Plasticizing device, three-dimensional molding device, and injection molding device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional molding apparatus capable of realizing stable plasticization.SOLUTION: A plasticizing device includes: a screw having a groove forming surface on which a first groove is formed; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and a communication hole formed therein; and a heater. The first groove is a spiral groove formed from a center of the screw facing the communication hole to the outer periphery of the screw, and connected to a material supply part to which material is supplied. The first groove has a first region where the material exists in a solid or semi-solid state, and a second region located closer to a center of the screw than the first region, where the material exists in a plasticized state. A second groove is formed in the opposing surface of the barrel from a center of the opposing surface toward the outer periphery, and when the screw is rotated once as viewed in a direction along the rotation axis, an end portion of the second groove on a center side and an end portion of the second groove on an outer periphery side overlap with the first region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasticizing apparatus, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and an injection molding apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Plasticizing devices are known that plasticize materials to produce plasticized materials.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a plasticizing unit including a flat screw with a spiral groove formed therein, and a screw-facing member having a screw-facing surface disposed opposite the end face of the flat screw and a through-hole formed in the center. The screw-facing surface has a plurality of guide grooves formed therein that are connected to the through-hole and extend spirally from the through-hole toward the outer periphery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-11488 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the plasticizing section as described above, the plasticized material may flow backward from the center of the flat screw toward the outer periphery through the guide groove, resulting in unstable plasticization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the plasticizing device according to the present invention is A plasticizing device for plasticizing a material, comprising: a screw that rotates around a rotation axis and has a groove forming surface on which a first groove is formed; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface in a direction along the rotation axis, the barrel having a communication hole formed therein; a heater that heats the material supplied to the first groove; Including, the first groove is a spiral groove that is formed from the center of the screw facing the communicating hole to the outer periphery of the screw and connects to a material supply portion to which the material is supplied, The first groove is a first region in which the material exists in a solid or semi-solid state; a second region located closer to the center of the screw than the first region, in which the material exists in a plasticized state; and a second groove is formed in the opposing surface of the barrel from the center toward the outer periphery of the opposing surface; When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, when the screw is rotated once, the center side end of the second groove and the outer circumferential side end of the second groove overlap with the first region.

[0007] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to the plasticizing device; a nozzle that ejects the plasticized material toward a stage; Includes.

[0008] One aspect of the injection molding apparatus according to the present invention is the plasticizing device; a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material toward a molding die; Includes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flat screw and a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a flat screw and a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a flat screw and a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flat screw, a barrel, and a magnet of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an injection molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Three-dimensional printing equipment Configuration First, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes, for example, a discharge unit 10, a stage 20, a position change unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0013] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 drives the position changing unit 30 to change the relative position between the discharge unit 10 and the stage 20 while discharging the plasticized material from the discharge unit 10 toward the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 forms a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that uses a fused deposition modeling (FDM (registered trademark)) method.

[0014] Although not shown, a plurality of discharge units 10 may be provided. For example, two discharge units 10 may be provided. In this case, both of the two discharge units 10 may discharge the plasticizing material that constitutes the three-dimensional object, or one may discharge the plasticizing material and the other may discharge the support material that supports the three-dimensional object. The two discharge units 10 may be aligned in the X-axis direction.

[0015] The discharge section 10 includes, for example, a material storage section 110 , a plasticizer 120 , and a nozzle 160 .

[0016] The material storage unit 110 stores, for example, a pellet-shaped material. The material storage unit 110 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material stored in the material storage unit 110 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0017] The material storage section 110 and the plasticizing device 120 are connected by a supply path 112 provided below the material storage section 110. The material input into the material storage section 110 is supplied to the plasticizing device 120 via the supply path 112.

[0018] The plasticizing device 120 includes, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a heater 150. The plasticizing device 120 plasticizes at least a portion of the solid material supplied from the material reservoir 110 to generate a flowable, paste-like plasticized material, and supplies the same to the nozzle 160.

[0019] Plasticization is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing 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.

[0020] The screw case 122 is a housing that houses the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in the space surrounded by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0021] The drive motor 124 is provided on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The drive motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 is connected to an upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The drive motor 124 is controlled by the control unit 40. Although not shown, the shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reducer.

[0022] The flat screw 130 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than its size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0023] The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the flat screw 130. For convenience, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, a first groove 134 is formed in the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material supply portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 144 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 144. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material supply portion 137. In the example shown in the figure, the connecting portion 136 is provided in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. The material supply portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. That is, the material supply portion 137 is formed on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. The material supplied from the material reservoir 110 is introduced into the first groove 134 from the material supply section 137, passes through the connection section 136 and the central section 135, and is transported to the communication hole 144 formed in the barrel 140. For example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0025] There is no particular limitation on the number of first grooves 134. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 134 may be formed, or only one first groove 134 may be formed.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrel 140 is provided below the flat screw 130. The barrel 140 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove-forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The opposing surface 142 faces the groove-forming surface 132 in the direction along the rotation axis R. A communication hole 144 that communicates with the first groove 134 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. Details of the barrel 140 and the flat screw 130 will be described later.

[0027] The heater 150 is provided in the barrel 140. The heater 150 is embedded in the barrel 140, for example. The heater 150 may be a rod heater. The heater 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. Specifically, the heater 150 heats the material supplied to the first groove 134 formed in the flat screw 130. The output of the heater 150 is controlled by the control unit 40. The plasticizer 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communicating hole 144 using the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the heater 150, thereby generating a plasticized material. The plasticizer 120 then causes the generated plasticized material to flow out of the communicating hole 144. Note that the heater 150 may have a ring-like shape when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis R (hereinafter also referred to as "viewed from the Z-axis direction").

[0028] The nozzle 160 is provided below the barrel 140. A nozzle flow path 162 is formed in the nozzle 160. The nozzle flow path 162 is connected to the communication hole 144. The plasticized material is supplied to the nozzle flow path 162 from the communication hole 144. The nozzle 160 ejects the supplied plasticized material toward the stage 20.

[0029] The stage 20 is provided below the nozzle 160. The stage 20 has a deposition surface 22 on which the plasticized material is deposited. The deposition surface 22 is an area on the upper surface of the stage 20. The material of the stage 20 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum.

[0030] The position changer 30 supports the stage 20. The position changer 30 changes the relative position between the discharge unit 10 and the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the position changer 30 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the position changer 30 moves the discharge unit 10 in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The position changing unit 30 has, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, and a third electric actuator 36. The first electric actuator 32 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 34 moves the stage 20 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 36 moves the discharge unit 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] The configuration of the position changer 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the relative positions of the discharger 10 and the stage 20. For example, the position changer 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction and move the discharger 10 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Alternatively, the position changer 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 or the discharger 10 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0033] The control unit 40 is configured, for example, by a computer having a processor, a main memory device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals from and to the outside. The control unit 40 performs various functions, for example, by the processor executing a program loaded into the main memory device. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the discharge unit 10 and the position change unit 30. Note that the control unit 40 may be configured not by a computer but by a combination of multiple circuits.

[0034] 1.2. Flat screw 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flat screw 130. For convenience, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first groove 134 formed in the flat screw 130 is a spiral groove that extends from the center C1 of the flat screw 130, which faces the communicating hole 144, to the outer periphery 130a of the flat screw 130, as viewed from the Z-axis direction, and connects to a material supply section 137 through which the material is supplied. In the illustrated example, a convex portion 138 is provided in the area including the center C1 of the flat screw 130. The convex portion 138 protrudes from the bottom surface of the first groove 134 in the −Z-axis direction. The convex portion 138 allows the plasticized material to be efficiently supplied from the first groove 134 to the communicating hole 144. In the illustrated example, the outer shape of the flat screw 130 is circular. For convenience, the convex portion 138 is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the first groove 134 has a first region 170 and a second region 172.

[0037] The first region 170 of the first groove 134 is a region where the material exists in a solid or semi-solid state. In the first region 170, the material is not plasticized. For materials that undergo a glass transition, the material has not been heated to its glass transition temperature in the first region 170. A semi-solid state is a state in which the material has not been heated to its glass transition temperature, but has been softened by heat.

[0038] The second region 172 of the first groove 134 is where the material exists in a plasticized state. For materials that undergo a glass transition, the material is heated to or above the glass transition point in the second region 172. The temperature of the second region 172 is higher than the temperature of the first region 170.

[0039] The second region 172 of the first groove 134 is located closer to the center C1 of the flat screw 130 than the first region 170. The second region 172 includes a region where the convex portion 138 is provided. The second region 172 is continuous with the first region 170. In the illustrated example, the second region 172 is a portion inside a circle formed by the midpoint between the center and the outer periphery of the barrel 140. The shapes and sizes of the first region 170 and the second region 172 may vary depending on the temperature of the heater 150 and the type of material.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the first groove 134 has, for example, an outer circumferential portion 174 and an inner circumferential portion 176.

[0041] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer periphery 174 of the first groove 134 does not exist on the outer periphery 132a side of the groove forming surface 132. The outer periphery 174 is a portion that forms the outermost periphery of the first groove 134. In the illustrated example, the boundary B between the outer periphery 174 and the inner periphery 176 is indicated by a dashed line. The outer periphery 174 is formed by, for example, the first region 170. In the illustrated example, the outer periphery 132a of the groove forming surface 132 overlaps with the outer periphery 130a of the flat screw 130.

[0042] An inner periphery portion 176 of the first groove 134 is continuous with the outer periphery portion 174. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the inner periphery portion 176 is adjacent to the first groove 134 on the outer periphery 132a side of the groove forming surface 132. The inner periphery portion 176 is located closer to the center C1 of the flat screw 130 than the outer periphery portion 174. The inner periphery portion 176 is made up of, for example, a first region 170 and a second region 172.

[0043] 1.3. Barrel FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the barrel 140. FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140, with the barrel 140 superimposed on the flat screw 130 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the barrel 140. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5, schematically showing the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5, schematically showing the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. For convenience, FIG. 5 shows the barrel 140 in a see-through manner.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, a second groove 180 is formed in the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of second grooves 180 are formed. In the illustrated example, twelve second grooves 180 are formed, but the number is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 180 are formed around the communication hole 144 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The plurality of second grooves 180 are formed, for example, at equal intervals.

[0046] The second groove 180 is formed from the center C2 of the opposing surface 142 toward the outer periphery 142a when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The second groove 180 has a shape with a longitudinal direction from the center C2 of the opposing surface 142 toward the outer periphery 142a. In the illustrated example, the shape of the second groove 180 is rectangular. A first end 181 of the second groove 180 on the center C2 side constitutes, for example, one short side of the rectangle. A second end 182 of the second groove 180 on the outer periphery 142a side constitutes, for example, the other short side of the rectangle. The first end 181 and the second end 182 face each other. In the illustrated example, the outer shape of the barrel 140 is circular. Although not shown, the shape of the second groove 180 may be curved in the rotation direction Q of the flat screw 130 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0047] When the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution, the first end 181 and the second end 182 of the second groove 180 overlap with the first region 170 of the first groove 134 as viewed in the Z-axis direction. When the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution, the ends 181, 182 do not overlap with, for example, the second region 172 of the first groove 134 as viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first end 181 of the second groove 180 overlaps with the inner circumferential portion 176 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first end 181 does not overlap with, for example, the outer circumferential portion 174 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution.

[0049] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second end 182 of the second groove 180 overlaps with the outer circumferential portion 174 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second end 182 does not overlap with, for example, the inner circumferential portion 176 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. The second groove 180 is separated from the communicating hole 144. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second groove 180 does not overlap with the convex portion 138 of the flat screw 130.

[0050] The second groove 180 has, for example, a first wall surface 183, a second wall surface 184, and a bottom surface 185. The first wall surface 183, the second wall surface 184, and the bottom surface 185 are configured as a barrel 140 that defines the second groove 180.

[0051] 7, the first wall surface 183 of the second groove 180 is, for example, perpendicular to the opposing surface 142. When the planar shape of the second groove 180 is rectangular, the first wall surface 183 forms one long side of the rectangle.

[0052] A second wall surface 184 of the second groove 180 is spaced apart from the first wall surface 183. When the planar shape of the second groove 180 is rectangular, the second wall surface 184 forms the other long side of the rectangle. As shown in FIG. 5, the second wall surface 184 is located forward of the first wall surface 183 in the rotation direction Q of the flat screw 130. As shown in FIG. 7, the second wall surface 184 is inclined with respect to the opposing surface 142. The second wall surface 184 has a tapered shape in which the distance D between the first wall surface 183 and the second wall surface 184 increases from the bottom surface 185 toward the flat screw 130.

[0053] A bottom surface 185 of the second groove 180 is connected to the first wall surface 183 and the second wall surface 184. The bottom surface 185 has a tapered shape such that the depth H of the second groove 180 decreases from the outer periphery 142a of the opposing surface 142 toward the center C2.

[0054] 7, the width W of the second groove 180 is, for example, larger than the maximum length M of the material P. The width W is the distance between the boundary between the opposing surface 142 and the first wall surface 183 and the boundary between the opposing surface 142 and the second wall surface 184. The maximum length M of the material P is the length of the longest imaginary line segment connecting any two points on the surface of the material P. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the material P is spherical, and in this case, the maximum length M of the material P is the diameter.

[0055] The depth H of the second groove 180 is smaller than, for example, the maximum length M of the material P. That is, when the material P is placed in the second groove 180, a portion of the material P protrudes from the second groove 180. In the illustrated example, the depth H is the distance between the bottom surface 185 and the opposing surface 142. The maximum length M of the material P is larger than the maximum depth H of the second groove 180. The distance T between the groove forming surface 132 and the bottom surface 185 of the second groove 180 is smaller than, for example, the maximum length M of the material P.

[0056] 1.4. Operation 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 40.

[0057] For example, the user operates an operation unit (not shown) to output a processing start signal for starting processing to the control unit 40. The operation unit is configured with, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc. The control unit 40 starts processing when it receives the processing start signal.

[0058] First, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 40 performs, in step S1, a modeling data acquisition process for acquiring modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object.

[0059] The modeling data includes information regarding, for example, the type of material P stored in the material storage unit 110, the movement path of the discharge unit 10 relative to the stage 20, the amount of plasticized material discharged from the discharge unit 10, and the like.

[0060] The modeling data is created, for example, by loading shape data into slicer software installed on a computer connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 100. The shape data represents the target shape of a 3D object created using 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, 3D Computer Graphics (CG) software, or the like. Examples of the shape data include Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format and Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF). The slicer software divides the target shape of the 3D object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed in G-code, M-code, or the like. The control unit 40 acquires the modeling data from a computer connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 100 or a recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0061] Next, in step S2, the control unit 40 performs a modeling layer formation process in which a plasticizing material is ejected onto the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 to form a modeling layer.

[0062] Specifically, the control unit 40 plasticizes the material P supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate a plasticized material, and discharges the plasticized material from the nozzle 160 of the discharge unit 10. The control unit 40 continues to generate the plasticized material until, for example, the modeling layer formation process is completed.

[0063] Here, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 40 controls the position change unit 30 to change the relative position between the discharge unit 10 and the stage 20 based on the acquired modeling data, while controlling the discharge unit 10 to discharge the plasticized material from the nozzle 160 toward the stage 20.

[0065] Specifically, before the modeling layer formation process starts, i.e., before formation of the first modeling layer L1 starts, the nozzle 160 is positioned at an initial position in the -X axis direction, further away from the end of the stage 20 in the -X axis direction. When the modeling layer formation process starts, as shown in FIG. 10 , the control unit 40 controls the position change unit 30 to, for example, move the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20 in the +X axis direction. As the nozzle 160 passes over the stage 20, the plasticizing material is ejected from the nozzle 160. This forms the modeling layer L1. In FIG. 10 , n is an arbitrary natural number, and up to the nth modeling layer Ln is illustrated.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, in step S3, the control unit 40 performs a determination process of determining whether or not the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed based on the modeling data.

[0067] If it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has not been completed ("NO" in step S3), the control unit 40 returns the process to step S2. The control unit 40 repeats steps S2 and S3 until it determines in step S3 that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed ("YES" in step S3), the control unit 40 ends the process.

[0069] 1.5. Effects In the plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the first groove 134 is a spiral groove formed from the center C1 of the flat screw 130, which faces the communicating hole 144, to the outer periphery 130a of the flat screw 130, and connected to the material supply unit 137 to which the material P is supplied. The first groove 134 has a first region 170 in which the material P exists in a solid or semi-solid state, and a second region 172 located closer to the center C1 of the flat screw 130 than the first region 170, in which the material P exists in a plasticized state. A second groove 180 is formed in the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140, extending from the center C2 of the opposing surface 142 to the outer periphery 142a. When the flat screw 130 is rotated once, as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis R, a first end 181 of the second groove 180 on the center C2 side and a second end 182 of the second groove 180 on the outer periphery 142a of the second groove 180 overlap with the first region 170.

[0070] Therefore, in the plasticizing device 120, it is possible to prevent the plasticizing material from flowing back from the first end 181 of the second groove 180 toward the second end 182, compared to when, for example, the first end of the second groove overlaps the second region of the first groove.

[0071] Furthermore, in the plasticizing device 120, the material P supplied to the first groove 134 is caught in the second groove 180, and the caught material P is scraped out onto the wall 139 by the rotation of the flat screw 130, passes along the wall 139 through the first groove 134, and is transported to the center C1 of the flat screw 130. For example, if the second groove is not formed, the supplied material P may simply rotate with the flat screw, but may not be transported to the center C1 through the first groove. If the material P accumulates in the first groove, only that material P will be heated for a long time, causing discoloration and carbonization.

[0072] As a result, the plasticizing device 120 can achieve stable plasticization.

[0073] In the plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the first groove 134 has an outer circumferential portion 174 adjacent to no first groove 134 on the outer periphery 132a side of the groove-forming surface 132, and an inner circumferential portion 176 that is continuous with the outer circumferential portion 174 and adjacent to the first groove 134 on the outer periphery 132a side of the groove-forming surface 132. When the flat screw 130 is rotated once as viewed along the rotation axis R, a first end 181 of the second groove 180 on the center C2 side overlaps with the inner circumferential portion 176, and a second end 182 of the second groove 180 on the outer periphery 142a side overlaps with the outer circumferential portion 174. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 120, the material P caught in the second groove 180 can be transported from the outer circumferential portion 174 side to the inner circumferential portion 176 side.

[0074] In the plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the material P is in pellet form, and the width W of the second groove 180 is greater than the maximum length M of the material P. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 120, the material P is easily caught by the second groove 180.

[0075] In the plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the depth H of the second groove 180 is smaller than the maximum length M of the material P, and the distance T between the groove forming surface 132 and the bottom surface 185 of the second groove 180 is smaller than the maximum length M of the material P. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 120, the material P caught in the second groove 180 can be scraped out by the wall 139 of the first groove 134. Then, the material P can be transported through the first groove 134.

[0076] In the plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the second groove 180 has a first wall surface 183, a second wall surface 184 located forward of the first wall surface 183 in the rotation direction Q of the flat screw 130, and a bottom surface 185 connecting the first wall surface 183 and the second wall surface 184. The second wall surface 184 has a tapered shape in which the distance D between the first wall surface 183 and the second wall surface 184 increases as the distance increases from the bottom surface 185 toward the flat screw 130. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 120, the material P supplied to the first groove 134 can be easily introduced into the second groove 180.

[0077] 2. Modified examples of 3D printing equipment 2.1. First variant Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 according to a first modified example of this embodiment.

[0078] Hereinafter, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 200 according to the first modified example of this embodiment, components having the same functions as the components of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment described above will be given the same symbols, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] 11, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 differs from the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that the plasticizing apparatus 120 includes, for example, a first magnet 210 and a second magnet 212. For convenience, components other than the barrel 140 and the magnets 210 and 212 are not shown in FIG.

[0080] The first magnet 210 is provided in the barrel 140. The first magnet 210 is, for example, embedded in the barrel 140. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first magnet 210 overlaps with the first region 170 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first magnet 210 does not overlap with, for example, the second region 172 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. In the illustrated example, the first magnet 210 is ring-shaped. The first magnet 210 is provided between the second end 182 of the second groove 180 and the outer periphery 142a of the opposing surface 142.

[0081] The second magnet 212 is provided in the barrel 140. The second magnet 212 is, for example, embedded in the barrel 140. The second magnet 212 is spaced apart from the first magnet 210. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second magnet 212 overlaps with the second region 172 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second magnet 212 does not overlap with, for example, the first region 170 of the first groove 134 when the flat screw 130 is rotated one revolution. The second magnet 212 overlaps with, for example, the center C2 of the opposing surface 142. In the illustrated example, one first magnet 210 is provided.

[0082] There are no particular limitations on the shape, size, and number of magnets 210 and 212. Furthermore, magnets 210 and 212 may not be embedded in barrel 140, but may be provided on the surface of barrel 140.

[0083] The magnetic force of the second magnet 212 is, for example, stronger than the magnetic force of the first magnet 210. The first magnet 210 and the second magnet 212 are, for example, ferrite magnets, neodymium magnets, samarium-cobalt magnets, or alnico magnets.

[0084] The material P includes metal particles made of a magnetic material. Specifically, the material P includes metal particles made of a ferromagnetic material. The material of the metal particles is, for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, ferritic SUS430, martensitic SUS403, etc.

[0085] The plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 includes a first magnet 210 provided in the barrel 140, and when the flat screw 130 is rotated once as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis R, the first magnet 210 overlaps with the first region 170, and the material P includes metal particles made of a magnetic body. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 120, the material P is held by the magnetic force of the first magnet 210, and the held material P is pushed by the wall 139, and can be transported along the wall 139 through the first groove 134 to the center C1 of the flat screw 130.

[0086] The plasticizing device 120 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 includes a second magnet 212 that is spaced apart from the first magnet 210 and is attached to the barrel 140, and when the flat screw 130 is rotated once as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis R, the second magnet 212 overlaps with the second region 172, and the magnetic force of the second magnet 212 is stronger than the magnetic force of the first magnet 210. Therefore, the plasticizing device 120 can prevent the material P from flowing back from the second magnet 212 toward the first magnet 210.

[0087] 2.2. Second Variant Next, a 3D printing device according to a second modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the 3D printing device according to the second modified example of this embodiment, differences from the example of the 3D printing device 100 according to this embodiment described above will be described below, and a description of similarities will be omitted.

[0088] In the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the material stored in the material storage unit 110 is ABS resin.

[0089] In contrast, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second modification of this embodiment, the material stored in the material reservoir 110 is a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0090] Examples of materials stored in the material storage unit 110 include materials containing various materials as main components, such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the term "main material" refers to the material that forms the core of the shape of the three-dimensional object to be formed by the three-dimensional printing device, and refers to a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the three-dimensional object. The above-mentioned materials include those obtained by melting the main material alone, and those obtained by melting some of the components contained in the main material and forming a paste.

[0091] Examples of the thermoplastic material that can be used include thermoplastic resins, such as general-purpose engineering plastics and super engineering plastics.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0094] The thermoplastic material may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, and other additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state in the plasticizer 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heat of the heater 150. The plasticized material thus produced is deposited from the nozzle 160 and then hardened by a drop in temperature.

[0095] In place of the thermoplastic material described above, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material in the plasticizer 120. In this case, it is desirable that a powder material made by powdering the metal material is mixed with a component that melts when the plasticized material is produced, and then the powder material is introduced into the plasticizer 120.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Instead of the above-mentioned metal materials, ceramic materials can be used as the main material in the plasticizer 120. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0098] The powder material of the metallic material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110 may be a mixed material obtained by mixing multiple types of powder of a single metal, alloy powder, or ceramic material. The powder material of the metallic material or ceramic material may also be coated with, for example, the thermoplastic resin described above or other thermoplastic resins. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizing device 120 to exhibit fluidity.

[0099] A solvent, for example, can be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110. Examples of the solvent include water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetate esters 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 (e.g., tetrabutylammonium acetate); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0100] Additionally, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110. Examples of binders include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose-based resin, other synthetic resins, PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0101] 3. Injection molding equipment Next, an injection molding apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows an injection molding apparatus 900 according to this embodiment.

[0102] 12, the injection molding apparatus 900 includes, for example, the above-described plasticizing apparatus 120. The injection molding apparatus 900 further includes, for example, a material reservoir 110, a nozzle 160, an injection mechanism 910, a mold unit 920, and a mold clamping unit 930.

[0103] The plasticizer 120 plasticizes the material supplied to the first groove 134 of the flat screw 130 to generate a flowable, paste-like plasticized material, which is then guided from the communication hole 144 to the injection mechanism 910 .

[0104] The injection mechanism 910 has, for example, a cylinder 912, a plunger 914, and a plunger driver 916. The cylinder 912 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 144. The plunger 914 moves inside the cylinder 912. The plunger 914 is driven by the plunger driver 916, which is composed of a motor, gears, etc. The plunger driver 916 is controlled by the control unit 40.

[0105] The injection mechanism 910 performs metering and injection operations by sliding the plunger 914 within the cylinder 912. The metering operation refers to the operation of moving the plunger 914 in a direction away from the communicating hole 144 to introduce the plasticized material located in the communicating hole 144 into the cylinder 912 and measure it within the cylinder 912. The injection operation refers to the operation of moving the plunger 914 in a direction approaching the communicating hole 144 to inject the plasticized material in the cylinder 912 into the mold section 920 via the nozzle 160.

[0106] The nozzle 160 injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizer 120 toward the molding die 922 of the mold section 920. Specifically, by performing the above-described metering operation and injection operation, the plasticized material measured in the cylinder 912 is sent from the injection mechanism 910 to the nozzle 160 via the communication hole 144. The plasticized material is then injected from the nozzle 160 into the mold section 920.

[0107] The mold section 920 has a molding die 922. The molding die 922 is a metal mold. The molding die 922 has a movable die 926 and a fixed die 928 that face each other, and a cavity 924 is formed between the movable die 926 and the fixed die 928. The plasticized material is injected from the nozzle 160 into the cavity 924 of the molding die 922. The cavity 924 is a space that corresponds to the shape of the molded product. The plasticized material that flows into the cavity 924 is cooled and solidified. This produces a molded product. The movable die 926 and the fixed die 928 are made of metal. The movable die 926 and the fixed die 928 may also be made of ceramic or resin.

[0108] The mold clamping unit 930 has, for example, a mold drive unit 932 and a ball screw unit 934. The mold drive unit 932 is composed of, for example, a motor, gears, etc. The mold drive unit 932 is connected to the movable mold 926 via the ball screw unit 934. The drive of the mold drive unit 932 is controlled by the control unit 40. The ball screw unit 934 transmits the power generated by the drive of the mold drive unit 932 to the movable mold 926. The mold clamping unit 930 opens and closes the mold unit 920 by moving the movable mold 926 using the mold drive unit 932 and the ball screw unit 934.

[0109] 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 combined as appropriate.

[0110] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that add publicly known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0111] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0112] One embodiment of the plasticizing device comprises: A plasticizing device for plasticizing a material, comprising: a screw that rotates around a rotation axis and has a groove forming surface on which a first groove is formed; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface in a direction along the rotation axis, the barrel having a communication hole formed therein; a heater that heats the material supplied to the first groove; Including, the first groove is a spiral groove that is formed from the center of the screw facing the communicating hole to the outer periphery of the screw and connects to a material supply portion to which the material is supplied, The first groove is a first region in which the material exists in a solid or semi-solid state; a second region located closer to the center of the screw than the first region, in which the material exists in a plasticized state; and a second groove is formed in the opposing surface of the barrel from the center toward the outer periphery of the opposing surface; When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, when the screw is rotated once, the center side end of the second groove and the outer circumferential side end of the second groove overlap with the first region.

[0113] This plasticizing device can achieve stable plasticization.

[0114] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The first groove is an outer circumferential portion on the outer circumferential side of the groove formation surface, the outer circumferential portion being adjacent to no first groove; an inner peripheral portion that is continuous with the outer peripheral portion and adjacent to the first groove on the outer peripheral side of the groove formation surface; and When viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, when the screw is rotated once, the end of the second groove on the center side may overlap with the inner peripheral portion, and the end of the second groove on the outer peripheral portion may overlap with the outer peripheral portion.

[0115] According to this plasticizing device, the material caught in the second groove can be transported from the outer periphery side to the inner periphery side.

[0116] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, the material is in pellet form; The width of the second groove may be greater than the maximum length of the material.

[0117] This plasticizing device makes it easier to catch the material in the second groove.

[0118] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, the material is in pellet form; The depth of the second groove is less than the maximum length of the material; The distance between the groove forming surface and the bottom surface of the second groove may be less than the maximum length of the material.

[0119] According to this plasticizing device, the material caught in the second groove can be scraped out by the wall of the first groove.

[0120] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The second groove is A first wall; a second wall surface located forward of the first wall surface in the rotation direction of the screw; a bottom surface connecting the first wall surface and the second wall surface; and The second wall surface may have a tapered shape in which the distance between the first wall surface and the second wall surface increases from the bottom surface toward the screw.

[0121] According to this plasticizing device, the material supplied to the first groove can be easily introduced into the second groove.

[0122] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, a first magnet provided in the barrel; the first magnet overlaps with the first region when the screw is rotated once as viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, The material may include metal particles made of a magnetic material.

[0123] According to this plasticizing device, the material is held by the magnetic force of the first magnet, and the held material is pushed by the wall, and is transported along the wall through the first groove to the center of the flat screw.

[0124] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, a second magnet spaced apart from the first magnet and provided in the barrel; the second magnet overlaps with the second region when the screw is rotated once as viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, The magnetic force of the second magnet may be stronger than the magnetic force of the first magnet.

[0125] This plasticizing device can prevent the material from flowing back from the second magnet toward the first magnet.

[0126] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus is One embodiment of the plasticizing device; a nozzle that ejects the plasticized material toward a stage; Includes.

[0127] One aspect of the injection molding apparatus comprises: One embodiment of the plasticizing device; a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material toward a mold; Includes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10...Discharge section, 20...Stage, 22...Deposition surface, 30...Position change section, 32...First electric actuator, 34...Second electric actuator, 36...Third electric actuator, 40...Control section, 100...Three-dimensional modeling device, 110...Material storage section, 112...Supply channel, 120...Plasticization device, 122...Screw case, 124...Drive motor, 126...Shaft, 130...Flat screw, 130a...Outer periphery, 131...Top surface, 132...Groove forming surface, 132a...Outer periphery, 133...Side, 134...First groove, 135...Central section, 136...Connection section, 137...Material supply section, 138...Convex section, 139...Wall, 140...Barrel, 142...Opposite surface, 142 a...outer periphery, 144...communicating hole, 150...heater, 160...nozzle, 162...nozzle flow path, 170...first region, 172...second region, 174...outer periphery, 176...inner periphery, 180...second groove, 181...first end, 182...second end, 183...first wall surface, 184...second wall surface, 185...bottom surface, 200...three-dimensional modeling device, 210...first magnet, 212...second magnet, 900...injection molding device, 910...injection mechanism, 912...cylinder, 914...plunger, 916...plunger drive unit, 920...mold unit, 922...molding mold, 924...cavity, 926...movable mold, 928...fixed mold, 930...mold clamping unit, 932...mold drive unit, 934...ball screw unit

Claims

1. A plasticizing device for plasticizing a material, comprising: a screw that rotates around a rotation axis and has a groove forming surface on which a first groove is formed; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface in a direction along the rotation axis, the barrel having a communication hole formed therein; a heater that heats the material supplied to the first groove; Including, the first groove is a spiral groove that is formed from the center of the screw facing the communicating hole to the outer periphery of the screw and connects to a material supply portion to which the material is supplied, The first groove is a first region in which the material exists in a solid or semi-solid state; a second region located closer to the center of the screw than the first region, in which the material exists in a plasticized state; and a second groove is formed in the opposing surface of the barrel from the center toward the outer periphery of the opposing surface; A plasticizing device in which, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, the end of the second groove on the center side and the end of the second groove on the outer periphery side overlap the first region when the screw is rotated once.

2. In claim 1, The first groove is an outer circumferential portion on the outer circumferential side of the groove formation surface, the outer circumferential portion being adjacent to no first groove; an inner peripheral portion that is continuous with the outer peripheral portion and adjacent to the first groove on the outer peripheral side of the groove formation surface; and A plasticizing device in which, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, the end of the second groove on the center side overlaps with the inner peripheral portion, and the end of the second groove on the outer peripheral portion overlaps with the outer peripheral portion when the screw is rotated once.

3. In claim 1, the material is in pellet form; A plasticizing device, wherein the width of the second groove is greater than the maximum length of the material.

4. In claim 1, the material is in pellet form; the depth of the second groove is less than the maximum length of the material; A plasticizing device, wherein the distance between the groove forming surface and the bottom surface of the second groove is smaller than the maximum length of the material.

5. In claim 1, The second groove is A first wall surface; a second wall surface located forward of the first wall surface in the rotation direction of the screw; a bottom surface connecting the first wall surface and the second wall surface; and The second wall surface has a tapered shape in which the distance between the first wall surface and the second wall surface increases from the bottom surface toward the screw.

6. In claim 1, a first magnet provided in the barrel; the first magnet overlaps with the first region when the screw is rotated once as viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, The material includes metal particles made of a magnetic material.

7. In claim 6, a second magnet spaced apart from the first magnet and provided in the barrel; the second magnet overlaps with the second region when the screw is rotated once as viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, A plasticizing device, wherein the magnetic force of the second magnet is stronger than the magnetic force of the first magnet.

8. A plasticizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a nozzle that ejects the plasticized material toward a stage; A three-dimensional printing device comprising:

9. A plasticizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material toward a mold; 1. An injection molding apparatus comprising:

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