Discharge device, molding device, and discharge method

Abstract

The present invention provides a discharge device that increases the discharge amount of a material having flowability per unit time. The discharge device is provided with: a filling section having a first space section and a second space section in which a material is to be filled; a discharge part having a discharge path communicating with the first space part or the second space part; and a switching unit that has a communication path that communicates the discharge path with the first space section or the second space section, and that switches between a first state in which the communication path communicates the first space section with the discharge path, and a second state in which the communication path communicates the second space section with the discharge path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a discharging device for discharging a material having fluidity, a molding device having the discharging device, and a discharging method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a slurry extrusion molding method and an apparatus used in the method. In the method, a foamed lightweight cement slurry filled in a silo is supplied to an inlet of an extrusion molding apparatus and extrusion molding is performed by a piston.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-14106 Summary of the invention

[0006] A discharge device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a filling portion having a first space portion and a second space portion filled with a material, wherein the material comprises a dispersant and a granular dispersed substance dispersed in the dispersant; a discharge portion having a discharge path, wherein the discharge path has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the first space portion or the second space portion, and the second end is open to the outside; and a switching portion having at least one connecting path connecting the first end of the discharge path with the first space portion or the second space portion, and switching between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the at least one connecting path connects the first space portion with the discharge path, and the second state is a state in which the at least one connecting path connects the second space portion with the discharge path.

[0007] In addition, a discharge method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a material discharge method using a discharge device, wherein the discharge device comprises: a filling part having a first space part and a second space part filled with a material, wherein the material comprises a dispersant and a granular dispersoid dispersed in the dispersant; a discharge part having a discharge path, wherein the discharge path has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the first space part or the second space part, and the second end is open to the outside; and a switching part having at least one connecting path that connects the first end of the discharge path to the first space part or the second space part, and switches between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the at least one connecting path connects the first space part to the discharge path, and the second state is a state in which the at least one connecting path connects the second space part to the discharge path. The discharge method comprises: a first pushing step of pushing the material filled in the first space part out of the first space part; a second pushing step of pushing the material filled in the second space part out of the second space part; and a switching step of switching between the first state and the second state by using the switching part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the molding device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the discharge device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first piston.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the dimensions of the first space portion and the communication path in the discharge device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the discharge device according to the first embodiment to discharge a material.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of a material discharge method of the discharge device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 Graphs showing the thrusts of the first piston and the second piston in the first state, the third state, and the second state, respectively.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing an example of control regarding the pressure of the first piston and the second piston.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for discharging a material according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the discharge device involved in Embodiment 3.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the dimensions of the first space portion and the first communication path in the discharge device according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the discharge device involved in the fourth embodiment.

[0020] Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a discharge device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0021] Fig.14 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a discharge device according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment.

[0022] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Sectional view along line XV-XV in FIG.

[0023] Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a discharge device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0024] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of the seventh embodiment of the operation of the discharge device discharging the material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] [Implementation method 1]

[0026] (Structure of Molding Apparatus 100)

[0027] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the molding device 100 involved in the first embodiment. The molding device 100 is a device for molding a material having a dispersant and a granular dispersoid dispersed in the dispersant on a substrate. For example, the material may be a mixture of ceramic particles in a ceramic material and a solvent such as water, or a mixture of an electrode active material in a battery and an organic solvent, but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 As shown, the shaping device 100 has a discharge device 1 and a shaping table 9 .

[0028] The discharge device 1 is a device for discharging a material to be formed. In other words, the discharge device 1 is configured to be able to discharge a material to be formed. The specific structure of the discharge device 1 will be described later. The forming table 9 is a workbench on which a substrate is placed. The workbench on which a substrate is placed may also be made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or a ceramic material such as alumina. The forming table 9 is located at the lower side of the discharge device 1. The forming table 9 is configured to be movable relative to the discharge device 1. The forming table 9 is configured to be movable in a horizontal direction relative to the discharge device 1. Therefore, the forming table 9 can move relative to the discharge device 1 in a state where the substrate is placed. That is, the forming table 9 can move the substrate relative to the discharge device 1. For example, the forming table 9 may also have a mechanism for moving the workbench using a rotating roller. In addition, the forming table 9 may not have a workbench, but may have a mechanism for moving the substrate directly adsorbed and placed on a conveyor. The forming device 100 forms the material by moving the substrate relative to the discharge device 1 through the forming table 9 and discharging the material from the discharge device 1 onto the substrate.

[0029] In addition, the molding device 100 may further include a height adjustment mechanism 8 for adjusting the height of the discharge device 1 relative to the substrate. The height of the discharge device 1 relative to the substrate corresponds to the distance between the substrate and the discharge device 1. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 8 adjusts the height of the discharge device 1. However, the height adjustment mechanism 8 may also adjust the height of the molding table 9. By adjusting the height of the discharge device 1 relative to the substrate using the height adjustment mechanism 8, the thickness of the material molded by the molding device 100 can be changed.

[0030] The molding device 100 may include a feed roller for feeding out the substrate and a take-up roller for taking up the substrate instead of the molding stage 9. In this case, the molding device 100 molds the material by discharging the material onto the substrate supplied in a so-called roll-to-roll manner through the discharge device 1.

[0031] (Structure of Discharging Device 1)

[0032] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the discharge device 1. Figure 2 As shown, the discharge device 1 includes a filling unit 10, a discharge unit 20, a switching unit 30, a control unit 40, and a storage unit 45. In the discharge device 1, the material is discharged from the filling unit 10 through the switching unit 30 and the discharge unit 20 in sequence.

[0033] The filling part 10 is a frame filled with a material. In other words, the filling part 10 is configured to be filled with a material. The shape of the filling part 10 can be, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited thereto. The filling part 10 has a first space part 11 and a second space part 12 inside. The first space part 11 and the second space part 12 are spaces filled with a fluid material.

[0034] In addition, the filling portion 10 also has a first piston 13 and a second piston 14. The first piston 13 pressurizes the material filled in the first space portion 11 by a pressurizing mechanism not shown in the figure. In other words, the first piston 13 is configured to be able to pressurize the material filled in the first space portion 11. The first piston 13 may have a pressure gauge 13b for measuring the pressure of the material in contact with the first piston 13. The second piston 14 pressurizes the material filled in the second space portion 12 by a pressurizing mechanism not shown in the figure. In other words, the second piston 14 is configured to be able to pressurize the material filled in the second space portion 12. The second piston 14 may have a pressure gauge 14b for measuring the pressure of the material in contact with the second piston 14.

[0035] Figure 3 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first piston 13. The structure of the second piston 14 is the same as that of the first piston 13, and thus illustration thereof is omitted.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the first piston 13 may have an opening and closing valve 13a. The opening and closing valve 13a may be a one-way valve that allows air to flow only from the first space 11 to the outside. When the first space 11 is filled with material, the first piston 13 is inserted into the first space 11, and before the material is pressurized, the first space 11 may be evacuated via the opening and closing valve 13a using a vacuum pump (not shown). In other words, the first piston 13 is configured to be able to evacuate the first space 11 after the first space 11 is filled with material.

[0037] When the material is filled into the first space 11, the material is filled from the end of the first space 11 while the first piston 13 is pulled out from the first space 11, and then the first piston 13 is inserted into the first space 11. Therefore, at the moment when the first piston 13 is inserted, air sometimes exists between the material and the first piston 13. In addition, at the moment when the material is filled into the first space 11, air sometimes accumulates in the material. By vacuuming the first space 11, the air between the material and the first piston 13 and the air accumulation in the material can be removed. Therefore, by pressurizing the material with the first piston 13 in this state, the discharge amount of the material is not easy to change.

[0038] The discharge part 20 is a joint for discharging the material. The discharge part 20 has a discharge path 21. The discharge path 21 is a flow path through which the material filled in the first space part 11 and the second space part 12 passes when being discharged. In other words, the discharge part 20 is configured to be able to discharge the material filled in the first space part 11 and the second space part 12 from the discharge path 21.

[0039] The discharge path 21 has a first end 22 and a second end 23. The first end 22 is an end on the side opposite to the first space portion 11 or the second space portion 12. The second end 23 is an end on the side opposite to the first end 22, and is open to the outside of the discharge device 1. In other words, the second end 23 has an opening toward the outside of the discharge device 1. Specifically, the second end 23 may be open toward the forming table 9.

[0040] Therefore, the material filled in the first space 11 is pressurized by the first piston 13 and discharged to the substrate on the molding table 9 through the discharge path 21. In addition, the material filled in the second space 12 is pressurized by the second piston 14 and discharged to the substrate on the molding table 9 through the discharge path 21.

[0041] In addition, the discharge section 20 may further include a resistance adjusting section 24. The resistance adjusting section 24 is a rod-shaped component that can protrude into the discharge passage 21. The shape of the resistance adjusting section 24 may be, for example, a cylinder or a quadrangular prism, but is not limited thereto. The resistance adjusting section 24 can be moved to a position protruding into the discharge passage 21 and a position not protruding into the discharge passage 21 by a driving mechanism not shown in the figure. In other words, the resistance adjusting section 24 is configured to be able to move to a position protruding into the discharge passage 21 and a position not protruding into the discharge passage 21. In addition, the control section 40 can output a control signal to the driving mechanism so that the resistance adjusting section 24 moves to any one of a position protruding into the discharge passage 21 and a position not protruding into the discharge passage 21.

[0042] When the resistance adjusting portion 24 is moved to a position protruding into the discharge passage 21, the resistance of the discharge passage 21 to the flow of the material becomes larger than when the resistance adjusting portion 24 is moved to a position not protruding into the discharge passage 21. Therefore, by moving the position of the resistance adjusting portion 24, the magnitude of the resistance of the discharge passage 21 to the flow of the material can be adjusted.

[0043] In addition, the discharge unit 20 may further include a pressure gauge 25 for measuring the pressure of the material in the discharge unit 20 .

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the figure, arrow 15 indicates the flow direction of the material in the first space portion 11. Arrow 16 indicates the flow direction of the material in the second space portion 12. Arrow 17 indicates the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21. The angle formed by arrow 15 and arrow 17, that is, the angle formed by the flow direction of the material in the first space portion 11 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21, is set to θ1. The angle formed by arrow 16 and arrow 17, that is, the angle formed by the flow direction of the material in the second space portion 12 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21, is set to θ2. At this time, θ1 and θ2 can be respectively greater than 0° and less than 45°. In addition, the flow direction of the material in the connecting passage 31 can be the same as the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21, for example.

[0045] By setting θ1 and θ2 to be angles within this range, the flow of the material from the first space 11 and the second space 12 to the discharge path 21 becomes smooth. In addition, when (i) θ1 and θ2 are greater than 0°, (ii) the filling part 10 is in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and (iii) the flow direction of the material in the discharge path 21 is perpendicular to the surface of the rectangular parallelepiped filling part 10 parallel to the horizontal plane, the length of the first space 11 and the second space 12 in the flow direction of the material becomes longer than when θ1 and θ2 are 0°. Therefore, compared with the case where θ1 and θ2 are 0°, the volume of the first space 11 and the second space 12 relative to the size of the filling part 10, that is, the volume of the material that can be filled in the filling part 10 can be increased.

[0046] The switching unit 30 is a frame having a communication passage 31. The communication passage 31 can connect the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 to the first space portion 11, or connect the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 to the second space portion 12. In other words, the switching unit 30 is configured to connect the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 to the first space portion 11, or connect the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 to the second space portion 12 through the communication passage 31.

[0047] The switching unit 30 can switch between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the communication passage 31 connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the first space portion 11, and the second state is a state in which the communication passage 31 connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the second space portion 12. Specifically, the discharge device 1 may further include a switching unit drive mechanism 38. The switching unit drive mechanism 38 may include a motor 38a and a drive shaft 38b. The rotation of the motor 38a may be transmitted to the switching unit 30 via the drive shaft 38b, so that the switching unit 30 moves relatively parallel to the filling unit 10.

[0048] The communication passage 31 can communicate with the first space 11 or the second space 12 depending on the position of the switch 30 relative to the filling unit 10. Therefore, the switch 30 can switch between the first state and the second state by moving relative to the filling unit 10 using the switch drive mechanism 38.

[0049] When the switch portion 30 is in the first state, the discharge device 1 can discharge the material from the first space portion 11 through the communication path 31 and the discharge path 21. In addition, during this period, the material can be filled into the second space portion 12. When the switch portion 30 is in the second state, the discharge device 1 can discharge the material from the second space portion 12 through the communication path 31 and the discharge path 21. In addition, during this period, the material can be filled into the first space portion 11.

[0050] In addition, the switching part 30 may also have a first blocking part 32a and a second blocking part 32b. The first blocking part 32a can block the second space part 12 from the outside in the first state. In addition, the second blocking part 32b can block the first space part 11 from the outside in the second state. The outside mentioned here refers to the switching part 30 side of the filling part 10. In other words, the switching part 30 is configured to block the second space part 12 from the outside through the first blocking part 32a, and block the first space part 11 from the outside through the second blocking part 32b.

[0051] Specifically, the first blocking portion 32a may be a surface of the switching portion 30 that is opposite to the second space portion 12 in the first state. In addition, the second blocking portion 32b may be a surface of the switching portion 30 that is opposite to the first space portion 11 in the second state. Since the switching portion 30 has the first blocking portion 32a and the second blocking portion 32b, the possibility of material leakage from the first space portion 11 or the second space portion 12 that is not connected to the discharge path 21 can be reduced.

[0052] In addition to the first state and the second state, the switch unit 30 can also be switched to a third state, in which the communication passage 31 connects both the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 to the discharge passage 21. When the switch unit 30 is in the third state, the discharge device 1 can discharge the material from the first space portion 11 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge passage 21, and discharge the material from the second space portion 12 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge passage 21.

[0053] The third state is a state in the process of switching from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state. The switch 30 can also switch to the third state, and the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge the material from the discharge path 21 to the substrate on the forming table 9 .

[0054] In the first state, the second state, and the third state, the sum of the volume per unit time of the material supplied from the first space portion 11 to the communication passage 31 and the volume per unit time of the material supplied from the second space portion 12 to the communication passage 31 can be constant. By making the sum of these volumes constant, the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge passage 21 can be made constant even when the switching portion 30 is in any of the first state, the second state, and the third state. In addition, the volume per unit time of the material discharged from the discharge device 1 to the substrate on the molding table 9 can be made constant.

[0055] The constant mentioned here does not need to be completely constant. That is, the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge path 21 may also vary within a range that can be considered substantially constant. For example, if the lower limit of the variation of the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge path 21 is more than 95% of the upper limit, it can be considered substantially constant.

[0056] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the dimensions of the first space portion 11 and the communication path 31 in the discharge device 1. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the first space portion 11 and the communication path 31 are cylindrical in shape with axes parallel to the paper surface. Figure 4 , reference numeral 401 is a diagram showing a first state, and reference numeral 402 is a diagram showing a second state.

[0057] As shown in the reference numeral 401, the lateral width of the first space portion 11 relative to the material flow direction is set to wa. The length of the connecting passage 31 in the direction parallel to the boundary between the filling portion 10 and the switching portion 30 is set to wb. The angle formed by the material flow direction in the first space portion 11 and the material flow direction in the connecting passage 31 is set to the above-mentioned θ1. At this time, wa and wb can satisfy the following formula (1).

[0058] wb×cos(θ1)=wa (1)

[0059] By satisfying the formula (1), the size of the first space portion 11 and the size of the communication path 31 are equal in the boundary portion between the first space portion 11 and the communication path 31 .

[0060] In addition, let wc be the width between the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 in the surface of the filling portion 10 facing the switching portion 30. In this case, wb and wc may satisfy the following formula (2).

[0061] wb>wc (2)

[0062] By satisfying equation (2), the third state appears as a state in the middle of switching from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state. The value of wc can be as close to 0 as possible within a range that can ensure the strength of the material to withstand pressure.

[0063] As shown by reference numeral 402, the width of the region where the first space portion 11 and the communication path 31 are connected in the switching portion 30 in the third state is set to wd1. In addition, the width of the region where the second space portion 12 and the communication path 31 are connected in the switching portion 30 in the third state is set to wd2. Since the value of wc cannot be made 0, the sum of wd1 and wd2 is smaller than wb.

[0064] In the third state, the pressure of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 on the material can be increased compared to the first and second states. As a result, the flow rate of the material increases, and the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge path 21 can be made constant.

[0065] The control unit 40 controls the operation of the discharge device 1. For example, the control unit 40 outputs a control signal for pressurizing the material to the pressurizing mechanism of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14. In addition, the control unit 40 outputs a control signal for moving the switching unit 30 to the switching unit driving mechanism 38. In order to perform such control, a signal indicating the pressure of each location can be input to the control unit 40 from the pressure gauges 13b, 14b, and 25. In other words, the control unit 40 is configured to be able to control the first piston 13, the second piston 14, and the switching unit driving mechanism 38 based on the signals from the pressure gauges 13b, 14b, and 25.

[0066] In addition, the switch unit driving mechanism 38 may include a servo motor controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 can identify the position of the switch unit 30 based on the output signal from the servo motor. Moreover, the control unit 40 can identify which of the first state, the second state and the third state the switch unit 30 is in based on the position of the switch unit.

[0067] In addition, the pressurizing mechanism for pressurizing the material using the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 respectively may also include a servomotor controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 can identify the positions of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 based on the output signal from the servomotor. Furthermore, the control unit 40 can identify the volume of the material filled in the first space portion 11 based on the position of the first piston 13, and identify the volume of the material filled in the second space portion 12 based on the position of the second piston 14.

[0068] However, the switching portion driving mechanism 38 and one or more of the pressurizing mechanisms for pressurizing the material using the first piston 13 and the second piston 14, respectively, may not include a servo motor. For example, in a case where the switching portion driving mechanism 38 does not include a servo motor, the switching portion 30 may also include a position sensor that outputs a signal indicating the position of the switching portion 30. In addition, in a case where the pressurizing mechanism for pressurizing the material using the first piston 13 does not include a servo motor, the first piston 13 may also include a position sensor that outputs a signal indicating the position of the first piston 13. In addition, in a case where the pressurizing mechanism for pressurizing the material using the second piston 14 does not include a servo motor, the second piston 14 may also include a position sensor that outputs a signal indicating the position of the second piston 14.

[0069] The storage unit 45 stores information required by the control unit 40 to control the operation of the discharge device 1. However, the discharge device 1 does not necessarily need to have the storage unit 45, and may be communicatively connected to an external storage device storing information required by the control unit 40 to control the operation of the discharge device 1. The information stored in the storage unit 45 may also be input using a known input mechanism such as a separately provided keyboard or touch panel.

[0070] (Operation of the Discharge Device 1)

[0071] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the discharge device 1 discharging a material. In the initial state of the discharge device 1, as shown by reference numeral 501, the first space 11 and the second space 12 may be filled with materials. Figure 5 In the example shown, the initial state of the switch unit 30 is the first state, but during the operation of the discharge device 1, the initial state of the switch unit 30 may be the second state.

[0072] When the discharge device 1 starts to discharge the material, the control unit 40 may pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 by the first piston 13 as shown by reference numeral 502. The material pressurized by the first piston 13 is discharged from the first space 11 through the communication path 31 and the discharge path 21.

[0073] If the material filled in the first space 11 decreases (i.e., the first piston 13 approaches the switch 30 in the first space 11), the control unit 40 can move the switch 30 in parallel as shown by reference numeral 503. The control unit 40 recognizes that the switch 30 has changed from the first state to the third state based on the position of the switch 30.

[0074] When the switching unit 30 is in the third state from the first state, the control unit 40 can continue to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 by using the first piston 13. In addition, when the switching unit 30 is in the third state from the first state, the control unit 40 can pressurize the material filled in the second space 12 by using the second piston 14. The material pressurized by the second piston 14 is discharged from the second space 12 via the communication path 31 and the discharge path 21. Thus, it is possible to reduce the poor molding of the material discharged from the discharge unit 20 caused by the small amount of the remaining material filled in the first space 11.

[0075] Before the material filled in the first space 11 is completely discharged (i.e., the first piston 13 moves to the end of the switching portion 30 in the first space 11), the control unit 40 may move the switching portion 30 in parallel as indicated by reference numeral 504. The control unit 40 recognizes that the switching portion 30 has changed from the third state to the second state based on the position of the switching portion 30.

[0076] When the switch unit 30 is in the second state, the control unit 40 can continue to pressurize the material filled in the second space 12 using the second piston 14 from the third state. In addition, when the switch unit 30 is in the second state, the material can be filled into the first space 11 as shown by reference numeral 505.

[0077] After the first space 11 is filled with material, if the material filled in the second space 12 becomes less (i.e., the second piston 14 approaches the switching portion 30 in the second space 12), the control portion 40 may move the switching portion 30 in parallel as indicated by reference numeral 506. The control portion 40 recognizes that the switching portion 30 has changed from the second state to the third state based on the position of the switching portion 30.

[0078] When the switching unit 30 is in the third state from the second state, the control unit 40 can continue to pressurize the material filled in the second space 12 using the second piston 14. In addition, when the switching unit 30 is in the third state from the second state, the control unit 40 can pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 using the first piston 13. The material pressurized by the first piston 13 is discharged from the first space 11 through the communication path 31 and the discharge path 21. Thus, it is possible to reduce the poor molding of the material discharged from the discharge unit 20 caused by the small amount of the remaining material filled in the second space 12.

[0079] Before the material filled in the second space 12 is completely discharged (i.e., the second piston 14 moves to the end of the switching portion 30 in the second space 12), the control unit 40 can move the switching portion 30 in parallel as shown by reference numeral 507. Based on the position of the switching portion 30, the control unit 40 recognizes that the switching portion 30 has changed from the third state to the first state.

[0080] When the switch unit 30 is in the first state, the first piston 13 can continue to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 from the third state. In addition, when the switch unit 30 is in the first state, the second space 12 can be filled with material as shown by reference numeral 508 .

[0081] After the second space 12 is filled with the material, if the material filled in the first space 11 becomes less, the control unit 40 can move the switching unit 30 in parallel as shown by reference numeral 503. Thereafter, the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge the material from the discharge path 21 to the outside by repeatedly performing the operations described with reference to reference numerals 503 to 508.

[0082] In the above description, the discharge unit 20 does not move relative to the filling unit 10, and only the switching unit 30 moves relative to the filling unit 10. However, the discharge unit 20 and the switching unit 30 may move relative to the filling unit 10 integrally.

[0083] In addition, the filling of the material into the first space 11 and the second space 12 may be performed manually or by a device for filling the material. In the case where the material is filled into the first space 11 and the second space 12 by a device for filling the material, the device for filling the material may be a device possessed by the discharge device 1. In addition, the device for filling the material may also be a device different from the discharge device 1.

[0084] (Flowchart of the discharge method)

[0085] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a material discharge method performed by the discharge device 1. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the discharge device 1 will be described using the flowchart. In the following description, the filling of the material into the first space 11 and the second space 12 is performed by a device controlled by the control unit 40. In addition, in the initial state of the discharge device 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in the reference numeral 501 , both the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 are filled with a material.

[0086] First, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space portion 11 using the first piston 13 (S10). As a result, the control unit 40 pushes the material filled in the first space portion 11 out of the first space portion 11 (first pushing-out step). According to the displacement of the first piston 13, that is, according to the reduction in the volume of the material filled in the first space portion 11, the control unit 40 moves the switching unit 30 in parallel and switches from the first state to the third state (S31). In addition, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the second space portion 12 using the second piston 14 (S21). As a result, the control unit 40 pushes the material filled in the second space portion 12 out of the second space portion 12 (second pushing-out step).

[0087] According to the further displacement of the first piston 13, that is, according to the further reduction in the volume of the material filled in the first space portion 11, the control unit 40 moves the switching unit 30 in parallel and switches from the third state to the second state (S32). When the discharge device 1 is switched to the second state, the control unit 40 stops the first piston 13 from pressurizing the material filled in the first space portion 11 (S11). On the other hand, the second piston 14 continues to pressurize the material filled in the second space portion 12. In this state, the control unit 40 fills the first space portion 11 with material (S12). Specifically, the control unit 40 pulls out the first piston 13 from the first space portion 11 and fills the first space portion 11 with material, and then inserts the first piston 13 into the first space portion 11.

[0088] After step S12 is completed, the control unit 40 causes the switching unit 30 to move in parallel and switch from the second state to the third state (S33) according to the displacement of the second piston 14, that is, according to the reduction in the volume of the material filled in the second space 12. In addition, the control unit 40 starts to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 using the first piston 13 (S13). As a result, the control unit 40 pushes the material filled in the first space 11 out of the first space 11 (first pushing step).

[0089] According to the further displacement of the second piston 14, that is, according to the further reduction in the volume of the material filled in the second space portion 12, the control unit 40 causes the switching unit 30 to translate and switch from the third state to the first state (S34). When the discharge device 1 is switched to the first state, the control unit 40 stops the second piston 14 from pressurizing the material filled in the second space portion 12 (S22). On the other hand, the first piston 13 continues to pressurize the material filled in the first space portion 11. In this state, the control unit 40 fills the second space portion 12 with material (S23). Specifically, the control unit 40 pulls out the second piston 14 from the second space portion 12 and fills the second space portion 12 with material, and then inserts the second piston 14 into the second space portion 12.

[0090] After that, the control unit 40 repeats the processing of steps S11 to S13 in association with the first space portion 11 and the first piston 13. In addition, the control unit 40 repeats the processing of steps S21 to S23 in association with the second space portion 12 and the second piston 14. In addition, the control unit 40 repeats the processing of steps S31 to S34 in association with the switching unit 30. Thus, the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge the material from the discharge portion 20 in any of the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0091] In the above process, if steps S31 and S32 are combined, it can be said that the control unit 40 switches the switching unit 30 from the first state to the second state. In addition, if steps S33 and S34 are combined, it can be said that the control unit 40 switches the switching unit 30 from the first state to the second state. Therefore, steps S31 to S34 can be collectively referred to as switching steps for switching the switching unit 30 to the first state and the second state. In addition, in the above process, the control unit 40 can be expressed as executing at least a part of the switching step in parallel with the first push-out step (S10, S13) or the second push-out step (S21).

[0092] (Thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14)

[0093] Figure 7 The diagrams show the thrusts of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the first state, the third state, and the second state, respectively. The thrusts are forces applied to the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 from the pressurizing mechanism to pressurize the material.

[0094] exist Figure 7 , reference numeral 701 is a graph showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the first state. Reference numeral 702 is a graph showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the third state. Reference numeral 703 is a graph showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the second state. In each graph, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14.

[0095] Regarding the time shown on the horizontal axis, in the third state, the time when the area of ​​the region where the first space portion 11 is connected to the communication path 31 and the area of ​​the region where the second space portion 12 is connected to the communication path 31 are equal is set to t0. In addition, the time when the switching unit 30 starts to move is set to -t2, and the time when the movement ends is set to +t2. In addition, the time when the communication path 31 changes from the state of being connected only to the first space portion 11 to the state of being connected to both the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 after the time -t2 is set to -t1. In addition, the time when the communication path 31 changes from the state of being connected to both the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 to the state of being connected only to the second space portion 12 before the time +t2 is set to +t1.

[0096] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the relationship between the time and the state of the switching unit 30 is as follows.

[0097] Before time - t2 , the switch unit 30 is in the first state.

[0098] From time -t2 to time +t2, the switch unit 30 is in the third state. During the period from time -t2 to time +t2, the switch unit 30 moves in parallel from the first space portion 11 side to the second space portion 12 side at a constant speed.

[0099] After time +t2, the switch unit 30 is in the second state.

[0100] The thrusts of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 shown on the vertical axis show a ratio when the thrusts of the first piston 13 in the first state and the second piston 14 in the second state are set to 100%. Since the magnitude of the thrust is determined by the control unit 40, the control unit 40 can recognize the thrust.

[0101] In reference numeral 701, graph 701a indicates the thrust of the first piston 13, and graph 701b indicates the thrust of the second piston 14. In the first state, the thrust of the first piston 13 may always be 100%, and the thrust of the second piston 14 may always be 0%.

[0102] In reference numeral 702 , a graph 702 a represents the thrust of the first piston 13 , and a graph 702 b represents the thrust of the second piston 14 .

[0103] At time -t2, when the switching unit 30 starts to move, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be 100%. As time -t2 approaches time t0, the thrust of the first piston 13 gradually increases from 100% and may be, for example, 120% at time t0.

[0104] As the time t0 approaches the time + t1, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be rapidly reduced from 120%. At the time + t1, when the first space portion 11 is no longer connected to the communication path 31, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be a value slightly higher than 0%, for example, 10%. During the period from the time + t1 to the time + t2, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be constant at a value slightly higher than 0%.

[0105] In addition, at the time point -t2, when the switching part 30 starts to move, the thrust of the second piston 14 may be a value slightly higher than 0%, for example, 10%. That is, the material filled in the second space part 12 may be pressurized by the second piston 14 before the second space part 12 is connected to the communication path 31. During the period from the time -t2 to the time -t1 when the second space part 12 is connected to the communication path 31, the thrust of the second piston 14 may be constant at a value slightly higher than 0%.

[0106] After the second space 12 is connected to the communication passage 31 at time -t1, the thrust of the second piston 14 increases rapidly as time t0 approaches, and can be 120% at time t0, for example. After time t0, as time +t2 approaches, the thrust of the second piston 14 decreases slowly, and can be 100% at time +t2.

[0107] As described above, in the third state, the sum of the width of the area where the first space 11 communicates with the communication passage 31 and the width of the area where the second space 12 communicates with the communication passage 31 is smaller than the width of the area where the first space 11 communicates with the communication passage 31 in the switching portion 30 in the first state. In the third state, the thrust of one or both of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 is greater than 100%, so that the flow rate of the material is increased. As a result, in the third state, the first state, and the second state, the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge passage 21 can be made constant.

[0108] In addition, in the third state, not only the first space 11 and the second space 12 are connected to the discharge path 21 via the communication path 31, but also the first space 11 and the second space 12 are connected to each other via the communication path 31. During the period from time -t2 to time -t1, by making the thrust of the second piston 14 greater than 0%, the backflow of the material from the communication path 31 to the second space 12 can be reduced. In addition, during the period from time +t1 to time +t2, by making the thrust of the first piston 13 greater than 0%, the backflow of the material from the communication path 31 to the first space 11 can be reduced. The distance moved by the switching part 30 during the period from time -t2 to time -t1 and the distance moved by the switching part 30 during the period from time +t1 to time +t2 can be less than 10% or less than 5% of the distance moved by the switching part 30 during the period from time -t2 to time +t2.

[0109] In reference numeral 703, graph 703a shows the relationship between the position of the switching part 30 and the thrust of the first piston 13, and graph 703b shows the relationship between the position of the switching part 30 and the thrust of the second piston 14. In the second state, regardless of the position of the switching part 30, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be 0%, and the thrust of the second piston 14 may be 100%.

[0110] Figure 8 1 is a block diagram showing an example of control of the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 40 may control the thrusts of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 using so-called cascade control.

[0111] The control unit 40 calculates the deviation (C01) between the target value SV1 of the pressure of the material in the discharge unit 20 and the actual pressure PV1 of the material in the discharge unit 20, and performs a first PID (Proportional Integral Differential) operation to thereby derive a first control signal MV1 (C02). In the first PID operation, the following proportional term, integral term, and differential term are calculated, and their sum is set to MV1.

[0112] Proportional term: the deviation between SV1 and PV1 multiplied by the proportional gain

[0113] Integral term: The integral value of the deviation between SV1 and PV1 multiplied by the integral gain

[0114] ·Derivative term: The differential value of the deviation between SV1 and PV1 multiplied by the differential gain

[0115] The proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain may be appropriately determined by the user according to the state of the material, the target pressure, the moving speed of the base material by the forming table 9, and the like.

[0116] The control unit 40 converts the first control signal MV1 into a target value of the pressure of the material in the first piston 13 and the second piston 14. Specifically, the control unit 40 multiplies MV1 by SV1. Since the value of MV1 is in the range of -250% to 250%, the target value of the pressure is in the range of -2.5 times to 2.5 times of SV1. Furthermore, the control unit 40 determines the target value SV2 of the pressure of the material in the first piston 13 and the target value SV3 of the pressure of the material in the second piston 14 (C03) according to the target value of the pressure of the converted material and the position of the switching unit 30.

[0117] The control unit 40 calculates the deviation (C11) between the target value SV2 of the pressure of the material in the first piston 13 and the actual pressure PV2 of the material in the first piston 13, and performs a second PID operation to thereby derive a second control signal MV2 (C12). In the second PID operation, the following proportional term, integral term, and differential term are calculated, and their sum is set to MV2.

[0118] Proportional term: the deviation between SV2 and PV2 multiplied by the proportional gain

[0119] Integral term: The integral value of the deviation between SV2 and PV2 multiplied by the integral gain

[0120] ·Derivative term: The differential value of the deviation between SV2 and PV2 multiplied by the differential gain

[0121] The proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain may be appropriately determined by the user according to the state of the material, the target pressure, the moving speed of the base material by the forming table 9, and the like.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit 40 derives a control signal for controlling the thrust of the first piston 13 by multiplying the second control signal MV2 by the maximum rotation speed (C13) of the motor in the pressurizing device of the first piston 13. Since the value of MV2 is in the range of greater than -100% and less than 100%, the control unit 40 controls the thrust of the first piston 13 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor to be in the range of greater than -1 times and less than 1 times the maximum rotation speed.

[0123] In addition, the control unit 40 calculates the deviation (C21) between the target value SV3 of the pressure of the material in the second piston 14 and the actual pressure PV3 of the material in the second piston 14, and performs a third PID operation to thereby derive a third control signal MV3 (C22). In the third PID operation, the following proportional term, integral term, and differential term are calculated, and their sum is set to MV3.

[0124] Proportional term: The deviation between SV3 and PV3 multiplied by the proportional gain

[0125] Integral term: The integral value of the deviation between SV3 and PV3 multiplied by the integral gain

[0126] ·Derivative term: The differential value of the deviation between SV3 and PV3 multiplied by the differential gain

[0127] The proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain may be appropriately determined by the user according to the state of the material, the target pressure, the moving speed of the base material by the forming table 9, and the like.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 40 derives a control signal for controlling the thrust of the second piston 14 by multiplying the third control signal MV3 by the rotation speed (C23) of the motor in the pressurizing device of the second piston 14. Since the value of MV3 is in the range of greater than -100% and less than 100%, the control unit 40 controls the thrust of the second piston 14 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor to be in the range of greater than -1 times and less than 1 times the maximum rotation speed.

[0129] The control unit 40 can obtain a signal representing the pressure of the material in the first piston 13 after the thrust of the first piston 13 is controlled. The control unit 40 can set the obtained signal to the pressure PV2 (C14) of the material in the first piston 13 subtracted from the target value SV2 of the pressure of the first piston 13 in C11 in the next control. In addition, the control unit 40 can obtain a signal representing the pressure of the material in the second piston 14 after the thrust of the second piston 14 is controlled. The control unit 40 can set the obtained signal to the pressure PV3 (C24) of the material in the second piston 14 subtracted from the target value SV3 of the pressure of the second piston 14 in C21 in the next control. In addition, the control unit 40 can obtain a signal representing the pressure of the material in the discharge unit 20 after the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 is controlled. The control unit 40 can set the obtained signal to the actual pressure PV1 of the material in the discharge unit 20 subtracted from the target value SV1 of the pressure of the material in the discharge unit 20 in C01 in the next control. Through the above control, it is possible to achieve the following Figure 7 The thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 are controlled as shown.

[0130] However, in the first state, the control unit 40 may directly assign the target value obtained by transforming the first control signal MV1 as the target value SV2 of the pressure of the first piston 13. In this case, the control unit 40 does not perform the control of C21 to C24. In addition, in the second state, the control unit 40 may directly assign the target value obtained by transforming the first control signal MV1 as the target value SV3 of the pressure of the second piston 14. In this case, the control unit 40 does not perform the processing of C11 to C14.

[0131] As described above, the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge the material from the discharge portion 20 in the first state, the second state, and the third state. Therefore, the time efficiency of discharging the material can be improved. In addition, the molding device 100 can improve the time efficiency of molding by molding the material continuously discharged from the discharge device 1.

[0132] [Implementation method 2]

[0133] For convenience of description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and their description will not be repeated.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the discharge device 1 operates in a manner that the material is discharged from the discharge portion 20 in any of the first state, the second state, and the third state. However, the discharge device 1 does not necessarily need to discharge the material from the discharge portion 20 in the third state, and the material may be discharged from the discharge portion 20 only in the first state and the second state. In other words, the control unit 40 may be configured to control the first piston 13, the second piston 14, and the switching unit drive mechanism 38 so that the material is discharged from the discharge portion 20 only in the first state and the second state.

[0135] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for discharging a material according to Embodiment 2. In the example of the method for discharging according to Embodiment 2, first, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 using the first piston 13 (S10, first pushing step). According to the reduction of the material filled in the first space 11, that is, according to the displacement of the first piston 13, the control unit 40 stops the pressurization of the material filled in the first space 11 by the first piston 13 (S11). The control unit 40 may not control anything other than the first piston 13 during the period from step S10 to step S11.

[0136] After step S11, the control unit 40 switches the state of the switching unit 30 from the first state to the second state (S35, switching step). After the switching unit 30 becomes the second state, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 using the second piston 14 (S21, second pushing step). In addition, the control unit 40 fills the material into the first space 11 in parallel with step S21 (S12). According to the reduction of the material filled in the second space 12, that is, according to the displacement of the second piston 14, the control unit 40 stops the second piston 14 from pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 (S22).

[0137] After step S22, the control unit 40 switches the state of the switching unit 30 from the second state to the first state (S36, switching step). After the switching unit 30 becomes the first state, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 using the first piston 13 (S13, first pushing step). In addition, the control unit 40 fills the second space 12 with material in parallel with step S13 (S23).

[0138] After that, the control unit 40 repeatedly performs the processing of steps S11 to S13 in association with the first space portion 11 and the first piston 13. In addition, the control unit 40 repeatedly performs the processing of steps S21 to S23 in association with the second space portion 12 and the second piston 14. In addition, the control unit 40 repeatedly performs the processing of steps S35 and S36 in association with the switching unit 30. Thus, the discharge device 1 can discharge the material from the discharge portion 20 in the first state and the second state. Therefore, for example, compared with repeatedly filling and discharging the material using only the first space portion 11, the time efficiency of discharging the material can be improved.

[0139] [Implementation method 3]

[0140] Fig.10 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the discharge device 2 according to Embodiment 3. Fig.10 As shown, the discharge device 2 is different from the discharge device 1 in that it has a switching portion 30A instead of the switching portion 30. The switching portion 30A is different from the switching portion 30 in that it has a first communication passage 33a (communication passage) and a second communication passage 33b (communication passage) instead of the communication passage 31, and a blocking portion 34 instead of the first blocking portion 32a and the second blocking portion 32b.

[0141] The first communication passage 33a may be a communication passage that communicates the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the first space portion 11. The second communication passage 33b may be a communication passage that communicates the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the second space portion 12. In the discharge device 2, the first state may be a state in which the first communication passage 33a communicates the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the first space portion 11. In addition, the second state may be a state in which the second communication passage 33b communicates the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the second space portion 12. In addition, the third state may be a state in which the first communication passage 33a communicates the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the first space portion 11, and the second communication passage 33b communicates the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the second space portion 12. In other words, the switching portion 30A is configured to communicate the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the first space portion 11 through the first communication passage 33a, and to communicate the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 with the second space portion 12 through the second communication passage 33b.

[0142] The blocking portion 34 may be located between the first connecting passage 33a and the second connecting passage 33b. The blocking portion 34 may be opposite to the second space portion 12 in the first state, and function as a first blocking portion that blocks the second space portion 12 from the outside. In addition, the blocking portion 34 may be opposite to the first space portion 11 in the second state, and function as a second blocking portion that blocks the first space portion 11 from the outside. The structure of the blocking portion 34 may be the same as that of the first blocking portion 32a and the second blocking portion 32b. In other words, the switching portion 30A is configured to be able to use the blocking portion 34 to block the second space portion 12 or the first space portion 11 from the outside according to the state.

[0143] In the discharge device 2, the angle θ1 (the angle formed by the flow direction of the material in the first space portion 11 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge path 21) and θ2 (the angle formed by the flow direction of the material in the second space portion 12 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge path 21) may also be respectively greater than 0° and less than 45°. The flow direction of the material in the first connecting path 33a may be, for example, the same as the flow direction of the material in the first space portion 11. The flow direction of the material in the second connecting path 33b may be, for example, the same as the flow direction of the material in the second space portion 12. In addition, the flow direction of the material in the first connecting path 33a and the flow direction of the material in the second connecting path 33b may both be the same as the flow direction of the material in the discharge path 21.

[0144] In addition, the flow direction of the material in the first communication passage 33a may be between the flow direction of the material in the first space portion 11 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21. In addition, the flow direction of the material in the second communication passage 33b may be between the flow direction of the material in the second space portion 12 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21. That is, the angle formed by the flow direction of the material in the first communication passage 33a and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21 may be greater than 0° and less than θ1. In addition, the angle formed by the flow direction of the material in the second communication passage 33b and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21 may be greater than 0° and less than θ2.

[0145] Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the dimensions of the first space portion 11 and the first communication passage 33a in the discharge device 2. Fig.11 , the switch unit 30A is in the first state.

[0146] The distance between the second communication passage 33b and the second space portion 12 at the boundary between the filling portion 10 and the switching portion 30A of the discharge device 2 in the first state is denoted as we. At this time, wb and we may satisfy the following formula (3).

[0147] wb>we (3)

[0148] By satisfying the expression (3), in the discharge device 2 , the third state appears as a state in the middle of switching from the first state to the second state and switching from the second state to the first state.

[0149] Unlike wc in the discharge device 1, we in the discharge device 2 can also be set to 0. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the possibility of the second space portion 12 being connected to the second communication passage 33b in the first state and reducing the possibility of the first space portion 11 being connected to the first communication passage 33a in the second state, we can be set to a value greater than 0.

[0150] As described above, in the discharge device 2, the switching portion 30A can be switched to the first state, the second state, and the third state. The discharge device 2 can discharge the material when the switching portion 30A is in the first state to the third state (refer to Embodiment 1) or in the first state and the second state (refer to Embodiment 2). Therefore, the time efficiency of discharging the material can be improved.

[0151] [Implementation method 4]

[0152] Fig.12 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the discharge device 3 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.12 As shown, the discharge device 3 is different from the discharge device 1 in that it has a filling unit 10A instead of the filling unit 10. The filling unit 10A is different from the filling unit 10 in that it has a first space 11A instead of the first space 11 and a second space 12A instead of the second space 12.

[0153] like Fig.12 As shown, the first space 11A has an expanded diameter portion 11Aa and a reduced diameter portion 11Ab. In the flow of the material in the first space 11A, the expanded diameter portion 11Aa is located at the upstream side of the reduced diameter portion 11Ab. The diameters of the expanded diameter portion 11Aa and the reduced diameter portion 11Ab are different from each other, and the diameter of the expanded diameter portion 11Aa is larger than the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 11Ab.

[0154] The second space 12A has an expanded diameter portion 12Aa and a reduced diameter portion 12Ab. In the flow of the material in the second space 12A, the expanded diameter portion 12Aa is located at a position on the upstream side of the reduced diameter portion 12Ab. The expanded diameter portion 12Aa and the reduced diameter portion 12Ab have different diameters, and the diameter of the expanded diameter portion 12Aa is larger than the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 12Ab.

[0155] In the discharge device 3, the diameters of the reduced diameter portions 11Ab and 12Ab facing the communication passage 31 can be matched with the diameter of the communication passage 31. Furthermore, since the first space portion 11A has the enlarged diameter portion 12Aa and the second space portion 12A has the enlarged diameter portion 12Aa, more material can be filled than in the case where they are not provided. Therefore, the number of times of filling the material when discharging a certain volume of material can be reduced, and the material can be discharged more efficiently.

[0156] [Implementation method 5]

[0157] Fig.13 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the discharge device 4 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.13 As shown, the discharge device 4 is different from the discharge device 1 in that it has a switching portion 30B instead of the switching portion 30. The switching portion 30B is different from the switching portion 30 in that it has a connecting passage 35 instead of the connecting passage 31, and has a blocking portion 36 instead of the first blocking portion 32a and the second blocking portion 32b. In addition, the switching portion 30B can rotate around a rotation axis 39 that coincides with the central axis of the discharge passage 21.

[0158] The communication passage 35 can make the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 communicate with the first space portion 11, or make the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 communicate with the second space portion 12. The communication passage 35 can have a first end 35a, which is an end on the discharge passage 21 side, and a second end 35b, which is an end on the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 side. The first end 35a can be located on the rotation axis 39. On the other hand, the second end 35b can be separated from the rotation axis 39. Therefore, by rotating the switching part 30B around the rotation axis 39, the second end 35b can be displaced without displacing the first end 35a. As a result, it is possible to switch between a first state in which the end is connected to the first space portion 11 and a second state in which the end is connected to the second space portion 12. In other words, the switching part 30B is configured to be able to switch between the first state and the second state by rotating around the rotation axis 39.

[0159] The blocking portion 36 may be a region other than the end of the discharge passage 21 side of the communication passage 35 on a circumference that passes through the end of the discharge passage 21 side of the communication passage 35 and is centered on the rotation axis 39. The blocking portion 36 may function as a first blocking portion that blocks the second space portion 12 from the outside in the first state. In addition, the blocking portion 36 may function as a second blocking portion that blocks the first space portion 11 from the outside in the second state.

[0160] The discharge device 4 having the above-described structure can also discharge the material from the discharge portion 20 in each of the first state and the second state (see Embodiment 2). Therefore, the time efficiency of discharging the material can be improved.

[0161] (Variation Example)

[0162] Fig.14 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device 4A according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, the discharge device 4A is different from the discharge device 4 in that the switching unit 30B is replaced with a switching unit 30C. The switching unit 30C is different from the switching unit 30B in that the communication path 35 is replaced with a communication path 37. In addition, the switching unit 30C can rotate around a rotation axis 39 that coincides with the central axis of the discharge path 21.

[0163] The connecting passage 37 may include a first end 37a which is an end on the discharge passage 21 side, and a second end 37b which is an end on the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 side. The first end 37a may be located on the rotation axis 39. On the other hand, the second end 37b may be in the shape of an arc centered on the rotation axis 39. In addition, in the discharge device 4A, the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 may also be in the shape of an arc centered on the rotation axis 39. By setting the second end 37b, the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 to the above-mentioned shape, the switching portion 30C can be switched to a third state in which both the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 are connected to the discharge passage 21. The central angle of the arc of the second end 37b, the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 may be, for example, greater than 170° and less than 180°.

[0164] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 The XV-XV line section view in the figure. Fig.15 In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 1501 indicates a first state. Reference numeral 1502 indicates a third state. Reference numeral 1503 indicates a second state. Fig.15 In FIG. 1 , not only the second end 37 b of the communication passage 37 but also the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 are shown.

[0165] As shown by reference numeral 1501, in the first state, the arcuate second end 37b overlaps with the arcuate first space portion 11. As shown by reference numeral 1502, in the third state, the arcuate second end 37b overlaps with a portion of the arcuate first space portion 11 and a portion of the arcuate second space portion 12. As shown by reference numeral 1503, in the second state, the arcuate second end 37b overlaps with the arcuate second space portion 12.

[0166] As described above, according to the discharge device 4A, the switching unit 30C that rotates around the rotation shaft 39 switches between the first state, the second state, and the third state. In other words, the switching unit 30C is configured to be able to switch between the first state to the third state by rotating around the rotation shaft 39. With such a discharge device 4A, the time efficiency of discharging the material can also be improved.

[0167] [Implementation method 6]

[0168] Fig.16 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the discharge device 5 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig.16 As shown, the discharge device 5 is different from the discharge device 1 in that it has a filling unit 10B instead of the filling unit 10. The filling unit 10B is different from the filling unit 10 in that it has a third space 18 in addition to the first space 11 and the second space 12.

[0169] In the discharge device 5, the switch unit 30 can also be switched between the first state to the third state. In the discharge device 5, the switch unit 30 can also be switched between (i) a state in which the communication path 31 connects the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 with the third space portion 18, and (ii) a state in which the communication path 31 connects both the second space portion 12 and the third space portion 18 with the discharge path 21.

[0170] According to such a discharge device 5, when the switching section 30 is in the above-mentioned states, the material can be discharged from the space in the first space section 11, the second space section 12 and the third space section 18 that is connected to the discharge path 21 through the discharge path 21. In addition, the material can be filled into the space in the first space section 11, the second space section 12 and the third space section 18 that is not connected to the discharge path 21. Therefore, the material can be discharged continuously, and the time efficiency of the discharge can be improved. In addition, the filling section in the discharge device involved in the present disclosure may have other space sections that can be filled with materials in addition to the first space section 11, the second space section 12 and the third space section 18.

[0171] [Implementation method 7]

[0172] Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing an example of the seventh embodiment of the operation of the discharge device 1 discharging a material. Fig.17 In the figure, reference numerals 1701 to 1708 represent Figure 5 A diagram of states corresponding to reference numerals 501 to 508 in FIG.

[0173] In implementation mode 1, if Figure 5As shown, the position of the discharge unit 20 is fixed relative to the filling unit 10, and only the switching unit 30 moves relative to the filling unit 10. In Embodiment 7, the discharge unit 20 can move relatively to the filling unit 10 together with the switching unit 30. Even with such a discharge method, the time efficiency of discharging materials can be improved.

[0174] In the first embodiment, the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 (see Figure 2 ) has a shape that expands toward the switching portion 30 in order to correspond to the movement of the switching portion 30. However, in Embodiment 7, since the discharge portion 20 moves integrally with the switching portion 30, the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 may not have a shape that expands toward the switching portion 30.

[0175] The invention involved in the present disclosure is described above based on the drawings and embodiments. However, the invention involved in the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. That is, the invention involved in the present disclosure can be variously modified within the scope shown in the present disclosure, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means respectively disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention involved in the present disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various deformations or modifications based on the present disclosure. In addition, it should be noted that these deformations or modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0176] Description of Reference Numerals

[0177] 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 discharge device

[0178] 9 Forming table

[0179] 10.10A filling part

[0180] 11.11A First Space

[0181] 12. 12A Second Space

[0182] 20 Discharge section

[0183] 21 Exhaust route

[0184] 22 First End

[0185] 23 Second End

[0186] 30, 30A, 30B, 30C switching unit

[0187] Connecting roads 31, 35 and 37

[0188] 32a First blocking portion

[0189] 32b Second blocking portion

[0190] 33a First communication path (communication path)

[0191] 33b Second communication path (communication path)

[0192] 34, 36 blocking part (first blocking part, second blocking part)

[0193] 100 molding device

Claims

1. A discharge device, wherein: have: A filling part having a first space part and a second space part filled with a material, wherein the material has a dispersant and a granular dispersoid dispersed in the dispersant; a discharge portion having a discharge path, the discharge path having a first end and a second end, the first end being communicated with the first space portion or the second space portion, and the second end being open to the outside; and A switching portion has at least one connecting passage that connects the first end of the discharge passage with the first space portion or the second space portion, and switches between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which at least one of the connecting passages connects the first space portion with the discharge passage, and the second state is a state in which at least one of the connecting passages connects the second space portion with the discharge passage.

2. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein: The switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by moving relative to the filling unit.

3. The discharge device according to claim 2, wherein: The discharge unit and the switching unit move relatively to the filling unit integrally.

4. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: An angle formed by a flow direction of the material in the first space portion and a flow direction of the material in the discharge path, and an angle formed by a flow direction of the material in the second space portion and a flow direction of the material in the discharge path are respectively greater than 0° and less than 45°.

5. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The switching unit further comprises: a first blocking portion, blocking the second space portion in the first state; as well as The second blocking portion blocks the first space portion in the second state.

6. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The switching unit switches the first state, the second state, and the third state. The third state is a state in which at least one of the communication passages communicates both the first space portion and the second space portion with the discharge passage.

7. The discharge device according to claim 6, wherein: In the first state, the second state, and the third state, the sum of (i) the volume of the material supplied from the first space portion to the communicating passage per unit time and (ii) the volume of the material supplied from the second space portion to the communicating passage per unit time is constant.

8. A molding device, wherein: have: The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The forming table is provided with the base material from which the material is discharged from the discharge device.

9. A discharge method, the discharge method being a method of discharging a material using a discharge device, the discharge device having: A filling part having a first space part and a second space part filled with the material, wherein the material has a dispersant and a granular dispersoid dispersed in the dispersant; a discharge portion having a discharge path, the discharge path having a first end and a second end, the first end being communicated with the first space portion or the second space portion, and the second end being open to the outside; and The switching unit has at least one communication passage that connects the first end of the discharge passage with the first space portion or the second space portion, and switches between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which at least one communication passage connects the first space portion with the discharge passage, and the second state is a state in which at least one communication passage connects the second space portion with the discharge passage, in, The discharge method comprises: a first pushing step of pushing the material filled in the first space portion out of the first space portion; a second pushing step of pushing the material filled in the second space portion out of the second space portion; and A switching step of switching the switching unit between the first state and the second state.

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