Flow rate regulator, three-dimensional molding device, and injection molding device

Abstract

To provide a technology that reduces resistance to valve rotation within a sleeve.SOLUTION: A flow rate regulator includes: a main body part comprising a supply flow path having a first opening through which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing at least a portion of a material containing metal particles is supplied, and a second opening through which the plasticized material is discharged, and a cross hole intersecting the supply flow path; a cylindrical sleeve disposed within the cross-hole and having a through-hole at a position overlapping with the supply flow path; and a shaft-shaped valve part disposed inside the sleeve. The valve part has a recess at a position overlapping with the supply flow path, and by rotating within the cross hole to change the position of the recess, a flow path cross-sectional area of the supply flow path is changed to adjust a flow rate of the plasticized material discharged from the second opening, and a surface of the sleeve facing the valve part and the surface of the valve part facing the sleeve have different hardness at least partially.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow rate adjusting device, a three-dimensional modeling device, and an injection molding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flow rate control device that adjusts the flow rate of molten material passing through a supply flow path by rotating a valve part having a recess at a position intersecting the supply flow path inside an intersecting hole that intersects the supply flow path through which the molten material flows. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-754 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a plasticized material containing metal particles passes through a supply flow path, metal particles may get between the valve portion and the sleeve housing the valve portion, hindering rotation of the valve portion within the sleeve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a flow rate control device, comprising: a main body having a supply flow path formed with a first opening through which a plasticized material, at least a portion of which is plasticized from a material containing metal particles, is supplied and a second opening through which the plasticized material is discharged, and a cross hole intersecting the supply flow path; a cylindrical sleeve disposed within the cross hole and having a through hole overlapping the supply flow path; and a shaft-shaped valve portion disposed within the sleeve, the valve portion having a recess at a position overlapping the supply flow path and rotating within the cross hole to change the position of the recess to change the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the supply flow path and thereby adjust the flow rate of the plasticized material discharged from the second opening, and the surface of the sleeve facing the valve portion and the surface of the valve portion facing the sleeve have at least a partial difference in hardness.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including the flow rate regulator of the first aspect, a plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of the material to produce the plasticized material, and a nozzle that discharges the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit toward a stage, wherein the flow rate regulator regulates the flow rate of the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit to the nozzle.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an injection molding apparatus comprising the flow rate regulator of the first aspect, a plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of the material to produce the plasticized material, and a nozzle that injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit into a mold, wherein the flow rate regulator regulates the flow rate of the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit to the nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a screw. [Figure 3] Schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a flow rate adjusting unit and a suction unit. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of a valve portion of the flow rate adjusting portion. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of a valve portion of the flow rate adjusting portion. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a heater unit is connected to the modeling unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a first heating unit. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an injection molding apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system 10 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows arrows representing mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to a horizontal plane. The Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions in FIG. 1 and the X, Y, and Z directions in other figures indicate the same directions. When specifying a direction, positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction indicated by the arrow, with "+" indicating the positive direction and "-" indicating the negative direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0010] The three-dimensional printing system 10 includes a three-dimensional printing device 100 and an information processing device 400. The three-dimensional printing device 100 of this embodiment is a device that prints a model by a material extrusion method. The three-dimensional printing device 100 includes a control unit 350 that controls each unit of the three-dimensional printing device 100. The control unit 350 and the information processing device 400 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0011] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a modeling unit 110 that generates and dispenses a plasticized material, a modeling stage 310 that serves as a base for the model, and a movement mechanism 330 that controls the dispense position of the plasticized material.

[0012] Under the control of the control unit 350, the modeling unit 110 ejects a plasticized material, which is a material obtained by plasticizing a solid material, onto the stage 310. The modeling unit 110 includes a material supply unit 20, which supplies raw materials before they are converted into the plasticized material; a plasticizing unit 30, which converts the raw materials into the plasticized material; a nozzle 90, which ejects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit 30 toward the stage 310; a flow rate control unit 60, which adjusts the flow rate of the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit 30 to the nozzle 90; and a suction unit 80, which sucks the plasticized material. Note that "plasticization" encompasses melting and refers to changing a material from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above its glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above its melting point.

[0013] The material supply unit 20 supplies the material for producing the plasticized material to the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 is, for example, a hopper. The material supply unit 20 contains pellet-shaped material containing a binder and a metal powder made by powdering a metal material. The metal material may be a single metal such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), or nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing two or more of these metals. Examples of the alloy include maraging steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, and cobalt-chromium alloy. In other words, the material contains metal particles. The binder contains resin and wax. Examples of resins that can be used include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polybutyl methacrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene; polyesters such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; polyethers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and copolymers thereof. Below the material supply unit 20, a supply path 22 is provided that connects the material supply unit 20 and the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 supplies material to the plasticizing unit 30 via the supply path 22.

[0014] The plasticizing unit 30 plasticizes at least a portion of the solid material supplied from the material supply unit 20 to produce a fluid, paste-like plasticized material, which is then supplied to the nozzle 90. The plasticizing unit 30 includes a screw 40, a screw case 31, a drive motor 32, and a barrel 50.

[0015] The screw 40 is housed in a screw case 31. The upper surface side of the screw 40 is connected to a drive motor 32. The screw 40 rotates around a rotation axis RX within the screw case 31 by a rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 32. The axial direction of the rotation axis RX of the screw 40 is along the Z direction. The rotation speed of the screw 40 is controlled by the control unit 350 controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor 32. Note that the screw 40 may be driven by the drive motor 32 via a reducer. The screw 40 is also called a rotor or a flat screw.

[0016] The barrel 50 is disposed on the −Z direction side of the screw 40. An opposing surface 51, which is the upper surface of the barrel 50, faces a groove-forming surface 42, which is the lower surface of the screw 40. A communication hole 52, which communicates with a supply flow path 121 of the flow rate adjuster 60, is formed in the center of the barrel 50. A first hole 53 and a second hole 54 are provided in the barrel 50. The first hole 53 and the second hole 54 are each a pair of holes provided with the communication hole 52 sandwiched between them. The second hole 54 is provided between the first hole 53 and the communication hole 52 in the X direction. That is, the second hole 54 is provided between the communication hole 52 and the first hole 53 when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis RX of the screw 40. A first heating unit 201 is housed in the first hole 53, and a second heating unit 202 is housed in the second hole 54. The first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 heat the material supplied to the groove 45 of the screw 40. The first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 are, for example, heaters. The temperatures of the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 are controlled by the control section 350. The specific configurations of the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 will be described later.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the screw 40. The screw 40 has a generally cylindrical shape whose length along the rotation axis RX is shorter than its length perpendicular to the rotation axis RX. A spiral groove 45 is formed in the groove-forming surface 42, centered on a central portion 47. The groove 45 communicates with a material inlet 44 formed on the side surface of the screw 40. Material supplied from the material supply unit 20 is supplied to the groove 45 through the material inlet 44. The grooves 45 are formed by being separated by ridge portions 46. FIG. 2 shows an example in which three grooves 45 are formed, but the number of grooves 45 may be one or more. Note that the groove 45 is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be a spiral shape or an involute curve shape, or may have a shape extending in an arc from the central portion 47 to the outer periphery.

[0018] 3 is a schematic plan view of barrel 50. A plurality of guide grooves 55 are formed around communicating hole 52 in opposing surface 51. One end of each guide groove 55 is connected to communicating hole 52, and extends in a spiral shape from communicating hole 52 toward the outer periphery of opposing surface 51. Note that one end of guide groove 55 does not have to be connected to communicating hole 52. Furthermore, guide grooves 55 do not have to be formed in barrel 50.

[0019] The material supplied to the groove 45 of the screw 40 is plasticized within the groove 45 by the rotation of the screw 40 and the heating by the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202, and flows along the groove 45, and is guided to the central section 47 of the screw 40 as a plasticized material. The paste-like plasticized material that has flowed into the central section 47 and exhibits fluidity is supplied to the flow rate adjusting section 60 via the communicating hole 52. Note that not all types of substances that make up the plasticized material need to be plasticized in the plasticizing section 30. It is sufficient that the plasticized material is converted into a fluid state as a whole by plasticizing at least some of the types of substances that make up the plasticized material.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , a refrigerant pipe 56 through which a refrigerant flows is embedded in the barrel 50 at a position farther from the communication hole 52 than the first hole 53 and the second hole 54. The refrigerant pipe 56 is arranged to pass near the outer periphery of the opposing surface 51. The refrigerant pipe 56 is connected to a refrigerant pump 101. The refrigerant pump 101 supplies a refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe 56. The refrigerant pump 101 is driven under the control of a control unit 350. For example, a liquid such as water or oil, or a gas such as carbon dioxide can be used as the refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 56 prevents the temperatures of the screw 40 and the barrel 50 from becoming too high. The refrigerant pipe 56 and the refrigerant pump 101 are sometimes referred to as a cooling unit.

[0021] The flow rate control unit 60 controls the flow rate of the plasticizing material flowing from the plasticizing unit 30 to the nozzle 90, i.e., the flow rate of the plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 90. The flow rate control unit 60 includes a main body 120, a valve 130, and a valve driver 140. The main body 120 is located on the −Z direction side of the barrel 50. The main body 120 includes a supply passage 121 that communicates with the communication hole 52 and the nozzle passage 91 (described later), and a cross hole 122 that intersects with the supply passage 121. The valve 130 is disposed inside the cross hole 122 and rotates within the cross hole 122 to control the flow rate of the plasticizing material flowing from the plasticizing unit 30 to the nozzle 90. The valve 130 is driven by the valve driver 140 under the control of the controller 350. The valve driver 140 is configured, for example, by a stepping motor. The specific configuration of the flow rate control unit 60 will be described later. In this specification, the flow rate adjusting unit 60 is also referred to as a flow rate adjusting device.

[0022] When the discharge of the plasticized material from the nozzle 90 stops, the suction unit 80 temporarily sucks the plasticized material in the supply flow path 121, thereby suppressing the tailing phenomenon in which the plasticized material hangs like strings from the nozzle opening 92. The specific configuration of the suction unit 80 will be described later.

[0023] The nozzle 90 is provided on the -Z direction side of the main body 120. The nozzle 90 has a nozzle flow path 91 and a nozzle opening 92 provided at the tip of the nozzle 90. The nozzle flow path 91 communicates with the supply flow path 121 and the nozzle opening 92. The plasticized material that flows from the supply flow path 121 into the nozzle flow path 91 is ejected from the nozzle opening 92 toward the stage 310. In this specification, the communication hole 52, the supply flow path 121, and the nozzle flow path 91 are collectively referred to as the flow path.

[0024] The stage 310 is disposed at a position facing the nozzle opening 92 of the nozzle 90. In the first embodiment, the modeling surface 311 of the stage 310 facing the nozzle opening 92 is disposed so as to be parallel to the X and Y directions, i.e., the horizontal direction. The stage 310 may be provided with a stage heater to prevent the modeling material discharged onto the stage 310 from cooling rapidly.

[0025] The movement mechanism 330 changes the relative position between the stage 310 and the nozzle 90 under the control of the control unit 350. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle 90 is fixed, and the movement mechanism 330 moves the stage 310. The movement mechanism 330 is configured by a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 310 in three axial directions, that is, the X, Y, and Z directions, using the driving forces of three motors. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, movement of the nozzle 90 means moving the nozzle 90 relative to the stage 310.

[0026] In other embodiments, instead of a configuration in which the moving mechanism 330 moves the stage 310, a configuration in which the moving mechanism 330 moves the nozzle 90 relative to the stage 310 while the position of the stage 310 is fixed may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration in which the moving mechanism 330 moves the stage 310 in the Z direction and moves the nozzle 90 in the X and Y directions, or a configuration in which the moving mechanism 330 moves the stage 310 in the X and Y directions and moves the nozzle 90 in the Z direction may be employed. Even with these configurations, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 90 and the stage 310 can be changed.

[0027] 1 shows only one modeling unit 110, the 3D modeling device 100 may include multiple modeling units 110. By including multiple modeling units 110, different types of plasticizable materials can be discharged from each modeling unit 110. Therefore, for example, the main body of a modeled object and the support structure that supports the modeled object can be modeled using different types of plasticizable materials.

[0028] The control unit 350 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the 3D printing apparatus 100. The control unit 350 is configured by a computer that includes one or more processors 351, a storage device 352 including a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, and an input / output interface that inputs and outputs signals to and from the outside. The processor 351 executes a program stored in the storage device 352 to control the printing unit 110 and the movement mechanism 330 in accordance with printing data acquired from the information processing device 400, and prints a printed object on the stage 310. Note that the control unit 350 may be realized by a combination of circuits instead of being configured by a computer.

[0029] 4 and 5 are perspective views of the valve portion 130. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the valve portion 130 supported by a support portion 150, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the valve portion 130 is made of high-speed steel. The valve portion 130 is not limited to high-speed steel and may be made of any hard material. The valve portion 130 may be made of, for example, a cemented carbide alloy. The valve portion 130 has an axial shape centered on a central axis AX. The direction along the central axis AX is the Y direction. The valve portion 130 has a front end 131, a rear end 132, and a recess 133. The front end 131 is the end of the valve portion 130 on the +Y direction side, and the rear end 132 is the end of the valve portion 130 on the −Y direction side. The front end 131 has a surface perpendicular to the Y direction and chamfered corners of the cylindrical valve portion 130. It is to be noted that the corners of the cylindrical valve portion 130 at the tip 131 do not necessarily need to be chamfered.

[0030] A valve driving section 140 is connected to the rear end 132. When torque generated by the valve driving section 140 is applied to the rear end 132, the valve section 130 rotates about the central axis AX.

[0031] The recess 133 is provided by cutting out a portion of the side surface of the cylindrical valve portion 130 in a half-moon shape. The recess 133 is provided near the tip 131. The distance in the Y direction from the tip 131 to the recess 133 is shorter than the distance in the Y direction from the rear end 132 to the recess 133. Note that the recess 133 may also be provided by forming a through-hole that intersects with the central axis AX of the valve portion 130.

[0032] The support part 150 supports a part of the side surface of the valve part 130 between the rear end 132 and the recess 133. The valve part 130 is supported by the support part 150 via a ball bearing 141. This allows the valve part 130 to rotate smoothly around the central axis AX.

[0033] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the flow rate adjusting unit 60 and the suction unit 80. In FIG. 6, the valve unit 130 is shown in a state where it is housed in the main body unit 120.

[0034] In this embodiment, the supply flow path 121 is a flow path that penetrates the main body portion 120 in the Z direction. The supply flow path 121 is formed with a first opening 123 through which the plasticized material is supplied from the communication hole 52 and a second opening 124 through which the plasticized material is discharged to the nozzle flow path 91. In addition, in this embodiment, the cross hole 122 is a hole that penetrates the main body portion 120 in the Y direction. The valve portion 130 is disposed inside the cross hole 122 so that the recess 133 overlaps with the supply flow path 121. In other words, the recess 133 is formed at a position that overlaps with the supply flow path 121.

[0035] The flow rate adjusting unit 60 further includes a support unit 150, a sleeve 160, a lid unit 170, and a seal unit 180. The support unit 150, the sleeve 160, and the lid unit 170 are housed in the cross hole 122 and fixed to the main body unit 120 by press-fitting. A portion of the valve unit 130 is disposed inside the sleeve 160. A portion of the valve unit 130 is disposed inside the support unit 150. The lid unit 170 is disposed inside the cross hole 122 on the +Y direction side of the tip 131 of the valve unit 130.

[0036] The support portion 150 is a cylindrical member. As described above, the support portion 150 supports the valve portion 130. The support portion 150 is disposed closer to the rear end 132 of the valve portion 130 than the sleeve 160, i.e., on the −Y direction side with respect to the sleeve 160. If the direction from the front end 131 to the rear end 132 of the valve portion 130 is defined as a first direction, the support portion 150 is disposed adjacent to the sleeve 160 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the −Y direction. A first seal groove 151 and a second seal groove 152 are formed on a surface of the support portion 150 facing the valve portion 130. The first seal groove 151 and the second seal groove 152 are annular in shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX of the valve portion 130. The first seal groove 151 is formed on the −Y direction side of the second seal groove 152.

[0037] The sleeve 160 is a cylindrical member. The sleeve 160 is positioned closer to the tip 131 of the valve unit 130 than the support unit 150, i.e., on the +Y direction side of the support unit 150, and covers the tip 131 and the recess 133 of the valve unit 130. The end of the support unit 150 on the +Y direction side is press-fitted into the end of the sleeve 160 on the -Y direction side. The sleeve 160 has a through-hole 161 extending along the Z direction at a position overlapping with the supply flow path 121. The sleeve 160 has a first portion 162 and a second portion 163. The first portion 162 is a portion of the sleeve 160 located on the +Y direction side of the central axis BX of the supply flow path 121. The second portion 163 is a portion of the sleeve 160 located on the -Y direction side of the central axis BX of the supply flow path 121. The direction along the central axis BX of the supply flow path 121 is the Z direction. The first portion 162 is replaceable. The first portion 162 is made of a material having a lower hardness than the second portion 163. Specifically, the first portion 162 is made of polyamideimide, and the second portion 163 is made of high-speed steel. The first portion 162 is not limited to polyamideimide, and may be made of plastic such as polyimide or polyphenylene sulfide. The second portion 163 is not limited to high-speed steel, and may be made of metal such as cemented carbide or SUS. The first portion 162 and the second portion 163 are preferably made of heat-resistant materials.

[0038] The lid portion 170 is a cylindrical member. The lid portion 170 is provided inside the cross hole 122 on the +Y direction side of the tip 131 of the valve portion 130. The lid portion 170 seals the opening of the cross hole 122 on the +Y direction side. The end portion of the sleeve 160 on the +Y direction side is in contact with the lid portion 170. A third seal groove 171 is formed on the surface of the lid portion 170 facing the main body portion 120. The shape of the third seal groove 171 is annular in a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX of the valve portion 130.

[0039] 6, the inner diameter of the sleeve 160 at the end on the -Y direction side is larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve 160 at the end on the +Y direction side. The valve portion 130 does not have a portion that protrudes from the sleeve 160 in a direction that intersects with the central axis AX of the valve portion 130. Specifically, the valve portion 130 does not have a flange-shaped portion that protrudes so as to come into contact with a first inner surface 164, which is the inner surface of the sleeve 160. Here, the first inner surface 164 is an inner surface located at a portion where the inner diameter of the sleeve 160 changes, and is a surface perpendicular to the central axis AX.

[0040] The valve portion 130 and the support portion 150 are fitted together in a rolling or precise rolling manner. The valve portion 130 and the sleeve 160 are fitted together in a rolling or precise rolling manner. Therefore, clearances are provided between the valve portion 130 and the support portion 150 and between the valve portion 130 and the sleeve 160 so that the valve portion 130 can rotate within the sleeve 160 and the support portion 150. In this specification, of the clearance between the valve portion 130 and the sleeve 160, the portion from the tip 131 to the recess 133 is referred to as a first clearance portion CL1, and the portion from the recess 133 to the end of the support portion 150 on the +Y direction side is referred to as a second clearance portion CL2. A storage chamber RS ​​for storing the plasticized material is defined within the cross hole 122 by the tip 131 of the valve portion 130, the inner wall surface of the sleeve 160, and the lid portion 170. A portion of the plasticizable material that has flowed through the supply flow path 121 flows through the first clearance portion CL1 and is stored in the storage chamber RS.

[0041] The seal portion 180 includes a first seal portion 181, a second seal portion 182, and a third seal portion 183. Each seal portion 180 is formed of an O-ring. The first seal portion 181 is disposed in the first seal groove 151, the second seal portion 182 is disposed in the second seal groove 152, and the third seal portion 183 is disposed in the third seal groove 171. The first seal portion 181 and the second seal portion 182 prevent the plasticized material stored in the second clearance portion CL2 from leaking out from the gap between the valve portion 130 and the support portion 150. The third seal portion 183 prevents the plasticized material stored in the storage chamber RS ​​from leaking out from the gap between the lid portion 170 and the main body portion 120.

[0042] 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the valve unit 130 of the flow rate control unit 60. As shown in FIG. 7, when the valve unit 130 rotates so that the recess 133 faces the +Z direction, the valve unit 130 closes the supply flow path 121, blocking the flow of plasticized material. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the valve unit 130 rotates so that the recess 133 faces the +X direction or the −X direction, the plasticized material passes through the supply flow path 121 at the maximum flow rate. That is, the valve unit 130 rotates around the central axis AX to change the position of the recess 133, thereby changing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the supply flow path 121 and adjusting the flow rate of the plasticized material flowing through the supply flow path 121, i.e., the flow rate of the plasticized material discharged from the second opening 124.

[0043] The suction unit 80 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 6. The suction unit 80 includes a cylindrical cylinder 81 embedded in the main body 120, a columnar plunger 82 housed in the cylinder 81, and a plunger driver 83. The cylinder 81 is connected between the cross hole 122 and the second opening 124 in the supply flow path 121. The plunger 82 is driven by the plunger driver 83 under the control of the control unit 350. The plunger driver 83 is configured, for example, with a stepping motor or a rack-and-pinion mechanism that converts the rotational force of the stepping motor into translational motion of the plunger 82.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a side view of the barrel 50 and the flow rate adjuster 60. The barrel 50 is formed with a first hole 53 that accommodates the first heating unit 201, a second hole 54 that accommodates the second heating unit 202, and a third hole 57 that accommodates the first detection unit 203 (described later). The diameter of the first hole 53 is larger than the diameter of the second hole 54. The extension directions of the first hole 53, the second hole 54, and the third hole 57 are aligned. That is, the insertion direction of the first heating unit 201 into the first hole 53, the insertion direction of the second heating unit 202 into the second hole 54, and the insertion direction of the first detection unit 203 into the third hole 57 are aligned. In this embodiment, the extension directions of the first hole 53, the second hole 54, and the third hole 57 are aligned in the Y direction. In this specification, "aligned" means that the direction of extension of the first hole 53 and the direction of extension of the second hole 54 may be slightly inclined, rather than completely aligned. For example, if the diameter of the first hole 53 is larger than the diameter of the first heating section 201, or if the diameter of the second hole 54 is larger than the diameter of the second heating section 202, the direction of extension of the first hole 53 and the direction of extension of the second hole 54 may be slightly inclined.

[0045] The main body 120 is also formed with a fourth hole 126 that houses the third heating unit 211 and a fifth hole 127 that houses the second detection unit 212 (described later). The direction in which the fourth hole 126 extends is the same as the direction in which the fifth hole 127 extends. That is, the insertion direction of the third heating unit 211 into the fourth hole 126 is the same as the insertion direction of the second detection unit 212 into the fifth hole 127. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the fourth hole 126 and the fifth hole 127 is the Y direction. The extension direction of the fourth hole 126 and the fifth hole 127 is the same as the extension direction of the first hole 53, the second hole 54, and the third hole 57.

[0046] 10 is a perspective view of heater unit 200. Heater unit 200 has a first heating section 201, a second heating section 202, a first detection section 203, a third heating section 211, a second detection section 212, and a fixing member 250. First heating section 201, second heating section 202, first detection section 203, third heating section 211, and second detection section 212 are cylindrical with axes along the Y direction and are provided so as to protrude from fixing member 250 in the +Y direction. First heating section 201, second heating section 202, first detection section 203, third heating section 211, and second detection section 212 are each fixed to fixing member 250 and connected by fixing member 250. The fixing member 250 houses wiring for the first heating unit 201, the second heating unit 202, the first detection unit 203, the third heating unit 211, and the second detection unit 212. The first heating unit 201, the second heating unit 202, and the third heating unit 211 are each a pair of heaters. The diameter of the first heating unit 201 is larger than the diameter of the second heating unit 202. The first detection unit 203 detects the temperature of the groove 45 of the screw 40. The second detection unit 212 detects the temperature of the main body 120. The first detection unit 203 and the second detection unit 212 are, for example, thermocouples. The first heating section 201, the second heating section 202, the first detection section 203, the third heating section 211, and the second detection section 212 are positioned so that when the heater unit 200 is connected to the forming section 110, the first heating section 201 is inserted into the first hole 53, the second heating section 202 is inserted into the second hole 54, the first detection section 203 is inserted into the third hole 57, the third heating section 211 is inserted into the fourth hole 126, and the second detection section 212 is inserted into the fifth hole 127.

[0047] The first detection unit 203 includes a first sensor 231, a second sensor 232, and a third sensor 233. The first sensor 231, the second sensor 232, and the third sensor 233 are provided in the heater unit 200 in this order from the +X direction to the −X direction. When the first detection unit 203 is inserted into the third hole 57, the first sensor 231 is located near the outer periphery of the opposing surface 51 of the barrel 50, i.e., near the first heating unit 201. The first sensor 231 measures the temperature of an area closer to the first heating unit 201 than the second heating unit 202. The temperature measured by the first sensor 231 is used to control the temperature of the first heating unit 201. When the first detection unit 203 is inserted into the third hole 57, the second sensor 232 is located near the communication hole 52, i.e., near the second heating unit 202. The second sensor 232 measures the temperature of an area closer to the second heating section 202 than to the first heating section 201. The temperature measured by the second sensor 232 is used to control the temperature of the second heating section 202. The third sensor 233 is used to monitor the temperature of the groove 45 of the screw 40. Before the heater unit 200 is assembled, the first sensor 231 and the first heating section 201 are electrically connected, and the second sensor 232 and the second heating section 202 are electrically connected.

[0048] 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the heater unit 200 is connected to the model-forming unit 110. By connecting the heater unit 200 to the model-forming unit 110, the first heating unit 201 is inserted into the first hole 53, the second heating unit 202 is inserted into the second hole 54, the first detection unit 203 is inserted into the third hole 57, the third heating unit 211 is inserted into the fourth hole 126, and the second detection unit 212 is inserted into the fifth hole 127. In other words, by connecting the heater unit 200 to the model-forming unit 110, the first heating unit 201, the second heating unit 202, and the first detection unit 203 are disposed in the barrel 50, and the third heating unit 211 and the second detection unit 212 are disposed in the main body 120. As a result, the second heating unit 202 is disposed between the first heating unit 201 and the communication hole 52 when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis RX.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the first heating unit 201. The first heating unit 201 is composed of a first heater 241 and a second heater 246. The first heater 241 and the second heater 246 are electrically connected to the control unit 350 in series. FIG. 12 also illustrates an AC power supply 370, which is a power source for operating the first heating unit 201 and is included in the control unit 350. The heater unit 200 also includes a wire break sensor 270. The wire break sensor 270 detects a wire break in the circuit for operating the first heating unit 201. If the wire break sensor 270 detects a wire break in the circuit, the control unit 350 stops the operation of the 3D printing apparatus 100 and reports an error. Stopping the operation of the 3D printing apparatus 100 specifically means stopping the output of all heaters and all motors included in the 3D printing apparatus 100. The control unit 350 notifies the user of the error by, for example, outputting a warning sound from an alarm unit included in the 3D printing apparatus 100 or displaying a message on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display included in the 3D printing apparatus 100. Similar to the first heating unit 201, the second heating unit 202 is also composed of two heaters electrically connected in series. The wire break sensor 270 detects wire breaks not only in the circuit for operating the first heating unit 201 but also in the circuit for operating the second heating unit 202.

[0050] 13 is a perspective view of the first heating section 201. The first heater 241 has a first heated section 242 in which a heater is provided and a first unheated section 243 in which no heater is provided. The first unheated section 243 is provided in a portion including the end of the first heater 241 on the -Y direction side, and the first heated section 242 is provided adjacent to the first unheated section 243 on the +Y direction side. The first unheated section 243 is fixed to the block 260 of the heater unit 200, and the first heated section 242 is inserted into the first hole 53 of the barrel 50. The second heater 246 has a second heated section 247 in which a heater is provided and a second unheated section 248 in which no heater is provided. The second heater unheated section 248 is provided in a portion including the end of the second heater 246 on the -Y direction side, and the second heater heated section 247 is provided adjacent to the second heater unheated section 248 on the +Y direction side. The second heater unheated section 248 is fixed to a block 260 of the heater unit 200, and the second heater heated section 247 is inserted into a first hole 53 of the barrel 50. The first heater 241 and the second heater 246 have the same longitudinal length, i.e., the same length in the Y direction. The first heater heated section 242 and the second heater heated section 247 have the same longitudinal length, and the first heater unheated section 243 and the second heater unheated section 248 have the same longitudinal length. The first heater 241 and the second heater 246 are fixed to the block 260 so that the first heater heated section 242 and the second heater heated section 247 protruding from the block 260 are positioned at the same Y direction positions. The first heater 241 and the second heater 246 are arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the communication hole 52 when inserted into the first hole 53 of the barrel 50, and therefore the barrel 50 can be heated symmetrically with respect to the communication hole 52. The second heating unit 202 may also have a configuration similar to that of the first heating unit 201.

[0051] According to the first embodiment described above, the valve portion 130 of the flow rate adjusting unit 60 is disposed inside the sleeve 160. The valve portion 130 is formed from high-speed steel, and the sleeve 160 has a first portion 162 formed from polyamideimide and a second portion 163 formed from high-speed steel. That is, the surface of the sleeve 160 facing the valve portion 130 and the surface of the valve portion 130 facing the sleeve 160 have different hardnesses. In this embodiment, the hardness of the surface of the portion of the sleeve 160 facing the valve portion 130 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the valve portion 130 facing the sleeve 160. Therefore, even if metal particles contained in the plasticizing material get between the valve portion 130 and the sleeve 160, the sleeve 160 is scraped as the valve portion 130 rotates inside the sleeve 160, so that the rotation of the valve portion 130 within the sleeve 160 is not hindered. Furthermore, even if metal particles contained in the plasticizing material adhere to the valve portion 130, the sleeve 160 is scraped away as the valve portion 130 rotates inside the sleeve 160, so that it is possible to prevent the rotation of the valve portion 130 inside the sleeve 160 from being hindered. The scraped sleeve 160 is replaced with a new sleeve 160. In this embodiment, the first portion 162 is replaced.

[0052] In this embodiment, a third seal groove 171 is formed on the surface of the lid portion 170 that faces the main body portion 120. A third seal portion 183 is disposed in the third seal groove 171. This prevents the plasticizable material stored in the storage chamber RS ​​from leaking to the outside through a gap between the main body portion 120 and the lid portion 170.

[0053] In this embodiment, a first seal groove 151 and a second seal groove 152 are formed on the surface of the support part 150 that faces the valve part 130. A first seal part 181 is disposed in the first seal groove 151, and a second seal part 182 is disposed in the second seal groove 152. This prevents the plasticized material stored in the second clearance part CL2 from leaking to the outside through the gap between the valve part 130 and the support part 150.

[0054] Moreover, in this embodiment, the plasticizing section 30 includes a first heating section 201 and a second heating section 202 that heat the material supplied to the groove 45 of the screw 40. Because the diameters of the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 are different, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an operator will mistakenly position the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 when assembling the heater unit 200. Specifically, it is possible to prevent an operator from reversing the positions of the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 when fixing the first heating section 201 and the second heating section 202 to the block 260 of the heater unit 200.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the first heating section 201 is larger than the diameter of the second heating section 202, and the diameter of the first hole 53 accommodating the first heating section 201 is larger than the diameter of the second hole 54 accommodating the second heating section 202. The first hole 53 is formed at a position farther from the communication hole 52 than the second hole 54. Furthermore, a refrigerant pipe 56 is embedded in the barrel 50 at a position farther from the communication hole 52 than the first hole 53. The temperature of the barrel 50 is less likely to rise in the vicinity of the refrigerant pipe 56. Therefore, by making the diameter of the first heating section 201 accommodated in the first hole 53 close to the refrigerant pipe 56 larger than the diameter of the second heating section 202 accommodated in the second hole 54 farther from the refrigerant pipe 56, the capacity of the heater located on the outer periphery of the barrel 50 is increased, and the temperature of the outer periphery of the barrel 50 can be made higher.

[0056] In this embodiment, the pair of heaters constituting the first heating unit 201 are electrically connected in series to each other and to a control unit 350 that controls the temperature of the first heating unit 201. Therefore, if one of the heaters breaks down, the other heater also stops. This makes it easier to detect a break in the first heating unit 201.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve portion 130 does not have a portion that protrudes from within the sleeve 160 in a direction that intersects with the central axis AX of the valve portion 130. Therefore, it is possible to prevent metal particles from getting between the protruding portion and the sleeve 160, thereby preventing the rotation of the valve portion 130 within the sleeve 160 from being hindered.

[0058] B. Second embodiment: 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an injection molding apparatus 500 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a flow rate adjustment device is provided in the injection molding apparatus 500. The injection molding apparatus 500 includes an injection unit 510, a mold clamping device 520, and a control unit 530. The injection unit 510 includes a plasticizing unit 30b, a flow rate adjustment unit 60b, a suction delivery unit 540, and a nozzle 90. In this embodiment, elements that are assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The flow rate adjustment device is provided between the plasticizing unit 30b and the nozzle 90.

[0059] Injection molding apparatus 500 injects the plasticized material produced by plasticizing section 30b from nozzle 90 into molding die 900 to produce a molded product. The operations of injection unit 510 and mold clamping device 520 are controlled by control section 530. Control section 530 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU and memory, and controls each section of injection molding apparatus 500 by having the CPU execute programs stored in the memory. Note that control section 530 may also be configured as a circuit.

[0060] The molding die 900 is composed of a fixed die 910 and a movable die 920. The fixed die 910 is fixed to the injection unit 510. The movable die 920 is provided so that it can move forward and backward relative to the fixed die 910 in the clamping direction by the clamping device 520. The plasticized material produced by the plasticizing section 30b is injected from the nozzle 90 into a cavity defined by the fixed die 910 and the movable die 920. The molding die 900 may be made of metal, resin, or ceramic. A metal molding die 900 is also called a metal mold.

[0061] The mold clamping unit 520 includes a mold drive unit 521. The mold drive unit 521 is configured with a motor, gears, etc., and is connected to the movable mold 920 via a ball screw 522. The mold clamping unit 520 drives the mold drive unit 521 under the control of the control unit 350, thereby rotating the ball screw 522 and moving the movable mold 920 relative to the fixed mold 910, thereby opening and closing the casting mold 900.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the barrel 50 and the main body 120 in the first embodiment are provided as a single unit as a main body 120b. Furthermore, the communication hole 52 and the supply flow path 121 in the first embodiment are provided as a single unit as a supply flow path 121b. Note that in the second embodiment, the barrel 50 and the main body 120 may be provided as separate bodies, as in the first embodiment.

[0063] The suction and delivery unit 540 includes an injection cylinder 541, an injection plunger 542, and an injection plunger driver 543. The suction and delivery unit 540 functions to inject the plasticized material in the injection cylinder 541 into the molding die 900. The injection plunger 542 moves inside the injection cylinder 541 in a direction away from the supply flow path 121b, sucking and measuring the plasticized material into the injection cylinder 541. The injection plunger 542 then moves inside the injection cylinder 541 in a direction toward the supply flow path 121b, and delivers the plasticized material to the supply flow path 121b. The plasticized material delivered to the supply flow path 121b is pressure-fed to the nozzle 90 and injected from the nozzle 90 into the molding die 900. The injection plunger 542 is driven by the injection plunger driver 543. The injection cylinder 541 is connected to a portion of the supply flow path 121b that is closer to the screw 40 than the valve portion 130.

[0064] According to the second embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the hardness of the surface of the part of the sleeve 160 that faces the valve portion 130 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the valve portion 130 that faces the sleeve 160. Therefore, even if metal particles contained in the plasticizing material get between the valve portion 130 and the sleeve 160, the sleeve 160 is scraped away as the valve portion 130 rotates inside the sleeve 160, so that it is possible to prevent the rotation of the valve portion 130 inside the sleeve 160 from being hindered.

[0065] C. Other Embodiments: (C-1) In the above embodiment, the hardness of the surface of the part of the sleeve 160 facing the valve portion 130 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the valve portion 130 facing the sleeve 160. In contrast, the hardness of the surface of the part of the sleeve 160 facing the valve portion 130 may be higher than the hardness of the surface of the valve portion 130 facing the sleeve 160.

[0066] (C-2) In the above embodiment, the first portion 162 is a portion of the sleeve 160 located on the +Y side of the central axis BX of the supply flow path 121, and the second portion 163 is a portion of the sleeve 160 located on the −Y side of the central axis BX of the supply flow path 121. In contrast, it is sufficient for the sleeve 160 to have the first portion 162 and the second portion 163, and the positions of the first portion 162 and the second portion 163 are not limited to the positions described above.

[0067] (C-3) In the above embodiment, the surface of the sleeve 160 facing the valve portion 130 and the surface of the valve portion 130 facing the sleeve 160 have different hardnesses in part. In contrast, the surface of the sleeve 160 facing the valve portion 130 and the surface of the valve portion 130 facing the sleeve 160 may have different hardnesses throughout.

[0068] (C-4) In the above embodiment, the first seal groove 151 and the second seal groove 152 are formed on the surface of the support part 150 that faces the valve part 130. In contrast, the surface of the support part 150 that faces the valve part 130 does not necessarily need to have a seal groove formed thereon.

[0069] (C-5) In the above embodiment, the third seal groove 171 is formed on the surface of the lid portion 170 that faces the main body portion 120. Alternatively, the third seal groove 171 may be formed on the surface of the main body portion 120 that faces the lid portion 170. Furthermore, the third seal groove 171 may be formed on both the surface of the lid portion 170 that faces the main body portion 120 and the surface of the main body portion 120 that faces the lid portion 170.

[0070] (C-6) In the above embodiment, the third seal groove 171 is formed on the surface of the lid portion 170 that faces the main body portion 120. In contrast to this, the third seal groove 171 does not have to be formed on the surface of the lid portion 170 that faces the main body portion 120.

[0071] (C-7) In the above embodiment, the diameter of the first hole 53 is larger than the diameter of the second hole 54. In contrast to this, the diameter of the first hole 53 may be smaller than the diameter of the second hole 54.

[0072] (C-8) In the above embodiment, the diameter of the first heating section 201 is larger than the diameter of the second heating section 202. In contrast to this, the diameter of the first heating section 201 may be smaller than the diameter of the second heating section 202.

[0073] (C-9) In the above embodiment, the pair of heaters constituting the first heating unit 201 are electrically connected in series to each other. In contrast, the pair of heaters constituting the first heating unit 201 do not have to be electrically connected in series to each other.

[0074] (C-10) In the above embodiment, the plasticizing unit 30 is provided in the molding unit 110. However, the plasticizing unit 30 may be provided in the flow rate adjusting unit 60.

[0075] D. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0076] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a flow rate control device, comprising: a main body having a supply flow path formed with a first opening through which a plasticized material, at least a portion of which is plasticized from a material containing metal particles, is supplied and a second opening through which the plasticized material is discharged, and a cross hole intersecting the supply flow path; a cylindrical sleeve disposed within the cross hole and having a through hole overlapping the supply flow path; and a shaft-shaped valve portion disposed within the sleeve, wherein the valve portion has a recess at a position overlapping the supply flow path and rotates within the cross hole to change the position of the recess, thereby changing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the supply flow path and regulating the flow rate of the plasticized material discharged from the second opening, and the surface of the sleeve facing the valve portion and the surface of the valve portion facing the sleeve have at least a partial difference in hardness. With this configuration, even if metal particles contained in the plasticized material get between the valve portion and the sleeve, the rotation of the valve portion inside the sleeve will wear away the less hardened component of the sleeve or the valve portion, thereby preventing the rotation of the valve portion inside the sleeve from being hindered.

[0077] (2) In the above embodiment, the valve may include a lid portion and a seal portion arranged within the cross hole, the valve portion having a leading end and a trailing end, the distance between the leading end and the recess being shorter than the distance between the trailing end and the recess, the leading end and the lid portion defining a storage chamber within the cross hole for storing a portion of the plasticized material, and a seal groove formed on at least one of the surface of the lid portion facing the main body portion and the surface of the main body portion facing the lid portion, and the seal portion may be arranged within the seal groove. According to this configuration, the plasticizable material stored in the storage chamber can be prevented from leaking to the outside through the gap between the main body and the lid.

[0078] (3) In the above embodiment, the valve element may include a cylindrical support portion disposed within the cross hole and a seal portion, the valve element having a front end and a rear end, the distance between the front end and the recess being shorter than the distance between the rear end and the recess, no portion protruding within the sleeve in a direction intersecting the axis of the valve element, and when the direction from the front end to the rear end is defined as a first direction, the support portion is disposed adjacent to the sleeve in the first direction, a portion of the valve element is disposed inside the support portion, a seal groove is formed on the surface of the support portion facing the valve element, and the seal portion may be disposed within the seal groove. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the plasticizable material supplied from the first opening from leaking to the outside through the gap between the valve portion and the support portion.

[0079] (4) In the above embodiment, the apparatus includes a plasticizing section that produces the plasticized material, the plasticizing section having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed therein and rotating around a rotation axis, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having a communicating hole formed therein that supplies the plasticized material to the supply flow path, a first heating section and a second heating section that are arranged within the barrel and heat the material supplied to the groove, a first sensor that measures the temperature of an area closer to the first heating section than the second heating section, and a second sensor that measures the temperature of an area closer to the second heating section than the first heating section, and when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, the second heating section is arranged between the first heating section and the communicating hole, and the barrel is provided with a first hole that accommodates the first heating section and a second hole that accommodates the second heating section, and the diameters of the first hole and the second hole may be different, and the diameters of the first heating section and the second heating section may be different. According to this configuration, when an operator inserts the first heating part and the second heating part into the barrel, the operator can be prevented from inserting the first heating part into the second hole and the second heating part into the first hole.

[0080] (5) In the above embodiment, the diameter of the first heating section may be larger than the diameter of the second heating section, and the diameter of the first hole may be larger than the diameter of the second hole. According to this configuration, when an operator inserts the first heating part and the second heating part into the barrel, the operator can be prevented from inserting the first heating part into the second hole and the second heating part into the first hole.

[0081] (6) In the above embodiment, the heating element may have a control unit that controls the temperature of the first heating unit, the first hole may be a pair of holes arranged on either side of the communication hole, the first heating unit may be a pair of heaters, and the pair of heaters may be electrically connected to the control unit in series with each other. According to this configuration, if one of the heaters breaks down, the other heater also stops, making it easier to detect a break in the first heating unit 201.

[0082] (7) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including the flow rate regulator of the first aspect, a plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of the material to produce the plasticized material, and a nozzle that discharges the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit toward a stage, wherein the flow rate regulator regulates the flow rate of the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit to the nozzle. According to this aspect, even if metal particles contained in the plasticizing material get into the gap between the valve portion and the sleeve in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the valve portion within the sleeve from being hindered.

[0083] (8) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an injection molding apparatus comprising the flow rate adjusting device of the first aspect, a plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of the material to produce the plasticized material, and a nozzle that injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit into a molding die, wherein the flow rate adjusting device adjusts the flow rate of the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit to the nozzle. According to this embodiment, even if metal particles contained in the plasticizing material get into the gap between the valve portion and the sleeve in the injection molding device, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the valve portion within the sleeve from being hindered. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10...three-dimensional modeling system, 20...material supply section, 22...supply channel, 30, 30b...plasticization section, 31...screw case, 32...drive motor, 40...screw, 42...groove forming surface, 44...material inlet, 45...groove, 46...ridge section, 47...center section, 50...barrel, 51...opposing surface, 52...communicating hole, 53...first hole, 54...second hole, 55...guide groove, 56...refrigerant piping, 57...third hole, 60, 60b...flow rate adjustment section, 80...suction section, 81...cylinder, 82...plunger, 83...plunger drive section, 90...nozzle, 91...nozzle flow path, 92...nozzle opening, 100...tertiary Original molding apparatus, 101... refrigerant pump, 110... molding portion, 120, 120b... main body portion, 121, 121b... supply flow path, 122... cross hole, 123... first opening, 124... second opening, 126... fourth hole, 127... fifth hole, 130... valve portion, 131... front end, 132... rear end, 133... recess, 140... valve drive portion, 141... ball bearing, 150... support portion, 151... first seal groove, 152... second seal groove, 160... sleeve, 161... through hole, 162... first portion, 163... second portion, 164... first inner surface, 170... lid portion, 171... third seal groove, 180... seal portion, 181... First sealing portion, 182...second sealing portion, 183...third sealing portion, 200...heater unit, 201...first heating portion, 202...second heating portion, 203...first detection portion, 211...third heating portion, 212...second detection portion, 231...first sensor, 232...second sensor, 233...third sensor, 241...first heater, 242...first heater heating portion, 243...first heater non-heating portion, 246...second heater, 247...second heater heating portion, 248...second heater non-heating portion, 250...fixing member, 260...block, 270...disconnection sensor, 310...stage, 311...structure Molding surface, 330...moving mechanism, 350...control unit, 351...processor, 352...storage device, 370...AC power supply, 400...information processing device, 500...injection molding apparatus, 510...injection unit, 520...mold clamping device, 521...mold drive unit, 522...ball screw, 530...control unit, 540...suction delivery unit, 541...injection cylinder, 542...injection plunger, 543...injection plunger drive unit, 900...molding mold, 910...fixed mold, 920...movable mold, AX...central axis, BX...central axis, CL1...first clearance portion, CL2...second clearance portion, RS...storage chamber, RX...rotation axis

Claims

1. a main body portion having a supply flow path formed with a first opening through which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing at least a portion of a material containing metal particles is supplied and a second opening through which the plasticized material is discharged, and a cross hole intersecting the supply flow path; a cylindrical sleeve disposed inside the cross hole and having a through hole at a position overlapping with the supply flow path; a shaft-shaped valve portion disposed inside the sleeve, the valve portion has a recess at a position overlapping with the supply flow path, and by rotating within the cross-hole to change the position of the recess, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the supply flow path is changed to adjust the flow rate of the plasticized material discharged from the second opening; a surface of the sleeve facing the valve portion and a surface of the valve portion facing the sleeve have different hardnesses at least in part; Flow control device.

2. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1, a lid disposed within the cross-hole; a seal portion; the valve portion has a leading end and a trailing end, and the distance between the leading end and the recess is shorter than the distance between the trailing end and the recess; a reservoir chamber defined within the cross-hole by the tip and the lid for retaining a portion of the plasticized material; a seal groove is formed on at least one of a surface of the lid portion facing the main body portion and a surface of the main body portion facing the lid portion, The seal portion is disposed in the seal groove. Flow control device.

3. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1, a cylindrical support disposed within the cross hole; a seal portion; The valve portion is a tip end and a rear end, the distance between the tip end and the recessed portion being shorter than the distance between the rear end and the recessed portion; The sleeve does not have a portion protruding in a direction intersecting the axis of the valve portion, When a direction from the front end to the rear end is defined as a first direction, the support portion is disposed adjacent to the sleeve in the first direction, a portion of the valve portion is disposed inside the support portion; a seal groove is formed on a surface of the support portion facing the valve portion, The seal portion is disposed in the seal groove. Flow control device.

4. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1, a plasticizing unit that generates the plasticized material; The plasticizing section comprises: a screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotating around a rotation axis; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein for supplying the plasticized material to the supply flow path; a first heating section and a second heating section disposed in the barrel and configured to heat the material supplied to the groove; a first sensor that measures the temperature of an area closer to the first heating unit than to the second heating unit; a second sensor that measures the temperature of an area closer to the second heating unit than to the first heating unit, the second heating unit is disposed between the first heating unit and the communication hole as viewed in a direction along the rotation axis, The barrel is provided with a first hole that accommodates the first heating unit and a second hole that accommodates the second heating unit, The first hole and the second hole have different diameters, The first heating portion and the second heating portion have different diameters. Flow control device.

5. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 4, The diameter of the first heating section is larger than the diameter of the second heating section, The diameter of the first hole is larger than the diameter of the second hole. Flow control device.

6. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 4, a control unit for controlling the temperature of the first heating unit; the first holes are a pair of holes provided on either side of the communication hole, the first heating unit is a pair of heaters, The pair of heaters are electrically connected to the control unit in series with each other. Flow control device.

7. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1; a plasticizing section for plasticizing at least a portion of the material to produce the plasticized material; a nozzle that discharges the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing unit toward a stage, The flow rate adjusting device adjusts the flow rate of the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing section to the nozzle. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

8. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1; a plasticizing section for plasticizing at least a portion of the material to produce the plasticized material; a nozzle that injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing section into a molding die, The flow rate adjusting device adjusts the flow rate of the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing section to the nozzle. Injection molding equipment.

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