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

Abstract

The invention provides a plasticizing device, an injection molding device and a three-dimensional modeling device, which can stably plasticize materials. The plasticizing device comprises: a screw rotating around a rotating shaft; a cylinder having opposing surfaces and having formed therein a communication hole into which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing the material flows; a heater that heats the material supplied between the groove-forming surface and the facing surface; and a screw shell in which a recess is formed, the screw is accommodated in the recess, and a supply port for supplying a material to the groove is formed, the length of the screw in the direction along the rotation axis is shorter than the length of the screw in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and an introduction port continuous to the groove is formed in a part of the side surface of the screw intersecting the groove forming surface. The length of the introduction port is longer than the length of the supply port in the direction along the rotation axis, and the distance between the side surface and the inner wall of the recess differs in the rotation direction of the screw when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasticizing device, an injection molding device, and a three-dimensional modeling device. Background Art

[0002] There is known an injection molding device that injects a material plasticized by a plasticizing device into a cavity and hardens it to form a molded product.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a plasticizing and feeding device including: a cylinder having a material inflow passage opened at one end face; a rotor having an end face that slidably contacts the one end face of the cylinder; a spiral groove formed in the end face of the rotor and communicating with an opening end of the material inflow passage of the cylinder; and a housing that houses the rotor.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-241016

[0005] In the plasticizing and feeding device having a rotor as described above, sometimes the material enters the gap between the side surface of the rotor and the housing and is crushed, and stable plasticization cannot be performed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the plasticizing device according to the present invention includes:

[0007] a motor;

[0008] a screw having a groove formation surface formed with a spiral groove and rotated about a rotation axis by the motor;

[0009] a cylinder having an opposed surface opposed to the groove formation surface in a direction along the rotation axis and formed with a communication hole through which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing a material flows in;

[0010] a heater that heats the material supplied between the groove formation surface and the opposed surface; and

[0011] a screw housing formed with a recess and housing the screw in the recess and formed with a supply port for supplying the material to the groove,

[0012] the length of the screw in a direction along the rotation axis is shorter than the length of the screw in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis,

[0013] a lead-in port continuous to the groove is formed in a part of a side surface of the screw that intersects the groove formation surface,

[0014] in a direction along the rotation axis, the length of the lead-in port is longer than the length of the supply port,

[0015] When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, the distance between the side surface and the inner wall of the concave portion is different in the rotation direction of the screw.

[0016] One embodiment of the injection molding apparatus according to the present invention includes:

[0017] One embodiment of the plasticizing device; and

[0018] A nozzle that injects the plasticized material into the molding die.

[0019] One embodiment of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention includes:

[0020] One embodiment of the plasticizing device; and

[0021] A nozzle that sprays the plasticized material toward the worktable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A side view schematically showing the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view schematically showing the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 A perspective view schematically showing the flat screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 A view schematically showing the barrel of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 A view schematically showing the flat screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 A view schematically showing the flat screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view schematically showing the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view schematically showing the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0030] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0031] 10: Material supply section; 20: Injection section; 30: Mold section; 32: Molding die; 34: Cavity; 36: Movable die; 38: Fixed die; 40: Mold clamping section; 42: Mold drive section; 44: Ball screw section; 50: Control section; 60: Plasticizing device; 62: Screw housing; 64: Drive motor; 66: Shaft; 67: Recess; 68: Inner wall; 69: Supply port; 70: Injection mechanism; 72: Cylinder; 74: Plunger; 76: Plunger drive section; 80: Nozzle; 82: Nozzle hole; 100: Injection molding device; 110: Flat head screw; 110E: End; 111: Axial surface; 112: Groove forming surface; 113: Side surface; 113a: Region; 114: First groove; 115: Central part; 115a: Protrusion; 116: Connection part; 117: Inlet; 118: First side; 119: Second side; 120: Barrel; 122: Opposing surface; 124: Second groove; 126: Communication hole; 130: Heater; 140: Introduction groove; 140E: End; 142: Bottom surface; 200: 3D modeling device; 210: Workbench; 212: Stacking surface; 220: Position changing section; 222: First electric actuator; 224: Second electric actuator; 226: Third electric actuator. Detailed implementation mode

[0032] Hereinafter, the preferred implementation modes of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the implementation modes described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention recited in the claims. In addition, all the components described below are not essential components of the present invention.

[0033] Injection molding device

[0034] 1.1. Overall structure

[0035] First, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the injection molding device according to the present implementation mode will be described. Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic side view of the injection molding device 100 according to the present implementation mode. It should be noted that in Figure 1 X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, the vertical direction.

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, the injection molding device 100 includes, for example, a material supply section 10, an injection section 20, a mold section 30, a mold clamping section 40, and a control section 50.

[0037] The material supply section 10 supplies a material as a raw material to the injection section 20. The material supply section 10 may also be composed of a hopper. The shape of the material supplied from the material supply section 10 is, for example, granular.

[0038] The injection unit 20 plasticizes the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 to make the material into a plasticized material. Then, the injection unit 20 injects the plasticized material into the mold unit 30.

[0039] It should be noted that "plasticization" includes the concept of melting, which means changing from a solid state to a state with fluidity. Specifically, in the case of a material that undergoes a glass transition, plasticization is to make the temperature of the material reach above the glass transition point. In the case of a material that does not undergo a glass transition, plasticization is to make the temperature of the material reach above the melting point.

[0040] In the mold unit 30, a cavity corresponding to the shape of the molded product is formed. The plasticized material injected from the injection unit 20 flows into the cavity. Then, the plasticized material cools and solidifies to generate the molded product.

[0041] The mold clamping unit 40 opens and closes the mold unit 30. After the plasticized material cools and solidifies, the mold clamping unit 40 opens the mold unit 30. Thus, the molded product is discharged to the outside.

[0042] The control unit 50 is composed of, for example, a computer having a processor, a main storage device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The control unit 50 performs various functions by, for example, the processor executing a program read into the main storage device. Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 40. It should be noted that the control unit 50 may also be composed of a combination of multiple circuits instead of a computer.

[0043] 1.2. Specific Structure

[0044] Figure 2 To schematically show the Figure 1 II-II line cross-sectional view of the injection molding apparatus 100. As Figure 2 shown, the injection unit 20 includes, for example, a plasticizing device 60, an injection mechanism 70, and a nozzle 80.

[0045] The plasticizing device 60 is configured to plasticize at least a part of the material supplied from the material supply unit 10, generate a plasticized material in a paste state with fluidity, and guide it to the injection mechanism 70. The plasticizing device 60 includes, for example, a screw housing 62, a drive motor 64, a flat head screw 110, a barrel 120, and a heater 130.

[0046] The screw housing 62 is a box for housing the flat head screw 110. The flat head screw 110 is housed in the space surrounded by the screw housing 62 and the barrel 120.

[0047] The drive motor 64 is connected to the screw housing 62. The drive motor 64 rotates the flat head screw 110. The drive motor 64 is, for example, a servo motor. The shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 is connected to the flat head screw 110. The drive motor 64 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0048] The flat head screw 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the size of the flat head screw 110 in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than the size of the flat head screw 110 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Y axis. The flat head screw 110 rotates about the rotation axis R by the torque generated by the drive motor 64. The flat head screw 110 has, for example, a shaft surface 111 for connecting the shaft 66, a groove forming surface 112 on the side opposite to the shaft surface 111, and a side surface 113 connecting the shaft surface 111 and the groove forming surface 112. Here, Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the flat head screw 110.

[0049] As Figure 3 shown, a first groove 114 is formed in the groove forming surface 112 of the flat head screw 110. The shape of the first groove 114 is spiral. The first groove 114 has, for example, a central portion 115, a connecting portion 116, and an inlet 117. The central portion 115 faces the communication hole 126 formed in the barrel 120. The central portion 115 communicates with the communication hole 126. A convex portion 115a for efficiently transporting the plasticized material to the communication hole 126 is provided in the central portion 115. The connecting portion 116 connects the central portion 115 and the inlet 117. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 116 is formed in a spiral shape from the central portion 115 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 112. The inlet 117 is formed in the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 112. That is, the inlet 117 is formed in the side surface 113 of the flat head screw 110. The material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is introduced into the first groove 114 from the inlet 117, and is transported to the communication hole 126 formed in the barrel 120 through the connecting portion 116 and the central portion 115. In the illustrated example, two first grooves 114 are formed.

[0050] It should be noted that the number of the first grooves 114 is not particularly limited. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 114 may be formed, or only one first groove 114 may be formed. Details of the flat head screw 110 will be described later.

[0051] As Figure 2 shown, the barrel 120 is arranged to face the flat head screw 110. The barrel 120 has an opposing surface 122 that faces the groove forming surface 112 of the flat head screw 110. The opposing surface 122 faces the groove forming surface 112 in the Y-axis direction. A communication hole 126 is formed at the center of the opposing surface 122. Here, Figure 4 is a view schematically showing the barrel 120.

[0052] As Figure 4 shown, a second groove 124 and a communication hole 126 are formed in the opposed surface 122 of the barrel 120. A plurality of second grooves 124 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 124 are formed, but the number thereof is not particularly limited. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the plurality of second grooves 124 are formed around the communication hole 126. One end of the second groove 124 is connected to the communication hole 126 and extends spirally from the communication hole 126 toward the outer periphery of the opposed surface 122. The second groove 124 has a function of guiding the plasticized material to the communication hole 126. The plasticized material flows into the communication hole 126. The communication hole 126 allows the plasticized material to flow out to the outside of the barrel 120.

[0053] It should be noted that the shape of the second groove 124 is not particularly limited, and it may be linear, for example. In addition, one end of the second groove 124 may not be connected to the communication hole 126. Moreover, the second groove 124 may not be formed in the opposed surface 122. However, considering efficiently guiding the plasticized material to the communication hole 126, it is preferable that the second groove 124 is formed in the opposed surface 122.

[0054] As Figure 2 shown, a heater 130 is provided on the barrel 120. The heater 130 heats the material supplied between the flat head screw 110 and the barrel 120. The heater 130 heats the material supplied to the first groove 114. The heater 130 is controlled by the control unit 50. The plasticizing device 60 conveys the material toward the communication hole 126 through the flat head screw 110, the barrel 120, and the heater 130, heats it to generate a plasticized material, and causes the generated plasticized material to flow out from the communication hole 126 to the injection mechanism 70.

[0055] The injection mechanism 70 has, for example, a cylinder 72, a plunger 74, and a plunger driving unit 76. The cylinder 72 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 126. The plunger 74 moves inside the cylinder 72. The plunger 74 is driven by the plunger driving unit 76 composed of a motor, gears, etc. The plunger driving unit 76 is controlled by the control unit 50. It should be noted that the cylinder 72 may also be connected to a flow path more downstream than the communication hole 126.

[0056] The injection mechanism 70 performs a metering operation and an injection operation by sliding the plunger 74 in the cylinder 72. The metering operation refers to the operation of guiding the plasticized material located at the communication hole 126 into the cylinder 72 by moving the plunger 74 in the -X axis direction away from the communication hole 126 and performing metering in the cylinder 72. The injection operation refers to the operation of injecting the plasticized material in the cylinder 72 into the mold unit 30 through the nozzle 80 by moving the plunger 74 in the +X axis direction close to the communication hole 126.

[0057] A nozzle hole 82 communicating with the communication hole 126 is formed in the nozzle 80. The nozzle 80 injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device 60 into the molding die 32 of the mold unit 30. Specifically, by performing the above-described metering operation and injection operation, the plasticized material metered in the cylinder 72 is transported from the injection mechanism 70 to the nozzle hole 82 through the communication hole 126. Then, the plasticized material is injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the mold unit 30.

[0058] The mold unit 30 has a molding die 32. The plasticized material transported to the nozzle hole 82 is injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the cavity 34 of the molding die 32. Specifically, the molding die 32 has a movable die 36 and a fixed die 38 that face each other, and a cavity 34 is provided between the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38. The cavity 34 is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product. The materials of the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 are metal. It should be noted that the materials of the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 can also be ceramic or resin.

[0059] The mold clamping unit 40 has, for example, a mold driving unit 42 and a ball screw unit 44. The mold driving unit 42 is composed of, for example, a motor, gears, etc. The mold driving unit 42 is connected to the movable die 36 through the ball screw unit 44. The mold driving unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 50. The ball screw unit 44 transmits the power generated by the driving of the mold driving unit 42 to the movable die 36. The mold clamping unit 40 opens and closes the mold unit 30 by moving the movable die 36 using the mold driving unit 42 and the ball screw unit 44.

[0060] 1.3. Flat-head screw

[0061] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a view schematically showing the flat-head screw 110. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the supply port 69 formed in the screw housing 62. Specifically, Figure 5 is a view observed from the direction along the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the direction along the rotation axis R is the Y-axis direction. Figure 6 is a view observed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R.

[0062] As Figure 3 、 5 、6 shows, the length of the flat-head screw 110 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length of the flat-head screw 110 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R.

[0063] In a part of the side surface 113 of the flat head screw 110, an inlet 117 that continues to the first groove 114 is formed. The inlet 117 is an opening that extends from the first side 118 to the second side 119 of the specified inlet 117 in the rotation direction Q of the flat head screw 110. The first side 118 is located behind the second side 119 in the rotation direction Q. In the illustrated example, the length of the first side 118 is shorter than the length of the second side 119.

[0064] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the flat head screw 110 may also be in an elliptical shape. As Figure 5 shown, the first virtual straight line L1 may be the major axis of the ellipse. The first virtual straight line L1 is a straight line passing through the first side 118 of one of the two first grooves 114 and the first side 118 of the other first groove 114. The second virtual straight line L2 may be the minor axis of the ellipse. The second virtual straight line is a straight line orthogonal to the first virtual straight line L1 and passing through the midpoint of the two first sides 118.

[0065] The first groove 114 has, for example, an introduction groove 140. As Figure 6 shown, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R, the introduction groove 140 is located between the first side 118 and the second side 119. The introduction groove 140 becomes deeper from the first side 118 toward the second side 119. That is, the depth H of the introduction groove 140 becomes larger from the first side 118 toward the second side 119. The bottom surface 142 of the introduction groove 140 is inclined such that the depth H becomes larger from the first side 118 toward the second side 119.

[0066] The end 140E of the introduction groove 140 is located at the end 110E of the flat head screw 110. The end 140E is the end of the introduction groove 140 on the second side 119 side. The end 110E is the end of the flat head screw 110 in the -Y axis direction. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the Y axis, the end 140E of the introduction groove 140 is located between the first side 118 and the second side 119.

[0067] As Figure 2 shown, a recess 67 is formed in the screw housing 62. The screw housing 62 houses the flat head screw 110 in the recess 67.

[0068] As Figure 7 shown, a supply port 69 is formed in the inner wall 68 of the recess 67. The supply port 69 supplies material to the first groove 114. The inner wall 68 is the surface of the screw housing 62 that defines the recess 67. For convenience, in Figure 5 the inner wall 68 of the recess 67 and the supply port 69 formed in the inner wall 68 are shown by dashed lines. The inner wall 68 has, for example, a circular shape. The center of this circle is, for example, the intersection point of the first virtual straight line L1 and the second virtual straight line L2.

[0069] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the distance D between the side surface 113 of the flat head screw 110 and the inner wall 68 is different in the rotational direction Q. The distance D is the distance between the region 113a of the side surface 113 where the introduction port 117 is not formed and the inner wall 68. The first side 118 and the second side 119 are the boundary lines between the introduction port 117 and the region 113a. The side surface 113 intersects the groove forming surface 112. The side surface 113 is orthogonal to the groove forming surface 112, for example.

[0070] The distance D is the shortest, for example, at the first side 118. In other words, the distance D is the shortest between the first side 118 and the inner wall 68. The distance D is the shortest on the first virtual straight line L1. In Figure 5 D1 is used to indicate the shortest length of the distance D. The distance D may also be the shortest at the end 140E of the introduction groove 140. The distance D is the longest, for example, on the second virtual straight line L2. In Figure 5 D2 is used to indicate the longest length of the distance D.

[0071] The shortest length D1 of the distance D is less than the length of the material, for example. The longest length D2 of the distance D is greater than the length of the material, for example. It should be noted that the "length of the material" refers to the average value of the maximum lengths of the granular materials. The maximum length of the granular materials is obtained, for example, by photographing a plurality of materials using the photographing unit attached to the metallurgical microscope and calculating the average value of the plurality of materials based on the photographed images.

[0072] In the rotational direction Q, the length W1 of the introduction port 117 is greater than the length W2 of the supply port 69, for example. The length W1 is the maximum dimension of the introduction port 117 in the direction of the rotation axis R. The length W2 is the maximum dimension of the supply port 69 in the rotational direction Q. In the Y-axis direction, the length T1 of the introduction port 117 is greater than the length T2 of the supply port 69, for example. The length T1 is the maximum dimension of the introduction port 117 in the Y-axis direction. The length T2 is the maximum dimension of the supply port 69 in the Y-axis direction.

[0073] It should be noted that although not shown, as long as the distance D is different in the rotational direction Q, the flat head screw 110 may have a circular shape and the inner wall 68 may have an elliptical shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0074] 1.4. Function and effect

[0075] In the plasticizing device 60, the length of the flat-head screw 110 in the direction along the rotation axis R is shorter than the length of the flat-head screw 110 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. A part of the side surface 113 of the flat-head screw 110 that intersects the groove-forming surface 112 is formed with an inlet 117 that is continuous to the first groove 114. In the direction along the rotation axis R, the length W1 of the inlet 117 is longer than the length W2 of the supply port 69. When viewed in the direction along the rotation axis R, the distance D between the side surface 113 and the inner wall 68 of the concave portion 67 is different in the rotation direction Q of the flat-head screw 110.

[0076] Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the flat-head screw 110 can gather the material into the inlet 117 at the portion where the distance D is shorter, and does not crush the material at the portion where the distance D is longer. Thus, the material can be plasticized stably. For example, the material that rolls from the portion where the distance D of the flat-head screw 110 is longer can be gathered into the portion where the distance D of the flat-head screw 110 is shorter. For example, sometimes when the material is crushed, the crushed material may wind around the angular contact bearing of the plasticizing device and become a cause of damage.

[0077] In the plasticizing device 60, the inlet 117 is an opening that extends from the first side 118 to the second side 119 of the specified inlet 117 in the rotation direction Q of the flat-head screw 110. The first side 118 is located behind the second side 119 in the rotation direction Q, and the distance D is the shortest on the first side 118. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the material between the side surface 113 of the flat-head screw 110 and the inner wall 68 can be gathered into the inlet 117 through the first side 118 of the flat-head screw 110.

[0078] In the plasticizing device 60, the first groove 114 has an introduction groove 140. When viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R, the introduction groove 140 is located between the first side 118 and the second side 119, and the introduction groove 140 becomes deeper from the first side 118 toward the second side 119. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, it is easy to convey the material to the central portion 115 of the first groove 114.

[0079] In the plasticizing device 60, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R, the end 140E of the introduction groove 140 is located between the first side 118 and the second side 119. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, it is easy to convey the material to the central portion 115 of the first groove 114.

[0080] In the plasticizing device 60, the end 140E of the introduction groove 140 is located at the end 110E of the flat-head screw 110 in the direction along the rotation axis R. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the material can be conveyed to the central portion 115 of the first groove 114 without spillage.

[0081] In the plasticizing device 60, the material is granular, the shortest length D1 of the distance D is smaller than the size of the material, and the longest length D2 of the distance D is larger than the size of the material. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the material can be gathered at the shortest part of the distance D, and the material can be prevented from being crushed at the longest part of the distance D.

[0082] In the plasticizing device 60, in the rotational direction Q, the length W1 of the inlet 117 is larger than the length W2 of the supply port 69. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, it is easy to convey the material to the first tank 114.

[0083] 2. Three-dimensional modeling device

[0084] Next, with reference to the drawings, the three-dimensional modeling device according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 8 FIG. is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the three-dimensional modeling device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0085] As Figure 8 shown, the three-dimensional modeling device 200 includes, for example, a material supply unit 10, a control unit 50, a plasticizing device 60, a nozzle 80, a worktable 210, and a position changing unit 220. The three-dimensional modeling device 200 is a three-dimensional modeling device of the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling: fused deposition modeling) (registered trademark) method. It should be noted that, for convenience, in Figure 8 the plasticizing device 60 is illustrated in a simplified manner.

[0086] The nozzle 80 ejects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device 60 toward the worktable 210. Specifically, the three-dimensional modeling device 200 ejects the plasticized material from the nozzle 80 toward the worktable 210 while driving the position changing unit 220 to change the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the worktable 210. Thereby, the three-dimensional modeling device 200 models a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the worktable 210.

[0087] The worktable 210 is disposed below the nozzle 80. In the illustrated example, the shape of the worktable 210 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The worktable 210 supports the plasticized material ejected from the nozzle 80. The worktable 210 has a stacking surface 212 for stacking the plasticized material.

[0088] The material of the worktable 210 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum. The worktable 210 may also be composed of a metal plate and a sheet adhered to the metal plate. In this case, the stacking surface 212 is composed of the adhered sheet. The adhered sheet can improve the adhesion between the worktable 210 and the plasticized material ejected from the nozzle 80.

[0089] Although not shown, the workbench 210 may also be composed of a grooved metal plate and a base layer provided to fill the grooves. In this case, the stacking surface 212 is composed of the base layer. The material of the base layer is, for example, the same as that of the plasticized material. The base layer can improve the adhesion between the workbench 210 and the plasticized material ejected from the nozzle 80.

[0090] The position changing unit 220 supports the workbench 210. The position changing unit 220 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the workbench 210. In the illustrated example, the position changing unit 220 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the workbench 210 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions by moving the workbench 210 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Further, the position changing unit 220 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the workbench 210 in the Z-axis direction by moving the nozzle 80 in the Z-axis direction.

[0091] The position changing unit 220 includes, for example, a first electric actuator 222, a second electric actuator 224, and a third electric actuator 226. The first electric actuator 222 moves the workbench 210 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 224 moves the workbench 210 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 226 moves the nozzle 80 in the Z-axis direction. The third electric actuator 226 supports, for example, the screw housing 62 of the plasticizing device 60.

[0092] It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the structure of the position changing unit 220 as long as it can change the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the workbench 210. For example, the position changing unit 220 may have a structure that moves the workbench 210 in the Z-axis direction and moves the nozzle 80 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or may have a structure that moves the workbench 210 or the nozzle 80 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0093] 3. Deformation Examples of Materials

[0094] In the above description, an example in which the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is an elastomer has been described. In contrast, the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 may also be a material other than an elastomer or a material obtained by adding other components to an elastomer.

[0095] The material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is mainly various materials such as a thermoplastic material, a metal material, and a ceramic material. Here, the "main material" means the material that is the center when forming the shape of the molded product formed by the injection molding device 100, and means the material having a content rate of 50% by mass or more in the molded product. Among the above materials, there are materials obtained by melting these main materials in a single form, and materials obtained by melting a part of the contained components together with the main material into a paste.

[0096] As a thermoplastic material, for example, thermoplastic resins can be cited. As thermoplastic resins, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS) resin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be cited.

[0097] The thermoplastic resin can also be a general engineering plastic. As general engineering plastics, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE) can be cited.

[0098] The thermoplastic resin can also be a super engineering plastic. For example, polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) can be cited.

[0099] In the thermoplastic material, in addition to pigments, metals, and ceramics, additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers can also be mixed in. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and transformed into a molten state in the plasticizing device 60 by the rotation of the flat head screw 110 and the heating of the heater 130. After the plasticized material thus generated accumulates from the nozzle 80, it hardens due to the temperature drop. It is desired that the thermoplastic material be ejected from the nozzle 80 in a state where it is heated above its glass transition point and completely melted.

[0100] In the plasticizing device 60, for example, a metal material can also be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned thermoplastic material. In this case, it is desired to mix components that melt when generating the plasticized material in the powder material obtained by making the metal material into a powder form and put it into the plasticizing device 60.

[0101] As metal materials, for example, single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) or alloys containing one or more of these metals can be cited. In addition, maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum steel, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy can be cited.

[0102] In the plasticizing device 60, a ceramic material can also be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned metal material. As ceramic materials, for example, oxide ceramics such as silica, titanium dioxide, alumina, zirconia, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride can be cited.

[0103] The powder materials of metallic materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 10 may also be mixed materials obtained by mixing powders of a single metal, alloy powders, and powders of ceramic materials. The powder materials of metallic materials and ceramic materials may be coated, for example, with the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin or other thermoplastic resins. In this case, it is also possible that in the plasticizing device 60, the thermoplastic resin coated with the powder material melts and exhibits fluidity.

[0104] In the powder materials of metallic materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 10, for example, a solvent can also be added. Examples of the solvent include water, (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether, acetate esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone, alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol, sulfoxide solvents such as tetraalkylammonium acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and diethyl sulfoxide, pyridine solvents such as pyridine, γ-methylpyridine, and 2,6-dimethylpyridine, ionic liquids such as tetraalkylammonium acetate (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate, etc.), and butyl carbitol acetate.

[0105] In addition, in the powder materials of metallic materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 10, for example, a binder can also be added. Examples of the binder include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, cellulose-based resins or other synthetic resins, PLA (polylactic acid), PA (polyamide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), or other thermoplastic resins.

[0106] The above-described embodiments and modification examples are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, it is also possible to appropriately combine each embodiment and each modification example.

[0107] The present invention includes structures that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments, for example, structures having the same functions, methods, and results or structures having the same purposes and effects. In addition, the present invention includes structures obtained by replacing non-essential parts in the structures described in the embodiments. In addition, the present invention includes structures that can achieve the same effects as those of the structures described in the embodiments or structures that can achieve the same purposes as those of the structures described in the embodiments. In addition, the present invention includes structures obtained by adding well-known techniques to the structures described in the embodiments.

[0108] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiments and modification examples.

[0109] One embodiment of the plasticizing device includes:

[0110] Motor;

[0111] A screw having a groove forming surface formed with a spiral groove and rotated about a rotation axis by the motor;

[0112] A barrel having an opposed surface opposed to the groove forming surface in a direction along the rotation axis and formed with a communication hole into which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing a material flows;

[0113] A heater for heating the material supplied between the groove forming surface and the opposed surface; and

[0114] A screw housing formed with a recess for housing the screw therein and formed with a supply port for supplying the material to the groove,

[0115] The length of the screw in a direction along the rotation axis is shorter than the length of the screw in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis,

[0116] An inlet is formed in a part of a side surface of the screw that intersects the groove forming surface and is continuous to the groove,

[0117] In a direction along the rotation axis, the length of the inlet is longer than the length of the supply port,

[0118] When viewed in a direction along the rotation axis, the distance between the side surface and the inner wall of the recess is different in the rotation direction of the screw.

[0119] According to this plasticizing device, the material can be stably plasticized.

[0120] In one mode of the plasticizing device, it may also be that

[0121] The inlet is an opening extending from a first side defining the inlet to a second side in the rotation direction,

[0122] The first side is located behind the second side in the rotation direction,

[0123] The distance is the shortest on the first side.

[0124] According to this plasticizing device, the material between the side surface and the inner wall can be drawn into the inlet at the first side of the screw.

[0125] In one mode of the plasticizing device, it may also be that

[0126] The groove has an inlet groove which, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, is located between the first side and the second side,

[0127] The introduction groove becomes deeper from the first side toward the second side.

[0128] According to this plasticizing device, it is easy to convey the material to the central part of the groove.

[0129] In one mode of the plasticizing device, it may also be that

[0130] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the end of the introduction groove is located between the first side and the second side.

[0131] According to this plasticizing device, it is easy to convey the material to the central part of the groove.

[0132] In one mode of the plasticizing device, it may also be that

[0133] The end of the introduction groove is located at the end of the screw in the direction along the rotation axis.

[0134] According to this plasticizing device, the material can be conveyed to the central part of the groove without spillage.

[0135] In one mode of the plasticizing device, it may also be that

[0136] The material is granular,

[0137] The shortest length of the distance is smaller than the length of the material,

[0138] The longest length of the distance is larger than the length of the material.

[0139] According to this plasticizing device, the material can be gathered in at the part with the shortest distance, and the material can be prevented from being crushed at the part with the longest distance.

[0140] In one mode of the plasticizing device, it may also be that

[0141] In the rotation direction, the length of the introduction port is larger than the length of the supply port.

[0142] According to this plasticizing device, it is easy to convey the material to the groove.

[0143] One mode of an injection molding device includes:

[0144] One mode of the plasticizing device; and

[0145] A nozzle that injects the plasticized material into a molding die.

[0146] One mode of a three-dimensional modeling device includes:

[0147] One mode of the plasticizing device; and

[0148] A nozzle that sprays the plasticized material towards the worktable.

Claims

1. A plasticizing device, characterized in that: include: Motor; A screw having a groove-forming surface on which a spiral groove is formed and which is rotated about a rotation axis by the motor; A barrel having an opposing surface opposite to the groove forming surface in a direction along the rotation axis and formed with a communicating hole into which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing the material flows; a heater for heating the material supplied between the groove forming surface and the opposing surface; and A screw housing is formed with a recessed portion, the screw is accommodated in the recessed portion, and a supply port for supplying the material to the groove is formed. The length of the screw in the direction along the rotation axis is shorter than the length of the screw in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. An inlet continuous to the groove is formed in a portion of the side surface of the screw intersecting the groove forming surface, In the direction along the rotation axis, the length of the introduction port is longer than the length of the supply port, When viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, a distance between the side surface and an inner wall of the recessed portion varies in a rotation direction of the screw.

2. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The introduction port is an opening extending from a first side defining the introduction port to a second side in the rotation direction. The first side is located further back than the second side in the rotation direction, The distance is shortest on the first side.

3. The plasticizing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The groove has a lead-in groove, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the lead-in groove is located between the first side and the second side, The introduction groove becomes deeper from the first side toward the second side.

4. The plasticizing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, a terminal end of the introduction groove is located between the first side and the second side.

5. The plasticizing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the introduction groove is located at the end of the screw in the direction along the rotation axis.

6. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material is in granular form. The shortest length of the distance is smaller than the length of the material, The longest length of the distance is greater than the length of the material.

7. The plasticizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the rotation direction, the length of the introduction port is greater than the length of the supply port.

8. An injection molding device, characterized in that: include: The plasticizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as The nozzle ejects the plasticized material toward the molding die.

9. A three-dimensional modeling device, characterized in that: include: The plasticizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as The nozzle sprays the plasticized material toward the workbench.

Images