Three-dimensional printer for construction and method of manufacturing molding objects

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional printer for construction and the like that can efficiently and continuously manufacture moldings.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional printer for construction use, comprising a nozzle configured to eject a molding material, a main frame that supports the nozzle movably along mutually intersecting first, second, and third axes, and that is movable over the ground. The main frame has an open portion through which a stack of the molding material ejected from the nozzle can pass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction 3D printer and a method for manufacturing a model. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a construction 3D printer that forms a model by discharging and layering a modeling material is well known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-045906 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Models formed by layering the modeling material require time to harden and cannot be moved immediately. Models are sometimes produced directly at the installation site. Therefore, in order to continuously produce models, it is necessary to move the construction 3D printer.

[0005] In contrast, with conventional construction 3D printers, after one model is produced, at least a part of the printer must be disassembled and transported to the location where the next model is to be produced and then reassembled. In addition, the assembly accuracy must be controlled so as not to affect the modeling accuracy. This reduces the efficiency of model production.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a construction 3D printer and the like that can efficiently and continuously manufacture objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a body frame that supports the nozzle movably along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other, and that can run on a ground surface, the body frame having an open portion through which a stack of modeling material ejected from the nozzle can pass.

[0008] According to this embodiment, since the main body frame has an open portion, after stacking the modeling material, the stacked body can be passed through the open portion and moved to the next modeling position without disassembling the main body frame. Therefore, the next model can be manufactured without disassembling and assembling the main body frame and adjusting the positional accuracy. As a result, models can be manufactured efficiently and continuously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a construction 3D printer 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of FIG. 1 viewed from a different direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first frame 31. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the first frame 31 removed. [Diagram 5] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a right second frame 32A. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the second frame 32 folded. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a right third frame 33A. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a second frame slider 332 and a support arm 323 of a right second frame 32A. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a base frame 34. [Figure 10]1 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the right third frame 33A folded. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the left third frame 33B folded. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a shaped object according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0011] <Construction 3D Printer 1> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of Fig. 1 viewed from a different direction. The construction 3D printer 1 forms a model for construction (construction structure). The construction 3D printer 1 includes a nozzle 2, a main body frame 3, and a control panel 4. The construction 3D printer 1 can be transformed into a modeling mode in which a model is formed by ejecting a modeling material, and a transport mode in which the main body frame 3 is folded.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first axis is an axis along the horizontal direction (so-called X-axis) and corresponds to the left-right direction of the construction 3D printer 1 in the modeling mode. The second axis is an axis along the vertical direction (so-called Z-axis) and corresponds to the up-down direction of the construction 3D printer 1 in the modeling mode. The third axis is an axis (so-called Y-axis) perpendicular to both the first and second axes and corresponds to the front-rear direction of the construction 3D printer 1. The first, second and third axes intersect with each other (specifically, perpendicular). This allows the creation of a model of any shape by designing the code that controls the construction 3D printer. In this embodiment, the side of the main body frame 3 to which the control panel 4 is attached is considered to be the front.

[0013] <Nozzle 2> The nozzle 2 is configured to eject the modeling material downward. The modeling material is a powder or paste material that is mineralized through a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing. Here, "mineralization" means that the main component (the component that is contained most abundantly on a mass basis) is changed into a hardened material that is an inorganic material. Specifically, the modeling material is composed of concrete, mortar, or ceramics. The construction 3D printer 1 forms a model composed of such a modeling material.

[0014] A hose (not shown) is connected to the nozzle 2. The hose is connected to a pump that delivers a modeling material to the nozzle 2. The nozzle 2 moves three-dimensionally in directions along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis by the movement of the main body frame 3.

[0015] <Main frame 3> The main body frame 3 supports the nozzle 2 so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other. The main body frame 3 is also capable of running on the ground. Furthermore, the main body frame 3 is foldable after the formation of the model. Here, the "ground" is not limited to the earth's surface, but also includes the floor surface of a building such as a factory (the surface on which the modeling is performed).

[0016] The main body frame 3 has a first frame 31, a second frame 32, a third frame 33, a base frame 34, a first wheel 35A, a second wheel 35B, a third wheel 35C, and a fourth wheel 35D.

[0017] <1st frame 31> The first frame 31 supports the nozzle 2 movably along the first axis when discharging the modeling material (i.e., in the modeling mode). Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first frame 31. As shown in Fig. 3, the first frame 31 has a nozzle guide 311, a nozzle slider 312, a nozzle motor 313, and a harness frame 314.

[0018] The nozzle guide 311 supports the nozzle 2. Specifically, the nozzle guide 311 supports the nozzle 2 via the nozzle slider 312. The nozzle slider 312 is movable along a first axis. Specifically, the nozzle slider 312 is attached to a moving body (timing belt) within the nozzle guide 311, and is configured to slide left and right along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311. The nozzle 2 is attached to the nozzle slider 312.

[0019] The nozzle motor 313 is a drive source configured to move the nozzle 2, and generates a drive force to move the nozzle 2. The nozzle motor 313 moves the nozzle slider 312 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311 by rotation. The nozzle motor 313 is attached to one end (e.g., the right end) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311. In addition, the rotation axis of the nozzle motor 313 is parallel to the second axis (i.e., the up-down direction when discharging the modeling material).

[0020] The harness frame 314 is attached to the nozzle guide 311 and holds a harness (signal cable) connected to the nozzle 2. The harness frame 314 extends along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311 and reinforces the nozzle guide 311 over the entire longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to suppress bending of the first frame 31 without providing additional parts.

[0021] 1, the length of the first frame 31 in the longitudinal direction is greater than the length of the second frame 32 (the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B) in the longitudinal direction. This stabilizes the balance of the entire main body frame 3 when the first frame 31 moves upward. This makes it possible to suppress shaking of the main body frame 3 during modeling.

[0022] Moreover, the first frame 31 is detachable from the second frame 32 after the formation of the model. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the first frame 31 removed. This makes it easy to fold the main body frame 3. Specifically, the first frame 31 is configured such that both ends of the harness frame 314 are detachable from the second frame 32. The removed first frame 31 can be attached to, for example, the base frame 34 and transported together with other frames.

[0023] <2nd Frame 32> The second frame 32 supports the first frame 31 so as to be movable along a second axis intersecting the first axis when the modeling material is being discharged. The second frame 32 has a right second frame 32A and a left second frame 32B that are disposed apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis (left-right direction) when the modeling material is being discharged. The right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B support the first frame 31 when the modeling material is being discharged. This allows the first frame 31 to be stably supported.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the right second frame 32A. As shown in Fig. 5, the right second frame 32A has a first frame guide 321, a first frame slider 322, a support arm 323, a second frame hinge 324, a first frame motor 325, and a hydraulic damper 326 (see Fig. 1).

[0025] The first frame guide 321 supports the first frame 31. Specifically, the first frame guide 321 supports the first frame 31 via the first frame slider 322. The first frame guide 321 is disposed inside (i.e., on the left side) in the left-right direction from the right third frame 33A when discharging the modeling material (i.e., in the modeling mode). In addition, when discharging the modeling material, the lower end of the first frame guide 321 is positioned below the second frame slider 332 of the right third frame 33A.

[0026] The first frame slider 322 is movable along the second axis. Specifically, the first frame slider 322 is attached to a moving body (timing belt) of the first frame guide 321, and is configured to slide up and down along the longitudinal direction of the first frame guide 321 when the molding material is discharged. The first frame 31 is configured to be detachable from the first frame slider 322. That is, the right second frame 32A has the first frame slider 322 as a first attachment portion capable of supporting the first frame 31 movably along a second axis intersecting the first axis.

[0027] The support arm 323 is attached to the first frame guide 321, and is supported from below by the second frame slider 332 of the right second frame 32A when discharging the molding material. The support arm 323 is disposed on the outer side in the left-right direction (i.e., on the left side) of the first frame guide 321 when discharging the molding material. The support arm 323 is a frame in the shape of a right-angled triangle when viewed from the left-right direction, and its bottom surface contacts the upper surface of the second frame slider 332 when discharging the molding material.

[0028] The support arm 323 is swingably connected to the second frame slider 332 via the second frame hinge 324. This allows the right second frame 32A to be easily folded, and increases the stability of the right second frame 32A when discharging the modeling material. The support arm 323 has a second frame stopper 323A configured to contact the second frame guide 331 from above when the right second frame 32A is folded. The second frame stopper 323A has an elastic body (e.g., rubber) that protrudes backward when the support arm 323 is upright. When the right second frame 32A is folded, this elastic body comes into contact with the second frame guide 331.

[0029] The second frame hinge 324 connects the support arm 323 to the second frame slider 332 so that the support arm 323 can swing in the front-rear direction relative to the second frame slider 332. The rotation axis of the second frame hinge 324 is parallel to the first axis (i.e., the left-right direction when the modeling material is discharged). The second frame hinge 324 is disposed at a position overlapping with the first frame guide 321 in the left-right direction. The second frame hinge 324 allows the first frame guide 321 to swing together with the support arm 323 relative to the right second frame 32A.

[0030] The first frame motor 325 is a drive source configured to move the first frame 31, and generates a drive force to move the first frame 31. The first frame motor 325 moves the first frame slider 322 in the longitudinal direction of the first frame guide 321 by rotation. The first frame motor 325 is attached to the lower end of the first frame guide 321. This allows the first frame 31 to be unfolded (swinged) from a folded state with a small load.

[0031] The rotation axis of the first frame motor 325 is parallel to the third axis (i.e., the front-rear direction when discharging the modeling material). This makes it possible to reduce the dimension of the right second frame 32A along the width direction of the first frame guide 321 when the right second frame 32A is folded.

[0032] In a state where the right second frame 32A is held by the right third frame 33A so that the longitudinal direction of the right second frame 32A is the up-down direction (i.e., in a modeling mode in which the right second frame 32A is not folded), the connection portion between the right second frame 32A and the right third frame 33A (i.e., the second frame hinge 324) is located above the lower end portion of the right second frame 32A. As a result, when the first frame 31 is in a low position during the production of a model (at the start of modeling when the stacked height of the modeling material is low), the first frame 31 is located below the connection portion between the second frame 32 and the third frame 33, and the stability of the main frame 3 is improved.

[0033] 1, one end of the hydraulic damper 326 is connected to the support arm 323, and the other end is connected to the second frame slider 332. The hydraulic damper 326 extends when the right second frame 32A is swung (tilted backward) relative to the right third frame 33A, thereby limiting the swing speed. This prevents the right second frame 32A from suddenly falling over.

[0034] 1 is connected to the left third frame 33B, and has a structure symmetrical to the right second frame 32A. That is, the left second frame 32B has a first frame guide 321, a first frame slider 322, a support arm 323, a second frame hinge 324, a first frame motor 325, and a hydraulic damper 326, similar to those of the right second frame 32A.

[0035] The second frame 32 (the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B) can be displaced so as to be superimposed on other portions of the main body frame 3. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the second frame 32 folded.

[0036] When the first frame 31 shown in Fig. 4 is detached from the second frame 32, each of the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B can be displaced to a folded position in which the height is smaller than when the modeling material is discharged, as shown in Fig. 6. This reduces the vertical dimension of the main body frame 3 when folded, making it easier to store and transport the construction 3D printer 1. When the second frame 32 is folded, the longitudinal direction of the first frame guide 321 is parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0037] <3rd frame 33> As shown in FIG. 1, the third frame 33 supports the second frame 32 movably along a third axis that intersects with both the first axis and the second axis when discharging the modeling material. The third frame 33 has a right third frame 33A and a left third frame 33B that are arranged apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis (left-right direction) when discharging the modeling material. The right third frame 33A supports the right second frame 32A when discharging the modeling material. The left third frame 33B supports the left second frame 32B when discharging the modeling material. This makes it possible to stably support the first frame 31 via the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the right third frame 33A. As shown in Fig. 7, the right third frame 33A has a second frame guide 331, a second frame slider 332, a lower frame 333, a plurality of third frame hinges 334, a plurality of third frame stoppers 335, and a second frame motor 336.

[0039] The second frame guide 331 supports the right second frame 32A. Specifically, the second frame guide 331 supports the right second frame 32A via the second frame slider 332. The second frame guide 331 is disposed outside (i.e., to the right) in the left-right direction of the first frame guide 321 of the right second frame 32A when discharging the modeling material.

[0040] The second frame slider 332 is movable along the third axis. Specifically, the second frame slider 332 is attached to a moving body (timing belt) of the second frame guide 331, and is configured to slide in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal direction of the second frame guide 331 when the molding material is discharged. As described above, the right second frame 32A is swingably connected to the second frame slider 332. That is, the right third frame 33A has the second frame slider 332 as a second mounting portion capable of supporting the second frame 32 (right second frame 32A) movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis.

[0041] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between the second frame slider 332 and the support arm 323 of the right second frame 32A. A sliding pad 332A made of a resin such as fluororesin is disposed between the second frame slider 332 and the support arm 323. The sliding pad 332A is fastened to the second frame slider 332 together with the support arm 323 by a bolt 332B.

[0042] The bolt 332B is inserted into a cylindrical collar 332C inserted into an insertion hole provided in the support arm 323 and the sliding pad 332A. The outer diameter of the collar 332C is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole. This makes it possible to suppress horizontal rattling of the second frame 32 relative to the third frame 33. In addition, a clearance is provided between the head of the bolt 332B and the upper surface of the support arm 323. This makes it possible to suppress vertical rattling of the second frame 32 (support arm 323) relative to the third frame 33 (second frame slider 332).

[0043] 7 supports the second frame guide 331 from below. The second frame guide 331 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower frame 333. The lower frame 333 has a constant height in the vertical direction and a truss structure to suppress bending of the second frame guide 331. The support arm 323 is swingably connected to the base frame 34 via a third frame hinge 334.

[0044] The third frame hinge 334 connects the lower frame 333 to the right end of the base frame 34 so that the lower frame 333 can swing left and right relative to the base frame 34. The right third frame 33A has two third frame hinges 334 arranged apart in the up and down direction. The rotation axis of the third frame hinge 334 is parallel to the second axis (i.e., the up and down direction). The upper third frame hinge 334 is arranged at a position overlapping with the second frame guide 331 in the left and right direction. The third frame hinge 334 allows the second frame guide 331 to swing relative to the base frame 34 together with the lower frame 333.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the base frame 34. As shown in Fig. 9, the third frame stopper 335 is configured to connect the lower frame 333 and the base frame 34. The right third frame 33A has two third frame stoppers 335 arranged apart in the up-down direction. The third frame stoppers 335 protrude from the front end of the lower frame 333 toward the base frame 34 when the modeling material is discharged. The third frame stopper 335 is arranged forward of the third frame hinge 334 (i.e., at a position farther from the longitudinal center of the lower frame 333).

[0046] The third frame stopper 335 is fixed to the lower frame 333 and configured to be detachable from the base frame 34. When discharging the molding material, the third frame stopper 335 is fastened to the base frame 34 by a fastener such as a bolt. Therefore, when discharging the molding material, the right third frame 33A is connected to the base frame 34 by two connecting parts (the third frame hinge 334 and the third frame stopper 335) that are separated in the longitudinal direction. When folding the right third frame 33A, the third frame stopper 335 is detached from the base frame 34.

[0047] The second frame motor 336 is a drive source configured to move the right second frame 32A, and generates a drive force to move the right second frame 32A. The second frame motor 336 moves the second frame slider 332 in the longitudinal direction of the second frame guide 331 by rotation. The second frame motor 336 is attached to the rear end of the second frame guide 331. In addition, the rotation axis of the second frame motor 336 is parallel to the first axis (i.e., the left-right direction when the modeling material is discharged).

[0048] 1 is connected to the left end of the base frame 34, and has a structure symmetrical to the right third frame 33A. That is, the left third frame 33B has a second frame guide 331, a second frame slider 332, a lower frame 333, a plurality of third frame hinges 334, a plurality of third frame stoppers 335, and a second frame motor 336, similar to the right third frame 33A.

[0049] The third frame 33 (the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B) can be displaced so as to be superimposed on other parts of the main body frame 3. Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 in a state in which the right third frame 33A is folded. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 in a state in which the left third frame 33B is folded.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 10, the right third frame 33A can be displaced so as to be overlapped on the base frame 34 when the right second frame 32A is in the folded position. Also, as shown in Fig. 11, the left third frame 33B can be displaced so as to be overlapped on the base frame 34 and the right third frame 33A when the left second frame 32B is in the folded position. This reduces the front-to-rear dimension of the main body frame 3 when folded, making it easier to store and transport the construction 3D printer 1.

[0051] When the third frame 33 is folded, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B overlap in the front-rear direction. The longitudinal directions of the first frame guides 321 of the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B and the longitudinal directions of the second frame guides 331 of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B are all parallel (specifically, parallel to the left-right direction).

[0052] <Base frame 34> 9, the base frame 34 is connected to the third frame 33 (the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B). The base frame 34 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the horizontal direction. When the molding material is discharged, the longitudinal direction of the base frame 34 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first frame 31 (i.e., the first axis).

[0053] The base frame 34 has a certain width in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B at two points spaced apart in the front-rear direction. This improves the rigidity of the main body frame 3 against a rotation moment around an axis in the up-down direction caused by the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. As a result, lateral deflection of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B is suppressed.

[0054] The base frame 34 also has a certain width in the vertical direction, and the third frame hinges 334 are attached to two points spaced apart in the vertical direction. This improves the rigidity of the main body frame 3 against the rotation moment around the axis in the horizontal direction caused by the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. As a result, the vertical deflection of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B is suppressed.

[0055] <Wheels> As shown in Fig. 10, the first wheel 35A is attached to the right third frame 33A. Specifically, the first wheel 35A is attached to the end of the right third frame 33A opposite to the end connected to the base frame 34 (the end that is rearward when the modeling material is discharged). The second wheel 35B is attached to the left third frame 33B. Specifically, the second wheel 35B is attached to the end of the left third frame 33B opposite to the end connected to the base frame 34. This makes it easy to move the main frame 3 after stacking the modeling material so that the third frame 33 does not come into contact with the stack of modeling material.

[0056] The first wheel 35A and the second wheel 35B are each configured to be able to change direction around a rotation axis parallel to the up-down direction. Therefore, when folding the right third frame 33A, the right third frame 33A can be moved while changing the direction of the first wheel 35A. Also, when folding the left third frame 33B, the left third frame 33B can be moved while changing the direction of the second wheel 35B.

[0057] 9, the third wheel 35C is attached to the right end of the base frame 34. The fourth wheel 35D is attached to the left end of the base frame 34. The third wheel 35C and the fourth wheel 35D are each configured to be able to change direction around a rotation axis that is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0058] The main body frame 3 can travel in any direction relative to the ground in both the modeling mode and the transport mode by means of the first wheel 35A, the second wheel 35B, the third wheel 35C, and the fourth wheel 35D.

[0059] <Open part> As shown in Fig. 2, the main frame 3 has an open portion O through which the stack of modeling material discharged from the nozzle 2 can pass without disassembling or folding the main frame 3 (i.e., while in modeling mode). The open portion O is a part (rear surface) of the space (i.e., modeling space M) from which the nozzle 2 discharges the modeling material. This allows the main frame 3 to be quickly moved from the modeling space M after the stack is formed. Note that, although the first frame 31 is in a low position in Fig. 1 etc., after the stack is formed, the first frame 31 is positioned above the stack and does not interfere with the stack when the main frame 3 is moved.

[0060] The printing space M is a rectangular parallelepiped space defined by the first frame 31, the second frame 32, and the third frame 33. Specifically, the printing space M is defined by the movable area of ​​the nozzle 2. That is, the width in the left-right direction of the printing space M is equal to the left-right moving distance of the tip of the nozzle 2, which is defined by the movable length of the nozzle 2 in the first frame 31. The width in the front-rear direction of the printing space M is equal to the front-rear moving distance of the tip of the nozzle 2, which is defined by the movable length in the third frame 33 (right third frame 33A and left third frame 33B) of the second frame 32 (right second frame 32A and left second frame 32B). The height of the printing space M is equal to the distance from the ground to the highest point of the tip of the nozzle 2, which is defined by the movable length in the second frame 32 (right second frame 32A and left second frame 32B) of the first frame 31.

[0061] The open portion O is formed by a virtual plane at the rear of the printing space M. At least a part of the open portion O is defined by at least one of the first frame 31, the second frame 32, and the third frame 33. This allows the structure of the main body frame 3 to be simplified. Specifically, at least a part of the open portion O is defined by the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. This allows the stack to pass relatively through the open portion O by running the main body frame 3 in the same shape in the direction along the third axis after the stack is formed. As a result, the stack can be pulled out of the printing space M.

[0062] More specifically, at least a part of the open portion O is defined by a second end portion (rear end portion to which the first wheel 35A or the second wheel 35B is attached) of each of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B, which is opposite to a first end portion (front end portion to which the base frame 34 is connected) in the longitudinal direction. This allows the stacked body to be stably pulled out of the printing space M by running the main body frame 3 so as to move the base frame 34 away from the stacked body (i.e., forward). Specifically, the rear end portion of the right third frame 33A and the rear end portion of the left third frame 33B face each other so as to sandwich the open portion O in the left-right direction.

[0063] The right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B are connected only by the base frame 34, excluding the first frame 31. In other words, the frame portion (the portion consisting of the third frame 33 and the base frame 34) supporting the first frame 31 and the second frame 32 is rectangular (U-shaped) with one side open in a plan view. The printing space M corresponds to the internal space of this rectangle, and the open portion O corresponds to the open side of this rectangle. Therefore, the stack placed on the ground (i.e., not moved from the stacked position) can pass through the open portion O relatively.

[0064] <Control Panel 4> The control panel 4 is configured to control the positions of the nozzle 2, the first frame 31, and the second frame 32. Specifically, the control panel 4 sends drive signals to the nozzle motor 313, the first frame motor 325, and the second frame motor 336 so that the nozzle 2 moves to coordinates according to a designed code. The control panel 4 also controls the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 2, the movement speed of the nozzle 2, and the like.

[0065] The control panel 4 is attached to the base frame 34. This allows the control panel 4 to be integrated with the main body frame 3, making it easier to transport the construction 3D printer 1. In addition, it is possible to prevent the harness connected to the control panel 4 from interfering with other members when the main body frame 3 is folded. The control panel 4 and each motor are connected by a harness.

[0066] <Manufacturing method of the object> 12 is a flow diagram of the method for producing a shaped object according to the present embodiment. The method is a method for producing a shaped object (specifically, a shaped object made of concrete, mortar, or ceramics) that is mineralized from a powder or paste material that is mineralized through a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a firing reaction.

[0067] The manufacturing method includes a conveying step S110, an unfolding step S120, a forming step S130, a moving step S140, and a folding step S150.

[0068] <Transportation process> In the transportation step S110, the construction 3D printer 1 in a state in which the main body frame 3 shown in FIG. 11 is folded (that is, in the transportation mode) is transported to a manufacturing site for a model.

[0069] <Development process> In the unfolding process S120, the construction 3D printer 1 with the main body frame 3 folded is unfolded. Specifically, first, as shown in Fig. 10, the left third frame 33B is moved to a position during modeling and fixed to the base frame 34. Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the right third frame 33A is moved to a position during modeling and fixed to the base frame 34.

[0070] After the third frame 33 is unfolded, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B are rotated (uprighted) to their positions during modeling as shown in Fig. 4, and then fixed to the second frame slider 332 with fasteners such as bolts. After the second frame 32 is unfolded, the first frame 31 is attached to the second frame 32 as shown in Fig. 1. This causes the construction 3D printer 1 to transition to modeling mode.

[0071] <Formation process> In the forming process S130, a model is formed by discharging and stacking a modeling material from the construction 3D printer 1. Specifically, a layered body of the modeling material is formed in the modeling space M by moving the nozzle 2, the first frame 31, and the second frame 32.

[0072] <Moving process> In the moving process S140, after the stack is formed, the construction 3D printer 1 is moved from the formation area of ​​the model after the stack is formed. Specifically, the main body frame 3 is moved while remaining in the forming process state (i.e., the main body frame 3 is not folded and remains in the modeling mode) so that the stack passes through the open portion O of the main body frame 3.

[0073] In the moving step S140, the main body frame 3 may be moved to a formation area of ​​the next object. In this case, the forming step S130 is performed again, and the next object can be formed without deforming the main body frame 3.

[0074] <Folding process> In the folding process S150, after the model is formed, the construction 3D printer 1 is folded. Specifically, first, as shown in Fig. 4, the first frame 31 is removed from the second frame 32. Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B are released from the second frame slider 332 and rotated so as to fall backward.

[0075] After the second frame 32 is folded, as shown in Fig. 10, the right third frame 33A is released from the base frame 34 and moved so as to overlap the base frame 34. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 11, the left third frame 33B is released from the base frame 34 and moved so as to overlap the base frame 34. The folded construction 3D printer 1 is transported to the next manufacturing site. This causes the construction 3D printer 1 to transition to the transport mode.

[0076] 4. Effect The operation of this embodiment can be summarized as follows. Because the main body frame 3 has the open portion O, after stacking the modeling material, the stack can be passed through the open portion O and moved to the next modeling position without disassembling the main body frame 3. Therefore, the next modeled object can be manufactured without disassembling and assembling the main body frame 3 and adjusting the positional accuracy. As a result, models can be manufactured efficiently and continuously.

[0077] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical concept of the invention.

[0078] 5.Other The above-described configuration of the construction 3D printer 1 is an example. For example, the main body frame 3 of the construction 3D printer 1 does not necessarily have to be foldable. In addition, the first frame 31 does not necessarily have to be detachable from the second frame 32.

[0079] It may be provided in any of the following ways:

[0080] (1) A construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a main body frame that supports the nozzle movably along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other and that can run on the ground, the main body frame having an open portion through which the stack of modeling material ejected from the nozzle can pass.

[0081] (2) A construction 3D printer as described in (1) above, wherein the open portion is part of the space through which the nozzle ejects the modeling material.

[0082] (3) A construction 3D printer according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the main body frame has at least a first frame supporting the nozzle movably along the first axis, a second frame supporting the first frame movably along the second axis, and a third frame supporting the second frame movably along the third axis, and at least a portion of the open portion is defined by at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame.

[0083] (4) A construction 3D printer as described in (3) above, wherein the first axis is an axis along the horizontal direction, the second axis is an axis along the vertical direction, and the third axis is an axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

[0084] (5) In the construction 3D printer described in (4) above, the second frame has a right second frame and a left second frame arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis, the third frame has a right third frame and a left third frame arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis, the right second frame and the left second frame support the first frame when the modeling material is ejected, the right third frame supports the right second frame when the modeling material is ejected, and the left third frame supports the left second frame when the modeling material is ejected.

[0085] (6) The construction 3D printer described above in (5), wherein at least a portion of the open portion is defined by the right third frame and the left third frame.

[0086] (7) A construction 3D printer as described in (6) above, wherein the main body frame further has a base frame connected to a first longitudinal end of each of the right third frame and the left third frame, and at least a portion of the open portion is defined by a second end of each of the right third frame and the left third frame opposite the first end.

[0087] (8) In the construction 3D printer described above in (7), the main body frame has wheels attached to the right third frame and the left third frame, respectively.

[0088] (9) A method for manufacturing a molded object, comprising: a forming step of forming a molded object by ejecting and stacking a modeling material from a construction 3D printer; and a moving step of moving the construction 3D printer from an area where the molded object is formed after a stack of the modeling material has been formed, wherein the construction 3D printer comprises a nozzle configured to eject the modeling material, and a main body frame that supports the nozzle so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other, and that can run on the ground, and wherein in the moving step, the main body frame is moved so that the stack passes through an open portion of the main body frame. Of course, this is not the case.

[0089] Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1: 3D Construction Printer 2: Nozzle 3: Main frame 4: Control panel 31: First frame 32: Second frame 32A: Right 2nd frame 32B: Second frame from the left 33: Third frame 33A: Right 3rd frame 33B: Third frame on the left 34: Base frame 35A: 1st wheel 35B: 2nd wheel 35C: 3rd wheel 35D: 4th wheel 311: Nozzle guide 312: Nozzle slider 313: Nozzle motor 314: Harness frame 321: First frame guide 322: Slider for the first frame 323: Support arm 323A: Second frame stopper 324: Hinge for second frame 325: First frame motor 326: Hydraulic damper 331: Guide for second frame 332: Slider for second frame 332A: Sliding pad 332B: Bolt 332C: Color 333: Lower frame 334: Hinge for 3rd frame 335: Stopper for the third frame 336: Motor for second frame

Claims

1. A construction 3D printer, a nozzle configured to dispense a build material; a main body frame that supports the nozzle so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other, and that is movable relative to a ground surface; Equipped with A construction 3D printer, wherein the main body frame has an open portion through which the laminate of the modeling material ejected from the nozzle can pass.

2. 2. The construction 3D printer according to claim 1, A construction 3D printer, wherein the open portion is a portion of the space through which the nozzle ejects the modeling material.

3. 2. The construction 3D printer according to claim 1, The main body frame includes: at least a first frame supporting the nozzle for movement along the first axis; a second frame supporting the first frame so as to be movable along the second axis; a third frame supporting the second frame so as to be movable along the third axis; having A construction 3D printer, wherein at least a portion of the open portion is defined by at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame.

4. 4. The construction 3D printer according to claim 3, The first axis is an axis along a horizontal direction, The second axis is an axis along a vertical direction, A construction 3D printer, wherein the third axis is an axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

5. 5. The construction 3D printer according to claim 4, the second frame includes a right second frame and a left second frame that are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis, the third frame includes a right third frame and a left third frame that are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis, the right second frame and the left second frame support the first frame when the modeling material is discharged, the right third frame supports the right second frame when the modeling material is discharged, A construction 3D printer, wherein the left third frame supports the left second frame when the modeling material is ejected.

6. 6. The construction 3D printer according to claim 5, A construction 3D printer, wherein at least a portion of the open portion is defined by the right third frame and the left third frame.

7. 7. The construction 3D printer according to claim 6, the main body frame further includes a base frame connected to a first end portion of each of the right third frame and the left third frame in a longitudinal direction, A construction 3D printer, wherein at least a portion of the open portion is defined by a second end of each of the right third frame and the left third frame, opposite the first end.

8. 8. The construction 3D printer according to claim 7, The main body frame has wheels attached to the right third frame and the left third frame, respectively.

9. A method for manufacturing a shaped object, comprising the steps of: A forming process of forming a model by discharging and stacking a modeling material from a construction 3D printer; a moving step of moving the construction 3D printer from a region where the object is formed after the stack of the modeling material is formed; Equipped with The construction 3D printer includes: a nozzle configured to dispense the build material; a main body frame that supports the nozzle so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other, and that is movable relative to a ground surface; Equipped with In the moving step, the main body frame is moved so that the laminate passes through an opening in the main body frame.

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