U.S. patent application number 16/577489 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for method and assembly for docking and retrieving a filament holding device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samuel J. Rolfe Steeb. Invention is credited to Eric Eugene Rolfe, Samuel J. Steeb.
Application Number | 20200114481 16/577489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68391993 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200114481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steeb; Samuel J. ; et
al. |
April 16, 2020 |
Method and Assembly for Docking and Retrieving a Filament Holding
Device
Abstract
A docking assembly and method for docking and retrieving a
filament holding device includes a motor casing rod defining a
recess, filament holders and docking stations. Each filament holder
defines a filament receiver channel for receiving the rod and a
stop member that is selectively engaged with the recess of the rod,
thus coupling a filament holder to the rod for retrieval of the
filament holder. Each docking station includes a deployment latch
operable to rotate when the rod is inserted into the docking
receiver channel so that the deployment latch urges the stop member
to the deployed configuration for coupling together the rod and the
filament holder. Thus, a filament holder is captured for removal
from the docking station. The docking apparatus includes a release
lever that operates in reverse of the deployment latch so as to
release a filament holder from the rod back to its docking
station.
Inventors: |
Steeb; Samuel J.; (Shawnee,
KS) ; Rolfe; Eric Eugene; (Kansas City, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Steeb; Samuel J.
Rolfe; Eric Eugene |
Shawnee
Kansas City |
KS
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68391993 |
Appl. No.: |
16/577489 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16157698 |
Oct 11, 2018 |
10464178 |
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16577489 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23Q 1/015 20130101;
B33Y 30/00 20141201; Y10T 483/17 20150115; Y10T 483/1809 20150115;
B23Q 3/15566 20130101; B29C 64/209 20170801; B23Q 3/15706 20130101;
B23Q 2003/15527 20161101; B29C 64/30 20170801; B23Q 3/15536
20161101; B33Y 40/00 20141201 |
International
Class: |
B23Q 3/155 20060101
B23Q003/155; B33Y 30/00 20060101 B33Y030/00; B29C 64/30 20060101
B29C064/30; B33Y 40/00 20060101 B33Y040/00 |
Claims
1. A method for docking and retrieving a filament holding device in
a machine that includes a printing head, said docking and
retrieving method comprising: providing a motor casing rod having a
proximal end coupled to a motor casing associated with the printing
head and a distal end opposite said proximal end, said motor casing
rod having a linear configuration and extending away from said
motor casing, said motor casing rod defining a recess proximate
said distal end; receiving said motor casing rod into a filament
receiver channel defined by a filament holder; wherein said
filament holder includes a stop member that is movable between a
retracted position disengaged from said recess of said motor casing
rod and a deployed configuration engaged with said recess of said
motor casing rod when said motor casing rod is fully extended
through said filament receiver channel during a retrieval process;
providing a docking station having a docking wall defining a
docking receiver channel that is collinear and in communication
with said filament receiver channel and operable for receiving said
motor casing rod, said docking station having a framework extending
away from said docking wall; rotating a deployment latch that is
coupled to said framework from a retracted configuration to a
deployed configuration when said motor casing rod is fully inserted
into said docking receiver channel during said retrieval process so
that said second end of said deployment latch urges said stop
member to said deployed configuration for coupling together said
motor casing rod and said filament holder.
2. The docking method as in claim 1, further comprising rotating a
release lever that is coupled to said framework and displaced from
said deployment latch from a retracted configuration to a deployed
configuration when said motor casing rod is fully inserted into
said docking receiver channel during a docking process such that a
free end of said release lever urges said stop member to said
released configuration for releasing said motor casing rod from
said filament holder.
3. The docking method as in claim 2, wherein said docking station
further includes a floating actuator situated in said docking
receiver channel that is movable between a docking configuration
adjacent said first end of said docking latch and a releasing
configuration positioned atop said release lever.
4. The docking method as in claim 3, wherein said floating actuator
is a ball having a spherical configuration.
5. The docking method as in claim 2, wherein said docking station
further includes an actuator ball having a spherical configuration
positioned in said docking receiver channel that is movable between
(1) a docking configuration adjacent said first end of said docking
latch associated with said docking process operable for coupling
said motor casing rod to said filament housing upon insertion of
said motor casing rod into said docking receiving channel which
causes said actuator ball to actuate said deployment latch and (2)
a releasing configuration positioned atop said release lever and
operable for releasing said motor casing rod from said filament
holder upon insertion of said motor casing rod into said docking
receiving channel which causes said actuator ball to actuate said
release lever.
6. The docking method as in claim 5, wherein: said release lever
includes a top surface defining a recessed area configured to
receive said actuator ball at said releasing configuration; said
actuator ball is positioned in said recessed area at said releasing
configuration so as to be impacted a filament holder rod when said
motor casing rod is inserted into said docking receiving channel
during said docking process.
7. The method as in claim 2, wherein: said deployment latch is
normally biased toward said retracted configuration by a first
compression spring; said release lever is normally biased toward
said retracted configuration by a second compression spring; and
said stop member is normally biased toward said deployed
configuration by a third compression spring.
8. The docking method as in claim 7, wherein: said first
compression spring is compressed when said deployment latch is
urged toward said deployed configuration; said second compression
spring is compressed when said release lever is urged toward said
deployed configuration; said third compression spring is extended
when said deployment latch is urged toward said deployed
configuration.
9. The docking method as in claim 1, wherein: said filament holder
is a plurality of filament holders, each filament holder defining a
respective filament receiver channel operable for selectively
receiving said motor casing rod; wherein said each filament holder
includes a respective stop member that is movable between a
retracted position displaced from said recess of said motor casing
rod and a deployed configuration engaged with said recess of said
motor casing rod when said motor casing rod is fully extended
through said respective filament receiver channel; said docking
station is a plurality of docking stations, each docking station,
comprising: a respective docking wall defining a respective docking
receiver channel that is collinear and in communication with said
respective filament receiver channel and operable for receiving
said motor casing rod; a framework extending away from said docking
wall; a respective deployment latch pivotally coupled to said
framework and having an arcuate configuration that includes first
and second ends, said respective deployment latch being operable to
rotate from a normally unrotated configuration to a rotated
configuration when said motor casing rod is fully inserted into
said respective docking receiver channel during a retrieval process
so that said second end of said respective deployment latch urges
said stop member to said deployed configuration thereby coupling
together said motor casing rod and said respective filament
holder.
10. The docking method as in claim 1, wherein: said docking station
includes a guide pin extending away from and perpendicular to said
docking wall; and said filament holder defines a guide channel
operable to receive said guide pin when said filament holder is
aligned to engage said docking station.
11. A method for docking and retrieving a filament holding device
in a machine of a type having a tool head, said docking and
retrieving method comprising: providing a motor casing rod having a
proximal end coupled to a motor casing associated with the tool
head and a distal end opposite said proximal end, said motor casing
rod defining a recess proximate said distal end; receiving said
motor casing rod into a filament receiver channel defined by a
filament holder; wherein said filament holder includes a stop
member that is movable between a retracted position disengaged from
said recess of said motor casing rod and a deployed configuration
engaged with said recess of said motor casing rod when said motor
casing rod is fully extended through said filament receiver channel
during a retrieval process; providing a docking station having a
docking wall defining a docking receiver channel that is in
communication with said filament receiver channel and operable for
receiving said motor casing rod; actuating a deployment latch that
is coupled to said framework and movable from a retracted
configuration to a deployed configuration when said motor casing
rod is fully inserted into said docking receiver channel during
said retrieval process.
12. The method as in claim 11, wherein: said motor casing rod has a
linear configuration and extends away from said motor casing; said
docking station includes a framework extending away from said
docking wall; said second end of said deployment latch urges said
stop member to said deployed configuration when said motor casing
rod is fully inserted into said docking receiver channel during
said retrieval process for coupling together said motor casing rod
and said filament holder; and said tool head is a printing head
associated with a 3D printer.
13. The docking method as in claim 11, further comprising actuating
a release lever that is coupled to said framework and displaced
from said deployment latch from a retracted configuration to a
deployed configuration when said motor casing rod is fully inserted
into said docking receiver channel during a docking process such
that a free end of said release lever urges said stop member to
said released configuration for releasing said motor casing rod
from said filament holder.
14. The docking method as in claim 13, wherein said docking station
further includes a floating actuator situated in said docking
receiver channel that is movable between a docking configuration
adjacent said first end of said docking latch and a releasing
configuration positioned atop said release lever.
15. The docking method as in claim 13, wherein said docking station
further includes an actuator ball having a spherical configuration
positioned in said docking receiver channel that is movable between
(1) a docking configuration adjacent said first end of said docking
latch associated with said docking process operable for coupling
said motor casing rod to said filament housing upon insertion of
said motor casing rod into said docking receiving channel which
causes said actuator ball to actuate said deployment latch and (2)
a releasing configuration positioned atop said release lever and
operable for releasing said motor casing rod from said filament
holder upon insertion of said motor casing rod into said docking
receiving channel which causes said actuator ball to actuate said
release lever.
16. The docking method as in claim 15, wherein: said release lever
includes a top surface defining a recessed area configured to
receive said actuator ball at said releasing configuration; said
actuator ball is positioned in said recessed area at said releasing
configuration so as to be impacted a filament holder rod when said
motor casing rod is inserted into said docking receiving channel
during said docking process.
17. The method as in claim 13, wherein: said deployment latch is
normally biased toward said retracted configuration by a first
compression spring; said release lever is normally biased toward
said retracted configuration by a second compression spring; and
said stop member is normally biased toward said deployed
configuration by a third compression spring.
18. The docking method as in claim 17, wherein: said first
compression spring is compressed when said deployment latch is
urged toward said deployed configuration; said second compression
spring is compressed when said release lever is urged toward said
deployed configuration; said third compression spring is extended
when said deployment latch is urged toward said deployed
configuration.
19. The docking method as in claim 11, wherein: said filament
holder is a plurality of filament holders, each filament holder
defining a respective filament receiver channel operable for
selectively receiving said motor casing rod; wherein said each
filament holder includes a respective stop member that is movable
between a retracted position displaced from said recess of said
motor casing rod and a deployed configuration engaged with said
recess of said motor casing rod when said motor casing rod is fully
extended through said respective filament receiver channel; said
docking station is a plurality of docking stations, each docking
station, comprising: a respective docking wall defining a
respective docking receiver channel that is collinear and in
communication with said respective filament receiver channel and
operable for receiving said motor casing rod; a framework extending
away from said docking wall; a respective deployment latch
pivotally coupled to said framework and having an arcuate
configuration that includes first and second ends, said respective
deployment latch being operable to rotate from a normally unrotated
configuration to a rotated configuration when said motor casing rod
is fully inserted into said respective docking receiver channel
during a retrieval process so that said second end of said
respective deployment latch urges said stop member to said deployed
configuration thereby coupling together said motor casing rod and
said respective filament holder.
20. The docking method as in claim 11, wherein: said docking
station includes a guide pin extending away from and perpendicular
to said docking wall; and said filament holder defines a guide
channel operable to receive said guide pin when said filament
holder is aligned to engage said docking station.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 16/157,698 filed Oct. 11, 2018 titled
Method and Assembly for Docking and Retrieving a Filament Holding
Device which is incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to printing devices and,
more particularly, to a method and assembly for docking and
retrieving a filament holding device from a printing device so that
a printing process need not be stopped for manual replacement of a
filament.
[0003] 3D printers have become common for building structures one
layer at a time by laying down very thin layers of resin according
to a computer-generated design. Such rapid prototyping equipment
allows for making tools and even full machines in environments
where traditional manufacturing equipment is not available, such as
in outer space, medical facilities, or the like. In addition, there
are now many different types and formulations of material used for
3D printing, each having unique properties and characteristics.
Some product designs require multiple types of material or perhaps
just different colors before a completed product is finished. In
the past, a 3D printer had to be suspended or interrupted until a
filament having a first material was swapped out and replaced with
another filament and the process restarted.
[0004] Various devices and methods have been implemented or
proposed in the art for using more than a single filament of
material to complete a 3D printer run. Although presumably
effective for their intended purposes, the existing attempts at
providing multiple filaments to complete a job suffer from various
disadvantages. For instance, machines having a pair of filament
cartridges which may be alternated result in overly heavy print
heads on which the cartridges are mounted. Adding more alternative
filament choices to a single 3D printer only exacerbates the
problem of weight, sluggishness, and maintenance. Multiple nozzles
associated with a print head may also result in alignment problems,
a reduced print area, and complex electronics or software.
[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to have retrieval and
docking assembly in which multiple filaments share a common print
head and which may be selectively retrieved singly for use by the
print head and then docked to an associated docking station,
another filament holder retrieved, and so on. Further, it would be
desirable to have a retrieval and docking assembly that provides
multiple docking stations so that respective filament holders may
be retrieved therefrom or docked thereto, respectively, quickly and
without adding mass to the print head itself. In addition, it would
be desirable to have retrieval and docking assembly having a
rotating deployment latch for causing the capture and retrieval of
a filament holder and a rotating release lever for causing a
release and docking of a previously retrieved filament holder.
While the methodology of retrieving a filament is broader than its
use in 3D printing, it is understood that the retrieval and docking
assembly will be described according to an exemplary embodiment in
the context of a 3D printer assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A docking assembly and method for docking and retrieving a
filament holding device from a printing device of a type having a
printing head according to the present invention includes a motor
casing rod associated with the printing head, the rod defining a
recess proximate a distal end. The docking assembly includes one or
a plurality of filament holders and docking stations. Each filament
holder defines a filament receiver channel for receiving the motor
casing rod. Each filament holder includes a stop member that is
movable between a retracted position disengaged from the recess of
the motor casing rod and a deployed configuration engaged with the
recess of the motor casing rod when the motor casing rod is fully
extended through the filament receiver channel. The stop member may
also be referred to as a "catch" as its engagement with the motor
casing rod effectively catches or captures a filament holder from
its docking station.
[0007] Each docking station includes a docking wall defining a
docking receiver channel that is collinear and in communication
with the filament receiver channel for receiving the motor casing
rod. A deployment latch is pivotally coupled to filament holder
framework and has an arcuate configuration that includes first and
second ends, the deployment latch being operable to rotate from an
unrotated configuration to a rotated configuration when the motor
casing rod is fully inserted into the docking receiver channel so
that the second end of the deployment latch urges the stop member
to the deployed configuration for coupling together the motor
casing rod and the filament holder. Thus, a filament holder is
captured and may be removed from the docking station, say, of a 3D
printer. The docking apparatus includes a release lever that
operates largely in reverse of the deployment latch so as to
release a filament holder from the motor casing rod and place it
back to its associated docking station.
[0008] It should be understood and appreciated that the docking and
retrieval invention may be implemented on many devices other than
3D printers.
[0009] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide
a retrieval and docking assembly in which multiple filaments share
a common print head and which may be selectively retrieved singly
for use by the print head and then docked to an associated docking
station.
[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide the retrieval
and docking assembly, as aforesaid, having multiple docking
stations mounted in a 3D printer casing so that respective filament
holders may be retrieved therefrom or docked thereto, respectively
without increasing a mass or weight of the print head of the 3D
printer.
[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of
illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly for docking and
retrieving a filament holding device according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in use on a 3D
printer;
[0013] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the assembly as in
FIG. 1 from a reverse angle;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a motor casing, filament
holder, and a docking station as in claim 2 with the printer casing
removed for clarity;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filament holder removed
from the printer casing of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from another angle of the
filament holder as in FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an isolated view of a docking station removed from
the printer casing of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the combination shown
in FIG. 3, illustrating a motor casing about to retrieve a docked
filament holder;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of the combination as in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view of the combination shown
in FIG. 3, illustrating a motor casing having retrieved a filament
holder from an associated docking station;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a back view of the combination as in FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.
10, illustrating a motor casing approaching a filament holder
docked in an associated docking station;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a sectional view as in FIG. 11, illustrating the
motor casing rod inserted through a filament receiver channel but
not yet fully inserted into a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating the start of a filament holder retrieval;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a sectional view as in FIG. 12, illustrating the
motor casing rod fully inserted through a filament receiver channel
and fully inserted into a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating a coupling of the filament holder and motor casing
rod;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a sectional view as in FIG. 13, illustrating a
captured filament holder and motor housing pulling away from an
associated docking station;
[0026] FIG. 15 is another sectional taken along line 11-11 of FIG.
10, illustrating the motor casing rod fully inserted through a
filament receiver channel and docking receiver channel and the
filament rod actuating a release lever to disengage the coupling or
capture between the filament holder and motor casing rod, i.e.
illustrating a docking action;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view as in FIG. 11 but with the
filament holder and motor casing removed for clarity, illustrating
the motor casing rod being inserted through a filament receiver
channel but not yet fully inserted into a docking receiver channel,
i.e. illustrating the start of a filament holder retrieval;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view as in FIG. 15, but with the
filament holder and motor casing removed for clarity, illustrating
the motor casing rod fully inserted through a filament receiver
channel and docking receiver channel and the filament rod actuating
a release lever to disengage the coupling or capture between the
filament holder and motor casing rod, i.e. illustrating a docking
action;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view as in FIG. 11 but with the
filament holder and motor casing removed for clarity, illustrating
the motor casing rod being approaching a filament receiver channel
but not yet fully inserted into a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating the start of a filament holder retrieval;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view as in FIG. 12 but with the
filament holder and motor casing removed for clarity, illustrating
the motor casing rod inserted through a filament receiver channel
but retracting away from a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating the conclusion of a filament holder retrieval;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a sectional view as in FIG. 11 but with the
filament holder and motor casing removed for clarity, illustrating
a motor casing approaching a filament holder docked in an
associated docking station;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a sectional view as in FIG. 12, illustrating the
motor casing rod inserted through a filament receiver channel but
not yet fully inserted into a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating the start of a filament holder retrieval;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a sectional view as in FIG. 13, illustrating the
motor casing rod fully inserted through a filament receiver channel
and partially inserted into a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating the start of a coupling of the filament holder and
motor casing rod;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a sectional view as in FIG. 13, illustrating the
motor casing rod fully inserted through a filament receiver channel
and fully inserted into a docking receiver channel, i.e.
illustrating a coupling (capture) of the filament holder and motor
casing rod;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a sectional view as in FIG. 11, illustrating a
motor casing and capture filament holder approaching an associated
docking station, i.e. illustrating the start of a docking and
release process; and
[0036] FIG. 25 is a sectional view as in FIG. 15, illustrating the
motor casing rod fully inserted through a filament receiver channel
and docking receiver channel and actuating a release lever to
disengage the coupling or capture between the filament holder and
motor casing rod, i.e. illustrating a docking action.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] An assembly and method for docking and retrieving a filament
holding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to
25 of the accompanying drawings. The docking assembly 10 includes a
plurality of docking stations 40 and a plurality of filament
holders 30 positioned within a framework or casing 16 of a printing
device such as a 3D printer 12. The structure and function of an
exemplary docking station 40 and an exemplary filament holder 30
will be described below with the understanding that a plurality of
each may be included in an embodiment and by application of the
principles described herein. For instance, the description below
and attached illustrations pertain to a 3D printer having a print
head 14 and whose operations are programmable, such as by operation
by a CAD software package running on an associated computer
although the docking assembly 10 may be applied for use with other
machines and computer controlled tools to which automated docking
is beneficial, such as a CNC metal cutting tool, i.e. computer
controlled devices that can benefit by docking and retrieving
different components for cutting or manipulating other materials.
More particularly, while the preferred embodiment described below
will refer specifically to a "printing head" (or a print head) and
filaments for use thereby, other machines may alternately include
what may be referred to similarly as a "tool head" to which docking
and retrieval of multiple tools or computer controlled tools may
benefit from docking and retrieval in a like manner. This invention
is intended to include docking and retrieval of filament holding
devices for all such devices and systems.
[0038] With specific reference to the drawings and for clarity of
the invention, FIGS. 11 to 15 are sectional views taken from FIG.
10 but are each progressively modified to illustrate a progression
of a filament holder retrieval and docking process. Similarly,
FIGS. 20 to 25 are sectional views similarly taken from FIG. 10 but
are shown with the filament holder and motor casing removed for
clarity and to show a progression of a filament holder retrieval
and docking process.
[0039] With specific reference to an exemplary embodiment, the 3D
printer 12 includes an electro-mechanical print head 14 having what
will be referred to as a motor casing 20 and is configured or
programmable to move front-to-back and side-to-side within a matrix
of a printer housing or casing 16. In some embodiments, the print
head 14 is operable to lay down thin layers of material (e.g. such
as resin) coming from a filament 32, the filament 32 being held by
or fed through a filament holder device, which may also referred to
as a filament holder 30. Traditionally, changing or replenishing
the material used for printing required the machine to be suspended
while a filament holder and filament is replaced manually. By
contrast, the present docking assembly 10 includes a plurality of
filament holders 30 and docking stations 40 such that multiple
filament holders 30--each with a particular filament--is docked
into a plurality of docking stations 40, respectively, and the
motor casing 20 is operable to select and retrieve a desired
filament holder 30 for use in a printing operation and then return
the filament holder 30 to its docking station 40, select a next
filament holder 30 to retrieve, and so on.
[0040] It is understood that the structures described in
association with filament holder and other structures in
association with a docking station that, together, comprise a
latching and docking assembly may be reversed without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. It is intended that a
reversal of the structures described herein and recited in the
claims would be interpreted as a substantial equivalent of the
claims recited herein.
[0041] Now, more particularly, the docking assembly 10 includes a
motor casing rod 22 having a proximal end 24 coupled to a motor
casing 20, such as to a motor portion operable for moving a print
head 14. The motor casing rod 22 has a linear configuration
extending away from the motor casing 20, extends perpendicular to
the motor casing 20, and has a distal end 26 opposite the proximal
end 24. Further, the motor casing rod 22 may define a recess 28 or
recessed area proximate the distal end 26, the recess being
operable in coupling the motor casing rod 22 to a filament holder
30 as will be described in greater detail later.
[0042] Preferably, the docking assembly 10 may include a plurality
of filament holders 30 as shown in FIG. 1 so that multiple
filaments 32 may be available for complex 3D printing jobs
requiring two or more resins, colors, or the like. More
particularly, each filament holder 30 includes one or more housing
walls that, collectively, define a filament receiver channel 34
having a configuration capable of receiving the motor casing rod 22
therein (distal end first), such as during a docking or retrieving
operation. It will be understood that, preferably, the motor casing
rod 22 and filament receiver channel 34 have complementary
cylindrical configurations although other shape configurations may
also work. It is also understood that a channel may be defined or
formed by the material around it or may be an actual tubular
component dimensioned to receive a respective rod therein.
[0043] The filament holder 30 defines an interior area and a stop
assembly positioned therein, the stop assembly 35 having a stop
member 36 that is slidably movable between a retracted
configuration in which the stop member 36 is disengaged and
displaced from the recess 28 of the motor casing rod 22 and a
deployed configuration in which the stop member 36 is engaged with
and releasably coupled to the recess 28 of the motor casing rod 22
(FIG. 23). The stop member may also be referred to as a "catch" as
its engagement with the motor casing rod effectively catches or
captures a filament holder from its docking station. When engaged,
the filament holder 30 may be removed from its associated docking
station 40, respectively, by a programmed movement of the print
head 14. As will be described later in more detail, once the motor
casing rod 22 has engaged a respective filament holder 30, the
filament holder 30 may be removed and used in a printing process
and then later released and "parked" to its docking station 40 and
a different filament holder 30 may be engaged. For an even better
understanding of the filament holder 30, the stop member 36 is just
an edge or flange portion of a larger stop assembly 35 which is
movable up or down by compression spring 74 and as urged by the
release member 60 as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 17.
[0044] Each filament holder 30 further includes a filament rod 37
similar in structure to the motor casing rod 22 described above
and, in fact, is downwardly parallel to the motor casing rod 22
when the motor casing rod 22 is inserted into the docking station
40 as described below. The filament rod 37 is critical to the
release of a filament holder 30 during a docking procedure. More
particularly, it will be the filament rod 37 which will prevent the
actuator 56 from falling atop the release lever 60 as shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13 and explained later regarding a release
procedure.
[0045] A plurality of docking stations 40 may be mounted in the
printer casing 16, such as of a 3D printer, each being associated
with a filament holder 30 that may docked therein according to, but
not limited to, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
More particularly, a particular docking station 40 may include a
docking wall 42 that includes, forms, or defines a docking receiver
channel 44 having a configuration complementary to and capable of
receiving the motor casing rod 22 (distal end 26 first). As will be
seen, the motor casing rod 22 may be received into the filament
receiver channel 34 and then into the docking receiver channel 44
when a filament holder 30 is being docked following use or
retrieved for use. Further, a framework 46 extends away from the
docking wall 42 and is necessary in facilitating a docking or
retrieval procedure. It is understood that the framework 46 of a
docking station 40 may include multiple walls and referred to as a
docking station housing.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, a deployment latch 50 may be
pivotally coupled to the framework 46, has a generally arcuate or
rim-shaped configuration, and has a first end 52 and a second end
54. Preferably, the deployment latch 50 is moved from a normally
retracted or at-rest configuration to a deployed configuration. In
the exemplary embodiment described herein, the deployment latch 50
is pivotally rotated in a counter-clockwise direction from an
unrotated configuration (a normally at-rest configuration and
referred to as the retracted configuration) to a rotated
configuration (referred to as the deployed configuration) in which
the second end 54 of the deployment latch pushes on the stop member
36 and causes the stop member 36 to engage the recess 28 of the
motor casing rod 22. Rotation of the deployment latch 50 occurs
only when the motor casing rod 22 is fully inserted through the
filament receiver channel 34 and docking receiver channel 44. In
summary, the motor casing rod 22 is inserted through a filament
holder 30 and into the docking station 40 associated with the
respective filament holder, insertion of the rod 22 causing the
stop member 36 to engage the recess 28 of the motor casing rod
22--effectively enabling a print head 14 to capture a respective
filament holder 30 (FIG. 13) and retreat with it for use (FIG.
14).
[0047] Now with even more detail regarding the rotation of the
deployment latch 50, an actuator 56 (also referred to as a floating
actuator or floating actuator ball) may be positioned in the
docking receiver channel 44 proximate the first end 52 thereof. The
actuator 56 may be in the form of a spherical object such as a ball
and is movable between a docking configuration adjacent the first
end 52 of the deployment latch 50 (FIGS. 11 to 13 and FIGS. 20 to
23) and a releasing configuration atop a release lever 60 (FIGS. 24
to 25). The position of the actuator 56 will determine if insertion
of the motor casing rod 22 causes a deployment/retrieval of an
associated filament holder 30 or a release/docking of an associated
filament holder 30. It should be appreciated that the actuator 56
naturally falls from its normal start configuration and onto or
adjacent the release lever 60 after the actuator 56 has pushed or
actuated the deployment latch to rotate and cause the stop member
36 to engage the motor casing rod 22. As explained previously, the
filament rod 37 extends into the docking station 40 and blocks the
actuator 56 from falling atop the release lever 60 until the motor
casing rod 22 is fully inserted during a retrieval process (FIG.
12).
[0048] With further reference to the release lever 60, the release
lever 60 movable between a retracted and unactuated configuration
and a deployed or actuated configuration. Specifically, he release
lever 60 may also include a generally arcuate configuration and is
pivotally coupled to the framework 46 of an associated docking
station 40 and is displaced from the docking latch 50 described
above. The release lever 60 includes a first end 62 and a second
end 64. When the actuator 56 is positioned adjacent the first end
62 of the release lever 60 and the motor casing rod 22 is inserted
fully, the filament rod 37 of the filament holder 30 being
docked/released bears against the actuator 56 to bear against the
release lever 60, causing the release lever 60 to rotate in a
clockwise direction such that the second end 64 of the release
lever 60 bears against an engaged stop member 36 (FIG. 15). This
action may also be described as actuating or moving the release
lever to a deployed configuration. By this, the stop member 36 is
disengaged or released from the recess 28 of the motor casing rod
22. In other words, a respective filament holder 30 is "released"
from the motor casing rod 22 and the print head 14 in general.
[0049] Described in further detail, the release lever 60 includes a
top surface 66 that forms or defines a recessed area that is
configured and operable to receive the floating actuator 56 when
the floating actuator moves (falls) to the releasing configuration
(FIGS. 12 to 14 and FIG. 24). In other words, the actuator 56 falls
atop or immediately adjacent the release lever 60 (FIG. 14) as the
retrieved filament holder 30 is pulled away by the motor casing 20
after a retrieval. Then, the floating actuator 56 is in position to
be urged to rotate the release lever 60 when the filament holder 30
is returned later, i.e. so that the release lever 60 is urged or
actuated to rotate (i.e. is deployed) when the filament rod 37 is
inserted into the docking receiver channel 44 during a docking
process (FIG. 15).
[0050] Strategically positioned compression springs naturally
biases the docking latch 50, the release lever 60, and the stop
member 36 to their naturally at-rest configurations as described
above, the springs being compressed when the docking latch 50 and
release lever 60 are rotated. More particularly, a first
compression spring 70 normally biases the docking latch toward the
unrotated configuration. Similarly, a second compression spring 72
normally biases the release lever 60 toward the unrotated
configuration. A third compression spring 74 normally biases the
release lever 60 toward the deployed configuration.
[0051] Although the exemplary embodiment described herein utilizes
an arcuate-shaped deployment latch and release lever, it is
understood that equivalent latch and release components according
to other embodiments having slidable components and engagements
(capture or release), perpendicular components and engagements, and
the like, are also contemplated as providing docking, retrieval,
and release assemblies in the spirit of the present invention and
as may be described and recited in related applications (i.e.
continuation-in-part applications, divisional, and the like).
[0052] In addition, the docking assembly 10 may include one or more
guide pins and associated guide channels for aligning and guiding
related and associated components. For instance, each docking
station 40 includes a guide pin 80 extending away from the
associated docking wall 42 and is situated perpendicular thereto.
Each filament holder 30 includes or its walls define a guide
channel 82 having a shape configuration that is complementary to
and operable to receive the guide pin 80 therein. In use, when a
filament holder 30 is being returned after use, the guide channel
82 of the filament holder 30 mates with the associated guide pin 80
of a respective docking station 40 to be sure the release method
described above is carried out correctly and as described.
[0053] A method for docking and retrieving a plurality of filament
holders and a plurality of associated docking stations is
essentially an organized combination of the functions of the
components described above. It will be appreciated that for clarity
that a particular or individual filament holder 30 of a plurality
of filament holders may be referred to as a "respective filament
holder" and that a particular or individual docking station 40 of a
plurality of docking stations may be referred to as a "respective
docking station." Specifically, the motor casing such as of a 3D
printer 12 includes a motor casing rod 22 operable for insertion
through a filament receiver channel 34 and docking receiver channel
44 associated with an associated or respective filament holder 30
and respective docking station 40. FIG. 11 illustrates a motor
casing 20 moving toward a docking station 40 before retrieving the
associated filament holder 30. A complete insertion of the motor
casing rod 22 causes the docking latch 50 to rotate (i.e. to
deploy) so as to engage and couple the filament holder 30 to the
motor casing rod 22. The captured filament holder 30 may then be
removed or retracted from its docking station 40 (FIG. 14) and be
used, such as by the print head 14 of a 3D printer 12. As indicated
above, a complete reversal of the location of these components is
contemplated and within the spirit and interpretation of the
present claims of novelty.
[0054] When finished, the motor casing 20 is operable or programmed
to return the filament holder 30 to its associated docking station
40. But this time, a complete insertion of the motor casing rod 22
results in actuation of the release lever 60 (by action of the
filament rod 37 engaging the actuator 56 to cause the release lever
60 to rotate) to release the stop member 36 from engagement with
the motor casing rod 22 and the filament holder 30 is released back
to its docking station 40 and the motor casing 20 pulls away by
itself and with no filament holder 30 (FIG. 11).
[0055] It is understood that while certain forms of this invention
have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto
except insofar as such limitations are included in the following
claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
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