3D printer and frame thereof

Abstract

Provided in the present invention are a 3D printer and a frame thereof. The frame is of an integrally formed structure, and comprises a first edge portion, a first corner portion, a second edge portion, a second corner portion, a third edge portion, a third corner portion, a fourth edge portion and a fourth corner portion, which are arranged in sequence, wherein the first edge portion is a double-layer plate, and the other edge portions are single-layer plates; the first edge portion is provided with an electric-motor mounting structure configured to mount X-axis and Y-axis electric motors, and a tensioning wheel mounting structure configured to mount X-axis and Y-axis synchronous-belt tensioning wheels; the electric-motor mounting structure is provided with a through hole for a drive shaft to pass through, and the through hole extends through the first edge portion in a height direction; and the first corner portion and the second corner portion are provided with Y-rail mounting structures arranged opposite each other, the third corner portion and the fourth corner portion are provided with Y-rail mounting structures arranged opposite each other, and the Y-rail mounting structures are configured to mount a first Y-axis sliding rail and a second Y-axis sliding rail, respectively. The frame of the present invention can achieve a compact layout of components and has higher structural strength, thereby improving the stability of 3D printing.

Description

3D printer and its frame

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025100650690, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled “3D Printer and Frame Thereof”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a frame for a 3D printer and a 3D printer itself. Background Technology

[0003] A 3D printer is a printing device that uses digital model files as a basis and powdered metal or plastic and other bondable materials as printing materials to form objects layer by layer. A typical 3D printing technology is fused deposition modeling (FDM), whose main printing process is as follows: the nozzle of the print head ejects filaments of molten polymer material. At the same time, the nozzle is driven by a motor to move in the XY plane according to a set path, so that the filaments of molten polymer material ejected by the nozzle form thin sheets of printing material on the two-dimensional plane. By repeating the above process and stacking the printing layers, the molten polymer material is finally printed into a three-dimensional object.

[0004] Currently, mainstream 3D printer architectures include i3, Core-XY, QuadXY (4 motors), and Delta architectures. These all include a main frame, XY drive modules, Z-axis components, a printing platform, and a print head. The main frame is typically formed using profiles, while other components, such as the drive motors for the XY motion modules, the conveyor belt tensioning rollers, the Z-axis components, and the print head, are mounted on the main frame using their respective mounting structures. However, this approach increases the dimensional chain of components, making it difficult to guarantee assembly accuracy and increasing manufacturing and assembly complexity. Furthermore, this main frame design limits the operational space for installing other components, further complicating assembly. Moreover, this profile frame has relatively weak overall strength. When used in high-speed printers, the high-speed movement of the print head causes vibrations in the main frame and multiple components within the 3D printer. These vibrations can cause reversible deformations in the 3D printer frame, significantly affecting the printing accuracy of the print head and making it difficult to guarantee high-precision printing results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above situation, the main objective of this invention is to provide a frame for a 3D printer and a 3D printer, which can achieve a compact layout of components while having higher structural strength and improving the stability of 3D printing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention provides a frame for a 3D printer, which together with the column of the 3D printer forms the frame of the 3D printer. The frame is a one-piece structure, including a first side, a first corner, a second side, a second corner, a third side, a third corner, a fourth side, and a fourth corner arranged in sequence, and each corner connects two adjacent sides into one piece.

[0008] The first side portion includes an inner side plate and an outer side plate spaced apart in the thickness direction, and a reinforcing rib arranged between the inner side plate and the outer side plate. The first side portion is provided with a motor mounting structure for mounting X-axis and Y-axis motors, and a tensioning wheel mounting structure for mounting X-axis and Y-axis synchronous belt tensioning pulleys. The motor mounting structure is provided with a through hole for the drive shaft to pass through, and the through hole penetrates the first side portion in the height direction.

[0009] The second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all single-plate structures in the thickness direction. Opposite Y-rail mounting structures are provided on the first corner and the second corner, and opposite Y-rail mounting structures are provided on the third corner and the fourth corner, respectively for mounting the first Y-axis slide rail and the second Y-axis slide rail.

[0010] Optionally, the height of the third side is smaller than the height of the first side, the second side, and the fourth side, and the two ends of the third side are connected to the upper middle parts of the second corner and the third corner, respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the frame is further provided with a plurality of Z-rail mounting parts for mounting Z-axis slide rails, the plurality of Z-rail mounting parts being located at the bottom position of the middle section of the first side, the second corner and the third corner respectively.

[0012] Optionally, the Z-rail mounting part is integrally formed with the frame and has a Z-rail mounting hole for mounting the Z-axis slide rail. The Z-rail mounting hole is located on the upper end face of the Z-rail mounting part. The distance between the upper end face of the Z-rail mounting part at the first side and the upper end face of the first side is between 65 and 100 mm. The distance between the Z-rail mounting part at the second side and the upper end face of the fourth side and the second side is between 85 and 120 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the Z-rail mounting portion disposed on the first side includes a mounting plate, one side of which is connected to the inner side plate of the first side, and the other side extends inward toward the inner side of the frame; the mounting plate is provided with Z-rail mounting holes.

[0014] Optionally, the inner side plate of the first side has a T-shaped main structure, including a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate. The height of the horizontal plate is smaller than the height of the outer side plate, such that the area below the horizontal plate located on both sides of the vertical plate is at least partially recessed towards the outer side plate to form a recessed space.

[0015] Optionally, at least a portion of the inner side plate's horizontal plate and the outer side plate form an inverted L-shaped structure, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the horizontal portion of the inverted L-shaped structure to the thickness of the vertical portion is 2.5 to 5.

[0016] Optionally, the 3D printer includes a heated bed, a cutter triggering mechanism, and a drive motor; the drive motor is disposed on the frame, at least partially located in the recessed space;

[0017] The heated bed is located within the frame, and the second side and / or the fourth side are provided with a cutter mounting structure for the cutter triggering mechanism, the cutter mounting structure being at least partially located between the heated bed and the first side.

[0018] Optionally, the second side and the fourth side are connected to the outer side plate of the first side through the first corner and the fourth corner, respectively.

[0019] Optionally, the thickness of the first side portion is 10-60 mm greater than the thickness of the second, third, and fourth side portions.

[0020] Optionally, at least a portion of the top surface of the first edge is recessed from the top surfaces of the first corner and the fourth corner to form a first accommodating space;

[0021] The top surfaces of the second side and the fourth side are recessed below the top surfaces of the first corner and the fourth corner, forming a second accommodating space in the recessed area on the top surface of at least one of the second side and the fourth side.

[0022] Optionally, on the outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth corners, the bottom region is recessed inward compared to other regions to form the mounting and positioning surface of the frame.

[0023] Optionally, the frame is a one-piece die-cast structure.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention also provides a 3D printer, including a frame and a print head, the frame including a plurality of columns and a frame as described in any of the preceding claims, the frame being mounted on top of the columns and forming the frame together with the columns, and the print head being mounted on the top frame.

[0025] Optionally, it includes a top cover functional module, a top module, and a printing cavity module arranged sequentially from top to bottom;

[0026] The upper cover functional module includes a cover plate and a frame, and the cover plate is installed on the frame;

[0027] The top module includes a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, a frame, and a print head. The top of the frame has a first mounting structure for connecting the upper cover functional module, and the bottom has a second mounting structure for connecting the printing cavity module. The drive motor and the XY motion mechanism are mounted on the frame, and the print head is movably mounted on the XY motion mechanism. The drive motor drives the XY motion mechanism through the timing belt to move the print head.

[0028] The printing chamber module includes multiple columns, a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns, and a Z-axis slide rail disposed perpendicular to the printing platform. The upper ends of the multiple columns are connected to a second mounting structure of the frame, the upper end of the Z-axis slide rail is fixed by the frame, and the printing platform is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail.

[0029] Optionally, the second mounting structure includes connecting posts disposed at each corner, the outer surface of the connecting posts being recessed inward compared to the outer surface of other parts of the corner, thereby being inserted into the openings at the top of the plurality of posts.

[0030] Optionally, the corner portion further includes an arc portion, the upper side of which is provided with the first mounting structure and the lower side of which is provided with the second mounting structure, and the outer surface of the connecting post is recessed inward compared to the outer surface of the arc portion; two adjacent sides are connected through the arc portion.

[0031] Optionally, the connecting column includes a middle straight plate and a first connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the middle straight plate; the top of the column is locked to the first connecting straight plate; the 3D printer also includes a movable door panel, the first side being the rear side, the rear side being located on the opposite side of the door panel, and both ends of the outer side panel being connected to the arc portion at its location and the first connecting straight plate.

[0032] The printing cavity module includes a rear cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting plates at both ends of the rear side.

[0033] Optionally, the inner side plate includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate. The height of the horizontal plate is smaller than the height of the outer side plate, such that the area below the horizontal plate located on both sides of the vertical plate has a recessed space that is at least partially recessed toward the outer side plate. The recessed space is connected downward to the printing cavity space of the printing cavity module.

[0034] Optionally, the motor mounting structure is connected to both ends of the inner side plate and the inner side of the outer side plate;

[0035] There are two drive motors, one of which is mounted from top to bottom on one motor mounting structure, and the other is mounted from bottom to top on another motor mounting structure.

[0036] Optionally, the distance between the mounting surface of at least one of the drive motors and the upper end surface of the first side is between 0 and 20 mm.

[0037] Optionally, the bottom surface of the motor mounting structure for mounting the drive motor from top to bottom is flush with the lower end surface of the inner side plate; the top surface of the motor mounting structure for mounting the drive motor from bottom to top is flush with the upper end surface of the inner side plate.

[0038] Optionally, the second side and the fourth side are side sections, and the side sections are equipped with the Y-axis slide rail of the XY motion mechanism;

[0039] In the bottom region of the side portion, the middle part is recessed upwards compared to the two ends, and the two ends are respectively connected to the first connecting straight plate at their respective locations.

[0040] The printing cavity module includes a side cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting straight plates at both ends of the corresponding side portion.

[0041] Optionally, the outer surface of the first mounting structure is recessed inward from the outer surface of the arc portion, and the first mounting structure includes an arc plate and a second connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the arc plate; the frame is a plastic part and is connected and locked to the second connecting straight plate.

[0042] Optionally, the frame further includes Z-rail mounting portions, with the Z-rail mounting portions located at the middle position of the first side, and at the end regions of the second and fourth sides away from the first side, respectively, at their bottoms. Each Z-rail mounting portion is provided with a Z-rail mounting hole.

[0043] The Z-axis slide rail is provided with three rails, and the upper end of each rail is inserted into the three Z-rail mounting holes respectively.

[0044] The printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw, the upper end of which is suspended or elastically connected to the frame; each Z-rail mounting part is respectively disposed in the lower area of ​​its corresponding side, wherein the Z-rail mounting part at the first side is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and the Z-axis lead screw and Z-axis slide rail at the first side are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the Z-axis slide rail is disposed closer to the heated bed than the Z-axis lead screw.

[0045] Optionally, a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole is also provided on the Z-rail mounting part at the first edge; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and there is a space for movement between it and the inner wall surface of the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, or the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is elastically connected to the inner wall surface of the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole.

[0046] Optionally, it also includes a movable door panel, wherein the third side is the front side, the front side is located on one side of the door panel, and the two ends of the front side are respectively connected to the upper middle part of the adjacent corner, so that it forms a raised structure in the middle area and forms a printing cavity opening with the front column, and the door panel can cover the printing cavity opening.

[0047] A third aspect of the present invention provides a 3D printer, comprising a top cover functional module, an XY motion module, and a printing cavity module arranged sequentially from top to bottom;

[0048] The upper cover functional module includes a cover plate and a frame, and the cover plate is installed on the frame;

[0049] The XY motion module includes a frame, a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, and a print head. The frame is a one-piece molded structure, with a first mounting structure at the top for connecting the upper cover functional module and a second mounting structure at the bottom for connecting the printing cavity module. The drive motor and the XY motion mechanism are mounted on the frame, and the print head is movably mounted on the XY motion mechanism. The drive motor drives the XY motion mechanism through the timing belt to move the print head.

[0050] The printing chamber module includes multiple columns, a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns, and a Z-axis slide rail disposed perpendicular to the printing platform. The upper ends of the multiple columns are connected to a second mounting structure of the frame, the upper end of the Z-axis slide rail is fixed by the frame, and the printing platform is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail.

[0051] Optionally, the frame has multiple sides and multiple corners connecting adjacent sides; the second mounting structure includes connecting posts disposed at each corner, the outer surface of the connecting posts being recessed inwards from the outer surface of other parts of the corner, thereby being inserted into openings at the top of the multiple posts.

[0052] Optionally, the corner portion further includes an arc portion, the upper side of which is provided with the first mounting structure and the lower side of which is provided with the second mounting structure, and the outer surface of the connecting post is recessed inward compared to the outer surface of the arc portion; two adjacent corner portions are connected through the arc portion.

[0053] Optionally, the connecting column includes a middle straight plate and a first connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the middle straight plate; the top of the column is locked to the first connecting straight plate.

[0054] Optionally, the 3D printer further includes a movable door panel, the plurality of sides including a rear side, the rear side being located on the opposite side of the door panel, including an inner side panel and an outer side panel spaced apart in the thickness direction, and a reinforcing rib arranged between the inner side panel and the outer side panel, the two ends of the outer side panel being connected to a first connecting straight plate at its location;

[0055] The printing cavity module includes a rear cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting plates at both ends of the rear side.

[0056] Optionally, the inner side plate includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate. The height of the horizontal plate is smaller than the height of the outer side plate, such that the area below the horizontal plate located on both sides of the vertical plate has a recessed space that is at least partially recessed towards the outer side plate. The recessed space is connected downward to the printing cavity space of the printing cavity module.

[0057] Optionally, the motor mounting structure is connected to both ends of the inner side plate and the inner side of the outer side plate;

[0058] There are two drive motors, one of which is mounted from top to bottom on one motor mounting structure, and the other is mounted from bottom to top on another motor mounting structure.

[0059] Optionally, the recessed space extends to the area below the motor mounting structure.

[0060] Optionally, the plurality of sides further includes side portions connected to both ends of the rear side portion, and the side portions are equipped with the Y-axis slide rail of the XY motion mechanism;

[0061] In the bottom region of the side portion, the middle part is recessed upwards compared to the two ends, and the two ends are respectively connected to the first connecting plate at their respective locations.

[0062] The printing cavity module includes a side cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting straight plates at both ends of the corresponding side portion.

[0063] Optionally, the outer surface of the first mounting structure is recessed inward from the outer surface of the arc portion, and the first mounting structure includes an arc plate and a second connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the arc plate; the frame is a plastic part and is connected and locked to the second connecting straight plate.

[0064] Optionally, the frame further includes a Z-rail mounting part, which is provided at the middle position of the rear part and at the end region of the side part away from the rear part, and each Z-rail mounting part is provided with a Z-rail mounting hole.

[0065] The Z-axis slide rail is provided with three rails, and the upper end of each rail is inserted into the three Z-rail mounting holes respectively.

[0066] The printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw, the upper end of which is suspended or elastically connected to the frame.

[0067] Each Z-rail mounting portion is respectively located on the lower side of its corresponding edge. The Z-rail mounting portion at the first edge also has a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole. The upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole. The Z-axis lead screw and Z-axis slide rail at the first edge are arranged parallel to the Y-axis, and the Z-axis slide rail is positioned closer to the heated bed than the Z-axis lead screw. It is understood that the load-bearing capacity of the Z-axis slide rail and its associated linear bearing is higher than that of the lead screw nut. Bending of the Z-axis lead screw can significantly affect the 3D printing quality. Therefore, positioning the Z-axis slide rail closer to the heated bed can improve the heated bed's resistance to deformation.

[0068] Optionally, the Z-rail mounting part at the rear is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and there is a space for movement between the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole and the inner wall surface of the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole.

[0069] Optionally, it also includes a movable door panel, wherein the plurality of sides include a front side, the front side is located on one side of the door panel, and the two ends of the front side are respectively connected to the upper middle part of the adjacent corner, so that it forms a raised structure in the middle area and forms a printing cavity opening with the front column;

[0070] The door panel can cover the printing cavity opening.

[0071] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a 3D printer, including a top cover functional module, a top module, a printing cavity module, and a rear shell, wherein the top cover functional module, the top module, and the printing cavity module are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and the rear shell is installed behind the top cover functional module and the top module;

[0072] The top module includes a frame and a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, and a print head supported on the frame. The frame includes a front portion, a rear portion, and side portions connecting the front and rear portions. The rear portion includes a first plate and a second plate, which are opposite to each other. The first plate, the front portion, and the two side portions form a base frame. The XY motion mechanism is mounted on the frame, and the print head is connected to the XY motion mechanism and located within the base frame. The drive motor is mounted between the first plate and the second plate and drives the XY motion mechanism to move via the timing belt, thereby driving the print head to work.

[0073] The printing cavity module includes multiple columns and a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns, with the upper ends of the multiple columns fixedly installed to the frame;

[0074] The upper cover module, the base frame, and the printing cavity module form a box that is connected vertically. The part of the top moving module located behind the first plate protrudes to the rear of the box to form a protruding base. The rear shell covers the protruding base to cover the components between the first plate and the second plate.

[0075] Optionally, the rear portion further includes a connecting rib arranged between the first plate and the second plate, and the drive motor is arranged adjacent to the outer side of the connecting rib.

[0076] Optionally, two drive motors and two timing belts are provided. Both ends of the two timing belts are connected to the print head. In the height direction, the two timing belts are arranged in two layers, one above the other. The first drive motor is installed from bottom to top on the rear side and drives the upper drive motor. The second drive motor is installed from top to bottom on the rear side and drives the lower timing belt. In the rear side, the mounting surface of the first motor for mounting the first drive motor is higher than the lower timing belt, and the mounting surface of the second motor for mounting the second drive motor is lower than the upper timing belt.

[0077] Optionally, both the front portion and the side portion are single-plate structures in the thickness direction, and the side portion is connected to the upper middle part of the rear portion.

[0078] Optionally, the frame is further provided with a plurality of Z-rail mounting parts for mounting Z-axis slide rails, wherein the plurality of Z-rail mounting parts are respectively located at the middle position of the first plate and at the end region of the side part away from the rear part;

[0079] The printing cavity module is provided with three Z-axis slide rails, each end of which is fixedly connected to the three Z-rail mounting parts; the Z-rail mounting part at the rear protrudes from the inner surface of the first plate and is provided with Z-rail mounting holes and Z-axis lead screw limiting holes.

[0080] The upper end of the corresponding Z-axis slide rail is installed in the Z-rail mounting hole;

[0081] The printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw arranged parallel to the Z-axis slide rail, with the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw installed in the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole.

[0082] Optionally, the base frame has L-shaped connecting parts protruding from the top and bottom at the corners of adjacent sides, with the top L-shaped connecting part inserted into the bottom of the upper cover functional module; and the bottom L-shaped connecting part inserted into the top opening of the column.

[0083] The 3D printer frame of this invention, in a first aspect, is configured as a one-piece square frame, with only the first side configured as a double-layer plate structure connecting the inner and outer side plates via reinforcing ribs, while the other sides are single-plate structures. This improves the structural strength and stability of the entire frame, allowing it to directly serve as the mounting reference for components of the XY motion module, such as the drive motor, tension wheel, synchronous belt, and Y-axis slide rail. This eliminates the need for additional transitional structural parts, reduces the number of components in the top cover module, and, more importantly, shortens the component installation dimension chain, reducing processing and assembly difficulty and ensuring greater overall installation accuracy. In a second aspect, the entire square frame of this invention directly serves as the outer frame structure of the 3D printer's middle layer. After assembling with the XY motion module to form an independent top module, the top module is then assembled with the bottom printing cavity module. This provides more flexible operating space during top module assembly, reducing assembly difficulty. Furthermore, this independent outer frame structure can adapt to different printing cavity modules, improving the frame's applicability and reducing manufacturing costs. Thirdly, the frame of this invention, by setting the first side as a double-layer plate structure, makes the cross-section of the first side more robust, greatly increasing the strength and reliability of the first side, reducing deformation, and allowing components that have a significant impact on the accuracy of the printing process, such as the drive motor and tension wheel in the XY motion module, to be installed on the first side as much as possible. This improves the stability of the drive motor, synchronous belt, and tension wheel during 3D printing, thereby enhancing the accuracy of 3D printing. At the same time, setting the other sides as single-layer plate structures provides more space for the whole machine in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. As a result, with the same print head travel, the overall size of the machine can be reduced and the layout can be made more compact, which is conducive to miniaturization, especially for home printers, by reducing the overall size of the machine.

[0084] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be explained in detail through the introduction of specific technical features and technical solutions in specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the beneficial technical effects brought about by these technical features and technical solutions through the introduction of these technical features and technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the framework provided by the present invention;

[0087] Figure 2 is a magnified view of part I in Figure 1;

[0088] Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of point II in Figure 1;

[0089] Figure 4 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the frame provided by the present invention;

[0090] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the framework provided by the present invention;

[0091] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4;

[0092] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 4;

[0093] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the top module in the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0094] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the top module in the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0095] Figure 10 is a partial structural diagram of the top module at the first corner of a preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention.

[0096] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top module in a preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention after removing the frame;

[0097] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0098] Figure 13 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0099] Figure 14 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the top module in the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0100] Figure 15 is a partial structural diagram of the Z-axis slide rail, Z-axis lead screw and frame installation in a preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0101] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0102] Figure 17 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the top module in the embodiment shown in Figure 16;

[0103] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of a preferred embodiment of the 3D printer provided by the present invention;

[0104] Figure 19 is a partial structural diagram of the fourth corner in the embodiment of Figure 8;

[0105] Figure 20 is a partially enlarged exploded view of the frame and zero-adjustment limiting component in the embodiment shown in Figure 8;

[0106] Figure 21 is a structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the zero-adjustment limiting member in the top module provided by the present invention;

[0107] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a corner of a preferred embodiment of the top module provided by the present invention;

[0108] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the idler wheel and idler wheel shaft after assembly in a preferred embodiment of the top motion module of the invention.

[0109] Illustration: 100, Top module; 110, Frame; 111, First side; 1111, Inner side plate; 1111a, Horizontal plate; 1111b, Vertical plate; 1112, Outer side plate; 1113, First reinforcing rib; 1114, Motor mounting structure; 1114a, Through hole; 1114b, First motor mounting surface; 1114c, Second motor mounting surface; 1114d, First mounting groove; 1114e, Second mounting groove; 1116, Recessed space; 1117, First mounting boss; 112, First corner; 1121, Y-rail mounting structure; 1121a, Fixing groove; 1121b, First zero-position surface; 1122, Circle 1123. Arc-shaped section; 1123a. Middle straight plate; 1123b. First connecting straight plate; 1124. First mounting structure; 1124a. Arc-shaped plate; 1124b. Second connecting straight plate; 113. Second side; 1131. Strip-shaped hollow structure; 1132. Upper part; 1133. Lower part; 1134. Second reinforcing rib; 114. Second corner; 115. Third side; 116. Third corner; 117. Fourth side; 118. Fourth corner; 119. Z-rail mounting part; 1191. Mounting plate; 1193. Z-rail mounting hole; 1194. Lead screw limiting hole; 111', First side portion; 1111', First plate; 1112', Second plate; 113', Side portion; 115', Front portion; 121, First drive motor; 122, Second drive motor; 123, First synchronous belt; 124, Second synchronous belt; 125, Y-axis slide rail; 126, Y-axis slider; 127, X-axis slide rail; 1291, Idler wheel; 1292, Synchronous pulley; 1293, Tensioning pulley; 1294, Idler wheel shaft; 1294a, Flange portion; 130, Zeroing limit component; 131, Plate-shaped portion; 1311, Second zeroing surface; 1312, Positioning mounting surface; 1313, Connecting hole; 132, Connecting portion; 133, Connecting lug; 134, Opening portion; 135, Arc-shaped inner surface; 140, Y-rail clamping component; 150. Bearing housing; 160. Support bearing; 170. Elastic support ring; 200. Printing cavity module; 210. Column; 220. Z-axis slide rail; 230. Printing platform; 240. Z-axis lead screw; 250. Base plate; 300. Top cover functional module; 310. Frame; 400. Wiping nozzle assembly; 500. Trash can. Detailed Implementation

[0110] The present invention is described below based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the following detailed description of the present invention, some specific details are described in detail, but well-known methods, processes, procedures, and elements are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the essence of the present invention.

[0111] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0112] Unless the context explicitly requires it, the words "comprising," "including," and similar terms throughout the specification and claims should be interpreted as encompassing rather than being exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning "including but not limited to."

[0113] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0114] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, the X-axis is parallel to the length direction of the first and third sides, the Y-axis is parallel to the length direction of the second and fourth sides, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the X-axis and Y-axis are located. Specifically, when the 3D printer is in use as a reference, the X-axis and Y-axis are basically horizontal, and the Z-axis is basically vertical, i.e., the height direction. The top and bottom are described in terms of the orientation in the 3D printer's usage state, i.e., the top refers to the part above the part, and the bottom refers to the part below the part. "Front", "back", "left", and "right" refer to the side where the door frame is located (i.e., the side where the third side is located) is the front side when the 3D printer is working, and the opposite side (i.e., the side where the first side is located) is the back side. When the operator is facing the 3D printer, the left side (i.e., the side where the fourth side is located) is the "left", and the right side (i.e., the side where the second side is located) is the "right". "Inner" and "outer" are also described in terms of the inside and outside of the structure enclosed by the frame. The thickness directions of the first, second, third, and fourth sides refer to their respective inward and outward directions. Specifically, the thickness directions of the first and third sides are parallel to the Y-axis, while the thickness directions of the second and fourth sides are parallel to the X-axis.

[0115] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] As the pursuit of printing efficiency increases, the printing speed requirements for 3D printers are also rising. However, during high-speed printing, the strength, stability, and reliability of the frame are crucial, affecting the stability of the print head's movement within the 3D printer. Furthermore, vibrations caused by the high-speed movement of the print head can lead to deformation of the 3D printer's frame, ultimately impacting the print head's displacement accuracy. Especially in some consumer-grade small 3D printers, limited by their small size, the frame is often formed using a combination of profiles, whose strength, stability, deformation capacity, and reliability are often insufficient to meet the precision requirements of high-speed printing.

[0117] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a 3D printer, as shown in Figures 1-23. The 3D printer includes a frame and a printing device. The frame includes multiple columns 210 and a frame 110. The frame 110 serves as the external frame for the top of the entire 3D printer and is installed on top of the columns 210, thus forming the frame of the 3D printer together with the columns. The printing device is installed on the frame 110 and includes an XY motion module and a print head. The XY motion module is installed on the frame 110, and the print head is connected to the XY motion module to drive the print head to move in the X and Y directions. The internal structure of the entire frame of the present invention is compact, and the frame has higher structural strength, reliability, and stability (basically not easily deformed), so that even when the print head of the 3D printer moves at high speed in the X and Y directions, it has higher stability and movement accuracy, thereby improving the accuracy of 3D printing.

[0118]

Example 1

[0119] Please refer to Figures 1-7, which illustrate a specific embodiment of a 3D printer frame 110 provided by the present invention. This frame 110, together with the 3D printer column 210, forms the frame of the 3D printer. The frame 110 includes a first side portion 111, a first corner portion 112, a second side portion 113, a second corner portion 114, a third side portion 115, a third corner portion 116, a fourth side portion 117, and a fourth corner portion 118 arranged sequentially. Each corner portion connects two adjacent side portions into a single unit; that is, the first side portion 111, the first corner portion 112, the second side portion 113, the second corner portion 114, the third side portion 115, the third corner portion 116, the fourth side portion 117, and the fourth corner portion 118 are connected end-to-end, thereby forming... The frame is square, with the first side 111 and the third side 115 facing each other, the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 facing each other, the first corner 112 connecting one end of the first side 111 and one end of the second side 113, the second corner 114 connecting the other end of the second side 113 and one end of the third side 115, the third corner 116 connecting the other end of the third side 115 and one end of the fourth side 117, and the fourth corner 118 connecting the other end of the fourth side 117 and the other end of the first side 111.

[0120] Referring again to Figures 1, 4, and 5, the first side portion 111 includes an inner side plate 1111 and an outer side plate 1112 spaced apart in the thickness direction, and a reinforcing rib arranged between the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112, referred to as the first reinforcing rib 1113. The inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112 are arranged opposite to each other and connected together by the first reinforcing rib 1113 to form a double-layer plate structure, thereby increasing the structural strength of the first side portion 111. The first side portion 111 is provided with a motor mounting structure 1114 for mounting a drive motor, which has a through hole 1114a for the drive shaft to pass through. The through hole 1114a penetrates the first side portion 111 in the height direction, that is, the through hole 1114a penetrates the top and bottom surfaces of the motor mounting structure 1114 of the first side portion 111. The first side portion 111 may also be provided with a tensioner mounting structure for mounting a synchronous belt tensioner.

[0121] The second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 are all single-plate structures in the thickness direction, and the thickness of these three sides is less than the thickness of the first side 111. Y-rail mounting structures are symmetrically arranged on the first corner 112 and the second corner 114, and Y-rail mounting structures are symmetrically arranged on the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118, respectively, for mounting the first Y-axis slide rail 125 and the second Y-axis slide rail 125, as shown in Figure 1. A pair of Y-rail mounting structures are provided on the first corner 112 and the second corner 114 for mounting the first Y-axis slide rail 125; a pair of Y-rail mounting structures are also provided on the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118 for mounting the second Y-axis slide rail 125.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the frame 110 is configured as an integrally formed square frame, and only the first side 111 is configured as a double-layer plate structure connecting the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112 through the first reinforcing rib 1113, while the other sides are configured as single-plate structures. This improves the structural strength and stability of the entire frame, and directly uses it as the mounting reference for the XY motion module components such as the drive motor, tension wheel, synchronous belt, and Y-axis slide rail 125. As a result, each component basically does not need to add additional transition structural parts, reducing the number of parts in the upper cover functional module. More importantly, it shortens the installation dimension chain of the components, reduces the processing and assembly difficulty, and makes it easier to ensure the installation accuracy of the whole machine. Secondly, the entire square frame of the present invention directly serves as the outer frame structure of the middle layer (i.e., the top module, located between the upper cover functional module and the printing cavity module) of the 3D printer, and is assembled with the XY motion module to form an independent top module 100. Then, the entire top module 100 is assembled with the bottom printing cavity module. Therefore, it can provide more flexible operating space during the assembly process and reduce the assembly difficulty. Moreover, this independent top outer frame structure can also be adapted to different printing cavity modules, thereby improving the applicability of the frame and reducing the manufacturer's manufacturing cost. Thirdly, the frame 110 of the present invention, by setting the first side 111 as a double-layer plate structure, makes the cross-section of the first side 111 more robust in the entire frame, greatly increasing the strength and reliability of the first side 111, reducing deformation, and installing as many components that have a significant impact on the accuracy of the printing process, such as the drive motor and tension wheel in the XY motion module, as possible in the first side 111, thereby improving the stability of the drive motor, synchronous belt, and tension wheel during 3D printing and improving the accuracy of 3D printing; at the same time, setting the other sides as single-layer plate structures provides more space for the whole machine in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, thereby making the whole machine smaller and more compact in layout while keeping the print head movement stroke the same, which is conducive to miniaturization, especially when used in home printers, reducing the size of the whole machine.

[0123] Specifically, the top frame in this embodiment of the invention can be integrally formed by die casting, that is, the entire frame 110 is formed in one go by die casting. At most, appropriate finishing work is then performed on the mounting structures or mounting surfaces of the high-precision components, such as the mounting surfaces of the motor mounting structure 1114, the tension wheel mounting structure, and the Y-rail mounting structure. Compared with welding, there are no welded areas that are prone to stress deformation, making it easier to maintain the structural strength and dimensional stability of each area of ​​the frame.

[0124] In the first side portion 111, the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112 can each be a straight flat plate structure. In one embodiment, the inner side plate 1111 of the first side portion 111 has a T-shaped main structure, as shown in Figures 1 and 5. The inner side plate 1111 includes a horizontal plate 1111a and a vertical plate 1111b extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate 1111a. The height dimension of the horizontal plate 1111a is smaller than the height dimension of the outer side plate 1112, such that the area below the horizontal plate 1111a located on both sides of the vertical plate 1111b is at least partially recessed towards the outer side plate 1112 to form a recessed space 1116. As shown in Figure 1, in the first side portion 111, the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112 face each other, and their extension directions are consistent, basically in the X-axis direction. The upper side of the horizontal plate 1111a is flush with the upper side of the outer plate 1112, and the lower side is retracted upward relative to the lower side of the outer plate 1112, that is, the lower side of the outer plate 1112 extends out of the horizontal plate 1111a. Viewed from the extension direction of the first side portion 111, the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112 form an inverted L-shaped structure. The vertical plate 1111b is connected to the lower side of the horizontal plate 1111a and is located in the middle region of the horizontal plate 1111a in the X direction, extending away from the horizontal plate 1111a. This creates recessed spaces 1116 on both sides of the vertical plate 1111b along the X direction, on the inner surfaces of the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112. These recessed spaces 1116 can serve as accommodating spaces for other functional components in the 3D printer, such as nozzle assemblies, dustbins, and air duct modules. This structural arrangement of the inner plate 1111 and the outer plate 1112 increases the strength and stability of the entire first side 111. More importantly, it increases the available space inside the frame, thereby increasing the travel of the print head in the Y direction.

[0125] Preferably, at least a portion of the inner side plate 1111's horizontal plate 1111a and the outer side plate 1112 form an inverted L-shaped structure, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the horizontal portion to the thickness of the vertical portion of the inverted L-shaped structure is 2.5 to 5. As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, in the embodiment where the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112 form an inverted L-shaped structure, the portion of the first side 111 corresponding to the horizontal plate 1111a constitutes the horizontal portion of the inverted L-shaped structure, and the portion of the outer plate 1112 exposed above the horizontal plate 1111a constitutes the vertical portion of the inverted L-shaped structure. The ratio of the thickness D3 of the horizontal portion of the inverted L-shaped structure to the thickness D4 of the vertical portion is 2.5 to 5. That is, when the outer plate 1112 and the inner plate 1111 are planar structures with equal wall thickness, the distance between the inner surface of the inner plate 1111 and the outer surface of the outer plate 1112 is the thickness of the portion of the first side 111 corresponding to the horizontal plate 1111a (i.e., the combination of the portion of the horizontal plate 1111a and the portion above the outer plate 1112), and the ratio of this thickness to the thickness of the outer plate 1112 is 2.5 to 5, such as 2.5, 3, 3.5, 5, 4.5, or 5. When the outer side plate 1112 and the inner side plate 1111 are planar structures with grooves, blind holes, etc., the distance between the inner side surface of the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side surface of the outer side plate 1112 is the distance between the inner end face of the inner side plate 1111 and the outer end face of the outer side plate 1112. In this embodiment, the motor mounting structure 1114 and the tension wheel mounting structure are preferably disposed on the portion of the first side 111 corresponding to the horizontal plate 1111a. By setting this size ratio, the structural strength on the first side 111 can be further increased, especially the structural strength at the motor mounting structure 1114 and the tension wheel mounting structure, thereby increasing the stability of the print head movement and improving the accuracy of 3D printing.

[0126] The aforementioned first reinforcing rib 1113 can be provided between the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112, that is, the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112 can be connected by the first reinforcing rib 1113. Multiple first reinforcing ribs 1113 can be provided, and the multiple first reinforcing ribs 1113 can be arranged crosswise, parallelly, or partially crosswise and partially parallel. More preferably, the arrangement of multiple first reinforcing ribs 1113 forms a grid-like structure between the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112, so as to better increase the structural strength of the first edge 111. A first reinforcing rib connection structure can also be added between the vertical plate 1111b and the horizontal plate 1111a, such as connecting the lower side of the horizontal plate 1111a and the left and right sides of the vertical plate 1111b by first reinforcing ribs 1113 that are inclined (the extension direction of the vertical plate 1111b is inclined relative to the horizontal plate 1111a).

[0127] The thicknesses of the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 can be approximately equal. To further increase the stability of the entire frame 110 and the structural strength of the first side 111, the thickness of the first side 111 is 10-60 mm greater than the thicknesses of the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117. For example, the thickness of the first side 111 can be 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, or 60 mm greater than the thicknesses of the other sides. The thicknesses of the first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 can be the distance between the end face and the outer end face within the middle region.

[0128] The outer surfaces of the first corner 112, the second corner 114, the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118 are basically convex arc surfaces to increase the structural strength of the entire frame 110, and can be provided with some structures or accommodating spaces (such as the first mounting step described below), further making the structure of the entire 3D printer more compact and conducive to miniaturization.

[0129] The second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 can be connected to the inner side plate 1111 of the first side portion 111 through the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are respectively connected to the outer side plate 1112 of the first side portion 111 through the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118. That is, the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118 are both connected to the outer side plate 1112 of the first side portion 111. In this way, the internal space of the frame is further increased in the X direction, the travel of the print head on the X axis is increased, and the structure makes the entire outer surface of the frame 110 basically a smooth convex surface, which can further increase the structural strength of the entire frame 110.

[0130] The first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115 and the fourth side 117 can be set at the same height, that is, the top surface and the bottom surface of each side are flush; furthermore, each side can also be flush with the top surface and the bottom surface of the four corners (i.e., the first corner 112, the second corner 114, the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118).

[0131] In one embodiment, the third side 115 can serve as part of the 3D printer's door frame structure. Preferably, the height of the third side 115 is set to be less than the height of the first side 111, the second side 113, and the fourth side 117. Furthermore, both ends of the third side 115 are connected to the upper middle parts of the second corner 114 and the third corner 116, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The bottom surface of the third side 115 is not flush with the bottom surfaces of the first side 111, the second side 113, and the fourth side 117, nor is it flush with the bottom surfaces of the second corner 114 and the third corner 116. Instead, at least the middle area of ​​the bottom surface of the third side 115 is concave upwards, forming a door-like structure together with the second corner 114 and the third corner 116. This increases the space at the door frame of the 3D printer, thereby widening the space for the printed object to enter and exit in the Z-axis direction and facilitating the removal of the printed object. In this embodiment, the top surfaces of the third side portion 115, the second corner portion 114, and the third corner portion 116 can be flush.

[0132] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the top surface of the first side portion 111 is recessed below the top surfaces of the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118, forming a first accommodating space, as shown in FIG1. ​​A portion of the top surface of the first side portion 111 (including the top surface of the inner side plate 1111 and the top surface of the outer side plate 1112) is planar, or the entire top surface is planar. This planar surface is lower than the top surfaces of the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118. When a portion of the top surface of the first side portion 111 is planar, the first corner portion 112 or the fourth corner portion 118... The first corner 112, the first side 111, and the fourth corner 118 form a first accommodating space above the frame 110. When the entire top surface of the first side 111 is flat, the first corner 112, the first side 111, and the fourth corner 118 form a first accommodating space above the frame 110. In this way, when other components of the 3D printer are mounted on the frame 110, some components can be arranged in the first accommodating space. For example, it can provide a certain accommodating space for the drive motor, or it can accommodate the drag chain of the 3D printer (i.e., part of the wire harness structure of the print head), so as to make the structure of the 3D printer more compact.

[0133] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the top surface of at least one of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 is recessed compared to the top surfaces of the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118. That is, only the top surface of the second side portion 113 may be recessed, and the entire top surface of the second side portion 113 may be recessed, or only partially recessed; or only the top surfaces of the four sides may be recessed, and the entire top surface of the fourth side portion 117 may be recessed, or only partially recessed; or both the top surfaces of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 may be recessed, and the entire top surface of each side may be recessed, or only partially recessed. Regardless of the embodiment, the recessed area on the top surface of the second side portion 113 and / or the fourth side portion 117 can form a second accommodating space. Of course, when the top surfaces of both the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are recessed, the recessed area on the top surface of only one side may form a second accommodating space, or both of the recessed areas on the top surfaces of both sides may form a second accommodating space. By forming a second accommodating space, when other parts of the 3D printer are installed on the frame 110, the second accommodating space can provide a certain accommodating space. For example, when the 3D printer is equipped with a border 310 (detailed below), it can serve as part of the accommodating space for the border, and when the 3D printer is equipped with a cutter triggering mechanism 600 (detailed below), it can also serve as part of the accommodating space for the cutter triggering mechanism.

[0134] It should be noted that Frame 110 can also use all of the above methods at the same time, or a combination of two of them.

[0135] Please refer to Figure 1. On the outer surfaces of the first corner 112, the second corner 114, the third corner 116, and the fourth corner 118, the bottom area is recessed inward compared to the other areas, forming the mounting and positioning surface of the frame 110. In other words, the outer surface of each corner forms a stepped structure, with at least a portion of the upper area protruding outward compared to the bottom area. When connected to the column 210, this bottom area is inserted into the column 210, thereby achieving radial positioning of the column 210 and the frame 110. Furthermore, the stepped surface of the stepped structure limits the top surface of the column, thereby increasing the installation accuracy of the frame 110 and the column 210, improving the overall installation accuracy of the 3D printer frame, and increasing the reliability and stability of 3D printing. Compared to positioning by engaging the convex arc surface at the corner with the column 210, the stepped column 210 is easier to process and form, for example by sheet metal stamping. Furthermore, the bottom area is recessed inward from the convex arc surface, so it can be formed by subtractive manufacturing of the integral frame without the need for additional connecting parts, thus simplifying the assembly structure.

[0136] To reduce the overall weight of the frame 110, in addition to the aforementioned reinforcing ribs, other weight-reducing structures are provided on the frame 110, such as recessed structures or hollow structures. In a preferred embodiment, a hollow structure is also provided on the first side 111. For example, a hollow structure can be formed on the first side 111 by the aforementioned first reinforcing rib 1113, as shown in Figure 1. There are multiple hollow structures penetrating the height direction of the first side 111 between the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112. A hollow structure penetrating the thickness direction of the first side 111 is provided on the portion of the outer side plate 1112 that exposes the horizontal plate 1111a. In another embodiment, both the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are provided with local recessed structures, such as by protruding second reinforcing ribs 1134 on the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, thereby forming a recessed structure between the second reinforcing ribs 1134.

[0137] In the operation of the 3D printer, the print head moves in the X and Y directions, while the printing platform 230 (described in detail below) moves in the Z direction to achieve layer-by-layer printing by the print head through the movement of the printing platform in the Z direction. Specifically, the 3D printer also includes a Z-axis slide rail 220, which can be directly supported by the base plate 250 of the printing cavity module 200. Preferably, the free end of the Z-axis slide rail 220 is also mounted by the frame 110. Specifically, the frame 110 is also provided with multiple Z-rail mounting parts 119 for mounting the Z-axis slide rail 220. The multiple Z-rail mounting parts 119 are respectively located at the bottom of the middle section of the first side 111, the second corner 114, and the third corner 116. That is to say, there are three Z-axis slide rails, each with one end located in the middle section of the first side 111, the second corner 114, and the third corner 116. By setting the Z-rail mounting part 119 in the frame 110, the stability of the Z-axis slide rail 220 can be increased, thereby improving the motion stability of the printing platform and thus increasing printing accuracy. Simultaneously, since the Z-axis slide rail 220 is directly mounted through the frame 110, the dimensional chain of the Z-axis slide rail 220 installation is shortened, allowing for better control of installation errors and further improving 3D printing accuracy. Furthermore, since the Z-rail mounting part 119 is basically located at the bottom of the frame 110, this arrangement prevents the Z-rail mounting part 119 from forming a cantilever structure relative to the main body of the frame 110 along the Z-axis direction, thereby reducing deformation and improving the mass of the frame 110. In addition, the Z-axis slide rail 220 does not occupy much of the height dimension of the frame 110, thus minimizing the overall height of the frame 110. This invention also uses three Z-axis slide rails 220 mounted at three Z-rail mounting parts 119, thus providing three-point support for the movement of the printing platform, further improving the stability of the printing platform's movement and increasing 3D printing accuracy. Specifically, each Z-rail mounting part 119 is provided with a Z-rail mounting hole 1193, and multiple Z-axis slide rails are correspondingly provided in multiple Z-rail mounting holes 1193. Among them, the Z-rail mounting hole 1193 can be a through hole or a blind hole.

[0138] Furthermore, the Z-rail mounting portion 119 disposed on the first side portion 111 includes a mounting plate 1191. One side of the mounting plate 1191 is connected to the inner side plate 1111 of the first side portion 111, and the other side extends inward toward the frame 110. The mounting plate 1191 is provided with Z-rail mounting holes 1193, that is, the Z-rail mounting holes 1193 on the Z-rail mounting portion 119 at the first side portion 111 are disposed on the mounting plate 1191, and the corresponding Z-axis slide rail 220 is disposed in the Z-rail mounting holes 1193. In the embodiment where the inner side plate 1111 includes a vertical plate 1111b, the mounting plate 1191 is connected to the end of the vertical plate 1111b away from the horizontal plate 1111a. That is, when viewed along the extension direction of the first side portion 111 (i.e., the X-axis direction), the mounting plate 1191 and the vertical plate 1111b form an L-shaped structure, and the mounting plate 1191 is the horizontal part of the L-shaped structure. In this way, when other components (such as the trash can and filter module mentioned below) are installed near the first side 111, they can be kept at a certain distance from these components to prevent interference, and the distance between the installation position of the Z-axis slide rail 220 at the first side 111 and the first side 111 in the XY plane can be minimized as much as possible, thereby making full use of the space of the entire frame 110 and increasing the stability of the installation of the Z-axis slide rail 220.

[0139] In one embodiment, the Z-rail mounting portion 119 is integrally formed with the frame 110 and has a Z-rail mounting hole 1193 for mounting the Z-axis slide rail 220. The Z-rail mounting hole 1193 is located on the upper end face of the Z-rail mounting portion 119. The distance D1 between the upper end face of the Z-rail mounting portion 119 at the first side 111 and the upper end face of the first side 111 is between 65 and 100 mm. The distance D2 between the Z-rail mounting portions 119 at the second side 113 and the upper end faces of the fourth side 117 is between 85 and 120 mm, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. D1 can be 65 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, or 100 mm, etc., and D2 can be 85 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, or 120 mm, etc. The Z-rail mounting hole 1193 penetrates the Z-rail mounting portion 119 in the Z-axis direction.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the distance D5 between the end of the Z-rail mounting portion 119 at the first side 111 and the center surface of the first side 111 is less than 95-120 mm; the distance D6 between the Z-rail mounting portion 119 and the center surfaces of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 is less than 180-265 mm, as shown in Figure 4. Here, the center surface of the first side 111 refers to the center surface perpendicular to the Y-axis direction on the inner and outer end surfaces of the middle region of the first side 111, and the center surfaces of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 refer to the center surfaces perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the inner and outer end surfaces of the middle regions of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117. Through the above arrangement, the printing space can be further increased, the cantilever length of the mounting plate 1191 can be reduced, the reliability of the frame can be increased, and the overall stability of the frame can be improved, thereby increasing the reliability and printing accuracy during the printing process.

[0141] The Z-rail mounting hole 1193 and the Z-axis slide rail 220 can be inserted into each other to fix the Z-axis slide rail 220 relative to the frame 110.

[0142] Furthermore, the 3D printer also includes a Z-axis lead screw 240, which is driven to rotate by a Z-axis motor, thereby causing the printing platform to move (lift or lower) along the Z-axis slide rail 220. Specifically, a lead screw limiting hole is also provided on the Z-rail mounting part 119 of the first side 111. The free end of the Z-axis lead screw (the part away from the bottom plate of the printing cavity) is inserted into the lead screw limiting hole 1194 to support the Z-axis lead screw 240 through the Z-rail mounting part 119, thereby increasing the stability of the movement of the Z-axis lead screw 240.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, an elastic support ring 170 is provided at the lead screw limiting hole 1194. The elastic support ring 170 is an annular structure and can be a silicone ring or an elastic ring of other materials. The elastic support ring 170 can be completely or partially disposed within the lead screw limiting hole 1194. The Z-axis lead screw 240 is inserted into the elastic support ring 170 to support the Z-axis lead screw 240, preventing the Z-axis lead screw 240 from being cantilevered. At the same time, it can compensate for certain machining and installation errors of the three Z-rail mounting parts 119 and the lead screw limiting hole 1194, thereby avoiding the printing platform from sliding poorly along multiple Z-axis slide rails.

[0144] More preferably, the Z-rail mounting hole 1193 and the lead screw limiting hole 1194 near the first side 111 are arranged along the Y-axis direction in the Z-rail mounting part 119, that is, the plane containing the center line of the two holes is parallel to the Y-axis square, and the Z-rail mounting hole 1193 is farther from the first side 111 than the lead screw limiting hole 1194, that is, the Z-rail mounting hole 1193 is closer to the heated bed, i.e., the printing platform. With this arrangement, the space occupied by this set of lead screws and Z-axis slide rails in the X-axis direction can be saved, thereby leaving more space for the nozzle assembly and filter module. Setting the Z-axis slide rail 220 closer to the heated bed allows the Z-axis slide rail 220 and the linear bearing to withstand more bending moment, which can improve the flatness of the heated bed.

[0145] Referring to Figure 13, the 3D printer also includes a trash can 500, a nozzle assembly 400, a filter module, and a cutter triggering mechanism 600, all located on the frame 110. When the print head needs to change filament, it moves to the cutter triggering mechanism 600. The cutter triggering mechanism 600 cooperates with the cutter assembly on the print head to cut the filament, causing it to fall into the trash can 500. Simultaneously, the nozzle assembly 400 cleans the filament nozzle of the print head. The filter module is used to filter exhaust gases or expel hot gases from the printing chamber. The trash can 500 or the nozzle assembly 400 and the filter module can be located at the first side 111, while the cutter triggering mechanism 600 can be located at the second side 113 and the fourth side 117. In some embodiments, the cutter triggering mechanism 600 is located at the end of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 away from the first side 111. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to further improve the space utilization of the frame 110 and make the entire 3D printer structure more compact, in an embodiment where a recessed space 1116 is provided on the first side 111, the trash can and filter module can be located within the corresponding range of the recessed space 1116, that is, in the projection in the height direction, the first side 111 overlaps with the trash can and filter module. The heated bed, i.e., the printing platform, is located inside the frame 110. The cutter mounting structure of the cutter triggering mechanism is provided on the second side 113 and the fourth side 117. The cutter mounting structure is at least partially located between the heated bed and the first side 111. In this way, the nozzle assembly and the cutter triggering mechanism can share the space between the heated bed and the first side 111, making more space available for the heated bed and allowing the heated bed to be located closer to the door panel, which facilitates the loading and unloading of the model and the printing panel. Specifically, the cutter mounting structure can be located near the waste bin or filter module. That is, the cutter mounting structure, waste bin, and filter module are located on the same side of frame 110. Generally, after the cutter cuts the filament inside the tool head, the old filament is retrieved and new filament is fed in for material replacement. After replacement, the tool head often needs to be moved to the nozzle wiping mechanism and waste bin area for rinsing the old consumables and cleaning the nozzle. Therefore, placing the cutter mounting structure and waste bin close together facilitates the coordination between the cutter trigger mechanism and the waste bin, and also minimizes the Y-axis dimension of the frame while ensuring the print head has the same Y-axis travel, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of 3D printers. Furthermore, it improves the utilization rate of the heated bed for the printing cavity space, allowing for a larger heated bed and printing area within the same machine dimensions. Since the cutter mechanism often occupies part of the heated bed printing area, placing the cutter mounting structure and waste bin close to the first side allows the cutter and nozzle wiping mechanism to share the non-printing area, further increasing the heated bed printing area. Of course, the cutter mounting structure can be arranged only on the second side 113 or the fourth side 117.Specifically, there are several ways to arrange the cutter mounting structure, which can be set according to the operation of the print head. For example, when the print head is a single nozzle, the cutter mounting structure can be set only on the second side 113 or the fourth side 117. When the print head is a dual nozzle, the cutter mounting structure can be set only on the second side 113 and the fourth side 117. When the print head is a dual nozzle, the cutter mounting structure can be set on both the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 at the same time. In this way, the efficiency of changing the print head material can be improved.

[0146]

Example 2

[0147] Referring to Figures 1-11 and 19-20, in one embodiment, the top module 100 includes: a frame 110, a Y-axis slide rail 125, a Y-axis slider 126, an X-axis slide rail 127, an X-axis slider, and a printhead (not shown in the figures). The frame 110 includes a first side 111, a second side 113, a third side 115, and a fourth side 117 arranged sequentially, i.e., the first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 are connected end to end to form a square frame, with the first side 111 and the third side 115 facing each other, and the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 facing each other. The extending directions of the first side 111 and the third side 115 are substantially parallel to the X-axis, and the extending directions of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are substantially parallel to the Y-axis. The second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are each equipped with a Y-axis slide rail 125, and each Y-axis slide rail is equipped with a Y-axis slider 126. The two ends of the X-axis slide rail 127 are connected to the Y-axis sliders on both sides. The print head is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 127 via the X-axis slider. In other words, the second side 113 is equipped with one Y-axis slide rail 125, and the fourth side 117 is equipped with one Y-axis slide rail 125. Each Y-axis slide rail 125 corresponds to its Y-axis slider 126, forming a set of Y-axis components. The two ends of the X-axis slide rail 127 are connected to two Y-axis sliders 126, and the X-axis sliders are slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 127. The print head is connected to the X-axis sliders. Thus, the print head can slide along the X-axis slide rail 127 with the X-axis sliders, and simultaneously move in the Y-axis direction with the Y-axis sliders 126 sliding along the Y-axis slide rail 125, thereby realizing the movement of the print head in the XY direction. The second side 113 and the fourth side 117 have essentially the same structure, and they are symmetrical about the center plane of the frame. Therefore, unless explicitly shown that they have different structures, the following description will use the second side 113 as an example. The structure of the fourth side 117 can be adapted, including the interaction structure between the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 and the Y-axis assembly. The center plane of the frame 110 refers to the central plane parallel to the Y-axis and the height direction, that is, this central plane is basically perpendicular to the extension direction (or length direction) of the first side 111 and the third side 115.

[0148] The second side 113 and the fourth side 117 can be complete (as opposed to the hollow structure described below) flat structures. The Y-axis slide rail 125 can be directly disposed on the inner side of the second side 113. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are each provided with a strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 in the middle region of the height direction. The extension direction of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 is consistent with the extension direction of the Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis slide rail 125 corresponds to the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 along the height direction, and a part of the Y-axis slider 126 is located in the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. As shown in Figures 1, 7, and 8, the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are divided into an upper part 1132 and a lower part 1133 by a strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. That is, the second side 113 is divided into three parts in the height direction: the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 in the middle, the upper part 1132 above the strip-shaped hollow structure, and the lower part 1133 below the strip-shaped hollow structure. The strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 extends through the thickness direction of the second and fourth sides. In this embodiment, the Y-axis slide rail 125 is located at the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. The axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125 is basically consistent with the center line of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 (referring to the center line parallel to the Y-axis direction) in the height direction, that is, they are basically located on the same horizontal plane. Part of the structure of the Y-axis slider 126 can be located inside the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131.

[0149] In the above embodiment, in a first aspect, the top module 100 of the 3D printer has an independent square frame, and a strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 is provided in the middle area of ​​the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 where the Y-axis slide rail is installed. The Y-axis slide rail 125 is set at the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131, so that part of the Y-axis slider 126 can be located in the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. This allows the Y-axis slider 126 to make full use of the thickness space of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, reducing the occupation of the internal space of the frame 110 with a fixed X-axis travel of the print head, thereby reducing the size of the whole machine and improving space utilization. Furthermore, the strip-shaped hollow structure of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 can also reduce the weight of the whole machine, which is conducive to the development of a lightweight and compact machine. Secondly, by setting the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 in the middle area between the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, the overall size of the machine can be reduced while ensuring the strength and reliability of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, ensuring the stability of the print head movement. The strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 can also adjust the natural frequency of the frame 110, making it different from the frequencies of other modules to avoid resonance. At the same time, setting the Y-axis slide rail 125 at the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 is equivalent to adding a crossbeam to the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 respectively, which strengthens the frame 110 and further improves the overall rigidity of the frame 110. In particular, the strength near the Y-axis slide rail 125 is high, which can effectively resist the inertial deformation during the reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction when the print head moves along the X-axis direction. Thirdly, the top module 100, as an independent module, has a square frame that serves as the support for the entire module. This provides more flexible installation space during the installation of the various components of the top module 100, thereby improving assembly efficiency. After the other components are installed, it can be directly installed as a whole on the column of the bottom printing cavity. In other words, the frame directly serves as part of the external frame of the 3D printer, which also facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the top module during maintenance.

[0150] In the aforementioned frame 110, the first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 can each be a single-layer structure or a double-layer structure, such as partially single-layer and partially double-layer structures. Of course, they can also be other structures. Preferably, the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 are all single-layer structures to further increase the internal space of the frame 10. Regardless of the form of the frame 110, the entire frame 110 is a one-piece molded structure, such as by integral casting, followed by processing of individual mounting surfaces or mounting structures (such as the fixing groove, motor mounting surface, first mounting groove, second mounting groove, etc., as described below). In one embodiment, the two ends of the second side 113 are a first corner 112 for connecting the first side 111 and a second corner 114 for connecting the third side 115, respectively. The two ends of the fourth side 117 are a fourth corner 118 for connecting the first side 111 and a fourth corner 116 for connecting the third side 115, respectively. That is, the first side 111 and the second side 113 are connected by the first corner 112, the second side 113 and the third side 115 are connected by the second corner 114, the third side 115 and the fourth side 117 are connected by the third corner 116, and the fourth side 117 and the first side 111 are connected by the fourth corner 118. By setting a special corner structure, the rigidity of the entire frame 110 can be increased, and the stability of the printhead movement can be improved.

[0151] In one specific embodiment, the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are divided into an upper part 1132 and a lower part 1133 by a strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. In the height direction of the frame 110, the ratio of the height dimension D9 of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 to the height dimension D81 of the upper part 1132 and / or the height dimension D82 of the lower part 1133 is between 1 and 1.5, that is, the ratio of the height dimension D9 of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 to the height dimension D81 of the upper part 1132 is between 1 and 1.5, or the ratio of the height dimension D9 of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 to the height dimension D82 of the lower part 1133 is between 1 and 1.5; or the ratio of the height dimension D9 of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 to the height dimension D81 of the upper part 1132 and the ratio of the height dimension D9 of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 to the height dimension D82 of the lower part 1133 are both between 1 and 1.5. More preferably, in most of the structure of the second side 113, as shown in Figure 7, on the middle portion of the second side 113 in the Y-axis direction, the upper part 1132 and the lower part 1133 have equal dimensions in the height direction, that is, the values ​​of D81 and D82 are equal, both being 22mm, and the height dimension D9 of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 is 30mm. This arrangement further increases the strength of the second and fourth sides, especially when the second and fourth sides are single-layer plate structures, thereby improving the overall strength of the frame 110 and providing a stable mounting reference for the Y-axis slider 126 and other components.

[0152] The Y-axis slide rail 125 can be at least partially located on the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. That is, when projected along the Z-axis (or the height direction), the Y-axis slide rail 125 and the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131 (or the second side 113) have an overlapping area. Specifically, the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be located on the center plane of the second side 113 (referring to the center plane of the second side perpendicular to its thickness direction), that is, when projected along the Z-axis, the axis of the Y-axis slide rail coincides with the center plane of the second side. Alternatively, only the edge portion of the Y-axis slide rail 125 (referring to one side edge portion along the thickness direction of the second side 113) can be located on the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131, and the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be located inside the center plane of the second side 113. In a preferred embodiment, the Y-axis slide rail 125 is entirely located inside the second side 113. That is, when projected along the Z-axis, the Y-axis slide rail and the strip-shaped hollow structure do not overlap, but are entirely located inside the strip-shaped hollow structure, i.e., entirely inside the second side 113.

[0153] The Y-axis slide rail can be directly installed on the second side 113 and the fourth side 117. For example, mounting holes are provided at both ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, and the Y-axis slide rail is directly locked onto the corresponding side through the mounting holes. In embodiments where the frame 110 includes multiple corners, a Y-rail mounting structure 1121 is provided at each corner. The Y-rail mounting structure can be a mounting step, such as a first mounting step protruding from the inner side of each corner, and the two ends of the Y-axis slide rail 125 respectively overlap on a corresponding set of first mounting steps. In a preferred embodiment, a fixing groove 1121a is also provided on the first mounting step, as shown in Figure 2. The inner side of each corner is provided with a first mounting step protruding inwards. The fixing groove 1121a has an upward-facing opening, meaning it can be formed by a downward indentation through the upper surface of the first mounting step. The fixing groove 1121a penetrates the inner end face of the first mounting step in the Y-axis direction (referring to the opposite end faces of two first mounting steps located at the ends of the same side). The two ends of the Y-axis slide rail 125 are respectively fixedly installed in the fixing grooves 1121a on the two corresponding corners. Specifically, the Y-axis slide rail 125 installed on the second side can be referred to as the first Y-axis slide rail, and the Y-axis slide rail installed on the fourth side 117 can be referred to as the second Y-axis slide rail. One end of the first Y-axis slide rail is fixed to the fixing groove 1121a of the first corner 112, and the other end is fixed to the fixing groove 1121a of the second corner 114; one end of the second Y-axis slide rail is fixed to the fixing groove 1121a of the third corner 116, and the other end is fixed to the fixing groove 1121a of the fourth corner 118. The fixing groove 1121a can limit the Y-axis slide rail 125 to a certain extent, thereby increasing the positioning accuracy of the Y-axis slide rail 125.

[0154] In embodiments where a fixing groove 1121a is provided, the fixing groove 1121a can be a cylindrical groove or other structures, such as a V-shaped groove or a square groove. Preferably, the Y-axis slide rail 125 is a cylindrical rod structure, and the fixing groove 1121a is a cylindrical groove that fits the Y-axis slide rail 125. In some embodiments, the Y-axis slide rail 125 has a uniform cross-section structure; in other embodiments, the Y-axis slide rail 125 has a stepped rod structure, that is, the cross-section at both ends of the Y-axis slide rail 125 is larger or smaller than that at the middle part. In this case, the fixing groove 1121a only needs to mate with the two ends.

[0155] The Y-axis slide rail 125 can be fixed to the fixing groove 1121a by welding, direct screw connection, interference fit, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the top module 100 also includes a Y-axis rail clamping member 140. Referring to Figure 9, a Y-axis rail clamping member 140 is installed at each of the first mounting steps, and the Y-axis slide rail 125 is clamped to the fixing groove 1121a by the Y-axis rail clamping member 140. Specifically, the two ends of the Y-axis slide rail 125 are respectively installed in a corresponding set of fixing grooves 1121a, and then the Y-axis rail clamping member 140 is installed in the groove of the fixing groove 1121a and locked with the first mounting step to clamp the Y-axis slide rail 125. In this way, the reliability of the installation of the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be increased. For example, the Y-rail clamping member 140 can be a plate structure, such as a flat plate structure, or a plate structure combining a flat plate portion and an arc-shaped plate portion, with the arc-shaped plate portion protruding away from the fixing groove 1121a. Preferably, the arc-shaped plate portion is adapted to the end shape of the Y-axis slide rail 125.

[0156] On the outer surfaces of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117, reinforcing ribs protruding outward are provided at the upper and lower edges, at the edges of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131, and at the positions between the upper and lower edges and the edges of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. These are referred to as second reinforcing ribs 1134 and 1134, forming multiple local recessed structures on the outer surfaces. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, on the second side portion 113, second reinforcing ribs are provided at the upper and lower edges (i.e., the upper edge of the upper portion 1132 and the lower edge of the lower portion 1133) of its outer surface. Second reinforcing ribs 1134 are provided at the edges of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131, especially at the upper and lower edges of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. Second reinforcing ribs 1134 are also provided between the upper edge of the outer surface and the upper edge of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131, and between the lower edge of the outer surface and the lower edge of the strip-shaped hollow structure 1131. More preferably, the two middle ribs... The end is connected to the edge ribs on the corresponding side, thereby forming a local recessed structure between these second reinforcing ribs 1134. That is, on the outer surface of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, the protruding second reinforcing ribs 1134 form a number of local recessed structures. In this way, the strength of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 can be further increased. Moreover, through this local recessed structure, the natural frequency of the frame 110 can be adjusted so that it is staggered from the natural frequency of other modules, avoiding resonance, and thus further improving the printing accuracy of the print head.

[0157] At least a portion of the upper edges of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are lower than the upper edges of the respective corner portions, and at least a portion of the lower edges of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are higher than the lower edges of the respective corner portions, such that the height dimension of at least a portion of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 is smaller than the height dimension of the respective corner portions, thereby forming an accommodating space in the area with the lower upper edge and the higher lower edge. This accommodating space can be used to arrange other components inside the 3D printer's printing cavity, such as circuit boards, light boards, or cavity temperature sensors.

[0158] The Y-axis slide rail 125 is not limited to the cylindrical rod structure described in the above embodiments, but can also be a square rod structure, etc. The Y-axis slider 126 is provided with a Y-axis slot, which can be a hole structure adapted to the Y-axis slide rail 125, or a slot structure adapted to the Y-axis slide rail 125. Similarly, the X-axis slide rail 127 can also be a cylindrical rod structure or a square rod structure. The X-axis slider is provided with an X-axis slot adapted to the X-axis slide rail 127, which can be a hole structure adapted to the X-axis slide rail 127, or a slot structure adapted to the X-axis slide rail 127.

[0159]

Example 3

[0160] In each of the embodiments of Example 1 above, the sliding of the X-axis slider and the Y-axis slider 126 can be driven by a drive motor, which is mounted on the frame 110.

[0161] The top module 100 of the above embodiment can be applied to 3D printers with various architectures. When applied to a core-XY architecture 3D printer, the sliding of the X-axis slider and the Y-axis slider 126 is driven by the cooperation of a synchronous belt and a drive motor. Specifically, the top module 100 also includes a first drive motor 121, a second drive motor 122, a first synchronous belt 123, and a second synchronous belt 124. Both ends of the first synchronous belt 123 and both ends of the second synchronous belt 124 are connected to the X-axis slider. The first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are mounted on the frame 110, and... The first drive motor 121 works in conjunction with the first synchronous belt 123, and the second drive motor 122 works in conjunction with the second synchronous belt 124. That is, the first synchronous belt 123 bypasses the first drive motor 121, and its two ends are respectively connected to both sides of the X-axis slider, so that the first drive motor 121 drives the first synchronous belt 123 to move; the second synchronous belt 124 bypasses the second drive motor 122, and its two ends are respectively connected to both sides of the X-axis slider, so that the second drive motor 122 drives the second synchronous belt 124 to move, and then the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 together drive the X-axis slider to move.

[0162] In one embodiment, the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 can both be suspended below the frame 110 or mounted on the outside of the frame 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are mounted to the frame 110 from below and from above, respectively. Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 are arranged vertically, that is, in the height direction, the first synchronous belt 123 is located above and the second synchronous belt 124 is located below; the first drive motor 121 is mounted to the frame 110 from bottom to top, and the second drive motor 122 is mounted to the frame 110 from top to bottom. The first motor mounting surface 1114b for mounting the first drive motor 121 is higher than the second synchronous belt 124, and the second motor mounting surface 1114c for mounting the second drive motor 122 is lower than the first synchronous belt 123. In other words, the frame 110 is provided with two motor mounting structures 1114. The two motor mounting structures 1114 have a first motor mounting surface 1114b and a second motor mounting surface 1114c. The first motor mounting surface 1114b is set downward and is higher than the second synchronous belt 124 located below. The second motor mounting surface 1114c is set upward and is lower than the first synchronous belt 123 located above. In this way, the two drive motors can make full use of the arrangement space of the synchronous belt in the height direction. Therefore, the height direction space and thickness direction dimensions of the frame itself can also be fully utilized, making the structure of the entire top module 100 more compact and thus minimizing the overall size of the 3D printer.

[0163] With the distance between the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 fixed, installing the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 in different directions can reduce the length of the motor protruding from the frame 110, thereby reducing the deformation of the installation position and improving the transmission accuracy. Specifically, the first synchronous belt 123 is located above, and the second synchronous belt 124 is located below; the first drive motor 121 is installed on the frame 110 from bottom to top and drives the first synchronous belt 123 to move through the drive shaft. The length of the drive shaft of the first drive motor 121 is less than the length of the body of the first drive motor 121. This arrangement allows the mounting surface of the first drive motor 121 to be positioned close to the center of the first edge 111 along the Z direction, thereby achieving higher installation stability. The second drive motor 122 is mounted on the frame 110 from top to bottom and drives the second synchronous belt 124 to move through the drive shaft. The length of the drive shaft of the second drive motor 122 is less than the length of the body of the second drive motor 122. This arrangement allows the mounting surface of the second drive motor 122 to be set close to the center of the first side 111 along the Z direction, thereby achieving higher installation stability.

[0164] In one embodiment, the distance D10 between the first motor mounting surface 1114b and the second motor mounting surface 1114c in the height direction is between 0 and 15 mm, and both mounting surfaces are located on the horizontal part of the T-shaped structure.

[0165] Understandably, the top module 100 also includes an idler pulley 1291 and a synchronous pulley 1292. The drive shafts of the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are respectively fitted with synchronous pulleys 1292, and the first synchronous belt and the second synchronous belt 124 are respectively wound around the corresponding synchronous pulleys 1292. The turning positions of the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 are respectively achieved by the idler pulleys 1291. For example, in the embodiment where the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are both mounted on the first side portion 111, as shown in FIG9, the idler pulleys 1291 can be used on the first corner portion 112 and the fourth corner portion 118. Idler wheels 1291 are installed at the positions of the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124, that is, two idler wheels 1291 are arranged vertically at each corner. Idler wheels 1291 are installed at the positions of the second synchronous belt 124 at the second corner 114 and the first synchronous belt 123 at the third corner 116. Idler wheels 1291 are also provided on the two Y-axis sliders 126 at the positions of the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124, respectively. The first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 pass around the idler wheels 1291 at their respective turning positions to achieve turning.

[0166] In some embodiments, to precisely control the accuracy of the two synchronous belt drives and improve the movement accuracy of the printhead, the top module 100 also includes a tensioning wheel 1293, as shown in Figure 9. The tensioning wheel 1293 is installed on the frame 110, and its specific position can be selected at any position where the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 pass. Preferably, tensioning wheels 1293 are installed at the two ends of the first side 111, respectively, for tensioning the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124. That is, there are two tensioning wheels 1293, located at the two ends of the first side 111. The first synchronous belt 123 passes around the tensioning wheel 1293 near the first drive motor 121, and the second synchronous belt 124 passes around the tensioning wheel near the second drive motor 122, so that the tension of the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 can be controlled by adjusting the tensioning wheels 1293. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the first edge 111, each tensioning wheel 1293 is located outside the drive motor on the same side. That is, the tensioning wheel 1293 on the side of the first drive motor 121 is located on the side of the first drive motor 121 away from the interior of the frame 110, and the tensioning wheel 1293 on the side of the second drive motor 122 is located on the side of the second drive motor 122 away from the interior of the frame 110. This arrangement facilitates adjustment of the tensioning force of the tensioning wheels, or disassembly and maintenance of the tensioning assembly, and also improves the space utilization of the top module 100. Understandably, the top module 100 also includes a tensioning assembly, on which the tensioning wheel is mounted. The tensioning wheel tensions the first synchronous belt 123 or the second synchronous belt 124 through the tensioning assembly. The specific structure of the tensioning assembly can be any of the existing technologies, such as a push-pull rod for adjusting the position of the tensioning wheel. The two ends of the first side 111 are respectively provided with tensioning wheel mounting structures, and the two tensioning wheels 1293 are respectively mounted on the two tensioning wheel mounting structures.

[0167] Referring to Figure 18, the working principle of the print head in the XY plane is illustrated. An X-axis slider is mounted on the X-axis slide rail of the 3D printer, and the print head is positioned on the X-axis slider. The Y-axis slider specifically includes a first Y-axis slider and a second Y-axis slider. The first Y-axis slider is mounted on the first Y-axis slide rail, and the second Y-axis slider is mounted on the second Y-axis slide rail. The two ends of the X-axis slide rail are respectively mounted on the first Y-axis slider and the second Y-axis slider. A first drive motor and a second drive motor are respectively mounted on the two ends of the first side. The drive shaft of the first drive motor engages with a first synchronous belt, and the drive shaft of the second drive motor engages with a second synchronous belt. Furthermore, both ends of the first and second synchronous belts are connected to the X-axis slider (the ends of the synchronous belt can be directly connected to the X-axis slider, or indirectly connected through the print head; the specific connection is not limited here). These structures together form the core-XY architecture to control the movement of the print head in the X and Y axes. The principle of printhead (or X-axis slider) movement in the core-xy architecture is illustrated in Figure 18. In the figure, △A represents the displacement distance of the first synchronous belt, △B represents the displacement distance of the second synchronous belt, △X represents the displacement distance of the printhead in the X-axis direction, and △Y represents the displacement distance of the printhead in the Y-axis direction. The displacement relationships of △A, △B, △X, and △Y are as follows: △X = 1 / 2(△A + △B), △Y = 1 / 2(△A - △B). Therefore, by controlling the direction and speed of the first and second drive motors, △X and △Y, that is, the movement control of the printhead in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, can be achieved.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first side portion 111 is located at the rear side of the frame. The first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are both mounted on the first side portion 111. Specifically, the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are respectively mounted on the bottom surface (or lower side) and the top surface (or upper side) of the first side portion 111. Preferably, the bottom surface of the first side portion 111 is recessed upward at one end region to form a first mounting groove 1114d, and the top surface at the other end region is recessed to form a second mounting groove 1114e. The bottom of the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e are both provided with through holes 1114a. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, Figure 3 shows that the left end of the first side portion 111 is provided with the second mounting groove 1114e, and Figure 5 shows that the right end of the first side portion 111 (taking the right side of the first side portion shown in Figure 1 as the right end) is provided with the first mounting groove 1114d. The first drive motor 121 is mounted in the first mounting groove 1114d, with its drive shaft extending out of the through hole 1114a of the first mounting groove 1114d. The second drive motor 122 is mounted in the second mounting groove 1114e, with its drive shaft extending out of the through hole 1114a of the second mounting groove 1114e. Specifically, after the first drive motor 121 is mounted in the first mounting groove 1114d and its drive shaft extends out of the through hole 1114a of the first mounting groove 1114d, it engages with the first synchronous belt 123. The second drive motor 122 is mounted in the second mounting groove 1114e and its drive shaft extends out of the through hole 1114a of the second mounting groove 1114e, engaging with the first synchronous belt 123. In this embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e respectively form the first motor mounting surface 1114b and the second motor mounting surface 1114c. By setting the mounting grooves, the first motor mounting surface 1114b is higher than the bottom surface of the middle part of the first side 111, and the second motor mounting surface 1114c is lower than the top surface of the middle part of the first side 111. In this way, the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 can further utilize the height dimension of the first side 111 to further reduce the height dimension of the entire top module 100.

[0169] In order to make fuller use of the space of the first side 111 in the Z-axis direction, the distance D11 between the first motor mounting surface 1114b and / or the second motor mounting surface 1114c and the upper end surface of the first side is between 0 and 20 mm in the height direction of the frame 110, as shown in Figure 6.

[0170] In one embodiment, the inner sidewall of the first side portion 111 protrudes into the frame 110 from the middle section at the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e. In the projection along the length of the first side portion 111, the projections of the bottom surfaces of the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e overlap with the projections of the middle region on the first side portion 111 located between the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e. That is, on the first side portion 111, the two ends protrude inward from the middle portion, i.e., the middle portion of the inner sidewall of the first side portion 111. The two ends are recessed outwards. When the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e are provided on these two protruding parts, the area of ​​the first motor mounting surface 1114b and the second motor mounting surface 1114c can be increased, thereby increasing the reliability of the installation of the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122. Moreover, this structure can make full use of the internal space of the frame 110, because other components (such as trash cans) will be installed on the inner side of the first side 111, making it impossible to use the space for the print head's working stroke. Therefore, this arrangement further improves the space utilization of the top module. Furthermore, in the thickness direction of the first side 111, the size of the overlapping area occupies more than 2 / 3 of the size of the groove bottom surface, such as 2 / 3, 3 / 4, or 4 / 5. This method can improve the space utilization of the thickness of the first side 111 and the internal space of the frame, and can also maximize the strength of the first side 111 and the stability of the drive motor installation.

[0171] The sidewalls of the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e both include a first inner wall located on the outer side of the first edge 111, and a second inner wall and a third inner wall adjacent to the first inner wall. The second and third inner walls form an open structure on the inner side of the first edge, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. The first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e are square grooves, each including a bottom wall (i.e., the groove bottom) and an inner wall. Each of the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e has an open opening on its inner wall; that is, their inner walls are not circumferentially closed structures, each including only three sequentially connected inner sidewalls: a second inner sidewall, a first inner sidewall, and a third inner sidewall. The open structure is opposite to the first inner sidewall and located on the side closer to the interior of the frame 110. This open structure not only facilitates the installation of the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122, but also improves the heat dissipation of each drive motor.

[0172] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, at least partially, a recessed space 1116 is formed on the bottom region of the inner side of the first side portion 111. The recessed space 1116 extends in the extending direction of the first side portion 111 to the regions where the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e are located. That is, the first side portion 111 may form the recessed space 1116 only in a portion of the first side portion, or it may form the recessed space 1116 in the entire portion. Viewed from the extending direction of the first side portion 111, the cross-section of the first side portion 111 has an inverted L-shaped structure. The horizontal portion of the inverted L-shaped structure is located on the upper side of the first side portion 111, and the vertical portion is located on the lower side of the first side portion 111, connecting to the outer side of the horizontal portion relative to the frame 110. This places the recessed space 1116 of the inverted L-shaped structure inside the first side portion 111. In the embodiment where the second synchronous belt 124 is located below, a portion of the second synchronous belt 124 is located within this recessed space 1116. The recessed space 1116 can also serve as a accommodating space for other functional components in the 3D printer. For example, functional components disposed in the recessed space 1116 can include: a nozzle assembly, a trash can, and an air duct module. By providing the recessed space 1116, the internal space utilization rate of the entire 3D printer can be further improved, and the first side 111 of the L-shaped structure can also increase the strength of the first side 111 and enhance the rigidity of the entire frame 110. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom of the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e are located in the horizontal portion of the inverted L-shaped structure and protrude inward relative to the middle section of the horizontal portion.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top module 100 further includes a bearing seat 150 and a support bearing 160. The first side 111 is respectively fitted with bearing seats 150 on the side where the drive shafts of the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are located. The ends of each drive shaft are mounted on the corresponding bearing seats 150 via the support bearings 160. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, after the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122 are respectively installed in the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e, their respective drive shafts pass through the corresponding through holes 1114a and the synchronous pulley 1292, and then pass through the support bearings 160. Each support bearing 160 is fixed to the frame 110 via the bearing seat 150, thereby supporting the cantilever ends of each drive shaft. In this way, the cantilever ends of each drive motor drive shaft are effectively supported, increasing the stability of the drive motor installation and improving the rotational accuracy during operation, thereby increasing the printing accuracy of the 3D printer.

[0174] The bearing housing 150 can be locked to the first side 111 by fasteners such as screws. The first side 111 has a first mounting boss 1117 protruding from the outer side of the first motor mounting surface 1114b. The bearing housing 150 located on the first drive motor 121 includes a bearing mounting part and a connecting part. The connecting part has an L-shaped structure, with one side connected to the bearing mounting part and the other side overlapping and fixed to the first mounting boss 1117. The support bearing 160 is installed on the bearing mounting part. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the upper surface of the end of the first side 111 where the first drive motor 121 is mounted has a first mounting boss 1117 protruding from it. The bearing mounting part has an annular structure and is adapted to the support bearing 160. The vertical side of the connecting part is connected to the bearing mounting part, and the horizontal part overlaps the first mounting boss 1117. This structure can both protect the support bearing 160 through the first mounting boss 1117 and increase the stability of the support bearing 160 installation. Similarly, the first side 111 is provided with a second mounting boss protruding from the outer side of the second motor mounting surface 1114c; the bearing seat 150 located in the second drive motor 122 can have the same structure as the bearing seat 150 located in the first drive motor 121, except that the connecting part of the bearing seat located in the second drive motor 122 is fixed to the second mounting boss.

[0175]

Example 4

[0176] Please refer to Figures 1-15, which illustrate a specific embodiment of a 3D printer provided by the present invention. The 3D printer includes a top cover functional module 300, a top module 100, and a printing cavity module 200 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The top cover functional module 300 includes a cover plate and a frame, with the cover plate mounted on the frame. The top module 100 includes a frame 110, drive motors (such as a first drive motor 121 and a second drive motor 122), timing belts (a first timing belt 123 and a second timing belt 124), an XY motion mechanism, and a print head. The frame 110 is an integrally formed structure, with a first mounting structure 1124 for connecting the top cover functional module 300 at its top and a second mounting structure 1123 for connecting the printing cavity module 200 at its bottom. The drive motors and the XY motion mechanism are mounted on the frame 110, and the print head is movably mounted on the XY motion mechanism. The drive motors drive the XY motion mechanism to move the print head via the timing belts. The printing chamber module 200 includes multiple columns 210, a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns 210, and a Z-axis slide rail 220 disposed perpendicularly to the printing platform. The upper ends of the multiple columns 210 are connected to the second mounting structure 1123 of the frame 110, the upper end of the Z-axis slide rail 220 is fixed by the frame 110, and the printing platform is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail 220.

[0177] In this embodiment of the invention, the integrally molded frame 110 serves as the outer frame structure of the middle layer of the 3D printer. It is assembled with the XY motion module to form an independent top module 100. Then, the top module 100 is assembled with the top cover functional module 300 and the bottom printing cavity module 200. Therefore, there is more flexible operating space during the assembly of the top module 100, which reduces the assembly difficulty. Moreover, this independent outer frame structure can also be adapted to different printing cavity modules, thereby improving the applicability of the frame 110 and reducing the manufacturer's manufacturing cost.

[0178] The frame 310 can be made of plastic, and its bottom is connected to the frame 110 via the first mounting structure 1124. A cover plate is placed over the frame 310; the cover plate can be made of transparent material such as glass to allow for observation of the interior. As shown in Figure 12, the top module 100 includes the frame 110 and an XY motion module. The XY motion module includes a drive motor, a synchronous belt, an XY motion mechanism, and idler pulleys 1291, 1292, and 1293. In some embodiments, two drive motors are provided, designated as the first drive motor 121 and the second drive motor 122. Correspondingly, two synchronous belts are provided, designated as the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124. The XY motion mechanism includes a Y-axis slide rail 125, a Y-axis slider 126, an X-axis slide rail 127, and an X-axis slider. The printing cavity module 200 also includes a base plate 250, the bottom of the column 210 is fixed to the base plate 250, and the top is connected to the frame 110 through the second mounting structure 1123; the bottom end of the Z-axis slide rail 220 is fixed to the base plate 250, and the top end is fixed through the frame 110, thereby forming a printing cavity between the base plate 250, the frame 110 and the column 210. The printing platform is located in the printing cavity and is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail, so that the printing platform can slide up and down along the Z-axis slide rail 220.

[0179] Referring to Figures 1-5, the frame 110 has multiple sides and multiple corners connecting adjacent sides; the multiple sides are the first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115 and the fourth side 117 described in [Embodiment 1], and the multiple corners are the first corner 112, the second corner 114, the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118. The specific connections between the multiple corners and the multiple sides are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0180] In one embodiment, the second mounting structure 1123 includes connecting posts disposed at each corner. The outer surface of the connecting post is recessed inward compared to the outer surface of other parts of the corner, thereby inserting into the openings at the top of the plurality of columns 210. That is, the outer surface of each corner forms a stepped structure, with the top region at least partially protruding outward compared to the bottom region. For example, the arcuate portion 1122, as described below, protrudes outward compared to the bottom region (i.e., the connecting post). When connected to the column 210 of the printing cavity module 200, this bottom region is inserted into the column 210, thereby achieving radial positioning of the column 210 and the frame 110. The stepped surface of the stepped structure limits the top surface of the column 210, thereby increasing the installation accuracy of the frame 110 and the column 210, improving the installation accuracy of the entire 3D printer frame, and increasing the reliability and stability of 3D printing. Alternatively, other regions on the corner, except for the connecting post, may all protrude outward compared to the bottom region, such as the arcuate portion 1122 and the first mounting structure 1124, both of which protrude outward compared to the bottom region. Compared to positioning by engaging the convex arc surface at the corner with the column 210, the stepped column 210 is easier to process and form, for example by sheet metal stamping. Furthermore, the bottom area is recessed inward from the convex arc surface, so it can be formed by subtractive manufacturing of the integral frame without the need for additional connecting parts, thus simplifying the assembly structure.

[0181] The corner also includes a rounded portion 1122. A first mounting structure 1124 is provided on the upper side of the rounded portion 1122, and a second mounting structure 1123 is provided on the lower side. The outer surface of the connecting post is concave inward compared to the outer surface of the rounded portion 1122. Adjacent two sides are connected by the rounded portions 1122. That is, adjacent two sides are connected by at least the rounded portions 1122 on the corresponding corners. For example, the first side 111 and the second side 113 are connected by the rounded portion 1122 in the first corner 112, the second side 113 and the third side 115 are connected by the rounded portion 1122 in the second corner 114, the third side 115 and the fourth side 117 are connected by the rounded portion 1122 in the third corner 116, and the fourth side 117 and the first side 111 are connected by the rounded portion 1122 in the fourth corner 118. Of course, the embodiments of the present invention do not mean that adjacent two sides have no other connection except for the arc portion 1122. For example, they can be connected simultaneously through the first mounting structure 1124 or the second mounting structure 1123, or simultaneously through the first mounting structure 1124 and the second mounting structure 1123. In some embodiments, the first side 111 and the second side 113 can also be connected simultaneously through the connecting post on the first corner portion 112, the second side 113 and the third side 115 can also be connected simultaneously through the first mounting structure 1124 on the second corner portion 114, the third side 115 and the fourth side 117 can also be connected simultaneously through the first mounting structure 1124 on the third corner portion 116, and the fourth side 117 and the first side 111 are connected through the connecting post on the fourth corner portion 118.

[0182] In one embodiment, the height of the third side 115 is set to be smaller than the heights of the first side 111, the second side 113, and the fourth side 117. Furthermore, both ends of the third side 115 are connected to the upper middle portions of the second corner 114 and the third corner 116, respectively. Specifically, both ends of the third side 115 are connected to the arcuate portions 1122 and the first mounting structure 1124 on the second corner 114 and the third corner 116, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, the bottom surface of the third side 115 is not flush with the bottom surfaces of the first side 111, the second side 113, and the fourth side 117, nor with the bottom surfaces of the second corner 114 and the third corner 116. Instead, at least the middle area of ​​the bottom surface of the third side 115 is concave upwards, forming a door-like structure together with the second corner 114 and the third corner. This increases the space at the door frame of the 3D printer, thereby widening the space for the printed object to enter and exit in the Z-axis direction, facilitating the removal of the printed object.

[0183] In the above embodiments, the connecting column can be a solid arc-shaped column, prism, or arc-shaped plate column. Preferably, the connecting column includes a middle straight plate 1123a and first connecting straight plates 1123b connected to both ends of the middle straight plate 1123a. That is, the connecting column includes three straight plates that are bent and connected sequentially along the circumference of the frame 110, and the free ends of the two first connecting straight plates 1123b are inclined towards the inside of the frame 110 relative to the middle straight plate 1123a. In this embodiment, the top of the column 210 is locked to the first connecting straight plate, that is, at least the top part of the column 210 is configured to be adapted to the structure of the first connecting straight plate 1123b. Optionally, the column is also configured to include multiple bent plates that are bent and connected, and the bent plates are adapted to the first connecting straight plate 1123b and the middle straight plate 1123a. By setting up a bent-connecting plate-shaped connecting column, the contact area between the column 210 and the frame 110 can be increased, while the rigidity of the connection can be increased. Moreover, this bent-connecting structure is easy to form the column. The positioning surface can be formed on the outer side of the middle straight plate 1123a, or both the first connecting straight plate 1123b and the middle straight plate 1123a can form the positioning surface. In a preferred embodiment, the extension direction of the first connecting plate 1123b is consistent with the extension direction of the side portion on which it is located. That is, the two adjacent first connecting plates 1123b on the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118 are consistent with the extension direction of the first side portion 111; the two adjacent first connecting plates 1123b on the second corner 114 and the third corner 116 are consistent with the extension direction of the third side portion 115; the two adjacent first connecting plates 1123b on the first corner 112 and the second corner 114 are consistent with the extension direction of the second side portion 113; and the two adjacent first connecting plates 1123b on the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118 are consistent with the extension direction of the fourth side portion 117.

[0184] Similarly, the first mounting structure 1124 can also be a connecting column, specifically as described in the above embodiment for the structure of the second mounting structure 1123. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the first mounting structure 1124 is concave inward from the outer surface of the arc portion 1122. The first mounting structure 1124 includes an arc-shaped plate 1124a and a second connecting straight plate 1124b connected to both ends of the arc-shaped plate 1124a. That is, in the circumferential direction of the frame 110, the first mounting structure 1124 includes a second connecting straight plate 1124b, an arc-shaped plate 1124a, and another second connecting straight plate 1124b connected in sequence. The structure of the second connecting straight plate 1124b can refer to that of the first connecting straight plate 1123b. In this embodiment, by setting the arc-shaped plate 1124a, the strength of the frame 110 can be further increased. The upper cover functional module 300 is connected and locked to the second connecting straight plate 1124b. In this embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the first mounting structure 1124 is recessed inward from the outer surface of the arc portion 1122, forming a mounting positioning surface connected to the frame 310. That is, the outer surface of each corner forms a stepped structure, and the arc portion 1122 protrudes outward from the first mounting structure 1124. When the first mounting structure 1124 is connected to the frame 310, the first mounting structure 1124 is inserted into the frame 310 of the upper cover functional module 300, thereby achieving radial positioning of the frame 310 of the upper cover functional module 300 and the frame 110 of the top module 100. Moreover, the stepped surface of the stepped structure limits the bottom surface of the frame 310, thereby increasing the installation accuracy of both and increasing the reliability and stability of 3D printing.

[0185] The 3D printer also includes a movable door panel. In some embodiments, the first side portion 111 serves as the rear side portion, meaning that multiple sides include the rear side portion, which is located opposite the upper door panel. As described in [Embodiment 1], the rear side portion includes an inner side plate 1111 and an outer side plate 1112 spaced apart in the thickness direction, and a reinforcing rib (denoted as the first reinforcing rib 1113) arranged between the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112. The two ends of the outer side plate 1112 are connected to the first connecting straight plate at its location. In this embodiment of the invention, the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112 are arranged opposite to each other, and they are connected together by the first reinforcing rib 1113 to form a double-layer plate structure, thereby increasing the structural strength of the first side portion 111. In this embodiment, the printing cavity module 200 includes a rear cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting straight plates 1123b at both ends of the rear side. Specifically, the rear cavity plate can directly cover the first connecting straight plates 1123b on the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118, or the rear cavity plate can directly cover the portion of the column 210 corresponding to the first connecting straight plates 1123b in the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118, and then connect to the first connecting straight plates 1123b.

[0186] In one embodiment where the inner side plate 1111 includes a horizontal plate 1111a and a vertical plate 1111b extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate 1111a, the height of the horizontal plate 1111a is smaller than the height of the outer side plate 1112, such that the area below the horizontal plate 1111a located on both sides of the vertical plate 1111b has a recessed space 1116 that is at least partially recessed towards the outer side plate 1112, and the recessed space 1116 is connected downward to the printing cavity space of the printing cavity module 200. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, in the first side portion 111, the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112 face each other, and their extension directions are consistent, basically along the X-axis. The upper side of the horizontal plate 1111a is flush with the upper side of the outer plate 1112, and its lower side is retracted upward relative to the lower side of the outer plate 1112, that is, the lower side of the outer plate 1112 extends out of the horizontal plate 1111a. Viewed from the extension direction of the first side portion 111, the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112 form an L-shape. Structure: The vertical plate 1111b is connected to the lower side of the horizontal plate 1111a and is located in the middle region of the horizontal plate 1111a in the X direction, extending away from the horizontal plate 1111a. This creates recessed spaces 1116 on both sides of the vertical plate 1111b along the X direction, on the inner surfaces of the horizontal plate 1111a and the outer plate 1112. These recessed spaces 1116 can serve as accommodating spaces for other functional components in the 3D printer, such as nozzle assemblies, dustbins, and air duct modules. This structural arrangement of the inner plate 1111 and the outer plate 1112 increases the strength and stability of the entire first side 111. More importantly, it increases the available space inside the frame, thereby increasing the travel of the print head in the Y direction.

[0187] Referring again to Figures 1, 2, and 5, motor mounting structures 1114 are connected to the outer sides of both ends of the inner side plate 1111 and the inner side of the outer side plate 1112. That is, in the embodiment where the first side portion 111 includes the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112, the motor mounting structure 1114 extends from the inner side of the outer side plate 1112 (i.e., the side closer to the inner side plate 1111) to the outer side of the inner side plate 1111 (i.e., the side away from the outer side plate 1112). The motor mounting structure 1114 spans the space between the inner side plate 1111 and the outer side plate 1112. In this embodiment, the recessed space 1116 extends to the area below the motor mounting structure 1114. In the embodiment where two drive motors (a first drive motor and a second drive motor) are provided, one drive motor is mounted from top to bottom on one motor mounting structure 1114, and the other is mounted from bottom to top on the other motor mounting structure 1114. Specifically, the motor mounting structure 1114 is provided with a through hole 1114a for the drive shaft to pass through. The through hole 1114a penetrates the first side 111 in the height direction, that is, the through hole penetrates the top and bottom surfaces of the motor mounting structure 1114 of the first side 111. Specifically, the bottom surface of the first side 111 is recessed upward at one end region to form a first mounting groove 1114d, and the top surface is recessed downward at the other end region to form a second mounting groove 1114e. The bottom of both the first mounting groove 1114d and the second mounting groove 1114e is provided with the aforementioned through hole 1114a. The first drive motor 121 is mounted in the first mounting groove 1114d, and its drive shaft extends out of the through hole 1114a of the first mounting groove 1114d. The second drive motor 122 is mounted in the second mounting groove 1114e, and its drive shaft extends out of the through hole 1114a of the second mounting groove 1114e. Specifically, after the first drive motor 121 is installed in the first mounting groove 1114d, its drive shaft extends out of the through hole 1114a of the first mounting groove 1114d and engages with the first synchronous belt 123. The second drive motor 122 is installed in the second mounting groove 1114e, and its drive shaft extends out of the through hole 1114a of the second mounting groove 1114e and engages with the second synchronous belt 124.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are side portions, that is, the multiple sides also include side portions connected to both ends of the rear side portion, and the side portions are equipped with Y-axis slide rails 125 of the XY motion mechanism. Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the first corner portion 112 and the second corner portion 114 are respectively provided with Y-rail mounting structures 1121 for mounting one of the Y-axis slide rails 125; the third corner portion 116 and the fourth corner portion 118 are also respectively provided with Y-rail mounting structures 1121 for mounting the other Y-axis slide rail 125. In this embodiment, the middle portion of the bottom area of ​​the side panel is recessed upwards compared to the two ends. This recessed area can provide space for the installation of other components of the 3D printer. The two ends of the side panel are respectively connected to the first connecting plate 1123b at their respective locations. In this embodiment, the printing cavity module 200 includes a side cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting plate at the corresponding ends of the side panel. Specifically, the side cavity plate can directly cover the first connecting plate 1123b on the first corner 112 and the second corner 114, as well as the first connecting plate 1123b on the third corner 116 and the fourth corner 118; alternatively, the side cavity plate can directly cover the portion of the first connecting plate 1123b on the column 210 corresponding to the first corner 112 and the second corner 114, the third corner 116, and the fourth corner 118, and then connect to the first connecting plate 1123b. Furthermore, the side cavity plate also covers the recessed area of ​​the middle portion of the side panel.

[0189] Referring again to Figures 1 and 4, the frame 110 also includes Z-rail mounting portions 119. Z-rail mounting portions 119 are provided at the middle position of the rear side and at the end regions of the side sides away from the rear side. In embodiments where the frame 110 includes multiple corners, the Z-rail mounting portions 119 at the ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 away from the first side 111 can be located at the corresponding corners, namely the second corner 114 and the third corner 116. Each Z-rail mounting portion 119 is provided with a Z-rail mounting hole 1193, and three Z-axis slide rails are provided, each with its upper end inserted into one of the three Z-rail mounting holes 1193. As shown in Figure 12, the printing cavity module 200 also includes a Z-axis lead screw, the upper end of which is suspended or elastically connected to the frame 110. That is, three Z-axis slide rails are provided, each with one end located at the middle section of the first side 111, the second corner 114, and the third corner, respectively. By setting Z-rail mounting parts on the frame 110, the stability of the Z-axis slide rail can be increased, thereby improving the motion stability of the printing platform and thus increasing the printing accuracy. At the same time, since the Z-axis slide rail is directly mounted through the frame 110, the dimensional chain of the Z-axis slide rail installation is shortened, allowing for better control of installation errors, which in turn helps to improve the accuracy of 3D printing. The present invention also installs three Z-axis slide rails through three Z-rail mounting parts 119, thereby forming three-point support for the movement of the printing platform, improving the stability of the printing platform's movement, and also increasing the accuracy of 3D printing.

[0190] Furthermore, each Z-rail mounting part 119 is respectively disposed on the lower side region of the corresponding edge, that is, at the middle position of the rear edge and at the bottom of the end region of the side edge away from the rear edge, as shown in Figure 1, the first edge 111 has Z-rail mounting parts 119 at its bottom, and the second edge 113 and the fourth edge 117 have Z-rail mounting parts 119 extending from the bottom of the end away from the first edge 111. In this way, the Z-rail mounting parts can be further away from the first edge 111, so that the Z-axis slide rail is closer to the printing platform, thereby providing better rigidity for the printing platform; and since the Z-rail mounting parts 119 are basically disposed at the bottom position of the frame 110, the Z-axis slide rail will not occupy the height dimension of the frame 110, thereby minimizing the overall height of the frame 110, thereby reducing deformation and improving the mass of the frame 110.

[0191] Furthermore, the Z-rail mounting portion at the first edge is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is suspended or elastically connected to the frame; each Z-rail mounting portion is respectively provided in the lower area of ​​its corresponding edge, wherein the Z-rail mounting portion at the first edge is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and the Z-axis lead screw and Z-axis slide rail at the first edge are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the Z-axis slide rail is positioned closer to the heated bed than the Z-axis lead screw. It is understood that the load-bearing capacity of the Z-axis slide rail and its matching linear bearing is higher than that of the lead screw nut, and bending of the Z-axis lead screw will have a significant impact on the 3D printing quality. In one embodiment, the contact length between the lead screw nut and the Z-axis lead screw is less than the contact length between the linear bearing and the Z-axis slide rail. This results in a longer contact length between the Z-axis slide rail and the linear bearing, reducing the bending moment borne by the lead screw nut. Therefore, placing the Z-axis slide rail closer to the heated bed can improve the bed's resistance to deformation.

[0192] Referring again to Figures 1 and 4, the printing cavity module 200 also includes a Z-axis lead screw 240. The Z-rail mounting part 119 at the rear (i.e., the first side 111) is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194. The upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194, and there is a space for movement between it and the inner wall surface of the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194. Alternatively, the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw 240 is elastically connected to the inner wall surface of the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194. Specifically, the movement (specifically, lifting) of the printing platform along the Z-axis slide rail 220 is achieved through the cooperation of the Z-axis lead screw and the printing platform. The Z-axis lead screw can be driven to rotate by a third drive motor, which can be installed in the printing cavity, specifically on the base plate 250. One end of the Z-axis lead screw is connected to the drive shaft of the third drive motor, and the other end is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194. In this way, the influence of the Z-axis lead screw cantilever on the lifting accuracy of the printing platform can be avoided, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0193] A gap may be left between the Z-axis lead screw and the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194. Preferably, the 3D printer also includes an elastic support ring 170, as shown in Figure 15. The elastic support ring 170 has a ring-shaped structure and is installed in the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole 1194. The upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the center hole of the elastic support ring 170. In this embodiment of the invention, the elastic deformation of the elastic support ring 170 provides movement space for the Z-axis lead screw and also provides a certain degree of support for the Z-axis lead screw, preventing it from being completely suspended and improving the overall stability.

[0194] The third side 115 serves as the front side, meaning that the multiple sides include the front side (i.e., the third side 115). The third side 115 is located on the side where the door panel is located. The two ends of the third side 115 are connected to the upper middle part of the adjacent corner, so that it forms a raised structure in the middle area and forms a printing cavity opening with the front column 210. The door panel can cover the printing cavity opening. Specifically, the height of the third side 115 is set to be smaller than that of the first side 111, the second side 113, and the fourth side 117. Furthermore, the two ends of the third side 115 are connected to the upper middle parts of the second corner 114 and the third corner 116, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The bottom surface of the third side 115 is not flush with the bottom surfaces of the first side 111, the second side 113, and the fourth side 117, nor with the bottom surfaces of the second corner 114 and the third corner 116. Instead, the bottom surface of the third side 115 is concave upwards at least in the middle area, forming a door-like structure together with the second corner 114 and the third corner. This increases the space at the door frame of the 3D printer, thereby widening the space for the printed object to enter and exit in the Z-axis direction, making it easier to remove the printed object.

[0195] Furthermore, the 3D printer also includes a door panel that can cover the opening of the printing cavity. Closing the door panel allows the printing cavity to form a sealed space, ensuring that the 3D printing process is not affected by the external environment.

[0196]

Example 5

[0197] In practical applications, some filaments need to be printed at a relatively high temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect the normal operation of the drive motors (including the first and second drive motors). In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second drive motors are directly disposed inside the first side portion. The main difference from [Embodiment 1] is that another embodiment of the frame 110 is provided, reducing the first reinforcing rib 1113 between its inner and outer side plates, so that a space sufficient to accommodate the drive motors is formed between the inner and outer side plates. Specifically, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the 3D printer includes a top cover functional module, a top module 100, a printing cavity module 200, and a rear shell. The top cover functional module 300, top module 100, and printing cavity module 200 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and the rear shell is installed behind the top cover functional module 300 and top module 100. The top module 100 includes a frame 110 and a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, and a print head supported on the frame 110. The frame 110 includes a front side 115' and a rear side 111' arranged opposite to each other, and a side side 113' connecting the front side 115' and the rear side 111'. The rear side 111' includes a first plate 1111' and a second plate 1112' arranged opposite to each other. The first plate 1111', the front side 115', and the two side sides 113' form a base frame. The XY motion mechanism is installed on the frame 110, and the print head is installed on the XY motion mechanism and located within the base frame. The drive motor is installed between the first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112' and drives the XY motion mechanism to move through the timing belt, thereby driving the print head to work. The printing cavity module 200 includes multiple columns 210 and a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns 210. The upper ends of the multiple columns 210 are fixedly installed to the frame 110. The upper cover functional module 300, the base frame and the printing cavity module form a box that is connected vertically. The portion of the top module 100 located behind the first plate 1111' protrudes to the rear of the box to form a protruding base. The rear shell covers the protruding base to cover the components between the first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112'.

[0198] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the frame 110 includes a rear side 111', a side 113', a front side 115', and another side 113' connected end to end, thus forming a square frame. The rear side 111' includes a first plate 1111' and a second plate 1112' connected to each other. The two side plates 113' can be connected only to the first plate 1111', or they can be connected to both the first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112' simultaneously. The first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112' can be connected only at their two ends (they can be directly connected, or they can be connected through the two side plates 113'), or connecting ribs or other structures can be added to other sections of them. The first plate 1111', the two side plates 113', and the front side 115' form a base frame, and the interior of the base frame forms the activity space for the XY motion mechanism. As shown in Figure 16, the upper cover functional module 300 is installed above the base frame. The internal cavity of the upper cover functional module 300, the movable space of the base frame, and the printing cavity of the printing cavity module form a space that is connected vertically. The part of the top module 100 located on the rear side of the first plate 1111' protrudes to the rear side of the box to form a protruding base. The drive motor is installed on the protruding base. The rear shell covers the protruding base, specifically covering the space above the protruding base, so that the drive motor located on the protruding base is not exposed.

[0199] In this embodiment, the first plate 1111' is basically flush with the rear wall of the upper cover functional module and the rear wall of the printing cavity module (the three are basically on the same plane), and the first plate 1111' separates the box including the printing cavity and the movable space from the protruding base for mounting the drive motor. In this way, even if the temperature inside the printing cavity is high, it will not affect the operation of the drive motor. Therefore, the temperature inside the printing cavity can be controlled independently more freely, and the operating temperature requirements of the drive motor do not need to be considered. Furthermore, if the drive motor needs to be cooled, it can be cooled separately, which will not affect the temperature reduction inside the printing cavity. This improves the flexibility of independent control of the temperature of the drive motor and the printing cavity, which is conducive to improving printing speed and printing accuracy.

[0200] Understandably, the first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112' are also connected by a connecting plate, which can serve as a mounting surface for the drive motor.

[0201] In one embodiment, the rear portion 111' further includes a connecting rib arranged between the first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112', with the drive motor arranged adjacent to the outer side of the connecting rib. As shown in FIG16, the first plate 1111' and the second plate 1112' are connected by connecting ribs at certain locations. Multiple connecting ribs can be provided. The two outermost connecting ribs, together with the first plate 1111', the second plate 1112', and the side portion 113' on the same side, respectively form a motor space. That is, a motor space is formed in the two end regions of the rear portion 111', and the drive motor is disposed in the motor space, thereby further isolating the drive motor. Furthermore, by adding connecting ribs, the structural strength of the 3D printer frame 110 can be improved, and deformation of the frame 110 can be avoided as much as possible when the print head moves at high speed, thereby improving the printing accuracy of the print head.

[0202] Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, two drive motors and two timing belts are provided. The connection method of each drive motor and timing belt can refer to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, both ends of the two timing belts (first timing belt and second timing belt) are connected to the print head. In the height direction, the two timing belts are arranged in upper and lower layers. The first drive motor (first drive motor and second drive motor) is installed from bottom to top on the rear part 111' and drives and cooperates with the upper-layer drive motor. The second drive motor is installed from top to bottom on the rear part 111' and drives and cooperates with the lower-layer timing belt. Among them, on the rear part 111', the mounting surface of the first motor for mounting the first drive motor is higher than the lower-layer timing belt, and the mounting surface of the second motor for mounting the second drive motor is lower than the upper-layer timing belt. The two drive motors can make full use of the arrangement space of the timing belts in the height direction. Since the two drive motors utilize the height space of the frame 110 respectively, the structure of the entire top module 100 is more compact, thereby minimizing the overall size of the 3D printer.

[0203] In one embodiment, the first plate 1111' is a planar plate with virtually no perforated structure to increase the isolation between the drive motor and the printing cavity.

[0204] Referring again to Figure 16, both the front portion 115' and the side portion 113' are single-plate structures in the thickness direction, and the side portion 113' is connected to the upper middle part of the rear portion 111'. By making the front portion 115' and the side portion 113', which do not have high structural strength requirements, a single-plate structure can be used to reduce the size of the 3D printer in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, thereby providing a larger working stroke for the 3D printer's print head; and by connecting the side portion 113' to the upper middle part of the rear portion 111', the space below the side portion 113' can be increased, thereby providing more installation space for other components inside the printer.

[0205] Furthermore, in the height direction, the front part 115' and the side part 113' have the same dimensions, and the top surfaces of the three are flush, which facilitates manufacturing and assembly of the upper cover functional module located above.

[0206] Specifically, to ensure a secure connection with the top cover module and the printing cavity module, the base frame features L-shaped connecting parts protruding from the top and bottom at the corners of adjacent sides. The top L-shaped connecting part is inserted into the bottom of the top cover module, and the bottom L-shaped connecting part is inserted into the top opening of the column 210. Adding L-shaped connecting parts at the corners of adjacent sides facilitates the connection between the top cover module and the column, and also increases the strength of the entire frame 110, thereby increasing the stability of the printhead movement. Preferably, the top and bottom L-shaped connecting parts are an integral structure, meaning that L-shaped connectors are provided at each corner, with the middle of the L-shaped connector connecting to each corner of the base frame, the top extending beyond the top surface of the base frame, and the bottom extending beyond the bottom surface of the base frame. This integral structure facilitates the connection between the L-shaped connecting part and the frame, further increasing the stability of the frame 110. Specifically, each L-shaped connector can be located on the inner side of each corner and can be connected to the frame 110 by means of snap-fit, screw connection, etc. Of course, L-shaped connectors or L-shaped connecting parts can also be omitted, and the upper cover functional module and the column can be connected to the frame 110 in other ways, such as directly connecting to each side.

[0207] The XY motion mechanism, as described in the preceding embodiments, includes a Y-axis slide rail, a Y-axis slider, an X-axis slide rail, and an X-axis slider. A Y-axis slide rail can be provided on the inner side of each side 113'. One end of the Y-axis slide rail near the rear side 111' can extend to the vicinity of the second plate 1112', specifically extending into the protruding base, to increase the printhead's travel in the Y-axis direction. Each Y-axis slide rail is slidably mounted with a Y-axis slider. Both ends of the X-axis slide rail are connected to the Y-axis sliders on both sides, and the X-axis slider is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail. The printhead is connected to the X-axis slider, thereby achieving printhead movement in the X-axis and Y-axis directions through the sliding of the X-axis slider and the Y-axis slider. The specific installation method of the Y-axis slide rail, Y-axis slider, X-axis slide rail, and X-axis slider can be referred to in the preceding embodiments.

[0208] The specific structure of the printing cavity module 200 can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments. In one embodiment, the frame 110 is further provided with multiple Z-rail mounting parts for mounting Z-axis slide rails. The multiple Z-rail mounting parts are respectively located at the middle position of the first plate 1111' and the end region of the side 113' away from the rear side 111'. Three Z-axis slide rails are provided on the printing cavity module, and their ends are fixedly connected to the three Z-rail mounting parts respectively. By providing Z-rail mounting parts on the frame 110, the stability of the Z-axis slide rails can be increased, thereby improving the motion stability of the printing platform and thus increasing the printing accuracy. Since the Z-rail mounting parts are basically located at the bottom of the frame 110, the Z-axis slide rails will not occupy the height dimension of the frame 110, thereby minimizing the overall height of the frame 110, thereby reducing deformation and improving the mass of the frame 110. The present invention also provides three Z-axis slide rails by mounting them at three Z-rail mounting parts, thereby forming three-point support for the movement of the printing platform, improving the stability of the movement of the printing platform, and also increasing the accuracy of 3D printing.

[0209] Furthermore, the Z-rail mounting portion at the rear 111' protrudes from the inner surface of the first plate 1111', and has a Z-rail mounting hole and a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the corresponding Z-axis slide rail is mounted in the Z-rail mounting hole; the printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw arranged parallel to the Z-axis slide rail, and the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is mounted in the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole. The specific mounting and mating method of the Z-axis slide rail, Z-axis lead screw, and Z-silicon mounting portion can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0210]

Example 6

[0211] Some 3D printers have replaceable printheads, and different printheads may have different working strokes. In order to improve the versatility of multiple components of a 3D printer, especially the frame, this invention provides an XY motion module.

[0212] As shown in Figures 8 and 19-21, the printhead is detachably mounted on the XY motion module, i.e., the aforementioned top module 100. The XY motion module includes a frame, an XY motion mechanism, and a zeroing limiter 130. The XY motion mechanism includes a Y-axis slide rail 125 and a Y-axis slider 126. The frame has a Y-rail mounting structure 1121, which has a first zero-position surface 1121b, perpendicular to the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125. The frame is provided with a limit member mounting position. The zeroing limit member 130 includes a plate-shaped portion 131 with a preset thickness. The plate-shaped portion 131 has a second zero-position surface 1311. The zeroing limit member 130 is detachably installed in the limit member mounting position such that the second zero-position surface 1311 is perpendicular to the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125. That is, when the zeroing limit member 130 is installed on the frame, the second zero-position surface 1311 is perpendicular to the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125. The Y-axis slide rail 125 is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121. The Y-axis slider 126 is slidably installed on the Y-axis slide rail 125 and determines the Y-axis zero point of the connected printhead by touching either the first zero-position surface 1121b or the second zero-position surface 1311. In this embodiment, the first zero-position surface 1121b is aligned with the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125, and the print head and XY motion module are detachably connected, allowing for easy disassembly and replacement when different print heads or tools need to be replaced. The zero-adjustment limiter 130 is also detachably connected to the frame, allowing for better adaptation to different print head zero positions. The zero-adjustment limiter can be removed or installed to change the position of the Y-axis zero relative to the frame. Specifically, when the zero-adjustment limiter 130 is removed, the first zero-position surface 1121b serves as the Y-axis zero point, i.e., the position where the Y-axis slider 126 touches the first zero-position surface 1121b is the zero position for the print head to move along the Y-axis. When the zero-adjustment limiter 130 is installed in the limiter mounting position, the second zero-position surface 1311 serves as the Y-axis zero point, i.e., the position where the Y-axis slider 126 touches the second zero-position surface 1311 is the zero position for the print head to move along the Y-axis.

[0213] The XY motion module of the present invention has a first zero-position surface 1121b directly set on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 of the frame, and a limit member mounting position is set on the frame. At the same time, a zero-adjustment limit member 130 that can cooperate with the limit member mounting position is added. A second zero-position surface is set on the zero-adjustment limit member 130. When using different printheads or tools, the zero-adjustment limit member 130 can be added or removed as needed to adjust the Y-axis zero position to different positions. Therefore, the XY motion module of the present invention can increase the adaptability to printheads with different strokes, improve the versatility of the frame, and thus reduce the manufacturer's production and development costs.

[0214] In another preferred embodiment, where both Y-rail mounting structures on the same side have a first zero-position surface, one of the first zero-position surfaces can be used as the limit travel surface. Thus, by having the Y-axis slider collide with the first zero-position surfaces at both ends of the same Y-axis slide rail, the travel of the tool head in the Y-axis direction can be detected or determined. In this embodiment, for the two Y-rail mounting structures on the same side, the zero-adjustment limiter can be installed only with the first zero-position surface at one end, or it can be installed with the zero-adjustment limiter on both ends of the first zero-position surface. That is, for the two Y-rail mounting structures located on the same side, the first-end Y-rail mounting structure has a first zero-position surface, and the second-end Y-rail mounting structure has a limit travel surface opposite to the first zero-position surface 1121b. Both the first zero-position surface and the limit travel surface form the mounting position for the limiter. The zero-adjustment limiter has a positioning mounting surface opposite to the second zero-position surface 1311. When the zero-adjustment limiter is installed on the second-end Y-rail mounting structure, the positioning mounting surface is in contact with the limit travel surface. The limit travel surface set on the Y-axis mounting structure at the other end can be understood as the limit position that the Y-axis slider can reach along the Y-axis. Setting a zero-adjustment limiter at this limit position can realize the setting of a zero-adjustment position or mechanical limit on the other side of the tool head opposite to the first zero-position surface at the first end. Thus, when the tool head is expanded into a module (for example, setting an expansion tool head such as a laser module on the side of the tool head opposite to the first zero-position surface), an additional zero position can be added, and it can be ensured that the tool head will not exceed the zero position, thereby ensuring safe operation.

[0215] The aforementioned XY motion module further includes a drive motor, a synchronous belt, idler pulleys, and a synchronous wheel. The idler pulleys are used to wind around the synchronous belts to drive the XY motion mechanism. In some embodiments, two drive motors may be provided, referred to as a first drive motor 121 and a second drive motor 122; correspondingly, two synchronous belts are provided, referred to as a first synchronous belt and a second synchronous belt. The drive shafts of the first and second drive motors are respectively fitted with synchronous pulleys, and the first and second synchronous belts are respectively wound around the corresponding synchronous pulleys. Idler pulleys are used at the turning positions of the first and second synchronous belts. For example, in embodiments where both the first and second drive motors are mounted on the first side, idler pulleys can be installed at each end of the first side 111 corresponding to the positions of the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124. That is, two idler pulleys are arranged vertically at each end of the first side, and the first and second synchronous belts respectively wind around the idler pulleys at their turning positions to achieve turning.

[0216] In addition to the Y-axis slider 126 and Y-axis slide rail 125 mentioned above, the XY motion mechanism also includes an X-axis slide rail 127 and an X-axis slider. The Y-axis slide rail 125 is mounted on the frame, specifically the frame 110. The Y-axis slider 126 is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail. The X-axis slide rail 127 is connected to the Y-axis slider 126, and the X-axis slider is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 127.

[0217] The frame can serve as the entire supporting skeleton of the 3D printer. It can be a one-piece structure, acting as the outer frame of the entire 3D printer. Its bottom space is used to form the printing cavity, and the top area is used to install the XY motion mechanism. In one embodiment, the frame includes a frame 110 and multiple columns, with the frame 110 mounted on top of the columns. The Y-axis slide rail 125 and the zero-adjustment limiter 130 are both mounted on the frame 110. That is, the frame is a split structure. The columns serve as supports for the bottom space of the 3D printer, forming the printing cavity. The frame 110 is mounted on top of the columns and can be detachably installed with the columns. The XY motion mechanism and the zero-adjustment limiter 130 are directly mounted on the frame 110. This modular frame design allows the top frame to serve as the mounting base for the XY motion mechanism, print head, and zeroing limiter 130. This enables the top components to be first installed onto the frame 110 to form the top module, which is then mounted onto the column. This provides greater flexibility during the installation of the top module components. Furthermore, this modular structure allows the top module to be compatible with different printing cavity modules below, further enhancing the versatility of the same module in the 3D printer and saving production and development costs. The top frame 110 can be a single-piece structure, which can be cast and then precision-machined for areas requiring high precision, such as mounting surfaces.

[0218] Specifically, the frame 110 includes a first side 111, a second side 113, a third side 115, and a fourth side 117 arranged sequentially. A trash can and a nozzle module for the 3D printer are located near the first side 111 within the frame 110. Y-rail mounting structures 1121 are respectively provided at both ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117. A zero-adjustment limiter 130 is located on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 near the first side 111. The XY motion module also includes a drive motor, which is mounted on the first side 111. As shown in Figure 1, the first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115, and the fourth side 117 of the frame 110 are connected end-to-end to form a square frame, with the first side 111 and the third side 115 facing each other, and the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 facing each other. The extension directions of the first side portion 111 and the third side portion 115 are substantially parallel to the X-axis, and the extension directions of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are substantially parallel to the Y-axis. Specifically, the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117 are each equipped with a Y-axis slide rail 125. At each end of the second side portion 113 and the fourth side portion 117, a Y-axis slide rail 125 is mounted via the Y-axis slide rail mounting structures 1121 at both ends of the same side portion. Each Y-axis slide rail is equipped with a Y-axis slider 126. The two ends of the X-axis slide rail 127 are connected to the Y-axis sliders on both sides. The print head is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 127 via the X-axis slider. In other words, a Y-axis slide rail 125 is installed on the second side 113, and a Y-axis slide rail 125 is installed on the fourth side 117. Each Y-axis slide rail 125 corresponds to a Y-axis slider 126 on it, forming a set of Y-axis components. The two ends of the X-axis slide rail 127 are connected to two Y-axis sliders 126 respectively. The X-axis sliders are slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 127, and the print head is connected to the X-axis sliders. In this way, the print head can slide along the X-axis slide rail 127 with the X-axis sliders, and at the same time, it can also move in the Y-axis direction with the Y-axis sliders 126 sliding along the Y-axis slide rail 125, thus realizing the movement of the print head in the XY direction. With this arrangement, the drive motor, Y-axis zero position, trash can, and nozzle assembly are all set on or near the first side 111 of the frame 110, thereby using the other space inside the frame for the movement space of the print head. Therefore, the internal space of the frame 110 can be fully utilized, which can both increase the movement stroke of the print head and minimize the overall size of the 3D printer, thus facilitating miniaturization.

[0219] In some embodiments, the frame 110 also includes multiple corners, and two adjacent sides of the first side 111, the second side 113, the third side 115 and the fourth side 117 are connected by a corner. In this embodiment, the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 can be directly set at the corners at both ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117.

[0220] It should be noted that although Y-rail mounting structures 1121 are provided at both ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, the first zero-position surface 1121b can be set on only one of the Y-rail mounting structures 1121. By setting only one first zero-position surface 1121b, the finishing cost of the frame can be reduced. This is because, in order to improve the printing accuracy, the first zero-position surface 1121b, which is the zero-position contact, has high precision requirements. By setting only one of the Y-rail mounting structures 1121 to set the first zero-position surface 1121b, the finishing surface can be saved. Preferably, a first zero-position surface 1121b is provided on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 near the first side 111, as shown in FIG8. The first side 111 is provided with a drive motor and a tensioning wheel tensioning mechanism. In order to improve space utilization, the trash can and wiping nozzle of the 3D printer are also located near the first side 111. Therefore, providing the first zero-position surface 1121b only on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 near the first side 111 on the fourth side 117 or the second side 113 can further improve the space utilization within the frame.

[0221] Referring again to Figure 20, the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 may be provided with a fixing groove 1121a. The fixing groove 1121a has an upward-facing opening, meaning that the fixing groove 1121a can be formed by a downward indentation on the upper surface of the Y-rail mounting structure 1121, and the fixing groove 1121a penetrates the inner end face of the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 in the Y-axis direction (referring to the opposite end faces of the two Y-rail mounting structures 1121 located at both ends of the same side). The two ends of the Y-axis slide rail 125 are respectively fixedly installed in the fixing grooves 1121a on two corresponding corners. Specifically, the Y-axis slide rail 125 installed on the second side can be referred to as the first Y-axis slide rail, and the Y-axis slide rail installed on the fourth side 117 can be referred to as the second Y-axis slide rail. The two ends of the first Y-axis slide rail are fixed to the fixing grooves 1121a at both ends of the second side 113; the two ends of the second Y-axis slide rail are fixed to the fixing grooves 1121a at both ends of the fourth side 117. The fixing grooves 1121a can limit the Y-axis slide rail 125 to a certain extent, increasing the positioning accuracy of the Y-axis slide rail 125. Furthermore, the XY motion module also includes a Y-rail clamping member 140, which is locked at the opening of each fixing groove 1121a to clamp the end of the corresponding Y-axis slide rail 125. That is, the end of each Y-axis slide rail 125 is clamped to the corresponding fixing groove 1121a by the Y-rail clamping member.

[0222] The Y-axis slide rail 125 can be a cylindrical rod, a T-shaped rod, or a similar structure, and the Y-axis slider 126 has a matching groove, as long as it is compatible. Similarly, the X-axis slide rail 127 can also be a cylindrical rod, a T-shaped rod, or a similar structure, and the X-axis slider has a matching groove, as long as it is compatible.

[0223] In a preferred embodiment, the first zero-position surface 1121b forms a limiting member mounting position, that is, the limiting member mounting position is set on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121; the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 has a positioning mounting surface 1312 opposite to the second zero-position surface 1311. When the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121, the positioning mounting surface 1312 is in contact with the first zero-position surface 1121b. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the plate-shaped portion 131 of the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 has a flat plate structure, and the two opposing main surfaces are parallel to each other. One of them serves as the second zero-position surface 1311, and the other serves as the positioning mounting surface 1312. Thus, when the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121, the positioning mounting surface 1312 is in contact with the first zero-position surface 1121b, and naturally the second zero-position surface 1311 is parallel to the first zero-position surface 1121b. By directly reusing the first zero-position surface 1121b as a limit member mounting position, the number of structural parts on the frame can be reduced, the difficulty of frame processing can be lowered, and more importantly, the space utilization of the entire frame can be improved. Of course, the limit member mounting position can also be set in other positions on the frame, such as directly set in other positions of the second side 113 or the fourth side 117, or indirectly set on the frame, such as adding other structural parts with limit member mounting positions, and then installing the other structural parts on the frame.

[0224] Specifically, the first zero-position surface 1121b is located on the inner end face of the Y-rail mounting structure 1121, so that the Y-axis slider 126 can directly contact the first zero-position surface 1121b. Other structural parts can also be provided on the Y-axis slider 126 to contact the first zero-position surface 1121b.

[0225] To improve the installation accuracy of the zero-adjustment limiting component 130 and prevent it from becoming loose during printhead operation, thus affecting the printhead's printing accuracy, the zero-adjustment limiting component 130 of the present invention is also connected to the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 through other structural parts. Referring again to FIG. 20, the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 also has a locking surface 1121c perpendicular to the first zero-position surface 1121b. That is, the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 further includes a locking surface 1121c, which is perpendicular to the first zero-position surface 1121b. Specifically, it can be located on the top surface of the Y-rail mounting structure 1121. In an embodiment where the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 is provided with a fixing groove 1121a, the locking surface 1121c is located at the opening of the fixing groove 1121a. Correspondingly, the zero-adjustment limiting component 130 also includes a connecting portion 132, which is connected to the side of the plate-shaped portion 131 facing away from the second zero-position surface 1311. The connecting portion 132 can overlap the locking surface 1121c and be locked with the Y-rail mounting structure 1121. As shown in Figure 20, the zero-adjustment limiting component 130 is basically L-shaped, that is, the connecting portion 132 is bent and connected to the plate-shaped portion 131. By overlapping the connecting portion 132 with the locking surface 1121c, the zero-adjustment limiting component 130 is limited in the height direction. By the fit between the positioning mounting surface 1312 and the first zero-position surface 1121b, the Y-axis direction of the zero-adjustment limiting component 130 is limited, and the connecting portion 132 is used for locking, thereby increasing the installation accuracy and reliability of the zero-adjustment limiting component 130.

[0226] Furthermore, the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 also includes a connecting lug 133. As shown in FIG21, the plate-shaped portion 131 has a connecting lug 133 on the side away from the connecting portion 132, and the connecting lug 133 is locked to the first zero-position surface 1121b. In this way, the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 is locked to the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 on both the upper and lower sides of the plate-shaped portion 131, thereby improving the installation reliability of the zero-adjustment limiting member 130. The connecting lug 133 can be formed by extending from the edge of the plate-shaped portion 131. More preferably, a connecting hole 1313 can also be provided on the plate-shaped portion 131, and the connecting hole 1313 penetrates the plate-shaped portion 131 in the thickness direction, thereby locking the plate-shaped portion 131 to the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 through the connecting hole 1313, further increasing the installation reliability of the zero-adjustment limiting member 130.

[0227] Specifically, the zero-adjustment limiter 130 and the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be installed in the following manner. In one manner, the zero-adjustment limiter 130 is provided with a mounting hole that penetrates the plate-shaped portion 131 in the thickness direction. When installing the zero-adjustment limiter 130, the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be removed from the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 first, the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be inserted into the mounting hole of the zero-adjustment limiter 130 first, and then the Y-axis slide rail 125 can be installed on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121. The zero-adjustment limiter 130 can also be installed on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 and then locked. In another embodiment, the Y-axis slide rail 125 has a circular cross-section, and the zero-adjustment limiter 130 has an opening 134 and an arc-shaped inner surface 135. The opening span of the opening 134 is larger than the diameter of the Y-axis slide rail 125, and the arc-shaped inner surface 135 surrounds a portion of the Y-axis slide rail 125, thereby allowing the zero-adjustment limiter 130 to be installed and removed without disassembling the Y-axis slide rail 125. The Y-axis slide rail 125 can have a circular cross-section along its entire length, i.e., the Y-axis slide rail 125 is a cylindrical rod structure, or it can have a circular cross-section only in the section that mates with the zero-adjustment limiter 130.

[0228] In some embodiments, multiple zero-adjustment limiters 130 can be provided, and the plate-shaped portion 131 of each zero-adjustment limiter 130 has a different thickness. That is, plate-shaped portions 131 of various thicknesses can be provided. In this way, different zero-adjustment limiters 130 can be selected according to the needs of the print head, thereby setting the Y-axis zero position in different positions, further improving the applicability of 3D printers, especially the frame.

[0229]

Example 7

[0230] In the above embodiments, the XY motion module further includes an idler shaft 1294. The present invention also provides an XY motion module including a frame and an idler shaft 1294. The idler shaft 1294 is used to mount an idler wheel 1291 to the frame (in embodiments including a frame 110, it is mounted on the frame 110). The idler wheel 1291 is used to wind a synchronous belt to drive the XY motion mechanism. Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the frame has an idler mounting groove 1125 on its outer side. The idler mounting groove 1125 includes a top wall and a bottom wall disposed opposite each other. The bottom wall has a stepped hole 1126, with the smaller and larger sections of the stepped hole 1126 being away from the top wall, and the smaller section being at least partially threaded. The top wall has a shaft hole 1127 penetrating the top surface of the frame. The idler shaft 1294 is a stepped shaft, and at least part of its small shaft section is a threaded section; the idler 1291 is installed into the idler mounting groove 1125 from the outer side of the frame, and the idler shaft 1294 is inserted into the shaft hole 1127, the center hole of the idler 1291 and the stepped hole 1126, and the threaded section mates with the threaded hole, forming the fulcrum of the idler shaft 1294 at the shaft hole 1127 and the large hole section respectively. In other words, the idler wheel 1291 is installed from the side of the frame, and the idler wheel shaft 1294 is installed from the top surface of the frame downwards. The stepped hole 1126 and the shaft hole 1127 are basically coaxially arranged. The upper shaft hole 1127 passes through the top surface of the frame and the idler wheel mounting groove 1125. The large hole section of the stepped hole 1126 is located above the small hole section. The small hole section can be partially threaded or the entire small hole section can be threaded to lock the idler wheel shaft 1294. Correspondingly, the idler wheel shaft 1294 is set as a stepped shaft. The large shaft section is adapted to the shaft hole 1127 and the large hole section, and the small shaft section is locked to the small hole section by threaded engagement. This method can support the idler shaft 1294 at both the shaft hole 1127 and the large hole section. Compared with the solution of fixing only one end of the idler shaft 1294, it can increase the stability and reliability of the idler shaft 1294, thereby providing more stable support for the rotation of the idler 1291, increasing the accuracy of the synchronous belt drive, and thus improving the printing accuracy of the print head.

[0231] The shape of the shaft hole 1127 can be the same as the shape of the large hole section of the stepped hole 1126. For example, when the large shaft section of the idler shaft 1294 has a uniform cross-section, the dimensions of both the shaft hole 1127 and the large hole section of the stepped hole 1126 are consistent with the dimensions of the large shaft section. Of course, the idler shaft 1294 can also be a multi-stage stepped structure, such as the large shaft section comprising multiple segments with different cross-sectional sizes, and the larger cross-section segment located above the smaller cross-section segment. Correspondingly, the cross-sectional dimension of the shaft hole 1127 can be larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the large hole section of the stepped hole 1126. Regardless of the method, in the embodiment where the idler shaft 1294 is inserted from the top down into the shaft hole 1127 and the stepped hole 1126, each segment of the large hole section of the shaft hole 1127 and the stepped hole 1126 only needs to be compatible with the idler shaft 1294.

[0232] In an embodiment where the frame includes a frame 110 and the frame 110 includes multiple corner portions, specifically, the frame 110 includes a first side portion 111, a first corner portion 112, a second side portion 113, a second corner portion 114, a third side portion 115, a third corner portion 116, a fourth side portion 117, and a fourth corner portion 118 arranged sequentially, wherein an idler gear mounting groove 1125 is provided on the outer surface of at least one corner portion, that is, the idler gear 1291 is basically located at the corner portion, and correspondingly, the frame 110 is provided with an idler gear mounting groove 1125 at the corner portion. Specifically, the idler gear mounting groove 1125 is provided on the frame 110 corresponding to the turning position according to the setting requirements of the timing belt, such as the idler gear mounting groove being provided at each corner portion. By setting idler wheel mounting grooves 1125 at the corners, the timing belt is basically within the thickness range of the frame 110 at each corner. This not only makes full use of the thickness of the frame 110 itself, but also increases the strength of the frame 110 as much as possible while setting the idler wheel mounting grooves 1125, thereby providing more stable support for the movement of the print head and improving printing accuracy.

[0233] Specifically, some corners have only one idler gear mounting groove 1125 for winding the first synchronous belt 123 or the second synchronous belt 124; other corners have two idler gear mounting grooves 1125, for winding the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 respectively. For example, one idler gear mounting groove 1125 is provided at the second corner 114 and the third corner 116 respectively, for mounting idler gears 1291 for winding the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124. Furthermore, when the drive motor is located at the first side 111, the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124 rotate at the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118. Therefore, two idler gear mounting grooves 1125 are provided at each of the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118, with the two idler gear mounting grooves 1125 at the same corner respectively used to mount idler gears 1291 for winding the first synchronous belt 123 and the second synchronous belt 124.

[0234] In the embodiment where two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 are provided in the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118 respectively, the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 in the same corner can be staggered. Specifically, the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 in the same corner are arranged vertically in the height direction, and their shaft holes are staggered in both the height direction and the horizontal direction. Each of the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 is equipped with an idler wheel 1291 through an idler wheel shaft 1294. The two idler wheels 1291 are used to wind a synchronous belt, and the projections of the two idler wheels 1291 in the axial direction have an overlapping area. In other words, of the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 at the first corner 112, one is on top and the other is on the bottom. When projected along the height direction, the shaft holes 1127 of the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 are completely misaligned, that is, there is no overlapping area between them. After the idler wheel 1291 is installed, the lower idler wheel 1291 can utilize the space of the upper idler wheel shaft 1294 in the height direction in the axial direction, thereby saving space in the height direction and reducing the height dimension of the entire frame 110. In this arrangement, both idler shafts 1294 can be installed on the frame from top to bottom, meaning that the top wall of each of the two idler mounting slots 1125 is closer to the top surface of the frame (or frame 110) than the bottom wall; alternatively, one idler shaft 1294 can be installed on the frame from top to bottom and the other from bottom to top, meaning that in one of the two idler mounting slots 1125, the top wall of one is closer to the top surface of the frame (or frame 110) than the bottom wall, and the top wall of the other is closer to the bottom surface of the frame (or frame 110) than the bottom wall.

[0235] In embodiments where the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118 each have two idler wheel mounting slots 1125, the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 at the same corner can also be arranged coaxially. Specifically, the first corner 112 and the fourth corner 118 each have two idler wheel mounting slots 1125, and the two idler wheel mounting slots 1125 at the same corner are arranged vertically in the height direction. Their shaft holes 1127 are coaxially arranged. The top wall of the upper idler wheel mounting slot 1125 is closer to the top surface of the frame (i.e., the top surface of the frame in embodiments including a frame) than the bottom wall of the lower idler wheel mounting slot 1125. The top wall is closer to the bottom surface of the frame (i.e., the bottom surface of the frame in the embodiment including the frame) than the bottom wall; one idler shaft is mounted on the frame from top to bottom and the other is mounted on the frame from bottom to top (i.e., the frame in the embodiment including the frame). The two idler shafts 1291 are respectively used to wind a synchronous belt. In this way, one idler shaft 1294 is mounted on the frame from top to bottom (i.e., the frame in the embodiment including the frame) and the other is mounted on the frame from bottom to top (i.e., the frame in the embodiment including the frame). This facilitates the machining of the shaft hole 1127 and thus improves the machining efficiency.

[0236] The XY motion module also includes an annular isolator, which is respectively disposed between the top wall of the idler wheel mounting groove 1125 and the idler wheel, and / or between the bottom wall of the idler wheel mounting groove 1125 and the idler wheel 1291. By adding the annular isolator, the idler wheel can rotate more flexibly, thereby making the movement of the print head smoother.

[0237] Preferably, the annular spacer includes a graphite gasket. Using such an annular spacer can further reduce the friction between the frame and the idler wheel 1291 by utilizing the self-lubricating properties of graphite, making the idler wheel 1291 rotate more flexibly.

[0238] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the idler wheel mounting groove 1125 is provided with a through space that extends into the interior of the frame, allowing the timing belt wound on the idler wheel 1291 to pass through. That is, a through space is provided on the inner wall of each idler wheel mounting groove 1125, and the through space connects the idler wheel mounting groove 1125 and the interior space of the frame. For example, when the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are both single-layer plate structures, the inner side of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 of the frame 110 is directly penetrated, so that the timing belt of the idler wheel wound on the idler wheel 1291 can pass through the through space and be arranged inside the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, thereby further improving the space utilization rate inside the frame.

[0239] For ease of operation, in one embodiment, the outer end of the idler shaft 1294 is provided with a flange portion 1294a, and the flange portion 1294a is provided with a torque transmission structure; the frame is provided with a countersunk portion 1128 at the outer end of the shaft hole 1127 to accommodate the flange portion 1294a. As shown in FIG22, the outer end of the idler shaft 1294 away from the threaded section is provided with a flange portion 1294a, and the torque transmission structure on the flange portion 1294a is used to lock the idler shaft. For example, it can be a slotted groove, cross groove, or hexagonal groove on the flange portion 1294a, or the flange portion 1294a can be set as a hexagonal prism or square prism structure, so as to facilitate the application of force to the idler shaft 1294 by operating tools such as screwdrivers or wrenches.

[0240] A recessed space 1129 is provided on the top surface of the frame. The shaft hole 1127 and the countersunk hole 1128 are located in the recessed space 1129. The recessed space 1129 can be formed by the downward indentation of the top surface. In this way, the height dimension of the frame, especially the frame 110, can be better utilized, and the space utilization rate of the XY motion module can be further improved. Especially when the idler wheel 1291 is far from the top surface, increasing the recessed space 1129 can reduce the depth of the shaft hole 1127, thereby reducing the machining difficulty and precision of the frame, especially the frame 110.

[0241] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the above-mentioned preferred solutions can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0242] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Various obvious or equivalent modifications or substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art regarding the above details without departing from the basic principles of the present invention will be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A frame for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The frame of the 3D printer is used together with the column of the 3D printer to form the frame of the 3D printer. The frame is a one-piece structure, including a first side, a first corner, a second side, a second corner, a third side, a third corner, a fourth side, and a fourth corner arranged in sequence. Each corner connects two adjacent sides into one piece. The first side portion includes an inner side plate and an outer side plate spaced apart in the thickness direction, and a reinforcing rib arranged between the inner side plate and the outer side plate. The first side portion is provided with a motor mounting structure for mounting X-axis and Y-axis motors. The motor mounting structure is provided with a through hole for the drive shaft to pass through. The through hole penetrates the first side portion in the height direction. The second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all single-plate structures in the thickness direction. Opposite Y-rail mounting structures are provided on the first corner and the second corner, and opposite Y-rail mounting structures are provided on the third corner and the fourth corner, respectively for mounting the first Y-axis slide rail and the second Y-axis slide rail.

2. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the third side is smaller than that of the first side, the second side, and the fourth side, and the two ends of the third side are connected to the upper middle parts of the second corner and the third corner, respectively.

3. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is also provided with a plurality of Z-rail mounting parts for mounting Z-axis slide rails. The plurality of Z-rail mounting parts are respectively located at the bottom position of the middle section of the first side, the second corner and the third corner.

4. The frame according to claim 3, characterized in that, The Z-rail mounting part is integrally formed with the frame and has a Z-rail mounting hole for mounting the Z-axis slide rail. The Z-rail mounting hole is located on the upper end face of the Z-rail mounting part. The distance between the upper end face of the Z-rail mounting part at the first side and the upper end face of the first side is between 65 and 100 mm. The distance between the Z-rail mounting part at the second side and the upper end face of the fourth side and the second side and the fourth side is between 85 and 120 mm.

5. The framework according to claim 3, characterized in that, The Z-rail mounting section located on the first side includes a mounting plate. One side of the mounting plate is connected to the inner side plate of the first side, and the other side extends inward toward the frame. The mounting plate is provided with Z-rail mounting holes.

6. The frame according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner side plate of the first side has a T-shaped main structure, including a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate. The height of the horizontal plate is smaller than the height of the outer side plate, such that the area below the horizontal plate located on both sides of the vertical plate is recessed at least partially toward the outer side plate to form a recessed space.

7. The frame according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least a portion of the inner side plate's horizontal plate and the outer side plate form an inverted L-shaped structure, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the horizontal portion of the inverted L-shaped structure to the thickness of the vertical portion is 2.5 to 5.

8. The frame according to claim 6, characterized in that, The 3D printer includes a heated bed, a cutter triggering mechanism, and a drive motor; the drive motor is disposed on the frame and is at least partially located in the recessed space. The heated bed is located within the frame, and the second side and / or the fourth side are provided with a cutter mounting structure for the cutter triggering mechanism, the cutter mounting structure being at least partially located between the heated bed and the first side.

9. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second side and the fourth side are respectively connected to the outer side plate of the first side through the first corner and the fourth corner.

10. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first side portion is 10-60 mm greater than the thickness of the second, third, and fourth side portions.

11. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the top surface of the first side is recessed from the top surfaces of the first corner and the fourth corner to form a first accommodating space; The top surfaces of the second side and the fourth side are recessed below the top surfaces of the first corner and the fourth corner, forming a second accommodating space in the recessed area on the top surface of at least one of the second side and the fourth side.

12. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth corners, the bottom region is recessed inward compared to the other regions, forming the mounting and positioning surface of the frame.

13. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is a one-piece die-cast structure.

14. A 3D printer, comprising a frame and a print head, characterized in that, The frame includes a plurality of columns and a frame according to any one of claims 1-13, the frame being mounted on top of the columns and forming the frame together with the columns, and the printhead being mounted on the top frame.

15. The 3D printer according to claim 14, characterized in that, It includes, from top to bottom, a top cover functional module, a top module, and a printing cavity module; The upper cover functional module includes a cover plate and a frame, and the cover plate is installed on the frame; The top module includes a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, a frame, and a print head. The top of the frame has a first mounting structure for connecting the upper cover functional module, and the bottom has a second mounting structure for connecting the printing cavity module. The drive motor and the XY motion mechanism are mounted on the frame, and the print head is movably mounted on the XY motion mechanism. The drive motor drives the XY motion mechanism through the timing belt to move the print head. The printing chamber module includes multiple columns, a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns, and a Z-axis slide rail disposed perpendicular to the printing platform. The upper ends of the multiple columns are connected to a second mounting structure of the frame, the upper end of the Z-axis slide rail is fixed by the frame, and the printing platform is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail.

16. The 3D printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second mounting structure includes connecting posts disposed at each corner, the outer surface of the connecting posts being recessed inward compared to the outer surface of other parts of the corner, thereby being inserted into the openings at the top of the plurality of posts.

17. The 3D printer according to claim 16, characterized in that, The corner portion also includes an arc portion, the upper side of which is provided with the first mounting structure and the lower side of which is provided with the second mounting structure. The outer surface of the connecting post is recessed inward compared to the outer surface of the arc portion. Two adjacent sides are connected through the arc portion.

18. The 3D printer according to claim 17, characterized in that, The connecting column includes a middle straight plate and a first connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the middle straight plate; the top of the column is locked to the first connecting straight plate; the 3D printer also includes a movable door panel, the first side being the rear side, the rear side being located on the opposite side of the door panel, and both ends of the outer side panel being connected to the arc portion at its location and the first connecting straight plate. The printing cavity module includes a rear cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting plates at both ends of the rear side.

19. The 3D printer according to claim 18, characterized in that, The inner side plate includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate. The height of the horizontal plate is smaller than the height of the outer side plate, such that the area below the horizontal plate located on both sides of the vertical plate has a recessed space that is at least partially recessed towards the outer side plate. The recessed space is connected downward to the printing cavity space of the printing cavity module.

20. The 3D printer according to claim 19, characterized in that, The motor mounting structure is connected to both ends of the inner side plate and the inner side of the outer side plate; There are two drive motors, one of which is mounted from top to bottom on one motor mounting structure, and the other is mounted from bottom to top on another motor mounting structure.

21. The 3D printer according to claim 20, characterized in that, The distance between the mounting surface of at least one of the drive motors and the upper end surface of the first side is between 0 and 20 mm; or, The bottom surface of the motor mounting structure for mounting the drive motor from top to bottom is flush with the lower end surface of the inner side plate; the top surface of the motor mounting structure for mounting the drive motor from bottom to top is flush with the upper end surface of the inner side plate.

22. The 3D printer according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second side and the fourth side are side sections, and the Y-axis slide rail of the XY motion mechanism is mounted on the side sections; In the bottom region of the side portion, the middle part is recessed upwards compared to the two ends, and the two ends are respectively connected to the first connecting straight plate at their respective locations. The printing cavity module includes a side cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting straight plates at both ends of the corresponding side portion.

23. The 3D printer according to claim 17, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first mounting structure is recessed inward from the outer surface of the arc portion. The first mounting structure includes an arc-shaped plate and a second connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the arc-shaped plate. The frame is a plastic part and is connected and locked to the second connecting straight plate.

24. The 3D printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The frame also includes a Z-rail mounting part. The middle position of the first side, the end region of the second side and the fourth side away from the first side are each provided with a Z-rail mounting part at their respective bottoms. Each Z-rail mounting part is provided with a Z-rail mounting hole. There are three Z-axis slide rails, and the upper end of each of them is inserted into the three Z-rail mounting holes respectively. The printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw, the upper end of which is suspended or elastically connected to the frame; each Z-rail mounting part is respectively disposed in the lower area of ​​its corresponding side, wherein the Z-rail mounting part at the first side is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and the Z-axis lead screw and Z-axis slide rail at the first side are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the Z-axis slide rail is disposed closer to the heated bed than the Z-axis lead screw.

25. The 3D printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a movable door panel, the third side being the front side, the front side being located on one side of the door panel, the two ends of the front side being connected to the upper middle part of the adjacent corner respectively, so that it forms a raised structure in the middle area and forms a printing cavity opening with the front column, and the door panel can cover the printing cavity opening.

26. A 3D printer, characterized in that, It includes a top cover functional module, an XY motion module, and a printing cavity module arranged sequentially from top to bottom; The upper cover functional module includes a cover plate and a frame, and the cover plate is installed on the frame; The XY motion module includes a frame, a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, and a print head. The frame is a one-piece molded structure, with a first mounting structure at the top for connecting the upper cover functional module and a second mounting structure at the bottom for connecting the printing cavity module. The drive motor and the XY motion mechanism are mounted on the frame, and the print head is movably mounted on the XY motion mechanism. The drive motor drives the XY motion mechanism through the timing belt to move the print head. The printing chamber module includes multiple columns, a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns, and a Z-axis slide rail disposed perpendicular to the printing platform. The upper ends of the multiple columns are connected to a second mounting structure of the frame, the upper end of the Z-axis slide rail is fixed by the frame, and the printing platform is slidably mounted on the Z-axis slide rail.

27. The 3D printer according to claim 26, characterized in that, The frame has multiple sides and multiple corners connecting adjacent sides; the second mounting structure includes connecting posts disposed at each corner, the outer surface of the connecting posts being recessed inwards from the outer surface of the other parts of the corner, thereby being inserted into openings at the top of the multiple posts.

28. The 3D printer according to claim 27, characterized in that, The corner portion also includes an arc portion, the upper side of which is provided with the first mounting structure and the lower side of which is provided with the second mounting structure. The outer surface of the connecting post is recessed inward compared to the outer surface of the arc portion. Two adjacent corner portions are connected through the arc portion.

29. The 3D printer according to claim 28, characterized in that, The connecting column includes a middle straight plate and a first connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the middle straight plate; the top of the column is locked to the first connecting straight plate.

30. The 3D printer according to claim 28, characterized in that, The 3D printer also includes a movable door panel, the plurality of sides including a rear side, the rear side being located on the opposite side of the door panel, including an inner side panel and an outer side panel spaced apart in the thickness direction, and a reinforcing rib arranged between the inner side panel and the outer side panel, the two ends of the outer side panel being connected to a first connecting straight plate at its location. The printing cavity module includes a rear cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting plates at both ends of the rear side.

31. The 3D printer according to claim 30, characterized in that, The inner side plate includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the middle of the horizontal plate. The height of the horizontal plate is smaller than the height of the outer side plate, such that the area below the horizontal plate located on both sides of the vertical plate has a recessed space that is at least partially recessed towards the outer side plate. The recessed space is connected downward to the printing cavity space of the printing cavity module.

32. The 3D printer according to claim 30, characterized in that, The motor mounting structure is connected to both ends of the inner side plate and the inner side of the outer side plate; There are two drive motors, one of which is mounted from top to bottom on one motor mounting structure, and the other is mounted from bottom to top on another motor mounting structure.

33. The 3D printer according to claim 32, characterized in that, The recessed space extends to the area below the motor mounting structure.

34. The 3D printer according to claim 30, characterized in that, The plurality of sides also includes side sides connected to both ends of the rear side, and the side sides are equipped with the Y-axis slide rail of the XY motion mechanism; In the bottom region of the side portion, the middle part is recessed upwards compared to the two ends, and the two ends are respectively connected to the first connecting plate at their respective locations. The printing cavity module includes a side cavity plate, which is connected to the first connecting straight plates at both ends of the corresponding side portion.

35. The 3D printer according to claim 34, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first mounting structure is recessed inward from the outer surface of the arc portion. The first mounting structure includes an arc-shaped plate and a second connecting straight plate connected to both ends of the arc-shaped plate. The frame is a plastic part and is connected and locked to the second connecting straight plate.

36. The 3D printer according to claim 34, characterized in that, The frame also includes Z-rail mounting parts, which are provided at the middle position of the rear part and at the end area of ​​the side part away from the rear part. Each Z-rail mounting part is provided with a Z-rail mounting hole. There are three Z-axis slide rails, and the upper end of each slide rail is inserted into the three Z-rail mounting holes respectively. The printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw, the upper end of which is suspended or elastically connected to the frame; each Z-rail mounting part is respectively disposed in the lower area of ​​its corresponding side, wherein the Z-rail mounting part at the first side is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and the Z-axis lead screw and Z-axis slide rail at the first side are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the Z-axis slide rail is disposed closer to the heated bed than the Z-axis lead screw.

37. The 3D printer according to claim 36, characterized in that, The Z-rail mounting part at the rear is also provided with a Z-axis lead screw limiting hole; the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is inserted into the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole, and there is a space for movement between the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole and the inner wall surface of the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole.

38. The 3D printer according to claim 27, characterized in that, It also includes a movable door panel, the plurality of sides including a front side, the front side being located on one side of the door panel, the two ends of the front side being connected to the upper middle part of the adjacent corner, so that it forms a raised structure in the middle area and forms a printing cavity opening with the front column; The door panel can cover the printing cavity opening.

39. A 3D printer, characterized in that, It includes an upper cover functional module, a top module, a printing cavity module, and a rear shell, wherein the upper cover functional module, the top module, and the printing cavity module are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and the rear shell is installed behind the upper cover functional module and the top module; The top module includes a frame and a drive motor, a timing belt, an XY motion mechanism, and a print head supported on the frame. The frame includes a front portion, a rear portion, and side portions connecting the front and rear portions. The rear portion includes a first plate and a second plate, which are opposite to each other. The first plate, the front portion, and the two side portions form a base frame. The XY motion mechanism is mounted on the frame, and the print head is connected to the XY motion mechanism and located within the base frame. The drive motor is mounted between the first plate and the second plate and drives the XY motion mechanism to move via the timing belt, thereby driving the print head to work. The printing cavity module includes multiple columns and a printing platform disposed between the multiple columns, with the upper ends of the multiple columns fixedly installed to the frame; The upper cover module, the base frame, and the printing cavity module form a box that is connected vertically. The part of the top moving module located behind the first plate protrudes to the rear of the box to form a protruding base. The rear shell covers the protruding base to cover the components between the first plate and the second plate.

40. The 3D printer according to claim 39, characterized in that, The rear portion also includes a connecting rib arranged between the first plate and the second plate, and the drive motor is arranged adjacent to the outer side of the connecting rib.

41. The 3D printer according to claim 40, characterized in that, Two drive motors and two timing belts are provided. Both ends of the two timing belts are connected to the print head. In the height direction, the two timing belts are arranged in two layers, one above the other. The first drive motor is installed from bottom to top on the rear part and drives and cooperates with the upper drive motor. The second drive motor is installed from top to bottom on the rear part and drives and cooperates with the lower timing belt. On the rear part, the mounting surface of the first motor for mounting the first drive motor is higher than the lower timing belt, and the mounting surface of the second motor for mounting the second drive motor is lower than the upper timing belt.

42. The 3D printer according to claim 39, characterized in that, Both the front and side portions are single-plate structures in the thickness direction, and the side portions are connected to the upper middle part of the rear portion.

43. The 3D printer according to claim 39, characterized in that, The frame is also provided with a plurality of Z-rail mounting parts for mounting Z-axis slide rails. The plurality of Z-rail mounting parts are respectively located at the middle position of the first plate and at the end region of the side part away from the rear part. The printing cavity module is provided with three Z-axis slide rails, each end of which is fixedly connected to the three Z-rail mounting parts; the Z-rail mounting part at the rear protrudes from the inner surface of the first plate and is provided with Z-rail mounting holes and Z-axis lead screw limiting holes. The upper end of the corresponding Z-axis slide rail is installed in the Z-rail mounting hole; The printing cavity module also includes a Z-axis lead screw arranged parallel to the Z-axis slide rail, with the upper end of the Z-axis lead screw installed in the Z-axis lead screw limiting hole.

44. The 3D printer according to claim 39, characterized in that, At the corners of adjacent sides, the base frame has L-shaped connecting parts protruding from the top and bottom respectively. The L-shaped connecting part at the top is inserted into the bottom of the upper cover functional module; the L-shaped connecting part at the bottom is inserted into the top opening of the column.

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