3D printer and head changing method therefor

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a 3D printer and a head changing method therefor. The 3D printer comprises: a plurality of first printing assemblies, each of which is provided with a material extrusion port; a first printing assembly storage area for storing the first printing assemblies; a second printing assembly, which is configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area to engage one of the plurality of first printing assemblies and drive the first printing assembly to move to a printing region to perform material extrusion; a printing platform, which is arranged below the first printing assemblies and the second printing assembly; and a movement module, which is configured to move the second printing assembly and the printing platform relative to each other in x-, y- and z-axis directions.

Description

3D printer and head changing method thereof TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of 3D printing, in particular to a 3D printer and a head changing method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] The mainstream 3D printer on the market is a single-head 3D printer, which can only print one material at a time and cannot be used in combination with other materials. In addition, the printing speed is limited, and the forming efficiency is not high. Users have strong needs for high efficiency, high quality, high stability, multi-material compatibility, environmental friendliness, intelligence, and ease of use.

[0003] There is a need in the art to develop an improved, faster, more accurate, more reliable and stable multi-color printing 3D printer and head changing method to alleviate or overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and obtain other beneficial technical effects.

[0004] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be construed as subject matter by which the scope of the application is to be limited. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application is proposed in view of the above and other more ideas.

[0006] According to one idea of the present application, a 3D printer is provided, comprising:

[0007] a plurality of first printing assemblies, each of which is provided with a material extrusion port;

[0008] a first printing assembly storage area for storing the first printing assemblies;

[0009] a second printing assembly configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area to engage one of the first printing assemblies and drive the first printing assembly to move to a printing area for material extrusion;

[0010] a printing platform disposed below the first printing assembly and the second printing assembly; and

[0011] a motion module configured to cause the second printing assembly and the printing platform to move relative to each other in x, y, and z directions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second printing assembly includes a second connecting portion connected to the first printing assembly.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first printing component storage area is provided with a fixing frame corresponding to and engaging with the plurality of first printing components.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first printing component comprises a first printing component housing, a first connecting portion and a third connecting portion, the first connecting portion engages with the fixing frame, and the third connecting portion engages with the second connecting portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fixing frame comprises a fixing frame body connected with the 3D printer, a driving pin extending outward away from the fixing frame body, a first positioning unit and a first magnetic connecting piece.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion comprises a second positioning unit and a second magnetic connecting piece, one side of the first printing component housing facing the fixing frame is provided with a first avoiding hole, the driving pin passes through the first avoiding hole into the first printing component, the second magnetic connecting piece is opposite to the first magnetic connecting piece so that the fixing frame and the first printing component are magnetically engaged, and the first positioning unit matches the second positioning unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the third connecting portion comprises a connecting hole, a pull bolt and a third positioning unit, the pull bolt and the first printing component housing can move relative to each other, the pull bolt has a driving hole and a locking inclined surface, one end of the driving pin close to the first printing component passes through the driving hole to limit the pull bolt, and one side of the first printing component housing facing the second printing component is provided with a second avoiding hole.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second connecting portion comprises a fourth positioning unit matching the third positioning unit, an elastic locking piece passing through the second avoiding hole and cooperating with the pull bolt, and a connecting column connecting the connecting hole,

[0019] When the first printing component housing moves in a locking direction under the driving of the second printing component, the locking inclined surface abuts against the elastic locking piece, so that the first printing component engages with the second printing component.

[0020] When the first printing component housing moves in an unlocking direction under the driving of the second printing component, the locking inclined surface is disengaged from the elastic locking piece.

[0021] In one embodiment, the elastic locking piece comprises a pull pin penetrating through the second connecting portion, a pull pin pin connected with the end of the pull pin close to the pull bolt, an elastic body sleeved on the end of the pull pin away from the pull bolt and abutting against the second connecting portion, and a limiting structure connected with the end of the pull pin away from the pull bolt and abutting against the elastic body.

[0022] In one embodiment, a bearing is arranged between the pull pin and the pull rod, the bearing comprising an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, the pull pin being connected to the inner bearing ring and the pull rod being connected to the outer bearing ring.

[0023] In one embodiment, the 3D printer further comprises a controller configured to control the motion module:

[0024] moving the second printing assembly to a first position so that the connecting post is aligned with the connecting hole and the elastic lock is aligned with the second avoiding hole;

[0025] moving the second printing assembly to a second position so that the connecting post is engaged with the connecting hole and one end of the elastic lock is inserted into the second avoiding hole;

[0026] moving the second printing assembly towards the locking direction, the first printing assembly being moved towards the locking direction by the connecting post, so that the locking slope of the pull bolt abuts against the pull pin, and the first magnetic connector is disengaged from the second magnetic connector;

[0027] moving the second printing assembly to move the first printing assembly to a third position, and the first printing assembly is disengaged from the fixing frame.

[0028] In one embodiment, the 3D printer further comprises a controller configured to control the motion module:

[0029] moving the second printing assembly to move the first printing assembly to a fourth position so that the driving pin is aligned with the first avoiding hole;

[0030] moving the second printing assembly to move the first printing assembly to a fifth position so that the driving pin is inserted into the first avoiding hole and the driving hole in sequence;

[0031] moving the second printing assembly to move the first printing assembly towards the unlocking direction, so that the locking slope of the pull bolt is disengaged from the pull pin, and the first magnetic connector is engaged with the second magnetic connector;

[0032] moving the second printing assembly to a sixth position, and the second printing assembly is disengaged from the first printing assembly.

[0033] In one embodiment, the second printing assembly further comprises a model cooling unit and an air duct.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first printing assembly is connected with a power supply, the first printing assembly comprises a first contact unit, the second printing assembly comprises a second contact unit, and the first contact unit is connected with the second contact unit to provide power or control signals when the first printing assembly is engaged with the second printing assembly.

[0035] According to another concept of the present application, a head changing method of a 3D printer is provided, the 3D printer comprising: a plurality of first printing assemblies, each of the first printing assemblies being provided with a first printing assembly housing, a material extrusion port, a first connecting portion and a third connecting portion; a first printing assembly storage area provided with a fixing frame for storing the first printing assemblies; a second printing assembly provided with a second connecting portion and configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area to engage one of the first printing assemblies and drive the first printing assembly to move to a printing area for material extrusion; a printing platform arranged below the first printing assemblies and the second printing assembly; and a movement module configured to move the second printing assembly and the printing platform relative to each other in x, y and z directions, wherein the fixing frame is engaged with the first connecting portion, the third connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion, and the first printing assembly and the second printing assembly constitute a printing head of the 3D printer.

[0036] The method comprises:

[0037] moving the second printing assembly to a first position to align the second connecting portion with the third connecting portion;

[0038] moving the second printing assembly to a second position to engage the second connecting portion with the third connecting portion;

[0039] moving the second printing assembly towards a locking direction, and moving the first printing assembly towards the locking direction under the drive of the second printing assembly to lock the second printing assembly with the first printing assembly;

[0040] moving the second printing assembly to drive the first printing assembly to a third position, and disengaging the first printing assembly from the fixing frame.

[0041] In one embodiment, the fixing frame comprises a fixing frame body connected with the 3D printer, a driving pin extending outwardly away from the fixing frame body, a first positioning unit and a first magnetic connecting member.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first connecting part comprises a second positioning unit and a second magnetic connecting piece, one side of the first printing assembly housing facing the fixing frame is provided with a first avoiding hole, the driving pin passes through the first avoiding hole into the first printing assembly, the second magnetic connecting piece is opposite to the first magnetic connecting piece so that the fixing frame and the first printing assembly are magnetically connected, the first positioning unit matches the second positioning unit, the third connecting part comprises a connecting hole, a pull bolt and a third positioning unit, the pull bolt and the first printing assembly housing can move relative to each other, the pull bolt has a driving hole and a locking inclined surface, one end of the driving pin close to the first printing assembly passes through the driving hole to limit the pull bolt, one side of the first printing assembly housing facing the second printing assembly is provided with a second avoiding hole, the third positioning unit comprises a plurality of steel balls, the steel balls form a three-point positioning unit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second connecting part comprises a fourth positioning unit matching the third positioning unit, an elastic locking piece passing through the second avoiding hole and cooperating with the pull bolt, and a connecting column connecting the connecting hole, the fourth positioning unit comprises a plurality of steel needle matrices, each steel needle matrix comprises at least two steel needles, the steel needle matrices form a three-point positioning unit and match the steel balls,

[0044] When the first printing assembly housing is moved in the locking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly, the locking inclined surface abuts against the elastic locking piece, so that the first printing assembly is connected with the second printing assembly.

[0045] When the first printing assembly housing is moved in the unlocking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly, the locking inclined surface is separated from the elastic locking piece.

[0046] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the embodiments will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the embodiments will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a 3D printer according to the present application;

[0049] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a first printing assembly, a second printing assembly and a fixing frame of the 3D printer according to the present application;

[0050] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a second printing assembly of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second connecting portion of the second printing assembly of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first printing assembly of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0053] FIG. 6 is an internal structure view of the first printing assembly of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0054] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first printing assembly, the second printing assembly and the fixing frame engaged with each other;

[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a module of the 3D printer of the present application; and

[0056] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a head changing method of the 3D printer of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In the following description of drawings and detailed description, the details of one or more embodiments of the present application will be set forth. Other features, objects, and advantages of the application will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0058] It should be understood that the illustrated and described embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The illustrated embodiments can be one of many embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Examples are provided by way of explanation of the disclosed embodiments but are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments of the present application without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover modifications and variations of this application provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0059] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0060] The term "3D printer" not only includes a three-dimensional printing device in the general sense of the art, such as an industrial grade 3D printer, including a consumer grade 3D printer, but also a laser processing device with a 3D printing function, and a 3D printing device with a laser processing function, are within the scope of the "3D printer" of the present application.

[0061] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and the like, are used only for descriptive purposes, and do not necessarily connote relative importance or an ordering of magnitude. Thus, a feature defined with "first", "second", and the like, can include one or more of the features so defined. In this document, the term "a plurality" means two or more, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "mounting", "connected", "connecting", "fixed", "fixedly connected", and the like, should be understood in an expansive sense, such as it can be a fixed connection, or a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or a connection between the internal parts of two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in this document can be understood according to the specific circumstances by those skilled in the art.

[0063] As used herein, the terms "locking direction", "unlocking direction" are defined as the direction parallel to the x-axis, indicating the movement direction of the first printing assembly and the second printing assembly when locking or unlocking, wherein the "locking direction" and the "unlocking direction" are opposite. In actual operation, different locking directions or unlocking directions can be adopted for multiple first printing assemblies in the same 3D printer. When the locking direction of a first printing assembly is defined, the opposite direction of the locking direction is the unlocking direction of the first printing assembly. The above definitions are only for the convenience of description, and do not constitute a limitation on this document.

[0064] The present application will be described in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments of the present application.

[0065] 3D printer

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, the 3D printer has a printing platform 14. The printing platform 14 theoretically defines an x-y plane, which is defined by the x-axis and the y-axis. Wherein, the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis are perpendicular to each other, as shown in FIG. 1. The term "moving along an axis", such as moving along the x-axis, the y-axis or the z-axis, means moving parallel to the axis or in the same straight line as the axis. In this document, the orientation specified by the x-axis, the y-axis or the z-axis is only for the convenience of discussion, and does not constitute any limitation on the orientation. Of course, those skilled in the art can also think that the printing platform 14 can be connected with the x-axis, y-axis or z-axis movement module, and this document does not limit it. In addition, the printing platform 14 has a heating function, which can be a whole plate or composed of multiple layers of plates in a detachable or non-detachable manner. The printing platform 14 of the 3D printer can be used to place the material to be printed, the printing object, etc. The printing platform 14 provides a flat work plane as much as possible. The printing platform 14 defines the movement range of the printing nozzle.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the 3D printer can be provided with x-axis, y-axis and z-axis movement modules 15, a printing platform 14 and driving motors (not shown) corresponding to the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis movement modules. For example, the x-axis, y-axis movement module 15 (generally with or including a driving motor or actuator) can be operatively connected with the second printing assembly 13, and the second printing assembly 13 can be controlled to move along the x-axis and y-axis. The z-axis movement module (generally with or including a driving motor or actuator) can be connected with the printing platform 14, and the printing platform 14 can be controlled to move along the z-axis direction. Of course, the 3D printer of the present application is not limited to this arrangement, for example, the second printing assembly 13 can also be connected with the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis movement modules 15.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the 3D printer 1 can also be provided with a controller 16, which can include a master control chip or other units with control functions.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the 3D printer 1 includes: a plurality of first printing assemblies 11, the first printing assembly 11 being provided with a material extrusion port or nozzle for extruding a material m; a first printing assembly storage area 12 for storing the first printing assembly 11, the first printing assembly storage area 12 can be provided on the frame of the 3D printer 1; a second printing assembly 13 configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area 12 to engage one of the plurality of first printing assemblies 11 and drive the first printing assembly 11 to move to a printing area for material m extrusion; a printing platform 14 provided below the first printing assembly 11 and the second printing assembly 13; and a movement module 15 configured to move the second printing assembly 13 and the printing platform 14 relative to each other in the x, y and z axis directions, the movement module 15 can include x, y and z axis movement modules 15. Among them, the second printing assembly 13 is controlled by the x, y axis movement module 15, and the printing platform 14 is controlled by the z-axis movement module 15. Alternatively, the second printing assembly 13 can be controlled by the x, y and z axis movement modules 15.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, the first printing assembly 11 and the second printing assembly 13 can constitute a print head of the 3D printer. The plurality of first printing assemblies 11 can be connected with different colors of material m and deposit different colors of material m by replacing the first printing assembly 11 connected with different colors of material m during the 3D printing process.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the first printing component storage area 12 is provided with a fixing frame 121 corresponding to and engaging with the plurality of first printing components 11. The fixing frame 121 includes a fixing frame body 1211 connected with the 3D printer, a driving pin 1212 extending outward away from the fixing frame body 1211, a first positioning unit 1213, and a first magnetic connecting piece 1214. The orientations of the first positioning unit 1213 and the first magnetic connecting piece 1214 can be set according to the locking direction, and are not limited to the scheme shown in FIG. 2.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first printing component 11 includes a first printing component shell 111, a first connecting part 112, and a third connecting part 113. The first connecting part 112 can engage with the fixing frame 121 so that the first printing component 11 can be fixed on the fixing frame 121. The third connecting part 113 can engage with the second printing component 13 so that the first printing component 11 can be connected with the second printing component 13 and form a print head. The first connecting part 112 includes a second positioning unit 1121 and a second magnetic connecting piece 1122. As shown in FIG. 5, the side of the first printing component shell 111 facing the fixing frame 121 is provided with a first avoiding hole 1111. The driving pin 1212 passes through the first avoiding hole 1111 into the interior of the first printing component 11, and the second magnetic connecting piece 1122 is arranged opposite to the first magnetic connecting piece 1214 so that the fixing frame 121 can magnetically engage with the first printing component 11. When the fixing frame 121 magnetically engages with the first printing component 11, the first positioning unit 1213 matches with the second positioning unit 1121, thereby limiting the movement of the first printing component 11 in the y-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first positioning unit 1213 and the second positioning unit 1121 can be respectively arranged as a concave part and a convex part matching with each other. When the concave part and the convex part are connected, the movement of the first printing component 11 in the y-axis direction is limited.

[0073] The first and second magnetic connecting pieces described herein can be ferromagnetic materials, permanent magnets, electromagnets, etc.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the third connecting part 113 includes a connecting hole 1131, a pull bolt 1132, and a third positioning unit 1133. The pull bolt 1132 is arranged in the first printing assembly shell 111. Specifically, the pull bolt 1132 is arranged in a pull bolt guide slot 1112 on the first printing assembly shell 111, and the pull bolt 1132 can slide in the pull bolt guide slot 1112, so that the pull bolt 1132 and the first printing assembly shell 111 can move relative to each other. The pull bolt 1132 has a driving hole 11321 and a locking inclined surface 11322, and a driving pin 1212 passes through the driving hole 11321 close to one end of the first printing assembly 11 to limit the pull bolt 1132. The driving pin 1212 is fixedly arranged on the fixed frame body 1211, and the movement of the pull bolt 1132 can be limited by passing the driving pin 1212 through the driving hole 11321 close to one end of the first printing assembly 11. The first printing assembly shell 111 facing the second printing assembly 13 is provided with a second avoiding hole 1113.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the second printing assembly 13 includes a second connecting part 131 connected with the first printing assembly 11. The second connecting part 131 includes a fourth positioning unit 1311 matched with the third positioning unit 1133, an elastic locking piece 1312 passing through the second avoiding hole 1113 and cooperating with the pull bolt 1132, and a connecting column 1313 connected with the connecting hole 1131.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second printing assembly 13 further includes a model cooling unit 132 and an air duct 133. The model cooling unit 132 can be a fan or a blower, etc., which can reduce the temperature of the printed model and make the printed model quickly solidify. The air duct 133 is arranged on the second printing assembly 13, and the air duct 133 faces the printed model to guide the cold wind to blow to the printed model.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, when the first printing assembly 11 moves in the locking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly 13, the locking inclined surface 11322 abuts against the elastic locking piece 1312, so that the first printing assembly 11 is engaged with the second printing assembly 13; when the first printing assembly 11 moves in the unlocking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly 13, the locking inclined surface 11322 is disengaged from the elastic locking piece 1312.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the third positioning unit 1133 includes a plurality of steel balls 11330, and the steel balls 11330 form a three-point positioning unit. The fourth positioning unit 1311 includes a plurality of steel needle matrices 13110, each of which includes at least two steel needles, and the steel needle matrices form a three-point positioning unit and match with the steel balls 11330.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, the elastic lock 1312 includes a pull pin 13121 penetrating through the second connecting part 131; a pull pin pin 13122 connected with the end of the pull pin 13121 close to the pull bolt 1132; an elastic body 13123 sleeved on the end of the pull pin 13121 away from the pull bolt 1132 and abutting against the second connecting part 131; and a limiting structure 13124 connected with the end of the pull pin 13121 away from the pull bolt 1132 and abutting against the elastic body 13123. The limiting structure 13124 can be a flange nut, a limiting pin, a limiting boss or the like. The elastic body 13123 can be a spring or the like. A bearing 13125 is arranged between the pull pin pin 13122 and the pull pin 13121, and the bearing 13125 includes a bearing inner ring 1312a and a bearing outer ring 1312b. The pull pin pin 13122 is connected with the bearing inner ring 1312a, and the pull pin 13121 is connected with the bearing outer ring 1312b. A clamping groove 1132a for matching the pull pin pin 13122 is arranged on the pull bolt 1132 close to the locking inclined surface 11322. When the pull pin pin 13122 contacts the locking inclined surface 11322 and is clamped in the clamping groove 1132a, the pull pin pin 13122 is connected with the bearing 13125, so that the pull pin pin 13122 can rotate under the action of the locking inclined surface 11322, reducing the friction between the pull pin pin 13122 and the locking inclined surface 11322. As shown in FIG. 7, when the first printing assembly 11 moves in the locking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly 13, the pull pin pin 13122 of the elastic lock 1312 contacts the locking inclined surface 11322 and is clamped into the clamping groove 1132a, so that the first printing assembly 11 is locked with the second printing assembly 13; when the first printing assembly 11 moves in the unlocking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly 13, the locking inclined surface 11322 is disengaged from the elastic lock 1312.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the 3D printer further includes a controller 16 configured to control the motion module 15:

[0081] moving the second printing assembly 13 to the first position so that the connecting column 1313 is aligned with the connecting hole 1131 and the elastic lock 1312 is aligned with the second avoiding hole 1113;

[0082] moving the second printing assembly 13 to the second position so that the connecting column 1313 engages the connecting hole 1131 and one end of the elastic lock 1312 is inserted into the second avoiding hole 1113;

[0083] moving the second printing assembly 13 towards the locking direction, the first printing assembly 11 or the first printing assembly shell 111 moves towards the locking direction under the driving of the connecting column 1313, so that the locking inclined surface 11322 of the pull bolt 1132 abuts against the pull pin pin 13122, and the first magnetic connecting part 1214 is disengaged from the second magnetic connecting part 1122; and

[0084] The second printing assembly 13 drives the first printing assembly 11 to move to a third position, and the first printing assembly 11 is disengaged from the fixing frame 121.

[0085] The 3D printer further comprises a controller 16 configured to control the movement module 15:

[0086] The second printing assembly 13 drives the first printing assembly 11 to move to a fourth position, so that the driving pin 1212 is aligned with the first avoiding hole 1111;

[0087] The second printing assembly 13 drives the first printing assembly 11 to move to a fifth position, so that the driving pin 1212 is inserted into the first avoiding hole 1111 and the driving hole 11321 in sequence;

[0088] The second printing assembly 13 drives the first printing assembly 11 to move towards the unlocking direction, so that the locking inclined surface 11322 of the pull bolt 1132 is disengaged from the pull pin 13122, and the first magnetic connecting member 1214 is engaged with the second magnetic connecting member 1122; and

[0089] The second printing assembly 13 is driven to move to a sixth position, and the second printing assembly 13 is disengaged from the first printing assembly 11.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, the first printing assembly 11 is connected with a power supply, the first printing assembly 11 comprises a first contact unit 11a, the second printing assembly 13 comprises a second contact unit 13a, and the first contact unit 11a and the second contact unit 13a are configured to transmit power or control signals. When the first printing assembly 11 is engaged with the second printing assembly 13, the first contact unit 11a and the second contact unit 13a are connected to provide power or control signals.

[0091] Head changing method

[0092] 3D printer comprises: a plurality of first printing assemblies 11, the first printing assembly 11 is provided with a first printing assembly shell 111, a material extrusion port, a first connecting part 112 and a third connecting part 113; a first printing assembly storage area 12, the first printing assembly storage area 12 is provided with a fixing frame 121 for storing the first printing assembly 11; a second printing assembly 13, the second printing assembly 13 is provided with a second connecting part 131, and is configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area 12 to engage one of the plurality of first printing assemblies 11 and drive the first printing assembly 11 to move to a printing area for material extrusion; a printing platform 14 arranged below the first printing assembly 11 and the second printing assembly 13; and a movement module 15 configured to cause the second printing assembly 13 and the printing platform 14 to move relative to each other in x, y and z axis directions, wherein the fixing frame 121 is engaged with the first connecting part 112, the third connecting part 113 is engaged with the second connecting part 131, and the first printing assembly 11 and the second printing assembly 13 constitute a print head of the 3D printer,

[0093] The head changing method of the 3D printer comprises:

[0094] Moving the second printing assembly 13 to a first position so that the second connecting part 131 is aligned with the third connecting part 113;

[0095] Moving the second printing assembly 13 to a second position so that the second connecting part 131 engages the third connecting part 113;

[0096] Moving the second printing assembly 13 towards a locking direction, and moving the first printing assembly 11 towards the locking direction under the drive of the second printing assembly 13, so that the second printing assembly 13 is locked with the first printing assembly 11;

[0097] Driving the first printing assembly 11 to move to a third position under the drive of the second printing assembly 13, and the first printing assembly 11 is disengaged from the fixing frame 121.

[0098] The head changing method of the 3D printer is described in detail below. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the 3D printer further comprises a controller 16 configured to control the movement module 15:

[0099] Moving the second printing assembly 13 to a first position so that the connecting column 1313 is aligned with the connecting hole 1131 and the elastic lock 1312 is aligned with the second avoiding hole 1113;

[0100] Moving the second printing assembly 13 to a second position so that the connecting column 1313 engages the connecting hole 1131 and one end of the elastic lock 1312 is inserted into the second avoiding hole 1113;

[0101] The second printing assembly 13 is moved towards the locking direction, the first printing assembly 11 is moved towards the locking direction under the driving of the connecting column 1313, the locking inclined surface 11322 of the pull bolt 1132 abuts against the pull pin 13122, and the first magnetic connecting piece 1214 is separated from the second magnetic connecting piece 1122; and

[0102] The second printing assembly 13 drives the first printing assembly 11 to move to the third position, and the first printing assembly is separated from the fixing frame 121.

[0103] The foregoing description of several embodiments of the application has been presented for the purpose of illustration. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise steps and / or forms disclosed, since apparent modifications and variations are possible to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above teachings. The scope of the application is to be defined by the terms of the appended claims rather than the description above, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A 3D printer, characterized by, The 3D printer comprises: a plurality of first printing assemblies provided with material extrusion outlets; a first printing assembly storage area for storing the first printing assemblies; a second printing assembly configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area to engage one of the plurality of first printing assemblies and drive the first printing assembly to a printing area for material extrusion; a printing platform arranged below the first printing assembly and the second printing assembly; and a movement module configured to move the second printing assembly and the printing platform relative to each other in x, y, and z directions.

2. The 3D printer of claim 1, wherein, The second printing assembly comprises a second connecting portion connected to the first printing assembly.

3. The 3D printer of claim 2, wherein, The first printing assembly storage area is provided with a fixing frame corresponding to and engaging with the plurality of first printing assemblies.

4. The 3D printer of claim 3, wherein, The first printing assembly comprises a first printing assembly shell, a first connecting portion engaging with the fixing frame, and a third connecting portion engaging with the second connecting portion.

5. The 3D printer of claim 4, wherein, The fixing frame comprises a fixing frame body connected to the 3D printer, a driving pin extending outward away from the fixing frame body, a first positioning unit, and a first magnetic connecting piece.

6. The 3D printer of claim 5, wherein, The first connecting portion comprises a second positioning unit and a second magnetic connecting piece, one side of the first printing assembly shell facing the fixing frame is provided with a first avoiding hole, the driving pin passes through the first avoiding hole into the first printing assembly, the second magnetic connecting piece is opposite to the first magnetic connecting piece so that the fixing frame and the first printing assembly are magnetically engaged, and the first positioning unit matches the second positioning unit.

7. The 3D printer of claim 6, wherein, The third connecting portion comprises a connecting hole, a pull bolt, and a third positioning unit, the pull bolt and the first printing assembly shell can move relative to each other, the pull bolt has a driving hole and a locking inclined surface, one end of the driving pin close to the first printing assembly passes through the driving hole to limit the pull bolt, and one side of the first printing assembly shell facing the second printing assembly is provided with a second avoiding hole.

8. The 3D printer of claim 7, wherein, The second connecting portion comprises a fourth positioning unit matching the third positioning unit, an elastic lock piece passing through the second avoiding hole and cooperating with the pull bolt, and a connecting column connecting the connecting hole, wherein, when the first printing assembly shell moves in a locking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly, the locking inclined surface abuts against the elastic lock piece, so that the first printing assembly is engaged with the second printing assembly; when the first printing assembly shell moves in an unlocking direction under the driving of the second printing assembly, the locking inclined surface is disengaged from the elastic lock piece.

9. The 3D printer of claim 8, wherein, The elastic lock piece comprises a pull pin penetrating through the second connecting portion, a pull pin pin connected to an end of the pull pin close to the pull bolt, an elastic body sleeved on an end of the pull pin away from the pull bolt and abutting against the second connecting portion, and a limiting structure connected to the end of the pull pin away from the pull bolt and abutting against the elastic body.

10. The 3D printer of claim 9, wherein, A bearing is arranged between the pull pin and the pull rod, the bearing comprising a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring, the pull pin being connected with the bearing inner ring, and the pull rod being connected with the bearing outer ring.

11. The 3D printer of claim 10, wherein, The 3D printer further comprises a controller configured to control the movement module: The second printing assembly is moved to a first position, so that the connecting column is aligned with the connecting hole and the elastic lock is aligned with the second avoiding hole; The second printing assembly is moved to a second position, so that the connecting column is engaged with the connecting hole and one end of the elastic lock is inserted into the second avoiding hole; The second printing assembly is moved towards the locking direction, and the first printing assembly is moved towards the locking direction under the driving of the connecting column, so that the locking inclined surface of the pull bolt abuts against the pull pin, and the first magnetic connector is separated from the second magnetic connector; The second printing assembly drives the first printing assembly to move to a third position, and the first printing assembly is separated from the fixing frame.

12. The 3D printer of claim 10, wherein, The 3D printer further comprises a controller configured to control the movement module: The second printing assembly drives the first printing assembly to move to a fourth position, so that the driving pin is aligned with the first avoiding hole; The second printing assembly drives the first printing assembly to move to a fifth position, so that the driving pin is inserted into the first avoiding hole and the driving hole in sequence; The second printing assembly drives the first printing assembly to move towards the unlocking direction, so that the locking inclined surface of the pull bolt is separated from the pull pin, and the first magnetic connector is engaged with the second magnetic connector; The second printing assembly is moved to a sixth position, and the second printing assembly is separated from the first printing assembly.

13. The 3D printer of claim 2, wherein, The second printing assembly further comprises a model cooling unit and an air duct.

14. The 3D printer of claim 2, wherein, The first printing assembly is connected with a power supply, the first printing assembly comprises a first contact unit, the second printing assembly comprises a second contact unit, and when the first printing assembly is engaged with the second printing assembly, the first contact unit is connected with the second contact unit to provide power or control signals.

15. The 3D printer of claim 7, wherein, The pull bolt is arranged in a pull bolt guide groove on the first printing assembly housing, and the pull bolt slides in the pull bolt guide groove.

16. The 3D printer of claim 9, wherein, The pull bolt is provided with a clamping groove for clamping the pull pin near the locking inclined surface.

17. A method of changing a head of a 3D printer, characterized by, The 3D printer comprises: a plurality of first printing assemblies, which are provided with a first printing assembly shell, a material extrusion port, a first connecting portion and a third connecting portion; a first printing assembly storage area, which is provided with a fixing frame for storing the first printing assembly; a second printing assembly, which is provided with a second connecting portion and is configured to move to the first printing assembly storage area to engage one of the plurality of first printing assemblies and drive the first printing assembly to move to a printing area for material extrusion; a printing platform arranged below the first printing assembly and the second printing assembly; and a movement module configured to move the second printing assembly and the printing platform relative to each other in x, y and z axis directions, wherein the fixing frame is engaged with the first connecting portion, the third connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion, and the first printing assembly and the second printing assembly constitute a printing head of the 3D printer, The method comprises: moving the second printing assembly to a first position to align the second connecting portion with the third connecting portion; moving the second printing assembly to a second position to engage the second connecting portion with the third connecting portion; moving the second printing assembly towards a locking direction, and the first printing assembly is driven by the second printing assembly to move towards the locking direction, so that the second printing assembly is locked with the first printing assembly; driving the first printing assembly by the second printing assembly to move to a third position, and the first printing assembly is disengaged from the fixing frame.

18. The method of changing heads of a 3D printer according to claim 17, wherein, The second printing assembly further comprises a model cooling unit and an air duct.

19. The method of changing heads of a 3D printer according to claim 18, wherein, The first printing assembly is connected with a power supply, the first printing assembly comprises a first contact unit, the second printing assembly comprises a second contact unit, the first contact unit and the second contact unit are configured to transmit power or control signals, and the first contact unit and the second contact unit are connected to provide power or control signals when the first printing assembly is engaged with the second printing assembly.

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