between the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61. The connector 74 connects the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61 to improve the connection rigidity between the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61.

[0057] In addition, the connector 74 has a connecting channel 744, the extending direction of which is parallel to the direction of the first axis L. The connecting channel 744 passes through the connector 74, so that when the connector 74 connects the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61, the two opposite ends of the connecting channel 744 are respectively connected to the first channel 610 and the second channel 732.

[0058] Specifically, along the extending direction of the connector 74, the connector 74 includes a first segment 741, a second segment 742, and a third segment 743 connected in sequence. The first segment 741, the second segment 742, and the third segment 743 are integrally formed, and the connecting channel 744 passes through the first segment 741, the second segment 742, and the third segment 743 in sequence.

[0059] The first section 741, the second section 742, and the third section 743 are all cylindrical structures. The first section 741 is connected within the first feed channel 610, the second section 742 is located between the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61, and the third section 743 is located within the second feed channel 732, and the third section 743 can be held in place within the second feed channel 732 by means of interference fit or other methods.

[0060] The first section 741 extends completely into the first feed channel 610, and the third section 743 extends completely into the second feed channel 732. The extension length of the second section 742 is the same as the distance between the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61, so that only the second section 742 is exposed to the air between the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61. This avoids the connection 74 from having too long an exposed section, which would cause the heat conductor 61 to lose heat too quickly and affect the heating of the consumable.

[0061] Specifically, the outer diameter of the second segment 742 is smaller than that of the first segment 741 and the third segment 743, and the extension length of the second segment 742 is smaller than that of the first segment 741 and the third segment 743, further reducing the area of ​​the second segment 742 exposed to the air and preventing the heat conductor 61 from losing heat too quickly. Furthermore, the smaller outer diameter of the second segment 742 reduces the transfer of heat from the heat conductor 61 to the heat sink 73, thereby maintaining the high temperature of the heat conductor 61.

[0062] Furthermore, the first feed channel 610 includes a first section 6101 and a second section 6102 connected in sequence. One end of the first section 6101 is connected to the mounting groove 611, and the other end of the first section 6101 is connected to the second section 6102. The end of the second section 6102 away from the first section 6101 passes through the top surface of the heat-conducting member 61.

[0063] The inner diameter of the first section 6101 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second section 6102, so that a first stepped surface P1 is formed between the first section 6101 and the second section 6102. The first section 741 is completely located within the second section 6102, and the first section 741 can be held within the second section 6102 by means of interference fit or other means. The first section 741 abuts against the first stepped surface P1, so that the connecting channel 744 is connected to the second section 6102, ensuring that there is no gap between the connecting channel 744 and the second section 6102.

[0064] Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the first section 741 is provided with an external thread 745, and the inner peripheral surface of the second section 6102 is provided with an internal thread 6103, so that the first section 741 is connected to the second section 6102 by means of a threaded connection.

[0065] The second feed channel 732 includes a third section 7321 and a fourth section 7322 connected in sequence. One end of the third section 7321 penetrates the bottom end face of the main body 731, and the other end of the third section 7321 connects to the fourth section 7322. The end of the fourth section 7322 away from the third section 7321 penetrates the top end face of the main body 731 and is used to receive consumables.

[0066] The inner diameter of the third section 7321 is larger than the inner diameter of the fourth section 7322, so that a second stepped surface P2 is formed between the third section 7321 and the fourth section 7322. The third section 743 is completely located within the third section 7321 and abuts against the second stepped surface P2, so that the connecting channel 744 and the fourth section 7322 are connected, ensuring that there is no gap between the connecting channel 744 and the fourth section 7322.

[0067] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6, in one embodiment, the switching assembly 72 further includes a rotating shaft 75 and a driving member 76. The driving member 76 is located on the side of the heat sink 73 away from the heat conductor 61. The rotating shaft 75 extends parallel to the direction of the first axis L, passes through the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61, and is rotatable relative to the heat sink 73 and the heat conductor 61. One end of the rotating shaft 75 is connected to the driving member 76, and the other end is connected to the rotating member 721. The driving member 76 drives the rotating shaft 75 to rotate, and the rotating shaft 75 in turn drives the rotating member 721 connected to it to rotate, thereby switching the discharge port 722 to dock with a different first material channel 610.

[0068] A first through hole 613 is provided at the center of the heat-conducting component 61, and a second through hole 733 is provided at the center of the main body 731. The axial directions of the first through hole 613 and the second through hole 733 are both parallel to the direction of the first axis L. One end of the rotating shaft 75 is located on the side of the heat sink 73 away from the heat-conducting component 61, and the other end of the rotating shaft 75 passes through the second through hole 733 and the first through hole 613 in sequence and is connected to the rotating component 721.

[0069] Furthermore, the drive element 76 includes, but is not limited to, a motor, a lever 761.

[0070] In some implementation methods, the drive component 76 is a motor or electric motor, and the drive component 76 directly drives the rotating shaft 75 to rotate after being powered on.

[0071] In some other embodiments, the driving element 76 is a lever 761, which can be rotated by collision. Specifically, the lever 761 is used to rotate by colliding with a support frame 78. The support frame 78 is the main frame of the 3D printer 300, used to mount other components of the 3D printer 300. The nozzle device 100 is movable relative to the support frame 78, and when the nozzle device 100 moves close to the support frame 78, the nozzle device 100 carries the lever 761 close to the support frame 78 until the lever 761 collides with the support frame 78. The support frame 78 then provides a certain driving force to the lever 761, which can drive the lever 761 to rotate by a certain angle, and then the lever 761 drives the rotating element 721 to rotate by a certain angle.

[0072] It is worth noting that, in order to ensure that the lever 761 can smoothly collide with the support frame 78 each time it approaches the support frame 78, the rotating shaft 75 may be equipped with a torsion spring (not shown in the figure) to drive the lever 761 to reset after the collision. In addition, a ratchet anti-reverse mechanism (not shown in the figure) may be provided between the rotating shaft 75 and the rotating member 721 to prevent the lever 761 from driving the rotating member 721 to reverse during the reset process.

[0073] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, and also to Figure 2, the nozzle device 100 further includes a first detection element 79, which is configured to detect the status information of the rotating element 721 and / or the rotating protrusion 723 to determine the location of the discharge port 722.

[0074] Specifically, an extension 751 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 75, extending away from the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft 75. The number of extensions 751 corresponds to the number of first material channels 610, and is set to four. The four extensions 751 are equally spaced around the first axis L, and the included angle between any two adjacent extensions 751 and the first axis L is 79°. The four extensions 751 correspond one-to-one with the four first material channels 610.

[0075] The first detection element 79 includes a signal transmitter 791 and a signal receiver 792. The signal transmitter 791 emits a detection laser towards the signal receiver 792. Both the signal transmitter 791 and the signal receiver 792 are located on at least a portion of the rotation path of the extension 751. Along the direction of the first axis L, the signal transmitter 791 and the signal receiver 792 are spaced apart to form a space between them for the extension 751 to rotate. When any extension 751 rotates through the space formed between the signal transmitter 791 and the signal receiver 792, the extension 751 blocks the detection laser emitted by the signal transmitter 791, preventing the signal receiver 792 from receiving the detection laser and causing it to send a detection signal back to the control element (not shown). The control element then analyzes the current rotation angle of the rotating shaft 75.

[0076] It should be noted that the first detection element 79 can be fixed to the mounting base of the drive element 76 to secure the first detection element 79. Those skilled in the art can select the structure for fixing the first detection element 79 according to actual design requirements.

[0077] Thus, by detecting the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 75 through the first detection element 79, the rotation angle of the rotating element 721 that rotates with the rotating shaft 75 is obtained, and then the current position of the nozzle part 724 on the rotating element 721 is obtained, thereby determining the first material channel 610 connected to the current nozzle part 724, so as to analyze the extension, type and other information of the consumables currently delivered from the nozzle part 724 according to different first material channels 610.

[0078] It is understood that, in other implementations, the first detection element 79 may also be a Hall sensor or other sensing element capable of detecting rotation angle.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7 and in conjunction with Figure 2, this application embodiment also provides a printhead device 200, including an extrusion device 77 and the aforementioned printhead device 100. The printhead device 100 is connected to the extrusion device 77 and is located below the extrusion device 77, for receiving consumables extruded by the extrusion device 77.

[0080] The extrusion device 77 is provided with multiple channels and is used to extrude consumables of different colors or materials. The number of channels provided in the extrusion device 77 is the same as the number of second material channels 732, so that each channel provided in the extrusion device 77 can be connected to a second material channel 732.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, and in conjunction with Figure 7, this application embodiment also provides a 3D printer 300, including a support frame 78 and the aforementioned printhead device 200. The printhead device 200 is movably connected to the support frame 78, enabling the printhead device 200 to move within space to adjust the position of the filament ejected from the printhead device 200.

[0082] Furthermore, the 3D printer 300 also includes a feeding assembly (not shown in the figure) for conveying filament into the channel opened in the extrusion unit 77. The feeding assembly can be located at the proximal end or the distal end of the extrusion unit 77 to achieve proximal or distal delivery of filament.

[0083] It is understood that the 3D printer 300 in this application can be any of the following: gantry 3D printer, single cantilever 3D printer, frame 3D printer, enclosed 3D printer, infinite Z-axis 3D printer, or delta 3D printer.

[0084] The printhead device 200 and the 3D printer 300 of another embodiment of this application are described below with reference to Figures 9 to 22.

[0085] Referring to Figures 9 to 12, this embodiment provides a printhead device 200 for use in a 3D printer 300. The printhead device 200 includes a mounting member 10, a switching assembly 20, an extrusion mechanism 30, and a nozzle mechanism 40. The switching assembly 20 includes a power member 21, a first switching member 22, and a second switching member 23. The power member 21 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 10, and the power member 21 is in a transmission engagement with the first switching member 22. The first switching member 22 and the second switching member 23 are connected. The extrusion mechanism 30 includes an active assembly 31 and multiple driven assemblies 32. The active assembly 31 is disposed on the mounting member 10, and the multiple driven assemblies 32 are movably connected to the mounting member 10 and configured to be moved by the first switching member 22. The printhead mechanism 40 is connected to the mounting component 10. The printhead mechanism 40 has multiple printing channels 41, which are respectively configured to correspond to multiple driven components 32. The printing channel 41 has a first state of ejecting consumables and a second state of stopping the ejection of consumables. The second switching component 23 is located at the end of the printing channel 41 where consumables are output. When the printhead device 200 moves to the first position, the power component 21 is triggered, which drives the first switching component 22 to rotate relative to the mounting component 10. After the first switching component 22 rotates by a preset angle, the selected driven component 32 moves to a position that cooperates with the driving component 31 to form an extrusion channel Q, and the corresponding printing channel 41 enters the first state.

[0086] In this application, "multiple" generally means "at least two".

[0087] When the printhead device 200 of this embodiment needs to switch different driven components 32 to switch different extrusion channels Q, the printhead device 200 moves to a first position to trigger the power member 21. Afterwards, the printhead device 200 continues to move while the power member 21 remains triggered. The power member 21 rotates relative to the mounting member 10, driving the first switching member 22 and the second switching member 23 to rotate. During the rotation of the first switching member 22, it can push multiple driven components 32 to displace relative to the mounting member 10. After the first switching member 22 rotates by a preset angle, the selected driven component 32 moves and cooperates with the active component 31 to form the extrusion channel Q. This extrusion channel Q corresponds to the selected consumable, thus completing the extrusion switching of the consumable. Simultaneously, the second switching member 23 also rotates synchronously with the first switching member 22. After rotating by a preset angle, the second switching member 23 can also cause the printing channel 41 corresponding to the selected driven component 32 to enter a first state. Thus, the consumable can be extruded through the extrusion channel Q and ejected from the printing channel 41, realizing the printing operation.

[0088] In this embodiment, the consumables corresponding to different driven components 32 can be consumables with different physical and chemical properties such as color and melting point, so as to switch different consumables according to the actual printing setting requirements and realize the switching of multiple consumables.

[0089] For example, referring to Figure 12, the driven component 32 on the left is spaced apart from the active component 31, and the driven component 32 on the right forms an extrusion channel Q with the active component 31. The consumable material corresponding to the driven component 32 on the right can be conveyed to the printhead mechanism 40. When the printhead device 200 in Figure 12 moves along the first direction X and the power component 21 rotates clockwise, the power component 21 can drive the driven component 32 on the left to move to the position where it forms the extrusion channel Q with the active component 31, and the driven component 32 on the right is spaced apart from the active component 31, so that the consumable material corresponding to the driven component 32 on the left can be conveyed to the printhead mechanism 40, completing the consumable switching. When there are multiple driven components 32, the angle of clockwise rotation of the power component 21 or the direction of rotation of the power component 21 can be adjusted so that other selected driven components 32 cooperate with the active component 31 to form the extrusion channel Q.

[0090] The printhead assembly 200 of this embodiment integrates both an extrusion mechanism 30 and a nozzle mechanism 40. The switching power of the driven component 32 of the extrusion mechanism 30 is generated by the power component 21 being triggered during the movement of the mounting component 10. The power component 21 is lighter than existing motor structures, thereby reducing the weight of the printhead assembly 200 while still satisfying the functions of near-end extrusion and multi-consumable switching. This ensures the moving speed of the printhead assembly 200, reduces its inertia, and improves printing efficiency and quality. Furthermore, by simultaneously rotating the first switching component 22 and the second switching component 23 using a single power component 21, the weight of the printhead assembly 200 can be further reduced.

[0091] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 10, the 3D printer 300 also includes a frame 301. The frame 301 is provided with a trigger 3012. The first position of the print head device 200 refers to the position where the power member 21 abuts against the trigger 3012 and is triggered. The second position refers to the position where, after the power member 21 abuts against the trigger 3012, the print head device 200 continues to move the frame 301 to the position where the power member 21 drives the first switching member 22 to rotate by a preset angle while keeping the power member 21 triggered.

[0092] For example, referring to Figure 10, the frame 301 includes two columns 3011 spaced apart along the first direction X. A trigger 3012 is disposed on at least one column 3011. The first position refers to the position where the power member 21 abuts against the trigger 3012 and is triggered. The second position refers to the position where the mounting member 10 continues to move along the first direction X toward the column 3011 with the trigger 3012 while keeping the power member 21 triggered, until the first switching member 22 rotates a preset angle.

[0093] In other embodiments, the frame 301 can also be configured as the frame of any one or more 3D printers, such as a whole-machine 3D printer, a Delta 3D printer, or an infinite Z-axis 3D printer. The specific structure of the frame can be adjusted according to different types of 3D printers, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0094] The following description uses an example of having four driven components 32 to illustrate this embodiment. In other embodiments, the number of driven components 32 may be two, three, or more than four.

[0095] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 11 and 13, the power component 21 includes a swing arm 211, a rotating shaft 212, and a transmission part 213. The swing arm 211 has a fixed end 2111 and a free end 2112 spaced apart along its length. The fixed end 2111 of the swing arm 211 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 212, and the other end of the rotating shaft 212 is connected to the transmission part 213. The transmission part 213 is in transmission cooperation with the first switching member 22. The free end 2112 of the swing arm 211 is used to collide with the column 3011 so as to drive the first switching member 22 to rotate by a preset angle through the transmission part 213.

[0096] Referring to Figure 11, when the swing arm 211 is in the initial position without contacting the column 3011, the length direction of the swing arm 211 intersects with the first direction X. In this embodiment, the length direction of the swing arm 211 is parallel to the second direction Y.

[0097] When the extrusion mechanism 30 needs to switch from the current driven component 32 to another driven component 32 cooperating with the active component 31, the mounting member 10 moves along the first direction X to be close to the column 3011 until the free end 2112 abuts against the column 3011. At this time, the free end 2112 remains fixed in the first direction X position, and the printhead device 200 is in the first position. The mounting member 10 continues to move along the first direction X. During this process, the swing arm 211 rotates around the free end 2112, and at the same time, the fixed end 2111 of the swing arm 211 also rotates, thereby driving the rotating shaft 212 to rotate around its axis. Thus, the transmission part 213 drives the first switching member 22 to rotate by a preset angle, and the printhead device 200 enters the second position. After the first switching member 22 rotates, the current driven component 32 moves away from the active component 31, and the other driven component 32 cooperates with the active component 31, completing the switching of the driven component 32.

[0098] Optionally, referring to Figure 11, the column 3011 is provided with a trigger 3012 protruding along the first direction X, and the trigger 3012 and the optical axis 303 are spaced apart along the second direction Y. After the mounting member 10 moves closer to the column 3011 along the first direction X, the free end 2112 of the swing arm 211 can abut against the trigger 3012, while not affecting the continued movement of the mounting member 10 closer to the column 3011. In other embodiments, the mounting member 10 and the column 3011 can also be spaced apart in the second direction Y, and the length direction of the swing arm 211 in the initial position can be adjusted so that the rotation of the swing arm 211 and the movement of the mounting member 10 do not interfere with each other.

[0099] Optionally, when there are four driven components 32, the switching angle of the swing arm 211 can be set to 90°, that is, the preset angle is 90°. In other embodiments, the angle at which the swing arm 211 rotates around the free end 2112 until the driven component 32 completes the switching can be adjusted according to the number of driven components 32 and their arrangement on the mounting member 10.

[0100] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 9, 12, and 13, the switching assembly 20 further includes a first elastic element 25. The first elastic element 25 is elastically supported between the swing arm 211 and the mounting member 10. The transmission part 213 and the first switching member 22 are in unidirectional transmission cooperation. After the swing arm 211 contacts the column 3011, it can drive the first switching member 22 to rotate in the forward direction N1 under the drive of the mounting member 10. After the swing arm 211 separates from the column 3011, the elastic force of the first elastic element 25 can cause the swing arm 211 to drive the rotating shaft 212 to rotate in the reverse direction N2 relative to the mounting member 10, thereby driving the transmission part 213 to rotate in the reverse direction N2 and reset. The forward direction N1 and the reverse direction N2 are shown in Figure 15. Therefore, the first elastic element 25 can enable the printhead device 200 to automatically return from the second position to the first position, so as to ensure that the printhead device 200, in the next process of moving from the first position to the second position, will further complete the first switching element 22 to drive the next driven component 32 to move to the position that cooperates with the active component 31 to form the extrusion channel Q.

[0101] As the mounting component 10 moves toward the column 3011 to rotate the swing arm 211 around its free end 2112, the fixed end 2111 of the swing arm 211 simultaneously rotates around the axis of the rotation shaft 212, compressing or stretching the first elastic member 25. After the position of the first switching component 22 is switched, the mounting component 10 moves away from the column 3011 along the first direction X. At this time, the free end 2112 of the swing arm 211 separates from the column 3011, and the elastic force of the first elastic member 25 enables the fixed end 2111 of the swing arm 211 to rotate in the opposite direction N2 relative to the mounting component 10, thereby causing the rotation shaft 212 to drive the transmission part 213 to rotate in the opposite direction N2 and reset, thus facilitating the next switching of the position of the driven component 32. By setting the first elastic element 25, the power element 21 of the switching component 20 can realize the automatic reset function without manual adjustment or the need to set an additional power mechanism. This reduces the weight of the power element 21 and the control cost of the power element 21, thereby ensuring the reliable switching of the driven component 32 while reducing the switching cost of the extrusion mechanism 30.

[0102] Optionally, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the first elastic element 25 is a torsion spring 25a, the mounting member 10 includes a first connecting protrusion 11, the fixed end 2111 of the swing arm 211 is provided with a second connecting protrusion 2113, and the two ends of the tension spring are respectively fitted into the first connecting protrusion 11 and the second connecting protrusion 2113. In other embodiments, the first elastic element 25 may also be a tension spring or a compression spring or other elastic structure.

[0103] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 14 and 15, the first switching member 22 is provided with a mounting groove 221. The side of the mounting groove 221 is provided with multiple mating grooves 222, which are distributed around the rotation axis 212. Each mating groove 222 includes an inclined surface 2221 and abutting surface 2222 spaced radially along the rotation axis 212. The transmission part 213 includes multiple actuating parts 214, which are distributed around the rotation axis 212. When the transmission part 213 rotates in the forward direction N1, the multiple actuating parts 214 can slide into the mating grooves 222 along the inclined surface 2221 and abut against the abutting surface 2222, thereby pushing the first switching member 22 to rotate in the forward direction N1. When the transmission part 213 rotates in the reverse direction N2, the multiple actuating parts 214 disengage from the inclined surface 2221 and the multiple mating grooves 222, and rotate relative to the first switching member 22 in the reverse direction N2.

[0104] Through the structural design of the first switching member 22 and the transmission part 213, the transmission part 213 can only drive the first switching member 22 to rotate when it is subjected to a positive rotational force N1. When the transmission part 213 is subjected to other forces, the first switching member 22 will not rotate, thereby ensuring the positional stability of the first switching member 22, reducing the possibility of positional changes of the driven component 32 during printing, and improving printing reliability. At the same time, after the transmission part 213 rotates by a preset angle, the mounting part 10 moves away from the column 3011 along the first direction X, and the rotating shaft 212 drives the transmission part 213 to rotate in the opposite direction N2 and reset. During this process, the first switching member 22 remains stationary in the switched position and will not rotate with the transmission part 213, ensuring that the switching position of the first switching member 22 on the driven component 32 is not affected by the reset of the switching component 20.

[0105] Optionally, multiple actuating parts 214 are respectively arranged to extend along an arc to facilitate sliding into and out of the mating groove 222, thereby ensuring the reliability of the mating between the transmission part 213 and the first switching member 22 and reducing the possibility of frictional resistance generated during the relative movement of the two.

[0106] In other embodiments, unidirectional transmission between the transmission unit 213 and the first switching member 22 can be achieved through other unidirectional transmission structures. For example, the first switching member 22 has an inner hole, and the transmission unit 213 can be configured as a one-way wheel. The one-way wheel fits into the inner hole and forms a unidirectional friction self-locking transmission with the inner hole. The unidirectional transmission is disconnected and engaged. In this way, when the one-way wheel rotates in the forward direction N1 under the drive of the rotating shaft 212, it can drive the first switching member 22 to rotate in the forward direction N1. When the one-way wheel rotates in the reverse direction N2 under the drive of the rotating shaft 212, the one-way wheel disengages from the hole surface of the inner hole and no longer drives the rotation of the first switching member 22.

[0107] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 14, the peripheral surface of the first switching member 22 is provided with a concave relief groove 223. The first switching member 22 can rotate relative to the mounting member 10 so that the selected driven component 32 abuts against the bottom surface of the relief groove 223 and cooperates with the driving component 31 to form an extrusion channel Q. At the same time, other driven components 32 abut against the peripheral surface of the first switching member 22 and are held at a position spaced apart from the driving component 31.

[0108] In other embodiments, a protrusion may be provided on the circumferential surface of the first switching member 22, and the driven component 32 abutting against the protrusion may cooperate with the driving component 31 to form an extrusion channel Q. Therefore, the shape of the first switching member 22 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first switching member 22 can be formed as a circular plate. The arc-shaped outer periphery of the circular plate can reduce the damage to the driven component 32 during the switching process driven by the second abutment 323, thereby improving the service life of the extrusion mechanism 30. In other embodiments, the second abutment 323 can also be a protrusion or roller protruding from the outer periphery of the first switching member 22 to further reduce the friction force experienced by the driven component 32 during position switching.

[0110] In some embodiments, multiple first switching elements 22 may be provided, and the multiple first switching elements 22 may be distributed along the third direction Z, or distributed along the first direction X, or distributed in an array in the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0111] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 12 and 16, the mounting component 10 includes a base plate 12, a connecting portion 13, a side portion 14, a top portion 15, and a mounting portion 16. The base plate 12 is connected to the nozzle mechanism 40 and the nozzle 232 mounting component 10. The base plate 12 has multiple through holes 121, which are respectively provided with multiple driven components 32 and connect to the extrusion channel Q formed by the corresponding driven component 32 and the driving component 31. The multiple driven components 32 are movably connected to the base plate 12. One end of the connecting portion 13 is connected to the base plate 12, and the extrusion component is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 13. The extrusion component has a driven component 32 on each side along the first direction X, and the driven component 32 is movably connected to the base plate 12.

[0112] In other embodiments, the number of through holes 121 and the number of printing channels 41 may be different, and the correspondence between through holes 121 and printing channels 41 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0113] In this embodiment, referring to FIG13, the active component 31 includes an active wheel 311. The driven component 32 includes a driven bracket 321 and a driven wheel 322. The driven bracket 321 is rotatably connected to the base plate 12, and the driven wheel 322 is rotatably disposed on the driven bracket 321. The extrusion mechanism 30 also includes a drive component 34, which is disposed on the mounting member 10 and connected to the active wheel 311. The drive component 34 is used to drive the active wheel 311 to rotate. The active component 31 can cooperate with the driven component 32, which forms the extrusion channel Q with it, and rotate in opposite directions to convey consumables.

[0114] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 13, the active component 31 includes two active wheels 311, and each active wheel 311 has a driven component 32 on each side along its radial direction (first direction X). In this way, the overall integration of the extrusion mechanism 30 can be improved, and the volume of the extrusion mechanism 30 can be reduced while ensuring the number of driven components 32.

[0115] In this embodiment, multiple drive wheels 311 can be provided, and the multiple drive wheels 311 can be arranged along a rectangular array. The following description uses two drive wheels 311 as an example, with the two drive wheels 311 spaced apart along the second direction Y. Obviously, in other embodiments, the arrangement and specific number of drive wheels 311 can be adjusted and changed according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0116] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the drive assembly 34 includes a drive motor 341, a first gear 3421, two second gears 3422, and two third gears 3423. The drive motor 341 is fixedly mounted on the side portion 14. The first gear 3421 is connected to the output end of the drive motor 341. The two second gears 3422 are spaced apart along the second direction Y on both sides of the mounting member 10. One second gear 3422 meshes with the first gear 3421, and the two second gears 3422 are respectively connected to two drive wheels 311. The two third gears 3423 mesh with the two second gears 3422 respectively and are disposed on one side of the mounting member 10 along the first direction X. The two third gears 3423 are fixedly connected to each other. Thus, the first gear 3421 transmits power to a second gear 3422, which in turn transmits power to two third gears 3423. One of the third gears 3423 then transmits power to the other second gear 3422, thereby enabling the two drive wheels 311 to rotate under the drive of the drive motor 341.

[0117] By engaging the two second gears 3422 through the two third gears 3423, the outer space of the mounting member 10 can be utilized, thereby facilitating the placement of other components on the inner side of the mounting member 10 and improving the integration of the extrusion mechanism 30.

[0118] Of course, in other embodiments, the two second gears 3422 can also be directly fixedly connected by a shaft, or only one second gear 3422 can be provided to mesh with the first gear 3421. The specific structure and transmission form of the transmission assembly can be adjusted according to the arrangement of the driven assembly 32, and this embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0119] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 13 to 16, there are two side portions 14. The two side portions 14 are respectively connected to the two sides of the base plate 12 along the second direction Y. A second gear 3422 and a third gear 3423 are rotatably engaged with one side portion 14, and another second gear 3422 and another third gear 3423 are rotatably engaged with the other side portion 14.

[0120] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 16, the top 15 and the bottom plate 12 are spaced apart along the third direction Z. The top 15 is connected to the connecting part 13 and the two side parts 14. The top 15 has a receiving hole 151. The first switching member 22 is disposed in the receiving hole 151, and the swing arm 211 of the switching assembly 20 is disposed on the upper side of the top 15. The rotating shaft 212 passes through the top 15 and is connected to the first switching member 22.

[0121] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 17 and 18, the driven component 32 includes a driven bracket 321 and a driven wheel 322. One end of the driven bracket 321 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 10, and the driven wheel 322 is rotatably connected to the middle of the driven bracket 321. The extrusion mechanism 30 also includes a plurality of second elastic members 33, which are elastically supported between the mounting member 10 and the plurality of driven brackets 321, and elastically press the driven bracket 321 against the outer periphery of the first switching member 22. The first switching member 22 is used to push the driven bracket 321 to rotate relative to the mounting member 10, thereby moving the selected driven component 32 to a position that forms an extrusion channel Q with the active component 31.

[0122] By rotating the first switching element 22, multiple driven brackets 321 can rotate relative to the mounting element 10, allowing the first switching element 22 to simultaneously switch the positions of multiple driven brackets 321 within a small space, thereby improving the integration of the extrusion mechanism 30.

[0123] Furthermore, the second elastic member 33 keeps the driven bracket 321 elastically abutting between the mounting member 10 and the first switching member 22, thereby keeping the position of the driven bracket 321 stable and reliable. Even if the mounting member 10 moves along the optical axis 303 and causes the driven bracket 321 to shake, the driven bracket 321 can quickly remain in a fixed position, thereby ensuring the reliability of the extrusion mechanism 30 in conveying consumables.

[0124] Optionally, in this embodiment, referring to FIG16, the mounting component 10 further includes two mounting portions 16, which are disposed on both sides of the base plate 12 along the first direction X, and both mounting portions 16 are located between the two side portions 14 in the second direction Y. The driven component 32 further includes a first rotating shaft 212, which is rotatably engaged in the two side portions 14, and one end of the driven bracket 321 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 212. Furthermore, two driven brackets 321 are respectively provided between one mounting portion 16 and the two side portions 14, and two more driven brackets 321 are respectively provided between the other mounting portion 16 and the other two side portions 14. In this way, the driven bracket 321 can be limited along the second direction Y by the mounting portion 16 and the side portions 14, thereby improving the installation reliability of the driven bracket 321.

[0125] Optionally, referring to Figure 13, the second elastic element 33 can be a compression spring, with its two ends abutting between the driven bracket 321 and the mounting part 16, respectively. Thus, two compression springs can be installed simultaneously through one mounting part 16. In other embodiments, the second elastic element 33 can also be a torsion spring 25a, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 212 and connected between the driven bracket 321 and the mounting part 10. Therefore, the specific structure and installation position of the second elastic element 33 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0126] Optionally, referring to Figure 16, the mounting part 16 is provided with a guide protrusion 161, and the compression spring is sleeved in the guide protrusion 161. The guide protrusion 161 can guide the extension and retraction direction of the compression spring, ensuring the reliability of the position switching of the driven component 32.

[0127] In other embodiments, the driven bracket 321 is inclined, the lower end of the driven bracket 321 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 10, and the upper end of the driven bracket 321 rests on the first switching member 22. In this way, the driven bracket 321 remains against the outer periphery of the first switching member 22 under its own gravity, so there is no need to provide an additional second elastic member 33.

[0128] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the driving wheel 311 includes a driving gear 3111 and a driving feed wheel 3112. The driving gear 3111 and the driving feed wheel 3112 are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected. The driven wheel 322 includes a driven gear 3221 and a driven feed wheel 3222, which are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected. When the driving wheel 311 and the driven wheel 322 are engaged, the driving gear 3111 meshes with the driven gear 3221, and the driving feed wheel 3112 approaches the driven feed wheel 3222, clamping the consumable material located between them. Thus, when the driving gear 3111 drives the driven gear 3221 to rotate, the driving feed wheel 3112 and the driven feed wheel 3222 rotate towards each other, causing the consumable material clamped between them to move towards the nozzle mechanism 40, thereby conveying the consumable material to the nozzle mechanism 40. When the driving wheel 311 separates from the driven wheel 322, the driving gear 3111 no longer meshes with the driven gear 3221, and the distance between the driving feed wheel 3112 and the driven feed wheel 3222 is also greater than the outer diameter of the consumable, thus making it impossible to convey the consumable.

[0129] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 18, the driven bracket 321 is provided with a mounting hole 3211 along the second direction Y. The mounting hole 3211 is provided with two opposite holes along the third direction Z, respectively with a feeding protrusion 324 and a discharging protrusion 325. The feeding protrusion 324 is used to feed in consumables, and the discharging protrusion 325 is used to discharge consumables. The feed protrusion 324 and the discharge protrusion 325 are spaced apart along a third direction Z. The width of the feed protrusion 324 gradually decreases at the end near the discharge protrusion 325, and the width of the discharge protrusion 325 gradually decreases at the end near the feed protrusion 324. The driving feed wheel 3112 is located on one side of the feed protrusion 324 and the discharge protrusion 325. The driven wheel 322 is rotatably connected to the driven bracket 321 via the second rotating shaft 212 and is located in the mounting hole 3211. The driven feed wheel 3222 is located on the other side of the feed protrusion 324 and the discharge protrusion 325. One side of the driving gear 3111 extends into the mounting hole 3211, and the driven gear 3221 is located in the mounting hole 3211 and rotatably connected to the driven bracket 321. This facilitates the mutual cooperation between the driving wheel 311 and the driven wheel 322.

[0130] Optionally, multiple discharge protrusions 325 are configured to correspond one-to-one with multiple through holes 121 on the base plate 12.

[0131] Optionally, referring to Figure 18, the driven bracket 321 further includes an abutment 323, which protrudes from the upper end of the driven bracket 321 and is used to cooperate with the first switching member 22. The abutment 323 may specifically be a cylinder to reduce the friction between the driven bracket 321 and the first switching member 22.

[0132] In this embodiment, referring to FIG19, the switching component 20 further includes a connecting shaft 24, which is rotatably disposed on the mounting component 10 and the nozzle mechanism 40. A first switching component 22 is connected to one end of the connecting shaft 24, and a second switching component 23 is connected to the other end of the connecting shaft 24. The second switching component 23 can rotate with the first switching component 22 around the axis of the connecting shaft 24 to switch the state of the printing channel 41.

[0133] In this way, the power component 21 can simultaneously drive the first switching component 22 and the second switching component 23 to rotate, thereby switching between different driven components 32 and different printing channels 41 through a single power component 21 to meet the extrusion feeding needs of different consumables. By reducing the power source of the second switching component 23, the weight of the printhead assembly 200 can be further reduced, the moving speed of the printhead assembly 200 can be further increased, and the printing efficiency can be further improved.

[0134] In other embodiments, the second switching element 23 can also be rotated by a separate drive mechanism. For example, a motor can be provided in the drive element, and the output shaft of the motor passes through the connecting shaft 24 and is connected to the second switching element 23, thereby enabling independent control of the second switching element 23.

[0135] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 12, 21, and 22, multiple printing channels 41 are distributed around the connecting shaft 24, and the radial distance between the printing channels 41 and the axis of the connecting shaft 24 is equal. The nozzles 232 and the connecting shaft 24 are arranged radially at intervals along the connecting shaft 24. The radial distance between the nozzles 232 and the connecting shaft 24 and the radial distance between the printing channels 41 and the connecting shaft 24 are equal. The projection of the extrusion channel Q formed by each driven component 32 and the active component 31 along the third direction Z on the nozzle mechanism 40 coincides with the multiple printing channels 41, so as to ensure that after the first switching member 22 and the second switching member 23 rotate synchronously, the extrusion channel Q can accurately connect to its corresponding printing channel 41.

[0136] In this embodiment, referring to FIG22, the printhead mechanism 40 includes a heat-conducting block 42 connected to the mounting member 10. The heat-conducting block 42 defines a plurality of printing channels 41. The second switching member 23 includes a rotating disk 231 and a nozzle 232. The rotating disk 231 is located on the side of the heat-conducting block 42 away from the mounting member 10. The rotating disk 231 is connected to the first switching member 22 via a connecting shaft 24, so that the first switching member 22 can drive the rotating disk 231 to rotate. The nozzle 232 is disposed on the rotating disk 231. The rotating disk 231 is configured to be driven by the first switching member 22 to rotate relative to the heat-conducting block 42 until the nozzle 232 communicates with the selected printing channel 41, so that the printing channel 41 enters a first state and closes other printing channels 41, so that the other printing channels 41 enter a second state.

[0137] Optionally, referring to Figure 22, the nozzle mechanism 40 also includes a heating ring 43, which is sleeved on the outside of the heat-conducting block 42 and used to heat the heat-conducting block 42, thereby melting the consumable material entering the printing channel 41 and extruding it from the nozzle 232 of the rotating disk 231 to achieve 3D printing.

[0138] In other embodiments, an additional heat insulation sleeve can be provided on the outside of the heating ring 43. The heat insulation sleeve can insulate the heating ring 43, ensure the temperature stability in the printing channel 41, reduce the possibility of consumables solidifying and clogging in the printing channel 41, and improve printing reliability.

[0139] Optionally, multiple printing channels 41 are arrayed on the heat-conducting block 42, and the multiple printing channels 41 penetrate the heat-conducting block 42 along the third direction Z. One end of each printing channel 41 is connected to an extrusion channel Q, and the other end of the multiple printing channels 41 is used to extrude molten consumables.

[0140] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 12, multiple printing channels 41 are disposed within the same heat-conducting block 42, so that the heating temperature of each printing channel 41 is the same, which can be applied to materials with the same melting point but different colors and other properties. In other embodiments, multiple heat-conducting blocks 42 and heating rings 43 can be disposed, and multiple printing channels 41 are disposed within different heat-conducting blocks 42, so that consumables with different melting points can be introduced into different printing channels 41 to meet the heating and melting requirements of different consumables.

[0141] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 12, the bottom surface of the heat-conducting block 42 is provided with an annular groove 421, and the openings of multiple printing channels 41 are located on the bottom surface of the annular groove 421. The top surface of the rotating disk 231 is provided with an annular protrusion 233, which fits into the annular groove 421. The rotating disk 231 has a conveying hole located within the annular protrusion 233, extending to the nozzle 232, so that the printing channels 41 convey molten consumables to the nozzle 232 through the conveying hole. The cooperation between the annular protrusion 233 and the annular groove 421 can limit the relative rotation between the rotating disk 231 and the heat-conducting block 42, ensure reliable communication between the selected printing channel 41 and the nozzle 232, and reduce the possibility of consumables overflowing from the gap between the rotating disk 231 and the heat-conducting block 42.

[0142] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 21 and 22, the nozzle mechanism 40 further includes a heat sink 45. The heat sink 45 is connected to the side of the nozzle 232 mounting member 10 away from the outlet of the printing channel 41. The heat sink 45 is provided with multiple intermediate channels 451, which are respectively connected between multiple printing channels 41 and multiple extrusion channels Q, so that the consumable material enters the printing channel 41 through the intermediate channels 451. Optionally, the heat sink 45 includes a heat sink block with heat dissipation fins.

[0143] Referring to Figure 19, in this embodiment, the printhead assembly 200 further includes a second detection element 50. The second detection element 50 is configured to detect the state information of the second switching element 23 to determine the position of the nozzle 232. The state information includes the rotation angle of the second switching element 23 or its position relative to the mounting member 10, etc. The position of the nozzle 232 is its position relative to the plurality of printing channels 41. Specifically, the nozzle 232 has a connected position and a closed position. When the nozzle 232 is in the connected position, it is connected to one of the printing channels 41 along a third direction Z. When the nozzle 232 is in the closed position, it corresponds to the closed surface of the heat-conducting block 42.

[0144] Referring further to Figure 20, in this embodiment, the printhead device 200 also includes a plurality of blocking portions 17. The plurality of blocking portions 17 are arranged around the outer periphery of the second switching member 23. The second detection member 50 includes a transmitting portion 51 and a receiving portion 52. The transmitting portion 51 is used to transmit a detection signal toward the receiving portion 52. This detection signal can be configured to detect a laser or a magnetic signal. The transmitting portion 51 and the receiving portion 52 are both located on at least a portion of the rotation path of the blocking portion 17, and are located on opposite sides of the blocking portion 17. Any one of the transmitting portion 51, the receiving portion 52, and the blocking portion 17 is fixed to the second switching member 23. When the second switching member 23 rotates to a position where the nozzle 232 communicates with one of the printing channels 41, the blocking portion 17 blocks or stops blocking the detection signal emitted by the transmitting portion 51, thereby changing the signal receiving state of the receiving portion 52. The receiving portion 52 further feeds back the detection signal to the control unit (not shown in the figure), and the control unit determines, based on the detection signal, that the nozzle 232 is currently communicating with the printing channel 41. This improves the switching reliability of the second switching element 23.

[0145] In this embodiment, the emitting part 51, the blocking part 17, and the receiving part 52 are all fixed between the heat sink 45 and the mounting part 10 along the third direction Z. The emitting part 51 is provided and fixed to the connecting shaft 24. The receiving part 52 is annular and fixed to the bottom surface of the base plate 12 of the mounting part 10. Multiple blocking parts 17 are distributed circumferentially along the connecting shaft 24 and located inside the receiving part 52. Thus, when the connecting shaft 24 rotates until the blocking part 17 is between the emitting part 51 and the receiving part 52, the blocking part 17 blocks the detection signal emitted by the emitting part 51, thereby determining that the nozzle 232 is connected to one of the printing channels 41.

[0146] Optionally, the blocking part 17 can be configured as a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe connects the through hole 121 of the connecting base plate 12 and the intermediate channel 451 of the heat sink 45 to prevent the consumable from being exposed during the transportation process. Furthermore, since the blocking part 17 is located on the outside of the heat sink 45 and is located away from the heat conducting block 42, the operational reliability of the second detection element 50 is further improved.

[0147] Of course, in other embodiments, the blocking part 17, the transmitting part 51, and the receiving part 52 can also be disposed on the top surface of the mounting member 10. In this case, multiple second detection elements 50 are disposed, and the multiple second detection elements 50 are disposed one-to-one with the multiple printing channels 41. The transmitting part 51 and the receiving part 52 are disposed at intervals along the third direction Z. The blocking part 17 is connected to one end of the connecting shaft 24 that extends out of the top surface of the mounting member 10, and extends in any direction in the plane perpendicular to the third direction Z, and can extend into the transmitting part 51 and the receiving part 52 to block the detection signal emitted by the transmitting part 51. In this way, the operation of the second detection element 50 can be further prevented from being affected by the heat-conducting block 42.

[0148] In other embodiments, the second detection element 50 may also employ other sensing elements capable of detecting rotation angles, such as a Hall sensor, and determine whether the nozzle 232 is connected to the printing channel 41 based on the angular distribution information of the multiple printing channels 41 and the angular information of the rotation of the connecting shaft 24.

[0149] Optionally, referring to Figures 12 and 22, the printhead mechanism 40 also includes multiple throats 44, one end of which is connected to an intermediate channel 451, and the other end is connected to multiple printing channels 41. The filament can pass through the throats 44 to reach the printing channels 41. The throats 44 can provide heat insulation to ensure that the filament in the intermediate channel 451 does not melt and block the intermediate channel 451, thus ensuring the smooth operation of the printing process.

[0150] Optionally, referring to Figure 12, the throat 44 includes a first pipe 441, a second pipe 442, and a third pipe 443 connected in sequence. The diameter of the second pipe 442 is smaller than the diameter of the first pipe 441 and the diameter of the third pipe 443. The first pipe 441 is fitted into the middle channel 451 of the heat sink 45, and the third pipe 443 is fitted into the heat-conducting block 42 and is threadedly connected to the heat-conducting pipe.

[0151] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, this application also provides a 3D printer 300. The 3D printer 300 includes a frame 301, a print head assembly 200, and a printing platform 302. The frame 301 is provided with a trigger 3012. The printing platform 302 is mounted on the frame 301 and configured to carry a printable model (not shown in the figure). The print head assembly 200 is configured to move relative to the frame 301 to print on the printing platform 302 to form a printable model. When the print head assembly 200 moves to a first position, the trigger 3012 abuts against the power member 21 of the print head assembly 200 to drive a first switching member 22 to rotate relative to the mounting member 10.

[0152] The 3D printer 300 includes the print head device 200 of any of the above embodiments, and therefore has the beneficial effects of the print head device 200 of any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0153] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the frame 301 includes two columns 3011 spaced apart along the first direction X and an optical axis 303, with the optical axis 303 located between the two columns 3011. The mounting member 10 of the printhead device 200 is movably mounted on the optical axis 303 along the first direction X.

[0154] The trigger 3012 is disposed on one or two columns 3011 so that when the mounting part 10 moves along the optical axis 303, the power part 21 can abut against the trigger 3012 to realize the rotation of the first switching part 22.

[0155] In other embodiments, the frame 301 can also be configured as the frame of any one or more 3D printers, such as a whole-machine 3D printer, a Delta 3D printer, or an infinite Z-axis 3D printer. The specific structure of the frame can be adjusted according to different types of 3D printers, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0156] The specific embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made to the specific embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of this application. All such changes and substitutions fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A nozzle device having an inlet end and an outlet end, characterized in that, include: A heating assembly having a defined first axis, the heating assembly having a plurality of first material channels; The switching component includes a rotating element rotatably connected to one end of the heating component near the discharge end about the first axis; The rotating component is provided with a discharge port, and the rotating component is configured to rotate relative to the heating assembly so that the discharge port selectively connects to one of the first material channels.

2. The nozzle device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating component includes: The heat-conducting component has multiple first material channels; A heating element is disposed on the outside of the heat-conducting element, and the heating element is thermally coupled to the heat-conducting element to transfer heat to the heat-conducting element.

3. The nozzle device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The heat-conducting component has a mounting groove at one end near the rotating component, and the first material channel is connected to the mounting groove. The rotating component has a rotating protrusion at one end near the heat-conducting component. The discharge port passes through the rotating protrusion. The rotating protrusion is rotatably disposed in the mounting groove and abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove, so as to connect the discharge port with the first material channel.

4. The nozzle device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The nozzle device further includes a detection element configured to detect the state information of the rotating member and / or the rotating protrusion to determine the location of the discharge port.

5. The nozzle device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle device also includes a heat dissipation component, which is thermally coupled to the heat conduction component, so that the heat conduction component transfers heat to the heat dissipation component. The heat sink is provided with a plurality of second material channels, each of which is connected to a first material channel.

6. The nozzle device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The switching assembly further includes a rotating shaft and a driving component. The rotating shaft passes through the heat sink and the heat conductor. The two ends of the rotating shaft are respectively connected to the driving component and the rotating component. The driving component drives the rotating shaft to rotate the rotating component.

7. The nozzle device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The nozzle device further includes a connector located between the heat sink and the heat conductor, and the connector connects the heat sink and the heat conductor.

8. The nozzle device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a connecting channel, which is connected to the first channel and the second channel respectively.

9. The nozzle device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The heat dissipation component and the heat conduction component are spaced apart. The connecting component includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connected in sequence. The first section is connected in the first material channel, the second section is located between the heat dissipation component and the heat conduction component, and the third section is connected in the second material channel.

10. The nozzle device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the second segment is smaller than the outer diameters of the first segment and the third segment.

11. A printhead assembly for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The printhead assembly includes: Installation components; A switching assembly, comprising a power component, a first switching component, and a second switching component, wherein the power component is rotatably connected to the mounting component, the power component is in transmission cooperation with the first switching component, and the first switching component is connected to the second switching component; An extrusion mechanism, comprising an active component and a plurality of driven components, wherein the active component is disposed on the mounting member, and the plurality of driven components are movably connected to the mounting member and configured to be moved by the first switching member; A printhead mechanism is connected to the mounting component. The printhead mechanism is provided with multiple printing channels. Each printing channel corresponds to a driven component. The printing channel has a first state of outputting consumables and a second state of stopping outputting consumables. The second switching component is located at the end of the printing channel where consumables are output. When the printhead device moves to the first position, the power component is triggered and drives the first switching component to rotate relative to the mounting component; after the first switching component rotates by a preset angle, the selected driven component moves to a position that cooperates with the active component to form an extrusion channel, and the corresponding printing channel enters the first state.

12. The printhead device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The switching assembly further includes a connecting shaft that is rotatably disposed between the mounting member and the printhead mechanism. The first switching member is connected to one end of the connecting shaft, and the second switching member is connected to the other end of the connecting shaft. The second switching member can rotate around the axis of the connecting shaft with the first switching member to switch the state of the printing channel.

13. The printhead device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The printhead mechanism includes a heat-conducting block connected to the mounting member, the heat-conducting block defining a plurality of printing channels, the second switching member including a rotating disk and a nozzle, the rotating disk being located on the side of the heat-conducting block opposite to the mounting member, the rotating disk being connected to the first switching member via the connecting shaft, the nozzle being disposed on the rotating disk, the rotating disk being configured to be driven by the first switching member to rotate relative to the heat-conducting block until the nozzle communicates with the printing channel corresponding to the selected driven component, so that the printing channel enters a first state and closes other printing channels, so that other printing channels enter a second state.

14. The printhead device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The power component includes a swing arm, a rotating shaft, and a transmission unit. The fixed end of the swing arm is connected to one end of the rotating shaft, and the other end of the rotating shaft is connected to the transmission unit. The transmission unit is in transmission cooperation with the first switching member. The free end of the swing arm is configured to abut against the frame of the 3D printer when the print head device moves to the first position. The free end is also configured to remain abut against the frame when the print head device moves from the first position to the second position. The fixed end of the swing arm and the rotating shaft are configured to rotate relative to the mounting member when the print head device moves from the first position to the second position, and after the print head device moves to the second position, drive the first switching member to rotate by a preset angle through the transmission unit.

15. The printhead device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The switching component further includes a first elastic element, which is elastically supported between the swing arm and the mounting component; The transmission unit cooperates with the first switching member in a one-way transmission manner. The swing arm is configured to drive the first switching member to rotate in the forward direction after the fixed end abuts against the frame. After the free end separates from the frame, the elastic force of the first elastic member can cause the swing arm to drive the rotating shaft to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the mounting member, thereby driving the transmission unit to rotate in the opposite direction and reset.

16. The printhead apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that: The first switching member is provided with a mounting groove, and the side of the mounting groove is provided with a plurality of mating grooves. The plurality of mating grooves are distributed around the rotation axis. The mating groove includes an inclined surface and a top surface that are radially spaced along the rotation axis. The transmission part includes a plurality of actuating parts, which are distributed around the rotation axis. When the transmission part rotates in the forward direction, the plurality of actuating parts can slide into the mating groove along the inclined surface and abut against the top surface to push the first switching member to rotate in the forward direction. When the transmission part rotates in the reverse direction, the plurality of actuating parts disengage from the inclined surface and the plurality of mating grooves and rotate in the reverse direction relative to the first switching member.

17. The printhead apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first switching member has a recessed clearance groove on its circumferential surface. The first switching member can rotate relative to the mounting member so that the selected driven component abuts against the bottom surface of the clearance groove and cooperates with the active component to form the extrusion channel.

18. The printhead apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The extrusion mechanism further includes a plurality of second elastic elements, which are elastically supported between a plurality of mounting members and a plurality of driven components, and elastically press the driven components against the outer periphery of the first switching member.

19. The printhead apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The active component includes an active wheel, and the driven component includes a driven bracket and a driven wheel. The driven bracket is rotatably connected to the mounting member, and the driven wheel is rotatably disposed on the driven bracket. The extrusion mechanism further includes a drive assembly, which is disposed on the mounting component and connected to the drive wheel. The drive assembly is used to drive the drive wheel to rotate and drive the driven wheel that cooperates with the drive wheel to rotate, thereby conveying consumables.

20. A 3D printer, characterized in that, include: A frame, on which a trigger is provided; A printing platform, mounted on the frame, is configured to carry the printed model; The nozzle device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; Alternatively, a printhead assembly as described in any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the printhead assembly is configured to move relative to the frame to perform printing on the printing platform; wherein... When the printhead assembly moves to the first position, the trigger abuts against the power member to drive the first switching member to rotate relative to the mounting member.

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