Material supply device

Abstract

A material supply device capable of suppressing the occurrence of defects in material supply is provided with: a material storage unit for storing a plasticized material, the material storage unit having a supply port provided at a position that does not overlap an insertion port in the supply direction of the plasticized material; and a supply mechanism for adjusting the supply amount of the plasticized material from the input port to the outside, the supply mechanism having: a sliding member provided between the supply port and the input port and provided with a through hole through which the plasticized material passes; and a slide drive unit that causes the slide member to slide in an intersecting direction intersecting the supply direction, the supply mechanism being switched between a first state in which the plasticized material is supplied to the outside and a second state in which the plasticized material is not supplied to the outside, and the through-hole of the slide member being communicated with the input port in both the first state and the second state. The distance between the through hole and the supply port in the intersecting direction is shortened in the order of the first state and the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a material supply device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a supply mechanism for supplying material to a plasticizing mechanism of an injection molding device or a three-dimensional modeling device. The supply mechanism includes a housing for accommodating the material, and a rotating member accommodated in the housing and capable of rotating along the inner edge of the housing. A through hole is formed in the rotating member. When the rotating member rotates and the through hole is connected to an inlet connected to the plasticizing mechanism, the material is supplied to the plasticizing mechanism through the through hole and the inlet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-36539

[0006] In such a material supply device, it is required to suppress the occurrence of material supply failure. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a material supply device is provided, which has an inlet and supplies the stored plasticized material from the inlet to the outside. The material supply device includes: a material storage part that stores the plasticized material and has a supply port, the supply port being arranged at a position that does not overlap with the inlet in the supply direction of the plasticized material; and a supply mechanism that adjusts the supply amount of the plasticized material from the inlet to the outside, the supply mechanism including: a sliding member that is arranged between the supply port and the inlet and is provided with a through hole for the plasticized material to pass through; and a sliding drive part that slides the sliding member along a cross direction that crosses the supply direction, the supply mechanism switches between a first state in which the plasticized material is supplied to the outside and a second state in which the plasticized material is not supplied to the outside, the through hole of the sliding member being connected to the inlet in both the first state and the second state, and the distance between the through hole and the supply port in the cross direction becomes shorter in the order of the first state and the second state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a three-dimensional modeling device.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the specific structure of the material supply device.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the supply mechanism.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a side sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the supply mechanism.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the supply mechanism.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a flow chart of material supply processing.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a timing diagram of the material supply process.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of plasticized material and the torque of the motor.

[0016] Fig. 9 It is a flow chart of material replenishment processing.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the plasticizing portion.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a flat head screw.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a schematic top view showing the structure of the barrel.

[0020] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing another form of the sliding member.

[0021] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a molding machine.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals

[0023] 1: 3D modeling device; 2: base; 3: XY workbench; 4: Y workbench; 4a: Y-axis motor; 5: X workbench; 5a: X-axis motor; 6: workbench; 6a: modeling surface; 7: control unit; 7a: operation panel; 7b: display device; 7c: detection unit; 8: lifting workbench; 8a: fixed workbench; 8b: track; 8c: mobile workbench; 8d: Z-axis motor; 9: unit support; 11: modeling unit; 12: material supply device; 13: connecting pipe; 13a: connecting path; 14: plasticizing unit; 14a: material inlet; 15: ejection unit; 16: material storage unit; 16a: supply port; 16b: first window; 16c: second window; 17: supply mechanism; 18: plasticized material; 19: modeling material; 20: 3D modeling object; 21: plasticizing device; 22: nozzle; 23: material Material sensor; 25: air supply unit; 26: air supply fan; 27: air supply nozzle; 28: static eliminator; 29: guide housing; 35: screw housing; 35a: supply path; 35b: through port; 36: motor; 36a: rotating shaft; 36b: motor rotation center; 37: speed reducer; 37a: output shaft; 38: bearing; 39: screw support unit; 41: flat head screw; 41a: groove forming surface; 41b: groove; 41d: screw rotation center ; 42: barrel; 42a: opposite surface; 43: barrel housing; 44: heater; 45: connecting hole; 46: guide groove; 50: molding machine; 51: plasticizing device; 52: injection control mechanism; 53: nozzle; 54: molding mold; 55: mold clamping device; 56: flat screw; 57: barrel; 58: connecting hole; 59: injection cylinder; 61: control unit; 62: groove; 63: piston; 64: piston driving unit; 65: cavity; 66: Moving mold; 67: Fixed mold; 68: Molding mold driving unit; 69: Material supply device; 71: Connecting pipe; 72: Air supply unit; 120: Inlet; 173: Sliding component; 173a: Through hole; 174: Sliding drive unit; 175: Hole; 176: Spring; 177: Adjusting bolt; 191: Motor; 192: Ball screw; 193: Rod; 291: Cover; 292: Bottom; 293: Connecting device; 294: Handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A: First Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the three-dimensional modeling device 1. Figure 1In the figure, arrows along the X, Y, and Z directions orthogonal to each other are shown. The direction of the arrow is the positive direction of each direction, and the opposite direction is the negative direction. When the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are referred to without positive or negative signs, the two directions are included, the positive direction and the negative direction. The X direction and the Y direction are directions along the horizontal direction, and the Z direction is a direction along the vertical direction. The negative Z direction is the direction of gravity and is the supply direction of the plasticized material. The X direction that intersects with the supply direction is also called the cross direction.

[0026] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 includes a base 2. An XY table 3 as a moving unit is provided on the base 2. The XY table 3 is formed by sequentially stacking a Y table 4 and an X table 5 in the positive Z direction. A table 6 is stacked on the XY table 3.

[0027] The Y stage 4 includes a Y-axis motor 4a, a ball screw, a Y-axis scale, etc. The Y stage 4 moves the stage 6 in the Y direction. The X stage 5 includes an X-axis motor 5a, a ball screw, an X-axis scale, etc. The X stage 5 moves the stage 6 in the X direction.

[0028] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 includes a control unit 7. The control unit 7 is configured as a computer including a CPU and a storage unit. The CPU controls each unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in the storage unit. It should be noted that the control unit 7 may also be configured by a circuit.

[0029] The control unit 7 controls the movement of the Y table 4 and the X table 5. The control unit 7 identifies the position of the table 6 in the Y direction based on the information output by the Y axis scale. The control unit 7 identifies the position of the table 6 in the X direction based on the information output by the X axis scale. The control unit 7 moves the Y table 4 and the X table 5 so as to eliminate the difference between the target position to which the table 6 is moved and the current position. The control unit 7 controls the trajectory of the movement of the table 6 by sequentially changing the target position to which the table 6 is moved.

[0030] On the base 2, a lifting table 8 as a moving part is provided on the negative X direction side. The lifting table 8 includes a fixed table 8a, and the fixed table 8a stands on the base 2. A track 8b is provided on the surface of the fixed table 8a on the positive X direction side. A moving table 8c is provided on the positive X direction side of the track 8b. The moving table 8c moves in the Z direction along the track 8b.

[0031] A Z-axis motor 8d is provided on the Z positive direction side of the fixed workbench 8a. The fixed workbench 8a has a ball screw and a Z-axis scale inside. As with the Y workbench 4 and the X workbench 5, the control unit 7 controls the trajectory of the moving workbench 8c. The moving unit includes the XY workbench 3 and the lifting workbench 8.

[0032] A unit support 9 is provided on the X positive direction side of the movable table 8c. A molding unit 11 is provided on the X positive direction side of the unit support 9. The unit support 9 supports the molding unit 11. In the molding unit 11, a material supply device 12, a connecting pipe 13, a plasticizing unit 14, and a spraying unit 15 are provided in sequence toward the Z negative direction.

[0033] The material supply device 12 includes a material storage unit 16 having a cavity therein and a supply mechanism 17. A plasticized material 18 is stored inside the material storage unit 16. The so-called "plasticized material" refers to a material plasticized by the plasticizing unit 14. The plasticized material 18 used in this embodiment is a resin pellet as a thermoplastic material. The resin pellet is a resin block. The size of the resin pellet is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, for example, it is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. The material storage unit 16 is also called a hopper.

[0034] The supply mechanism 17 includes an inlet 120 connected to the outside of the material supply device 12. The supply mechanism 17 adjusts the supply amount of the plasticized material 18 supplied from the inlet 120 to the outside. The connecting pipe 13 is connected to the inlet 120. The connecting pipe 13 includes a connecting path 13a inside. The supply mechanism 17 supplies the plasticized material 18 from the inlet 120 to the connecting path 13a. The material storage section 16 includes a first window 16b and a second window 16c. The first window 16b and the second window 16c are formed of a transparent material such as glass. The first window 16b is arranged on the Z positive direction side of the material storage section 16. The second window 16c is arranged on the Z negative direction side of the material storage section 16. Through the first window 16b and the second window 16c, the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage section 16 is observed.

[0035] The control unit 7 includes an operation panel 7a for allowing a user to operate the three-dimensional modeling device 1, a display device 7b for displaying the operating status of the three-dimensional modeling device 1, and a detection unit 7c. The operation panel 7a includes, for example, a material replenishment button for replenishing the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16. If the material replenishment button is pressed by the user, a material replenishment instruction is sent from the operation panel 7a to the control unit 7, and the material replenishment instruction is used to set the three-dimensional modeling device 1 to a state in which the material can be replenished, that is, a material replenishment mode. The detection unit 7c will be described later.

[0036] The plasticized material 18 moves from the material supply device 12 to the connecting pipe 13 due to its own weight. The connecting pipe 13 is connected to the plasticizing portion 14. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the generation of static electricity, the connecting pipe 13 is formed by a conductive pipe. The plasticizing portion 14 has a material inlet 14a connected to the input port 120. The connecting path 13a connects the input port 120 and the material inlet 14a. The plasticized material 18 is supplied from the connecting pipe 13 to the plasticizing portion 14.

[0037] The plasticizing section 14 plasticizes at least a portion of the plasticized material 18 to generate a modeling material 19. "Plasticization" is a concept that includes melting, and refers to a state that changes from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, in the case of a material that produces a glass transition temperature, plasticization refers to making the temperature of the material above the glass transition temperature. In the case of a material that does not produce a glass transition temperature, plasticization refers to making the temperature of the material above the melting point. In addition to thermoplastic materials, the plasticized material 18 may also include other materials such as metals and ceramics. In the case where the plasticized material 18 contains metal powder, ceramic powder, etc., in the plasticizing section 14, the plasticized material 18 is not completely plasticized, so in the plasticizing section 14, a portion of the plasticized material 18 is plasticized. The plasticizing device 21 is composed of a material supply device 12, a connecting pipe 13, a plasticizing section 14, and a control section 7.

[0038] The plasticizing section 14 is connected to the ejection section 15. The ejection section 15 includes a nozzle 22. The workbench 6 has a molding surface 6a. The surface of the workbench 6 on the nozzle 22 side is the molding surface 6a. The nozzle 22 ejects the molding material 19 supplied from the plasticizing device 21 to the molding surface 6a of the workbench 6. The molding surface 6a of the workbench 6 receives the molding material 19 ejected from the nozzle 22.

[0039] The control unit 7 drives the XY table 3 to move the table 6 in the X direction and the Y direction while the nozzle 22 ejects the molding material 19. Thus, the three-dimensional molding device 1 forms a layer of a predetermined pattern on the table 6. Next, the control unit 7 drives the lifting table 8 to move the molding unit 11 a predetermined distance in the positive Z direction. The control unit 7 forms a three-dimensional molding object 20 by overlapping the second layer on the first layer, and then overlapping the third layer and subsequent layers in sequence.

[0040] The plasticizing section 14 is arranged below the material supply device 12 in the direction of gravity. The lifting table 8 moves the plasticizing section 14 and the material supply device 12 relative to the table 6. The lifting table 8 moves the material supply device 12 in conjunction with the movement of the plasticizing section 14. According to this structure, since the plasticizing section 14 and the material supply device 12 move in conjunction, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the connecting pipe 13 when the plasticizing section 14 and the material supply device 12 move. Therefore, the connecting pipe 13 can be shortened compared to when the connecting pipe 13 is deformed.

[0041] The XY table 3 moves the table 6 in a direction along the molding surface 6a. The lifting table 8 moves the plasticizing unit 14 and the material supply device 12 in a direction perpendicular to the molding surface 6a. According to this structure, the plasticizing unit 14 and the material supply device 12 move in the gravity direction and the direction opposite to the gravity direction. The inertia of the plasticizing unit 14 and the material supply device 12 is large, so the operation speed of the three-dimensional molding device 1 can be increased compared with when the plasticizing unit 14 and the material supply device 12 are moved along a plane orthogonal to the gravity acceleration direction.

[0042] A material sensor 23 is provided on the plasticizing portion 14 side of the connection path 13a. The material sensor 23 detects whether the plasticized material 18 is present in the connection path 13a. The method by which the material sensor 23 detects the plasticized material 18 is not particularly limited, and for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion can be used. In the present embodiment, when the material sensor 23 detects the plasticized material 18, an on signal is output to the control portion 7, and when the plasticized material 18 cannot be detected, an off signal is output to the control portion 7.

[0043] The plasticizing device 21 includes an air supply unit 25 between the material supply device 12 and the plasticizing unit 14. The air supply unit 25 is provided on the unit support unit 9. The air supply unit 25 is raised and lowered in conjunction with the plasticizing unit 14 and the connecting pipe 13. The air supply unit 25 includes an air supply fan 26 and an air supply nozzle 27. The air supply fan 26 makes the air flow and supplies air to the air supply nozzle 27. The air supply nozzle 27 is provided toward the material sensor 23. The air supply unit 25 supplies air from the air supply nozzle 27 toward the material sensor 23. According to this structure, the powdered plasticized material 18 and dust attached to the material sensor 23 can be blown away. Moreover, the sensitivity of the material sensor 23 can be suppressed from decreasing. The air supply can be performed continuously or at predetermined intervals.

[0044] The air supply fan 26 is provided with an eliminator 28 inside. The eliminator 28 generates gas having positive or negative charges. The charge of the gas can be set to be positive or negative. The eliminator 28 can also generate positive and negative charges alternately. The air supply unit 25 blows the gas having charges. According to this structure, when the powdered plastic material 18 and dust are attached to the material sensor 23 due to static electricity, the powdered plastic material 18 and dust can be eliminatd and easily removed.

[0045] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the specific structure of the material supply device 12. The material supply device 12 includes a supply mechanism 17. The supply mechanism 17 includes a guide housing 29. The interior of the guide housing 29 is hollow. As described later, a sliding component is arranged inside the guide housing 29. The guide housing 29 includes a cover 291 and a bottom 292. The material storage portion 16 is fixed to the cover 291 by bolts. The guide housing 29 is connected to the unit support portion 9 by a connecting device 293. The cover 291 is provided with a handle 294. The user releases the connection between the guide housing 29 and the unit support portion 9 by the connecting device 293, and lifts the cover 291 by holding the handle 294, so that the material storage portion 16 and the supply mechanism 17 can be removed from the unit support portion 9.

[0046] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the supply mechanism 17 . Figure 4 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the supply mechanism 17. Figure 3 As shown, the supply mechanism 17 includes a sliding member 173 and a sliding drive unit 174 that slides the sliding member 173. The sliding member 173 functions as a material cutting plate that supplies a predetermined amount of plasticized material 18 to the plasticizing unit 14 through the connecting path 13a in the connecting pipe 13. The sliding member 173 slides and moves back and forth in the X direction inside the guide housing 29. The sliding member 173 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length direction along the X direction. The sliding member 173 has a through hole 173a that penetrates the sliding member 173 along the Z direction. The through hole 173a is a hole surrounded by walls on all sides. The wall surface of the through hole 173a in the negative X direction is inclined downward. When the through hole 173a is viewed from above, the wall surface in the negative X direction is U-shaped. The height of the through hole 173a, that is, the height of the sliding member 173, is, for example, the height of 3 to 4 particles.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the material storage portion 16 has a supply port 16a on its bottom surface. The supply port 16a is connected to the interior of the guide housing 29. The guide housing 29 has an inlet 120 on the surface on the connecting pipe 13 side, that is, the lower surface. The supply port 16a is set at a position that does not overlap with the inlet 120 in the supply direction of the plasticized material 18, that is, the negative Z direction. In this embodiment, the inlet 120 is located at a position closer to the positive X direction side than the supply port 16a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the plasticized material 18 from falling directly from the supply port 16a to the inlet 120. The sliding member 173 is provided between the supply port 16a and the inlet 120 in the Z direction.

[0048] In the X direction, the angle D formed by the virtual line VL connecting the end of the inlet 120 closest to the supply port 16a and the end of the supply port 16a closest to the inlet 120 at the shortest distance and the horizontal plane is set to an angle below the minimum repose angle among the repose angles of the plasticized material 18 that can be processed in the three-dimensional modeling device 1. The repose angle refers to the angle formed by the slope of the peak of the material formed when the material falls from a fixed height without spontaneously collapsing and remains stable, and the horizontal plane. This angle is, for example, not less than 20 degrees and not more than 35 degrees. By setting the angle D below the repose angle of the plasticized material 18, when the sliding member 173 is stationary, it is possible to suppress the plasticized material 18 from flowing from the supply port 16a into the inlet 120.

[0049] A slide drive unit 174 that slides the slide member 173 along the X direction is provided on the Z negative direction side of the guide housing 29. The slide drive unit 174 is fixed to the unit support unit 9. The slide drive unit 174 is composed of an electric actuator having a motor 191 and a ball screw 192. The slide drive unit 174 is controlled by the control unit 7. The motor 191 rotates the ball screw 192, and moves the slide member 173 via the rod 193 that reciprocates along the X direction through the ball screw 192. The rod 193 is inserted from below into a hole 175 formed on the lower surface of the slide member 173. When the material storage unit 16 and the material supply device 12 are removed from the unit support unit 9, the rod 193 is pulled out from the hole 175.

[0050] The slide member 173 is connected to the wall portion on the negative X direction side of the guide housing 29 via a spring 176. When the material storage portion 16 and the material supply device 12 are removed from the unit support portion 9, the slide member 173 is held at the position on the negative X direction side by the tension of the spring 176. The spring 176 is connected to an adjustment bolt 177 that can adjust the tension of the spring 176 from the outside of the guide housing 29.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 7 includes a detection unit 7c. The detection unit 7c detects the torque of the motor 191 by measuring the current value of the current flowing in the motor 191 of the slide drive unit 174. The detection unit 7c has a function of detecting the bite of the plasticized material 18 between the sliding member 173 and the guide housing 29 based on the detected torque of the motor 191. In addition, the detection unit 7c has a function of detecting the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 based on the detected torque of the motor 191. The details of these functions will be described later.

[0052] Figure 517 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the supply mechanism 17. In the present embodiment, the supply mechanism 17 switches between a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state is a state in which the plasticized material 18 passes through the input port 120 and is supplied to the outside of the supply mechanism 17. The second state is a state in which the plasticized material 18 is not supplied to the outside of the supply mechanism 17. The third state is a state in which the through hole 173a is connected to the supply port 16a and the through hole 173a is not connected to the input port 120.

[0053] In this embodiment, the distance between the through hole 173a and the supply port 16a in the X direction becomes shorter in the order of the first state, the second state, and the third state. Figure 5 In the figure, the distance between the center of the through hole 173a and the center of the supply port 16a in the first state is shown as distance D1, the distance between the center of the through hole 173a and the center of the supply port 16a in the second state is shown as distance D2, and the distance between the center of the through hole 173a and the center of the supply port 16a in the third state is shown as distance D3. Distance D1, distance D2, and distance D3 are successively shorter. It should be noted that the measurement positions of distance D1, distance D2, and distance D3 are not limited to the center of the through hole 173a and the center of the supply port 16a, and can be any position as long as the distance between the through hole 173a and the supply port 16a can be measured. For example, distance D1, distance D2, and distance D3 can also be the distances obtained by measuring the distance between the position of the through hole 173a in the X direction closest to the negative X direction and the position of the supply port 16a closest to the negative X direction.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 is connected to the input port 120 in two states: a first state in which the plasticized material 18 is supplied to the outside and a second state in which the plasticized material 18 is not supplied to the outside. The through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 is a hole surrounded by walls on all sides, so the area of ​​the region OA1 where the through hole 173a and the input port 120 overlap in the first state is larger than the area of ​​the region OA2 where the through hole 173a and the input port 120 overlap in the second state. Therefore, in the first state, the plasticized material 18 is easily discharged to the outside. The control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 to alternately switch the state of the supply mechanism 17 between the first state and the second state. By switching the state, when the sliding member 173 reciprocates once, a predetermined amount of the plasticized material 18 is input from the input port 120 to the connection path 13a. The control unit 7 adjusts the amount of the plasticized material 18 input to the connection path 13a by controlling the number of times the sliding member 173 reciprocates and the amount of reciprocating movement of the sliding member 173.

[0055] In the third state, although the through hole 173a is connected to the supply port 16a, the through hole 173a is not connected to the input port 120. The through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 is a hole surrounded by walls on all sides. Therefore, in the third state, the through hole 173a is blocked, and the plasticized material 18 does not flow out of the through hole 173a. Therefore, when the material supply device 12 is removed from the unit support part 9, the control part 7 moves the sliding member 173 in the negative X direction to set the state of the supply mechanism 17 to the third state.

[0056] The slide drive unit 174 controls the movement of the slide member 173 by taking the position of the slide member 173 in the third state as the origin position. The state in which the slide member 173 is moved 100% from the origin position to the positive direction of X is the first state. The state in which the slide member 173 is moved 50% from the origin position to the positive direction of X is the second state. The position of the slide member 173 in the first state is referred to as the "supply position". The position of the slide member 173 in the second state is referred to as the "intermediate stop position". When the slide member 173 is located at the intermediate stop position, for example, the distance along the X direction of the region OA2 where the through hole 173a and the input port 120 overlap is a distance of more than the amount of three particles.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a material supply process executed by the control unit 7 . Figure 7 2 is a timing diagram of the material supply process. The material supply process is repeatedly executed during the process of forming the three-dimensional object 20 in the three-dimensional forming device 1. Figure 7 As shown, at the start of the material feeding process, the position of the slide member 173 becomes Figure 5 The position of the third state is shown.

[0058] In step S10, the control unit 7 determines whether the plasticized material 18 is detected in the connection path 13a based on the output signal from the material sensor 23. In the case where the material sensor 23 outputs a conduction signal, the control unit 7 determines that the plasticized material 18 is detected in the connection path 13a. In the case where it is determined that the plasticized material 18 is detected, the control unit 7 ends the material supply process. In the case where it is not determined that the plasticized material 18 is detected, in step S20, if Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 7 drives the slide drive unit 174 so that the state of the supply mechanism 17 changes in the order of the first state and the second state, thereby supplying the plasticized material 18 to the connection path 13a.

[0059] In the above step S20, if Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 7 sets the supply mechanism 17 in the first state for a longer time than in the second state. As a result, the state where the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 overlaps with the input port 120 with a larger area lasts longer, thereby increasing the possibility that the plasticized material 18 about to fall from the input port 120 will fall reliably. The supply mechanism 17 is set to the first state for, for example, 1 to 3 seconds. Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 so that the speed at which the slide member 173 is moved in order to change the state of the supply mechanism 17 from the first state to the second state is greater than the speed at which the slide member 173 is moved in order to change the state of the supply mechanism 17 from the second state to the first state. As a result, the slide member 173 can be quickly moved from the supply position to the intermediate stop position, so by extending the time of the first state, the possibility of the plasticized material 18 falling can be increased, and the supply cycle of the plasticized material 18 can be accelerated.

[0060] In step S30, the detection unit 7c of the control unit 7 detects the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 based on the torque of the motor 191 detected by the detection unit 7c, and determines whether the remaining amount is insufficient.

[0061] Figure 8 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 and the torque of the motor 191. The control unit 7 controls the sliding member 173 to move to the specified position at a specified speed. When the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 is large, a large weight is applied to the sliding member 173 from above. Therefore, in order to move the sliding member 173 to the specified position at a specified speed, the control unit 7 causes a large current to flow through the motor 191. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the more the amount of plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 is, the greater the torque of the motor 191 for moving the sliding member 173 is. In the above step S30, when the torque of the motor 191 becomes less than the predetermined remaining amount threshold value Th, the detection unit 7c determines that the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 is insufficient. It should be noted that the processing of step S30 can also be performed only after the modeling of the three-dimensional modeled object 20 has just begun.

[0062] In step S30, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 is insufficient, the control unit 7 displays a warning indicating insufficient remaining amount on the display device 7b in step S40, so that the material supply process ends. Alternatively, the control unit 7 executes step S40 and stops the molding process for molding the three-dimensional molded object 20. It should be noted that the control unit 7 may also notify the insufficient remaining amount through sound.

[0063] In step S30, when it is not determined that the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 is insufficient, the detection unit 7c determines in step S50 whether the plasticized material 18 is detected to be bitten during the driving of the sliding member 173. The detection unit 7c determines that the plasticized material 18 is bitten between the sliding member 173 and the guide housing 29 when the torque of the motor 191 detected by the detection unit 7c becomes greater than a predetermined biting threshold. The biting threshold is a value greater than the remaining amount threshold Th used in step S30.

[0064] In step S50, when it is determined that the bite of the plasticized material 18 is detected, the control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 in step S60 to move the slide member 173 in the opposite direction. At this time, the control unit 7 drives the motor 191 with a torque greater than the torque when the slide member 173 is moved in step S20 to move the slide member 173 in the opposite direction. This can increase the possibility of eliminating the bite of the plasticized material 18. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the movement of the sliding member 173 after the bite is detected is shown by the dot-dash line. Figure 7 The condition in which biting is detected when the sliding member 173 is returned from the supply position to the intermediate stop position is shown. Biting is not limited to such a condition, and may also occur when the sliding member 173 is advanced from the intermediate stop position to the supply position. It should be noted that the torque of the motor 191 when the sliding member 173 is moved in step S20 is set to a torque of a degree that the movement of the sliding member 173 is immediately stopped when biting occurs. If the sliding member 173 is moved by such a torque in step S20, the possibility of eliminating the biting by moving the sliding member 173 in the opposite direction in step S60 can be increased.

[0065] In step S50, if it is determined that the biting of the plasticized material 18 is not detected, the control unit 7 skips the process of step S60. When the modeling of the three-dimensional object 20 is continued, the control unit 7 repeatedly executes the series of material supply processes described above.

[0066] Fig. 9 2 is a flowchart of the material replenishment process executed by the control unit 7. Regardless of whether the above-mentioned material supply process is executed or not, the material replenishment process is repeatedly executed when the power of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0067] In step S100, the control unit 7 determines whether a material replenishment instruction is received from the operation panel 7a when the state of the supply mechanism 17 is the first state or the second state. That is, the control unit 7 determines whether the operation button for replenishing materials is operated by the user. When receiving the material replenishment instruction, in step S110, the control unit 7 moves the sliding member 173 to the origin position, sets the supply mechanism 17 from the first state or the second state to the third state, and sets the state of the three-dimensional modeling device 1 to the material replenishment mode. As a result, the connection between the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 and the input port 120 is released, thereby preventing the plasticized material 18 from falling from the material supply device 12. Figure 7 2 shows a situation in which the supply mechanism 17 is set to the third state when a material replenishment instruction is received when the supply mechanism 17 is in the second state.

[0068] In step S120, the control unit 7 controls the lifting table 8 as a moving unit to lower the positions of the ejection unit 15 and the material supply device 12. The positions are lower than the positions of the ejection unit 15 and the material supply device 12 when the three-dimensional object 20 is formed.

[0069] In the above step 100 , when it is determined that the material replenishment instruction has not been received, the control unit 7 skips the processing of the above steps S110 and S120 .

[0070] By executing the material replenishment process described above, the user can easily remove the material storage unit 16 and replenish the plasticized material 18 to the material storage unit 16 when replenishing the plasticized material 18. It should be noted that when the user completes the replenishment of the plasticized material 18 to the material storage unit 16 and installs the material storage unit 16 to the supply mechanism 17, the user operates a predetermined operation button. Then, the control unit 7 restores the position of the material supply device 12 to the original position and re-executes the above-mentioned material supply process.

[0071] Fig.10 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing the structure of the plasticizing section 14. The plasticizing section 14 includes a screw housing 35. The interior of the screw housing 35 is hollow. A motor 36 is provided on the Z positive direction side of the screw housing 35. The rotation angle, rotation speed, timing of starting rotation, and timing of stopping rotation of the motor 36 are controlled by the control section 7.

[0072] A reduction gear 37 is connected to the rotating shaft 36a of the motor 36. When the rotating shaft 36a rotates at a high speed, the outer peripheral side of the reduction gear 37 rotates at a reduced speed. The outer peripheral side of the reduction gear 37 rotating at a low speed becomes an output shaft 37a. A bearing 38 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the reduction gear 37. The bearing 38 is arranged between the screw housing 35 and the reduction gear 37. The bearing 38 supports the reduction gear 37 so that it can rotate.

[0073] The output shaft 37a of the speed reducer 37 is provided with a screw support portion 39. The screw support portion 39 is provided with a flat head screw 41. The flat head screw 41 rotates synchronously with the output shaft 37a. The flat head screw 41 is rotated by the motor 36. The screw rotation center 41d, which is the rotation center of the flat head screw 41, is coaxial with the motor rotation center 36b, which is the rotation center of the motor 36.

[0074] Fig.11 It is a simplified three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the flat-head screw 41. The flat-head screw 41 has a groove-forming surface 41a on which a spiral groove 41b is formed. The flat-head screw 41 has a generally cylindrical shape in which the size in the direction of the rotation axis 36a is smaller than the size in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis 36a. In the example shown in the figure, one spiral groove 41b is provided. The number of grooves 41b is not particularly limited. Although not shown in the figure, more than two grooves 41b may be provided. The shape of the groove 41b is not limited to a spiral shape, and may also be a spiral shape or an involute curve shape. In addition, the groove 41b may also be a shape extending in an arc from the central portion toward the periphery.

[0075] like Fig.10 As shown, the screw housing 35 accommodates the speed reducer 37, the screw support portion 39 and the flat head screw 41. The screw housing 35 has a supply path 35a connected to the connecting pipe 13. The supply path 35a is continuous from the connecting pipe 13 to the flat head screw 41. The opening of the supply path 35a on the flat head screw 41 side is a through-port 35b. The screw housing 35 has a through-port 35b for the plasticized material 18 to pass toward the flat head screw 41.

[0076] The barrel 42 is provided on the negative Z direction side of the flat screw 41. The barrel housing 43 for accommodating the barrel 42 is provided on the negative Z direction side of the screw housing 35. The flat screw 41 rotates relative to the barrel 42.

[0077] The barrel 42 has an opposing surface 42a that is opposed to the groove forming surface 41a of the flat head screw 41. A heater 44 is provided inside the barrel 42 at a position opposed to the groove 41b. The heater 44 heats the plasticized material 18 supplied between the groove forming surface 41a and the opposing surface 42a. The heated plasticized material 18 is plasticized to become a molding material 19. The barrel 42 is provided with a connecting hole 45 into which the molding material 19 obtained by plasticizing the plasticized material 18 flows.

[0078] Fig.124 is a simplified top view showing the structure of the barrel 42. A plurality of guide grooves 46 are formed around the communicating hole 45 of the opposite surface 42a of the barrel 42. One end of each guide groove 46 is connected to the communicating hole 45, and extends from the communicating hole 45 toward the outer periphery of the opposite surface 42a in a spiral shape. Each guide groove 46 guides the molding material 19 to the communicating hole 45. It should be noted that one end of the guide groove 46 may not be connected to the communicating hole 45. In addition, the guide groove 46 may not be formed on the opposite surface 42a.

[0079] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the depth of the groove 41b in the flat screw 41 is shallower near the screw rotation center 41d than on the outer peripheral side. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove 41b is smaller near the screw rotation center 41d than on the outer peripheral side. The pressure of the molding material 19 in the groove 41b becomes higher on the screw rotation center 41d side, and is pushed out to the communication hole 45. The flat screw 41 functions as a pump to move the molding material 19.

[0080] In this embodiment, since the plasticizing section 14 is composed of the flat screw 41 and the barrel 42, the plasticizing section 14 can be miniaturized compared to a structure in which the plasticizing section 14 is composed of an inline screw. It should be noted that the plasticizing section 14 may also be composed of an inline screw.

[0081] According to the first embodiment described above, Figure 5 In the first state and the second state shown, the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 provided in the material supply device 12 is connected to the input port 120 for supplying the plasticized material 18 to the outside. That is, in the first state in which the plasticized material 18 is supplied to the outside and the second state in which the plasticized material 18 is not supplied to the outside, the through hole 173a is connected to the input port 120. Therefore, when the plasticized material 18 is supplied to the outside, it is possible to prevent the plasticized material 18 from biting into the sliding member 173, and it is possible to prevent a defect from occurring during the material supply.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 is a hole surrounded by a wall surface. Figure 5 As shown, in the first state, the area where the through hole 173a overlaps with the input port 120 is larger than the area where the through hole 173a overlaps with the input port 120 in the second state. Therefore, in the first state, the plasticized material 18 is easily discharged to the outside.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4As shown, the angle D formed by the virtual line VL connecting the edge of the supply port 16a and the edge of the input port 120 at the shortest distance and the horizontal plane is set to be less than the repose angle of the plasticized material 18. Therefore, in the second state where the plasticized material 18 is not supplied to the outside, it is possible to suppress the plasticized material 18 from being accidentally discharged from the input port 120.

[0084] In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 is detected based on the torque of the motor 191 detected by the detection unit 7c. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, after a predetermined time has passed in the first state, the control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 to switch the supply mechanism 17 from the first state to the second state. Therefore, in the first state of supplying the plasticized material 18, the possibility of the plasticized material 18 falling reliably from the input port 120 can be increased.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 so that the speed at which the slide member 173 is moved from the first state to the second state is greater than the speed at which the slide member 173 is moved from the second state to the first state. Therefore, even when the time for maintaining the first state is extended, the supply cycle of the plasticized material 18 can be accelerated.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 7 changes the supply mechanism 17 from the first state to the second state, the control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 to drive the motor 191 with the first torque, thereby moving the slide member 173 with the first force. And, when the detection unit 7c detects that the slide member 173 is bitten during the period when the slide member 173 is moved with the first force, the supply mechanism 17 is changed from the second state to the first state. When the supply mechanism 17 is changed from the second state to the first state, the slide drive unit 174 is controlled to drive the motor 191 with the second torque greater than the first torque, thereby moving the slide member 173 with the second force greater than the first force. Therefore, even if the plasticized material 18 is bitten into the slide member 173, the possibility of eliminating the biting can be increased.

[0088] In addition, in the present embodiment, the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 is a hole surrounded by a wall surface, and in the third state of the supply mechanism 17, the through hole 173a is connected to the supply port 16a, and the through hole 173a is not connected to the input port 120. Therefore, in the third state, the plasticized material 18 can be suppressed from flowing out of the through hole 173a to the input port 120.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, when the control unit 7 receives the material replenishment instruction, it switches the supply mechanism 17 from the first state and the second state to the third state to lower the position of the material storage unit 16. Therefore, the user can easily replenish the plasticized material 18 to the material storage unit 16.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the wall surface of the through hole 173a in the negative X direction is inclined downward. Therefore, when the slide member 173 is moved in the positive X direction, the plasticized material 18 is prevented from being sandwiched between the through hole 173a and the input port 120 in a bridge shape and the slide member 173 is prevented from moving.

[0091] Fig.13 173a is a perspective view showing another form of the sliding member 173. In the first embodiment, the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 is formed as a hole surrounded by walls. Fig.13 As shown in the figure, the X positive direction side is open. Thus, when the sliding member 173 is moved in the X negative direction, it is possible to suppress the plasticized material 18 from being bitten by the wall surface on the X positive direction side. It should be noted that, when the X positive direction side of the sliding member 173 is open, it is also possible that, in the third state, a cover for blocking the open portion on the X positive direction side of the through hole 173a is installed on the guide housing 29.

[0092] B: Second Implementation

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 includes the material supply device 12. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the molding machine 50 includes the material supply device 69. The molding machine 50 of the second embodiment is an injection molding machine.

[0094] Fig.14 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a molding machine 50. The molding machine 50 includes a plasticizing device 51, an injection control mechanism 52, a nozzle 53, a molding die 54, and a mold clamping device 55. The structure of the plasticizing device 51 is the same as that of the plasticizing device 21 of the first embodiment.

[0095] The plasticizing device 51 has a flat screw 56 and a barrel 57. An injection cylinder 59 is connected to a communication hole 58 of the barrel 57. Under the control of the control unit 61, the plasticizing device 51 plasticizes the plasticized material 18 supplied to the groove 62 of the flat screw 56 to generate a fluid pasty molding material 19 and guide it from the communication hole 58 to the injection control mechanism 52.

[0096] The plasticizing device 51 includes a material supply device 69, a connecting pipe 71, and an air blowing unit 72. The material supply device 69, the connecting pipe 71, and the air blowing unit 72 correspond to the material supply device 12, the connecting pipe 13, and the air blowing unit 25 of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0097] The injection control mechanism 52 includes an injection cylinder 59, a piston 63, and a piston driving unit 64. The injection control mechanism 52 injects the molding material 19 in the injection cylinder 59 into the cavity 65. The injection control mechanism 52 controls the injection amount of the molding material 19 injected from the nozzle 53 under the control of the control unit 61. The injection cylinder 59 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 58 of the barrel 57, and includes a piston 63 inside. The piston 63 slides inside the injection cylinder 59 and presses the molding material 19 in the injection cylinder 59 to the nozzle 53 connected to the plasticizing device 51. The piston 63 is driven by the piston driving unit 64 composed of a motor.

[0098] The molding die 54 includes a movable die 66 and a fixed die 67. The movable die 66 and the fixed die 67 are disposed opposite to each other, and a cavity 65, which is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product, is formed between the movable die 66 and the fixed die 67. The molding material 19 pressure-fed by the injection control mechanism 52 is injected into the cavity 65 through the nozzle 53.

[0099] The mold clamping device 55 includes a mold driving unit 68. The mold driving unit 68 opens and closes the movable mold 66 and the fixed mold 67. The mold clamping device 55 drives the mold driving unit 68 under the control of the control unit 61 to move the movable mold 66 and open and close the movable mold 66 and the fixed mold 67.

[0100] The molding machine 50 includes a nozzle 53 that injects the molding material 19 supplied from the plasticizing device 51 toward a molding die 54 .

[0101] The molding machine 50 of the second embodiment described above includes the material supply device 69 similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a defect in the material supply from the material supply device 69 to the plasticizing device 51.

[0102] C: Other implementations

[0103] (C1) In the above embodiment, the moving speed and moving amount of the sliding member 173 and the torque of the motor 191 may also be changed according to the type of the plasticized material 18. For example, the control unit 7 changes these parameters to values ​​determined in advance by simulation, experiment, etc. according to the type of the plasticized material 18 specified by the user. In this way, the supply mechanism 17 can be driven according to the type of the plasticized material 18.

[0104] (C2) In the first embodiment described above, the XY table 3 moves the table 6 in the X direction and the Y direction, and the lifting table 8 moves the ejection unit 15 in the Z direction. In addition, there may be a lifting table that moves the table 6 in the Z direction and an XY table that moves the ejection unit 15 in the X direction and the Y direction. In addition, the table 6 may not move, but an XYZ table that moves the ejection unit 15 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be provided. In addition, the ejection unit 15 may not move, but an XYZ table that moves the table 6 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be provided. In any form, a three-dimensional shaped object 20 can be formed on the table 6.

[0105] (C3) In the above embodiment, the side surface of the through hole 173a of the sliding member 173 on the negative X direction side is curved in a semicircular arc shape when viewed from the negative Z direction. On the other hand, the side surface of the sliding member 173 on the negative X direction side may be a straight line intersecting the X direction when viewed from the negative Z direction.

[0106] (C4) In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 and the molding machine 50 include the air supply unit 25 and the air supply unit 72 . On the other hand, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 and the molding machine 50 may not include the air supply unit 25 and the air supply unit 72 .

[0107] (C5) In the above embodiment, the supply mechanism 17 switches between the first state, the second state, and the third state. However, in a configuration where the material storage unit 16 and the material supply device 12 are not removed from the unit support unit 9 , the supply mechanism 17 may not switch to the third state.

[0108] (C6) In the above embodiment, the angle D formed by the virtual line VL connecting the edge of the supply port 16a and the edge of the input port 120 at the shortest distance and the horizontal plane is set to be less than the repose angle of the plasticized material 18. On the other hand, the angle D may be set to an angle exceeding the repose angle.

[0109] (C7) In the above embodiment, the control unit 7 detects the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16 based on the torque of the motor 191 of the slide drive unit 174. On the other hand, a remaining amount detection sensor may be provided in the material storage unit 16, and the control unit 7 may detect the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 using the sensor.

[0110] (C8) In the above embodiment, executing Figure 6 In the material supply process, either or both of the processes of step S30 and step S40 for detecting the remaining amount and displaying a warning and the processes of step S50 and step S60 for detecting and releasing the biting may be omitted.

[0111] (C9) In the above embodiment, when the supply mechanism 17 is in the first state, the control unit 7 switches the supply mechanism 17 from the first state to the second state after a predetermined time has passed. Alternatively, the control unit 7 may switch the supply mechanism 17 from the first state to the second state without waiting for the time to pass.

[0112] (C10) In the above embodiment, the control unit 7 controls the slide drive unit 174 so that the speed at which the slide member 173 moves from the first state to the second state is greater than the speed at which the slide member 173 moves from the second state to the first state. In contrast, the control unit 7 may control the slide drive unit 174 so that the speed at which the slide member 173 moves from the first state to the second state is less than the speed at which the slide member 173 moves from the second state to the first state, or so that these speeds are equal.

[0113] (C11) In the above embodiment, the control unit 7 executes Fig. 9 In contrast, the control unit 7 may omit the execution of the material replenishment process.

[0114] (C12) In the above embodiment, the sliding member 173 may be replaceable according to the type of the plasticized material 18. For example, when the plasticized material 18 with low friction resistance is used, the sliding member 173 with a large inclination angle of the wall surface on the negative X direction side may be used. Thus, when the friction coefficient of the plasticized material 18 is low, the torque of the motor 191 for moving the sliding member 173 can be increased, thereby making it easier to detect the remaining amount of the plasticized material 18 in the material storage unit 16.

[0115] D: Other methods

[0116] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented by various structures within the scope of its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned technical problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, if the technical features are not described as necessary features in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0117] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a material supply device, which has an inlet and supplies stored plasticized material from the inlet to the outside. The material supply device includes: a material storage unit for storing the plasticized material and having a supply port, the supply port being arranged at a position that does not overlap with the inlet in the supply direction of the plasticized material; and a supply mechanism for adjusting the supply amount of the plasticized material from the inlet to the outside, the supply mechanism including: a sliding member arranged between the supply port and the inlet and having a through hole for the plasticized material to pass through; and a sliding drive unit for sliding the sliding member along a cross direction intersecting the supply direction, the supply mechanism switching between a first state in which the plasticized material is supplied to the outside and a second state in which the plasticized material is not supplied to the outside, the through hole of the sliding member being connected to the inlet in both the first state and the second state, and the distance between the through hole and the supply port in the cross direction becomes shorter in the order of the first state and the second state.

[0118] According to this mode, in both the first state of supplying plasticized material to the outside and the second state of not supplying plasticized material to the outside, the through hole of the sliding member is connected to the inlet for supplying plasticized material to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plasticized material from biting into the sliding member, and to prevent the occurrence of poor material supply.

[0119] (2) In the above aspect, the through hole of the sliding member may be a hole surrounded by a wall surface, and an overlapping area of ​​the through hole and the inlet in the first state may be larger than an overlapping area of ​​the through hole and the inlet in the second state. According to such an aspect, in the first state, the plasticized material is easily discharged to the outside.

[0120] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the angle formed by a virtual line connecting the edge of the supply port and the edge of the input port at the shortest distance and a horizontal plane may be less than the repose angle of the plasticized material. According to such an embodiment, the discharge of the plasticized material from the input port can be suppressed in the second state where the plasticized material is not supplied to the outside.

[0121] (4) In the above aspect, the slide drive unit may include a motor for driving the slide member, and a detection unit for detecting the torque of the motor and detecting the remaining amount of the plasticized material in the material storage unit based on the torque. According to such an aspect, the remaining amount of the plasticized material can be detected based on the torque of the motor, so there is no need to separately provide a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the plasticized material.

[0122] (5) In the above aspect, a control unit may be provided, and the control unit controls the slide drive unit to switch the supply mechanism from the first state to the second state after a predetermined time has passed in the first state. According to such an aspect, in the first state, the possibility of the plasticized material falling from the input port can be increased.

[0123] (6) In the above aspect, a control unit may be provided, and the control unit controls the slide drive unit so that the speed at which the slide member is moved in order to change from the first state to the second state is greater than the speed at which the slide member is moved in order to change from the second state to the first state. According to such an aspect, even when the time for maintaining the first state is prolonged, the supply cycle of the plasticized material can be accelerated.

[0124] (7) In the above aspect, the device may include: a detection unit for detecting that the sliding member has bitten into the sliding member; and a control unit for controlling the sliding drive unit, wherein the control unit controls the sliding drive unit to move the sliding member with a first force when the supply mechanism is shifted from the first state to the second state, and when the detection unit detects that the sliding member has bitten into the sliding member while the sliding member is being moved with the first force, the sliding member is moved with a second force greater than the first force to shift the supply mechanism from the second state to the first state. According to such an aspect, even when the plasticized material has bitten into the sliding member, the possibility of eliminating the biting can be increased.

[0125] (8) In the above-mentioned aspect, the through hole of the sliding member may be a hole surrounded by a wall surface, the supply mechanism may be switched to the first state, the second state, and the third state, the distance between the through hole and the supply port in the intersecting direction may be shortened in the order of the first state, the second state, and the third state, and the third state may be a state in which the through hole is connected to the supply port and the through hole is not connected to the input port. According to such an aspect, in the third state, the plasticized material may be suppressed from flowing out from the through hole to the input port.

[0126] (9) In the above aspect, the device may include: a moving unit that moves the position of the material storage unit in the vertical direction; and a control unit that, when receiving a material replenishment instruction when the state of the supply mechanism is the first state or the second state, switches the supply mechanism from the first state or the second state to the third state, and controls the moving unit to lower the position of the material storage unit. According to such an aspect, the user can easily replenish the plasticized material in the material storage unit.

[0127] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned material supply device, and can be implemented in various ways such as a plasticizing device, a three-dimensional modeling device, a molding machine, a material supply method, etc.

Claims

1. A material supply device, characterized in that: The material supply device has an inlet, and supplies the stored plasticized material to the outside from the inlet, and the material supply device comprises: A material storage portion, used for storing the plasticized material, and having a supply port, wherein the supply port is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the input port in the supply direction of the plasticized material; as well as a supply mechanism for adjusting the supply amount of the plasticized material from the input port to the outside, The supply mechanism comprises: a sliding member, which is arranged between the supply port and the input port and is provided with a through hole for the plasticized material to pass through; and a slide drive unit that causes the slide member to slide along a direction intersecting the supply direction, The supply mechanism switches between a first state in which the plasticized material is supplied to the outside and a second state in which the plasticized material is not supplied to the outside. The through hole of the sliding member is communicated with the input port in both the first state and the second state. The distance between the through hole and the supply port in the intersecting direction becomes shorter in the order of the first state and the second state.

2. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through hole of the sliding member is a hole surrounded by a wall surface, In the first state, an overlapping area of ​​the through hole and the input port is larger than an overlapping area of ​​the through hole and the input port in the second state.

3. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle formed by a virtual line connecting the edge of the supply port and the edge of the input port at the shortest distance and a horizontal plane is less than the repose angle of the plasticized material.

4. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide drive unit has a motor for driving the slide member. The material supply device includes a detection unit that detects a torque of the motor and detects a remaining amount of the plasticized material in the material storage unit based on the torque.

5. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material supply device includes a control unit configured to control the slide drive unit to switch the supply mechanism from the first state to the second state after a predetermined time has elapsed in the first state.

6. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material supply device includes a control unit that controls the slide drive unit so that a speed at which the slide member is moved in order to change from the first state to the second state is greater than a speed at which the slide member is moved in order to change from the second state to the first state.

7. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: a detection unit configured to detect that the sliding member has bitten into the sliding member; and a control unit, controlling the sliding drive unit, When the control unit causes the supply mechanism to shift from the first state to the second state, the control unit controls the slide drive unit to move the slide member with a first force. When the detection unit detects that the sliding member is bitten while the sliding member is moved with the first force, the sliding member is moved with a second force greater than the first force to shift the supply mechanism from the second state to the first state.

8. The material supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through hole of the sliding member is a hole surrounded by a wall surface, The supply mechanism switches to the first state, the second state, and the third state, The distance between the through hole and the supply port in the intersecting direction becomes shorter in the order of the first state, the second state, and the third state. The third state is a state in which the through hole is in communication with the supply port and the through hole is not in communication with the input port.

9. The material supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that: have: A moving part, which moves the position of the material storage part in a vertical direction; and When the control unit receives a material replenishment instruction when the state of the supply mechanism is the first state or the second state, the control unit switches the supply mechanism from the first state or the second state to the third state, and controls the moving unit to lower the position of the material storage unit.

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