Modeling device and modeling method

Abstract

To provide a modeling device and a modeling method, which can improve modeling accuracy.SOLUTION: A modeling device is a modeling device that performs modeling using a modeling material, comprising: a nozzle for ejecting the modeling material; a modeling table including a mounting surface for mounting the modeling material ejected from the nozzle; and an acceleration mechanism for applying acceleration to the modeling material ejected from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a molding apparatus and a molding method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the fields of production engineering and manufacturing industry, a modeling apparatus and a modeling method for a three-dimensional object are known.

[0003] As a modeling apparatus and a modeling method, there has been disclosed a modeling apparatus and a modeling method in which a modeling material layer is formed by ejecting a modeling material from a nozzle using a thermoplastic resin as a modeling material (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-164928 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a modeling device and a modeling method for modeling using a modeling material, the smaller the size of the outlet hole of the nozzle that discharges the modeling material, the less modeling material is discharged from the nozzle, enabling high-resolution modeling and improving modeling accuracy. However, if the size of the outlet hole of the nozzle is reduced, the surface tension of the modeling material may become greater than the force required to discharge the modeling material from the nozzle, making it impossible to discharge the modeling material from the nozzle. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the size of the outlet hole of the nozzle to an extent that the modeling material can be discharged, and there is room for improvement in terms of improving modeling accuracy.

[0006] An object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a molding apparatus and a molding method that can improve molding accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a modeling apparatus that performs modeling using a modeling material, and has a nozzle that ejects the modeling material, a modeling table that includes a mounting surface on which the modeling material ejected from the nozzle is placed, and an acceleration mechanism that imparts acceleration to the modeling material ejected from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table.

[0008] A modeling method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a modeling method using a modeling device that performs modeling using a modeling material, in which the modeling device ejects the modeling material through a nozzle, places the modeling material ejected from the nozzle on a mounting surface of a modeling table, and applies acceleration to the modeling material ejected from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table by an application mechanism. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a molding apparatus and a molding method capable of improving molding accuracy can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a molding apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a molding apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an application mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a nozzle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the discharge pressure, centrifugal force, and surface tension in the vicinity of the nozzle outlet hole. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modeling result in a gravitational field. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modeling result in a zero-gravity field. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modeling result in a centrifugal force field. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a modeling result by the modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the nozzle temperature, acceleration, and the weight of the model. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the diameter of the filamentous modeling material after being ejected from the nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A molding apparatus and a molding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of a molding apparatus and a molding method for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and are not limited to the following. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Note that the sizes, positional relationships, etc. of the components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation. In addition, in the following explanation, the same names and symbols indicate the same or similar components, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In the drawings shown below, a cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis may be used to express direction. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are mutually perpendicular. The direction in which the X-axis arrow points is indicated as the +X side, and the opposite side to the +X side is indicated as the -X side. The direction in which the Y-axis arrow points is indicated as the +Y side, and the opposite side to the +Y side is indicated as the -Y side. The direction in which the Z-axis arrow points is indicated as the +Z side, and the opposite side to the +Z side is indicated as the -Z side.

[0013] The Y axis indicates an axis along the rotation axis of the imparting mechanism included in the molding apparatus according to the embodiment. The Z direction along the Z axis indicates a direction along the gravity direction. However, these directional expressions are merely for explaining the relative positional relationship and do not limit the directions in the embodiment.

[0014] In this specification, "along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis" includes an object having a tilt within a range of ±10° with respect to these axes. In addition, in this specification, "orthogonal" does not require an angle of exactly 90 degrees, and may include a deviation from 90 degrees of ±10 degrees or less.

[0015] <Configuration example of molding apparatus according to embodiment> The configuration of a modeling apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Figs. 1 and 2 are diagrams that typically show an example of the configuration of a modeling apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the modeling apparatus 100 as viewed from the +Y side. Fig. 2 is a side view of the modeling apparatus 100 as viewed from the +X side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view that typically explains an example of an application mechanism 3 that the modeling apparatus 100 has. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a nozzle 1 that the modeling apparatus 100 has. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the nozzle 1 including the central axis 1c of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1.

[0016] 1 and 2, the modeling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a nozzle 1 that ejects a modeling material, a modeling table 2 including a mounting surface 21 on which the modeling material ejected from the nozzle 1 is placed, and an acceleration mechanism 3 that applies acceleration to the modeling material ejected from the nozzle 1 in a direction toward the modeling table 2. The modeling apparatus 100 is a modeling apparatus that performs modeling using the modeling material. As an example, the modeling apparatus 100 is a material extrusion type modeling apparatus that performs modeling using the modeling material ejected from the nozzle 1.

[0017] 1 and 2, the modeling apparatus 100 includes a base member 4, a support member 5, a cylindrical member 6, a frame member 7, a supply mechanism 8, a heater 9, a load member 10, an actuator mechanism 11, a holding member 12, and a table 13. The modeling apparatus 100 also includes a control unit 14, a motor 15, wiring 16, a slip ring 17, a pair of bearing brackets 18, and a pair of tombstones 19.

[0018] The modeling apparatus 100 applies the acceleration applied by the application mechanism 3 to the modeling material ejected from the nozzle 1, thereby allowing the modeling material to be ejected from the nozzle 1 in a thinner state than when no acceleration is applied.

[0019] The "modeling material discharged from nozzle 1" to which acceleration is applied by the application mechanism 3 includes "the modeling material inside nozzle 1 before being discharged from nozzle 1" and "the modeling material after being discharged from nozzle 1." The "thin state" refers to a state in which the diameter or width of the filament of the filament-shaped modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 is small. The diameter of the filament corresponds to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the filament-shaped modeling material is approximately circular. The width of the filament corresponds to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the filament-shaped modeling material is rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, etc.

[0020] The modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 becomes thinner, which enables high-resolution modeling. As a result, in this embodiment, a modeling apparatus and a modeling method that can improve modeling accuracy can be provided. Note that the modeling accuracy here includes at least the shape accuracy of an object modeled by the modeling apparatus and the mechanical strength of the object.

[0021] The modeling apparatus 100 performs modeling by stacking modeling material layers formed from the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 on the mounting surface 21, and the imparting mechanism 3 imparts acceleration to the modeling material layers. In the modeling apparatus 100, the acceleration imparted by the imparting mechanism 3 acts on each modeling material layer formed on the mounting surface 21, so that the layers are pressed against each other. This increases the bonding strength between each modeling material layer, and increases the mechanical strength of the object modeled by the modeling apparatus 100.

[0022] Furthermore, the imparting mechanism 3 rotates the nozzle 1 and the modeling table 2 around a predetermined rotation axis 30, thereby imparting centrifugal acceleration in a direction toward the modeling table 2 to the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1. The rotation direction R indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 represents the rotation direction of the nozzle 1 by the imparting mechanism 3. The modeling table 2 is disposed at a position farther from the rotation axis 30 than the nozzle 1, and rotates together with the nozzle 1 by the imparting mechanism 3. By imparting centrifugal acceleration to the imparting mechanism 3 using a rotation mechanism, the modeling apparatus 100 can impart acceleration in a direction toward the modeling table 2 to the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 with a simple configuration.

[0023] Hereinafter, each component of the molding apparatus 100 and its function will be described in detail.

[0024] 1, the base member 4 is a plate-like member that serves as a foundation for supporting each component of the modeling apparatus 100. The base member 4 may be appropriately provided with casters or a handle so that the modeling apparatus 100 can be moved. The support member 5 is fixed to the surface of the base member 4 on the +Z side, and supports a cylindrical member 6.

[0025] The nozzle 1, the modeling table 2, the frame member 7, the supply mechanism 8, the heater 9, the load member 10, the actuator mechanism 11, the holding member 12, the table 13, the control unit 14, and the like are disposed inside the cylindrical member 6. In addition, some of the components included in the imparting mechanism 3 can be disposed inside the cylindrical member 6. By disposing these components inside the cylindrical member 6, even if each component is accidentally detached from the modeling apparatus 100 and blown away when rotated around the rotation axis 30 by the imparting mechanism 3, the components can be received by the inner surface of the cylindrical member 6. This prevents each component from being blown away around the modeling apparatus 100, and increases the safety of the modeling apparatus 100.

[0026] 1, the frame member 7 includes a plurality of pillar-shaped members, and the pillar-shaped members support the modeling stage 2, the first mounting stage 71, the second mounting stage 72, the third mounting stage 73, etc. The frame member 7 is connected to the application mechanism 3.

[0027] 2 and 3, the application mechanism 3 has a shaft member 31, a connecting member 32, a first pulley 33, a belt 34, a second pulley 35, and a bearing member 36. The shaft member 31 is connected to the frame member 7 via the connecting member 32. The shaft member 31 is also connected to a pair of bearing brackets 18 arranged on both sides of the connecting member 32 in the Y direction via the bearing members 36. In a state where the shaft member 31 is connected to the pair of bearing brackets 18, it can rotate around a rotation axis 30 that approximately coincides with the central axis of the pair of bearing brackets 18. The pair of bearing brackets 18 are fixed to the base member 4 via corresponding tombstones 19.

[0028] 2, the first pulley 33 is connected to an axis 151 of the motor 15 mounted on the base member 4. Various motors such as a stepping motor or a DC (Direct Current) motor can be used as the motor 15. The second pulley 35 is connected to the axis member 31. The belt 34 is wound around the first pulley 33 and the second pulley 35.

[0029] The molding apparatus 100 rotates the shaft member 31 by transmitting the rotational torque of the motor 15 to the shaft member 31 via the first pulley 33, the belt 34, and the second pulley 35. As shown in Fig. 3, the molding apparatus 100 can rotate the frame member 7 connected to the shaft member 31 via the connecting member 32 about the rotation axis 30 by rotating the shaft member 31.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, an actuator mechanism 11 is fixed to the first mounting table 71. The actuator mechanism 11 includes a two-axis stage 111 and a lifting stage 112. The two-axis stage 111 and the lifting stage 112 are connected to a table 13. The table 13 is connected to the nozzle 1 via a holding member 12. The actuator mechanism 11 can move the table 13 by the two-axis stage 111 in two orthogonal axial directions in a plane parallel to the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2. In addition, the actuator mechanism 11 can move the table 13 by the lifting stage 112 in the normal direction of the mounting surface 21.

[0031] The control unit 14 is fixed to the second mounting table 72. The control unit 14 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an electric circuit, an electronic circuit, a memory, and the like. The control unit 14 can control the driving of the actuator mechanism 11 using the processor, the electric circuit, the electronic circuit, the memory, and the like. The control unit 14 can also control the ejection of the modeling material from the nozzle 1.

[0032] Under the control of the control unit 14, the molding apparatus 100 can move the table 13 using the actuator mechanism 11, thereby moving the nozzle 1 in two axial directions that are approximately perpendicular within a plane parallel to the mounting surface 21 of the molding table 2, and in the normal direction to the mounting surface 21.

[0033] 2, the control unit 14 is driven in response to power and signals supplied from an external device via wiring 16 and a slip ring 17. The modeling apparatus 100 can supply power and signals to the control unit 14, which rotates in response to the rotation of the frame member 7, via the slip ring 17. In the modeling apparatus 100, by making it possible to supply power and signals to the control unit 14 from an external device via the slip ring 17, it is possible to reduce the number of members rotated by the imparting mechanism 3. By reducing the number of members rotated by the imparting mechanism 3, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the modeling apparatus 100 and also reduce the driving power required for rotation by the imparting mechanism 3.

[0034] However, the configuration for supplying power and signals to the control unit 14 and the like in the modeling apparatus 100 is not limited to using the slip ring 17. For example, a power source that supplies power to the control unit 14 and the like and a control device that supplies signals may be disposed in the frame member 7 of the modeling apparatus 100. In this case, the power source and the control device are rotated by the application mechanism 3 together with the control unit 14 and the like. On the other hand, in the modeling apparatus 100, the control unit 14 may be disposed outside the cylindrical member 6, and a control signal may be supplied from the control unit 14 to the actuator mechanism 11 and the nozzle 1 via the slip ring 17.

[0035] In this specification, a configuration is shown in which the modeling table 2 does not move and the nozzle 1 moves relative to the modeling table 2, but a configuration in which the nozzle 1 does not move and the modeling table 2 moves relative to the nozzle 1 may also be used. In other words, it is sufficient that the modeling table 2 and the nozzle 1 can move relatively in three axial directions perpendicular to each other. In addition, the actuator mechanism 11 is not limited to one having a two-axis stage 111 and a lifting stage 112, and may be one having a linear guide mechanism or a parallel link mechanism.

[0036] 1, a supply mechanism 8 is further fixed to the second mounting table 72. A modeling material 80 is wound in the form of a filament around the outer circumferential surface of a rotatable reel possessed by the supply mechanism 8. The supply mechanism 8 unwinds the modeling material 80 wound around the outer circumferential surface of the reel by rotating the reel, and can supply the modeling material 80 to the nozzle 1 held by the holding member 12 through a through-hole formed in the table 13 or the first mounting table 71.

[0037] The supply mechanism 8 can store the modeling material 80 wound around the outer circumferential surface of the reel in a cartridge together with the reel, and supply the modeling material 80 from the cartridge to the nozzle 1. In addition, the modeling material 80 is not limited to being wound around a reel in the form of a filament, but may be supplied in the form of fine particles called pellets.

[0038] The load member 10 is fixed to the third mounting table 73. The load member 10 is disposed on the opposite side of the rotation axis 30 from the modeling table 2. By disposing the load member 10 on the opposite side of the rotation axis 30 from the modeling table 2, the balance between the nozzle 1 and the modeling table 2 and the load member 10 can be improved. This makes it possible to stabilize the rotation of the nozzle 1 and the modeling table 2 by the application mechanism 3 compared to a case where the load member 10 is not present. In addition, since the stabilization of the rotation of the nozzle 1 and the modeling table 2 can reduce disturbances, the modeling accuracy of the modeling device 100 can be improved. From the viewpoint of stabilizing the rotation of the nozzle 1 and the modeling table 2, it is preferable that the load member 10 is disposed at a position symmetrical to the modeling material placed on the mounting surface 21 with respect to the rotation axis 30 as the center. In addition, it is preferable that the weight of the load member 10 is balanced with the weights of the nozzle 1, the modeling table 2, etc.

[0039] 4, the nozzle 1 has a housing member 101 and an outlet hole 102. The nozzle 1 can discharge the modeling material 80 contained inside the housing member 101 to the outside of the nozzle 1 through the outlet hole 102.

[0040] The molding material 80 may be a thermoplastic resin that melts at high temperatures. Examples of the thermoplastic resin used for molding include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylate styrene acrylonitrile (ASA), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polyetherimide (PEI). The molding apparatus 100 may also use a composite material obtained by mixing copper, wood, carbon fiber, or the like into the above resin as the molding material.

[0041] A heater 9 is disposed on the outside of the nozzle 1. The heater 9 heats and melts the modeling material 80 supplied from the supply mechanism 8 and contained inside the container member 101 of the nozzle 1. A melted region 81 shown in FIG. 4 represents a region in which the modeling material 80 is melted by the heating of the heater 9 into a state in which it can be discharged. Under the control of the control unit 14, the nozzle 1 can apply pressure to the molten modeling material 80 to discharge the modeling material 80 from the outlet hole 102. The position of the heater 9 relative to the nozzle 1 can be determined as appropriate.

[0042] The modeling apparatus 100 controls the movement of the nozzle 1 by the two-axis stage 111 and the discharge of the modeling material 80 from the nozzle 1 by the control unit 14, thereby forming a modeling material layer extending in two axial directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other in a plane parallel to the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2 by the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 on the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2. In addition, the modeling apparatus 100 moves the nozzle 1 by the lifting stage 112, thereby stacking the above-mentioned modeling material layers in the normal direction of the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2.

[0043] The modeling table 2 may also have a heat sink 22 on the surface opposite to the mounting surface 21. The heat sink 22 dissipates heat from each modeling material layer stacked on the mounting surface 21 when heated by the heater 9, thereby cooling the layer.

[0044] The modeling apparatus 100 stacks a plurality of modeling material layers formed by the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1, based on data obtained by slicing the three-dimensional data of the object M to be modeled into a plurality of layers. After all layers in the three-dimensional data of the object M are stacked on the mounting surface 21 as modeling material layers, they are cooled and solidified, completing the modeling of the object M by the modeling apparatus 100.

[0045] It is preferable that the actuator mechanism 11 is disposed at a position closer to the rotation axis 30 than the nozzle 1. For example, when the actuator mechanism 11 is rotated by the imparting mechanism 3, centrifugal acceleration acts on the actuator mechanism 11, and the movement of the nozzle 1 by the actuator mechanism 11 may become unstable due to interference of mechanical components included in the actuator mechanism 11, etc. By disposing the actuator mechanism 11 at a position closer to the rotation axis 30 than the nozzle 1, it is possible to reduce the centrifugal acceleration acting on the actuator mechanism 11. This makes it possible to stabilize the movement of the nozzle 1 by the actuator mechanism 11 and improve the modeling accuracy by the modeling device 100.

[0046] Moreover, in the modeling apparatus 100, it is preferable that the rotation axis 30 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity (Z direction). By making the rotation axis 30 perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the installation area of ​​the modeling apparatus 100 on a floor or the like can be made smaller than when the rotation axis 30 is not perpendicular to the direction of gravity. This makes it possible to reduce the space in which the modeling apparatus 100 is arranged.

[0047] Furthermore, by making the rotation axis 30 perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the range in which each component rotated by the application mechanism 3 is erroneously thrown can be limited, and safety can be improved, compared to when the rotation axis 30 is not perpendicular to the direction of gravity. More specifically, in the molding apparatus 100, the angle of 360 degrees in the horizontal plane that may fly out horizontally can be limited to 360 degrees around the rotation axis 30. Although there is a possibility that a component may fly out in the up, down, left, right, etc. directions around the rotation axis 30, the operator of the molding apparatus 100 is often located in the front-back direction of the molding apparatus 100, and there is basically no person at least in the downward direction (toward the floor) and upward direction (toward the ceiling). Therefore, it is possible to suitably prevent a person from being hit by a component or the like flying out of the molding apparatus 100.

[0048] Among the components of the modeling apparatus 100, the base member 4, the support member 5, the cylindrical member 6, the nozzle 1, the modeling table 2, the frame member 7, the supply mechanism 8, the load member 10, the holding member 12, the table 13, the pair of bearing brackets 18, and the pair of tombstones 19 can be made of metal or resin. From the viewpoint of increasing rigidity and increasing heat resistance, it is preferable that the components are made of metal. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of weight reduction, it is preferable that the components are made of resin.

[0049] <Main Actions of the Modeling Apparatus 100> First, the action of acceleration applied to the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the discharge pressure, centrifugal force, and surface tension in the vicinity of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a cross section of the nozzle 1 including the central axis 1c of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1.

[0050] In FIG. 5, the modeling material 80 is contained inside the containing member 101 and is in a molten state. The sum of the discharge pressure P and the centrifugal force H acts on the modeling material 80. The modeling material 80' represents the modeling material moving from the inside of the containing member 101 to the inside of the outlet hole 102. A surface tension σ (N / m) acts on the modeling material 80'. The diameter L is the diameter of the circular outlet hole 102. Note that if the cross-sectional shape of the outlet hole 102 is other than circular, such as rectangular, L may be the width of the outlet hole 102.

[0051] In a modeling device that ejects modeling material from a nozzle, the smaller the diameter L of the nozzle outlet hole, the smaller the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material ejected from the nozzle can be. This increases the modeling resolution and modeling accuracy.

[0052] For example, when the modeling material is discharged downward in the direction of gravity without applying centrifugal force to the modeling material, the sum of the discharge pressure P and gravity acts on the modeling material inside the container. If the sum of the discharge pressure P and gravity is greater than the surface tension σ of the modeling material, the modeling material inside the container moves to the exit hole and is discharged to the outside of the nozzle through the exit hole. On the other hand, the smaller the diameter L of the exit hole of the nozzle, the larger the surface tension σ of the modeling material becomes relative to gravity. If the sum of the discharge pressure P and gravity acting on the modeling material inside the container becomes smaller than the surface tension σ, the modeling material inside the container cannot move to the exit hole, and may not be discharged from the nozzle. If the diameter L of the exit hole is increased to a degree that allows the modeling material to be discharged from the nozzle, the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material discharged from the nozzle increases according to the diameter L of the exit hole. As a result, high modeling accuracy cannot be obtained, and there is room for improvement in terms of modeling accuracy.

[0053] In the modeling apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the imparting mechanism 3 imparts centrifugal acceleration to the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 to apply centrifugal force H. By increasing the centrifugal acceleration imparted by the imparting mechanism 3, for example by increasing the rotation speed of the motor 15, and making the sum of the discharge pressure P and the centrifugal force H greater than the surface normal force σ, the modeling material 80 can be discharged from the nozzle 1 while the diameter L of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1 can be reduced. As a result, compared to a case in which no acceleration is imparted to the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 by the imparting mechanism 3, the diameter L of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1 can be reduced, and the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 can be reduced. As a result, the modeling accuracy by the modeling apparatus 100 can be improved.

[0054] Next, with reference to Figs. 6 to 8, the effect of applying acceleration to the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 and to the modeling material layer formed on the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2 will be described in detail.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a modeling result in a gravitational field, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a modeling result in a non-gravitational field, and Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a modeling result in a centrifugal field according to the present embodiment.

[0056] A gravitational field means a state in which gravity is applied to at least the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1, or in other words, a state in which 1 G is applied. The "G" in "1 G" refers to gravitational acceleration. A zero-gravity field means a state in which gravity is almost not applied. However, from the viewpoint that even in outer space, gravity from stars is applied even if it is slight, a zero-gravity field can also be called a microgravity field. A centrifugal field means a state in which centrifugal force is applied to at least the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1. Hereinafter, the centrifugal force acceleration may be expressed as n x G, using the "G" of gravitational acceleration. Note that n is a natural number.

[0057] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing a case where no acceleration is applied to the modeling material discharged from the noise, that is, a case where this embodiment is not applied. However, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, components having substantially the same functions as those in this embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in this embodiment. Also, Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 show a side view of a plurality of modeling material layers M0 formed by the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 and stacked on the mounting surface 21.

[0058] 6, the filament diameter p1 represents the diameter of the filament-like modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 in a gravitational field. The filament diameter p1 corresponds to the diameter L of the outlet hole, which is made large enough to allow the modeling material 80 to be discharged from the nozzle 1.

[0059] The gaps e1 represent gaps that are formed on the support surface 21 of the modeling table 2 and occur between multiple stacked modeling material layers M0. If there are gaps between the modeling material layers M0, the bonding strength of the modeling material layers M0 decreases and the layers M0 become more likely to peel off, resulting in a decrease in the mechanical strength of the modeled object M. The greater the number of gaps e1 between the modeling material layers M0 or the larger the volume per gap e1, the lower the mechanical strength of the modeled object M. Furthermore, because the gaps e1 are unintended during modeling, the occurrence of the gaps e1 increases the shape error of the modeled object M.

[0060] In Fig. 7, filament diameter p2 represents the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 in a zero-gravity field. The filament diameter p2 corresponds to the diameter L of the outlet hole, which is made large enough to allow the modeling material 80 to be discharged from the nozzle 1. In a zero-gravity field, gravity does not act on the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1, so the diameter L of the outlet hole is made larger than in a gravitational field, and therefore the filament diameter p2 is larger than the filament diameter p1. Therefore, modeling in a zero-gravity field has lower modeling accuracy than modeling in a gravitational field.

[0061] The gaps e2 represent gaps formed between the multiple modeling material layers M0 that are stacked on the support surface 21 of the modeling table 2. In a zero-gravity field, gravity does not act on the multiple modeling material layers M0 stacked on the support surface 21. As a result, the adhesion between the modeling material layers M0 is lower than that of the gaps e1 in a gravitational field, and as a result, the number of gaps e2 increases and the volume per gap e2 becomes larger. Therefore, modeling in a zero-gravity field reduces the mechanical strength of the model M compared to modeling in a gravitational field. In addition, the shape error of the model M increases by the amount of the gaps e2.

[0062] 8, filament diameter p3 represents the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1 in the centrifugal field according to this embodiment. In a centrifugal field, a centrifugal force greater than gravity can be applied to the modeling material 80 discharged from the nozzle 1, so that the diameter L of the outlet hole 102 can be made smaller than in a gravitational field, and therefore the filament diameter p3 can be made smaller than the filament diameter p1. As a result, modeling in a centrifugal field has higher modeling accuracy than modeling in a zero-gravity field and a gravitational field.

[0063] 8, in a centrifugal field, a centrifugal force greater than gravity can be applied to the modeling material 80 constituting each of the multiple modeling material layers M0 formed and stacked on the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2, so that the adhesion between the modeling material layers M0 can be improved compared to a gravitational field. As a result, gaps between the modeling material layers M0 can be reduced compared to a gravitational field.

[0064] By reducing the gaps between the modeling material layers M0, the bonding strength between the modeling material layers M0 can be increased, and peeling of the modeling material layers M0 can be reduced. As a result, modeling in a centrifugal field can increase the mechanical strength of the modeled object M compared to modeling in a zero-gravity field and a gravitational field. Furthermore, as a result of being able to reduce the gaps between the modeling material layers M0, it is possible to reduce shape errors of the modeled object M.

[0065] The centrifugal force field by the imparting mechanism 3 can be generated even in a zero-gravity field such as outer space. Therefore, the modeling apparatus 100 can achieve high modeling accuracy even when modeling is performed in a zero-gravity field such as outer space.

[0066] <Example> (Specification example) Table 1 shows an example of the specifications of the molding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. However, the specification items and specification values ​​of the molding apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure are not limited to the example shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0067] The "radius of rotation" in Table 1 corresponds to the shortest distance from the rotation axis 30 of the modeling apparatus 100 to the mounting surface 21 of the modeling table 2. In the embodiment, for example, at 598 rpm, a centrifugal acceleration approximately equal to 100 G was obtained.

[0068] (Example of modeling result) 9 is a diagram showing an example of a modeling result by the modeling apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 9, the vertical axis represents the acceleration a, and the horizontal axis represents the temperature T of the nozzle 1.

[0069] The acceleration a1 is 1 G. In other words, the modeling result at the acceleration a1 was obtained when no acceleration was applied by the imparting mechanism 3 of the modeling apparatus 100, and only gravity acted on the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1. On the other hand, the acceleration a2 is approximately equal to 32 G. In other words, the modeling result at the acceleration a2 was obtained when a centrifugal acceleration approximately equal to 32 G was applied by the imparting mechanism 3 of the modeling apparatus 100.

[0070] The temperature T1 of the nozzle 1 is 200° C. The temperature T2 of the nozzle 1 is 220° C. Each of the four images shown in FIG. 9 shows a model M obtained when the modeling material 80 is discharged from the nozzle 1 for about 10 seconds for each corresponding centrifugal acceleration a and temperature T of the nozzle 1.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 9, the amount of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 was greater in the case of acceleration a2 than in the case of acceleration a1, at both the nozzle 1 temperatures T1 and T2. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 was smaller in the case of acceleration a2 than in the case of acceleration a1, at both the nozzle 1 temperatures T1 and T2. Specifically, the filament-shaped modeling material was visible in the modeled object M at acceleration a1, whereas the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material was so small that it was not visible in the modeled object M at acceleration a2.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the temperature of nozzle 1, acceleration, and the weight of the model M in the modeling result of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the vertical axis indicates the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1, and the horizontal axis indicates the temperature T of nozzle 1. The conditions of the temperatures T1 and T2 and the accelerations a1 and a2 of nozzle 1 are the same as those shown in FIG. 9. The graph shown with diagonal hatching indicates the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 at acceleration a1. The graph shown with dot hatching indicates the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 at acceleration a2.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 10, at the temperature T1 of nozzle 1, the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a1 was 67.67 mg. The weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a2 was 567.39 mg. On the other hand, at the temperature T2 of nozzle 1, the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a1 was 67.88 mg. The weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a2 was 430.80 mg.

[0074] From another perspective, when the temperature of nozzle 1 was T1, the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a2 was 8.38 times the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a1. Also, when the temperature of nozzle 1 was T2, the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a2 was 6.35 times the weight of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 for 10 seconds at acceleration a1.

[0075] As described above, in the modeling apparatus 100, the amount of modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 when acceleration is applied by the application mechanism 3 is greater than the amount of modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 when acceleration is not applied by the application mechanism 3. In addition, as the amount of modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 increases, the weight of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 becomes heavier. From these findings, it was found that the modeling apparatus 100 can discharge a large amount of modeling material in a short time by applying acceleration to the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1. In the modeling apparatus 100, the productivity of modeling can be increased by discharging a large amount of modeling material in a short time.

[0076] Next, Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the results of measuring the diameter of the filament-shaped modeling material after it is discharged from the nozzle 1 in the modeling result of Fig. 9. In Fig. 11, as in Fig. 9, the vertical axis indicates the acceleration a, and the horizontal axis indicates the temperature T of the nozzle 1. The conditions of the temperatures T1 and T2 of the nozzle 1 and the accelerations a1 and a2 are also the same as those shown in Fig. 9.

[0077] In FIG. 11, at acceleration a1 and nozzle 1 temperature T1, the filament diameter p21 of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 was 555 μm. At acceleration a1 and nozzle 1 temperature T2, the filament diameter p22 of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 was 461 μm. On the other hand, at acceleration a2 and nozzle 1 temperature T1, the filament diameter p23 of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 was 114 μm. At acceleration a2 and nozzle 1 temperature T2, the filament diameter p24 of the modeling material discharged from nozzle 1 was 82 μm.

[0078] Here, the results of Figure 11 will be considered based on a theoretical formula. The Eötvös number E0, which is a dimensionless number indicating the ratio of gravity to surface tension σ, is expressed by the following formula (1). In formula (1), Δρ (kg / m 3 ) is the density difference of the molding material, g (m / s 2 ) represent the acceleration due to gravity.

number

[0079] The diameter L of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1 is 400 μm. The filament diameter p21 of 555 μm and the filament diameter p21 of 461 μm obtained at the acceleration a1 of 1 G are slightly larger than the diameter L. Therefore, these results are considered to be reasonable results based on the formula (1).

[0080] On the other hand, since the acceleration a2 is 32 G, if the gravitational acceleration g in formula (1) is replaced with the acceleration a2, it is assumed that the filament diameter of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 1 based on formula (1) will be 1 / √(32) times (=70.8 (μm)) the diameter L of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1. The filament diameter p23 of 114 μm and the filament diameter p24 of 82 μm obtained with the acceleration a2 are each closer to 70.8 μm than to 400 μm. For this reason, these results are considered to be reasonable.

[0081] As described above, based on formula (1), if the diameter of the nozzle 1 capable of discharging when the gravitational field is 1 G is L, then it has been found that when the acceleration a2 is 32 G, the diameter of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1 can be L / √(32). Generalizing, it has been found that in the modeling apparatus 100, if the diameter of the nozzle 1 capable of discharging when the gravitational field is 1 G is L, then the diameter of the nozzle 1 when the acceleration field is n×G can be L / √n. It has been found that, compared to when no acceleration is applied by the imparting mechanism 3, the modeling apparatus 100 can discharge the modeling material using a nozzle 1 with a smaller diameter of the outlet hole 102, thereby improving modeling accuracy.

[0082] 9 to 11, the temperatures of the nozzle 1 are 200° C. and 220° C., and the acceleration a2 is 32 G, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, within the range of the specifications shown in Table 1 above, the temperature and centrifugal acceleration of the nozzle 1, the diameter of the outlet hole 102 of the nozzle 1, and the like can be changed as appropriate.

[0083] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0084] The acceleration applying mechanism 3 is not limited to one that applies centrifugal acceleration by rotation, and may be one that applies acceleration by, for example, reciprocating motion.

[0085] The number of mounting tables supported by the frame member 7 is not limited to three, namely, the first mounting table 71, the second mounting table 72, and the third mounting table 73, and may be increased or decreased as appropriate. Members fixed to one or more mounting tables can also be determined as appropriate.

[0086] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other numbers used in the description of the embodiments are all provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated numbers. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and do not limit the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure.

[0087] The modeling apparatus and modeling method of the present disclosure can achieve high modeling accuracy, and can therefore be used in various applications such as production engineering and the manufacturing industry. For example, in the manufacturing industry, the modeling apparatus of the present disclosure can be used as a three-dimensional printer capable of modeling three-dimensional objects of various shapes and sizes. The modeling method of the present disclosure can also be used as a modeling service that can model and provide various three-dimensional objects. Furthermore, the modeling apparatus and modeling method of the present disclosure can achieve high modeling accuracy even in a zero-gravity field or a microgravity field, and can therefore model three-dimensional objects in space and the like. Therefore, application development in the field of space engineering is also expected. However, the modeling apparatus and modeling method of the present disclosure are not limited to these applications.

[0088] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <1> The present invention relates to a modeling device that performs modeling using a modeling material, the modeling device having a nozzle that ejects the modeling material, a modeling table that includes a mounting surface on which the modeling material ejected from the nozzle is placed, and an acceleration mechanism that imparts acceleration to the modeling material ejected from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table. <2> The modeling is performed by stacking a modeling material layer formed by the modeling material discharged from the nozzle on the placement surface, and the imparting mechanism imparts the acceleration to the modeling material layer. <1> 2 is a molding apparatus according to the first embodiment. <3> The imparting mechanism imparts centrifugal acceleration to the modeling material in a direction toward the modeling table by rotating the nozzle and the modeling table about a predetermined rotation axis. <1> or the above <2> 2 is a molding apparatus according to the first embodiment. <4> a load member disposed on the opposite side of the rotation axis from the modeling table; <3> 2 is a molding apparatus according to the first embodiment. <5> the load member is disposed at a position symmetrical to the modeling material placed on the placement surface with respect to the rotation axis; <4> 2 is a molding apparatus according to the first embodiment. <6> an actuator mechanism disposed at a position closer to the rotation shaft than the nozzle; <3> From the above <5> 13. The molding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein <7> The rotation axis is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. <3> From the above <6> 13. The molding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein <8> the amount of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle in a state in which the acceleration is applied by the application mechanism is greater than the amount of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle in a state in which the acceleration is not applied by the application mechanism; <1> From the above <7> 13. The molding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein <9> When the gravitational field is 1G, the diameter of the nozzle capable of discharging is L / √n when the acceleration field is n×G. <1> From the above <8> 13. The molding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein <10> This is a modeling method using a modeling device that performs modeling using a modeling material, in which the modeling device discharges the modeling material through a nozzle, places the modeling material discharged from the nozzle on a mounting surface of a modeling table, and imparts acceleration to the modeling material discharged from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table using an application mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 nozzle 1c center axis 101 Storage member 102 Exit hole 2 Modeling table 21 Placement surface 22 Heat sink 3 Granting Mechanism 30 Rotational Axis 31 Shaft core member 32 Connecting members 33 No. 1 pulley 34 Belt 35 No. 2 pulley 36 Bearing materials 4 Base material 5 Supporting member 6 Cylindrical members 7 Frame members 71 First loading platform 72 Second loading platform 73 Third loading platform 8 Supply mechanism 80 Modeling materials 81 Molten Zone 9 Heater 10 Loading members 11 Actuator mechanism 111 2-axis stage 112 Lifting Stage 12 Retaining member 13 Tables 14 Control section 15 Motor 151 Axial center 16 Wiring 17 Slip ring 18 Pair of bearing brackets 19 Pair of Anvils 100 Modeling equipment a, a1, a2 acceleration T, T1, T2 temperature e1, e2 gap P discharge pressure H Centrifugal force L Nozzle diameter M Modeled object M0 Build material layer R Rotation direction σ surface tension p11, p12, p13, p21, p22, p23, p24 filament diameter

Claims

1. A modeling apparatus for performing modeling using a modeling material, A nozzle for discharging the modeling material; a modeling table including a mounting surface on which the modeling material discharged from the nozzle is placed; and an acceleration mechanism that applies acceleration to the modeling material discharged from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table.

2. The modeling is performed by stacking a modeling material layer formed by the modeling material discharged from the nozzle on the placement surface, The molding apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the imparting mechanism imparts the acceleration to the layer of molding material.

3. The molding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the imparting mechanism imparts centrifugal acceleration in a direction toward the molding table to the molding material ejected from the nozzle by rotating the nozzle and the molding table around a predetermined rotation axis.

4. The molding apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising a load member disposed on the opposite side of the rotation axis from the molding table.

5. The molding apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the load member is disposed at a position symmetrical to the molding material placed on the placement surface with respect to the rotation axis.

6. The molding apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising an actuator mechanism disposed at a position closer to the rotation shaft than the nozzle.

7. The molding apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the rotation axis is perpendicular to a direction of gravity.

8. 3. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the molding material ejected from the nozzle when the acceleration is applied by the application mechanism is greater than the amount of the molding material ejected from the nozzle when the acceleration is not applied by the application mechanism.

9. If the diameter of the nozzle capable of discharging when the gravitational field is 1 G is L, then The molding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of the nozzle when an acceleration field is n×G is L / √n.

10. A modeling method using a modeling apparatus that performs modeling using a modeling material, comprising the steps of: The molding apparatus, The molding material is discharged through a nozzle; The modeling material discharged from the nozzle is placed on a mounting surface of a modeling table; A modeling method, comprising: an application mechanism that applies acceleration to the modeling material discharged from the nozzle in a direction toward the modeling table.

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