XY motion module of 3D printer, and 3D printer

Abstract

The present application provides a 3D printer and an XY motion module thereof. The XY motion module comprises an idler, a frame and an idler shaft. An idler mounting groove is provided on an outer side surface of the frame. The idler mounting groove comprises a top wall and a bottom wall which are arranged opposite to each other. The bottom wall is provided with a stepped hole, a small hole section of the stepped hole is further away from the top wall than a large hole section, and the small hole section is at least partially a threaded hole. The top wall is provided with a shaft hole, and the shaft hole runs through a top surface of the frame. The idler shaft is a stepped shaft, and a small shaft section thereof is at least partially a threaded section. The idler is mounted into the idler mounting groove from the outer side surface of the frame. The idler shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, the central hole of the idler, and the stepped hole, and the threaded section is engaged with the threaded hole, to respectively form support points of the idler shaft at the shaft hole and the large hole section. The XY motion module of the present application can adapt to models having different strokes, improves the versatility of components of a 3D printer, and is conducive to reducing development and production costs.

Description

An XY motion module for a 3D printer and the 3D printer itself.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025201145406, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled “An XY Motion Module for a 3D Printer and a 3D Printer”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to an XY motion module for a 3D printer and a 3D printer. 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] In existing technologies, the frame of a 3D printer is often assembled from profiles, and the print head is mounted on the frame via an XY motion mechanism. Before operation, the 3D printer performs zero-position calibration. For this purpose, some 3D printers have a fixed mechanical zero point, which the print head triggers for calibration. However, with this structure and a fixed mechanical zero point, different print heads have different strokes, essentially requiring a complete redesign of the entire machine. Especially for the frame, different strokes necessitate replacing the entire frame, undoubtedly increasing development and production costs.

[0005] Application content

[0006] Based on the above situation, the main purpose of this application is to provide an XY motion module for a 3D printer and a 3D printer that can be adapted to models with different strokes, improve the versatility of 3D printer parts, and help reduce development and production costs.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0008] The first aspect of this application provides an XY motion module for a 3D printer, including an idler wheel for winding around a timing belt on the 3D printer, and also including a frame and an idler wheel shaft;

[0009] The frame has an idler wheel mounting groove on its outer side. The idler wheel mounting groove includes a top wall and a bottom wall that are arranged opposite each other. The bottom wall has a stepped hole. The smaller section and the larger section of the stepped hole are far away from the top wall. The smaller section is at least partially threaded. The top wall has a shaft hole that penetrates the top surface of the frame.

[0010] The idler shaft is a stepped shaft, and at least part of its small shaft section is a threaded section; the idler wheel is installed into the idler wheel mounting groove from the outer side of the frame, the idler shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, the center hole of the idler wheel and the stepped hole, and the threaded section cooperates with the threaded hole, forming the fulcrum of the idler shaft at the shaft hole and the large hole section respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the frame includes a frame comprising 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 sequentially, wherein the idler wheel mounting groove is disposed on the outer side of at least one of the corners.

[0012] Optionally, the first corner and the fourth corner are each provided with two idler wheel mounting slots. The two idler wheel mounting slots at the same corner are arranged vertically in the height direction, and their shaft holes are staggered in both the height and horizontal directions. Each of the two idler wheel mounting slots is equipped with an idler wheel through an idler wheel shaft. The two idler wheels are used to wind a synchronous belt, and the axial projections of the two idler wheels have an overlapping area.

[0013] Optionally, the first corner and the fourth corner are each provided with two idler gear mounting slots. The two idler gear mounting slots at the same corner are arranged vertically in the height direction, and their shaft holes are coaxially arranged. The top wall of the upper idler gear mounting slot is closer to the top surface of the frame than the bottom wall, and the bottom wall of the lower idler gear mounting slot is closer to the bottom surface of the frame than the top wall. One idler gear shaft is installed on the frame from top to bottom, and the other is installed on the frame from bottom to top. The two idler gears are respectively used to wind a synchronous belt.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes annular spacers, respectively disposed between the top wall and the idler wheel, and between the bottom wall and the idler wheel.

[0015] Optionally, the annular spacer includes a graphite gasket.

[0016] Optionally, the inner wall of the idler wheel mounting groove is provided with a through space, which extends into the interior of the frame for the synchronous belt wound on the idler wheel to pass through.

[0017] Optionally, the outer end of the idler shaft is provided with a flange, and the flange is provided with a torque transmission structure; the frame is provided with a recessed space at the outer end of the shaft hole to accommodate the flange.

[0018] Optionally, a recessed space is provided on the top surface of the frame, and the shaft hole and the countersunk hole are located in the recessed space.

[0019] Optionally, the 3D printer has a replaceable printhead or extension tool, which is detachably mounted to the XY motion module; the XY motion module includes a frame, an XY motion mechanism, and a zeroing limiter, and the XY motion mechanism includes a Y-axis slide rail and a Y-axis slider;

[0020] The frame has a Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-rail mounting structure has a first zero-position surface;

[0021] The frame is provided with a limit member mounting position. The zero adjustment limit member includes a plate-shaped part with a preset thickness. The plate-shaped part has a second zero position surface. The second zero position surface is perpendicular to the Y-axis slide rail axis. The zero adjustment limit member is detachably installed in the limit member mounting position.

[0022] The Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis zero point of the print head connected thereto is determined by touching the first zero surface or the second zero surface.

[0023] Optionally, the frame includes two opposing side portions, and each side portion has a Y-rail mounting structure at both ends, with the two ends of the same Y-axis slide rail respectively mounted on the two opposing Y-axis mounting structures;

[0024] The first zero-position surface is provided on at least one Y-rail mounting structure on the same side; or,

[0025] Both Y-rail mounting structures on the same side are provided with the first zero-position surface, and one of the first zero-position surfaces serves as the limit travel surface.

[0026] Optionally, the first zero-position surface forms the mounting position for the limiting member;

[0027] The zero-adjustment limiting member has a positioning mounting surface that is opposite to the second zero-position surface. When the zero-adjustment limiting member is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure, the positioning mounting surface is in contact with the first zero-position surface.

[0028] Optionally, the Y-rail mounting structure further has a locking surface perpendicular to the first zero-position plane;

[0029] The zero-adjustment limiting component also includes a connecting part, which is connected to the side of the plate-shaped part opposite to the second zero-position surface. The connecting part can overlap the locking surface and lock with the Y-rail mounting structure.

[0030] Optionally, the plate-shaped portion is provided with a connecting lug on the side away from the connecting portion, and the connecting lug is locked to the first zero-position surface.

[0031] Optionally, the Y-axis slide rail has a circular cross-section, and the zero-adjustment limiting member has an opening and an arc-shaped inner surface portion. The opening span of the opening is greater than the diameter of the Y-axis slide rail, and the arc-shaped inner surface portion surrounds a portion of the Y-axis slide rail, thereby enabling the zero-adjustment limiting member to be installed and removed without disassembling the Y-axis slide rail.

[0032] Optionally, multiple zero-adjustment limiting members are provided, and the thickness of the plate-shaped portion of each zero-adjustment limiting member is different.

[0033] Optionally, the frame includes a frame and multiple columns, with the frame mounted on the top of the multiple columns; wherein the Y-axis slide rail and the zero-adjustment limiter are both mounted on the frame.

[0034] A second aspect of this application provides an XY motion module for a 3D printer, the 3D printer having a replaceable printhead or extension tool, the printhead or extension tool being detachably mounted to the XY motion module; the XY motion module includes a frame, an XY motion mechanism and a zeroing limiter, the XY motion mechanism including a Y-axis slide rail and a Y-axis slider;

[0035] The frame has a Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-rail mounting structure has a first zero-position surface;

[0036] The frame is provided with a limit member mounting position. The zero adjustment limit member includes a plate-shaped part with a preset thickness. The plate-shaped part has a second zero position surface. The second zero position surface is perpendicular to the Y-axis slide rail axis. The zero adjustment limit member is detachably installed in the limit member mounting position.

[0037] The Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis zero point of the print head connected thereto is determined by touching the first zero surface or the second zero surface.

[0038] Optionally, the frame includes two opposing side portions, and each side portion has a Y-rail mounting structure at both ends, with the two ends of the same Y-axis slide rail respectively mounted on the two opposing Y-axis mounting structures;

[0039] The first zero-position surface is provided on at least one Y-rail mounting structure on the same side; or,

[0040] Both Y-rail mounting structures on the same side are provided with the first zero-position surface, and one of the first zero-position surfaces serves as the limit travel surface.

[0041] Optionally, the first zero-position surface forms the mounting position for the limiting member;

[0042] The zero-adjustment limiting member has a positioning mounting surface that is opposite to the second zero-position surface. When the zero-adjustment limiting member is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure, the positioning mounting surface is in contact with the first zero-position surface.

[0043] Optionally, the Y-rail mounting structure further has a locking surface perpendicular to the first zero-position plane;

[0044] The zero-adjustment limiting component also includes a connecting part, which is connected to the side of the plate-shaped part opposite to the second zero-position surface. The connecting part can overlap the locking surface and lock with the Y-rail mounting structure.

[0045] Optionally, the plate-shaped portion is provided with a connecting lug on the side away from the connecting portion, and the connecting lug is locked to the first zero-position surface.

[0046] Optionally, the Y-axis slide rail has a circular cross-section, and the zero-adjustment limiting member has an opening and an arc-shaped inner surface portion. The opening span of the opening is greater than the diameter of the Y-axis slide rail, and the arc-shaped inner surface portion surrounds a portion of the Y-axis slide rail, thereby enabling the zero-adjustment limiting member to be installed and removed without disassembling the Y-axis slide rail.

[0047] Optionally, multiple zero-adjustment limiting members are provided, and the thickness of the plate-shaped portion of each zero-adjustment limiting member is different.

[0048] Optionally, the frame includes a frame and multiple columns, with the frame mounted on the top of the multiple columns; wherein the Y-axis slide rail and the zero-adjustment limiter are both mounted on the frame.

[0049] A third aspect of this application provides a 3D printer including the XY motion module described in any of the preceding claims.

[0050] The XY motion module of this application directly sets a first zero-position surface on the Y-rail mounting structure of the frame, and sets a limit member mounting position on the frame. At the same time, it adds a zero-adjustment limit member that can cooperate with the limit member mounting position, and sets a second zero-position surface on the zero-adjustment limit member. When using different printheads, the zero-adjustment limit member can be added or removed as needed to adjust the Y-axis zero position to different positions. Therefore, the XY motion module of this application 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.

[0051] Other beneficial effects of this application will be explained in detail through the introduction of specific technical features and technical solutions in the specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the beneficial technical effects brought about by the technical features and technical solutions through the introduction of these technical features and technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the XY motion module provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the XY motion module provided in this application after the frame and the zero-adjustment limiting component are assembled.

[0055] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part I in Figure 2;

[0056] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged exploded view of the frame and zero-adjustment limiting component in the embodiment shown in Figure 2;

[0057] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the zero-adjustment limiter in the XY motion module provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 6 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the zero-adjustment limiter in the XY motion module provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a corner in a preferred embodiment of the XY motion module provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the idler wheel and idler wheel shaft after assembly in a preferred embodiment of the XY motion module provided in this application.

[0061] In the diagram: 110, Frame; 111, First side; 112, First corner; 1121, Y-rail mounting structure; 1121a, Fixing groove; 1121b, First zero-position surface; 1121c, Locking surface; 1125, Idler wheel mounting groove; 1126, Stepped hole; 1127, Shaft hole; 1128, Countersunk hole; 1129, Recessed space; 113, Second side; 114, Second corner; 115, Third side; 116, Third corner; 117, Fourth side; 118, Fourth corner; 121, First drive motor; 122, Second drive motor; 123, First synchronous belt; 124, Second synchronous belt; 125, Y-axis slide rail; 1291, Idler wheel; 1294, Idler wheel shaft; 1294a, Flange. 130. Zeroing limit component; 131. Plate-shaped part; 1311. Second zero position surface; 1312. Positioning mounting surface; 1313. Connecting hole; 132. Connecting part; 133. Connecting lug; 134. Opening part; 135. Arc-shaped inner surface; 140. Y-rail clamping component. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The present application is described below based on embodiments, but the present application is not limited to these embodiments. In the following detailed description of the present application, some specific details are described in detail, but well-known methods, processes, flows, and elements are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the substance of the present application.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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."

[0065] In the description of this application, 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 application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0066] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the X-axis is parallel to the length of the first and third sides, the Y-axis is parallel to the length of the second and fourth sides, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the X and Y axes are located. Specifically, when the 3D printer is in use, the X and Y axes are basically horizontal, and the Z-axis is basically vertical, i.e., the height direction. Top and bottom are described in terms of their orientation in the 3D printer's usage state, i.e., top refers to the part above the component and bottom refers to the part below the component. "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 faces 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.

[0067] This application provides a 3D printer, including an XY motion module and a print head or extension tool. The XY motion module includes a frame and an XY motion mechanism. The print head or extension tool is mounted on the XY motion mechanism, specifically on the output end of the XY motion mechanism, so that the XY motion mechanism drives the print head or extension tool to work, thereby realizing 3D printing.

[0068]

Example 1

[0069] 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 application provides an XY motion module.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1-8, the printhead is detachably mounted on the XY motion module. The XY motion module includes a frame, an XY motion mechanism, and a zero-adjustment limiter 130. The XY motion mechanism includes a Y-axis slide rail 125 and a Y-axis slider. 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 with the second zero-position surface 1311 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 Y-axis slide rail 125 and the axis of the Y-axis slide rail 125. The zeroing limit member 130 is detachably installed in the limit member mounting position. The Y-axis slide rail 125 is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure 1121. The Y-axis slider 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 printhead and XY motion module are detachably connected to facilitate disassembly and replacement when different printhead models need to be replaced. The zero-adjustment limiter 130 is also detachably connected to the frame to better adapt to the zero position of different printheads. The zero-adjustment limiter can be removed or installed to change the position of the Y-axis zero position 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, that is, the position when the Y-axis slider touches the first zero-position surface 1121b is the zero position for the printhead to move along the Y-axis direction. 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, that is, the position when the Y-axis slider touches the second zero-position surface 1311 is the zero position for the printhead to move along the Y-axis direction.

[0071] The XY motion module of this application 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 used with different printheads, 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 this application 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In addition to the Y-axis slider and Y-axis slide rail 125 mentioned above, the XY motion mechanism also includes an X-axis slide rail and an X-axis slider. The Y-axis slide rail 125 is mounted on the frame 110, the Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail, the X-axis slide rail is connected to the Y-axis slider, and the X-axis slider is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 111 and the third side 115 are basically parallel to the X-axis, and the extension directions of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are basically parallel to the Y-axis. In a 3D printer, the second side 113 and the fourth side 117 can be referred to as the side sections, the first side 111 as the rear section, and the third side 115 as the front section; that is, the frame includes two opposing side sections.

[0076] The second side 113 and the fourth side 117 are each equipped with a Y-axis slide rail 125. Specifically, Y-rail mounting structures 1121 are respectively positioned at both ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, so that one Y-axis slide rail 125 can be mounted through the Y-rail mounting structures 1121 at both ends of the same side. That is, each side is equipped with a Y-rail mounting structure 1121, and the two ends of the same Y-axis slide rail 125 are respectively mounted on the two opposing Y-rail mounting structures 1121. In other words, for each side, its two ends are respectively provided with Y-rail mounting structures, and the two ends of the same Y-axis slide rail are respectively mounted on the two Y-rail mounting structures of the same side. Each Y-axis slide rail is equipped with a Y-axis slider; the two ends of the X-axis slide rail are respectively connected to the Y-axis sliders on both sides; the print head is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 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 its Y-axis slider, forming a set of Y-axis components. The two ends of the X-axis slide rail are connected to two Y-axis sliders respectively. The X-axis sliders are slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rails, and the print head is connected to the X-axis sliders. In this way, the print head can slide along the X-axis slide rails with the X-axis sliders, and can also move in the Y-axis direction with the Y-axis sliders 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 located on or near the first side 111 of the frame 110, thereby using the other space within 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] It should be noted that although Y-rail mounting structures 1121 are respectively provided at both ends of the second side 113 and the fourth side 117, the first zero-position surface 1121b can be provided on only one of the Y-rail mounting structures 1121. That is, at least one Y-rail mounting structure on the same side has the first zero-position surface; for example, only one Y-rail mounting structure on the same side has the first zero-position surface, or two Y-rail mounting structures on the same side each have the first zero-position surface, and these two first zero-position surfaces are arranged facing each other. When only one first zero-position surface 1121b is provided, the finishing cost of the frame can be reduced, because in order to improve the printing accuracy, the first zero-position surface 1121b, as the zero-position contact, has high precision requirements. By choosing only one Y-rail mounting structure 1121 to provide 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 Figures 1-3. 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.

[0079] Referring again to Figure 3, 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.

[0080] The Y-axis slide rail 125 can be a cylindrical rod, a T-shaped rod, or a similar structure, with a matching groove for the Y-axis slider. Similarly, the X-axis slide rail can also be a cylindrical rod, a T-shaped rod, or a similar structure, with a matching groove for the X-axis slider.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the first zero-position surface 1121b forms a limiting member mounting position, that is, the limiting member mounting position is disposed 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 3-5, 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.

[0082] 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 can directly contact the first zero-position surface 1121b. Alternatively, other structural parts can be provided on the Y-axis slider to contact the first zero-position surface 1121b.

[0083] 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 this application is also connected to the Y-rail mounting structure 1121 through other structural parts. Referring again to Figures 3-4, 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 embodiments 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 4, 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Furthermore, the zero-adjustment limiting member 130 also includes a connecting lug 133, as shown in FIG5. 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In the above embodiments, the XY motion module further includes an idler shaft 1294, which is used to mount the idler 1291 to the frame (in embodiments including a frame 110, it is mounted on the frame 110). The idler 1291 is used to wind a synchronous belt to drive the XY motion mechanism. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, 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 to each other. The bottom wall has a stepped hole 1126. The smaller section and the larger section of the stepped hole 1126 are far away from the top wall, and the smaller section is at least partially a threaded hole. The top wall has a shaft hole 1127 that penetrates 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The XY motion module also includes annular isolation components, which are respectively disposed between the top wall of the idler wheel mounting groove 1125 and the idler wheel, and between the bottom wall of the idler wheel mounting groove 1125 and the idler wheel 1291. By adding annular isolation components, the idler wheel can rotate more flexibly, thereby making the movement of the print head smoother.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 Figure 6, 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, a cross groove, or a hexagonal groove on the flange portion 1294a, or the flange portion 1294a can be set as a hexagonal prism or a square prism structure, so as to facilitate the application of force to the idler shaft 1294 by operating tools such as screwdrivers or wrenches.

[0098] 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.

[0099]

Example 2

[0100] This application also provides an XY motion module, specifically relating to an idler wheel mounting structure. The idler wheel is used to wind a synchronous belt, and includes a frame and an idler wheel shaft 1294. The idler wheel shaft 1294 is used to mount the idler wheel 1291 to the frame (in an embodiment including a frame 110, it is mounted to the frame 110). The idler wheel 1291 is used to wind a synchronous belt to drive the XY motion mechanism to work via the synchronous belt. Referring to Figures 1, 7, and 8, the frame has an idler wheel mounting groove 1125 on its outer side. The idler wheel mounting groove 1125 includes a top wall and a bottom wall disposed opposite to each other. The bottom wall has a stepped hole 1126. The smaller section and the larger section of the stepped hole 1126 are far away from the top wall, and the smaller section is at least partially a threaded hole. The top wall has a shaft hole 1127 that penetrates 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The XY motion module also includes annular isolators, which are 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 annular isolators, the idler wheel can rotate more flexibly, thereby making the movement of the print head smoother.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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 Figure 7, the outer end of the threaded section of the idler shaft 1294 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, a cross groove, or a hexagonal groove on the flange portion 1294a, or the flange portion 1294a can be set as a hexagonal prism or a square prism structure, so as to facilitate the application of force to the idler shaft 1294 by operating tools such as screwdrivers or wrenches.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the above-mentioned preferred solutions can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0112] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Any obvious or equivalent modifications or substitutions made by those skilled in the art regarding the above details without departing from the basic principles of this application shall be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An XY motion module for a 3D printer, comprising an idler wheel for winding a timing belt on the 3D printer, characterized in that, It also includes the frame and idler shaft; The frame has an idler wheel mounting groove on its outer side. The idler wheel mounting groove includes a top wall and a bottom wall that are arranged opposite each other. The bottom wall has a stepped hole. The smaller section and the larger section of the stepped hole are far away from the top wall. The smaller section is at least partially threaded. The top wall has a shaft hole that penetrates the top surface of the frame. The idler shaft is a stepped shaft, and at least part of its small shaft section is a threaded section; the idler wheel is installed into the idler wheel mounting groove from the outer side of the frame, the idler shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, the center hole of the idler wheel and the stepped hole, and the threaded section cooperates with the threaded hole, forming the fulcrum of the idler shaft at the shaft hole and the large hole section respectively.

2. The XY motion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes a frame, which includes 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, wherein the idler wheel mounting groove is provided on the outer side of at least one of the corners.

3. The XY motion module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first corner and the fourth corner are each provided with two idler wheel mounting slots. The two idler wheel mounting slots at the same corner are arranged vertically in the height direction, and their shaft holes are staggered in both the height and horizontal directions. Each of the two idler wheel mounting slots is equipped with an idler wheel through an idler wheel shaft. The two idler wheels are used to wind a synchronous belt. The axial projections of the two idler wheels have an overlapping area.

4. The XY motion module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first corner and the fourth corner are each provided with two idler gear mounting slots. The two idler gear mounting slots at the same corner are arranged vertically in the height direction, and their shaft holes are coaxially arranged. The top wall of the upper idler gear mounting slot is closer to the top surface of the frame than the bottom wall, and the bottom wall of the lower idler gear mounting slot is closer to the bottom surface of the frame than the top wall. One idler gear shaft is installed on the frame from top to bottom, and the other is installed on the frame from bottom to top. The two idler gears are used to wind a synchronous belt.

5. The XY motion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes annular spacers, which are respectively disposed between the top wall and the idler wheel, and between the bottom wall and the idler wheel.

6. The XY motion module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The annular spacer includes a graphite gasket.

7. The XY motion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the idler wheel mounting groove is provided with a through space, which extends into the interior of the frame and is used for the synchronous belt wound on the idler wheel to pass through.

8. The XY motion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer end of the idler shaft is provided with a flange, and the flange is provided with a torque transmission structure; the frame is provided with a recessed space at the outer end of the shaft hole to accommodate the flange.

9. The XY motion module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top surface of the frame is provided with a recessed space, and the shaft hole and the countersunk hole are located in the recessed space.

10. The XY motion module according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The 3D printer has a replaceable printhead or extension tool, which is detachably mounted to the XY motion module; the XY motion module includes a frame, an XY motion mechanism, and a zeroing limiter, and the XY motion mechanism includes a Y-axis slide rail and a Y-axis slider; The frame has a Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-rail mounting structure has a first zero-position surface; The frame is provided with a limit member mounting position. The zero adjustment limit member includes a plate-shaped part with a preset thickness. The plate-shaped part has a second zero position surface. The second zero position surface is perpendicular to the Y-axis slide rail axis. The zero adjustment limit member is detachably installed in the limit member mounting position. The Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis zero point of the print head connected thereto is determined by touching the first zero surface or the second zero surface.

11. The XY motion module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The frame includes two opposing side sections, and each side section has a Y-rail mounting structure at both ends. The two ends of the same Y-axis slide rail are respectively mounted on the two opposing Y-axis mounting structures. The first zero-position surface is provided on at least one Y-rail mounting structure on the same side; or, Both Y-rail mounting structures on the same side are provided with the first zero-position surface, and one of the first zero-position surfaces serves as the limit travel surface.

12. The XY motion module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first zero-position surface forms the mounting position for the limiting member; The zero-adjustment limiting member has a positioning mounting surface that is opposite to the second zero-position surface. When the zero-adjustment limiting member is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure, the positioning mounting surface is in contact with the first zero-position surface.

13. The XY motion module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The Y-rail mounting structure also has a locking surface perpendicular to the first zero-position plane; The zero-adjustment limiting component also includes a connecting part, which is connected to the side of the plate-shaped part opposite to the second zero-position surface. The connecting part can overlap the locking surface and lock with the Y-rail mounting structure.

14. The XY motion module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The plate-shaped portion has a connecting lug on the side away from the connecting portion, and the connecting lug is locked to the first zero-position surface.

15. The XY motion module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The Y-axis slide rail has a circular cross-section, and the zero-adjustment limiting member has an opening and an arc-shaped inner surface. The opening span of the opening is greater than the diameter of the Y-axis slide rail, and the arc-shaped inner surface surrounds a portion of the Y-axis slide rail, thereby enabling the zero-adjustment limiting member to be installed and removed without disassembling the Y-axis slide rail.

16. The XY motion module according to claim 10, characterized in that, Multiple zero-adjustment limiting components are provided, and the thickness of the plate-shaped portion of each zero-adjustment limiting component is different.

17. The XY motion module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The frame includes a frame and multiple columns, with the frame mounted on the top of the multiple columns; wherein the Y-axis slide rail and the zero-adjustment limiter are both mounted on the frame.

18. An XY motion module for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer has a replaceable printhead or extension tool, which is detachably mounted to the XY motion module; the XY motion module includes a frame, an XY motion mechanism, and a zeroing limiter, and the XY motion mechanism includes a Y-axis slide rail and a Y-axis slider; The frame has a Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-rail mounting structure has a first zero-position surface; The frame is provided with a limit member mounting position. The zero adjustment limit member includes a plate-shaped part with a preset thickness. The plate-shaped part has a second zero position surface. The second zero position surface is perpendicular to the Y-axis slide rail axis. The zero adjustment limit member is detachably installed in the limit member mounting position. The Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the Y-rail mounting structure, and the Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis zero point of the print head connected thereto is determined by touching the first zero surface or the second zero surface.

19. The XY motion module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The frame includes two opposing side sections, and each side section has a Y-rail mounting structure at both ends. The two ends of the same Y-axis slide rail are respectively mounted on the two opposing Y-axis mounting structures. The first zero-position surface is provided on at least one Y-rail mounting structure on the same side; or, Both Y-rail mounting structures on the same side are provided with the first zero-position surface, and one of the first zero-position surfaces serves as the limit travel surface.

20. The XY motion module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first zero-position surface forms the mounting position for the limiting member; The zero-adjustment limiting member has a positioning mounting surface that is opposite to the second zero-position surface. When the zero-adjustment limiting member is installed on the Y-rail mounting structure, the positioning mounting surface is in contact with the first zero-position surface.

21. The XY motion module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The Y-rail mounting structure also has a locking surface perpendicular to the first zero-position plane; The zero-adjustment limiting component also includes a connecting part, which is connected to the side of the plate-shaped part opposite to the second zero-position surface. The connecting part can overlap the locking surface and lock with the Y-rail mounting structure.

22. The XY motion module according to claim 21, characterized in that, The plate-shaped portion has a connecting lug on the side away from the connecting portion, and the connecting lug is locked to the first zero-position surface.

23. The XY motion module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The Y-axis slide rail has a circular cross-section, and the zero-adjustment limiting member has an opening and an arc-shaped inner surface. The opening span of the opening is greater than the diameter of the Y-axis slide rail, and the arc-shaped inner surface surrounds a portion of the Y-axis slide rail, thereby enabling the zero-adjustment limiting member to be installed and removed without disassembling the Y-axis slide rail.

24. The XY motion module according to claim 18, characterized in that, Multiple zero-adjustment limiting components are provided, and the thickness of the plate-shaped portion of each zero-adjustment limiting component is different.

25. The XY motion module according to any one of claims 18-24, characterized in that, The frame includes a frame and multiple columns, with the frame mounted on the top of the multiple columns; wherein the Y-axis slide rail and the zero-adjustment limiter are both mounted on the frame.

26. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Includes the XY motion module as described in any one of claims 1-25.

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