Plasticizing device, three-dimensional modeling device, and injection molding device

Abstract

The present application relates to plasticizing device, three-dimensional modeling device and injection molding device, provide resin particles not easy to be cut off plasticizing device. The plasticizing device has: a planar screw member having a groove forming surface with a first spiral groove formed therein and rotating; a barrel having an opposite surface opposite to the groove forming surface and having a communication hole through which plasticizing material flows; a heater that heats resin particles; and a screw member housing that houses the planar screw member and has a passing port through which resin particles pass toward the planar screw member, the planar screw member having: a first side surface formed with a first supply port that supplies resin particles to the first groove; and a second side surface formed on a side farther from the barrel than the first side surface, the shortest distance between the first side surface and the screw member housing, i.e., a first distance, being greater than the shortest distance between the second side surface and the screw member housing, i.e., a second distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to plasticizing apparatus, three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and injection molding apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A plasticizing device is used in three-dimensional modeling devices using a hot melt lamination method and in injection molding devices to plasticize materials. In the plasticizing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a rotor, which is a planar helical component, is arranged opposite to a barrel. The rotor is generally circular and has helical grooves formed based on involute curves on a surface orthogonal to the axis of rotation. The rotor is rotated by a motor.

[0003] The barrel has a heater for molten resin particles and a flow path through which the molten resin material passes. The resin particles are melted and pressurized in a spiral groove. The molten and pressurized resin material is forced into the flow path of the barrel.

[0004] The rotor is housed within a casing that serves as the housing of the helical element. The casing has a supply port for supplying resin particles to the rotor. The resin particles are fed from the supply port into a helical groove that has an opening on the outer periphery of the rotor.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-241016

[0006] In the plasticizing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the gap between the side of the rotor and the housing is shorter than the length of the resin particles. The rotor rotates relative to the housing. Therefore, the area overlapping the supply port of the housing and the opening of the spiral groove expands, then narrows and closes. When resin particles exist between the supply port of the housing and the opening of the spiral groove, these particles are clamped and cut off by the housing and the rotor. A portion of the cut-off resin particles enters the gap between the side of the rotor and the housing and is crushed. The crushed resin particles hinder the rotation of the rotor, thus causing a problem of unstable plasticizing. Therefore, a plasticizing apparatus is needed where the resin particles are less likely to be cut off between the housing and the rotor. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The plasticizing apparatus includes: a motor; a planar auger having a groove forming surface with a spiral groove and rotating about the rotation axis of the motor; a barrel having a counter surface opposite to the groove forming surface and having a connecting hole for the plasticized material to flow in after plasticization; a heater for heating the material supplied between the groove forming surface and the counter surface; and an auger housing housing the planar auger and having a passage for the material to pass through toward the planar auger. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor, the planar auger has a first side surface partially formed with a supply port for supplying the material to the groove, and a second side surface formed on a side further away from the barrel than the first side surface. The shortest distance between the first side surface and the auger housing, i.e., a first distance, is greater than the shortest distance between the second side surface and the auger housing, i.e., a second distance.

[0008] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes the plasticizing device described above; a nozzle for spraying the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device; and a stage for receiving the plasticizing material sprayed from the nozzle.

[0009] The injection molding apparatus includes the plasticizing device described above, and a nozzle for injecting the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device into the mold. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the three-dimensional modeling device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the plasticizing device.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing the configuration of the groove-forming surface of a planar helical component.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a schematic top view used to illustrate the positional relationship between the planar helical component and the helical component housing.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a schematic side sectional view of the main part used to illustrate the positional relationship between the planar helical component and the helical component housing.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the opposing sides of the planar spiral component of the barrel.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic top view used to illustrate the positional relationship between the planar helical member and the helical member housing involved in the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8It is a schematic side sectional view of the main part used to illustrate the positional relationship between the planar helical component and the helical component housing.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the injection molding apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0020] 1: Three-dimensional modeling device; 3: Stage; 14, 38, 51: Plasticizing device; 16: Resin granules as material; 17: Plasticizing material; 18, 53: Nozzle; 21, 39: Spiral housing; 21b, 39b: Through port; 22: Motor; 22a: Rotating shaft; 25: Spiral support; 26, 41, 56: Planar spiral; 26a: Groove forming surface; 26b, 41b: First groove as groove; 26e, 41e: First supply port as supply port; 26f, 41f: Second supply port as supply port; 26g, 41g: First side surface; 26h, 41h: Second side surface; 27, 57: Barrel; 27a: Opposing surface; 29: Heater; 31: Connecting hole; 32, 42: First distance; 33, 43: Second distance; 35: Sealing part; 50: Injection molding device; 54: Mold. Detailed Implementation

[0021] First Implementation Method

[0022] In this embodiment, a feature example of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus equipped with a plasticizing device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The diagram shows arrows along mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are horizontal, and the Z direction is vertical. The direction of gravity is the negative Z direction.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 includes a base 2. A platform 3 is provided on the base 2. On the platform 3, a Y-platform 4, an X-platform 5, and a support plate 6 are sequentially stacked in the positive Z direction.

[0024] The Y-stage 4 is equipped with a Y-axis motor 4a, a ball screw, and a Y-axis scale. The Y-stage 4 causes the pallet 6 to reciprocate along the Y direction. The X-stage 5 is equipped with an X-axis motor 5a, a ball screw, and an X-axis scale. The X-stage 5 causes the pallet 6 to reciprocate along the X direction.

[0025] The 3D modeling device 1 includes a control unit 7. The control unit 7 controls the movement of the Y-stage 4 and the X-stage 5. The control unit 7 identifies the position of the pallet 6 in the Y direction based on information output from the Y-axis scale. The control unit 7 identifies the position of the pallet 6 in the X direction based on information output from the X-axis scale. The control unit 7 moves the Y-stage 4 and the X-stage 5 until the difference between the target position and the current position of the pallet 6 disappears. The control unit 7 controls the trajectory of the pallet 6 by sequentially changing the target position that moves the pallet 6.

[0026] A lifting platform 8 is provided on the base 2 on the negative X-direction side. The lifting platform 8 includes a fixed worktable 8a, which stands on the base 2. A guide rail 8b is provided on the surface of the fixed worktable 8a on the positive X-direction side. A movable worktable 8c is provided on the positive X-direction side of the guide rail 8b. The movable worktable 8c reciprocates along the guide rail 8b in the Z-direction.

[0027] A Z-axis motor 8d is installed on the positive Z-axis side of the fixed worktable 8a. The fixed worktable 8a contains a ball screw and a Z-axis scale. Similar to the Y-stage 4 and X-stage 5, the control unit 7 controls the trajectory of the movable worktable 8c.

[0028] A unit support 9 is provided on the positive X-direction side of the movable worktable 8c. A molding unit 11 is provided on the positive X-direction side of the unit support 9, and the unit support 9 supports the molding unit 11. In the molding unit 11, the material supply unit 12, the connecting pipe 13, the plasticizing device 14, and the ejection unit 15 are arranged sequentially facing the negative Z-direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the stage 3 moves in the X and Y directions, and the modeling unit 11 moves in the Z direction. However, the stage 3 may not move, and the modeling unit 11 may move in the X, Y, and Z directions. Alternatively, the stage 3 may move in the Z direction, and the modeling unit 11 may move in the X and Y directions.

[0030] The material supply section 12 is a container with internal cavities. Resin particles 16, which serve as the material, are contained inside the material supply section 12. The resin particles 16 are resin blocks. The size of the resin particles 16 is not particularly limited; in this embodiment, for example, it is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0031] The connecting pipe 13 is connected to the bottom of the material supply unit 12. The resin granules 16 move from the material supply unit 12 into the connecting pipe 13 by their own weight. The connecting pipe 13 is connected to the plasticizing device 14. The resin granules 16 are supplied from the connecting pipe 13 to the plasticizing device 14.

[0032] The plasticizing device 14 plasticizes the resin particles 16. "Plasticizing" includes the concept of melting, and refers to a change from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, when using a material that undergoes a glass transition, plasticizing means raising the material's temperature above its glass transition point. When using a material that does not undergo a glass transition, plasticizing means raising the material's temperature above its melting point. The plasticizing device 14 plasticizes the resin particles 16 to become a plasticized material 17.

[0033] The three-dimensional modeling device 1 includes a nozzle 18. The nozzle 18 ejects plasticizing material 17 supplied from the plasticizing device 14 onto the tray 6. The tray 6 of the stage 3 receives the plasticizing material 17 ejected from the nozzle 18. During the ejection of plasticizing material 17 from the nozzle 18, the control unit 7 moves the tray 6 along the X and Y directions. As a result, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 forms a patterned graphic on the tray 6. This graphic is the first layer of the graphic.

[0034] Next, the lifting platform 8 moves the modeling unit 11 only a predetermined distance in the positive Z direction. The three-dimensional modeling device 1 overlaps the first layer of graphics to form the second layer of graphics. Furthermore, by overlapping to form the third and subsequent layers of graphics, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 forms a three-dimensional structure 19.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the plasticizing device 14 includes a auger housing 21. The interior of the auger housing 21 is hollow. A motor 22 is provided on the positive Z-direction side of the auger housing 21. The rotation angle, rotation speed, start time, and stop time of the motor 22 are controlled by the control unit 7.

[0036] A speed reduction device 23 is connected to the rotating shaft 22a of the motor 22. When the rotating shaft 22a rotates at high speed, the outer periphery of the speed reduction device 23 rotates at a reduced speed. The outer periphery of the speed reduction device 23 rotates at a reduced speed, becoming the output shaft 23a. A bearing 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the speed reduction device 23. The bearing 24 is positioned between the helical housing 21 and the speed reduction device 23. The bearing 24 rotatably supports the speed reduction device 23.

[0037] A helical support portion 25 is provided on the output shaft 23a of the reduction gear 23. A flat helical member 26 is provided on the helical support portion 25. The flat helical member 26 rotates synchronously with the output shaft 23a. The flat helical member 26 rotates about the rotation shaft 22a of the motor 22. The rotation center 26d of the helical member 26, which is the rotation center of the flat helical member 26, is coaxial with the rotation center 22b of the motor 22, which is the rotation center of the motor 22.

[0038] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the planar helical member 26 has a groove forming surface 26a with a first groove 26b forming a helical groove. A second annular groove 26c is formed on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 26a around the first groove 26b. The planar helical member 26 has a generally cylindrical shape, with the size in the direction of the rotation axis 22a being smaller than the size in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 22a. In the illustrated example, two first grooves 26b are provided, but the number of first grooves 26b is not particularly limited. Although not illustrated, three or more first grooves 26b can be provided, or only one.

[0039] The spiral housing 21 houses the deceleration device 23, the spiral support 25, and the flat spiral 26. The spiral housing 21 has a supply path 21a connected to the connecting pipe 13. The supply path 21a extends from the connecting pipe 13 to the flat spiral 26. The opening of the supply path 21a on the flat spiral 26 side is a passage port 21b. The spiral housing 21 has a passage port 21b through which resin particles 16 pass towards the flat spiral 26.

[0040] A feed cylinder 27 is provided on the negative Z-direction side of the planar auger 26. A feed cylinder housing 28 for receiving the feed cylinder 27 is provided on the negative Z-direction side of the auger housing 21. The planar auger 26 rotates relative to the feed cylinder 27.

[0041] The depth of the first groove 26b is shallower on the side near the rotation center 26d of the auger than on the outer periphery. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove 26b is smaller on the side near the rotation center 26d of the auger than on the outer periphery. The pressure of the plasticized material 17 on the side near the rotation center 26d of the auger in the first groove 26b increases, causing it to be extruded into the connecting hole 31. The planar auger 26 functions as a pump to move the plasticized material 17.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a view of the spiral shell 21 and the planar spiral 26 from the negative Z-direction side. Figure 5 This is a view of the helical housing 21 and the planar helical component 26 from the negative Y-direction side. (See diagram.) Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 22a of the motor 22, the planar auger 26 has a first side surface 26g, which has a first supply port 26e serving as a supply port for supplying resin particles 16 to the first groove 26b, and a second supply port 26f serving as a supply port. The planar auger 26 has a second side surface 26h, which is formed on a side further away from the barrel 27 than the first side surface 26g. The first side surface 26g is the surface located on the side of the auger rotation center 26d of the second groove 26c. The second side surface 26h is the surface of the second groove 26c located on the side of the auger housing 21. The auger housing 21 has a third side surface 21d opposite to the second side surface 26h. The auger housing 21 has a fourth side surface 21e opposite to the first side surface 26g. The third side surface 21d and the fourth side surface 21e are arcs equidistant from the auger rotation center 26d.

[0043] The shortest distance 32 between the first side 26g and the spiral housing 21 is greater than the shortest distance 33 between the second side 26h and the spiral housing 21. The first distance 32 is the distance between the first side 26g and the fourth side 21e, and the second distance 33 is the distance between the second side 26h and the third side 21d.

[0044] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the barrel 27 has a counter surface 27a opposite to the groove forming surface 26a. Inside the barrel 27, a heater 29 is provided at a position opposite to the first groove 26b. The heater 29 heats the resin particles 16 supplied between the groove forming surface 26a and the counter surface 27a. The heated resin particles 16 are plasticized to become a plasticized material 17. A connecting hole 31 is provided on the barrel 27, and the plasticized material 17 after the resin particles 16 are plasticized flows into the connecting hole 31.

[0045] According to this configuration, resin particles 16 are supplied to the planar spiral member 26 from the through port 21b of the spiral member housing 21. In the planar spiral member 26, the resin particles 16 travel from the first supply port 26e and the second supply port 26f into the spiral-shaped first groove 26b. The resin particles 16 are heated and plasticized by the spiral-shaped first groove 26b. The plasticized material 17 flows into the connecting hole 31 of the barrel 27. The side of the planar spiral member 26 has a first side surface 26g and a second side surface 26h. Since the second side surface 26h is shorter than the spiral member housing 21, the resin particles 16 do not easily enter. The first side surface 26g is separated from the spiral member housing 21. The resin particles 16 travel from the through port 21b of the spiral member housing 21 into the space between the first side surface 26g and the spiral member housing 21. The first side surface 26g has a first supply port 26e and a second supply port 26f that communicate with the spiral-shaped first groove 26b. Resin particles 16 travel from between the first side 26g and the spiral housing 21 toward the first supply port 26e and the second supply port 26f.

[0046] The motor 22 causes the spiral housing 21 to rotate relative to the second side 26h of the planar spiral 26. Resin particles 16 pass between the first side 26g and the spiral housing 21 before entering the first supply port 26e and the second supply port 26f from the spiral housing 21. Since the first side 26g separates from the spiral housing 21, it is possible to prevent the resin particles 16 from being clamped and broken by the first side 26g of the planar spiral 26 and the spiral housing 21. Therefore, the plasticizing device 14 can prevent crushed resin particles 16 from hindering the rotation of the planar spiral 26 because the resin particles 16 are not easily crushed.

[0047] The second side 26h protrudes towards the spiral housing 21 side more than the first side 26g. Because the second distance 33 is smaller, the resin particles 16 are less likely to move towards the spiral support 25 side. Therefore, the planar spiral 26 allows the resin particles 16 to flow towards the first groove 26b.

[0048] The first side 26g is closer to the rotation axis 22a of the motor 22 than the second side 26h. With this configuration, since the first side 26g is closer to the rotation axis 22a of the motor 22 than the second side 26h, the first side 26g can maintain a first distance 32 with the spiral housing 21.

[0049] The area occupied by the first side 26g is preferably larger than the area occupied by the second side 26h. With this configuration, since the area occupied by the first side 26g is larger, the first supply port 26e and the second supply port 26f can be increased. Because the space between the first side 26g and the spiral housing 21 is wider, the resin particles 16 are less likely to be crushed.

[0050] The first distance 32 is preferably greater than the maximum length of the resin particles 16. According to this configuration, since the first side 26g and the spiral shell 21 are greater than the maximum length of the resin particles 16, it is possible to prevent the resin particles 16 from being crushed by the first side 26g and the spiral shell 21.

[0051] The plasticizing device 14 can also plasticize resin particles 16 containing elastomeric resin. The elastomeric resin used may be polystyrene-based, olefin / alkene-based, polyvinyl chloride-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, or other similar elastomeric resins. In this embodiment, for example, resin particles 16 containing a polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer resin are used.

[0052] According to this configuration, even when the resin particles 16 contain elastomeric resin, it is possible to prevent the resin particles 16 from being crushed by the first side 26g and the spiral housing 21. It should be noted that the resin particles 16 can also be acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose resin or other synthetic resin, or polylactic acid, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone or other thermoplastic resin.

[0053] Preferably, when the resin particles 16 contain elastomeric resin, the difference between the first distance 32 and the second distance 33 is larger than when the resin particles 16 do not contain elastomeric resin. According to this configuration, when the resin particles 16 contain elastomeric resin, the first side 26g separates from the spiral housing 21. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the resin particles 16 from being crushed by the first side 26g and the spiral housing 21.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a view of the barrel 27 from the side of the planar auger 26. (See diagram.) Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of guide grooves 34 are formed around the connecting hole 31 of the opposing surface 27a. One end of each guide groove 34 is connected to the connecting hole 31 and extends in a vortex shape from the connecting hole 31 to the outer periphery of the opposing surface 27a. Each guide groove 34 guides the plasticized material 17 to the connecting hole 31. It should be noted that the guide grooves 34 may not be connected to the connecting hole 31, and the guide grooves 34 may not be formed on the opposing surface 27a.

[0055] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 5As shown, the plasticizing device 14 has a screw support portion 25 supporting the planar screw 26 on the motor 22 side. The plasticizing device 14 also includes a sealing portion 35 that narrows the gap between the screw support portion 25 and the screw housing 21. The sealing portion 35 is an elastic ring. The material of the sealing portion 35 can be silicone resin, rubber, or spring steel. With this configuration, the sealing portion 35 narrows the gap between the screw support portion 25 and the screw housing 21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of resin particles 16 towards the motor 22 side.

[0056] According to the configuration of the three-dimensional modeling device 1, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 includes the plasticizing device 14 described above. Since the resin particles 16 are not easily crushed, the plasticizing device 14 described above can prevent crushed resin particles 16 from hindering the rotation of the planar spiral member 26. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 can be a device with a plasticizing device 14 that has high long-term reliability.

[0057] Second Implementation Method

[0058] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the planar spiral member 26 does not have a second groove 26c, while the spiral member housing 21 has a portion corresponding to the second groove 26c. It should be noted that components identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the spiral housing 39 and the planar spiral component 41 of the plasticizing device 38 viewed from the Z-negative direction side. Figure 8 This is a view of the spiral housing 39 and the planar spiral 41 in the plasticizing device 38 from the negative Y-direction side.

[0060] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the spiral housing 39 houses the deceleration device 23, the spiral support 25, and the flat spiral 41. The spiral housing 39 has an annular recess 39c at a location opposite the side of the flat spiral 41 on the barrel 27 side. The spiral housing 39 has a supply path 39a corresponding to the supply path 21a of the first embodiment. The supply path 39a is connected via the recess 39c and a passage 39b. The passage 39b corresponds to the passage 21b of the first embodiment.

[0061] The planar helical member 41 rotates around the helical member rotation center 41d and the rotation shaft 22a of the motor 22. The planar helical member 41 has a first groove 41b on the groove forming surface 41a, which is a helical groove corresponding to the first groove 26b of the first embodiment. The groove forming surface 41a corresponds to the groove forming surface 26a of the first embodiment.

[0062] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 22a of the motor 22, the planar auger 41 has a first side surface 41g, which is partially formed with a first supply port 41e serving as a supply port for supplying resin particles 16 to the first groove 41b, and a second supply port 41f serving as a supply port. The planar auger 41 has a second side surface 41h, which is formed on a side further away from the barrel 27 than the first side surface 41g. The shapes of the first side surface 41g and the second side surface 41h are circular when viewed from a direction along the rotation center 41d of the auger. The radii of the first side surface 41g and the second side surface 41h are the same distance centered on the rotation center 41d of the auger. The first side surface 41g is opposite to the recess 39c. The auger housing 39 has a third side surface 39d opposite to the second side surface 41h. The auger housing 39 has a fourth side surface 39e opposite to the first side surface 41g.

[0063] The shortest distance 42 between the first side 41g and the spiral housing 39 is greater than the shortest distance 43 between the second side 41h and the spiral housing 39. The first distance 42 is the distance between the first side 41g and the fourth side 39e. The second distance 43 is the distance between the second side 41h and the third side 39d.

[0064] According to this configuration, the motor 22 causes the spiral housing 39 to rotate relative to the second side 41h of the planar spiral 41. The resin particles 16 pass between the first side 41g and the recess 39c of the spiral housing 39 before entering the first supply port 41e and the second supply port 41f from the spiral housing 39. Since the first side 41g separates from the passage 39b of the spiral housing 39, it is possible to prevent the resin particles 16 from being clamped and broken by the first side 41g of the planar spiral 41 and the spiral housing 39. Therefore, the plasticizing device 38 can prevent crushed resin particles 16 from hindering the rotation of the planar spiral 41 because the resin particles 16 are not easily crushed.

[0065] The third side 39d protrudes towards the planar spiral member 41 than the fourth side 39e. Because the second distance 43 is smaller, the resin particles 16 are less likely to move towards the spiral member support 25. Therefore, the planar spiral member 41 allows the resin particles 16 to flow towards the first groove 41b.

[0066] Third Implementation Method

[0067] This embodiment describes an example of an injection molding apparatus having either the plasticizing apparatus 14 of the first embodiment or the plasticizing apparatus 38 of the second embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 9As shown, the injection molding apparatus 50 includes a plasticizing device 51, an injection control mechanism 52, a nozzle 53, a mold 54, and a mold closing device 55. The plasticizing device 51 uses either the plasticizing device 14 of the first embodiment or the plasticizing device 38 of the second embodiment.

[0069] The plasticizing device 51 has a flat spiral member 56 and a barrel 57. The injection cylinder 59 is connected to the communication hole 58 of the barrel 57. Under the control of the control unit 61, the plasticizing device 51 plasticizes the resin particles 16 supplied to the groove 62 of the flat spiral member 56 to generate a fluid paste-like plasticized material 17, which is then guided from the communication hole 58 to the injection control mechanism 52.

[0070] The injection control mechanism 52 includes an injection cylinder 59, a plunger 63, and a plunger drive unit 64. The injection control mechanism 52 injects the plasticized material 17 from the injection cylinder 59 into the mold cavity 65. Under the control of the control unit 61, the injection control mechanism 52 controls the injection volume of the plasticized material 17 from the nozzle 53. The injection cylinder 59 is a generally cylindrical component connected to the communication hole 58 of the barrel 57, and has a plunger 63 inside. The plunger 63 slides inside the injection cylinder 59, pressing the plasticized material 17 from the injection cylinder 59 to the nozzle 53 connected to the plasticizing device 51. The plunger 63 is driven by a plunger drive unit 64, which is composed of an electric motor.

[0071] The mold 54 includes a movable mold 66 and a fixed mold 67. The movable mold 66 and the fixed mold 67 are arranged facing each other, forming a mold cavity 65 therebetween, which serves as a space corresponding to the shape of the molded article. Plasticized material 17, which is pressurized by the injection control mechanism 52, is injected into the mold cavity 65 through the nozzle 53.

[0072] The mold closing device 55 includes a mold drive unit 68. The mold drive unit 68 opens and closes the movable mold 66 and the fixed mold 67. Under the control of the control unit 61, the mold closing device 55 drives the mold drive unit 68 to move the movable mold 66, thereby opening and closing the movable mold 66 and the fixed mold 67.

[0073] The injection molding apparatus 50 uses either plasticizing device 14 or plasticizing device 38 as plasticizing device 51. The injection molding apparatus 50 is equipped with a nozzle 53 for injecting plasticizing material 17 supplied from plasticizing device 51 into mold 54.

[0074] According to this configuration, the injection molding apparatus 50 includes the plasticizing device 14 or plasticizing device 38 described above. Since the plasticizing device 14 and plasticizing device 38 do not easily crush the resin particles 16, they can prevent the crushed resin particles 16 from hindering the rotation of the planar auger 56. Therefore, the injection molding apparatus 50 can be an apparatus that has a plasticizing device 51 with high long-term reliability.

Claims

1. A plasticizing device, characterized in that, The plasticizing device includes: Electric motor; A planar helical component has a groove forming surface with a helical groove, and rotates about the rotation axis of the motor. The speed reduction device is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, and the outer circumference of the rotating part becomes the output shaft; The barrel has a facing surface that is opposite to the groove, and is provided with a connecting hole for the plasticized material to flow in after the material is plasticized. A heater for heating the material supplied between the tank forming surface and the opposing surface; and A spiral housing that houses the planar spiral component and has a passageway through which the material passes towards the planar spiral component. The plasticizing device includes, on the motor side of the planar auger: an auger support portion for supporting the planar auger; and a sealing portion for narrowing the gap between the auger support portion and the auger housing. Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor, the planar helical member has: a first side surface, partially formed with a supply port for supplying material to the groove; and a second side surface, formed on a side further away from the barrel than the first side surface. The shortest distance between the first side and the spiral component housing is the first distance, and the shortest distance between the second side and the spiral component housing is the second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

2. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side is closer to the rotation axis of the motor than the second side.

3. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area occupied by the first side is greater than the area occupied by the second side.

4. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first distance is greater than the maximum length of the material.

5. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plasticizing device plasticizes the material containing the elastomeric resin.

6. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the material contains elastomeric resin, the difference between the first distance and the second distance is greater compared to when the material does not contain elastomeric resin.

7. A three-dimensional modeling device, characterized in that, The three-dimensional modeling device includes: The plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A nozzle that sprays the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device; and A stage for receiving the plasticized material ejected from the nozzle.

8. An injection molding apparatus, characterized in that, The injection molding apparatus includes: The plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and The nozzle injects the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device into the mold.

Images