Automatic mechanical spool changer for 3-D printers
US11167951B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C64/118
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic mechanical spool changer for 3-D printers includes a filament guide and a pre-loading device. The input to the filament guide receives at least a primary filament from a primary spool and a secondary filament from a secondary spool. The output from the filament guide connects to an extruder, and the output from the filament guide sequentially and automatically provides the primary filament and then the secondary filament to the extruder. The pre-loading device exerts a pre-loaded force on the secondary filament during the extrusion of the primary filament. After the primary filament passes a predetermined location within the filament guide, the force exerted on the secondary filament threads the secondary filament through the output of the filament guide and into the extruder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.