Material discharge device

Abstract

To provide a material discharge device that can reduce variations in temperature of a molding material flowing through a passage.SOLUTION: A material discharge device includes: a plasticizing part which plasticizes at least a part of a material to generate a molding material; a nozzle which has a nozzle opening formed therein and discharges the molding material; a first heating part which heats a passage communicating with the nozzle opening and through which the molding material flows; and a member at least a part of which is provided in the passage, and in which at least one through hole having an area smaller than an area of the passage is formed when viewed from a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the passage. The material discharge device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the first heating part is provided outside the passage and the member contacts with the first heating part; and the member contacts with a second heating part provided in the passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a material dispensing device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that discharges a plasticized material from a material discharge device onto a stage and hardens the material to form a three-dimensional object.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a modeling material supplying device for use in a three-dimensional modeling device, which includes a nozzle that discharges a paste-like modeling material produced by heating a material containing a thermoplastic resin toward a table, and a nozzle heater that heats the nozzle. The nozzle heater allows the modeling material to be discharged while maintaining its temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-26509 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the modeling material supplying device as described above, the temperature of the modeling material near the wall surface of the flow path may differ from the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the material discharge device according to the present invention is to a plasticizer for plasticizing at least a portion of the material to generate a modeling material; A nozzle having a nozzle opening formed therein and configured to eject the modeling material; A first heating unit that heats a flow path through which the modeling material flows and communicates with the nozzle opening; a member having at least one through hole formed therein, the through hole having an area smaller than an area of ​​the flow path when viewed in a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the flow path; Including, The first heating unit is provided outside the flow path, The member is in contact with the first heating unit; and, the member is in contact with a second heating unit provided in the flow path; At least one of the following is satisfied. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a nozzle unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a heating promotion member of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a heating promotion member of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a heating promotion member of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a heating promotion member of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a nozzle unit of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a heating promotion member of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a nozzle unit of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an injection molding apparatus according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0009] 1. First embodiment 1.1. Three-dimensional printing equipment 1.1.1. Overall structure First, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0010] In FIG. 1, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis and Y-axis directions are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions. The X-axis direction includes a +X-axis direction that is one direction along the X-axis, and a -X-axis direction that is the other direction along the X-axis. The Y-axis direction includes a +Y-axis direction that is one direction along the Y-axis, and a -Y-axis direction that is the other direction along the Y-axis. The Z-axis direction includes a +Z-axis direction that is one direction along the Z-axis, and a -Z-axis direction that is the other direction along the Z-axis.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes, for example, a material discharging device 10, a stage 20, a position changing unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0012] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 drives the position changing unit 30 to change the relative position between the material discharging device 10 and the stage 20 while discharging plasticized modeling material from the material discharging device 10 toward the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 models a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) (registered trademark) type three-dimensional modeling apparatus.

[0013] Although not shown, a plurality of material discharge devices 10 may be provided. For example, two material discharge devices 10 may be provided. In this case, the two material discharge devices 10 may both discharge a modeling material that constitutes a three-dimensional object, or one may discharge a modeling material and the other may discharge a support material that supports the three-dimensional object. The two material discharge devices 10 may be aligned in the X-axis direction.

[0014] The material discharge device 10 has, for example, a material storage section 110, a plasticizing section 120, and a nozzle unit 160. For convenience, the nozzle unit 160 is illustrated in a simplified form in FIG.

[0015] The material storage unit 110 stores materials in pellet or powder form. The material storage unit 110 supplies materials to the plasticization unit 120. The material storage unit 110 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material stored in the material storage unit 110 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0016] The material storage section 110 and the plasticization section 120 are connected by a supply path 112 provided below the material storage section 110. The material input into the material storage section 110 is supplied to the plasticization section 120 via the supply path 112.

[0017] The plasticizing unit 120 has, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a heater 150. The plasticizing unit 120 plasticizes at least a portion of the solid-state material supplied from the material storage unit 110 to generate a paste-like modeling material having fluidity, and supplies the paste-like modeling material to the nozzle unit 160.

[0018] Plasticization is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a material from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0019] The screw case 122 is a housing that houses the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the lower surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in a space surrounded by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0020] The driving motor 124 is provided on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The driving motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 126 of the driving motor 124 is connected to an upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The driving motor 124 is controlled by the control unit 40. Although not shown, the shaft 126 of the driving motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reducer.

[0021] The flat screw 130 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than its size in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0022] The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite to the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of the flat screw 130. For convenience, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, a first groove 134 is formed on the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 146. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 136 is provided in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. That is, the material introduction portion 137 is provided on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. The material supplied from the material reservoir 110 is introduced from the material introduction section 137 into the first groove 134, and is transported through the connection section 136 and the central section 135 to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. For example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0024] It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the number of first grooves 134. Although not shown in the figure, three or more first grooves 134 may be formed, or only one first groove 134 may be formed.

[0025] Although not shown, the plasticizing unit 120 may have a long in-line screw having a spiral groove on the side surface instead of the flat screw 130. The plasticizing unit 120 may plasticize the material by rotating the in-line screw.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrel 140 is provided below the flat screw 130. The barrel 140 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. A communication hole 146 that communicates with the first groove 134 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. Here, Fig. 3 is a plan view that typically shows the barrel 140.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, a second groove 144 and a communication hole 146 are formed on the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number of second grooves 144 is not particularly limited. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed around the communication hole 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of the second groove 144 is connected to the communication hole 146, and the second groove 144 extends in a spiral shape from the communication hole 146 toward the outer periphery of the barrel 140. The second groove 144 has a function of guiding the plasticized modeling material to the communication hole 146.

[0028] The shape of second groove 144 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, linear. One end of second groove 144 does not have to be connected to communication hole 146. Furthermore, second groove 144 does not have to be formed on opposing surface 142. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized material to communication hole 146, second groove 144 is preferably formed on opposing surface 142.

[0029] The heater 150 is provided in the barrel 140 as shown in FIG. 1. The heater 150 may be a rod heater. The heater 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The output of the heater 150 is controlled by the control unit 40. The plasticizing unit 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communication hole 146 by the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the heater 150, to generate a plasticized modeling material. Then, the plasticizing unit 120 causes the generated modeling material to flow out from the communication hole 146. The heater 150 may be shaped like a ring when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The nozzle unit 160 is supplied with the modeling material through the communication hole 146. The nozzle unit 160 ejects the supplied modeling material toward the stage 20. Details of the nozzle unit 160 will be described later.

[0031] The stage 20 is provided below the nozzle unit 160. In the illustrated example, the shape of the stage 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The stage 20 has a deposition surface 22 on which the modeling material is deposited. The deposition surface 22 is an area on the upper surface of the stage 20.

[0032] The stage 20 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The stage 20 may be made of a metal plate and an adhesive sheet provided on the metal plate. In this case, the deposition surface 22 is made of the adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheet can improve the adhesion between the stage 20 and the modeling material discharged from the material discharge device 10.

[0033] Although not shown, the stage 20 may be composed of a metal plate with grooves formed therein and a base layer provided to fill the grooves. In this case, the deposition surface 22 is composed of the base layer. The material of the base layer is, for example, the same as the modeling material. The base layer can improve the adhesion between the stage 20 and the modeling material discharged from the material discharge device 10.

[0034] The position change unit 30 supports the stage 20. The position change unit 30 changes the relative position between the material discharge device 10 and the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the position change unit 30 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction to change the relative position between the nozzle unit 160 and the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the position change unit 30 moves the material discharge device 10 in the Z-axis direction to change the relative position between the nozzle unit 160 and the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The position changing unit 30 has, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, and a third electric actuator 36. The first electric actuator 32 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 34 moves the stage 20 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 36 moves the material discharging device 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The configuration of the position changer 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the relative positions of the material discharger 10 and the stage 20. For example, the position changer 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction and move the material discharger 10 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the position changer 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 or the material discharger 10 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The control unit 40 is configured, for example, by a computer having a processor, a main storage device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals from and to the outside. The control unit 40 performs various functions, for example, by the processor executing a program loaded into the main storage device. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the material discharge device 10 and the position change unit 30. Note that the control unit 40 may be configured by a combination of multiple circuits instead of a computer.

[0038] 1.1.2. Nozzle unit FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that diagrammatically illustrates the nozzle unit 160. As shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle unit 160 includes, for example, a base 162, a butterfly valve 164, a pressure sensor 166, a first heating section 168, a heating promotion member 170, and a nozzle 172.

[0040] The base 162 is connected to the barrel 140. The shape of the base 162 is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The material of the base 162 is, for example, SUS (Steel Use Stainless). A base flow path 182 is formed in the base 162. The base flow path 182 is connected to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The communication hole 146, the base flow path 182, and the nozzle flow path 184 formed in the nozzle 172 constitute a flow path 180. The modeling material flows through the flow path 180. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal direction of the flow path 180 is the Z-axis direction. The flow path 180 has a central axis C. In the illustrated example, the central axis C is parallel to the Z-axis. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the central axis C passes through the center of the flow path 180. The flow path 180 is defined by a wall surface 181. In the illustrated example, the wall surface 181 is the surface of the communication hole 146 , the base flow path 182 , and the nozzle 172 .

[0041] The butterfly valve 164 is provided in the flow path 180. In the illustrated example, the butterfly valve 164 is provided in the base flow path 182. The butterfly valve 164 adjusts the flow rate of the modeling material flowing through the flow path 180. The butterfly valve 164 is driven by a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit is controlled by the control unit 40.

[0042] The pressure sensor 166 is provided in the base 162. The pressure sensor 166 detects the pressure in the flow path 180. In the illustrated example, the pressure sensor 166 detects the pressure in the base flow path 182. Information on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 166 is transmitted to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 adjusts the butterfly valve 164, for example, based on the received pressure information.

[0043] The first heating unit 168 is provided on the base 162. In the illustrated example, the first heating unit 168 is in contact with the base 162 and the nozzle 172. The first heating unit 168 is, for example, a heater. The first heating unit 168 may be a rod heater or a ring-shaped heater. The first heating unit 168 is provided outside the flow path 180. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first heating unit 168 does not overlap with the flow path 180. The first heating unit 168 heats the flow path 180 via the base 162. Specifically, the first heating unit 168 heats the modeling material flowing through the flow path 180 via the base 162. The output of the first heating unit 168 is controlled by the control unit 40.

[0044] The distance between the first heating unit 168 and the nozzle opening 176 of the nozzle 172 is, for example, smaller than the distance between the first heating unit 168 and the barrel 140. This allows the nozzle opening 176 to be heated by the first heating unit 168, and the viscosity of the modeling material flowing through the nozzle opening 176, where the diameter of the flow path 180 becomes smaller, can be reduced. This reduces the possibility of the modeling material clogging the nozzle opening 176. Furthermore, the viscosity of the modeling material can be increased on the barrel 140 side of the flow path 180, and the modeling material can be pushed by the pressure generated by the flat screw 130 and efficiently discharged from the nozzle opening 176.

[0045] The set temperature of the first heating unit 168 is, for example, higher than the set temperature of the heater 150 of the plasticizing unit 120. This allows the viscosity of the modeling material flowing through the nozzle opening 176 where the diameter of the flow path 180 becomes smaller to be lowered, while the viscosity of the modeling material on the barrel 140 side of the flow path 180 can be increased.

[0046] At least a part of the heat promotion member 170 is provided in the flow path 180. Here, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the heat promotion member 170. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the heat promotion member 170 has an overlapping portion 170a that overlaps with the flow path 180 and a peripheral portion 170b provided around the overlapping portion 170a when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The overlapping portion 170a is located in the flow path 180. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the shape of the overlapping portion 170a is circular. Note that in FIG. 5, the flow path 180 is shown by a dotted line. In other words, in FIG. 5, the outline of the overlapping portion 170a is shown by a dotted line. This is the same as in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 described later. The peripheral portion 170b is shaped like a ring. The peripheral portion 170b is located outside the flow path 180. The peripheral portion 170b is in contact with the first heating unit 168. Although not shown, the peripheral portion 170b may be in contact with the heater 150 of the plasticizing portion 120.

[0047] 4, the heat promotion member 170 is supported by being sandwiched between the base 162 and the nozzle 172. Specifically, the peripheral portion 170b of the heat promotion member 170 is sandwiched between the base 162 and the nozzle 172. The shape of the heat promotion member 170 is, for example, a disk shape.

[0048] The heat promotion member 170 has a higher thermal conductivity than the members constituting the flow path 180. In the illustrated example, the members constituting the flow path 180 are the barrel 140, the base 162, and the nozzle 172. That is, the heat promotion member 170 has a higher thermal conductivity than the barrel 140, the base 162, and the nozzle 172. The material of the heat promotion member 170 is, for example, a metal such as copper (Cu) or platinum (Pt).

[0049] A through hole 171 is formed in the heat promotion member 170. The through hole 171 is provided in the flow path 180. Specifically, the through hole 171 is formed in the overlapping portion 170a of the heat promotion member 170. The through hole 171 has an area smaller than the area of ​​the flow path 180 when viewed from the Z axis direction. When viewed from the Z axis direction, the through hole 171 does not overlap with the central axis C of the flow path 180. For example, a plurality of through holes 171 are formed. The number of the through holes 171 is not particularly limited and may be one. In the illustrated example, the shape of the through hole 171 is circular when viewed from the Z axis direction.

[0050] The nozzle 172 is connected to the base 162. The nozzle 172 is, for example, fitted into the base 162. The nozzle 172 is formed with a nozzle flow path 184 that communicates with the base flow path 182. The nozzle 172 is made of, for example, SUS.

[0051] The nozzle 172 has, for example, a fitting portion 173, a narrowing portion 174, and a nozzle tip portion 175. The fitting portion 173 is fitted to the base portion 162. The fitting portion 173 is surrounded by the base portion 162, for example. The diameter of the flow path 180 in the fitting portion 173 is constant in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the diameter of the flow path 180 in the fitting portion 173 is the same as the diameter of the communication hole 146 and the diameter of the base flow path 182. The narrowing portion 174 connects the fitting portion 173 and the nozzle tip portion 175. The diameter of the flow path 180 in the narrowing portion 174 becomes smaller from the fitting portion 173 toward the nozzle tip portion 175. The nozzle tip portion 175 constitutes the tip of the nozzle 172. In the illustrated example, the tip of the nozzle 172 is the end in the -Z-axis direction. The diameter of flow path 180 at nozzle tip portion 175 is constant in the Z-axis direction. In this manner, nozzle tip portion 175 constitutes the tip of nozzle 172, and is the portion where the diameter of flow path 180 is constant in the Z-axis direction.

[0052] A nozzle opening 176 is formed in a nozzle tip 175 of the nozzle 172. A flow path 180 is in communication with the nozzle opening 176. The nozzle 172 ejects a modeling material from the nozzle opening 176. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the area of ​​the through hole 171 is larger than the area of ​​the nozzle opening 176. A length M1 in the Z-axis direction of the through hole 171 is longer than a length M2 in the Z-axis direction of the nozzle tip 175. A diameter of the nozzle opening 176 is the same as a diameter of the flow path 180 at the nozzle tip 175.

[0053] 1.1.3. Operation Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 40.

[0054] For example, a user operates an operation unit (not shown) to output a processing start signal for starting processing to the control unit 40. The operation unit is composed of, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. When the control unit 40 receives the processing start signal, it starts processing.

[0055] First, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 40 performs, in step S1, a modeling data acquisition process for acquiring modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object.

[0056] The modeling data includes information regarding, for example, the type of material stored in the material storage unit 110, the movement path of the material discharging device 10 relative to the stage 20, the amount of modeling material discharged from the material discharging device 10, and the like.

[0057] The modeling data is created, for example, by reading shape data into slicer software installed in a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. The shape data is data representing a target shape of a three-dimensional object created using three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, three-dimensional CG (Computer Graphics) software, or the like. As the shape data, for example, data in the Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format or Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF) format is used. The slicer software divides the target shape of the three-dimensional object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed by G-code, M-code, or the like. The control unit 40 acquires the modeling data from a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 or a recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0058] Next, in step S2, the control unit 40 performs a modeling layer formation process in which a modeling material is discharged onto the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 to form a modeling layer.

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 40 plasticizes the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate the modeling material, and discharges the modeling material from the nozzle unit 160 of the material discharge device 10. The control unit 40 continues to generate the modeling material, for example, until the modeling layer formation process is completed.

[0060] Here, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 40 controls the position change unit 30 to change the relative position between the material discharge device 10 and the stage 20 based on the acquired modeling data, while controlling the material discharge device 10 to discharge modeling material from the nozzle unit 160 toward the stage 20.

[0062] Specifically, before the modeling layer forming process is started, that is, before the formation of the modeling layer L1, which is the first modeling layer, is started, the nozzle unit 160 is disposed at an initial position in the -X axis direction, which is closer to the end of the stage 20 in the -X axis direction. When the modeling layer forming process is started, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 40 controls the position changing unit 30 to, for example, move the nozzle unit 160 relative to the stage 20 in the +X axis direction. When the nozzle unit 160 passes over the stage 20, the modeling material is discharged from the nozzle unit 160. As a result, the modeling layer L1 is formed. In FIG. 7, n is an arbitrary natural number, and up to the n-th modeling layer Ln are illustrated.

[0063] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S3, the control unit 40 performs a determination process of determining whether or not formation of all the modeling layers has been completed based on the modeling data.

[0064] If it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has not been completed ("NO" in step S3), the control unit 40 returns the process to step S2. The control unit 40 repeats steps S2 and S3 until it is determined in step S3 that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed ("YES" in step S3), the control unit 40 ends the process.

[0066] 1.1.4. Effects The material discharge device 10 includes a first heating unit 168 that communicates with the nozzle opening 176 and heats a flow path 180 through which the modeling material flows, and a heat promotion member 170 in which at least a portion is provided within the flow path 180 and in which at least one through hole 171 having an area smaller than the area of ​​the flow path 180 is formed when viewed from the Z-axis direction as a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the flow path 180. The heat promotion member 170 contacts the first heating unit 168.

[0067] Therefore, in the material discharge device 10, the heat promotion member 170 can increase the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180, and can reduce the difference between the temperature of the modeling material near the wall surface 181 of the flow path 180 and the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180. This can reduce the temperature variation of the modeling material flowing through the flow path 180 and improve the temperature uniformity. In particular, the flow rate of the modeling material is high near the center of the flow path 180, so if the heat promotion member 170 is not provided, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180 will be lower than the set value.

[0068] Furthermore, in the material discharge device 10, since the heating promotion member 170 can heat the modeling material near the center of the flow channel 180, the output of the first heating section 168 can be reduced, that is, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0069] In the material discharge device 10, the through hole 171 has an area larger than the nozzle opening 176 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and a length M1 in the Z-axis direction is longer than a length M2 of the nozzle tip portion 175. Here, the pressure loss of the modeling material caused by providing the heat promotion member 170 in the flow path 180 is a fourth power function of the area of ​​the through hole 171, and a first power function of the length M1 of the heat promotion member 170. Therefore, by making the area of ​​the through hole 171 larger than the nozzle opening 176 and making the length M1 larger than the length M2, the modeling material can be efficiently heated by the heat promotion member 170 while reducing the pressure loss of the modeling material.

[0070] Although not shown, the through hole 171 may have an area larger than the nozzle opening 176 and a length M1 equal to or smaller than the length M2, or may have an area equal to or smaller than the nozzle opening 176 and a length M1 greater than the length M2. In this manner, it is sufficient that the heat promotion member 170 is formed with at least one of the through hole 171 having an area larger than the nozzle opening 176 when viewed from the Z-axis direction and the through hole 171 having a length M1 greater than the length M2.

[0071] In the material discharging device 10, the thermal conductivity of the heat promotion member 170 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the members constituting the flow path 180. Therefore, in the material discharging device 10, the modeling material can be heated more efficiently than in a case where the thermal conductivity of the heat promotion member is lower than the thermal conductivity of the members constituting the flow path.

[0072] 1.2. Modifications of the 3D printing device Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a plan view that illustrates a heat promoting member 170 of the material discharging device 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 102 according to the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0073] Hereinafter, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 102 according to a modified example of the first embodiment, components having the same functions as the components of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 102, the position of the through-hole 171 is different from that in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 described above.

[0075] 8, the overlapping portion 170a of the heat promotion member 170 in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 102 is composed of a central portion 190 and an outer periphery 192. In the illustrated example, the central portion 190 is circular, and the radius of the central portion 190 is half the radius of the overlapping portion 170a. The outer periphery 192 is ring-shaped, and is the portion of the overlapping portion 170a excluding the central portion 190.

[0076] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the ratio of the area of ​​through hole 171 to the area of ​​overlapping portion 170a is smaller in central portion 190 than in outer circumferential portion 192. When multiple through holes 171 are formed, the "area of ​​through holes 171" is the total area of ​​the multiple through holes 171.

[0077] In the material discharging device 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 102, the ratio of the area of ​​the through-hole 171 to the area of ​​the overlapping portion 170a in the center portion 190 is smaller than that in the outer circumferential portion 192, as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Therefore, in the material discharging device 10, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180 can be increased.

[0078] The shape and number of through holes 171 are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the shape of through holes 171 may be elliptical when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in Fig. 9, two through holes 171 are formed. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the shape of through holes 171 may be triangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in Fig. 10, four through holes 171 are formed.

[0079] 2. Second embodiment Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a heat promoting member 170 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0080] Hereinafter, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, components having the same functions as those of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 differs from the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that it includes a second heating unit 210.

[0082] The second heating unit 210 is provided in the flow path 180. In the illustrated example, an insertion hole 212 is formed in the heat promotion member 170 along the Y-axis direction, and the second heating unit 210 is inserted into the insertion hole 212. At least a portion of the second heating unit 210 overlaps with the central axis C of the flow path 180 in the Z-axis direction. The second heating unit 210 is, for example, a heater. The second heating unit 210 may be a rod heater. The heat promotion member 170 is in contact with the second heating unit 210. In FIG. 12, the second heating unit 210 and the insertion hole 212 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0083] The second heating unit 210 heats the flow path 180 via the heat promotion member 170. Specifically, the second heating unit 210 heats the modeling material flowing through the flow path 180 via the heat promotion member 170. The output of the second heating unit 210 is controlled by the control unit 40. The set temperature of the second heating unit 210 is higher than the set temperature of the first heating unit 168, for example.

[0084] The second heating section 210 is provided between a first through hole 171a and a second through hole 171b of the multiple through holes 171. In the illustrated example, two through holes 171 are formed. The shape of the through hole 171 is elliptical.

[0085] In the material discharging device 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200, the heating promotion member 170 is in contact with the second heating unit 210. Therefore, in the material discharging device 10, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180 can be increased, and the difference between the temperature of the modeling material near the wall surface 181 of the flow path 180 and the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180 can be reduced. This reduces the temperature variation of the modeling material flowing through the flow path 180, and improves the temperature uniformity.

[0086] In the material discharging device 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200, the heat promoting member 170 is in contact with the second heating section 210, a plurality of through holes 171 are formed, and the second heating section 210 is provided between a first through hole 171a and a second through hole 171b among the plurality of through holes 171. Therefore, in the material discharging device 10, the modeling material passing through the first through hole 171a and the second through hole 171b can be heated by the second heating section 210.

[0087] In the material discharging device 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200, at least a portion of the second heating unit 210 overlaps with the central axis C of the flow passage 180 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, in the material discharging device 10, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow passage 180 can be increased.

[0088] In the material discharging device 10 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200, the set temperature of the second heating unit 210 is higher than the set temperature of the first heating unit 168. Therefore, in the material discharging device 10, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path 180 can be increased.

[0089] 13, the heat promoting member 170 may be in contact with the first heating section 168 and also in contact with the second heating section 210. As shown in the above-mentioned FIGS. 4, 11 and 13, in the material discharging device 10, at least one of the following is satisfied: the heat promoting member 170 is in contact with the first heating section 168, and the heat promoting member 170 is in contact with the second heating section 210.

[0090] In the above example, the material stored in the material storage unit 110 is ABS resin, but is not limited to this. The material stored in the material storage unit 110 may be a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0091] Materials stored in the material storage unit 110 include materials that are mainly made of various materials such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the "main material" refers to the material that is the core of the shape of the object to be molded by the three-dimensional printing device, and refers to a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the object. The above-mentioned materials include those main materials that are melted alone, and those in which some components contained together with the main material are melted and turned into a paste.

[0092] As the material having thermoplasticity, for example, a thermoplastic resin can be used. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include general-purpose engineering plastics and super engineering plastics.

[0093] Examples of general-purpose engineering plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0094] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0095] The thermoplastic material may contain additives such as pigments, metals, ceramics, and wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and thermal stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state in the plasticizing section 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the heater 150. The modeling material thus generated is deposited from the nozzle unit 160 and then hardened by a decrease in temperature. It is desirable that the thermoplastic material be discharged from the nozzle unit 160 in a completely molten state by being heated to or above its glass transition point.

[0096] In the plasticizing unit 120, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned material having thermoplasticity. In this case, it is preferable that a component that melts when generating the modeling material is mixed with a powder material made by powdering the metal material, and then the powder material is introduced into the plasticizing unit 120.

[0097] Examples of metal materials include single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), or alloys containing one or more of these metals, as well as maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys.

[0098] Instead of the above-mentioned metal materials, a ceramic material can be used as the main material in the plasticizing portion 120. Examples of the ceramic material include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0099] The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110 may be a mixed material in which a single metal powder, an alloy powder, or a ceramic material powder is mixed with a plurality of types of powder. The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material may be coated with, for example, the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic resin other than the above. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizing unit 120 to exhibit fluidity.

[0100] For example, a solvent may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110. 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; acetates such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and iso-butyl 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; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate, etc.); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0101] Additionally, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110. Examples of the binder include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose-based resin, other synthetic resins, PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0102] 3. Third embodiment Next, an injection molding apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic diagram of an injection molding apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 14, the injection molding apparatus 300 includes the above-mentioned material discharging apparatus 10. The injection molding apparatus 300 further includes, for example, an injection mechanism 310, a mold section 320, and a mold clamping section 330. For convenience, the nozzle unit 160 of the material discharging apparatus 10 is illustrated in a simplified form in Fig. 14.

[0104] The plasticizing section 120 of the material discharge device 10 plasticizes the material supplied to the first groove 134 of the flat screw 130, generates a paste-like modeling material having fluidity, and guides it from the communication hole 146 to the injection mechanism 310.

[0105] The injection mechanism 310 has, for example, a cylinder 312, a plunger 314, and a plunger driver 316. The cylinder 312 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 146. The plunger 314 moves inside the cylinder 312. The plunger 314 is driven by the plunger driver 316 which is constituted by a motor, gears, etc. The plunger driver 316 is controlled by the control unit 40.

[0106] The injection mechanism 310 performs a metering operation and an injection operation by sliding the plunger 314 in the cylinder 312. The metering operation refers to an operation of guiding the modeling material located in the communication hole 146 into the cylinder 312 by moving the plunger 314 in a direction away from the communication hole 146, and measuring it in the cylinder 312. The injection operation refers to an operation of injecting the modeling material in the cylinder 312 into the mold part 320 through the nozzle unit 160 by moving the plunger 314 in a direction approaching the communication hole 146.

[0107] The nozzle unit 160 of the material discharge device 10 injects the modeling material supplied from the plasticizing section 120 toward the molding die 322 of the mold section 320. Specifically, by performing the above-mentioned metering operation and injection operation, the modeling material measured in the cylinder 312 is sent from the injection mechanism 310 to the nozzle unit 160 via the communication hole 146. Then, the modeling material is injected from the nozzle unit 160 into the mold section 320.

[0108] The mold section 320 has a molding die 322. The molding die 322 is a metal mold. The molding die 322 has a movable die 326 and a fixed die 328 that face each other, and has a cavity 324 between the movable die 326 and the fixed die 328. The molding material is injected from the nozzle unit 160 into the cavity 324 of the molding die 322. The cavity 324 is a space that corresponds to the shape of the molded product. The molding material that flows into the cavity 324 is cooled and solidified. In this way, a molded product is generated. The movable die 326 and the fixed die 328 are made of metal. The movable die 326 and the fixed die 328 may be made of ceramic or resin.

[0109] The mold clamping unit 330 has, for example, a mold driving unit 332 and a ball screw unit 334. The mold driving unit 332 is composed of, for example, a motor, a gear, etc. The mold driving unit 332 is connected to the movable mold 326 via the ball screw unit 334. The driving of the mold driving unit 332 is controlled by the control unit 40. The ball screw unit 334 transmits the power generated by the driving of the mold driving unit 332 to the movable mold 326. The mold clamping unit 330 opens and closes the mold unit 320 by moving the movable mold 326 by the mold driving unit 332 and the ball screw unit 334.

[0110] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined.

[0111] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0112] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0113] One aspect of the material dispensing device is a plasticizer for plasticizing at least a portion of the material to generate a modeling material; A nozzle having a nozzle opening formed therein and configured to eject the modeling material; A first heating unit that heats a flow path through which the modeling material flows and communicates with the nozzle opening; a member having at least one through hole formed therein, the through hole having an area smaller than an area of ​​the flow path when viewed in a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the flow path; Including, The first heating unit is provided outside the flow path, The member is in contact with the first heating unit; and, the member is in contact with a second heating unit provided in the flow path; At least one of the following is satisfied.

[0114] This material discharge device can reduce the variation in temperature of the modeling material flowing through the flow path.

[0115] In one embodiment of the material dispensing device, The member is in contact with the second heating section, The through holes are formed in plurality, The second heating section may be provided between a first through hole and a second through hole of the plurality of through holes.

[0116] According to this material discharging device, the modeling material passing through the first through hole and the second through hole can be heated by the second heating section.

[0117] In one embodiment of the material dispensing device, The member is in contact with the second heating section, At least a portion of the second heating section may overlap a central axis of the flow channel in the first direction.

[0118] According to this material discharge device, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path can be increased.

[0119] In one embodiment of the material dispensing device, The member is in contact with the second heating section, The set temperature of the second heating unit may be higher than the set temperature of the first heating unit.

[0120] According to this material discharge device, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path can be increased.

[0121] In one embodiment of the material dispensing device, the member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the flow path when viewed from the first direction, The through hole is formed in a plurality of the overlapping portions, A ratio of an area of ​​the through hole to an area of ​​the overlapping portion may be smaller in a central portion of the overlapping portion than in an outer circumferential portion of the overlapping portion when viewed from the first direction.

[0122] According to this material discharge device, the temperature of the modeling material near the center of the flow path can be increased.

[0123] In one embodiment of the material dispensing device, The member may be formed with at least one of the through hole having an area larger than the nozzle opening when viewed in the first direction and the through hole having a length in the first direction longer than a length of the nozzle tip.

[0124] According to this material discharging device, the molding material can be efficiently heated by the member while reducing pressure loss of the molding material.

[0125] In one embodiment of the material dispensing device, The thermal conductivity of the member may be higher than the thermal conductivity of a member that constitutes the flow path.

[0126] This material discharging device can efficiently heat the modeling material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10...material discharge device, 20...stage, 22...deposition surface, 30...position change section, 32...first electric actuator, 34...second electric actuator, 36...third electric actuator, 40...control section, 100, 102...three-dimensional modeling device, 110...material storage section, 112...supply path, 120...plasticization section, 122...screw case, 124...drive motor, 126...shaft, 130...flat screw, 131...upper surface, 132...groove forming surface, 133...side, 134...first groove, 135...center, 136...connection section, 137...material introduction section, 140...barrel, 142...opposing surface, 144...second groove, 146...communication hole, 150...heater, 160...nozzle unit, 162...base, 164...butterfly valve , 166...pressure sensor, 168...first heating section, 170...heating promotion member, 170a...overlapping section, 170b...peripheral section, 171...through hole, 172...nozzle, 173...fitting section, 174...narrowed section, 175...nozzle tip section, 176...nozzle opening, 180...flow path, 181...wall surface, 182...base flow path, 184...nozzle flow path, 190...center section, 192...periphery, Reference Signs List 200...three-dimensional modeling device, 210...second heating section, 212...insertion hole, 300...injection molding device, 310...injection mechanism, 312...cylinder, 314...plunger, 316...plunger drive section, 320...mold section, 322...molding die, 324...cavity, 326...movable die, 328...fixed die, 330...mold clamping section, 332...mold drive section, 334...ball screw section

Claims

1. a plasticizer for plasticizing at least a portion of the material to generate a modeling material; A nozzle having a nozzle opening formed therein and configured to eject the modeling material; A first heating unit that heats a flow path through which the modeling material flows and communicates with the nozzle opening; a member having at least one through hole formed therein, the through hole having an area smaller than an area of ​​the flow path when viewed in a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the flow path; Including, The first heating unit is provided outside the flow path, The member is in contact with the first heating unit; and, the member is in contact with a second heating unit provided in the flow path; A material discharging device that satisfies at least one of the above.

2. In claim 1, The member is in contact with the second heating section, The through holes are formed in plurality, The second heating section is provided between a first through hole and a second through hole of the plurality of through holes.

3. In claim 2, The member is in contact with the second heating section, At least a portion of the second heating section overlaps with a central axis of the flow path in the first direction.

4. In claim 1, The member is in contact with the second heating section, A material discharging device, wherein a set temperature of the second heating section is higher than a set temperature of the first heating section.

5. In claim 1, the member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the flow path when viewed from the first direction, The through hole is formed in a plurality of the overlapping portions, A material discharging device, wherein a ratio of an area of ​​the through hole to an area of ​​the overlapping portion is smaller in a center portion of the overlapping portion than in an outer periphery of the overlapping portion when viewed from the first direction.

6. In claim 1, A material ejection device, wherein the member has at least one of the through hole having an area larger than the nozzle opening when viewed from the first direction and the through hole having a length in the first direction longer than the length of the nozzle tip.

7. In claim 1, The material discharging device, wherein the thermal conductivity of the member is higher than the thermal conductivity of a member constituting the flow path.

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