Three-dimensional printer nozzle device and three-dimensional printer

Abstract

To prevent quality degradation of a product, in a 3D printer using a cement-based material, by eliminating dripping arising when discharge from a nozzle device is temporarily halted and a time lag caused by the dripping, the time lag occurring when the discharge is resumed.SOLUTION: A 3D printer nozzle device for discharging a cement-based material which is a print raw material pumped out from a pump includes: a flexible hose in which the cement-based material flows; a tubular body which has higher rigidity than the flexible hose, into which the flexible hose is inserted, and which has an opening in a peripheral wall of the tubular body where the flexible hose can be exposed; and a pressing device capable of pressing an outer peripheral face of the flexible hose through the opening from outside the tubular body or releasing the pressing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nozzle apparatus for a 3D printer and a 3D printer equipped with the nozzle apparatus for a 3D printer. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technique has been proposed that applies 3D printing technology to construct buildings, structures, and other products using cement-based materials such as concrete and mortar as the printing raw material. This technology ejects a viscous cement-based material containing moisture from a nozzle placed above the stage, moves the nozzle in three dimensions, and forms a layer of a two-dimensional shape modeled by a computer on the stage, and stacks these multiple layers to form a three-dimensional laminate.

[0003] When stacking cementitious material on a stage, in a nozzle part with a downward-facing discharge port, when the discharge of the cementitious material is temporarily stopped, the cementitious material may drip from the nozzle tip due to its own weight, and the end of the stack may not be formed in the intended shape. If the material is stacked in one stroke without pausing the discharge, the degree of freedom of the shape of the stack is limited. In addition, if the cementitious material drips from the nozzle part during the temporary stop, a time lag occurs before the cementitious material is discharged from the nozzle part when stacking is resumed. As a result, the cementitious material may be damaged at the point where the discharge of the cementitious material is resumed, which may lead to a deterioration in the quality of the product.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that applies 3D printing technology to construct products such as buildings and structures using cement-based materials. The objective of this apparatus is to eliminate fluctuations in the discharge amount due to discontinuous discharge or pulsation when discharging viscous cement-based material from a nozzle device onto a stage, thereby eliminating variations in the width and thickness of each layer that forms a laminate on the stage. In order to enable a fixed amount of cement-based material to be discharged, a nozzle device has been proposed that has a screw that can rotate at a constant speed built into a cylinder part that can temporarily store the printing material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7117692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a means for enabling a fixed amount of viscous cement-based material to be discharged, but does not describe a means for solving the problem that dripping occurs when the discharge of the viscous cement-based material is temporarily stopped, and that a time lag occurs before the cement-based material is discharged from the nozzle when layering is resumed due to the dripping.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to eliminate dripping that occurs when discharge from a nozzle device is temporarily suspended in a 3D printer that uses cement-based materials, and the time lag that occurs when discharge is resumed due to this dripping, thereby suppressing deterioration in the quality of the product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of a nozzle device for a 3D printer according to the present disclosure is a nozzle device for a 3D printer for discharging a cement-based material as a printing raw material pressure-fed by a pump, the nozzle device comprising: a flexible hose through which the cement-based material flows; a tubular body having higher rigidity than the flexible hose and into which the flexible hose is inserted, the tubular body having an opening in a peripheral wall of the tubular body through which the flexible hose can be exposed; and a pressing device capable of pressing or releasing the pressing against the outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose from the outside of the tubular body through the opening.

[0009] Moreover, one aspect of the 3D printer according to the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned 3D printer nozzle device, a pipeline connected to the upstream side of the flexible hose, and a pump provided in the pipeline for pressurizing the cement-based material flowing through the pipeline to the flexible hose. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the nozzle device for a 3D printer and the 3D printer of the present disclosure, when the discharge of the cement-based material from the lower discharge port of the nozzle device is temporarily stopped, dripping of the cement-based material after the temporary stop can be suppressed, and the time lag until the cement-based material is actually discharged when the discharge is resumed can be suppressed. This can suppress the occurrence of a situation where the end portion of the laminate cannot be formed into the intended shape after the temporary stop, or the occurrence of defects in the laminated portion when the discharge is resumed. This can suppress the deterioration of the quality of the product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a 3D printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle apparatus for a 3D printer according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a cement-based material is being discharged. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nozzle device for a 3D printer according to one embodiment, showing a state where the discharge of the cement-based material is stopped. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a 3D printer according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a nozzle device for a 3D printer according to another embodiment (when the pressing member is released from pressing). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of components described in these embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, expressions expressing relative or absolute configuration, such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial," not only strictly express such a configuration, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions indicating that things are in an equal state, such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous," not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions describing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape do not only refer to rectangular shapes, cylindrical shapes, etc. in the strict geometric sense, but also refer to shapes that include uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect is obtained. On the other hand, the expressions "comprise," "include," "have," "includes," or "have" of one element are not exclusive expressions excluding the presence of other elements.

[0013] (3D printer configuration) 1 and 3 are schematic diagrams illustrating a 3D printer according to some embodiments. 1 and 3, the 3D printer 10 (10A, 10B) includes a transfer device for transferring the cementitious material C that has absorbed moisture and become viscous to a nozzle device 30 disposed above the stage 12. This transfer device includes a pipeline 14 connected to an upstream end of a flexible hose 32 (described later) and a pump 16 provided in the pipeline 14, and the pump 16 pumps the cementitious material C flowing through the pipeline 14 to a downstream outlet of the flexible hose 32. Note that the pump 16 is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 1, and may be disposed directly above the nozzle device 30.

[0014] 1 and 3, a hopper 18 is provided upstream of a pump 16, and a cementitious material C is stored in the hopper 18. A pipeline 14 is connected to a lower discharge outlet of the hopper 18, and the cementitious material C stored inside the hopper 18 flows down the pipeline 14 in a viscous state due to absorption of moisture, and is pumped by the pump 16 to a downstream discharge outlet of a flexible hose 32.

[0015] In one embodiment, moisture may be added to the powdered cementitious material C inside the hopper 18 to impart viscosity to the material, or a manufacturing device may be provided at the bottom of the hopper 18 for adding water to the powdered cementitious material C and stirring the material to produce a viscous cementitious material C. In another embodiment, instead of the hopper 18, a storage tank may be provided in which the cementitious material C having viscosity due to the addition of water is stored.

[0016] The cementitious material C may be, for example, cement paste, viscous mortar made by mixing powdered cement with sand and water, or viscous concrete made by further mixing gravel into viscous mortar. In the 3D printer 10, such cementitious material C is used, and the cementitious material C is discharged from the lower discharge port 31 of the nozzle device 30, and multiple two-dimensional layers L are stacked to form a three-dimensional object P, thereby constructing a manufactured product such as a building or structure.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the arrows X and Y indicate directions perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane. That is, the arrow X indicates the left-right direction of the paper, and the arrow Y indicates the direction perpendicular to the paper. The arrow Z indicates the vertical direction. The cement-based material C is discharged from the lower discharge port 31 formed in the nozzle device 30, and a layer L having a two-dimensional shape is formed on the upper surface of the stage 12. A plurality of these layers L are sequentially stacked to form a molded object P having a desired three-dimensional shape. The nozzle device 30 is supported by the support device 20 so as to be movable relative to the upper surface of the stage 12 in the X, Y, and Z directions in order to mold the molded object P having a desired shape on the upper surface of the stage 12.

[0018] Furthermore, a connecting portion 14a of the pipe 14, which is connected to the nozzle device 30 and the upstream side of the flexible hose 32, is supported by the support device 20 so as to be movable in three dimensional directions. This makes it possible to form a three-dimensionally arbitrary shaped object P on the upper surface of the stage 12.

[0019] In another embodiment, the nozzle device 30 may be configured to be movable in the X and Y directions relative to the stage 12 by the support device 20, and the support base 22 that supports the stage 12 may be configured to be movable up and down in the Z direction relative to the nozzle device 30. Also, instead of the support device 20, the nozzle device 30 may be installed at the tip of a robot arm that is relatively movable in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0020] (Configuration of the nozzle device) As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the nozzle device 30 (30a, 30b) is a device for discharging the cementitious material C as a printing raw material, which is pumped by the pump 16, onto the upper surface of the stage 12 to form a model P. The nozzle device 30 includes a flexible hose 32 through which the cementitious material C flows, and a tubular body 34 having a higher rigidity than the flexible hose 32 and into which the flexible hose 32 is inserted. That is, the nozzle device 30 has a double-tube structure in which the flexible hose 32 is disposed inside the peripheral wall that constitutes the tubular body 34. The tubular body 34 has a lower discharge port, and the lower discharge port of the tubular body 34 and an opening formed at the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 form a lower discharge port 31 of the nozzle device 30.

[0021] Openings 35 (35a, 35b) are formed in the peripheral wall of the tubular body 34, and the outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose 32 is exposed to the outside through the openings 35. The nozzle device 30 further includes a pressing device 36, which is configured to be capable of pressing the outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose 32 from outside the peripheral wall of the tubular body 34 through the openings 35, and releasing the pressing against the outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose 32.

[0022] The flexible hose 32 is made of a material that is flexible and elastic, such as rubber, or made of a material that is flexible and soft, such as vinyl. The tubular body 34 is made of a material that has higher rigidity than the flexible hose 32, such as a material that has rigidity, such as a resin or metal.

[0023] Since the nozzle device 30 having the above configuration is provided, the pressing device 36 presses the outer circumferential surface of the flexible hose 32 to reduce the diameter of the flexible hose 32, thereby stopping the discharge of the cementitious material C from the lower discharge port 31. Furthermore, by releasing the operation of the pressing device 36 pressing against the outer circumferential surface of the flexible hose 32, the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 is released, and the cementitious material C is discharged from the lower discharge port 31. When the pressing device 36 presses the outer circumferential surface of the flexible hose 32, it is not necessary to completely close the flexible hose 32. Simply reducing the diameter of the flexible hose 32 with the pressing device 36 makes it difficult for the viscous cementitious material C to be discharged from the lower discharge port 31, so that the discharge of the cementitious material C can be stopped.

[0024] In this way, when the discharge of the cement-based material C from the lower discharge port 31 of the nozzle device 30 is temporarily stopped, the pressing device 36 presses the outer circumferential surface of the flexible hose 32 to reduce the diameter of the flexible hose 32, thereby suppressing dripping of the cement-based material C after the temporary stop. Since dripping of the cement-based material C after the temporary stop can be suppressed, the time lag until the discharge of the cement-based material C actually starts when the discharge is resumed thereafter can also be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the end portion of the laminate cannot be formed into the intended shape after the temporary stop, or the occurrence of defects in the laminated portion on the stage 12 when the discharge is resumed thereafter. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the quality of the product produced by the 3D printer.

[0025] Furthermore, since the pressing device 36 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose 32 from the outside of the flexible hose 32, there is no risk of the pressing device 36 coming into direct contact with the cementitious material C flowing inside the flexible hose 32. Therefore, there is no risk of clogging or failure of the pressing device 36 caused by the cementitious material C adhering to the pressing device 36.

[0026] The pressing force with which the pressing device 36 presses the flexible hose 32 can be appropriately adjusted according to the physical properties of the cementitious material C, such as the viscosity and weight of the cementitious material C. This allows the lower discharge port 31 to be opened and closed properly regardless of the type of cementitious material C used.

[0027] In one embodiment, the nozzle device 30 is detachably attached to the support device 20. This allows the nozzle device 30 to be removed from the support device 20 and a nozzle device for one-stroke drawing that does not have a function of stopping the discharge of the cement-based material C to be attached instead.

[0028] 1 and 3, the support device 20 has a support plate 24 extending along the vertical direction, a base 26 is fixed to the support plate 24, and a relay pipe 28 is fixed to the lower surface of the base 26. The nozzle device 30 is detachably attached to the lower end of the relay pipe 28. In this embodiment, the nozzle device 30 can be removed from the relay pipe 28, and instead a nozzle device for drawing a single line, which does not have the function of temporarily suspending the discharge of the cement-based material C, can be attached to the relay pipe 28.

[0029] (Configuration of the nozzle device according to the first embodiment) 2A and 2B are perspective views showing a nozzle device 30a according to one embodiment. The nozzle device 30 attached to the 3D printer 10A shown in FIG. 1 is the nozzle device 30a according to this embodiment. Fig. 2A is a perspective view showing the time when the cement-based material C is discharged (i.e., when the pressing device 36 is released), and Fig. 2B is a perspective view showing the time when the discharge of the cement-based material C is stopped (i.e., when the pressing device 36 is pressing).

[0030] The nozzle device 30a according to this embodiment includes the tubular body 34 having the above-described configuration, and a pressing device 36a. The pressing device 36a includes a pressing member 38 and a spring member 40. The pressing member 38 is provided so as to be capable of pressing the outer circumferential surface 32a of the flexible hose 32 exposed to the outside facing the opening 35 formed in the peripheral wall of the tubular body 34. The spring member 40 is configured to apply an elastic force to the pressing member 38 so that the pressing member 38 presses the outer circumferential surface 32a of the flexible hose 32.

[0031] The elastic force of the spring member 40, which is biased by the pressing member 38 so as to press the outer circumferential surface 32a of the flexible hose 32 from the outside, is set to have an elastic force that allows the cementitious material C to be discharged from the downstream end opening of the flexible hose 32 against the elastic force of the spring member 40 when the pump 16 is operated and the cementitious material C is pressure-fed through the flexible hose 32. On the other hand, the elastic force of the spring member 40 is set to an elastic force that enables the diameter of the flexible hose 32 to become smaller due to the elastic force of the spring member 40 being greater, and enables the cementitious material C to no longer be discharged from the lower discharge port 31 when the operation of the pump 16 stops and the pressing force with which the cementitious material C flowing through the flexible hose 32 presses the inner surface of the flexible hose 32 decreases.

[0032] As a result, the cementitious material C is discharged from the lower discharge port 31 when the pump 16 is operating, and the cementitious material C is not discharged from the lower discharge port 31 when the pump 16 is not operating. According to this embodiment, since the pressing device 36 includes the spring member 40, a driving device for driving the pressing member 38 is not required. Therefore, the pressing device 36 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0033] In this embodiment, by appropriately adjusting the elastic force of the spring member 40 according to the physical properties (e.g., viscosity, weight, etc.) of the cementitious material C, it becomes possible to open and close the lower discharge outlet 31 for any type of cementitious material C.

[0034] 2A and 2B, a coil spring is used as the spring member 40. However, in other embodiments, spring members having other configurations may be used.

[0035] (Configuration of the nozzle device according to the second embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a 3D printer 10B equipped with a nozzle apparatus 30b according to another embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the nozzle apparatus 30b.

[0036] The nozzle device 30b according to the present embodiment includes the tubular body 34 and the pressing device 36b having the above-mentioned configuration. As shown in Fig. 4, the pressing device 36b includes the pressing member 38 having the above-mentioned configuration, and the pressing member 38 is operated by the driving unit 42 so that the pressing member 38 presses the outer peripheral surface 32a of the flexible hose 32 or releases the pressing against the outer peripheral surface 32a of the flexible hose 32. Furthermore, such an operation of the pressing member 38 is possible by the control device 44 controlling the driving unit 42. That is, the control device 44 controls the driving unit 42 so that the pressing member 38 releases the pressing against the outer peripheral surface 32a of the flexible hose 32 when the pump 16 is operating, and the pressing member 38 presses the outer peripheral surface 32a of the flexible hose 32 when the pump 16 is stopped, thereby stopping the discharge of the cement-based material C.

[0037] In this way, when the pump 16 is operated and the cementitious material C is pumped toward the downstream side of the flexible hose 32, the pressing member 38 releases the pressing against the outer circumferential surface 32a of the flexible hose 32, so that the cementitious material C is smoothly discharged from the lower discharge port 31 of the nozzle device 30b. Also, when the operation of the pump 16 is stopped, the pressing member 38 presses the outer circumferential surface 32a of the flexible hose 32 to narrow the diameter of the flexible hose 32 and stop the discharge of the cementitious material C, so that the subsequent dripping of the cementitious material C can be suppressed. In this way, the pressing member 38 can be operated accurately by the control device 44 in accordance with when the pump 16 is operating or stopped.

[0038] 4, the driving unit 42 has an extensible rod 46 having one end connected to the pressing member 38. In this embodiment, the driving unit 42 causes the extensible rod 46 to extend and retract along the axial direction, thereby moving the pressing member 38 in a direction toward and away from the flexible hose 32. The driving unit 42 may be configured to include, for example, a motor (not shown), a rotating shaft of the motor engages with one end of the telescopic rod 46, and the telescopic rod 46 moves along the axial direction as the rotating shaft of the motor rotates. In another embodiment, the driving unit 42 may be configured to include a hydraulic cylinder (not shown), a piston constituting the hydraulic cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rod 46, and the telescopic rod 46 moves along the axial direction by the operation of the hydraulic cylinder. In still another embodiment, the motor (not shown) may be directly connected to the support unit 50, and the advancement and retreat direction of the pressing member 38 may be controlled by directly operating the support unit 50.

[0039] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a leveling plate 48 extending along a direction perpendicular to the central axis O of the tubular body 34 is provided at the lower end of the tubular body 34. According to this embodiment, since the leveling plate 48 is provided, the upper surface of the layer L having a two-dimensional shape formed on the upper surface of the stage 12 by the cementitious material C discharged from the lower discharge port 31 can be leveled as necessary. This can improve the quality of the product constructed by the shaped object P formed by stacking multiple layers L.

[0040] 1 to 4, the leveling plate 48 is configured as a plate-like body having a circular outer shape. The lower surface of the plate-like body has a flat surface so that the upper surface of the layer L formed on the stage 12 can be flattened. In addition, a through hole 48a is formed in the center of the plate-like body to form the lower discharge port 31. The center of the through hole 48a coincides with the central axis O.

[0041] 2A, 2B, and 4, the shape and size of the through hole 48a formed in the leveling plate 48 are formed to be the same as the shape and size of the outer circumferential surface of the downstream end of the flexible hose 32. Furthermore, the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 is inserted into the through hole 48a and, if necessary, is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the leveling plate 48 that forms the through hole 48a. As a result, the inner circumferential surface of the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 is arranged without any step at the lower discharge port 31. Therefore, the cementitious material C is smoothly discharged from the lower discharge port 31 without clogging the downstream end.

[0042] 2A, 2B and 4, the cross section of the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 inserted inside the tubular body 34 and the through hole 48a have a circular shape, and the outer circumferential surface 32a of the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 48a so as to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 48a. In one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 32a of the downstream end is bonded to the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the tubular body 34 that forms the through hole 48a or the inner circumferential surface of the leveling plate 48.

[0043] 2A, 2B and 4, the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 and the lower surface of the leveling plate 48 are at the same height, or the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 is arranged so as not to protrude downward from the through hole 48a. This makes it possible to prevent the downstream end of the flexible hose 32 from interfering with the work of leveling the upper surface of the layer L.

[0044] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4, the pressing member 38 is provided on the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48. According to this embodiment, by providing the pressing member 38 on the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48, a member to which the pressing member 38 can be fixed can be secured on the outside of the tubular body 34. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a new member to fix the pressing member 38, and the configuration of the nozzle device 30 can be simplified. Also, by providing the pressing member 38 on the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48, the pressing member 38 can be disposed in an optimal position that faces the opening 35 formed in the tubular body 34 and can be inserted into the opening 35.

[0045] In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. 4, the opening 35 formed in the peripheral wall of the tubular body 34 is composed of two openings 35a and 35b arranged at positions facing each other across the central axis O of the tubular body 34. The pressing member 38 has a pair of clampers 38a and 38b arranged so that the tip ends of the clampers 38a and 38b can be inserted into the inside of the tubular body 34 through the openings 35a and 35b, respectively. Furthermore, the pressing member 38 has a support part 50 fixed to the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48. The support part 50 has a rotation function. The pair of clampers 38a and 38b have their respective base ends attached to the support part 50, and are configured so that the clampers 38a and 38b can advance and retreat with respect to the outer circumferential surface 32a of the downstream end of the flexible hose 32.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the pressing member 38 can be substantially composed of only the pair of clampers 38a and 38b and their support portion 50, which simplifies the configuration of the pressing member 38 and reduces the cost. Therefore, the pressing member 38 can be made compact in size and weight so that it can be stably fixed to the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48.

[0047] 2A, 2B and 4, the openings 35a and 35b have a semi-elliptical shape that has a maximum width at a position where the openings 35a and 35b contact the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48 and a width that gradually decreases from the upper surface 48b upward. This makes it easier for the tip ends of the clampers 38a and 38b arranged on the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48 to be inserted into the wide areas of the openings 35a and 34b.

[0048] 2A, 2B, and 4, each of the pair of clampers 38a and 38b has a rectangular cross section and is configured as a bar member (rod-shaped body) whose axial middle portion is bent radially outward of the leveling plate 48. This makes it easier for the tip portions of the clampers 38a and 38b to be inserted deeply into the tubular body 34 from the openings 35a and 35b.

[0049] 2A, 2B, and 4, the support portion 50 has a cylindrical shape and is fixed to the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48. The base end portions of the clampers 38a and 38b are supported rotatably along the upper surface 48b of the leveling plate 48 with respect to the support portion 50. This allows the tip portions of the clampers 38a and 38b to advance and retreat relative to the outer circumferential surface 32a of the downstream end portion of the flexible hose 32 through the openings 35a and 35b.

[0050] 2A, 2B and 4, the spring member 40 is constituted by a coil spring, one end of which is connected to one of the pair of clampers 38a and 38b, and the other end of which is connected to the other of the pair of clampers 38a and 38b. As a result, the pair of clampers 38a and 38b apply an elastic force in a direction in which they press the outer circumferential surface 32a of the downstream end of the flexible hose 32.

[0051] In another embodiment of the spring member 40, the spring member 40 may be disposed so as to surround the support portion 50, or may be disposed inside the support portion 50.

[0052] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0053] 1) A nozzle device for a 3D printer according to one embodiment is a nozzle device for a 3D printer (30) for discharging a cement-based material (C) as a printing raw material pressure-fed by a pump (16), the nozzle device comprising: a flexible hose (32) through which the cement-based material (C) flows; a tubular body (34) having higher rigidity than the flexible hose (32) and into which the flexible hose (32) is inserted, the tubular body (34) having an opening (35) on a peripheral wall of the tubular body (34) through which the flexible hose (32) can be exposed; and a pressing device (36) capable of pressing or releasing an outer circumferential surface (32a) of the flexible hose (32) from the outside of the tubular body (34) through the opening (35).

[0054] According to this configuration, when the discharge of the cement-based material (C) from the lower end discharge port (31) of the nozzle device (30) is temporarily stopped, the pressing device (36) presses the flexible hose (32) from the outside to reduce the diameter of the flexible hose (32). This makes it possible to stop the discharge of the cement-based material (C) and suppress dripping of the cement-based material (C) after the temporary stop. Therefore, when the discharge is resumed, the time lag until the discharge of the cement-based material (C) actually starts can also be suppressed. This prevents the end of the laminate from being formed into the intended shape and prevents defects from occurring at the laminated portion when the discharge is resumed, thereby suppressing deterioration in the quality of the product produced by the 3D printer (10).

[0055] Furthermore, since the pressing device (36) contacts the outer peripheral surface (32a) of the flexible hose (32) from the outside of the flexible hose (32), the pressing device (36) does not come into direct contact with the cementitious material (C) flowing inside the flexible hose (32). Therefore, there is no risk of clogging or failure of the pressing device (36) caused by the cementitious material (C) adhering to the pressing device (36).

[0056] 2) In another aspect, the nozzle device for a 3D printer in the nozzle device for a 3D printer described in 1) is characterized in that the pressing device (36) includes a pressing member (38) arranged to be able to press the outer peripheral surface (32 a) of the flexible hose (32), and a spring member (40) that applies an elastic force so that the pressing member (38) presses the outer peripheral surface (32 a).

[0057] According to this configuration, the elastic force of the spring member (40) biased against the pressing member (38) is set so as to permit the cementitious material (C) to be discharged from the flexible hose (32) against the elastic force of the spring member (40) when the pump (16) is operated and the cementitious material (C) is pumped through the flexible hose (32), and the flexible hose (32) is pressed by the pressing member (38) so as not to discharge the cementitious material (C) when the pump (16) is stopped, so that the cementitious material (C) can be discharged from the flexible hose (32) when the pump (16) is operating and the discharge of the cementitious material (C) can be stopped when the pump (16) is stopped. This eliminates the need for a drive device for driving the pressing member (38), thereby simplifying the pressing device (36a) and reducing costs.

[0058] 3) According to yet another aspect, the nozzle device for a 3D printer in the nozzle device for a 3D printer described in 1) is such that the pressing device (36) includes a pressing member (38) provided to be able to press the outer peripheral surface (32 a) of the flexible hose (32), a drive unit (42) that operates the pressing member (38) so that the pressing member (38) presses or releases the pressure on the outer peripheral surface, and a control device (44) that controls the drive unit (42) so that the pressing member (38) releases the pressure on the outer peripheral surface (32 a) of the flexible hose (32) when the pump (16) is operating, and the pressing member (38) presses the outer peripheral surface (32 a) of the flexible hose (32) when the pump (16) is stopped.

[0059] According to this configuration, the control device (44) controls the drive unit (42) to release the pressure of the pressing member (38) so that the cementitious material (C) can be discharged from the flexible hose (32) when the pump (16) is operating, and to cause the pressing member (38) to press the flexible hose (32) so that the diameter of the flexible hose (32) is narrowed and the discharge of the cementitious material (C) is stopped when the pump (16) is stopped. In this way, the pressing member (38) can be operated accurately in accordance with whether the pump (16) is operating or not.

[0060] 4) In still another aspect, the nozzle device for a 3D printer according to 2) or 3) is provided with a leveling plate (48) that is provided at the lower end of the tubular body (34) and extends along a direction perpendicular to the central axis (O) of the tubular body (34).

[0061] According to this configuration, since the leveling plate (48) having the above-described configuration is provided, the top surface of each layer (L) of the two-dimensional shape formed on the stage (12) of the 3D printer (10) can be made flat and smooth as necessary by the leveling plate (48). This can improve the quality of the product produced by stacking multiple layers (L).

[0062] 5) A 3D printer nozzle device according to yet another aspect is the 3D printer nozzle device described in 4), wherein the pressing member (38) is provided on an upper surface (48b) of the leveling plate (48).

[0063] According to this configuration, by providing the pressing member (38) constituting the pressing device (36) on the upper surface (48b) of the leveling plate (48), a member for fixing the pressing member (38) on the outside of the tubular body (34) can be secured. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a new member for fixing the pressing member (38), and the configuration of the nozzle device (30) can be simplified. Also, by providing the pressing member (38) on the upper surface (48b) of the leveling plate (48), the tip end of the pressing member (38) can be placed in an optimal position for inserting it into the opening (35) formed in the tubular body (34) at a position facing the opening (35).

[0064] 6) In yet another aspect, the nozzle device for a 3D printer according to the nozzle device for a 3D printer described in 5) is such that, in the nozzle device for a 3D printer described in 5), the opening (35) formed in the peripheral wall of the tubular body (34) includes two openings (35a, 35b) arranged at positions opposing each other across the central axis (O) of the tubular body (34), and the pressing member (38) includes a pair of clampers (38a, 38b) arranged so that their tip ends can be inserted into each of the two openings (35a, 35b), and a support portion (50) fixed to an upper surface (48b) of the leveling plate (48), the base ends of the pair of clampers (38a, 38b) are rotatably attached to the support portion (50) so that the pair of clampers (38a, 38b) can advance and retreat relative to the outer peripheral surface (32a) of the flexible hose (32).

[0065] According to this configuration, the pressing member (38) can be substantially composed of only the pair of clampers (38a, 38b) and the support portion (50), which simplifies the configuration and reduces the cost of the pressing member (38). Therefore, the pressing member (38) can be made compact in size and weight so that it can be stably fixed to the upper surface (48b) of the leveling plate (48).

[0066] 7) A 3D printer according to one embodiment includes a 3D printer nozzle device (30) described in any one of 1) to 6), a pipeline (14) connected to the upstream side of the flexible hose (32), and a pump (16) provided in the pipeline (14) for pressurizing the cement-based material (C) flowing through the pipeline (14) to the flexible hose (32).

[0067] According to this configuration, since the 3D printer (10) includes the above-mentioned 3D printer nozzle device (30), when the discharge of the cementitious material (C) from the flexible hose (32) in the nozzle device (30) is temporarily stopped, the flexible hose (32) is pressed by the pressing device (36), thereby suppressing dripping of the cementitious material (C) after the temporary stop, and suppressing the time lag until the cementitious material (C) is actually discharged when the discharge is resumed. This suppresses the occurrence of a situation in which the end portion of the laminate cannot be formed into the intended shape after the discharge is stopped, or the occurrence of defects in the laminated portion when the discharge is resumed, thereby suppressing deterioration in the quality of the product.

[0068] 8) A 3D printer according to another aspect further includes a support device (20) that supports the nozzle device (30) for the 3D printer and a connection portion (14a) of the pipeline (14) that is connected to the upstream side of the flexible hose (32) so that the connection portion (14a) is movable in three dimensional directions; The 3D printer nozzle device (30) is removably attached to the support device (20).

[0069] According to this configuration, the 3D printer nozzle device (30) and the connection portion (14a) of the pipeline (14) are supported by the support device (20) so as to be movable in three dimensions, so that a three-dimensionally arbitrary shaped object (P) can be formed. Also, since the 3D printer nozzle device (30) is detachably attached to the support device (20), it is possible to remove the 3D printer nozzle device (30) from the support device (20) and attach a nozzle device for drawing in one stroke instead, which does not have a function of stopping the discharge of the cement-based material (C). [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10(10A, 10B) 3D Printer 12 Stages 14 Conduit 14a Connection 16 Pump 18 Hopper 20 Support device 22 Support stand 24 Support plate 26 Base 28 Intermediate pipe 30 (30a, 30b) Nozzle device 31 Lower outlet 32 Flexible hose 32a Outer surface 34 Tubular body 35(35a, 35b) opening 36 (36a, 36b) Pressing device 38 Pressing member 38a, 38b Clamper 40 Spring member 42 Drive unit 44 Control device 46 Telescopic Rod 48 Leveling board 48a through hole 48b Top 50 Support part C Cement-based materials L layer P Modeled object

Claims

1. A nozzle device for a 3D printer for discharging cement-based material as a printing raw material that has been pumped by a pump, A flexible hose through which the cement-based material flows, A tubular body having higher rigidity than the aforementioned flexible hose and into which the flexible hose is inserted, the tubular body having an opening in its peripheral wall that allows the flexible hose to be exposed, The system includes a pressing device that can press or release the outer surface of the flexible hose from the outside of the tubular body through the opening. 3D printer nozzle device.

2. The aforementioned pressing device is A pressing member is provided so as to be able to press the outer surface of the flexible hose, The pressing member includes a spring member that provides an elastic force to press the pressing member against the outer circumferential surface. A nozzle device for a 3D printer according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned pressing device is A pressing member is provided so as to be able to press the outer surface of the flexible hose, A drive unit that operates the pressing member so that the pressing member presses against or releases the outer surface, The control device controls the drive unit such that the pressing member releases its pressure on the outer surface of the flexible hose when the pump is operating, and the pressing member presses on the outer surface of the flexible hose when the pump is stopped. A nozzle device for a 3D printer according to claim 1.

4. The lower end of the tubular body is provided with a leveling plate that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular body, A nozzle device for a 3D printer according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The pressing member is provided on the upper surface of the leveling plate. A nozzle device for a 3D printer according to claim 4.

6. The opening formed in the peripheral wall of the tubular body includes two openings positioned opposite each other across the central axis of the tubular body, The pressing member is, A pair of clamps, the tip of which is positioned to be insertable into each of the two openings, A support portion fixed to the upper surface of the leveling plate, wherein the base ends of the pair of clamps are rotatably attached to the support portion so that the pair of clamps can move back and forth relative to the outer circumferential surface of the flexible hose, including The nozzle device for a 3D printer according to claim 5.

7. A nozzle device for a 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A conduit connected to the upstream side of the aforementioned flexible hose, A pump provided in the pipeline for pressurizing the cement-based material flowing through the pipeline into the flexible hose, Equipped with 3D printer.

8. The 3D printer nozzle device and the connecting portion of the conduit connected to the flexible hose are further supported by a support device that allows the conduit to move in a three-dimensional direction. The 3D printer nozzle device is detachably attached to the support device. The 3D printer according to claim 7.

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