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

Abstract

The present application relates to a plasticizing device, an injection molding device, and a three-dimensional modeling device, the plasticizing device including: a planar screw having a groove formation surface on which grooves are formed and which rotates; a barrel having an opposite surface opposite the groove formation surface, and a communication hole through which a plasticizing material flows formed in the opposite surface; a heating section; a flow path through which a material or the plasticizing material passes; a nozzle that communicates with the flow path and causes the plasticizing material to flow outside; a plurality of measurement sections that measure the pressure or temperature of a plurality of portions in the flow path; a suction delivery section having a cylinder having a portion of the flow path, that is, a branch flow path, and a plunger that moves in the cylinder to suction the plasticizing material into the branch flow path or deliver the suctioned plasticizing material to the nozzle; and a control section that determines the state of the material or the plasticizing material in the flow path based on a plurality of measurement values measured by the plurality of measurement sections, the plurality of measurement sections measuring at least the temperature or pressure of a plurality of portions in the branch flow path.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional molding apparatus that plasticizes molding materials using a plasticizing device comprising a auger and a barrel. This three-dimensional molding apparatus measures the pressure within the flow path through which the plasticized molding material flows and controls the rotational speed of the auger based on this pressure.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-6375

[0004] In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the pressure at a single point within the flow path is measured, the state of the material within the flow path cannot be determined in detail. Therefore, a technique is sought that can determine in detail the state within the flow path through which the material flows. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a plasticizing apparatus is provided. This plasticizing apparatus includes: a drive motor; a planar auger having a groove-forming surface and rotating about a drive shaft of the drive motor; a barrel having a opposing surface opposite to the groove-forming surface along the direction of the drive shaft, and having a communicating hole formed on the opposing surface for the outflow of plasticized material, i.e., plasticized material; a heating unit for heating the material supplied to the groove; a flow path for the material or the plasticized material to pass through; a nozzle communicating with the flow path and causing the plasticized material to flow outwards; and a plurality of measuring units. The pressure or temperature at multiple locations within the flow path is measured; a suction and delivery unit has a cylinder and a plunger, the cylinder having a portion of the flow path, i.e., a branch flow path, the plunger moving within the cylinder to suction the plasticizing material into the branch flow path or to deliver the suctioned plasticizing material to the nozzle; and a control unit that determines the state of the material or the plasticizing material within the flow path based on multiple measured values ​​obtained by multiple measuring units, wherein the multiple measuring units at least measure the temperature or pressure at multiple locations within the branch flow path.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus includes: the plasticizing device; and a mold clamping device disposed of a molding die, wherein the plasticized material flowing from the nozzle is injected into the molding die.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes: the plasticizing device; and a worktable having a modeling surface, on which the plasticizing material flowing from the nozzle is deposited. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A top view showing the general structure of the injection molding apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the general structure of an injection molding apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing the approximate structure of the ejection section.

[0011] Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram showing the approximate structure of a planar helical component.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a rough plan view of the barrel.

[0013] Figure 6 A figure illustrating an example of temperature measurement results for the plasticizing material within a branch flow path.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the temperature regulation process performed in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the movable area adjustment process performed in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the temperature regulation process performed in the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a functional block diagram of the control unit in the fourth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 An explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the three-dimensional modeling device in the fifth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of multiple measuring units arranged in a barrel.

[0020] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates an example of multiple measuring units arranged in a nozzle.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 10: Injection molding device; 30: Hopper; 100: Injection section; 101: Receiving section; 110: Plasticizing device; 111: Flat spiral component; 112: Barrel; 113: Heater; 114: Nozzle; 115: Connecting hole; 116: Flow path; 117: Branch flow path; 118: Drive motor; 119: Drive shaft; 120: Suction and delivery section; 121: Cylinder; 122: Plunger; 123: Plunger drive section; 124: Check valve; 130: Mold closing device; 131: Mold drive section; 132: Ball screw; 140: Fiber optic cable; 141: Measuring section; 160: Molding mold; 161: Fixed mold; 162: Movable mold; 201: Groove forming surface; 202: Groove; 203: Material input port; 204: Protruding part; 205: Central part; 211: Guide groove; 212: Opposing surface; 500: Control unit; 510: Display device; 600: 3D modeling device; 610: Modeling worktable; 611: Modeling surface; 620: Moving mechanism; 630: Valve; 721: Status observation unit; 722: Judgment result acquisition unit; 723: Learning unit; 725: Reward calculation unit; 726: Model update unit; 727: Machine learning model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] A. First implementation method:

[0024] Figure 1 A top view showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 A perspective view showing the general configuration of the injection molding apparatus 10. Figure 1 , 2 The diagram shows arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions, which are mutually orthogonal. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is opposite to the direction of gravity. Figure 3 And the X, Y, Z directions shown in the following diagrams and Figure 1 , 2 The X, Y, and Z directions are shown in the diagram. In the following explanation, when determining orientation, the direction indicated by the arrow (positive) is marked with "+", and the opposite direction (negative) is marked with "-". Both positive and negative signs are used in the direction markings.

[0025] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, the injection molding apparatus 10 includes an injection unit 100, a mold clamping device 130, a molding die 160, and a control unit 500. The injection molding apparatus 10 injects molding material from the injection unit 100 into the molding die 160 and molds the resulting product. The injection unit 100 and the mold clamping device 130 are controlled by the control unit 500. The control unit 500 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU and memory, and controls each part of the injection molding apparatus 10 by executing a program stored in the memory via the CPU. It should be noted that the control unit 500 may also be configured as a circuit.

[0026] In this embodiment, a metal molding die 160 is mounted on the mold closing device 130. The molding die 160 is not limited to metal; it can also be made of resin or ceramic. The metal molding die 160 is referred to as a metal mold. The molding die 160 includes a fixed mold 161 and a movable mold 162. The fixed mold 161 is fixed to the injection unit 100, and the movable mold 162 is a mold that can move forward and backward relative to the fixed mold 161 along the mold closing direction via the mold closing device 130. In this embodiment, the mold closing direction is the -Y direction.

[0027] The mold closing device 130 has the function of opening and closing the fixed mold 161 and the movable mold 162. Under the control of the control unit 500, the mold closing device 130 drives the mold drive unit 131, which is composed of a motor, to rotate the ball screw 132, and moves the movable mold 162, which is engaged with the ball screw 132, relative to the fixed mold 161, so that the molding mold 160 can be opened and closed.

[0028] A hopper 30 containing material for molding is connected to an injection unit 100. The material for the molded article can be, for example, a thermoplastic resin in granular form. Examples of thermoplastic resins that can be used include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate), POM (polyacetal), PP (polypropylene), and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Material supply to the injection unit 100 is not limited to the hopper 30; for example, it can also be supplied via a material feeding pipe.

[0029] The injection unit 100 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the hopper 30 to generate a molding material, and injects the molding material into a cavity divided between the fixed mold 161 and the movable mold 162. In this specification, the molding material is also referred to as the plasticized material. In this specification, "plasticization" includes the concept of melting, that is, changing from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization means raising the material's temperature above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization means raising the material's temperature above its melting point.

[0030] Figure 3A cross-sectional view showing the general structure of the injection unit 100. The injection unit 100 of this embodiment includes a plasticizing device 110. The plasticizing device 110 includes a planar auger 111, a barrel 112, a heater 113 as a heating unit, a suction and delivery unit 120, and a nozzle 114.

[0031] The planar helical component 111 is housed in the housing section 101. The planar helical component 111 is also referred to as a rotor, or simply as a helical component. The planar helical component 111 rotates within the housing section 101 about the drive shaft 119 of the drive motor 118 via a drive motor 118. The central axis RX, which serves as the center of rotation of the planar helical component 111, coincides with the center of the drive shaft 119 of the drive motor 118 in the XZ plane. In this embodiment, the axial directions of the drive shaft 119 and the central axis RX are along the Y direction. The rotation of the planar helical component 111, achieved by the drive motor 118, is controlled by the control section 500. It should be noted that the planar helical component 111 can also be driven by the drive motor 118 via a speed reducer.

[0032] A connecting hole 115 is formed at the center of the barrel 112. The connecting hole 115 communicates with the flow path 116. The cylinder 121 and nozzle 114, described later, are connected to the flow path 116. A check valve 124 is provided in the flow path 116 upstream of the cylinder 121. The check valve 124 prevents the plasticized material from flowing back from the nozzle 114 side to the planar spiral member 111 side.

[0033] Heater 113 heats the barrel 112 and cylinder 121. The heating achieved by heater 113 is controlled by control unit 500. Figure 3 In this configuration, the heater 113 is located on the -Y direction side of the cylinder 121, but the heater 113 can also be located on the +Z direction side or the -Z direction side of the cylinder. Alternatively, multiple heaters 113 can be arranged to clamp the cylinder 121 from the +Z direction side and the -Z direction side.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the general structure of the planar auger 111. The planar auger 111 has a roughly cylindrical shape, with a height smaller than its diameter along the direction of the central axis RX. A vortex-shaped groove 202 is formed in the groove forming surface 201 of the planar auger 111 opposite to the barrel 112, centered on the central portion 205. The groove 202 communicates with a material inlet 203 formed on the side of the planar auger 111. Material supplied from the hopper 30 is fed into the groove 202 through the material inlet 203. The groove 202 is formed by being separated by a protruding portion 204. Figure 4The example shown has three grooves 202, but the number of grooves 202 can be one or more. It should be noted that the grooves 202 are not limited to a spiral shape, but can also be a spiral shape or an involute curve shape, or a shape that extends in an arc from the central part 205 toward the outer periphery.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic plan view of the barrel 112. The barrel 112 has a counterface 212 opposite to the groove forming surface 201 of the planar helical member 111 along the direction of the drive shaft 119. A connecting hole 115 communicating with the flow path 116 is formed in the center of the counterface 212. Multiple guide grooves 211 are formed in the counterface 212, connecting to the connecting hole 115 and extending in a vortex-like manner from the connecting hole 115 toward the outer periphery. It should be noted that the guide grooves 211 may not be provided in the barrel 112. Furthermore, the guide grooves 211 may not be connected to the connecting hole 115.

[0036] The material supplied to the groove 202 of the planar auger 111 is plasticized between the planar auger 111 and the barrel 112 by the rotation of the planar auger 111 and the heating of the heater 113. Simultaneously, the material flows along the groove 202 and the guide groove 211 by the rotation of the planar auger 111 and is guided towards the central portion 205 of the planar auger 111. The material flowing into the central portion 205 flows out through the connecting hole 115 located at the center of the barrel 112 into the flow path 116. It should be noted that, in this specification, the space between the groove forming surface 201 of the planar auger 111 and the opposing surface of the barrel 112 is also considered part of the flow path 116. That is, the material or plasticizing material flows through the flow path 116.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, the suction and delivery unit 120 includes a cylinder 121, a plunger 122, and a plunger drive unit 123. The cylinder 121 has a branch flow path 117 branching off from the flow path 116 as part of the flow path 116. That is, the cylinder 121 has a branch flow path 117 inside. The suction and delivery unit 120 has the function of injecting the plasticized material in the cylinder 121 into the cavity of the molding die 160. Under the control of the control unit 500, the suction and delivery unit 120 controls the injection quantity, injection speed, and injection pressure of the molding material injected from the nozzle 114. The cylinder 121 is generally cylindrical and has a plunger 122 inside. The plunger 122 moves inside the cylinder 121 in a direction away from the flow path 116 and sucks and measures the plasticized material in the branch flow path 117. Additionally, the plunger 122 moves inside the cylinder 121 in a direction close to the flow path 116 and delivers the sucked-up plastic material into the flow path 116. The delivered plastic material is pressed into the nozzle 114. The plunger 122 is driven by a plunger drive unit 123, which is powered by a motor. The plastic material pressed into the nozzle 114 is ejected from the nozzle 114 into the cavity of the molding die 160.

[0038] The plasticizing apparatus 110 includes a plurality of measuring units 141. These measuring units 141 are arranged along the length of the cylinder 121 on the outside of the cylinder 121. These measuring units 141 measure the pressure or temperature at multiple locations within the flow path 116. In this embodiment, the measuring units 141 measure the temperature at multiple locations within branch flow paths 117 of the flow path 116.

[0039] In this embodiment, the plurality of measuring units 141 each have a sensor formed from a single optical fiber 140. Specifically, the plurality of measuring units 141 are composed of an FBG (fiber optic Bragg grating) sensor formed in the core of the optical fiber 140. The FBG is a portion in the core of the optical fiber 140 in which a periodic refractive index change is formed. The refractive index change functions as a diffraction grating and reflects only light of wavelengths that satisfy the Bragg reflection condition generated by the periodicity of the diffraction grating. By observing the Bragg wavelength of this reflected light, the temperature around the FBG and the pressure applied to the FBG can be observed. A light source that emits light into the optical fiber 140 and a measuring instrument for receiving the reflected light to measure temperature and pressure are connected to the optical fiber 140. The control unit 500 obtains the temperature or pressure measured by the plurality of measuring units 141 from the measuring instrument connected to the optical fiber 140.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of the temperature of the plasticized material in the branch flow path 117, measured by multiple measuring units 141. Figure 6 The horizontal axis of the graph shown represents the distance from the front end of cylinder 121 to each measuring unit 141, and the vertical axis represents the temperature measured by each measuring unit 141. Figure 6The diagram shows the temperature distribution when the heater 113 is set to a specified temperature of 150°C and the temperature distribution when it is set to 200°C. As shown... Figure 6 As shown, the temperature of the plasticizing material gradually decreases as it moves away from the front end of cylinder 121, due to heat dissipation to the air and the influence of the cooling mechanism. Thus, by using multiple measuring units 141, the control unit 500 can determine the state of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117 in detail based on multiple measured values ​​obtained by the multiple measuring units 141. It should be noted that, although in Figure 6 The temperature distribution of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117 is shown, but by using FBG as multiple measuring units 141, the control unit 500 can also measure the pressure distribution of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the temperature regulation process performed by the control unit 500. This temperature regulation process is performed by the control unit 500 whenever plasticized material is drawn into the branch flow path 117 during the injection molding cycle.

[0042] In step S100, the control unit 500 uses multiple measuring units 141 to measure the temperature within the branch flow path 117 and determine the temperature distribution.

[0043] In step S110, the control unit 500 compares the temperature distribution determined in step S100 with the temperature distribution calculated by pre-simulation.

[0044] In step S120, the control unit 500 determines whether the temperature distribution determined in step S100, relative to the temperature distribution calculated through simulation, is outside the allowable range. Specifically, if the temperature distribution determined in step S100, based on the temperature distribution obtained through simulation, converges within a predetermined temperature range, the control unit 500 determines that it is within the allowable range; otherwise, if it does not converge within the predetermined temperature range, the control unit 500 determines that it is outside the allowable range.

[0045] In step S120, if it is determined that the temperature distribution determined in step S100 is outside the allowable range relative to the temperature distribution calculated by simulation, the control unit 500 adjusts the temperature of the heater 113 in step S130. Specifically, if the temperature band of the temperature distribution determined in step S100 is lower than the temperature distribution calculated by simulation, the heater 113 is heated; if the temperature band of the temperature distribution determined in step S100 is higher than the temperature distribution calculated by simulation, the heater 113 is cooled. On the other hand, if in step S120 it is determined that the temperature distribution determined in step S100 is within the allowable range relative to the temperature distribution calculated by simulation, the control unit 500 skips the processing in step S130.

[0046] Whenever the plasticizing material is drawn into the branch flow path 117, the control unit 500 performs the temperature regulation process described above, thereby enabling the temperature distribution of the plasticizing material in the branch flow path 117 to approximate the temperature distribution calculated by simulation.

[0047] According to the injection molding apparatus 10 of the first embodiment described above, multiple measuring units 141 are used to measure the temperature within the branch flow path 117, thereby enabling detailed determination of the temperature state of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the heater 113 is controlled to heat based on a comparison between the temperature distribution within the flow path 116 measured by the multiple measuring units 141 and a predetermined temperature distribution, the temperature of the plasticizing material can be adjusted with high precision. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the multiple measuring units 141 are composed of optical fibers 140, the large-scale design of the plasticizing apparatus 110 can be prevented by providing multiple measuring units 141.

[0048] It should be noted that, in the first embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 500 uses multiple measuring units 141 to measure the temperature of the branch flow path 117. Conversely, the control unit 500 can also use multiple measuring units 141 to measure the pressure within the branch flow path 117. In this case, the control unit 500 calculates the pressure distribution within the branch flow path based on the pressure measurements obtained by the multiple measuring units 141. Then, this pressure distribution is compared with a pressure distribution calculated through simulation, and the rotational speed of the planar auger 111 is controlled based on the comparison result, thereby adjusting the pressure of the plasticizing material. In this adjustment, if the measured pressure distribution is lower than the allowable range corresponding to the simulation result, the control unit 500 increases the rotational speed of the planar auger 111; if the pressure distribution is higher than the allowable range, the control unit 500 decreases the rotational speed of the planar auger 111. Through this process, the pressure of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117 can be adjusted with high precision.

[0049] B. Second implementation method:

[0050] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the movable area adjustment process performed in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control unit 500 performs the adjustment process before the injection molding cycle begins. Figure 8 The movable area shown is adjusted to adjust... Figure 3 The movable region RA of the plunger 122 is shown. (As in...) Figure 3 As indicated by the dashed arrow, the movable region RA of the plunger 122 is the range within which the front end of the plunger 122 moves within the cylinder 121. The injection molding apparatus 10 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, this step may be omitted. Figure 7 The temperature regulation process of the first embodiment shown.

[0051] exist Figure 8 In step S200, the control unit 500 starts the heater 113 to adjust the output of the heater 113 based on the temperature specified in the molding conditions, and heats the barrel 112 and the cylinder 121.

[0052] In step S210, the control unit 500 determines the temperature range of the plasticizing material based on the molding conditions.

[0053] In step S220, the control unit 500 controls the drive motor 118 to rotate the planar spiral member 111 to plasticize the material, and controls the plunger drive unit 123 to draw the plasticized material into the branch flow path 117.

[0054] In step S230, the control unit 500 uses multiple measuring units 141 to measure the temperature of the plasticizing material in the branch flow path 117.

[0055] In step S240, the control unit 500 determines whether each temperature measured by the measuring unit 141 within the range of the largest movable area RA of the plunger 122 is outside the temperature range determined in step S210.

[0056] In step S240, if it is determined that the temperatures measured in the maximum movable area RA of the plunger 122 do not fall within the temperature range set in step S210, the control unit 500 corrects the movable area RA of the plunger 122 in step S250. Specifically, in order to ensure that all temperatures measured in the movable area RA of the plunger 122 fall within the temperature range set in step S210, the control unit 500 reduces the range of the movable area RA of the plunger 122 towards the front end of the cylinder 121. On the other hand, in step S240, if it is determined that the temperatures measured in the maximum movable area RA of the plunger 122 fall within the temperature range determined in step S210, the control unit 500 skips the processing in step S250.

[0057] After performing the movable area adjustment process described above, the control unit 500 starts the injection molding cycle to form the molded product.

[0058] According to the second embodiment described above, since the movable region RA of the plunger 122 is corrected based on the temperature distribution of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117, the movable region RA of the plunger 122 can be adjusted to an optimal movable region RA. As a result, since it is possible to suppress the injection of plasticizing material at temperatures lower than the set temperature range into the molding die 160, the molding quality of the molded article can be improved.

[0059] It should be noted that, in Figure 8 The result of correcting the movable region RA of the plunger 122 in step S250 is that, even if the movable region RA of the plunger 122 is less than a predetermined reference range, that is, if the corrected injection amount through the movable region of the plunger 122 is lower than the reference amount, the control unit 500 can adjust the movable region of the plunger 122 to be above the reference range and increase the output of the heater 113. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the injection amount from falling short of the reference amount due to the correction of the movable region RA of the plunger 122.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the control unit 500 corrects the movable region RA of the plunger 122 based on the temperature distribution measured by the multiple measuring units 141. Alternatively, the control unit 500 can also measure pressure using the multiple measuring units 141 and correct the movable region RA of the plunger 122 based on the pressure distribution. Specifically, to make the pressures measured within the movable region RA converge within the pressure range specified by the molding conditions, the control unit 500 enlarges or reduces the movable region RA.

[0061] C. Third implementation method:

[0062] Figure 9This is a flowchart of the temperature regulation process performed in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 500 performs temperature regulation before the injection molding cycle begins. Figure 9 The temperature regulation process shown is used to regulate the temperature of heater 113. The configuration of injection molding apparatus 10 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. It should be noted that in the third embodiment, this process may not be performed. Figure 7 The temperature regulation process of the first embodiment shown.

[0063] exist Figure 9 In step S300, the control unit 500 turns on the heater 113 to adjust the output of the heater 113 based on the temperature specified in the molding conditions, and heats the barrel 112 and the cylinder 121.

[0064] In step S310, the control unit 500 determines the movable area RA of the plunger 122 according to the molding conditions.

[0065] In step S320, the control unit 500 controls the drive motor 118 to rotate the planar spiral member 111 to plasticize the material, and controls the plunger drive unit 123 to draw the plasticized material into the branch flow path 117 according to the movable area RA determined by step S310.

[0066] In step S330, the control unit 500 uses multiple measuring units 141 to measure the temperature of the plasticized material in the movable region RA of the plunger 122.

[0067] In step S340, the control unit 500 determines whether each temperature measured in the movable area RA is outside the target temperature range specified by the molding conditions.

[0068] In step S340, if it is determined that the temperatures measured within the movable region RA are outside the target temperature range specified by the molding conditions, the control unit 500 adjusts the output of the heater 113 in step S350. Specifically, to ensure that the measured temperatures within the movable region RA are within the target temperature range, the control unit 500 increases or decreases the output of the heater 113. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S340 that the temperatures measured within the movable region RA are within the target temperature range, the control unit 500 skips the processing in step S350.

[0069] After performing the temperature regulation process described above, the control unit 500 starts the injection molding cycle to mold the molded product.

[0070] According to the third embodiment described above, since the output of the heater 113 is adjusted based on the temperature measured within the movable region RA of the plunger 122, the output of the heater 113 can be adjusted to an optimal level. As a result, since the temperature change of the plasticizing material can be suppressed based on the length of the movable region RA of the plunger 122, the molding quality of the molded article can be improved.

[0071] In the third embodiment, the control unit 500 adjusts the output of the heater 113 based on the temperature distribution measured by the multiple measuring units 141. Alternatively, the control unit 500 can also measure pressure using the multiple measuring units 141 and adjust the output of the heater 113 based on the pressure distribution. Specifically, to ensure that the pressures measured within the movable region RA converge within a target pressure range specified by the molding conditions, the control unit 500 increases or decreases the output of the heater 113.

[0072] The second and third embodiments described above can be combined. Specifically, they can also be combined in... Figure 8 In step S250 of the movable adjustment process shown in the second embodiment, after the movable region RA of the plunger 122 is corrected, the following steps are performed: Figure 9 The temperature regulation process shown in steps S320 to S350 of the third embodiment is described. Through this process, after the movable region RA of the plunger 122 is corrected in the second embodiment, the temperature within the corrected movable region RA can be adjusted.

[0073] D. Fourth Implementation Method:

[0074] Figure 10 This is a functional block diagram of the control unit 500d according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 500d uses a dataset including control conditions and measurement values ​​from multiple measuring units 141 to perform machine learning on the temperature distribution of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117. The control conditions include at least a portion of the material type, the control conditions of the heater 113, and the control conditions of the planar auger 111. The control conditions of the heater 113 are, for example, the output of the heater 113, and the control conditions of the planar auger 111 are, for example, the rotational speed of the planar auger 111. The injection molding apparatus 10 of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

[0075] The control unit 500d comprises a state observation unit 721, a decision result acquisition unit 722, and a learning unit 723 as functional blocks. The learning unit 723 comprises a reward calculation unit 725 and a model update unit 726. These functional blocks are implemented in software by the CPU of the control unit 500d executing programs stored in memory.

[0076] The control unit 500d uses a machine learning model 727 to predict the temperature distribution of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117 based on the dataset obtained by the state observation unit 721. The control unit 500d displays the prediction result on a display device 510 connected to the control unit 500d.

[0077] The state observation unit 721 acquires the above dataset and observes these values.

[0078] The determination result acquisition unit 722 acquires determination data indicating whether the predicted temperature distribution of the plasticized material is similar to the temperature distribution actually measured by the measurement unit 141.

[0079] The learning unit 723 uses the dataset observed by the state observation unit 721 and the judgment data obtained by the judgment result acquisition unit 722 to learn the correlation between the control conditions, including at least a portion of the material type, the control conditions of the heater 113, and the control conditions of the planar spiral component 111, and the measured values ​​of the temperature measured by the multiple measurement units 141. The learning unit 723 updates the machine learning model 727 based on this learning result. The machine learning model 727 is represented, for example, by a value function described later.

[0080] The learning algorithms implemented by the 723rd Research Institute of the Learning Department are not particularly limited, and can be any well-known machine learning algorithms such as trained learning, untrained learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks. Figure 10 The learning unit 723 shown performs reinforcement learning as an example of a learning algorithm. Reinforcement learning is a method of learning by repeatedly performing a loop in a trial-and-error manner to maximize the total reward as the optimal solution. This loop involves observing the current state of the environment in which the learning object exists, performing a predetermined action in the current state, and assigning a reward to that action.

[0081] An example of a reinforcement learning algorithm implemented by the Learning Department 723 will be explained. This example uses a known Q-learning method, where the function Q(s,a) is learned using the agent's state s and the actions a the agent can choose in state s as independent variables. The function Q(s,a) represents the value of action a when choosing action a in state s. The action a that yields the highest value in state s is selected as the optimal solution. Q-learning begins when the correlation between state s and action a is unknown. By repeatedly trying and failing to select various actions a in any state s, the value function Q is repeatedly updated to approach the optimal solution. Here, the result of choosing action a in state s is configured such that when the environment, i.e., state s, changes, a reward r corresponding to that change (i.e., a weighted sum of actions a) is obtained. By inducing learning to select actions a that yield higher rewards r, the value function Q can approach the optimal solution in a relatively short time.

[0082] The updated expression for the value function Q can generally be expressed as the following equation (1).

[0083] Q(s t+1 ,a t+1 )←Q(s t ,a t )+α(r t+1 +γmaxQ(s t+1 ,a)-Q(s t ,a t ))···(1)

[0084] In equation (1), s t and a t Given the state and action at each time t, through action a t The state change is s t+1 r t+1 To pass through state from s t Change to s t+1 The reward obtained. The term maxQ refers to Q when action a, which has the maximum value Q at time t+1, is performed. α and γ are the learning coefficient and discount rate, respectively, and can be arbitrarily set within the range of 0 < α ≤ 1 and 0 < γ ≤ 1.

[0085] When the learning unit 723 performs Q-learning, the state variable S observed by the state observation unit 721 and the judgment data Dj acquired by the judgment result acquisition unit 722 are equivalent to the updated state s, the action corresponding to the temperature distribution of the plasticized material in the corresponding dataset is equivalent to the updated action a, and the reward R calculated by the reward calculation unit 725 is equivalent to the updated reward r. Therefore, the model update unit 726 repeatedly updates the function Q representing the state of the temperature distribution of the plasticized material by using Q-learning with reward R. The reward R calculated by the reward calculation unit 725 is increased or decreased, for example, based on the approximation rate between the actual temperature distribution and the temperature distribution determined using the value function Q.

[0086] According to the fourth embodiment described above, based on machine learning results, the temperature distribution within the branch flow path 117 can be predicted according to the type of material, the control conditions of the heater 113, and the control conditions of the planar spiral component 111.

[0087] It should be noted that, in the fourth embodiment, the learning unit 723 performs machine learning on the temperature distribution within the branch flow path 117. In contrast, when multiple measuring units 141 are used to measure the pressure within the branch flow path 117, the learning unit 723 can perform machine learning on the pressure distribution within the branch flow path 117.

[0088] Furthermore, the learning unit 723 can learn content beyond just the temperature and pressure distribution within the branch flow path 117; for example, it can also learn the plasticizing conditions of the material. The plasticizing conditions include the rotational speed of the planar auger 111, the output of the heater 113, and other control conditions used for plasticizing the material. The control unit 500d acquires a dataset including the type of material, control conditions (i.e., plasticizing conditions), and measurement values ​​from multiple measuring units 141 through the state observation unit 721. It then learns the relationship between the material and the plasticizing conditions to ensure that the temperature or pressure distribution of the plasticized material within the branch flow path 117 is appropriate. The control conditions include at least a portion of the control conditions of the heater 113 and the planar auger 111. Thus, if machine learning is performed on the plasticizing conditions of the material using a dataset including the type of material, control conditions, and multiple measurement values, then, for example, when switching materials, it is possible to predict the optimal plasticizing conditions corresponding to the new material. The control conditions include at least a portion of the control conditions of the heater 113 and the planar auger 111.

[0089] The temperature and pressure measurements obtained by the multiple measuring units 141 can also be used, for example, to analyze the plasticizing mechanism of the plasticizing device 110 and to analyze the optimal configuration of sensors for high-precision feedback control of the temperature or pressure of the plasticizing material.

[0090] E. Fifth implementation method:

[0091] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 600 according to the fifth embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 600 includes a plasticizing device 110e, a modeling worktable 610, a moving mechanism 620, and a control unit 500e.

[0092] The plasticizing apparatus 110e includes a flat auger 111e, a barrel 112e, a heater 113e, a suction and delivery section 120e, and a nozzle 114e. In this embodiment, a valve 630 may be provided in the flow path 116e connecting the connecting hole 115e of the barrel 112e and the nozzle 114e to switch the amount of plasticizing material ejected from the nozzle 114e or to determine whether plasticizing material is ejected from the nozzle 114e, instead of a check valve. The valve 630 is driven under the control of the control unit 500e. The other configurations of the plasticizing apparatus 110e are the same as those of the plasticizing apparatus 110 of the first embodiment.

[0093] The molding worktable 610 is positioned opposite the nozzle 114e. Plasticized material ejected from the nozzle 114e accumulates on the molding surface 611 of the worktable 610. In this embodiment, the molding surface 611 is horizontal. The molding worktable 610 is supported by a moving mechanism 620.

[0094] The moving mechanism 620 changes the relative position of the nozzle 114e and the molding worktable 610. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 620 changes the relative position of the nozzle 114e and the molding worktable 610 by moving the molding worktable 610. The moving mechanism 620 in this embodiment is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the molding worktable 610 along the X, Y, and Z axes by power generated by three motors. Each motor is driven under the control of the control unit 500e. It should be noted that the moving mechanism 620 may also be configured to change the relative position of the nozzle 114e and the molding worktable 610 by moving the plasticizing device 110e instead of moving the molding worktable 610. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 620 may be configured to change the relative position of the nozzle 114e and the molding worktable 610 by moving both the molding worktable 610 and the plasticizing device 110e.

[0095] Under the control of the control unit 500e, the three-dimensional modeling device 600 shapes a three-dimensional object by layering layers of plastic material on the modeling worktable 610 by simultaneously changing the relative position of the nozzle 114e and the modeling worktable 610, thereby creating a desired three-dimensional model. When the control unit 500e temporarily stops the plastic material from being ejected from the nozzle 114e using the valve 630, it drives the plunger 122e of the suction delivery unit 120e to draw plastic material around the nozzle 114e into the branch flow path 117e. Then, when ejection resumes, the plunger 122e is driven to press plastic material from the branch flow path 117e toward the nozzle 114e. Although in Figure 12 Although not shown in the figure, even in this embodiment, the plasticizing apparatus 110e is provided with multiple measuring units for measuring the temperature and pressure of the plasticizing material in the branch flow path 117e.

[0096] Even in the fifth embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, by using multiple measuring units to measure the temperature of the branch flow path 117e, the temperature and pressure state of the plasticizing material within the branch flow path 117e can be determined in detail. It should be noted that even in the fifth embodiment, this can be implemented... Figure 7 The temperature regulation process shown in the first embodiment Figure 8 The movable area adjustment process shown in the second embodiment Figure 9 The temperature regulation process of the third embodiment is shown. Furthermore, even in the fifth embodiment, the same machine learning as in the fourth embodiment can be performed.

[0097] F. Other implementation methods:

[0098] (F1) In the above embodiments, the temperature and pressure within the branch flow path 117 where the plunger 122 is disposed are measured by a plurality of measuring units 141. In contrast, the plurality of measuring units 141 are not limited to being configured to measure the state within the flow path 117 of the branch flow path, but may also be configured to measure the state within the flow path of the nozzle 114, or within the flow path between the planar auger 111 and the barrel 112. Figure 12 The image shows an example in which multiple measuring sections 141 are arranged in a vortex pattern within the barrel 112 to enable the measurement of the state of the material and plasticized material within the flow path between the planar spiral member 111 and the barrel 112. Figure 13 The diagram shows an example in which multiple measuring units 141 are arranged along the flow path within the nozzle 114 in order to enable the measurement of the state of the plasticizing material flowing in the flow path within the nozzle 114. It should be noted that, as... Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, when multiple measuring units 141 are arranged in the flow path within the nozzle 114, or in the flow path between the planar spiral member 111 and the barrel 112, it is not necessary to arrange multiple measuring units 141 in the branch flow path 117.

[0099] (F2) In the above embodiments, the plurality of measuring units 141 are composed of optical fibers 140. Alternatively, the plurality of measuring units 141 may also be a multi-point temperature sensor in which a plurality of thermocouples are sealed in a protective tube. In addition, each measuring unit 141 constituting the plurality of measuring units 141 may also be configured as a separate temperature sensor or pressure sensor.

[0100] G. Other methods:

[0101] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-described technical problems or to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, any technical feature that is not stated to be essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

[0102] (1) According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a plasticizing apparatus is provided. The plasticizing apparatus comprises: a drive motor; a planar auger having a groove-forming surface and rotating about a drive shaft of the drive motor; a barrel having a counter-surface opposite to the groove-forming surface along the direction of the drive shaft, and having a communicating hole formed in the counter-surface for the outflow of plasticized material, i.e., plasticized material; a heating unit for heating the material supplied to the groove; a flow path for the material or the plasticized material to pass through; a nozzle communicating with the flow path and causing the plasticized material to flow out to the outside; and a plurality of measuring units. The pressure or temperature at multiple locations within the flow path is measured; a suction and delivery unit has a cylinder and a plunger, the cylinder having a portion of the flow path, i.e., a branch flow path, the plunger moving within the cylinder to suction the plasticizing material into the branch flow path or to deliver the suctioned plasticizing material to the nozzle; and a control unit that determines the state of the material or the plasticizing material within the flow path based on multiple measured values ​​obtained by multiple measuring units, wherein the multiple measuring units at least measure the temperature or pressure at multiple locations within the branch flow path.

[0103] If it is a plasticizing device of this type, because it can measure the temperature or pressure of multiple parts in the branch flow path, it can determine the state of the plasticizing material in the branch flow path in detail.

[0104] (2) In the above-described manner, the control unit may also control the heating of the heating unit or the rotation of the planar spiral component based on a comparison between the temperature distribution or pressure distribution of the material or plasticizing material within the flow path, as measured by the plurality of measuring units, and a predetermined temperature distribution or pressure distribution of the material or plasticizing material. In this manner, the heating unit and the planar spiral component can be controlled based on the temperature and pressure distributions measured by the plurality of measuring units.

[0105] (3) In the above-described manner, multiple measuring units may also have sensors made of optical fibers. This approach helps to prevent the plasticizing apparatus from becoming too large.

[0106] (4) In the above-described manner, the control unit may adjust the movable region of the plunger based on the temperature or pressure of the plasticizing material within the flow path, as measured by multiple of the measured values. In this manner, the movable region of the plunger can be adjusted to an optimal movable region.

[0107] (5) In the above-described manner, if the adjusted movable region does not meet the reference range, the control unit adjusts the movable region to a range above the reference range and increases the output of the heating unit. In this manner, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the injection volume of plasticizing material due to adjustment of the movable region of the plunger.

[0108] (6) In the above-described manner, the control unit may adjust the output of the heating unit based on the temperature or pressure distribution of the material or plasticizing material within the flow path, as measured by multiple of the measured values. In this manner, the output of the heating unit can be adjusted to an optimal level.

[0109] (7) In the above method, there may also be a learning unit that uses a dataset including control conditions and multiple measured values ​​to perform machine learning on the temperature distribution or pressure distribution of the material or the plasticizing material in the flow path, wherein the control conditions include at least a portion of the type of the material, the control conditions of the heating unit and the control conditions of the planar spiral component.

[0110] (8) In the above method, there may also be a learning unit that uses a dataset including the type of material, control conditions and multiple measured values ​​to perform machine learning on the plasticizing conditions of the material, wherein the control conditions include at least a portion of the control conditions of the heating unit and the control conditions of the planar spiral component.

[0111] (9) According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus includes the plasticizing device and a mold clamping device configured with a molding die, wherein the plasticized material flowing from the nozzle is injected into the molding die.

[0112] (10) A three-dimensional modeling apparatus is provided according to a third aspect of the present disclosure. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes the plasticizing device; and a worktable having a modeling surface on which the plasticizing material flowing from the nozzle is deposited.

Claims

1. A plasticizing device, characterized in that, The plasticizing device includes: Drive motor; A planar spiral component has a grooved surface and rotates about a central axis; The barrel has a facing surface that is opposite to the groove along the direction of the central axis, and a connecting hole is formed on the facing surface for the plasticized material to flow out. The heating section heats the material supplied to the tank. A flow path through which the material or the plasticizing material passes; The nozzle is connected to the flow path and allows the plasticized material to flow outwards. Multiple measuring units are used to measure the pressure or temperature at multiple locations within the flow path; The suction and delivery section has a cylinder and a plunger. The cylinder has a portion of the flow path, namely a branch flow path. The plunger moves within the cylinder to suction the plasticized material into the branch flow path or to deliver the suctioned plasticized material to the nozzle. as well as The control unit determines the state of the material or the plasticizing material within the flow path based on multiple measurement values ​​obtained by the multiple measurement units. The multiple measuring units measure the temperature or pressure at least at multiple locations within the branch flow path. The control unit adjusts the movable area of ​​the plunger based on the temperature or pressure of the plasticizing material in the flow path, which is measured by multiple of the measured values.

2. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the heating of the heating unit or the rotation of the planar spiral component based on a comparison between the temperature distribution or pressure distribution of the material or plasticizing material within the flow path, as measured by the multiple measuring units, and a predetermined temperature distribution or pressure distribution of the material or plasticizing material.

3. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of measuring units have sensors made of optical fibers.

4. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the adjusted movable area does not meet the reference range, the control unit adjusts the movable area to above the reference range and increases the output of the heating unit.

5. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit adjusts the output of the heating unit based on the temperature or pressure distribution of the material or plasticizing material within the flow path, as measured by multiple of the measured values.

6. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plasticizing apparatus includes: a learning unit that performs machine learning on the temperature distribution or pressure distribution of the material or the plasticizing material within the flow path using a dataset including control conditions and multiple measured values, wherein the control conditions include at least a portion of the type of the material, the control conditions of the heating unit, and the control conditions of the planar auger.

7. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plasticizing apparatus includes a learning unit that performs machine learning on the plasticizing conditions of the material using a dataset including the type of the material, control conditions, and multiple measured values, wherein the control conditions include at least a portion of the control conditions of the heating unit and the control conditions of the planar spiral component.

8. An injection molding apparatus, characterized in that, The injection molding apparatus includes: The plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and A mold closing device is provided with a molding die, into which the plasticized material flowing from the nozzle is injected.

9. 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 7; and The worktable has a shaping surface on which the plastic material flowing from the nozzle is deposited.

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