TWM502562U - Three-dimensional (3D) drawing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device having a housing configured for manipulation by a user's hand and to accept a feed stock that is, in certain embodiments, a strand of thermoplastic. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand of thermoplastic feed stock such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.

Description

Three-dimensional (3D) drawing device

The present disclosure relates to an extrusion device, and in particular to a hand-held appliance that is assembled to extrude material to construct a three-dimensional (3D) article.

Three-dimensional printers are known which can be used to produce all types of 3D items. Some printers operate by depositing a sequential plastic layer, while other printers function by sequential coagulation or solidification of the precursor material layer. These printers are often bulky and expensive, and require the design to be provided as a computer file, such as a computer file generated by a computer aided design (CAD) program.

A conventional hand-held extrusion device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,665,158, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein. The chamber is filled with a granular solid plastic material and then sealed with a lid. The contents of the chamber are heated to melt the plastic and create pressure within the chamber. The passage opens from the chamber to a rotatable nozzle that blocks flow in the first position and allows flow in the second position. A trigger is attached to the nozzle such that pulling the trigger moves the nozzle to the second position, thereby allowing the molten plastic to drain from the nozzle due to pressure within the chamber. The release trigger allows the nozzle to return to the first position, thereby stopping the flow of the plastic. The material cannot be replenished without shutting down the device and there is no mechanism for mechanically feeding the material to the nozzle at a constant rate. In addition, Froedge's system does not provide a mechanism to cool the extruded material.

Cross-references to related applications

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/733,689, filed on Dec.

There is a need to provide a reliable, easily refillable handheld device for forming 2D and 3D items without the need for computerized design files. The present disclosure describes a hand-held device that allows a user to "draw" a 3D structure with a feedstock that complements the feedstock during continuous use.

In some embodiments, a 3D drawing device is disclosed, the 3D drawing device comprising: a housing assembled to be manipulated by a user's hand and configured to receive a feedstock; a nozzle assembly at least partially disposed The housing has an exit nozzle therein; a motor disposed within the housing; and a gear train disposed within the housing and coupled between the motor and the feedstock and assembled to cause the motor The rotation causes the feedstock to be extruded from the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.

In certain embodiments, a 3D drawing device is disclosed that includes a housing that is assembled to be manipulated by a user's hand and used to receive a feed. The outer casing has an interior volume and at least one cooling weir that is in fluid communication with the interior volume. The 3D drawing device also includes a nozzle assembly at least partially disposed within the outer casing proximate the at least one cooling weir and having an exit nozzle; a fan disposed within the outer casing and configured to air Suction into the interior volume and then forcing air out of the at least one cooling cartridge; a motor disposed within the housing; and an actuator coupled to the housing. Actuation of the actuator causes the feedstock to be extruded from the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.

1‧‧‧ feet

2‧‧‧ pins

3‧‧‧ pins

18‧‧‧ input port

19‧‧‧ Raw materials

20‧‧‧Feeding

22‧‧‧ column

25‧‧‧ pellets

100‧‧‧3D drawing device

110‧‧‧Shell

112‧‧‧Upper casing

114‧‧‧lower casing

115‧‧‧Entry

116‧‧‧Internal volume

118‧‧‧Cooling 埠

120‧‧‧Control assembly

122‧‧‧ button

124‧‧‧ button

126‧‧‧ circuit assembly

127‧‧‧External Control Interface

130‧‧‧Nozzle assembly

131‧‧‧Insulator

132‧‧‧Extrusion machine

133‧‧‧Extrusion channel

133A‧‧‧Exit nozzle

134‧‧‧ catheter

135‧‧‧ first chamber

137‧‧‧ cutting-edge

138‧‧‧Installation tube

140‧‧‧Fan assembly

142‧‧‧fan cover

144‧‧‧ Impeller

146‧‧‧ motor

150‧‧‧Feed institutions

152‧‧‧ motor

153‧‧‧ Gear pair

153A‧‧‧Gears

153B‧‧‧ pinion

154‧‧‧ Gear pair

154A‧‧‧big gear

154B‧‧‧ pinion

155‧‧‧ Gear pair

155A‧‧‧Gears

155B‧‧‧ pinion

156‧‧‧ Gear pair

156A‧‧‧big gear

156B‧‧‧ pinion

157‧‧‧ Gear pair

157A‧‧‧Gears

157B‧‧‧ pinion

200‧‧‧3D drawing device

210‧‧‧ Subject

230‧‧‧Nozzle assembly

250‧‧‧ funnel

260‧‧‧feed spiral

270‧‧‧Power line

The embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the description of the embodiments of the invention, In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary 3D drawing device in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 with a portion of the outer casing removed in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

3A-3B are cross-sectional and cross-sectional views of the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

4A-4B are plan and perspective views of a feed mechanism in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

5A-5B are perspective and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a 3D drawing device in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure describes a hand-held device that allows a user to "draw" a 2D or 3D structure and easily refill or replace the feedstock.

The detailed descriptions set forth below are intended to be a description of the various combinations of the subject matter, and are not intended to represent only the combinations of techniques in which the subject matter can be practiced. The drawings are included herein and form a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be practiced without the specific details. In some cases, the well-known knots are shown in block diagram form. Construct components to avoid the concept of fuzzy target technology. For ease of understanding, the same components are labeled with the same component numbers.

As used in this disclosure, the phrase "feed" means any material provided in any form suitable for processing within a 3D drawing device to provide a desired output stream. The feedstock can be: a thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polylactic acid (PLA); a thermosetting material such as epoxy; a metal such as tin or lead or Metal mixture. The feedstock can be a single material or a mixture of materials, such as a rod, having particles of a first material dispersed within a matrix of the second material.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary 3D drawing device 100 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a housing 110 in which a control assembly 120, a nozzle assembly 130, and a fan assembly 140 are provided. The outer casing 110 can be sized and assembled to fit the user's hand and suitably shaped to allow manipulation like a pen or pencil. Actuators (e.g., buttons 122 and 124 in this embodiment) can be positioned to allow a user to actuate any of the actuators while holding device 100. In this embodiment, the user can actuate one or both of the buttons 122, 124 while manipulating the 3D drawing device 100. In this embodiment, the device 100 is assembled to receive a feedstock 20 in the form of a strand that may have a diameter of 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the feedstock 20 can be provided as a cut length (eg, 30 cm in length) or as a continuous strand drawn from a reel (not shown in Figure 1). Including input port 18 or other input elements (such as a funnel), for example, material 19 is provided to appliance 10 via the input port. Feedstock 20 can be a thermoplastic plastic material (e.g., PVC, ABS, or PLA), however, other embodiments can accommodate other types of materials, such as thermoset plastics or metals, or combinations of materials.

In a use case of an embodiment of apparatus 100, the user selects a particular type And color thermoplastic plastic feedstock 20, and feedstock 20 is introduced into inlet port 115 (see Figure 2) and a power line (not shown in Figure 1) is connected to a power source (such as a wall socket). In some embodiments, the 3D graphics device 100 can include a portable power source (not shown in FIGS. 1-2) that powers the device 100, such as a lithium polymer battery. After the warm-up cycle, the user can press button 122 while using device 100 to draw lines on the surface in a manner similar to drawing lines with pencils, such as drawing a pattern on printed paper. When the button 122 is depressed, the column 22 of the feedstock 20 is extruded from the nozzle assembly. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the tubular string 22 can be 0.3 mm. If the user moves the device along the surface at approximately the same rate as the extrusion rate of the tubular string 22, the user will create a solid three-dimensional "line" on the surface. In certain embodiments, the feedstock 20 exits the nozzle assembly 130 substantially in solid form such that the extruded tubular string retains its shape. In certain embodiments, the newly extruded feedstock 20 will engage the previously extruded tubular string 22 such that the structure can be formed by drawing lines across the previously drawn tubular string 22.

In certain embodiments, the button 122 can cause the feedstock 20 to be extruded at a first rate (eg, 2.6 mm/sec), while the second button 124 can cause the feedstock 20 to be squeezed at a second rate (eg, 5.0 mm/sec). Out. In certain embodiments, the first rate can range from 0.1 to 10.0 mm/sec and the second rate can range from 2 to 50 mm/sec. In some embodiments, the first rate and the second rate are selected to provide a speed suitable for the intended user, for example, the device 100 intended for use by a child may have a slower rate than the device 100 intended for use by an adult artist. In some embodiments, the 3D graphics device 100 can include a variable speed control mechanism (not shown in FIGS. 1-2) to allow a user to adjust one or more of the extrusion rates. In some embodiments, the variable speed control mechanism can include a dial. In some embodiments, any of the release buttons 122, 124 may cause the internal mechanism to pull the feedstock 20 back a certain amount, thereby interrupting the extruded tubular string 22. In this way, make The user can "write" with the 3D drawing device 100 in much the same way as a pen writing, except that the user can write in three dimensions because the extruded material is three dimensional. The user can create free-form lines, shapes or other items as needed. The user may additionally use a template or other guide to create the desired item, such as sculpture, jewelry, artwork, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the 3D graphics device 100 can be used to repair or enhance existing objects and structures. In some embodiments, simultaneously pressing the two buttons 122, 124 may result in another action, such as expelling unused portions of the feedstock 20 from the inlet port 115, such that the user can switch to the different colors or types of the feedstock 20.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 with portions of the housing 110 removed, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. It can be seen that the circuit assembly 126 is positioned below the switches 122, 124 and the feed mechanism 150 is disposed on the lower housing 114, wherein the feedstock 20 enters through the inlet port 115 and passes over the components of the feed mechanism 150 and the components The feed mechanism will be described in more detail with reference to 4A through 4B. In some embodiments, circuit assembly 126 can include a processor, and in some embodiments, circuit assembly 126 can include analog circuit components, such as mechanical switches, resistors, capacitors known to those skilled in the art. And other electrical components (not visible in Figure 2). In some embodiments, circuit assembly 126 can include a power conditioning circuit (not shown) that converts power from a power source into a different form such as a direct current (DC) voltage. In some embodiments, circuit assembly 126 can include a portable power source (not shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the circuit assembly 126 can be connected to an external power source via a power line (not shown in Figures 1-2). In some embodiments, 3D graphics device 100 also includes an external control interface 127 that is coupled to circuit assembly 126 and that is configured to accept actuation commands from a remote system, such as a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. In certain embodiments, the housing 110 can be adapted for installation At the tool interface of the CNC machine, the CNC machine can manipulate the 3D drawing device 100 to generate 3D objects. For example, the external control interface 127 can include three electrical pins, wherein the pin 1 is common (such as ground), and the pin 2 is coupled to the button 122 such that the DC voltage is provided on the jumper 1 and pin 2 The button 122 is pressed, and the pin 3 is coupled to the button 124 such that providing a DC voltage across the jumper 1 and the pin 3 is equivalent to pressing the button 124. In some embodiments, the external control interface 127 can be configured to accept signals via radio frequency (RF) or an optional wireless system. In some embodiments, the external control interface 127 can be assembled to receive signals via fiber optic cables.

3A-3B are cross-sectional and cross-sectional views of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 3A is a side view of the entire 3D drawing device 100 showing how the upper outer casing 112 and the lower outer casing 114 together form an interior volume 116 in which the feed mechanism 150 is located. At the right end, it can be seen that the nozzle assembly 130 includes an extruder 132 and a conduit 134, which is described in more detail with reference to Figure 3B. The fan assembly 140 includes a fan cover 142 that is fixed and attached to the upper housing 112; an impeller 144 that is located below the fan cover 142 and that is assembled to pass through the fan cover 142 (FIG. 3A Invisible) draws air into the interior volume 116. In this example, motor 146 is mounted to lower housing 114 and drives impeller 144 at a constant speed. In some embodiments, air drawn into the interior volume may flow out through any of the upper casing 112 and the lower casing 114. The cooling crucible 118 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 3B. As can be seen in Figure 3A, in this embodiment, the feedstock 20 travels through the device 100 in a straight path.

FIG. 3B is a close-up cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly 130. The extruder 132 has a first chamber 135 formed as a cylindrical bore having a diameter substantially the same as the feedstock 20; and a smaller diameter extrusion passage 133 that terminates at the exit nozzle 133A. In some embodiments, the first chamber 135 There may be a first diameter of 3 mm and the extrusion channel 133 has a diameter of 0.3 mm. In certain embodiments, the extruder 132 is formed of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal or ceramic, with a heating element (eg, a nickel-cadmium alloy wire) (not visible in FIG. 3B) wound around the outer circumference. When the device 100 is connected to a power source, the heating element raises the temperature of the extruder 132 to a temperature that may be higher than the melting point of the feedstock 20. In certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly 130 includes a temperature sensor coupled to the circuit assembly 126, the circuit assembly can include a temperature control circuit to regulate the power supplied to the heating element to set the temperature of the extruder 132 Maintain within the required range of set points. Because the systems and methods for temperature regulation are known to those skilled in the art, no details are provided herein. In some embodiments, an indicator such as an LED (not shown) may be provided to indicate that the extruder 132 has reached a temperature sufficient to melt the feedstock 20.

In certain embodiments, for example, where the feedstock comprises plastic, the temperature of the extruder 132 can range from 20 to 500 °C. In certain embodiments, for example, where the feedstock comprises a metal, the temperature of the extruder 132 can range from 1000 to 2000 °C. In certain embodiments, for example, where the feedstock comprises a metal such as lead, tin, or a mixture thereof, the temperature of the extruder 132 can range from 100 to 400 °C. In certain embodiments, for example, where the feedstock comprises a metal such as copper, gold, silver, or a mixture thereof, the temperature of the extruder 132 can range from 1000 to 1200 °C. In certain embodiments, for example, where the feedstock comprises a metal such as platinum, the temperature of the extruder 132 can range from 1600 to 2000 °C. In some embodiments, 3D graphics device 100 can include a variable temperature controller (not shown) coupled to circuit assembly 126 for allowing a user to select a set point temperature of extruder 132. In some embodiments, the variable temperature controller may allow the user to select a material type (eg, "thermoplastic," and the circuit assembly 126 will adjust the set point temperature of the extruder 132. In some embodiments, The variable temperature controller can include a dial.

The conduit 134 is aligned with the first chamber 135 of the extruder 132 such that the passage The feed of tube 134 enters first chamber 135. In certain embodiments, the conduit 134 may be formed from a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), thus allowing the feedstock 20 to slide easily while also minimizing the gap between the conduit 134 and the feedstock 20. The extruder 132 is held in alignment with the conduit 134 by a mounting tube 138. In certain embodiments, the mounting tube 138 is formed from a metal having a lower thermal conductivity than other metals. In certain embodiments, the mounting tube 138 can be stainless steel. In some embodiments, an insulating film such as a polyimide film (not visible in Figure 3B) can be applied over the heating element and under the mounting tube 138.

In certain embodiments, an insulator 131 may be provided on the mounting tube 138 to reduce heat transfer from the extruder 132 to the upper housing 112 and the lower housing 114. In certain embodiments, one or both of the upper outer casing 112 and the lower outer casing 114 may have a cooling weir 118 formed therethrough such that air may flow from the inner volume 116 to ambient air. In some embodiments, the passages formed in the top outer casing 112 and the bottom outer casing 114 and leading to the cooling weir 118 can be angled such that air exiting the cooling weir 118 is directed inward toward the tip end 137. Thus, as air exits the cooling crucible 118, the air passes through the tip 137 of the extruder 132, thereby cooling the tip 137 and the feedstock that has just been extruded from the extrusion passage 133. These two cooling effects are used to lower the temperature of the feedstock 20 as it exits the extrusion passage 133 such that the feedstock 20 can be substantially solid as it exits the extrusion passage 133. In certain embodiments, the newly extruded feedstock 20 can be flexible and can be formed into a variety of shapes. In certain embodiments, the surface of the newly extruded feedstock 20 can be attached, for example, viscous, such that the extruded material will engage other previously extruded feedstock 20.

In some embodiments, there may be a gap between the insulator 131 and the mounting tube 138. In some embodiments, this gap may provide thermal blocking to further thermally isolate the upper and lower outer casings 112, 114 from the extruder 132.

When the feedstock 20 is driven toward the extrusion passage 133 by the feed mechanism 150 (not shown in FIG. 3B), the portion of the feedstock 20 located within the extruder 132 will be heated by the extruder 132 such that the first chamber 135 is within The feedstock 20 softens or melts. When the solid feedstock 20 is pushed forward, the softened or melted feedstock 20 will be pushed out through the extrusion passage 133 and out of the tip 137 where the cooling air exiting the cooling weir 118 flows over the freshly extruded feedstock 20, thereby feeding the feedstock 20 cooled and solidified. In some embodiments, the portion of the extruder 132 that extends outward beyond the front plane 102 can be cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the main portion of the extruder 132 by the air flowing out of the cooling crucible 118. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the tip 137 can be lower than the melting point of the feedstock 20.

4A-4B are plan and perspective views of feed mechanism 150 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. 4A shows a series of gear pairs 153, 154, 155, 156, and 157 that are driven by motor 152 via a spur gear (not visible in FIG. 4A) that is attached to the rotor of motor 152. Each gear pair has a large gear and a pinion that are fixedly attached to each other and rotate about a common axis. The pinion of the motor 152 drives the large gear 153A, which causes the pinion 153B to drive the large gear 154A. In certain embodiments, the bull gears 153A, 154A, 155A, 156A, and 157A can each have 40 teeth, while the pinions 153B, 154B, 155B, and 156B (not visible in FIG. 4A) and 157B can have 12 teeth. Thereby a 40:12 step-down ratio is provided between each gear pair. In some embodiments, the step from motor 152 to pinion 1578 can be 5*(40:12) or approximately 17:1, that is, the seventeen complete rotations of motor 152 only result in pinion 1578. A complete rotation. In certain embodiments, the gear pairs 153, 154, 155, 156, and 157 can have different numbers of teeth on the bull gear and/or pinion. In certain embodiments, gear pairs 153, 154, 155, 156, and 157 may not have the same number of teeth on each corresponding bull gear or pinion.

In use, motor 152 is used to drive step down gear train 150 to control the advancement of feedstock 20, which provides an improved degree of control over the extrusion rate of feedstock 20. For example, conventional glue guns have a direct linkage between the trigger and the glue stick such that the pressure on the trigger is transmitted directly to the rod. The advance rate of the glue stick (and therefore the rate of extrusion) depends on the viscosity of the melted glue and therefore on the molars within the mold range. This often results in the dispensing of too much glue. In addition, because the release trigger does not retract the glue stick, there is often a "tail" of glue that is pulled from the glue gun when the nozzle is removed from the dispensing position. In contrast, the disclosed 3D graphics device 100 provides a constant extrusion rate (e.g., 3 mm/sec) due to the controlled motion provided by the motor 152 and the gear train 150. Additionally, when the button 122 is released, the circuit assembly 126 temporarily reverses the operation of the motor 152, thereby retracting the feedstock 20 slightly and drawing the molten feedstock 20 located in the extrusion passage 133 back to the extruder 132. The extruded tubular string 22 is cleanly cut from the tip 137.

Figure 4B shows how the teeth of the last pinion 157B engage the feedstock 20. In this embodiment, the feedstock 20 passes through the uprights 119 of the lower outer casing 114, then passes through the pinion 157B, and then enters the conduit 134. In certain embodiments, the gear 157B is positioned such that the teeth are pressed against the feedstock 20, and the feedstock is restrained by the post 119 and the conduit 134 from lateral movement away from the teeth of the gear 157B such that rotation of the gear 157B will be axial. The force (i.e., oriented along the length) is applied to the feedstock 20. Rotation of the gear set 150 in the first direction will cause the feedstock 20 to move linearly forward, i.e., toward the tip end 137. Because this portion of the feedstock 20 is unaffected by the heating within the extruder 132, rotation of the gear set 150 in the opposite direction will cause the feedstock 20 to move linearly rearwardly, i.e., away from the tip 137.

As can be seen from Figures 4A and 4B, rotation of the motor 152 causes the feedstock 20 to move forward or backward, and rotation of the motor is controlled by pressing one of the buttons 122, 124. Self motor The step down of 152 to pinion 157B provides a smooth rate of motion of the feed because motor 152 can be rotated at a speed that is within the normal range of smooth operation, and this step is converted to a low rate linear motion of feedstock 20.

5A-5B are perspective and cross-sectional views of another embodiment 200 of a 3D drawing device in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A shows a 3D drawing device 200 that is assembled to receive a feedstock in the form of pellets 25 that are contained in a funnel 250 that is attached to the body 210. Power line 270 is attached to body 210. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the feed screw 260 that transfers the pellets 25 from the funnel 250 to the nozzle assembly 230, which melts the pellets 25 under the pressure provided by the feed screw 260, The molten feedstock 25 is extruded in a manner similar to the nozzle assembly 130 of the previously described embodiment 100. Other features of embodiment 100, such as cooling crucible 118, may also be provided in embodiment 200. In some embodiments, pellets are transferred from the funnel 250 to the nozzle assembly 130 by other mechanisms, such as reciprocating cylinders (not shown in FIGS. 5A-5B) that are known to those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, the feedstock can be provided as a liquid, such as an epoxy resin, contained in funnel 250, wherein the catalyst beads are suspended in the liquid polymer. In certain embodiments, the liquid feedstock can be modified through the extrusion passage (similar to the extrusion passage 133 of embodiment 100) such that it hardens rapidly after extrusion from the 3D plotting device 200.

An example of the disclosed 3D drawing device illustrates the principles of its construction and use. A cooling air flow is provided at the tip to rapidly cure the extruded feedstock, which allows the user to work in three dimensions rather than being forced to rely on the support surface to hold the extruded material still in place while it is still liquid. . Use a mechanical gear train to advance the feed (rather than a pressurized supply or a direct connection between the trigger and the feed rod), which allows precise control of the extrusion rate, which in turn increases the uniformity of the extruded material string It allows precise placement without excessive material.

The present application includes descriptions that are provided to enable a person of ordinary skill to practice the various aspects described herein. While the foregoing is a description of the preferred embodiments and/ It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or blocks in the process disclosed is illustrative of exemplary methods. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or blocks in the processes may be rearranged. The accompanying method items are presented in the order of the various embodiments and are not to Therefore, the scope of patent application is not intended to be limited to the point of view shown herein, but is intended to be in accordance with the full scope of the patent application.

The title and subtitle (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the novel.

References to elements in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one" but "one or more". The use of the article "a" is to be construed as equivalent to the phrase "at least one". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "a group" and "some" mean one or more.

Terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc., are used in this disclosure to be understood to refer to any reference. Frame, not an ordinary gravity reference frame. Thus, the top surface, the bottom surface, the front surface, and the back surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravity reference frame.

Although the relationships between the various components are described and/or illustrated herein as orthogonal or vertical, such components may be arranged in other configurations in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the angle formed between the reference components can be greater than or less than 90 degrees.

For example, although the various components are illustrated as being flat and/or straight, these groups The piece may have other configurations, such as curved or tapered, in some embodiments.

Male pronouns (eg, his) include female and neutral gender (eg, her and its), and vice versa. All of the structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects of the present disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art, and which are to be understood by the appended claims, are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the scope of the patent application. Unless the phrase "means for" is used to explicitly state a component, or in the case of a method item, the phrase "operation for" is used to describe the component, otherwise it should not be in accordance with 35 USc § 112 The six paragraphs are provided to explain the claimed components.

Phrases such as "points of view" are not intended to be essential to the technology of such viewpoints or that such views apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure of a point of view can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a point of view may refer to one or more points of view, and vice versa. The phrase "embodiment" is not intended to be essential to the technology of the embodiments, or such embodiments are applicable to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure of an embodiment may be applied to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an instance or illustration." Any ideas or designs described herein as "exemplary" are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

All of the structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects of the present disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art, and which are to be understood by those skilled in the art, are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, the content disclosed in this article is not intended to be Dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the scope of the patent application. Unless the phrase "institution for..." is used to explicitly state a component, or in the case of a method item, the phrase "steps for" is used to describe the component, otherwise 35 USc § 112 The six paragraphs are provided to explain the claimed components. In addition, where the terms "comprising," "having," or the like are used to describe or claim the claim, the terms are intended to be inclusive, in a manner similar to the term "comprising" Interpretation of "contains" as a transitional word.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that

20‧‧‧Feeding

22‧‧‧ column

100‧‧‧Drawing device

110‧‧‧Shell

120‧‧‧Control assembly

122‧‧‧ button

124‧‧‧ button

130‧‧‧Nozzle assembly

140‧‧‧Fan assembly

Claims (20)

A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device comprising: a housing assembled to receive a feedstock; a nozzle assembly at least partially disposed within the housing and having an exit nozzle; a motor disposed on the housing And a gear train disposed in the outer casing and coupled between the motor and the feedstock, and assembled such that rotation of the motor causes the feedstock to be extruded from the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 1 further comprising a heating element positioned adjacent to the exit nozzle and configured to melt the feedstock prior to extrusion through the exit nozzle. The three-dimensional (3D) drawing device of claim 1, further comprising a fan configured to provide a flow of cooling air at the exit nozzle. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 3, wherein: the outer casing comprises an inner volume and at least one cooling crucible adjacent to the exit nozzle, the cooling crucible being in fluid communication with the inner volume; and the fan system is disposed in The housing is internally assembled and drawn into the interior volume. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one cooling crucible is configured to direct a flow of cooling air from the internal volume to the extruded feedstock at the exit nozzle. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to selectively rotate the motor in at least a first direction such that The feedstock is extruded from the exit nozzle. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 6 wherein the actuator is configured to selectively rotate the motor in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises at least one button. 3. The three-dimensional (3D) drawing device of claim 8 wherein the actuator comprises: a first button that rotates the motor at the first speed in the first direction such that the feedstock is from the The exit nozzle is extruded at a first rate; and a second button rotates the motor at the second speed in the first direction such that the feed is extruded from the exit nozzle at a second rate The second rate is greater than the first rate, wherein simultaneous actuation of the first button and the second button causes the motor to rotate in the second direction. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the feedstock is provided in the form of a strand; and the gear train comprises a final gear having teeth that engage the feed strand such that Rotation of the last gear causes the feed strand to move linearly. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device comprising: an outer casing assembled to receive a feedstock, the outer casing having an inner volume and at least one cooling weir in fluid communication with the inner volume; a nozzle assembly, at least a portion thereof Disposed in the outer casing, adjacent to the at least one cooling raft, and having an exit nozzle; a fan disposed in the outer casing and assembled to draw air into the inner volume, and And subsequently forcing the air out of the at least one cooling cartridge; a motor disposed within the housing; and an actuator coupled to the housing, wherein actuation of the actuator causes the feedstock to be Extrusion to form a three-dimensional object. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 11 further comprising a heating element positioned adjacent to the exit nozzle and assembled to melt the feedstock prior to extrusion through the exit nozzle. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device of claim 11, wherein the at least one cooling fin is configured to direct a flow of cooling air from the interior volume to the extruded feedstock at the exit nozzle. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 11, further comprising: a motor disposed in the housing and coupled to the actuator such that actuation of the actuator causes the motor to be at least Rotating in a first direction; and a gear train disposed in the housing and coupled between the motor disposed in the housing and coupled to the actuator and the feedstock, and assembled to Rotation of the motor disposed within the housing and coupled to the actuator in the first direction causes the feedstock to be extruded from the exit nozzle. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 14 wherein the actuator is assembled to selectively dispose the motor disposed within the housing and coupled to the actuator in a second direction Rotating, the second direction is opposite the first direction. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 15 wherein the actuator comprises at least one button. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the actuator comprises: a first button, the first button rotating the motor disposed in the housing and coupled to the actuator at a first speed in the first direction, such that the feed is from the exit nozzle a rate is extruded; and a second button that rotates the motor disposed within the housing and coupled to the actuator at a second speed in the first direction to cause the feedstock Excluding from the exit nozzle at a second rate, the second rate being greater than the first rate, wherein simultaneous actuation of the first button and the second button causes the housing to be disposed within the housing and coupled to the The motor of the actuator rotates in the second direction. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device according to claim 14 wherein: the feedstock is provided in the form of a strand; and the gear train comprises a final gear having teeth that engage the feed strand such that Rotation of the last gear causes the feed strand to move linearly. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer casing is assembled to be held in the hand of a user. A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer casing is assembled to be held in the hand of a user.