Three-dimensional molding device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional molding device capable of increasing an adhesion between layers of laminated materials.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device includes: a plasticization part that plasticizes a material to produce a molding material; a nozzle that dispenses the molding material; a stage having a molding surface on which the molding material discharged from the nozzle is laminated; and a heating part 25 that is provided above the stage and heats the molding material dispensed onto the molding surface. The heating part 25 has a laminated structure consisting of a flat heater 52 and a flat cover plate 54 that is disposed above the heater 52 and covers the heater 52. The heating part 25 has a first through hole 60 that penetrates the heater 52 and the cover plate 54, and the cover plate 54 has a cylindrical protrusion 80 that forms an inner wall of the first through hole 60, and a space Sp2 is formed between the protrusion 80 and the heater 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional printing apparatus that ejects plasticized material and stacks the material layer by layer to form a three-dimensional object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-187777 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional 3D modeling devices, there was an issue that the adhesion between the layer being formed and the previously formed layer decreased as the temperature of the layer cooled during the process of stacking materials. Therefore, there was a need to improve the adhesion between the layers of stacked materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by stacking modeling material, and has a plasticization unit that plasticizes a material to generate the modeling material, a nozzle that ejects the modeling material, a stage having a modeling surface on which the modeling material ejected from the nozzle is stacked, and a heating unit that is provided above the stage and separates the stage from the stage and heats the modeling material ejected onto the modeling surface, the heating unit having a stacked structure of a flat heater and a flat cover plate that is located above the heater and covers the heater, and is arranged along the modeling surface, the heating unit has a through hole that passes through the heater and the cover plate, and when the three-dimensional object is formed, at least a portion of the nozzle is positioned within the through hole, and the cover plate is provided with a cylindrical protrusion that forms the inner wall of the through hole, and a space is formed between the protrusion and the heater. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the three-dimensional modeling apparatus when cleaning the nozzle. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0008] 1. First embodiment First, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view that shows a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view that shows a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, taken along line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0009] 1 and 2, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. In this embodiment, the X-axis and Y-axis directions are horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction is vertical. Hereinafter, the -Z direction is also called "downward," and the +Z direction is also called "upward."

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the three-dimensional modeling device 10 includes a first modeling unit 5A and a second modeling unit 5B. The first modeling unit 5A and the second modeling unit 5B are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the second modeling unit 5B is arranged in the +X direction of the first modeling unit 5A. In this embodiment, the first modeling unit 5A and the second modeling unit 5B have the same configuration, and both include a material supply unit 11, a plasticizing unit 12, and a nozzle 16. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first modeling unit 5A and the second modeling unit 5B, both are simply referred to as the modeling unit 5. The three-dimensional modeling device 10 of this embodiment includes a stage 2, a moving mechanism 3, a heating unit 25, a control unit 7, and a temperature sensor 4 in addition to the modeling unit 5.

[0011] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 ejects the modeling material plasticized by the plasticizing unit 12 of the modeling unit 5 from the nozzle 16 toward the stage 2. Furthermore, while ejecting the modeling material, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 drives the moving mechanism 3 to change the relative position between the modeling unit 5 and the stage 2. The modeling material ejected from the nozzle 16 is layered one layer at a time on the modeling surface 22 of the stage 2. In other words, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 layers the modeling material on the modeling surface 22 to form a three-dimensional object of a desired shape. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment has two modeling units 5, but the number of modeling units 5 may be one, or three or more.

[0012] Pellet-like or powder-like material is fed into the material supply unit 11 as a raw material. The material supply unit 11 supplies the material to the plasticization unit 12. The material supply unit 11 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material supplied by the material supply unit 11 is, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin.

[0013] 2, the plasticizing unit 12 has, for example, a drive motor 15, a flat screw 13, and a barrel 14. The plasticizing unit 12 plasticizes the solid-state material supplied from the material supply unit 11 to generate a pasty modeling material having fluidity. The plasticizing unit 12 supplies the generated modeling material to the nozzle 16. The drive motor 15 is, for example, a servo motor.

[0014] Plasticization is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a material from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the flat screw 13, in which the flat screw 13 is shown upside down. 3, the flat screw 13 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis Ro is smaller than its size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis Ro. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis Ro is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 15 causes the flat screw 13 to rotate about the rotation axis Ro.

[0016] The flat screw 13 has an upper surface 131, a groove forming surface 132 opposite to the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove forming surface 132. A plurality of first grooves 134 are formed in the groove forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove forming surface 132.

[0017] The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connection portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 146, which will be described later, formed in the barrel 14, and communicates with the communication hole 146. The connection portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the illustrated example, the connection portion 136 is provided in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer periphery of the groove formation surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove formation surface 132. That is, the material introduction portion 137 is provided on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 13. The material supplied from the material supply portion 11 is introduced from the material introduction portion 137 into the first groove 134, and is transported to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 14 through the connection portion 136 and the central portion 135.

[0018] In the illustrated example, two first grooves 134 sharing a central portion 135 are formed in the groove forming surface 132. However, the number of first grooves 134 is not particularly limited, and three or more, or only one, may be provided. Although not illustrated, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 may have an in-line screw instead of the flat screw 13. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a barrel 14 is provided below the flat screw 13.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view diagrammatically illustrating the barrel 14. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the barrel 14 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 13. A plurality of second grooves 144 and a communication hole 146 are formed in the opposing surface 142. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number of the second grooves 144 is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 144 are formed around the communication hole 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of the second groove 144 is connected to the communication hole 146, and extends from the communication hole 146 toward the outer periphery of the barrel 14 in a spiral shape. The second groove 144 has a function of guiding the plasticized modeling material to the communication hole 146. The modeling material introduced into the material introduction portion 137 of the flat screw 13 is guided to the communication hole 146 by the flat screw 13 rotating due to the rotation of the drive motor 15, and is transported from the communication hole 146 to the nozzle 16. The nozzle 16 ejects the transported modeling material onto the modeling surface 22 .

[0020] The shape of the second groove 144 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, linear. One end of the second groove 144 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 146. Furthermore, the second groove 144 does not have to be formed on the opposing surface 142. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized modeling material to the communication hole 146, it is preferable that the second groove 144 is formed on the opposing surface 142.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the moving mechanism 3 supports the stage 2. The moving mechanism 3 changes the relative position between the nozzle 16 and the stage 2. In the illustrated example, the moving mechanism 3 changes the relative position between the nozzle 16 and the stage 2 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by moving the stage 2 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 3 changes the relative position between the nozzle 16 and the stage 2 in the Z-axis direction by moving the modeling unit 5 in the Z-axis direction. Hereinafter, the area in which the stage 2 can move when viewed from the Z-axis direction is referred to as the modeling area.

[0022] The moving mechanism 3 has, for example, a first electric actuator 35, a second electric actuator 36, and a third electric actuator 37. The first electric actuator 35 moves the stage 2 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 36 moves the stage 2 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 37 moves the modeling unit 5 in the Z-axis direction. Note that the moving mechanism 3 only needs to be able to change the relative position between the nozzle 16 and the stage 2, and may be configured to move the stage 2 in the Z-axis direction and the modeling unit 5 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or may be configured to move the stage 2 or the modeling unit 5 in three directions, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 4 is provided on the heating unit 25 described later and is disposed between the two nozzles 16. The temperature sensor 4 is supported by a support unit (not shown). The temperature sensor 4 detects the temperature of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 16 to the modeling surface 22. The detection target of the temperature sensor 4 is preferably the layer immediately before the layer being formed. The temperature sensor 4 is, for example, a non-contact thermometer. The number and positions of the temperature sensors 4 are not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may be any as long as they can detect the temperature of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 16 to the modeling surface 22. The detection result by the temperature sensor 4 is output to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 controls the temperature of the heating unit 25 described later based on this detection result.

[0024] 2, the heating unit 25 is provided above and spaced apart from the stage 2. The heating unit 25 is flat and disposed approximately parallel to the modeling surface 22 of the stage 2. In other words, the heating unit 25 is disposed along the modeling surface 22 of the stage 2. The heating unit 25 is disposed so as to cover the stage 2 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the heating unit 25 is approximately rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and is disposed so as to cover the entire modeling area, which is the area in which the stage 2 can move.

[0025] The heating unit 25 heats the modeling material discharged onto the modeling surface 22. The heating unit 25 is located above the lower end of the nozzle 16 during modeling, i.e., when the modeling material is being discharged from the nozzle 16. The heating unit 25 moves in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle 16, i.e., the modeling unit 5, during modeling. On the other hand, when not during modeling, the modeling unit 5 and the heating unit 25 can move in the Z-axis direction independently of each other.

[0026] The heating unit 25 is formed with two first through holes 60 and one second through hole 70. The two first through holes 60 are formed at positions overlapping with the nozzle 16 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the nozzle 16 is inserted into the first through hole 60 during modeling. In other words, at least a part of the nozzle 16 is located inside the first through hole 60 during modeling of a three-dimensional object. The first through hole 60 is an example of a through hole. The second through hole 70 is formed at a position overlapping with the temperature sensor 4 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the temperature sensor 4 detects the temperature of the modeling material on the modeling surface 22 through the second through hole 70.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the heating unit 25, illustrating the configuration around the first through-hole 60. As shown in FIG. 5, the heating unit 25 has a configuration in which a first plate 51, a heater 52, a second plate 53, and a cover plate 54 are stacked in this order from the bottom facing the stage 2. The above-mentioned first through hole 60 and second through hole 70 are formed in the cover plate 54 and penetrate the first plate 51, the heater 52, and the second plate 53. The first plate 51, the heater 52, and the second plate 53 are respectively formed with a first hole portion 61, a second hole portion 62, and a third hole portion 63 corresponding to the first through hole 60. That is, the first hole portion 61 of the first plate 51, the second hole portion 62 of the heater 52, and the third hole portion 63 of the second plate 53 are formed at positions overlapping the first through hole 60 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0028] The heater 52 is, for example, a flat-plate-shaped silicon rubber heater, and generates heat based on the control of the control unit 7. The heater 52 is provided above the first plate 51 and below the second plate 53. That is, the heater 52 is provided between the first plate 51 and the second plate 53. In other words, the heater 52 is sandwiched between the first plate 51 and the second plate 53. The heater 52 is not fixed to the first plate 51 by adhesive, screws, or the like. The heater 52 is also not fixed to the second plate 53 by adhesive, screws, or the like. In this way, the heater 52 is installed in the heating unit 25 with a simple configuration. The diameter φ2 of the second hole portion 62 formed in the heater 52 is sufficiently larger than the diameter φ1 of the first through hole 60.

[0029] The first plate 51 is located below the heater 52 and supports the heater 52. The lower surface of the first plate 51 faces the modeling surface 22 of the stage 2. The first plate 51 is flat and is approximately parallel to the modeling surface 22 of the stage 2. The material of the first plate 51 is, for example, aluminum. This allows the radiant heat from the heater 52 and the heat by thermal conduction from the heater 52 to be efficiently transferred to the modeling material on the modeling surface 22. In addition, the heater 52 is restricted to a position approximately parallel to the modeling surface 22 by the first plate 51, so that the modeling material on the modeling surface 22 can be efficiently heated.

[0030] The second plate 53 is provided above the heater 52 and below the cover plate 54. That is, the second plate 53 is provided between the heater 52 and the cover plate 54. The material of the second plate 53 is, for example, aluminum, and the thickness is about 50 μm. When viewed in the horizontal direction, the second plate 53 and the cover plate 54 are separated by a distance D1. That is, a space Sp1 is formed between the second plate 53 and the cover plate 54. The distance D1 is about 1 mm. The heat insulating effect of this space Sp1 suppresses the heat generated by the heater 52 from moving upward beyond the heating unit 25. The diameter of the third hole 63 formed in the second plate 53 is approximately the same as the diameter φ2 of the second hole 62 of the heater 52.

[0031] The cover plate 54 is a flat cover member. The cover plate 54 is provided above the second plate 53 across the space Sp1. That is, the cover plate 54 is disposed above the heater 52 and configured to cover the second plate 53 and the heater 52. The cover plate 54 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 80 that constitutes the inner wall of the first through hole 60. The cover plate 54 and the protrusion 80 are formed of, for example, stainless steel. The protrusion 80 is fixed to the cover plate 54, and the outer edge of the protrusion 80 is engaged with the first hole 61 of the first plate 51. That is, the outer diameter φ3 of the protrusion 80 is approximately equal to the diameter of the first hole 61 of the first plate 51.

[0032] Moreover, the diameter φ2 of the second hole 62 of the heater 52 is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter φ3 of the protrusion 80, i.e., the diameter of the first hole 61, and the protrusion 80 and the heater 52 are separated by a distance D2 when viewed in the horizontal direction. In other words, a space Sp2 is formed between the protrusion 80 and the heater 52. Note that, in order to prevent the heat generated by the heater 52 from affecting the modeling material in the nozzle 16, it is desirable that the distance D2 be 1.0 mm or more. In addition, in order to uniformly heat the modeling material on the modeling surface 22, it is desirable that the distance D2 be 3.0 mm or less.

[0033] At least one of the front and back surfaces of the cover plate 54 may be formed as a mirror surface. In this case, the upward radiation of heat generated by the heater 52 can be suppressed.

[0034] The cover plate 54 is configured to be detachable from the heating unit 25. For example, a user can remove the cover plate 54 starting from the engagement point between the outer edge of the protrusion 80 and the first hole 61 of the first plate 51. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover plate 54 of this embodiment can be divided into two parts, one on the +X side and one on the -X side, with the temperature sensor 4 as the boundary, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. However, as long as the cover plate 54 can be removed from the heating unit 25, the position at which it can be divided and the number of divisions may be other than those shown in the drawings.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a first cleaning mechanism 30A and a second cleaning mechanism 30B for cleaning the modeling material adhering to the tip of the nozzle 16. The first cleaning mechanism 30A cleans the nozzle 16 of the first modeling unit 5A, and the second cleaning mechanism 30B cleans the nozzle 16 of the second modeling unit 5B. In this embodiment, the first cleaning mechanism 30A and the second cleaning mechanism 30B have the same configuration, and both include a moving unit 31 and a brush unit 32. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first cleaning mechanism 30A and the second cleaning mechanism 30B, both are simply referred to as cleaning mechanisms 30.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that typically illustrates the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 when cleaning the nozzle 16 after modeling is completed. As shown in Fig. 6, when cleaning the nozzle 16, the modeling unit 5 is moved upward relative to the heating unit 25. Specifically, the modeling unit 5 is moved so that the nozzle 16 is positioned sufficiently above the heating unit 25 when viewed from the horizontal direction. This movement may be performed, for example, by the third electric actuator 37 based on the control of the control unit 7, or may be performed manually by the user. Note that instead of the modeling unit 5 moving upward, the heating unit 25 may be configured to move downward.

[0037] The moving part 31 is, for example, provided in a rail-like manner extending along the Y axis. The brush part 32 is attached to the moving part 31 so as to be movable along the Y axis. During modeling in which the modeling material is discharged from the nozzle 16, the brush part 32 is located at a position where it does not overlap with the modeling part 5 as viewed from the Z axis direction, specifically, on the -Y side of the modeling part 5. When cleaning the nozzle 16, after the gap between the modeling part 5 and the heating part 25 is opened, the brush part 32 moves in the +Y direction below the nozzle 16 to a position where the nozzle 16 can be cleaned.

[0038] When the brush unit 32 moves to a position where the nozzle 16 can be cleaned, it brushes the nozzle 16 by contacting the nozzle 16 while moving back and forth in the ±Y direction. During cleaning, a cover plate 54 is located below the brush unit 32. In other words, when viewed from the Z-axis direction during cleaning, the cover plate 54 overlaps the brush unit 32. Therefore, the modeling material removed from the nozzle 16 by brushing falls onto the cover plate 54. The brush unit 32 is an example of a cleaning unit.

[0039] The cleaning mechanism 30 may include, for example, a drive mechanism having a motor or the like, and the control unit 7 may control this drive mechanism to move the brush unit 32 and perform brushing. The brush unit 32 may be configured with a brush, a thread, a roller, a blade, or a combination thereof.

[0040] As described above, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0041] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment has a heating unit 25 that heats the modeling material discharged onto the stage 2 from the nozzle 16. This prevents the layer formed immediately before the layer currently being formed from cooling and becoming easily solidified, thereby improving the adhesion between the layers of the modeling material.

[0042] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment, when the heating unit 25 is viewed in the horizontal direction, a space Sp2 is formed between the heater 52 and the protruding portion 80. Therefore, the influence of the heat generated from the heater 52 on the modeling material inside the nozzle 16 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0043] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment, in the heating unit 25, the outer edge of the protrusion 80 fits into the first hole 61 of the first plate 51. This makes it possible to prevent the cover plate 54 and the first plate 51 from shifting in the horizontal and vertical directions. In addition, since the cover plate 54 is prevented from shifting in the horizontal direction, the distance D2 between the heater 52 and the protrusion 80 can be appropriately maintained.

[0044] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the diameter φ2 of the second hole 62 of the heater 52 is larger than the outer diameter φ3 of the protrusion 80, that is, the diameter of the first hole 61, so that the space Sp2 can be easily formed.

[0045] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the cover plate 54 is located below the brush unit 32 during cleaning. In other words, the modeling material removed from the nozzle 16 by brushing falls onto the flat cover plate 54, so that the fallen modeling material can be easily removed.

[0046] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the cover plate 54 is configured to be detachable from the heating unit 25. Therefore, by removing the cover plate 54, the modeling material that has fallen onto the cover plate 54 by brushing can be easily removed.

[0047] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the cover plate 54 is configured to be separable into two with respect to the heating unit 25 at the temperature sensor 4. Therefore, the cover plate 54 can be easily removed from the heating unit 25.

[0048] 2. Second embodiment FIG. 7 is a perspective view that illustrates the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. Among the configurations of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, the description of the configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a skirt portion 40 is provided on the periphery of the flat heating unit 25.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the hem 40 is provided so as to hang down diagonally downward on the four sides of the periphery of the heating unit 25. As in the first embodiment, the heating unit 25 is arranged so as to cover the modeling area, which is the area in which the stage 2 can move, as viewed from the Z-axis direction. In other words, the hem 40 is arranged outside the modeling area as viewed from the Z-axis direction. For this reason, the hem 40 is configured to surround all four sides of the modeling material discharged onto the modeling surface 22, regardless of the relative positional relationship between the heating unit 25 and the stage 2 during modeling. Note that the hem 40 is not limited to being provided around the entire periphery of the heating unit 25, and may be provided, for example, on only two or three of the four sides of the periphery.

[0050] The internal configuration of the hem portion 40 is, for example, similar to the main body of the heating unit 25. That is, the hem portion 40 has a configuration in which a first plate 51, a heater 52, a second plate 53, and a cover plate 54 are stacked in this order from the inside facing the stage 2. However, the configuration of the hem portion 40 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the hem portion 40 may be made of aluminum foil, a thin metal plate, a heater, or a combination thereof.

[0051] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the skirt portion 40 is provided on the periphery of the heating unit 25, which prevents the air heated by the heating unit 25, i.e., the air between the heating unit 25 and the discharged modeling material, from escaping upward from the heating unit 25. As a result, the discharged modeling material can be heated more efficiently.

[0052] 3. Variations A modification of this embodiment will be described below, but only the differences from the above embodiment will be described, and a description of the similarities will be omitted.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the material supplied from the material supply unit 11 is ABS resin, but the material supplied from the material supply unit 11 may be a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components have been added to ABS resin.

[0054] Examples of materials supplied from the material supply unit 11 include materials that are mainly made of various materials such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the term "main material" refers to a material that is the core material that forms the shape of the three-dimensional object, and refers to a material that occupies 50% by mass or more in the three-dimensional object. The above-mentioned materials include those in which the main material is melted alone, and those in which some components contained together with the main material are melted and turned into a paste.

[0055] As the material having thermoplasticity, for example, a thermoplastic resin can be used. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include general-purpose engineering plastics and super engineering plastics.

[0056] Examples of general-purpose engineering plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0057] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0058] The thermoplastic material may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, and additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is hardened by a decrease in temperature after being discharged from the nozzle 16. It is desirable that the thermoplastic material is discharged from the nozzle 16 in a completely molten state by being heated to or above its glass transition point.

[0059] In the plasticizing unit 12, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned material having thermoplasticity. In this case, it is preferable that a component that melts when generating the modeling material is mixed with a powder material made by powdering the metal material, and then the powder material is introduced into the plasticizing unit 12.

[0060] Examples of metal materials include single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), or alloys containing one or more of these metals, as well as maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys.

[0061] Instead of the above-mentioned metal materials, a ceramic material can be used as the main material for the plasticized portion 12. Examples of the ceramic material include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0062] The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 11 may be a mixed material in which a single metal powder, an alloy powder, or a ceramic material powder is mixed. The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material may be coated with, for example, the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic resin other than the above. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizing unit 12 to exhibit fluidity.

[0063] For example, a solvent may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 11. Examples of the solvent include water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetates such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate, etc.); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0064] In addition, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 11. Examples of the binder include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose-based resin, other synthetic resins, PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0065] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined.

[0066] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations that have the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations that have the same purpose and effect. The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that have the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments, or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] Reference Signs List 2...stage, 3...movement mechanism, 4...temperature sensor, 5...modeling section, 5A...first modeling section, 5B...second modeling section, 7...control section, 10...three-dimensional modeling device, 11...material supply section, 12...plasticization section, 13...flat screw, 14...barrel, 15...driving motor, 16...nozzle, 22...modeling surface, 25...heating section, 30...cleaning mechanism, 30A...first cleaning mechanism, 30B...second cleaning mechanism, 31...movement section, 32...brush section, 35...first electric actuator, 36...second electric actuator, 37...third electric actuator moving actuator, 40...hem portion, 51...first plate, 52...heater, 53...second plate, 54...cover plate, 60...first through hole, 61...first hole portion, 62...second hole portion, 63...third hole portion, 70...second through hole, 80...protrusion, 131...upper surface, 132...groove forming surface, 133...side surface, 134...first groove, 135...center portion, 136...connection portion, 137...material introduction portion, 142...opposing surface, 144...second groove, 146...communicating hole, D1, D2...distance, Ro...rotation axis, Sp1, Sp2...space, φ1, φ2...diameter, φ3...outer diameter.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by stacking modeling materials, comprising: a plasticizing unit for plasticizing a material to generate the modeling material; A nozzle for discharging the modeling material; a stage having a modeling surface on which the modeling material discharged from the nozzle is laminated; a heating unit that is provided above and spaced apart from the stage and that heats the modeling material dispensed onto the modeling surface; The heating unit has a structure in which a flat heater and a flat cover plate that is disposed above the heater and covers the heater are stacked, and is disposed along the modeling surface; The heating portion has a through hole penetrating the heater and the cover plate, During modeling of the three-dimensional object, at least a portion of the nozzle is located within the through hole, The cover plate is provided with a cylindrical protrusion that constitutes an inner wall of the through hole, A space is formed between the protrusion and the heater. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 , The heating unit has a first plate located below the heater, The first plate has a first hole portion formed at a position overlapping with the through hole when viewed in a vertical direction, a second hole portion is formed in the heater at a position overlapping with the through hole when viewed in a vertical direction; An outer edge of the protrusion fits into the first hole. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

3. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 2, The diameter of the second hole portion is larger than the diameter of the first hole portion. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

4. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 , A cleaning unit that cleans the modeling material adhering to the tip of the nozzle, The cover plate overlaps the cleaning portion when viewed vertically during cleaning. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

5. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4, The cover plate is configured to be detachable from the heating unit. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

6. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 5 , A temperature sensor is provided to detect the temperature of the modeling material dispensed onto the modeling surface. The cover plate can be divided at the temperature sensor. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

7. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 , At least one of the front surface and the back surface of the cover plate is formed into a mirror surface. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

8. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 , A skirt portion is provided on the periphery of the heating unit to surround the modeling material discharged onto the modeling surface. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

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