Consumable buffering device, consumable conveying device and 3D printing apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a consumable buffering device, a consumable conveying device and a 3D printing apparatus. The consumable buffering device comprises a housing, which comprises a first shell and a second shell covering the first shell; a first material tube, which is fixedly arranged on the first shell in a first direction; a second material tube, the second material tube being in communication with the first material tube, and the second material tube being movable relative to the first material tube; and a buffering assembly, which comprises a first elastic connecting member elastically connected to a first end of the second material tube, the first elastic connecting member being configured to buffer an acting force between the first material tube and the second material tube, and further comprises a second elastic connecting member arranged between the second material tube and the inner wall of the second shell, the second elastic connecting member being configured to buffer an acting force between the second material tube and the inner wall of the second shell. Thus, buffering adjustment of consumable transmission is achieved, ensuring consistency in the transmission of consumables between different consumable conveying devices.

Description

Consumable buffer device, consumable conveying device and 3D printing equipment

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202421749410.1, filed on July 23, 2024, and entitled "Consumable Buffer Device and 3D Printer", and the Chinese Patent Application No. 202421760589.0, filed on July 23, 2024, and entitled "Consumable Buffer Device, Consumable Conveying Device and 3D Printing Equipment", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly relates to a consumable buffer device, a consumable conveying device and a 3D printing equipment. BACKGROUND

[0003] 3D printing is a technology that constructs a three-dimensional entity by layer-by-layer printing of consumables based on a digital model file. In the process of 3D printing forming, the transmission of consumables between multiple different consumable conveying devices and printing heads is usually involved. If the transmission of consumables between multiple different consumable conveying devices is inconsistent during the transmission process, it will lead to inconsistent transmission of consumables, and problems such as consumable material breakage, clogging, and even failure to print will occur, thereby reducing the quality of 3D printing.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the consistency of the transmission of consumables between multiple different consumable conveying devices is very important to ensure the quality of 3D printing. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a consumable buffer device, a consumable conveying device and a 3D printing equipment, which can buffer and adjust the transmission of consumables to ensure the consistency of the transmission of consumables between different consumable conveying devices.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a consumable buffer device, which comprises:

[0007] a housing comprising a first housing and a second housing covering the first housing;

[0008] a first material pipe fixedly arranged in the first housing along a first direction;

[0009] a second material pipe in communication with the first material pipe, and the second material pipe is movable relative to the first material pipe;

[0010] a buffer assembly comprising a first elastic connecting piece elastically connected to a first end of the second material pipe, and the first elastic connecting piece is configured to buffer the acting force between the first material pipe and the second material pipe.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the buffer assembly further includes a second elastic connector disposed between the inner wall of the second feed tube and the second housing, the second elastic connector being configured to buffer the force between the inner wall of the second feed tube and the second housing.

[0012] As a further improvement of this application, the first elastic connector is disposed between the first end of the second material tube and the first end of the first material tube, and the second elastic connector is disposed between the second end of the second material tube and the inner wall of the second housing.

[0013] As a further improvement of this application, the second material tube is sleeved on the first material tube; the first material tube includes a first body and a first end, the first end is disposed at the end of the first body close to the first end, and the outer contour dimension of the first end is larger than the outer contour dimension of the first body;

[0014] The second material tube includes a second body, a second end, and a third end. The second end is located at the end of the second body near the first end, and the third end is located at the end of the second body near the second end. The first elastic connector is sleeved on the first body and located between the first end and the second end. The third end is provided with a connecting groove, which is configured to connect with the first end of the second elastic connector.

[0015] As a further improvement of this application, the first end of the first elastic connector is fixedly connected to the first end, the first end of the second elastic connector is fixedly connected to the connecting groove, and the second end of the second elastic connector protrudes from the second end of the second material tube.

[0016] As a further improvement of this application, the second end of the first elastic connector is fixedly connected to the second end; the second end of the second elastic connector is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second housing, and the second elastic connector is aligned with the connecting groove.

[0017] As a further improvement of this application, the first elastic connector and the second elastic connector are compression springs.

[0018] As a further improvement of this application, the first feed tube is provided with a consumable inlet channel, the second feed tube is provided with a consumable outlet channel, the consumable outlet channel is connected to the consumable inlet channel, and the second feed tube is configured to receive and transport the consumables transported by the first feed tube;

[0019] The second feed tube is at least partially slidably disposed within the housing, and the end of the second feed tube away from the first feed tube is slidable to extend out of the housing; the first resilient connector is configured to always provide a resilient force close to the first feed tube to the second feed tube;

[0020] When the second feed tube is subjected to the elastic force only in the conveying direction of the consumable, the second feed tube abuts against the first feed tube and is in communication with the first feed tube.

[0021] As a further improvement of this application, along the conveying direction of the consumable, the first feed tube includes a first feeding section and a second feeding section, the first feeding section, the second feeding section and the second feed tube are connected in sequence, and the second feeding section is configured to guide the second feed tube to slide.

[0022] When the second feed tube is subjected to the elastic force only in the conveying direction of the consumable, the second feed tube abuts against the first feeding part, and the second feeding part is connected to the second feed tube.

[0023] As a further improvement of this application, the other end of the first elastic connector away from the second feed tube is elastically connected to the first feeding part, and the first elastic connector is configured to always provide an elastic force to the second feed tube close to the first feeding part.

[0024] As a further improvement of this application, the first feeding part is provided with a first protrusion, the second material tube is provided with a second protrusion, one end of the first elastic connector is elastically connected to the first protrusion, and the other end of the first elastic connector is elastically connected to the second protrusion.

[0025] When the second feed tube abuts against the first feeding part, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is greater than the original length of the first elastic connector.

[0026] As a further improvement of this application, the housing is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion is located on the side of the second feeding part away from the first feeding part, the second material tube is provided with a second protrusion, one end of the first elastic connector is elastically connected to the first protrusion, and the other end of the first elastic connector is elastically connected to the second protrusion.

[0027] When the second feed tube abuts against the first feeding part, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is less than the original length of the first elastic connector.

[0028] As a further improvement of this application, the housing is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion is located on the side of the second feeding part close to the first feeding part, the second material tube is provided with a second protrusion, one end of the elastic member is elastically connected to the first protrusion, and the other end of the first elastic member is elastically connected to the second protrusion.

[0029] When the second feed tube abuts against the first feeding part, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is greater than the original length of the first elastic connector.

[0030] As a further improvement of this application, the consumable buffer device further includes a guide member located at the end of the first feed tube away from the second feed tube;

[0031] The end of the guide component away from the first material tube is exposed outside the housing. The end face of the end of the guide component exposed outside the housing is provided with at least one first material port. The guide component is provided with a plurality of feeding channels corresponding to and connected to the first material port. The plurality of feeding channels converge and are connected to the consumable inlet channel of the first material tube.

[0032] As a further improvement of this application, a second material port is provided at the end of the housing away from the material guide, and the second material port is connected to the consumable outlet channel of the second material tube through a material conveying component.

[0033] As a further improvement of this application, a second feed port is provided at the end of the housing away from the feed guide, and the second feed port is configured to allow at least a partial passage of the second feed tube.

[0034] As a further improvement of this application, the second material tube is provided with a guide portion, and the second housing is provided with a guide groove. The end of the guide portion away from the second material tube passes through the guide groove and extends to the outside of the second housing.

[0035] As a further improvement of this application, the second material tube is provided with a light-blocking protrusion on the side facing the first housing, and the consumable buffer device further includes a sensing detection element, which is respectively disposed at two extreme positions of the movement of the light-blocking protrusion, so as to detect whether the light-blocking protrusion has moved to the extreme position.

[0036] Based on the above-mentioned consumable buffer device, this application also provides a consumable conveying device, which includes at least two extrusion mechanisms and the consumable buffer device described in any one of the above-mentioned claims, wherein the at least two extrusion mechanisms are arranged sequentially at intervals, and the consumable buffer device is located between two adjacent extrusion mechanisms.

[0037] Based on the above-mentioned consumable buffer device or the above-mentioned consumable conveying device, this application also provides a 3D printing device, including a consumable box, a nozzle device, and the consumable buffer device or the consumable conveying device described above, wherein the consumable conveying device is configured to convey consumables in the consumable box to the nozzle device.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the consumable buffer device, consumable conveying device, and 3D printing equipment provided in this application embodiment allow the second material tube to move relative to the first material tube. During the consumable transmission process, when the transmission actions of the upper-level and lower-level consumable conveying devices connected to the consumable buffer device are inconsistent, the second material tube moves relative to the first material tube under the drive of the consumable. The first elastic connector can buffer the force between the second and first material tubes, thereby buffering the consumables subjected to uneven force. This ensures that when there is a large deviation in the consumable transmission between the upper and lower-level consumable conveying devices connected to the consumable buffer device, the buffer component buffers the large force on the second material tube, avoiding structural damage caused by direct contact between the second and first material tubes, and improving the overall structural stability and service life of the consumable buffer device. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the consumable buffer device provided in this application.

[0041] Figure 2 is a top view of the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross section along AA in the view of Figure 2.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross section along BB in the view of Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the consumable buffer device provided in this application.

[0045] Figure 6 is a top view of the internal structure of the consumable buffer device.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the consumable buffer device of this application in one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure in the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7, in which the second feed tube abuts against the first feed tube.

[0048] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second feed tube and the first feed tube in the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7.

[0049] Figure 10 is an exploded schematic diagram of the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7.

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the material guide component in the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7.

[0051] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell in the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7.

[0052] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first elastic connector in the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7.

[0053] Figure 14 is a top view of the consumable buffer device shown in Figure 7.

[0054] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the consumable delivery device of this application in one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printing device of this application in one embodiment.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: a-First end; b-Second end; 1-Extrusion mechanism; 2-Consumable box; 3-Nozzle device; X-First direction; Y-Second direction; Z-Third direction; 10-Housing; 101-First support plate; 11-First housing; 111-Mounting port; 112-Clamping structure; 113-First protrusion; 114-Connecting protrusion; 115-Guide frame; 1150-Slide groove; 116-Perforation; 1161-First perforation; 1162-Second perforation; 12-Second housing; 121-Second support plate; 122-Second protrusion; 13-Mounting cavity; 14-Guide groove; 15-Channel; 20-First feed tube; 21-First body; 22-First end; 221-First end; 23-Consumable inlet channel; 24-First feeding part; 25-Second feeding part; 26-First protrusion; 261-First fastener; 30-Second feed tube; 31-Second main body; 311-First end; 312-Second end; 313-First abutting protrusion; 32-Second end; 33-Third end; 34-Connecting groove; 35-Consumable outlet channel; 351-Discharge channel; 36-Second protrusion; 361-Second fastener; 37-Guide part; 38-Light blocking protrusion; 40-Buffer assembly; 41-First elastic connector; 411-First end, 412-Second end; 42-Second elastic connector; 421-First end, 422-Second end; 50-Feeding component; 51-First feed port; 52-Second feed port; 53-Conveying component; 60-Sensing detection component; 61-Circuit board; 62-Detection element; 70-Guide component; 71-Feeding channel; 72-First section; 73-Second section; 74-Third section; 75- Fourth section; 750-feed trough; 76-holding groove; P1-first surface; P2-second surface; 100-consumable buffer device; 200-consumable conveying device; 300-3D printing equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0058] In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the figures). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0059] To make the description of this disclosure more detailed and complete, illustrative descriptions of the implementation methods and specific embodiments of this application are provided below; however, this is not the only form of implementing or utilizing the specific embodiments of this application. The implementation methods cover the features of multiple specific embodiments and the method steps and their order for constructing and operating these specific embodiments. However, other specific embodiments may also be used to achieve the same or equivalent functions and step sequences.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an embodiment of this application provides a consumable buffer device, which includes:

[0061] The housing 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 covering the first housing 11;

[0062] The first material tube 20 is fixedly disposed on the first housing 11 along the first direction X;

[0063] The second material tube 30 is connected to the first material tube 20 and can move relative to the first material tube 20.

[0064] The buffer assembly 40 includes a first elastic connector 41 elastically connected to a first end 311 of the second feed tube 30, the first elastic connector 41 being configured to buffer the force between the first feed tube 20 and the second feed tube 30.

[0065] As an optional implementation, the buffer assembly 40 provided in this application further includes a second elastic connector 42 disposed between the inner walls of the second material tube 30 and the second housing 12, which buffers the force between the inner walls of the second material tube 30 and the second housing 12.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the first elastic connector 41 is disposed between the first end 311 of the second material tube 30 and the first end 221 of the first material tube 20, and the second elastic connector 42 is disposed between the second end 312 of the second material tube 30 and the inner wall of the second housing 12, so as to buffer the force on both ends of the second material tube 30 through the first elastic connector 41 and the second elastic connector 42.

[0067] Specifically, the first end 311 and the second end 312 of the second material tube 30 are opposite ends of the second material tube 30, and the first end 221 of the first material tube 20 and the first end 311 of the second material tube 30 are both set in a direction close to the first end a.

[0068] During the consumable transport process, when the transport actions of the upper-level consumable transport device and the lower-level consumable transport device connected to the consumable buffer device are inconsistent, the second feed tube 30 can move relative to the first feed tube 20 under the drive of the consumable to buffer the force on the consumable.

[0069] When the consumable is subjected to excessive force, causing the second feed tube 30 to move a large distance relative to the first feed tube 20, the first elastic connector 41 can buffer the force between the second feed tube 30 and the first feed tube 20, and the second elastic connector 42 can buffer the force between the second feed tube 30 and the inner wall of the second housing 12. This allows the first end 311 and the second end 312 of the second feed tube 30 to make flexible contact with the inner walls of the first feed tube 20 and the second housing 12, respectively. When there is a large deviation in the consumable transmission between the upper and lower consumable conveying devices connected to the consumable buffering device, the buffering component 40 buffers the large force on the second feed tube 30. Under the condition of buffering the inconsistent transmission of consumables, it avoids structural damage caused by direct contact between the two ends of the second feed tube 30 and the inner walls of the first feed tube 20 and the second housing 12, thereby improving the overall structural stability and service life of the consumable buffering device.

[0070] For ease of reading, this application introduces a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z to describe the embodiments of this application. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be three non-parallel straight lines in space; further, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be three mutually perpendicular directions in a three-dimensional coordinate system (a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system). In subsequent embodiments, the first direction X is described as the X-axis direction of the three-dimensional coordinate system, the second direction Y is the Y-axis direction of the three-dimensional coordinate system, and the third direction Z is the Z-axis direction of the three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0071] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the first end a refers to the end where the consumable buffer device is connected to the previous consumable conveying device, and the second end b refers to the end where the consumable buffer device is connected to the next consumable conveying device.

[0072] Optionally, this application sets the first elastic connector 41 and the second elastic connector 42 as compression springs. During installation, one end of the first elastic connector 41 and the second elastic connector 42 are fixedly installed. During the movement of the second material tube 30, the first elastic connector 41 is deformed by the force between the second material tube 30 and the first material tube 20, thereby buffering the force on the first end 311 of the second material tube 30. The second elastic connector 42 is deformed by the force between the second material tube 30 and the inner wall of the second housing 12, thereby buffering the force on the second end 312 of the second material tube 30.

[0073] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, it can be observed that the second material tube 30 is sleeved on the first material tube 20. The first material tube 20 includes a first body 21 and a first end 22. The first end 22 is located at the end of the first body 21 near the first end a. The outer contour dimension of the first end 22 is larger than the outer contour dimension of the first body 21. The first end 22 plays a limiting role for the second material tube 30, preventing the second material tube 30 from coming out of the first material tube 20.

[0074] Furthermore, the second feed tube 30 includes a second body 31, a second end 32, and a third end 33. The second end 32 is located at the end of the second body 31 near the first end a, and the third end 33 is located at the end of the second body 31 near the second end b. The first elastic connector 41 is sleeved on the first body 21 and located between the first end 22 and the second end 32. The third end 33 is provided with a connecting groove 34, which is configured to connect with the first end 421 of the second elastic connector 42.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first feed tube 20 serves to limit and support the first elastic connector 41, providing a basis for the deformation of the first elastic connector 41 and preventing the second feed tube 30 and the first elastic connector 41 from moving out of the first feed tube 20. A connecting groove 34 is provided on the third end 33, providing a connection basis for the second elastic connector 42 and interacting with the second end 422 of the second elastic connector 42, providing a basis for the deformation of the second elastic connector 42 under stress.

[0076] It is understandable that the installation of the first elastic connector 41 and the second elastic connector 42 only requires one end to be fixed and the other end to be movable. According to the deformation caused by the movement of the second material tube 30, the force at both ends of the second material tube 30 is buffered.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, the first end 411 of the first elastic connector 41 is fixedly connected to the first end 22, the first end 421 of the second elastic connector 42 is fixedly connected to the connecting groove 34, and the second end 422 of the second elastic connector 42 protrudes from the second end 312 of the second material tube 30. The first end 411 and the second end 412 of the first elastic connector 41 are opposite ends of the first elastic connector 41, with the first end 411 located close to the first end a. The first end 421 and the second end 422 of the second elastic connector 42 are opposite ends of the second elastic connector 42, with the first end 421 located close to the first end a.

[0078] In use, when the second feed tube 30 moves along the first end 221 near the first feed tube 20 and contacts the first elastic connector 41, the first elastic connector 41 deforms under force, buffering the force on the second feed tube 30, and thus buffering the force on the consumable, preventing the consumable from being pulled apart due to excessive force, further improving the buffering effect of consumable transmission, and at the same time avoiding structural damage caused by direct impact between the second feed tube 30 and the first feed tube 20, improving the service life of structural components and the overall structural stability of the consumable buffering device; when the second feed tube 30 moves away from the first feed tube 20... When the first end 221 of 0 moves in the direction of the second elastic connector 42, the second elastic connector 42 moves synchronously with the second material tube 30. When the second elastic connector 42 contacts the inner wall of the second housing 12, the second elastic connector 42 deforms under force, which buffers the force on the second material tube 30, and thus buffers the force on the consumables, preventing the consumables from being pulled apart due to excessive force, further improving the buffering effect of consumable transmission, and at the same time avoiding structural damage caused by direct impact between the second material tube 30 and the inner wall of the housing 10 and the frame, improving the service life of structural components and the overall structural stability of the consumable buffering device.

[0079] In other embodiments, the second end 412 of the first elastic connector 41 is fixedly connected to the second end 32, the second end 422 of the second elastic connector 42 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second housing 12, and the second elastic connector 42 is aligned with the connecting groove 34.

[0080] In use, the second feed tube 30 moves along the first end 221 close to the first feed tube 20 until the first elastic connector 41 contacts the first end 22. The first elastic connector 41 deforms under force, buffering the force on the second feed tube 30, and thus buffering the force on the consumables. This prevents the consumables from being pulled apart due to excessive force, further improving the buffering effect of consumable transmission. At the same time, it avoids structural damage caused by direct impact between the second feed tube 30 and the first feed tube 20, improving the service life of structural components and the overall stability of the consumable buffering device.

[0081] When the second feed tube 30 moves away from the first end 221 of the first feed tube 20, until the second elastic connector 42 is in contact with the connecting groove 34, the second elastic connector 42 deforms under force, buffering the force on the second feed tube 30, and thus buffering the force on the consumable, preventing the consumable from being pulled apart due to excessive force, further improving the buffering effect of consumable transmission, and at the same time avoiding structural damage caused by direct impact between the second feed tube 30 and the inner wall of the housing 10 and the frame, improving the service life of structural components and the overall structural stability of the consumable buffering device.

[0082] Furthermore, this application provides a guide portion 37 on the second material tube 30 and a guide groove 14 on the second housing 12. The guide portion 37 extends from the guide groove 14 of the second housing 12 along the second direction Y to the outside of the second housing 12, that is, the end of the guide portion 37 away from the second material tube 30 passes through the guide groove 14 and extends to the outside of the second housing 12.

[0083] Optionally, in other embodiments, the second housing 12 may also be a transparent housing. The transparent housing allows for direct observation of the consumable's delivery status. When the consumable delivery is abnormal and cannot be buffered and adjusted by moving the second feed tube 30, the guide 37 can be manually adjusted to address the abnormal delivery status of the consumable.

[0084] Furthermore, a reinforced connection structure is provided at the corner area where the guide part 37 connects to the second material tube 30, which enhances the connection strength between the second material tube 30 and the guide part 37.

[0085] Preferably, the guide portion 37 is located at the second end portion 32. Since the distance between the second end portion 32 and the second end of the housing 10 is relatively large, it is convenient to set the guide groove 14, which can make reasonable use of the space of the housing 10 and reduce the overall volume of the housing 10.

[0086] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the present application provides second protrusions 36 on both sides of the second body 31 and a first support plate 101 on the first housing 11, extending both ends of the second protrusions 36 to abut against the first support plate 101.

[0087] At this time, the first support plate 101 supports the second protrusion 36. During the movement of the second material tube 30, the second protrusion 36 overlaps with the first support plate 101. The first support plate 101 supports and guides the movement of the second material tube 30, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the second material tube 30.

[0088] Referring to Figure 3, a second support plate 121 is provided in the area where the second housing 12 aligns with the first support plate 101. A channel 15 is formed between the second support plate 121 and the first support plate 101. The second protrusion 36 extends into the channel 15 and can move along the channel 15. The second support plate 121 and the first support plate 101 cooperate to form the channel 15, which further improves the stability of the movement of the second protrusion 36, thereby enhancing the stability of the movement of the second protrusion 36.

[0089] As an optional implementation, this application provides a light-blocking protrusion 38 on the side of the second body 31 facing the first housing 11. The consumable buffer device also includes a sensing element 60. In this application, two sensing elements in the sensing element 60 are respectively positioned at two extreme positions of the movement of the light-blocking protrusion 38. The sensing element 60 is configured to detect whether the light-blocking protrusion 38 has moved to the extreme position. The sensing element 60 senses and detects the movement position of the light-blocking protrusion 38, and further detects the movement position of the second feed tube 30. When the second feed tube 30 moves to the extreme position, the sensing element 60 feeds back a detection signal to facilitate subsequent adjustment and avoid damage to the consumables caused by the second feed tube 30 being in the extreme position for a long time.

[0090] In this embodiment of the application, the first material tube 20 is provided with a consumable inlet channel 23, and the second material tube 30 is provided with a consumable outlet channel 35. The first material tube 20 is configured to receive and transport consumables, and the transport direction of the consumables is parallel to the first direction X. The second material tube 30 is configured to receive and transport the consumables transported by the first material tube 20.

[0091] Furthermore, the consumable buffer device provided in this application also includes a guide member 70. The guide member 70 is disposed at the end of the first material tube 20 away from the second material tube 30. It can be observed that the end of the guide member 70 away from the first material tube 20 is exposed outside the housing 10. At least one first material port 51 is provided on the end face of the guide member 70 exposed outside the housing. The first material port 51 is connected to the first material tube 20 through the guide member 70. A plurality of feeding channels 71 are provided inside the guide member 70, which correspond one-to-one with and are connected to the first material port 51. After the plurality of feeding channels 71 are gathered, they are connected to the consumable inlet channel 23 of the first material tube 20, thereby realizing the connection between the first material port 51 and the first material tube 20 through the guide member 70.

[0092] Optionally, this application provides a second material port 52 at the end of the housing 10 away from the guide member 70. The second material port 52 is connected to the consumable outlet channel 35 of the second material tube 30 through the conveying member 53. In this way, the consumable buffer device can transmit multiple consumables through the arrangement of the guide member 70 and the conveying member 53. Then, one consumable is selected and transmitted to the first material tube 20, the second material tube 30, and the conveying member 53, and then output from the second material port 52 to the next stage consumable conveying device.

[0093] In one specific embodiment provided in this application, the number of the above-mentioned first material inlet 51 and feeding channel 71 can be four. In use, four different consumables conveyed by the previous consumable conveying device are transferred from the first material inlet 51 to the feeding channel 71, and then one of the consumables is selected to enter the second material pipe 30 through the first material pipe 20, and finally transferred to the next consumable conveying device through the second material inlet 52. During the consumable transfer process, the second material pipe 30 moves relative to the first material pipe 20 according to the force on the consumable to buffer the force on the consumable, thereby making the consumables transfer synchronously and consistently between different consumable conveying devices.

[0094] For example, the feeder 53 is made of Teflon material so that the feeder 53 is transparent so that the transmission status of the consumable can be observed; wherein the Teflon material may be derived from suppliers known in the art or prepared by known methods, as should be known to those skilled in the art.

[0095] Referring to Figures 7 to 14, this application also provides another optional configuration of the first feed tube 20, the second feed tube 30, and the first elastic connector 41.

[0096] Specifically, please refer to Figures 7 to 9 and Figure 15. In this embodiment, the consumable buffer device 100 is disposed between the two extrusion mechanisms 1 that convey the same consumable. When the two extrusion mechanisms 1 do not work synchronously, resulting in different traction forces applied to the consumable by the two extrusion mechanisms 1, the buffer device can buffer the consumable to avoid uneven force on the front and rear parts of the consumable, which may lead to material breakage.

[0097] Specifically, this application provides an installation cavity 13 inside the housing 10, and similarly, the first material tube 20 is disposed on the first housing 11, and the second material tube 30 is at least partially slidably disposed in the installation cavity 13 of the housing 10, and the second material tube 30 is configured to slide relative to the first material tube 20 in the first direction X.

[0098] Along the conveying direction of consumables, a second feed tube 30 is located at one end of a first feed tube 20. The first feed tube 20 has a consumable inlet channel 23, which is located at the end of the first feed tube 20 away from the second feed tube 30. The second feed tube 30 has a consumable outlet channel 35, which is located at the end of the second feed tube 30 away from the first feed tube 20.

[0099] In this embodiment, the consumable outlet channel 35 is connected to the consumable inlet channel 23 so that the consumable enters the first feed tube 20 from the consumable inlet channel 23. The first feed tube 20 transports the received consumable to the second feed tube 30, and then the second feed tube 30 transports the consumable it receives from the first feed tube 20. The consumable then leaves the second feed tube 30 from the consumable outlet channel 35.

[0100] The end of the second material tube 30 away from the first material tube 20 can slide out of the housing 10, thereby enabling the second material tube 30 to transport consumables to the outside of the housing 10, avoiding the need to add a discharge guide or other structure to the housing 10 to guide the consumables to the outside of the housing 10.

[0101] In other words, in this embodiment, the material conveying component 53 is not required to transport the consumables through the second material tube 30 to the outside of the housing 10. Instead, the end of the second material tube 30 away from the first material tube 20 can be slidably extended out of the housing 10, thereby directly transporting the consumables to the outside of the housing 10. All of the above-mentioned configuration methods are feasible, and this application does not impose too many restrictions on them.

[0102] Furthermore, when the traction force provided by the extrusion mechanism 1 on one side of the first feed tube 20 to the consumable is greater than the traction force provided by the extrusion mechanism 1 on one side of the second feed tube 30 to the consumable, the consumable located at the consumable buffer device 100 will be squeezed, and the consumable will then drive the second feed tube 30 in contact with it to move away from the first feed tube 20.

[0103] In this embodiment, one end of the first elastic connector 41 is elastically connected to the second material tube 30. The first elastic connector 41 is configured to always provide an elastic force close to the first material tube 20 to the second material tube 30, that is, the first elastic connector 41 is always in a state of elastic deformation.

[0104] Thus, when the second feed tube 30 moves away from the first feed tube 20 under the friction of the consumable, the first elastic connector 41 continuously undergoes elastic deformation and always provides an elastic force close to the first feed tube 20 to the second feed tube 30. Therefore, when the traction force provided by the extrusion mechanism 1 on the side of the first feed tube 20 to the consumable is less than the traction force provided by the extrusion mechanism 1 on the side of the second feed tube 30 to the consumable, the second feed tube 30 moves towards the first feed tube 20 until it is reset under the action of the elastic force generated by the reset of the first elastic connector 41.

[0105] When the consumable buffer device 100 stops working, or when the traction force provided by the extrusion mechanism 1 on one side of the first feed tube 20 to the consumable is equal to the traction force provided by the extrusion mechanism 1 on one side of the second feed tube 30 to the consumable, the second feed tube 30 is only subjected to elastic force in the consumable conveying direction. The second feed tube 30 abuts against the first feed tube 20 and is connected to the first feed tube 20. At this time, the first elastic connector 41 is still in a state of elastic deformation, and the first elastic connector 41 continues to provide an elastic force close to the first feed tube 20 to the second feed tube 30, so that the second feed tube 30 presses against the first feed tube 20 and the two remain in a close fit. Thus, when the consumable needs to be buffered, the second feed tube 30 can respond in time to buffer the consumable.

[0106] In this embodiment, since the second feed tube 30 can slide relative to the first feed tube 20, when the traction force on the consumable before entering the consumable buffer device 100 is uneven with that on the consumable after leaving the consumable buffer device 100, friction will occur between the consumable and the second feed tube 30. Then, under the action of the friction force applied by the consumable to the second feed tube 30, the second feed tube 30 slides relative to the first feed tube 20 and adjusts the distance between the second feed tube 30 and the first feed tube 20, thereby buffering the consumable with uneven force.

[0107] Furthermore, when the second feed tube 30 is not conveying consumables or the consumables at both ends of the consumable buffer device 100 are subjected to the same traction force and no buffering consumables are needed, the second feed tube 30 is only subjected to the elastic force provided by the first elastic connector 41 in the consumable conveying direction. The second feed tube 30 abuts against the first feed tube 20 and is connected to the first feed tube 20, so that there is no gap between the second feed tube 30 and the first feed tube 20, so that when the consumables need to be buffered, the second feed tube 30 can respond quickly and buffer the consumables.

[0108] Referring again to Figures 7 to 9, in one embodiment, along the first direction X, the first feed tube 20 includes a first feeding section 24 and a second feeding section 25. The first feeding section 24, the second feeding section 25, and the second feed tube 30 are sequentially connected to convey consumables into the second feed tube 30. The first feeding section 24 and the second feeding section 25 are integrally formed, and the extension directions of the first feeding section 24 and the second feeding section 25 are also parallel to the first direction X. The second feeding section 25 is configured to guide the sliding of the second feed tube 30 to improve the stability of the sliding of the second feed tube 30.

[0109] Furthermore, the second feeding section 25 is configured to extend completely into the second feed tube 30 to prevent the second feed tube 30 from being obstructed by the second feeding section 25 when sliding towards the first feeding section 24. In addition, the end of the second feeding section 25 away from the first feeding section 24 extends into the second feed tube 30, not only delivering the consumables conveyed by the first feed tube 20 into the second feed tube 30, but also guiding the sliding of the second feed tube 30 through the second feeding section 25 extending into the second feed tube 30.

[0110] In an optional embodiment, the second feed tube 30 is provided with a discharge channel 351, which extends along a first direction X and penetrates the second feed tube 30. The discharge channel 351 is connected to the consumable outlet channel 35. The inner diameter of the discharge channel 351 is larger than the outer diameter of the second feeding part 25, and the extension length of the discharge channel 351 is larger than the extension length of the second feeding part 25, to ensure that the second feeding part 25 can be completely accommodated within the second feed tube 30.

[0111] Specifically, along the first direction X, the outer diameters of each section of the second feeding section 25 can be the same or different, as long as the maximum outer diameter of the second feeding section 25 is less than the inner diameter of the discharge channel 351. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0112] When the second feed tube 30 is subjected only to the elastic force provided by the first elastic connector 41 in the direction of material conveying, the second feed tube 30 abuts against the end face of the first feeding part 24 near the second feeding part 25, and the second feed tube 30 is connected to the second feeding part 25 extending therein.

[0113] It is understood that in other embodiments, the second feeding part 25 may also be configured to be sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the second material tube 30 to guide the sliding of the second material tube 30.

[0114] Referring again to Figures 10 to 12, in one embodiment, along the third direction Z, the housing 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 connected to each other, and the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 enclose to form a mounting cavity 13.

[0115] In this application, the first feed tube 20 is fixed inside the first housing 11, and the second feed tube 30 is at least partially located inside the first housing 11 and is slidably connected to the first housing 11.

[0116] Furthermore, the consumable buffer device 100 provided in this application also includes a guide 70, which is located at the end of the first material tube 20 away from the second material tube 30, and the guide 70 is connected to the consumable inlet channel 23 so as to transport the consumable into the first material tube 20 through the guide 70.

[0117] It can be observed that the end of the guide member 70 away from the first material tube 20 is exposed outside the first housing 11, and the end face of the guide member 70 exposed outside the housing 10 is provided with a plurality of first material ports 51.

[0118] Specifically, along the conveying direction of the consumables, the guide component 70 includes a first section 72, a second section 73, a third section 74, and a fourth section 75 connected in sequence; wherein the first section 72, the second section 73, the third section 74, and the fourth section 75 are integrally formed.

[0119] The first section 72 is a rectangular structure arranged along the third direction Z. The second section 73 protrudes outward from the surface of the first section 72 near the first material tube 20 along the first direction X. The third section 74 protrudes outward from the surface of the second section 73 near the first material tube 20 along the first direction X.

[0120] Furthermore, both the second section 73 and the third section 74 are rectangular structures, and the outer contours of the first section 72 and the third section 74 extend beyond the outer contour of the second section 73, so that a retaining groove 76 is formed between the first section 72 and the third section 74, surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the second section 73.

[0121] It is understood that the shapes of the first section 72, the second section 73, and the third section 74 can also be circles or other shapes, and this application does not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0122] Along the first direction X, the first housing 11 has an installation port 111 at one end on the feed side. In this embodiment, the installation port 111 is rectangular in shape, and the size of the installation port 111 is smaller than the size of the side plate on which it is located, so that the side plate of the first housing 11 on the feed side forms a retaining structure 112. The retaining structure 112 is approximately U-shaped and is retained in the retaining groove 76.

[0123] When the holding structure 112 is held in the holding groove 76, the inner circumferential surface of the holding structure 112 abuts against the groove wall of the holding groove 76, and the holding structure 112 is clamped by the first section 72 and the third section 74, thereby achieving the limiting of the material guide 70 and the first housing 11.

[0124] Correspondingly, the second housing 12 also has a retaining structure 112 to simultaneously limit the guide member 70 through the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The principle of the retaining structure 112 in the second housing 12 is the same as that in the first housing 11, and will not be described again.

[0125] In this embodiment, a feeding channel 71 is formed on the side of the first section 72 away from the second section 73. Along the first direction X, the feeding channel 71 passes through the first section 72, the second section 73, and the third section 74. The consumable buffer device 100 also includes a feeding member 50, which is a cylindrical structure with open ends and a hollow interior. The feeding member 50 is held within the first feed inlet 51, and the outer peripheral surface of the feeding member 50 is sealed to the inner peripheral surface of the first feed inlet 51.

[0126] Specifically, there are multiple first feed ports 51, and each first feed port 51 contains a corresponding feed element 50. The multiple first feed ports 51 can be arranged sequentially at intervals along the second direction Y, or they can be distributed in a rectangular array. The specific number and arrangement can be adapted to the actual design requirements.

[0127] It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of first feed ports 51 may also be one.

[0128] Referring again to Figures 10 to 12, in one embodiment, the fourth section 75 protrudes outward along the first direction X from the surface of the third section 74 near the first feed tube 20, and the end of the fourth section 75 away from the third section 74 is connected to the consumable inlet channel 23. The fourth section 75 is provided with a plurality of feed grooves 750, which are correspondingly arranged with a plurality of first feed ports 51, and the extending directions of the plurality of feed grooves 750 are inclined to each other.

[0129] One end of each feed trough 750 is connected to a first feed port 51, and the other end of each feed trough 750 is connected to a consumable inlet channel 23, so that consumables entering from different feed channels 71 can flow into the first feed tube 20.

[0130] In this embodiment, there are four first feed inlets 51 and four feed troughs 750. The fourth section 75 is generally conical in shape and has a first surface P1 and a second surface P2 disposed opposite to each other along the third direction Z. Both the first surface P1 and the second surface P2 are inclined relative to the first direction X.

[0131] Along the conveying direction of the consumables, the first surface P1 is inclined forward and upward, and the second surface P2 is inclined forward and downward. The first surface P1 has two feed troughs 750 spaced apart along the second direction Y, and the extension direction of the two feed troughs 750 on the first surface P1 is the same as the inclination direction of the first surface P1. The second surface P2 has two feed troughs 750 spaced apart along the second direction Y, and the extension direction of the two feed troughs 750 on the second surface P2 is the same as the inclination direction of the second surface P2.

[0132] Furthermore, a first protrusion 113 is provided on the side of the first housing 11 near the second housing 12 along the third direction Z. The end face of the first protrusion 113 near the second housing 12 is inclined and abuts against the first surface P1, so as to close the two feed grooves 750 located on the first surface P1, thereby forming a closed feed channel 71. The first protrusion 113 can be formed by stamping from the surface of the first housing 11 away from the second housing 12.

[0133] Correspondingly, a second protrusion 122 is provided on the side of the second housing 12 near the first housing 11 along the third direction Z. The end face of the second protrusion 122 near the first housing 11 is inclined and abuts against the second surface P2, so as to close the two feed grooves 750 located on the second surface P2, forming a closed feed channel 71. The second protrusion 122 can be formed by stamping from the surface of the second housing 12 away from the first housing 11.

[0134] Referring again to Figure 13, and referring to Figures 7 and 10, in one embodiment, the outer surface of the first feeding part 24 is provided with a first protrusion 26. There are two first protrusions 26, arranged along the second direction Y, on opposite sides of the first feeding part 24. The bottom wall of the inner cavity of the first housing 11 is provided with two connecting protrusions 114, which correspond to the two first protrusions 26. Both the first protrusions 26 and the connecting protrusions 114 have openings for the first fastener 261 to pass through, thereby fixing the first feeding part 24 to the first housing 11 using the first fastener 261.

[0135] For example, the first fastener 261 can be set as a screw or other part.

[0136] Furthermore, the outer surface of the second feed tube 30 is provided with a second protrusion 36. There are two second protrusions 36, which are located on opposite sides of the second feed tube 30 along the second direction Y. Both second protrusions 36 have holes through which a second fastener 361 passes, and the second fastener 361 is a screw or other part.

[0137] Preferably, there are two first elastic connectors 41, and each first elastic connector 41 is a spring. Along the second direction Y, the two first elastic connectors 41 are disposed on opposite sides of the second feed tube 30. The extension direction of the first elastic connector 41 is parallel to the first direction X. One end of the first elastic connector 41 is connected to the first fastener 261 and clamped between the first protrusion 26 and the end of the first fastener 261. The other end of the first elastic connector 41 is connected to the second fastener 361 and clamped between the second protrusion 36 and the end of the second fastener 361.

[0138] When the second feed tube 30 abuts against the first feeding part 24, the distance between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 36 is greater than the original length of the first elastic connector 41, so that the first elastic connector 41 is always in a stretched state, thereby providing the first elastic connector 41 with an elastic force close to the first feeding part 24 to the second feed tube 30.

[0139] It is understood that, in other embodiments, the other end of the first elastic connector 41, away from the second feed tube 30, is elastically connected to the first housing 11. For example, the first protrusion 26 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 11, and the first protrusion 26 is located on the side of the second feed section 25 away from the first feed section 24.

[0140] When the second feed tube 30 abuts against the first feeding part 24, the distance between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 36 is less than the original length of the first elastic connector 41, so that the first elastic connector 41 is always in a compressed state, thereby the first elastic connector 41 always provides the second feed tube 30 with an elastic force close to the first feeding part 24.

[0141] It is understood that in other embodiments, the other end of the first elastic connector 41, away from the second feed tube 30, is elastically connected to the first housing 11. For example, the first protrusion 26 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 11, and the first protrusion 26 is located on the side of the second feed section 25 near the first feed section 24.

[0142] When the second feed tube 30 abuts against the first feeding part 24, the distance between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 36 is greater than the original length of the first elastic connector 41, so that the first elastic connector 41 is always in a stretched state, thereby providing the first elastic connector 41 with an elastic force close to the first feeding part 24 to the second feed tube 30.

[0143] Thus, the location of the first protrusion 26 in this application can be selected according to actual design requirements, as long as the first elastic connector 41 can always provide the second material tube 30 with an elastic force close to the first feeding part 24.

[0144] Referring again to Figures 13 to 15 and Figure 7, in one embodiment, along the second direction Y, guide frames 115 are provided on the inner walls of adjacent sides of the first housing 11, and the second material tube 30 is located between the two guide frames 115. A sliding groove 1150 is formed on an adjacent side of the two guide frames 115, and two second protrusions 36 are respectively slidably engaged with the two sliding grooves 1150. The opposing sides of the two second protrusions 36 respectively abut against adjacent sides of the two guide frames 115 to guide the sliding of the second material tube 30.

[0145] Furthermore, the outer surface of the second material tube 30 is provided with a guide portion 37, which protrudes upward along a third direction Z from the side of the second material tube 30 near the second housing 12. A guide groove 14 is provided on the side of the second housing 12 away from the first housing 11, which extends along a first direction X and communicates with the mounting cavity 13. The guide portion 37 is partially located within the guide groove 14 and slides in cooperation with the guide groove 14, with one end of the guide portion 37 away from the second material tube 30 extending out of the guide groove 14 and exposed outside the housing 10.

[0146] Thus, by exposing the guide portion 37 on the second material tube 30 to the housing 10, not only can the position of the second material tube 30 be observed, but the second material tube 30 can also be moved by pushing and pulling the guide portion 37.

[0147] In this embodiment, a through hole 116 is provided on the outer wall of the housing 10. Along the first direction X, the through hole 116 passes through the side plate of the housing 10 on the discharge side and connects to the mounting cavity 13. The diameter of the through hole 116 is larger than the outer diameter of the second material tube 30, and the through hole 116 is configured to allow at least part of the second material tube 30 to pass through. When the second material tube 30 is driven to move away from the first material tube 20 under the action of the friction force applied by the consumable to the second material tube 30, the end of the second material tube 30 away from the first material tube 20 can pass through the through hole 116 and be exposed outside the housing 10. Thus, the consumable is transported to the housing 10 through the second material tube 30. This allows the extrusion mechanism 1 located on the discharge side of the consumable buffer device 100 to directly dock with the second material tube 30 and receive the consumable. This avoids the need to add structures such as discharge guides to the housing 10 to guide the consumable to the outside of the housing 10, thereby reducing production costs.

[0148] Specifically, the perforation 116 is circular in shape and is formed by the enclosure of the first perforation 1161 and the second perforation 1162. The first perforation 1161 and the second perforation 1162 are semi-circular in shape. The first perforation 1161 is opened in the first housing 11 and the second perforation 1162 is opened in the second housing 12. Thus, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected, the first perforation 1161 and the second perforation 1162 are connected and together form the perforation 116.

[0149] Referring again to Figure 13, and also to Figures 7 and 15, in one embodiment, the consumable buffer device 100 further includes a sensing element 60 for detecting the movement position of the second feed tube 30. The sensing element 60 includes a circuit board 61 and two sensing elements 62.

[0150] In this embodiment, the circuit board 61 can be fixed inside the first housing 11 and located below the second material tube 30. Along the first direction X, two detection elements 62 are spaced apart on the circuit board 61, and both are electrically connected to the circuit board 61. The detection element 62 is a photoelectric switch. A light-blocking protrusion 38 protrudes from the bottom surface of the second protrusion 36. When the light-blocking protrusion 38 moves with the second material tube 30 past the photoelectric switch, it blocks the detection light emitted from the photoelectric switch, thereby detecting the current position of the second material tube 30.

[0151] Specifically, when the light-blocking protrusion 38 blocks the detection light emitted by one photoelectric switch, the second feed tube 30 abuts against the first feed section 24. When the light-blocking protrusion 38 blocks the detection light emitted by another photoelectric switch, the second feed tube 30 partially protrudes through the through hole 116, and the second protrusion 36 abuts against the inner wall of the first housing 11.

[0152] At this time, the second feed tube 30 moves to the limit position, and the detection element 62 can send the detection signal of the second feed tube 30 moving to the limit position to a control device (not shown in the figure), and the control device can then adjust the working state of the two extrusion mechanisms 1.

[0153] It is understandable that the detection element 62 can also be other electronic components that can detect the position of the second material tube 30, such as a laser rangefinder, and the distance between the two detection elements 62 can be adjusted according to the detection requirements.

[0154] As shown in Figure 15, this application embodiment also provides a consumable conveying device 200, including at least two extrusion mechanisms 1 and the aforementioned consumable buffer device 100. The extrusion mechanism 1 is used to provide traction force to the consumable to move it, and the specific structure of the extrusion mechanism 1 is not limited in this application. Along the first direction X, at least two extrusion mechanisms 1 are arranged sequentially at intervals, and the consumable buffer device 100 is located between two adjacent extrusion mechanisms 1.

[0155] It is understandable that the number of extrusion mechanisms 1 can be two, three, or other numbers. The specific number of extrusion mechanisms 1 can be selected according to actual printing needs. When the number of extrusion mechanisms 1 exceeds two, a consumable buffer device 100 can be set between any two adjacent extrusion mechanisms 1 to ensure the stability of consumable transmission.

[0156] As shown in Figure 16 and in conjunction with Figure 15, this application embodiment also provides a 3D printing device 300, including a consumable box 2, a nozzle device 3, and the aforementioned consumable buffer device 100 or the aforementioned consumable conveying device 200.

[0157] The consumable box 2 is used to store consumables. The consumable conveying device 200 conveys the consumables in the consumable box 2 to the print head device 3, and then the print head device 3 sprays the consumables along a preset path and solidifies them to form a printed part.

[0158] For details regarding the above-mentioned consumable delivery device and other details regarding the implementation of the above-mentioned technical solution by the above-mentioned 3D printing equipment, please refer to the description of the consumable buffer device provided in the above-mentioned application embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] The consumable buffer device, consumable conveying device, and 3D printing equipment provided in this application embodiment allow the second material tube to move relative to the first material tube. During consumable transport, when the transport actions of the upstream and downstream consumable conveying devices connected to the consumable buffer device are inconsistent, the second material tube moves relative to the first material tube under the drive of the consumable. The first elastic connector buffers the force between the second and first material tubes, thus buffering the unevenly stressed consumable. This ensures that when there is a significant deviation in the consumable transport between the upstream and downstream consumable conveying devices connected to the consumable buffer device, the buffer assembly buffers the large force on the second material tube, avoiding structural damage caused by direct contact between the second and first material tubes, and improving the overall structural stability and service life of the consumable buffer device.

[0160] It is understood that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0161] The above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of this application; however, this application is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this application, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A consumable buffer device, characterized by, The application relates to a shell, a first material pipe, a second material pipe, a buffer assembly, and a first elastic connecting piece. The shell comprises a first shell and a second shell covering the first shell. The first material pipe is fixedly arranged in the first shell along a first direction. The second material pipe is in communication with the first material pipe and is movable relative to the first material pipe. The buffer assembly comprises a first elastic connecting piece elastically connected to a first end of the second material pipe, and the first elastic connecting piece is configured to buffer the acting force between the first material pipe and the second material pipe.

2. The consumable buffer device of claim 1, wherein, The buffer assembly further comprises a second elastic connecting piece arranged between the second material pipe and an inner wall of the second shell, and the second elastic connecting piece is configured to buffer the acting force between the second material pipe and the inner wall of the second shell.

3. The consumable buffer device of claim 2, wherein, The first elastic connecting piece is arranged between the first end of the second material pipe and the first end of the first material pipe, and the second elastic connecting piece is arranged between a second end of the second material pipe and the inner wall of the second shell.

4. The consumable buffer device of claim 3, wherein, The second material pipe covers the first material pipe. The first material pipe comprises a first main body and a first end part arranged at one end of the first main body close to the first end, and the outer contour size of the first end part is larger than that of the first main body.

5. The consumable buffer device of claim 4, wherein, The second material pipe comprises a second main body, a second end part arranged at one end of the second main body close to the first end, and a third end part arranged at one end of the second main body close to the second end, and the first elastic connecting piece covers the first main body and is arranged between the first end part and the second end part.

6. The consumable buffer device of claim 5, wherein, The first end of the first elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected to the first end part, the first end of the second elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected to the connecting groove, and the second end of the second elastic connecting piece protrudes from the second end of the second material pipe.

7. The consumable buffer device of claim 2, wherein, The second end of the first elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected to the second end part, the second end of the second elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second shell, and the second elastic connecting piece is arranged in alignment with the connecting groove.

8. The consumable buffer device of claim 1, wherein, The first elastic connecting piece and the second elastic connecting piece are compression springs. The first material pipe is provided with a consumable inlet channel, the second material pipe is provided with a consumable outlet channel, the consumable outlet channel is in communication with the consumable inlet channel, and the second material pipe is configured to receive and convey the consumable conveyed by the first material pipe. The second material pipe is at least partially slidably arranged in the shell, one end of the second material pipe away from the first material pipe can be slid to pass out of the shell, and the first elastic connecting piece is configured to always provide an elastic force of the second material pipe close to the first material pipe. When the second material pipe is only subjected to the elastic force in the conveying direction of the consumable, the second material pipe abuts against the first material pipe and is in communication with the first material pipe.

9. The consumable buffer device of claim 8, wherein, The first material pipe comprises a first feeding part and a second feeding part in the conveying direction of the consumable, the first feeding part, the second feeding part and the second material pipe are sequentially communicated, and the second feeding part is configured to guide the second material pipe to slide. When the second material pipe is only subjected to the elastic force in the conveying direction of the consumable, the second material pipe abuts against the first feeding part, and the second feeding part communicates the second material pipe.

10. The consumable buffer device of claim 9, wherein, The other end of the first elastic connecting piece away from the second material pipe is elastically connected to the first feeding part, and the first elastic connecting piece is configured to always provide the second material pipe with an elastic force close to the first feeding part.

11. The consumable buffer device of claim 10, wherein, The first feeding part is provided with a first protrusion, the second material pipe is provided with a second protrusion, one end of the first elastic connecting piece is elastically connected to the first protrusion, and the other end of the first elastic connecting piece is elastically connected to the second protrusion. When the second material pipe abuts against the first feeding part, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is greater than the original length of the first elastic connecting piece.

12. The consumable buffer device of claim 9, wherein, The first protrusion is located on one side of the second feeding part away from the first feeding part, the second material pipe is provided with a second protrusion, one end of the first elastic connecting piece is elastically connected to the first protrusion, and the other end of the first elastic connecting piece is elastically connected to the second protrusion. When the second material pipe abuts against the first feeding part, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is less than the original length of the first elastic connecting piece.

13. The consumable buffer device of claim 9, wherein, The first protrusion is located on one side of the second feeding part close to the first feeding part, the second material pipe is provided with a second protrusion, one end of the first elastic connecting piece is elastically connected to the first protrusion, and the other end of the first elastic connecting piece is elastically connected to the second protrusion. When the second material pipe abuts against the first feeding part, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is greater than the original length of the first elastic connecting piece.

14. The consumable buffer device of claim 1, wherein, The consumable buffer device further comprises a material guiding piece, and the material guiding piece is located at one end of the first material pipe away from the second material pipe. One end of the material guiding piece away from the first material pipe is exposed to the shell, and at least one first material port is arranged on the end face of the one end of the material guiding piece exposed to the shell.

15. The consumable buffer device of claim 14, wherein, A second material port is arranged at one end of the shell away from the material guiding piece, and the second material port is communicated with the consumable outlet channel of the second material pipe through a material conveying piece.

16. The consumable buffer device of claim 14, wherein, The second material port is configured to allow the second material pipe to at least partially pass through.

17. The consumable buffer device of claim 1, wherein, The second material pipe is provided with a guide part, and the second shell is provided with a guide groove, and one end of the guide part away from the second material pipe penetrates out of the guide groove and extends to the outside of the second shell.

18. The consumable buffer device of claim 1, wherein, The second material pipe is provided with a light blocking protrusion on one side of the first shell, and the consumable buffer device further comprises an inductive detection member arranged at two limit positions of movement of the light blocking protrusion respectively to detect whether the light blocking protrusion is moved to the limit positions.

19. A consumable delivery device, characterized by, The consumable buffer device comprises at least two extrusion mechanisms arranged in sequence and in interval, and the consumable buffer device is arranged between two adjacent extrusion mechanisms.

20. A 3D printing device, characterized by The consumable buffer device comprises a consumable cartridge, a nozzle device, and the consumable buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the consumable conveying device according to claim 19, and the consumable conveying device is configured to convey the consumable in the consumable cartridge to the nozzle device.

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