Molding device

Abstract

To provide a molding device capable of preferably controlling the discharge of a molding material.SOLUTION: A molding device that forms a molded object by layering molding material includes a table 92 on which the molding material is layered, a discharge head 30 that discharges molding material toward the table 92, a moving mechanism that moves the discharge head 30 relative to the table 92, and a discharge control unit that controls the discharge of the molding material by the discharge head 30. In order to end the continuous discharge of the molding material from the discharge head 30, the discharge control unit stops the discharge of the molding material, and the discharge head 30 is moved back and forth along the same path to overlay the drawn molding materials on top of each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, modeling devices have been used to create three-dimensional objects. One of the modeling methods is the fused deposition modeling method. In the fused deposition modeling method, a thermoplastic resin filament is used as the modeling material (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5920859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the modeling device of Patent Document 1, the modeling material remains at the tip of the nozzle, and when the nozzle is moved after discharging the modeling material, the modeling material may hang down and become stretched like strings, and adhere to the outside of the modeled object. This stringy modeling material can cause a problem of poor appearance of the modeled object.

[0005] These problems can be reduced by retracting the filament to clear the nozzle tip when the nozzle is moved after the extrusion of the modeling material has finished, but retraction is not available when pellets are used as the modeling material.

[0006] Furthermore, when pellets are used as the modeling material in a modeling device, the pellets are heated, mixed, and discharged by an extruder, so the modeling material stored in the extruder is subjected to high pressure from the subsequent modeling material that is compressed and transported by the extruder screw.As a result, after the screw is stopped, the modeling material stored at the tip of the nozzle is pushed out by the pressure and drips from the nozzle.

[0007] Furthermore, when pellets are used as the molding material in a molding device, due to the pressure exerted on the molding material stored in the extruder, when materials such as colorants are supplied to the extruder of the molding device from the side using a supply device such as a side feeder, liquid feeder, or extruder, there is a risk that the molding material will flow back from the extruder to the supply device.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a modeling apparatus that can suitably control the discharge of modeling material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the modeling apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a modeling apparatus that forms a model by stacking modeling material, and includes a table on which the modeling material is stacked, an ejection head that ejects the modeling material toward the table, a moving mechanism that moves the ejection head relative to the table, and an ejection control unit that controls the ejection of the modeling material by the ejection head.In order to terminate the continuous ejection of the modeling material from the ejection head, the ejection control unit controls the ejection of the modeling material to stop, and the ejection head moves back and forth along the same path to overlap the stringy modeling material on top of each other.

[0010] According to the above configuration, a part of a model can be formed using the stringy modeling material. Therefore, when the nozzle is moved after the modeling material is ejected, the stringy modeling material does not adhere to the outside of the model. This allows for optimal control of the ejection of the modeling material, and for example, allows for the formation of a beautiful model.

[0011] The apparatus may further include a reciprocating movement amount determination unit that determines a movement amount by which the discharge head is reciprocated, and the reciprocating movement amount determination unit may determine the reciprocating movement amount based on the modeling material to be discharged.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine an appropriate reciprocating movement amount even when the modeling material is changed, thereby making it possible to appropriately process stringy modeling material, and to suitably control the dispensing of the modeling material, thereby enabling, for example, the formation of a beautiful modeled object.

[0013] The discharge head may be configured to return to a position where the discharge control unit stopped discharging the modeling material by reciprocating along the same path.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the stringy modeling material can be overlapped with one another without any gaps, which allows the discharge of the modeling material to be suitably controlled, thereby enabling, for example, the formation of a beautiful modeled object.

[0015] A modeling apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a modeling apparatus that forms a model by stacking modeling materials, the modeling apparatus comprising: a discharge head that discharges the modeling material, The discharge head further includes a moving device that moves the screw of the discharge head so that the tip of the screw presses against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle of the discharge head.

[0016] According to the above configuration, when the modeling material is not being discharged from the nozzle, the nozzle can be sealed with the tip of the screw. Therefore, after sealing, the modeling material does not drip from the discharge nozzle. This allows for optimal control of the discharge of the modeling material, and for example, prevents contamination and clogging of the nozzle of the discharge head.

[0017] A modeling apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a modeling apparatus that forms a model by stacking modeling materials, the modeling apparatus comprising: a discharge head that discharges the modeling material; a supply device that supplies an additive to the ejection head from a side, The supply device further includes a moving device that moves the screw of the supply device so that the tip of the screw of the supply device is pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle of the supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a modeling apparatus that can suitably control the discharge of a modeling material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of a head moving mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an external view of a table moving mechanism according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is an external view of a modeling table according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a molding apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing a modeling process executed by the modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the stringing process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] Side views showing the stringing process in chronological order ((a) to (b)) [Figure 9] Continuing from Figure 8, these are side views showing the stringing process in chronological order ((a) to (b)). [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a kneading injection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a supply device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (Embodiment 1) The appearance of a modeling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modeling apparatus 100. The modeling apparatus 100 is an apparatus that models an object by layering a modeling material. The modeling apparatus 100 is also called a 3D printer. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus 100 models an object by fused deposition modeling. The fused deposition modeling is a method of creating a three-dimensional shape by melting a thermoplastic resin at a high temperature and layering the melted resin. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus 100 uses resin pellets as the modeling material.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the modeling apparatus 100 includes a discharge head 30, a discharge head 30A, a first head moving mechanism 60, a second head moving mechanism 70, a table moving mechanism 80, and a table 92. As shown in FIG. 4, the table 92 is provided on a modeling table 90. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus 100 models a model without using the discharge head 30A out of the discharge head 30 and the modeling table 90. Hereinafter, the mechanisms for moving the discharge head 30 and the modeling table 90 will be mainly described, and a description of the mechanism for moving the discharge head 30A will be omitted. Furthermore, descriptions of members, housings, etc. for fixing each mechanism will be omitted as appropriate.

[0022] In this embodiment, the Z axis is an axis that extends in the vertical direction, the X axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the Z axis, and the Y axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the X and Z axes. The direction in which the X axis arrow extends is the positive X axis direction, and the opposite direction to the X axis arrow is the negative X axis direction. The direction in which the Y axis arrow extends is the positive Y axis direction, and the opposite direction to the Y axis arrow is the negative Y axis direction. The direction in which the Z axis arrow extends is the positive Z axis direction, and the opposite direction to the Z axis arrow is the negative Z axis direction. Hereinafter, the positive X axis direction will be referred to as the right, the negative X axis direction as the left, the positive Y axis direction as the front, the negative Y axis direction as the back, the positive Z axis direction as the up, and the negative Z axis direction as the down, as appropriate.

[0023] The head moving mechanism 50 included in the modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the head moving mechanism 50. The head moving mechanism 50 is a mechanism for moving the discharge head 30. In this embodiment, the head moving mechanism 50 is a mechanism for moving the discharge head 30 in the horizontal direction. The head moving mechanism 50 includes a first head moving mechanism 60 and a second head moving mechanism 70.

[0024] The first head moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism for moving the ejection head 30 in the left-right direction, which is the X-axis direction. The first head moving mechanism 60 includes a first head moving mechanism 60A and a first head moving mechanism 60B. The first head moving mechanism 60A is a mechanism for moving one end of the second head moving mechanism 70 in the left-right direction. The first head moving mechanism 60B is a mechanism for moving the other end of the second head moving mechanism 70 in the left-right direction.

[0025] The first head moving mechanism 60A includes a pulley 61A, a pulley 62A, a belt 63A, a guide rail 64A, a guide block 65A, and a motor (not shown). The pulleys 61A and 62A are disk-shaped components used together with the belt 63A for power transmission. The belt 63A is a belt for moving the ejection head 30. The belt 63A is stretched over the pulleys 61A and 62A. The guide rail 64A guides the guide block 65A in the left-right direction. The guide rail 64A extends in the left-right direction.

[0026] The guide block 65A is fixed to one end of the second head moving mechanism 70 and guides the one end of the second head moving mechanism 70 in the left-right direction. In addition, the guide block 65A or one end of the second head moving mechanism 70 is fixed to a part of the belt 63A. A motor (not shown) rotates the pulley 61A and the pulley 62A. When the motor (not shown) is driven, the pulley 61A and the pulley 62A rotate, causing the belt 63A to move, and one end of the second head moving mechanism 70 moves in the left-right direction while being guided by the guide rail 64A.

[0027] The first head moving mechanism 60B basically has the same configuration as the first head moving mechanism 60A. The first head moving mechanism 60B includes a pulley 61B, another pulley (not shown), a belt 63B, a guide rail 64B, a guide block 65B, and a motor (not shown). When the motor (not shown) is driven, the pulley 61B and the other pulley (not shown) rotate, moving the belt 63B, and the other end of the second head moving mechanism 70 is guided by the guide rail 64B and moves left and right. At this time, the ejection head 30, which is fixed to the second head moving mechanism 70 so as to be movable in the front and rear directions, moves left and right together with the second head moving mechanism 70.

[0028] The second head movement mechanism 70 is a mechanism for moving the ejection head 30 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the Y-axis direction. The second head movement mechanism 70 includes a frame 71, two pulleys (not shown), a belt 73, a guide rail 74A, a guide rail 74B, a guide block 75, and a motor (not shown). The frame 71 is a member that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The two pulleys (not shown) are provided on both ends of the frame 71. The belt 73 is stretched over the two pulleys (not shown).

[0029] Guide rails 74A and 74B guide guide block 75 in the front-to-rear direction. Guide block 75 is fixed to discharge head 30 and guides discharge head 30 in the front-to-rear direction. Guide block 75 or discharge head 30 is fixed to a part of belt 73. When a motor (not shown) is driven, two pulleys (not shown) rotate, causing belt 73 to move, and discharge head 30 moves in the front-to-rear direction while being guided by guide rails 74A and 74B.

[0030] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the table moving mechanism 80 provided in the modeling apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table moving mechanism 80. The table moving mechanism 80 is a mechanism for moving a modeling table 90 provided with a table 92. Moving the modeling table 90 corresponds to moving the table 92. In this embodiment, the table moving mechanism 80 is a mechanism for moving the table 92 in the vertical direction. The table moving mechanism 80 includes a table moving mechanism 80A and a table moving mechanism 80B. The table moving mechanism 80A is a mechanism for moving one end of the modeling table 90 in the vertical direction. The table moving mechanism 80B is a mechanism for moving the other end of the modeling table 90 in the vertical direction.

[0031] The table movement mechanism 80A includes a support plate 81A, a lead screw 82A, a motor 83A, a guide rail 85A, and a guide block 86A. The support plate 81A is a plate that supports one end of the modeling table 90 and is fixed to one end of the modeling table 90. The lead screw 82A is a mechanical element that converts rotational motion into linear motion. The lead screw 82A is rotatably held by the support plate 81A. The motor 83A is a motor that rotates the lead screw 82A.

[0032] The guide rail 85A guides the guide block 86A in the vertical direction. The guide rail 85A extends in the vertical direction. The guide block 86A is fixed to one end of the modeling table 90 and guides the one end of the modeling table 90 in the vertical direction. When the motor 83A is driven to rotate the lead screw 82A, the one end of the modeling table 90, which is fixed to the support plate 81A, moves in the vertical direction while being guided by the guide rail 85A.

[0033] The table moving mechanism 80B basically has the same configuration as the table moving mechanism 80A. That is, the table moving mechanism 80B includes a support plate 81B, a lead screw 82B, a motor (not shown), a guide rail 85B, and a guide block (not shown). When the motor (not shown) is driven to rotate the lead screw 82B, the other end of the modeling table 90 fixed to the support plate 81B is guided by the guide rail 85B and moves up and down.

[0034] Next, the modeling table 90 provided in the modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the modeling table 90. The modeling table 90 is a table on which a modeled object is placed. The modeling table 90 includes a base 91 and a table 92. The base 91 is a base that serves as the foundation for the table 92. The base 91 is formed, for example, of a rectangular frame. The base 91 includes a protruding plate 93A at one end in the left-right direction, which is the longitudinal direction, and a protruding plate 93B at the other end.

[0035] Protruding plate 93A and protruding plate 93B are plates that protrude outward. Protruding plate 93A is attached to support plate 81A included in table movement mechanism 80A. Protruding plate 93A has a recess 94A through which lead screw 82A is passed and a through hole 95A through which guide rail 85A is passed. Protruding plate 93B is attached to support plate 81B included in table movement mechanism 80B. Protruding plate 93B has a recess 94B through which lead screw 82B is passed and a through hole 95B through which guide rail 85B is passed.

[0036] The table 92 is a plate-like member on which a model is placed. The table 92 is placed on and fixed to a base 91. The table 92 is positioned by positioning pins (not shown) attached within the frame of the base 91, and is fixed onto the base 91. The modeling table 90 moves up and down by a table moving mechanism 80.

[0037] Next, the function of each unit included in the modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The modeling apparatus 100 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, a communication unit 24, a discharge head 30, and a movement mechanism 40.

[0038] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the modeling apparatus 100. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central arithmetic unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the modeling apparatus 100. In the control unit 10, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the modeling apparatus 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit with a timekeeping function. The CPU can determine the current date and time from time information read from the RTC.

[0039] The storage unit 21 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 21 stores programs and data used by the control unit 10 to execute various processes. The storage unit 21 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 10 as a result of executing various processes.

[0040] The display unit 22 displays various images under the control of the control unit 10. The display unit 22 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 23 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the received operations to the control unit 10. The operation reception unit 23 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc.

[0041] The communication unit 24 communicates with various devices (not shown) in accordance with various wireless communication standards or various wired communication standards under the control of the control unit 10. Examples of various wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), etc. Examples of various wired communication standards include USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark), Thunderbolt (registered trademark), etc. The communication unit 24 includes a communication interface that complies with various communication standards.

[0042] The discharge head 30, under the control of the control unit 10, discharges the modeling material supplied from the tank onto the table 92 or onto the object being modeled on the table 92. The modeling material discharged by the discharge head 30 is adjusted to an appropriate temperature and viscosity by a heating mechanism (not shown).

[0043] The movement mechanism 40 is a mechanism that changes the relative position between the table 92 and the discharge head 30. This change in relative position is achieved by changing the position of at least one of the table 92 and the discharge head 30. For example, a change in the relative position in the left-right direction, the front-back direction, or the up-down direction is achieved by changing the position of at least one of the table 92 and the discharge head 30 in each of the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, a change in the relative position in the left-right direction is achieved by changing the position of the ejection head 30 in the left-right direction. A change in the relative position in the front-rear direction is achieved by changing the position of the ejection head 30 in the front-rear direction. A change in the relative position in the up-down direction is achieved by changing the position of the table 92 in the up-down direction.

[0045] The movement mechanism 40 includes a head movement mechanism 50 and a table movement mechanism 80. The head movement mechanism 50 includes a first head movement mechanism 60 and a second head movement mechanism 70. The first head movement mechanism 60 moves the discharge head 30 in the left-right direction to change the relative position between the table 92 and the discharge head 30 in the left-right direction. The second head movement mechanism 70 moves the discharge head 30 in the front-rear direction to change the relative position between the table 92 and the discharge head 30 in the front-rear direction. The table movement mechanism 80 moves the table 92 in the up-down direction to change the relative position between the table 92 and the discharge head 30 in the up-down direction.

[0046] Next, the main functions of the control unit 10 will be described in detail. Functionally, the control unit 10 includes a discharge control unit 11, a movement control unit 12, and a reciprocating movement amount determination unit 13. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or storage unit 21. The CPU then executes the programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 21 to realize each of these functions.

[0047] The discharge control unit 11 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge head 30 based on modeling data for forming a modeled object. The discharge control unit 11 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge head 30 in cooperation with the movement control unit 12. In other words, the discharge control unit 11 causes the discharge head 30 to discharge the modeling material when the relative position of the table 92 and the discharge head 30 is at a position where the modeling material should be discharged.

[0048] The modeling data is, for example, slice data. The slice data is data obtained by dividing a 3D model of a model into layers. In other words, the slice data is data that defines the locations in each layer where the modeling material should be dispensed.

[0049] The discharge control unit 11 controls the amount of modeling material discharged by the discharge head 30. The discharge control unit 11 controls the amount of modeling material discharged by controlling the rotation speed of the screw 83 provided in the barrel 82. For example, the discharge control unit 11 controls the amount of modeling material discharged so that the pass width and layer pitch are constant. In this case, the amount of modeling material discharged is roughly the product of the pass width, layer pitch, discharge length, and specific gravity. The pass width is the width of the modeling material discharged when viewed from the top and bottom. The layer pitch is the thickness of one layer of the modeling material discharged, and is the length of the modeling material discharged in the top and bottom directions. The discharge length is the length of the modeling material discharged when viewed from the top and bottom. The specific gravity is the specific gravity of the modeling material. The discharge control unit 11 may also control the amount of modeling material discharged per unit time so that the amount of modeling material discharged per unit time is constant.

[0050] The movement control unit 12 controls the movement mechanism 40 based on the modeling data. The movement control unit 12, in cooperation with the discharge control unit 11, moves the discharge head 30 and the table 92 so that the multiple layers that make up the modeled object are formed one by one, starting from the lowest layer. For example, the movement control unit 12 controls the table moving mechanism 80 to move the table 92 to a reference position for the lowest layer. The reference position for the lowest layer is basically a vertical position suitable for forming the lowest layer. Then, the movement control unit 12 controls the first head moving mechanism 60 and the second head moving mechanism 70 to move the discharge head 30 in the left-right and front-back directions so that the modeling material can be discharged to a position in the lowest layer where the modeling material should be discharged.

[0051] After the bottom layer is formed, the movement control unit 12 controls the table movement mechanism 80 to move the table 92 to the reference position for the next layer. That is, the movement control unit 12 moves the table 92 downward by the distance of one layer. The reference position for the next layer is basically a vertical position suitable for forming the next layer. Hereinafter, the vertical reference position suitable for forming each layer will be referred to as the reference position for each layer, as appropriate. The movement control unit 12 controls the first head movement mechanism 60 and the second head movement mechanism 70 to move the discharge head 30 left and right and front and back so that the modeling material can be discharged to the position where the modeling material should be discharged in this layer.

[0052] The reciprocating movement amount determination unit 13 determines the amount of reciprocating movement of the discharge head 30, which has been set to a state in which the discharge of the modeling material is stopped. Even after the discharge control unit 11 has controlled the stop of the discharge of the modeling material, the modeling material remaining at the tip of the nozzle 96 (FIG. 8(a)) provided on the discharge head 30 is dragged and stretched into thin, string-like strands, resulting in a phenomenon known as stringing. The reciprocating movement amount determined by the reciprocating movement amount determination unit 13 is the same as the expected amount (length) of stringing. This amount (length) of stringing is determined based on, for example, three factors: the type of nozzle 96 attached to the discharge head 30, the movement speed of the discharge head 30, and the modeling material to be discharged. These three factors are included in the modeling data described above, and the amount of stringing is determined, for example, by referring to a table showing the correspondence between the three factors and the amount of stringing. The table is stored, for example, in the storage unit 21. Alternatively, these three factors may be input by the user via the operation reception unit 23. Alternatively, the amount of stringing (reciprocating movement amount) may be calculated in advance based on these three elements, or the amount of stringing (reciprocating movement amount) may be experimentally determined, and the previously obtained amount of stringing (reciprocating movement amount) may be input by the user via the operation reception unit 23.

[0053] The reason why the type of nozzle 96 is a factor is that the nozzle diameter and the amount of modeling material remaining at the tip vary depending on the nozzle 96 installed. In other words, these factors affect the amount of stringing. For example, if a nozzle with a larger nozzle diameter is used, the modeling material remaining at the tip tends to be drawn out more quickly, and the amount of stringing tends to be shorter. Also, the larger the space provided at the tip of the nozzle 96 and the more modeling material remains, the longer the amount of stringing tends to be. Also, as the movement speed of the discharge head 30 increases, the modeling material tends to be stretched thinly and long, and the amount of stringing tends to be longer. Also, the speed at which the modeling material is drawn out from the nozzle changes depending on the viscosity of the modeling material being discharged. The higher the viscosity of the material, the longer the amount of stringing tends to be.

[0054] The discharge control unit 11 stops discharging the modeling material just before the end position of the modeled object based on the reciprocating movement amount determined by the reciprocating movement amount determination unit 13. The movement control unit 12 moves the discharge head 30, which has been controlled to stop discharging the modeling material, to the end position, turns back at the end position, and moves the discharge head 30 in the opposite direction to the position where the discharge of the modeling material was stopped by the discharge control unit 11. This series of operations, in which the discharge head 30 is moved to the end position and then turned back and returned while the discharge of the modeling material is stopped, is called the stringing process.

[0055] Below, the modeling process and the stringing process performed during the modeling process will be described with reference to flowcharts (FIGS. 6 and 7) and diagrams (FIGS. 8 and 9) showing specific movements of the discharge head 30. Note that FIGS. 8 and 9 show, as an example, a nozzle 96 that moves in the X-axis direction to discharge modeling material M. Below, the manner in which the material is discharged along with the movement of the nozzle 96 will be described, but because the nozzle 96 and the discharge head 30 move in the same way, the movement of the nozzle 96 may be replaced with the movement of the discharge head 30.

[0056] First, the control unit 10 included in the modeling apparatus 100 acquires modeling data (step S101), as shown in Fig. 6. For example, the control unit 10 acquires the modeling data from the storage unit 21 or another device.

[0057] The control unit 10 determines the reciprocating movement amount of the nozzle 96 from the acquired modeling data (step S102). Below, a case where the reciprocating movement amount determination unit 13 determines the reciprocating movement amount to be L will be described. Once the reciprocating movement amount is determined, the control unit 10 sets a position (position on the -X side) that is a distance L / 2 back from the end position X2 as the discharge stop position X1, as shown in FIG. 8(a), where control is performed to stop the discharge of the modeling material. Here, the end position X2 is the most end position within the range in which the nozzle 96 moves when the modeling material is continuously discharged from the nozzle 96 to perform a series of models. In other words, the end position X2 is the position of the nozzle 96 that forms one end (terminal end) of the series of models.

[0058] When the control unit 10 completes the processing of step S102, it starts the one-stroke modeling process (step S103). The one-stroke modeling process is a process in which the modeling material is continuously discharged from the nozzle 96 while changing the relative position between the table 92 and the discharge head 30 without stopping the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 96. Therefore, the model formed by the one-stroke modeling process is formed without any seams in the material, with the material being continuously connected. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 10 moves the nozzle 96 in the +X-axis direction at a speed V while discharging the modeling material M from the nozzle 96.

[0059] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 10 determines whether the position of the nozzle 96 has reached the discharge stop position X1 (step S104). When the current position Xc of the nozzle 96 moving in the +X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 8(b) coincides with the discharge stop position X1, the control unit 10 determines Yes in step S104 and executes the stringing process (step S105). On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that the position of the nozzle 96 has not reached the discharge stop position X1 (step S104: No), it continues discharging the modeling material M from the nozzle 96. The stringing process (step S105) will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0060] First, the control unit 10 stops the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 96 (step S201). Specifically, the discharge control unit 11 controls the screw 83 provided in the barrel 82 to stop rotating at the discharge stop position X1, thereby stopping the transfer of the modeling material M.

[0061] After completing the process of step S201, the control unit 10 moves the nozzle 96 to the end position X2 while controlling the nozzle 96 to stop discharging the modeling material (step S202). Specifically, the nozzle 96, which has stopped discharging the modeling material, is moved by L / 2 at a speed V in the +X-axis direction. Even if the discharge control unit 11 controls the nozzle 96 to stop discharging the modeling material, the modeling material remaining at the tip of the nozzle 96 is pulled out by the movement of the nozzle 96. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the modeling material M becomes a thin, stringy material Ma stretched from the discharge stop position X1 and is layered up to the end 300a of the model 300. The layered portion formed with the stringy material Ma is thinner than the portion layered with the modeling material M discharged from the nozzle, and a step is created between the two.

[0062] After completing the process of step S202, the control unit 10 returns the nozzle 96 from the end position X2 to the discharge stop position X1 (step S203). At this time, the nozzle 96 is moved in the opposite direction, returning along the path it traveled in step S202. That is, the nozzle 96, which has stopped discharging the material, moves a distance of L / 2 at a speed V in the negative X-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the material Ma in a thin, stringy state is layered between the discharge stop position X1 and the end position X2. This eliminates the step between the layered portion of the modeling material M discharged from the nozzle. In this way, by moving the nozzle 96, which has stopped discharging the modeling material M, back and forth along the same path, and moving the total distance by the reciprocating movement amount L, all of the modeling material M accumulated at the tip of the nozzle 96 is drawn out. This eliminates stringing from the nozzle 96. The control unit 10 executes step S203 to complete the stringing process. The moving speed of the nozzle 96 is kept constant and does not change depending on whether or not the material is being discharged from the nozzle 96. This makes it possible to easily control the stringing process.

[0063] When the control unit 10 completes the stringing process in step S105, it determines whether the modeling object is complete or not (step S106), as shown in FIG. 6. If the control unit 10 determines that the modeling object is not complete (step S106: NO), it prepares for the modeling process for the next stroke (step S107). Specifically, the control unit 10 moves the table 92 to the reference position of the next layer, or moves the nozzle 96 to the next discharge position. Then, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S103. On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the modeling object is complete (step S106: Yes), it ends the modeling process.

[0064] In this embodiment, the discharge nozzle stops discharging the material and then moves back and forth by the same amount as the amount of stringiness, thereby forming a model using the stringy material. Therefore, moving the nozzle after discharging the modeling material does not leave any traces of stringiness. This allows for optimal control of the discharge of the modeling material, making it possible to form, for example, a beautiful model.

[0065] Furthermore, while the discharge control unit 11 controls the stopping of the discharging of the modeling material, the discharge head 30 is moved back and forth along the same path to overlap the stringy modeling material. This eliminates the difference in thickness between the part formed by the stringy modeling material and the part formed by the discharged material. Furthermore, the stringy modeling material can be overlapped without gaps. This allows the discharge of the modeling material to be suitably controlled, enabling, for example, the formation of a beautiful modeled object.

[0066] The amount (length) of stringiness is determined based on three factors: the type of nozzle 96 attached to the discharge head 30, the movement speed of the discharge head 30, and the modeling material being discharged. Because the amount of stringiness can be determined to an appropriate value based on these multiple factors, the discharge of the modeling material can be suitably controlled, making it possible to form, for example, a beautiful modeled object.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) In embodiment 1, the problem of stringiness caused by the material dripping from the nozzle during the production of a molded object was resolved by controlling the amount of molding material ejected from the ejection head 30 and the movement of the ejection head 30, but dripping of the molding material from the nozzle can also be resolved mechanically.

[0068] Except for the configuration of the discharge head 30, the modeling apparatus 500 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the modeling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] The discharge head of the modeling apparatus 500 is equipped with a kneading and injecting device 510 that heats and kneads pellets as a modeling material and injects them toward the table 92 or toward a model being modeled on the table 92. As shown in Fig. 10, the kneading and injecting device 510 has a material supply unit 511 to which pellets are supplied, a barrel 512 to which pellets are supplied from the material supply unit, a screw 513 that rotates within the barrel 512 and transports the melted pellets as it rotates, a motor 514 that drives the screw 513 to rotate, a heater 515 that heats the pellets in the barrel 512, and a moving device 516 that moves the screw 513 parallel to its axial direction. The tip of the barrel 512 serves as a discharge nozzle.

[0070] The moving device 516 is, for example, an electric or air-driven actuator connected to the screw 513 via the motor 514. When the modeling material is to be discharged from the discharge nozzle of the barrel 512 under the control of the control unit 10, the moving device 516 moves the tip of the screw 513 away from the discharge nozzle to open the discharge nozzle, as shown in FIG. 10(b). When the modeling material is not to be discharged from the discharge nozzle of the barrel 512, for example, when the modeling of the modeled object is completed, the moving device 516 presses the tip of the screw 513 against the inner surface of the discharge nozzle to seal the discharge nozzle, as shown in FIG. 10(c).

[0071] In this embodiment, when the modeling material is not being discharged from the discharge nozzle, the discharge nozzle is sealed with the tip of the screw 513. Therefore, after sealing, the modeling material does not drip from the discharge nozzle. This allows the discharge of the modeling material to be suitably controlled, and for example, contamination and clogging of the discharge nozzle can be suppressed.

[0072] (Embodiment 3)

[0073] Except for the configuration of the discharge head 30, the modeling apparatus 600 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the modeling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0074] The discharge head of the modeling apparatus 600 includes the mixing and injecting device 510, but does not necessarily include the moving device 516. The discharge head further includes a supply device 610 that supplies additives such as colorants to the mixing and injecting device from the side. For example, the supply device 610 injects the additives from an injection hole 512a located below the barrel 512 of the mixing and injecting device 510.

[0075] 11(a), the supply device 610 has an additive supply unit 611 to which an additive is supplied, a barrel 612 to which the additive is supplied from the additive supply unit 611, a screw 613 that rotates within the barrel 612 and transports the molten additive as it rotates, a motor 614 that drives the screw 613 to rotate, a heater 615 that heats the pellets within the barrel 612, and a moving device 616 that moves the screw 613 parallel to its axial direction. The tip of the barrel 612 is an injection nozzle.

[0076] The moving device 616 is, for example, an electric or air-driven actuator connected to the screw 613 via a motor 614. When an additive is to be injected from the supply device 610 into the kneading / injecting device 510, the moving device 616, under the control of the control unit 10, moves the tip of the screw 613 away from the injection nozzle, opening the injection nozzle, as shown in FIG. 11(b). For example, when an additive is not to be injected from the supply device 610 into the kneading / injecting device 510 while the modeling material is being discharged from the kneading / injecting device 510, the moving device 616 presses the tip of the screw 613 against the inner surface of the injection nozzle, sealing the injection nozzle, as shown in FIG. 11(c).

[0077] In this embodiment, when no additive is discharged from the injection nozzle, the injection nozzle is sealed at the tip of the screw 613. Therefore, after sealing, the modeling material does not flow back from the kneading / injecting device 510 to the supply device 610 via the injection nozzle. This makes it possible to suitably control the discharge of the modeling material and, for example, to prevent contamination of the supply device.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the above-described first embodiment, the dispensing of the modeling material was stopped just before the end 300a of the modeled object 300, and the nozzle 96 was moved back and forth. However, other dispensing modes of the modeling material may be selected. For example, the modeling material may be dispensed from the nozzle 96 up to the end 300a of the modeled object 300, and the nozzle 96, which has stopped dispensing at the end 300a, may be moved back along the same path until the stringiness disappears. In this way, by overlapping the dispensed material along the stringy portion, the stringy portion can be made less noticeable.

[0079] Although the amount (length) of stringiness has been described as being determined based on three factors, namely, the type of nozzle 96 attached to the discharge head 30, the movement speed of the discharge head 30, and the modeling material to be discharged, it may be determined based on at least one of these factors, or may be determined by taking into consideration even more factors. Furthermore, when the amount of stringiness is determined by experiment and the user inputs the amount of stringiness via the operation receiving unit 23, various factors are included in addition to the above three factors.

[0080] Furthermore, although the movement speed of the nozzle 96 was kept constant regardless of whether or not material was being ejected from the nozzle 96, the movement speed of the nozzle 96 may also be changed. For example, the movement speed of the nozzle 96 may be increased on the condition that the ejection of material has stopped. This makes it possible to make the stringy modeling material thinner and make the overlapping stringy portions less noticeable. The movement speed of the nozzle 96 may also be decreased.

[0081] In the second and third embodiments, the kneading / injecting device 510 and the supplying device 610 can be configured in the same manner as a conventional kneading / injecting device and supplying device, as long as the tips of the screws 513, 613 are pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle by the moving devices 516, 616 and the tips of the screws 513, 613 fit into the inner surface of the nozzle that receives them. The moving devices 516, 616 may have any configuration as long as the tips of the screws 513, 613 can be pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal them. For example, the moving devices 516, 616 may be directly connected to the screws 513, 613. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] L Reciprocating amount M Build material Ma Stringy material V speed X1 Discharge stop position X2 end position Xc Current position 10 Control Unit 11 Discharge control section 12 Movement control unit 13 Reciprocating movement amount determination unit 21 Memory section 22 Display section 23 Operation reception section 24 Communications Department 30,30A Discharge Head 40 Moving mechanism 50 Head movement mechanism 60, 60A, 60B First head moving mechanism 61A, 61B, 62A, 62B pulleys 63A, 63B, 73 Belt 64A, 64B, 74A, 74B, 85A, 85B guide rails 65A, 65B, 75A, 75B, 86A guide block 70 Second head movement mechanism 71 frames 80, 80A, 80B Table movement mechanism 81A,81B Support plate 82A, 82B lead screw 83A motor 90 Modeling stand 91 Foundation 92 tables 93A,93B Projecting plate 94A, 94B recess 95A,95B through hole 100 Modeling equipment 300 Sculptures 300a end 500 Forming device of embodiment 2 510 Kneading injection device 511 Material supply section of kneading injection device 512 Barrel of kneading injection device 512a Injection hole of barrel of kneading injection device 513 Screw of kneading injection device 514 Motor of kneading injection device 515 Heater for kneading injection device 516 Moving device for kneading injection device 600 Modeling device of embodiment 3 610 Feeding device 611 Additive supply section of supply device 612 Feeder barrel 613 Feeder screw 614 Feeder motor 615 Supply device heater 616 Supply device moving device

Claims

1. A modeling apparatus for forming a model by stacking modeling materials, a table on which the build material is deposited; and a discharge head that discharges the modeling material toward the table; a moving mechanism that moves the ejection head relative to the table; a discharge control unit that controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge head, In order to terminate the continuous discharge of the modeling material from the discharge head, the discharge control unit controls the stop of the discharge of the modeling material, and the discharge head is moved back and forth along the same path to overlap the stringy modeling materials with each other. Modeling equipment.

2. a reciprocating movement amount determination unit that determines a reciprocating movement amount of the ejection head, the reciprocating movement amount determination unit determines the reciprocating movement amount based on the modeling material to be discharged. The molding apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The discharge head returns to the position where the discharge control unit stopped discharging the modeling material by reciprocating along the same path. The molding apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. A modeling apparatus for forming a model by stacking modeling materials, a discharge head that discharges the modeling material, the ejection head further includes a moving device that moves the screw of the ejection head so as to press a tip of the screw against an inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle of the ejection head; Modeling equipment.

5. A modeling apparatus for forming a model by stacking modeling materials, a discharge head that discharges the modeling material; a supply device that supplies an additive to the ejection head from a side, the supply device further includes a moving device that moves the screw of the supply device so that a tip of the screw of the supply device is pressed against an inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle of the supply device; Modeling equipment.

Images