Modeling apparatus

Abstract

To properly supply a modeling material to a discharge unit during the modeling of an object.SOLUTION: A large-capacity storage container stores a large amount of modeling material. A temporary storage container temporarily stores modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container. A discharge unit 30 is movable together with the temporary storage container and melts and discharges modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container. A material transport mechanism 60 transports modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container to the temporary storage container when a remaining amount stored in the temporary storage container falls below a lower limit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modeling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there are known molding devices that form objects by stacking molding material dispensed by a dispensing unit on a table. During the formation of the object, it is necessary to continuously supply the molding material to the dispensing unit so that the molding material dispensed by the dispensing unit does not run out. In particular, when forming a large object, it is necessary to devise a method for supplying the molding material so that the molding material does not run out during the formation of the object.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a 3D printer equipped with a dispenser that supplies each raw material of a modeling material and a recovery device that recovers unused raw material into the dispenser. The dispenser equipped in this 3D printer has a tank for storing the raw material, and the 3D printer has a supply device that supplies the raw material to the tank. This dispenser is considered to correspond to the above-mentioned discharge unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2023-504969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to increase the capacity of the tank provided in the dispenser, and it is necessary to frequently supply raw material from the supply device to the tank. For this reason, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to frequently interrupt the modeling process to supply raw material. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that appropriately supplies the modeling material to the dispensing unit during the modeling of a model. For this reason, there is a demand for a technology that appropriately supplies the modeling material to the dispensing unit during the modeling of a model.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a molding apparatus that appropriately supplies molding material to a dispensing unit during molding of a molded object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a molding apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: A modeling apparatus that forms a model by stacking modeling materials, a large-capacity storage container for storing a large amount of the modeling material; a temporary storage container that temporarily stores the modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container; a dispensing unit that is movable together with the temporary storage container and that melts and dispenses the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container; and a material transport mechanism that transports the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container to the temporary storage container when the remaining storage amount, which is the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container, is less than a lower limit amount.

[0008] In the above configuration, the modeling material is continuously supplied from the temporary storage container to the discharge unit, and when the remaining amount of the modeling material in the temporary storage container is less than the lower limit, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container is transported to the temporary storage container. In this configuration, the modeling material can be continuously supplied to the discharge unit even if the capacity of the temporary storage container is not very large. In other words, with this configuration, the modeling material can be appropriately supplied to the discharge unit during the modeling of a model.

[0009] the bulk storage container is positioned lower than the temporary storage container; The material conveying mechanism may use piping extending from the interior of the large-capacity storage container to the supply port of the temporary storage container to convey the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container together with air to the temporary storage container.

[0010] In the above configuration, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container is transported to the temporary storage container together with air using a pipe extending from the interior of the large-capacity storage container located at a lower position than the temporary storage container to the supply port of the temporary storage container. Therefore, with the above configuration, the transport of the modeling material can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0011] one end of the pipe is fixed to a supply port of the temporary storage container and is movable together with the temporary storage container; A material transport control unit may be provided that controls the material transport mechanism to start transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount.

[0012] In the above configuration, one end of the pipe is fixed to the supply port of the temporary storage container and is movable together with the temporary storage container. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the modeling material can be transported without interrupting the modeling of the object.

[0013] a state-changing member that is in a first state when the modeling material is not supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container and that is in a second state different from the first state when the modeling material is supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container; a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member; The material transport control unit may start transporting the modeling material in response to the first sensor detecting the first state.

[0014] In the above configuration, the conveyance of the modeling material is started in response to the detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container to the discharging unit. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the conveyance of the modeling material can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0015] One end of the pipe is disposed at a predetermined material supply position, a unit moving mechanism that moves the discharge unit together with the temporary storage container; a unit movement control unit that controls the unit movement mechanism to move a supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to detection that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount; The apparatus may further include a material transport control unit that starts transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the supply port of the temporary storage container has moved to the material supply position.

[0016] In the above configuration, one end of the piping is positioned at a predetermined material supply position, and the supply port of the temporary storage container moves to the material supply position when the modeling material is being transported. In the above configuration, it is not necessary to have the one end of the piping follow the movement of the temporary storage container. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the costs required for manufacturing and maintaining the material transport mechanism.

[0017] a state-changing member that is in a first state when the modeling material is not supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container and that is in a second state different from the first state when the modeling material is supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container; a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member; The unit movement control section may move a supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to the first sensor detecting the first state.

[0018] In the above configuration, in response to detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container to the discharging unit, the supply port of the temporary storage container moves to the material supply position and conveyance of the modeling material starts. Therefore, with the above configuration, conveyance of the modeling material can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0019] a second sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the building material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container; The material transport control unit may terminate transport of the modeling material in response to the second sensor detecting that the modeling material is present at the specific position.

[0020] In the above configuration, the transport of the modeling material is terminated in response to detection of the presence of the modeling material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container, and therefore, the above configuration allows the transport of the modeling material to be terminated at an appropriate timing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately supply the modeling material to the dispensing unit during modeling of the modeled object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a molding apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a temporary storage container and a discharge unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an external view of a state-changing member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are side views of a state-changing member according to a first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a side view in a first state and FIG. 1B is a side view in a second state; [Figure 6] Side view of a large-capacity storage container according to embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Partial cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 6 [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing a material conveying process executed by the modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is an external view of a modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a material conveying process executed by a modeling apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of a modeling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modeling apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the modeling apparatus 100. The modeling apparatus 100 is an apparatus that models a model by layering a modeling material. The modeling apparatus 100 is also called a 3D printer. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus 100 models a model 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.

[0024] The molding apparatus 100 includes a control unit 10, a memory unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, a communication unit 24, an ejection unit 30, a unit moving mechanism 40, a first moving member 43, a second moving member 44, a table moving mechanism 50, a table 51, a material conveying mechanism 60, a first sensor 71, a second sensor 72, a load cell 73, a temporary storage container 80, and a large-capacity storage container 90.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The discharging unit 30 melts and discharges the modeling material under the control of the control unit 10. Specifically, the discharging unit 30 melts the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container 80, and discharges the molten modeling material toward the table 51 or an object being modeled on the table 51. As shown in FIG. 3 , the discharging unit 30 includes a material input unit 31, a barrel 32, and a nozzle 33.

[0030] The material input unit 31 is a member for inputting the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container 80 into the barrel 32. The material input unit 31 has a hollow portion (not shown) through which the modeling material flows. The barrel 32 is a member for storing the modeling material supplied from the material input unit 31. The barrel 32 has a hollow portion (not shown) for storing the modeling material, a screw (not shown), etc. The modeling material stored in the barrel 32 is heated and melted by a heater (not shown). In addition, the modeling material stored in the barrel 32 moves toward the nozzle 33 by the rotation of the screw driven by a motor (not shown), and is discharged from the nozzle 33. The nozzle 33 discharges the molten modeling material.

[0031] The unit moving mechanism 40 is a mechanism that moves the discharge unit 30. The unit moving mechanism 40 includes a first unit moving mechanism 41 and a second unit moving mechanism 42. The first unit moving mechanism 41 moves the discharge unit 30 in a first direction in accordance with control by the control unit 10. The first unit moving mechanism 41 moves a first moving member 43 in the first direction, thereby moving the discharge unit 30 in the first direction. The first moving member 43 is a member to which the discharge unit 30 and the temporary storage container 80 are fixed.

[0032] The second unit moving mechanism 42 moves the discharge unit 30 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction under the control of the control unit 10. The second unit moving mechanism 42 moves the second moving member 44 in the second direction, thereby moving the discharge unit 30 in the second direction. The second moving member 44 is a member to which the first moving member 43 is fixed so as to be movable in the first direction. In FIG. 1 , the first direction is the Y-axis direction, and the second direction is the X-axis direction.

[0033] 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 direction of the X axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the X axis arrow extends is the negative direction of the X axis. The direction in which the Y axis arrow extends is the positive direction of the Y axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the Y axis arrow extends is the negative direction of the Y axis. The direction in which the Z axis arrow extends is the positive direction of the Z axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the Z axis arrow extends is the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0034] The first unit movement mechanism 41 includes a guide rail (not shown), a guide block (not shown), a belt (not shown), two pulleys (not shown), and a motor (not shown). The guide rail extends in a first direction and guides the guide block in the first direction. The guide block is fixed to the first moving member 43 and guides the first moving member 43 in the first direction. The two pulleys are arranged on a straight line extending in the first direction. The belt is stretched between the two pulleys and is fixed to the guide block, the first moving member 43, etc. The motor rotates one of the two pulleys. The rotation of the motor moves the first moving member 43 in the first direction, and the discharge unit 30 and the temporary storage container 80 move in the first direction.

[0035] The second unit movement mechanism 42 includes a guide rail (not shown), a guide block (not shown), a belt (not shown), two pulleys (not shown), and a motor (not shown). The guide rail extends in the second direction and guides the guide block in the second direction. The guide block is fixed to the second movement member 44 and guides the second movement member 44 in the second direction. The two pulleys are arranged on a straight line extending in the second direction. The belt is stretched between the two pulleys and is fixed to the guide block, the second movement member 44, etc. The motor rotates one of the two pulleys. The rotation of the motor moves the second movement member 44 in the second direction, and the discharge unit 30 and the temporary storage container 80 move in the second direction.

[0036] The table moving mechanism 50 is a mechanism that moves the table 51. The table moving mechanism 50 moves the table 51 in the Z-axis direction, which is the up and down direction, under the control of the control unit 10. The table moving mechanism 50 includes a table moving mechanism 50A and a table moving mechanism 50B. The table moving mechanism 50A is a mechanism that moves one end of the table 51 in the up and down direction. The table moving mechanism 50B is a mechanism that moves the other end of the table 51 in the up and down direction.

[0037] The table moving mechanism 50A includes a support plate (not shown), a lead screw (not shown), a motor (not shown), a guide rail (not shown), and a guide block (not shown). The support plate is a plate fixed to one end of the table 51. The lead screw is rotatably held on the support plate. The motor rotates the lead screw. The guide rail extends in the vertical direction and guides the guide block in the vertical direction. The guide block is fixed to the support plate and guides the support plate in the vertical direction. When the motor is driven and the lead screw rotates, one end of the table 51 fixed to the support plate moves in the vertical direction while being guided by the guide rail.

[0038] The table moving mechanism 50B basically has the same configuration as the table moving mechanism 50A. The table moving mechanism 50B drives a motor to rotate a lead screw, thereby moving the other end of the table 51 in the vertical direction. The table 51 is a plate-like member on which a molded object is placed. The table 51 is moved in the vertical direction by the table moving mechanism 50A.

[0039] The material conveying mechanism 60 is a mechanism for conveying the modeling material. The material conveying mechanism 60 conveys the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80 under the control of the control unit 10. For example, when the remaining amount of modeling material stored in the temporary storage container 80, that is, the remaining amount of storage, is less than the lower limit amount, the material conveying mechanism 60 conveys the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80.

[0040] The first sensor 71 is a sensor for detecting when the remaining amount of storage falls below a lower limit. The first sensor 71 supplies the detection result to the control unit 10. The detection result of the first sensor 71 is used to determine the timing to start conveying the modeling material. The first sensor 71 is, for example, a transmissive photoelectric sensor.

[0041] The second sensor 72 is a sensor for detecting that the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container 80 has reached an upper limit amount. The second sensor 72 supplies the detection result to the control unit 10. The detection result of the second sensor 72 is used to determine the timing to end the transport of the modeling material. The second sensor 72 is, for example, a retroreflective photoelectric sensor.

[0042] The load cell 73 is a device that converts a load into an electrical signal and is a sensor that measures the load. The load cell 73 supplies the measurement result to the control unit 10. The measurement result of the load cell 73 is used to identify the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90.

[0043] The temporary storage container 80 is a container that temporarily stores the modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container 90. The capacity of the temporary storage container 80 is smaller than the capacity of the large-capacity storage container 90. The capacity of the temporary storage container 80 may be several liters. The temporary storage container 80 may be, for example, a processed 2-liter PET bottle. The temporary storage container 80 is fixed to the first moving member 43 and moves together with the discharge unit 30.

[0044] 3, the temporary storage container 80 has an opening 80A and an opening 80B. The opening 80A is a supply port for supplying the modeling material to the temporary storage container 80. The opening 80B is a discharge port for discharging the modeling material from the temporary storage container 80. The temporary storage container 80 is fixed to the first moving member 43.

[0045] Specifically, the temporary storage container 80 is fixed to the support member 45 by a fixing member 46. The support member 45 is a member that supports the temporary storage container 80 and is fixed to the first moving member 43. The support member 45 has an inclined surface (not shown) with a predetermined inclination angle. The fixing member 46 fixes the temporary storage container 80 to the support member 45 in a state where the inclined surface of the support member 45 and the side surface of the temporary storage container 80 overlap with each other.

[0046] The large-capacity storage container 90 is a container for storing a large amount of building material. The capacity of the large-capacity storage container 90 is larger than the capacity of the temporary storage container 80. The capacity of the large-capacity storage container 90 may be several hundred liters. The large-capacity storage container 90 may be located at a lower position than the position of the temporary storage container 80. For example, the large-capacity storage container 90 may be located on the floor.

[0047] The modeling material is transported from the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80 by the material transport mechanism 60. For example, the material transport mechanism 60 transports the modeling material using compressed air. Specifically, the material transport mechanism 60 transports the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80 together with air using a pipe 61. The pipe 61 is a pipe used to supply the modeling material, and extends from the inside of the large-capacity storage container 90 to the supply port of the temporary storage container 80.

[0048] In this embodiment, the piping 61 includes piping 61A and piping 61B. The piping 61A is, for example, a piping that extends from the inside of the large-capacity storage container 90 to a position at approximately the same height as the position of the temporary storage container 80. The piping 61A is, for example, a piping that is not flexible and does not deform. The piping 61B is a piping that follows the movement of the temporary storage container 80. The piping 61B is, for example, a piping that is flexible and deforms.

[0049] An example of a pipe that is not flexible and does not deform is a pipe made of polyvinyl chloride. An example of a pipe that is flexible and deformable is a hose made of rubber. One end of pipe 61A and one end of pipe 61B are connected to each other. The other end of pipe 61A is placed near the bottom inside large-capacity storage container 90. The other end of pipe 61B is inserted into opening 80A of temporary storage container 80 and fixed therein. In other words, one end of pipe 61A is movable together with temporary storage container 80.

[0050] Next, the main functions of the control unit 10 will be described in detail. Functionally, the control unit 10 includes a viscosity control unit 11, a discharge control unit 12, a unit movement control unit 13, a table movement control unit 14, and a material conveyance control unit 15. 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.

[0051] The viscosity control unit 11 adjusts the viscosity of the modeling material discharged from the discharge unit 30. Specifically, the viscosity control unit 11 heats the heater provided in the discharge unit 30 so that the viscosity of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 33 becomes a predetermined viscosity.

[0052] The discharge control unit 12 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge unit 30 based on modeling data for forming a modeled object. The discharge control unit 12 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge unit 30. In other words, the discharge control unit 12 causes the discharge unit 30 to discharge the modeling material when the relative position of the table 51 and the discharge unit 30 is at a position where the modeling material should be discharged. For example, the discharge control unit 12 drives a motor to rotate a screw, thereby discharging the molten modeling material from the nozzle 33.

[0053] The modeling data is, for example, slice data. Slice data is data obtained by dividing a 3D model of a model into layers. In other words, slice data is data that specifies the locations in each layer where modeling material should be ejected. Slice data includes at least one of raster data and vector data. Raster data is data in which a value is assigned to each cell, such as bitmap data. Vector data is data that expresses the coordinates of points or the lines connecting points as numerical data.

[0054] The unit movement control unit 13 controls the unit movement mechanism 40 based on the modeling data. The unit movement control unit 13 moves the dispensing unit 30 so that the current layer of the multiple layers that make up the modeled object is formed. In other words, the unit movement control unit 13 controls the unit movement mechanism 40 to move the dispensing unit 30 in the horizontal direction so that the modeling material can be dispensed to the position where the modeling material should be dispensed in the current layer.

[0055] The table movement control unit 14 controls the table movement mechanism 50 based on the modeling data. For example, the table movement control unit 14 first controls the table movement mechanism 50 to move the table 51 to the reference position of the lowest layer. When modeling of the lowest layer is completed, the table movement control unit 14 moves the table 51 to the reference position of the next layer. In other words, the table movement control unit 14 moves the table 51 downward by the distance of one layer. Thereafter, the table movement control unit 14 moves the table 51 downward by the distance of one layer every time modeling of one layer is completed. The reference position is a vertical position suitable for forming the current layer.

[0056] The material transport control unit 15 controls the material transport mechanism 60 to transport the modeling material from the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80. For example, in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount, which is the remaining amount of modeling material stored in the temporary storage container 80, is less than a lower limit amount, the material transport control unit 15 controls the material transport mechanism 60 to start transporting the modeling material. The lower limit amount is the lowest remaining amount below which modeling material does not need to be replenished. The lower limit amount may be a few percent of the capacity of the temporary storage container 80. In this embodiment, the lower limit amount is extremely close to 0, and modeling material is replenished only after the modeling material in the temporary storage container 80 runs out.

[0057] A method for detecting that the temporary storage container 80 has run out of modeling material will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is an external view of the state-changing member 34 provided at the top of the material input unit 31. In FIG. 4, visible portions are generally indicated by solid lines, and invisible portions are indicated by dashed lines. However, in FIG. 4, for ease of understanding, invisible portions of the state-changing member 34 are also indicated by solid lines. FIG. 5 is a side view of the state-changing member 34. FIG. 5(A) is a side view of the state-changing member 34 when the state of the state-changing member 34 is in the first state. FIG. 5(B) is a side view of the state-changing member 34 when the state of the state-changing member 34 is in the second state.

[0058] The state-changing member 34 is a member whose state changes depending on whether or not the modeling material is supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 80 to the discharge unit 30. The state of the state-changing member 34 is basically either a first state or a second state different from the first state. The first state is the state of the state-changing member 34 when the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 80 to the discharge unit 30. The second state is the state of the state-changing member 34 when the modeling material is being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 80 to the discharge unit 30.

[0059] The state-changing member 34 includes a rotation shaft 35 and a rotation member 36. The rotation shaft 35 is an axis of rotation when rotating the rotation member 36. The rotation member 36 is a member that rotates around the rotation shaft 35. The rotation member 36 includes a first plate-shaped member (not shown) and a second plate-shaped member (not shown). The first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member extend in opposite directions when viewed from the rotation shaft 35. A partition plate 36A extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first plate-shaped member is provided on one surface of the first plate-shaped member.

[0060] The rotating shaft 35 is fixed to the upper part of the material feeding section 31 so that the first plate-shaped member is arranged outside the material feeding section 31 and the second plate-shaped member is arranged inside the material feeding section 31, and so that the second plate-shaped member closes the hollow section 31A of the material feeding section 31. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the rotating shaft 35 extends in the X-axis direction, and the surface of the partition plate 36A is perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0061] An opening 80B serving as a discharge port is provided at the tip of temporary storage container 80. The tip of temporary storage container 80 is inserted into hollow portion 31A of material input section 31 through opening 46A of fixing member 46.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first plate-shaped member is heavier than the second plate-shaped member, and when no load is applied to the second plate-shaped member, the state-changing member 34 is maintained in the first state in which the surfaces of the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are perpendicular to the Z-axis. Therefore, when there are no resin pellets 5, which are the molding material, in the temporary storage container 80, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the state-changing member 34 is maintained in the first state in which the surfaces of the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0063] On the other hand, if resin pellets 5, which are the molding material, are present in the temporary storage container 80, the resin pellets 5 discharged from the discharge port are deposited on the second plate-shaped member. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the state-changing member 34 enters the second state in which the second plate-shaped member is displaced downward and the first plate-shaped member is displaced upward due to the load of the resin pellets 5.

[0064] The material conveyance control unit 15 determines whether or not there is a modeling material in the temporary storage container 80 based on the detection result of the first sensor 71, which detects the state of the state-changing member 34. The first sensor 71 is a transmission-type photoelectric sensor that includes a light projector 71A and a light receiver 71B, with a detection object disposed between the light projector 71A and the light receiver 71B. The first sensor 71 outputs a detection result indicating that there is no detection object when the light projected by the light projector 71A is detected by the light receiver 71B. The first sensor 71 outputs a detection result indicating that there is a detection object when the light projected by the light projector 71A is blocked by the detection object and is not detected by the light receiver 71B.

[0065] In this embodiment, the detection object is a partition plate 36A provided below the first plate-shaped member. Therefore, the first sensor 71 is fixed so that, for example, when the state-changing member 34 is in the first state, the partition plate 36A is disposed between the light-emitter 71A and the light-receiver 71B, and when the state-changing member 34 is in the second state, the partition plate 36A is not disposed between the light-emitter 71A and the light-receiver 71B. For example, the first sensor 71 is fixed to the material input unit 31 by being supported by a support member 74 fixed to the material input unit 31.

[0066] When the material conveyance control unit 15 receives a detection result from the first sensor 71 indicating that a detected object is present, it determines that the state of the state-changing member 34 is in the first state. When the material conveyance control unit 15 receives a detection result from the first sensor 71 indicating that a detected object is not present, it determines that the state of the state-changing member 34 is in the second state. When the first sensor 71 detects the first state, that is, when the material conveyance control unit 15 receives a detection result from the first sensor 71 indicating that a detected object is present, it starts conveying the modeling material.

[0067] The material conveyance control unit 15 determines whether the temporary storage container 80 is sufficiently replenished with the modeling material based on the detection result of the second sensor 72, which detects the presence or absence of the modeling material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 80. The second sensor 72 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor that includes a light emitter (not shown), a light receiver (not shown), and a reflector (not shown). The light emitter and the light receiver are arranged in close proximity, and a detection object is located between the light emitter and the light receiver and the reflector. The second sensor 72 outputs a detection result indicating the absence of a detection object when the light receiver 71B detects light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the reflector. The second sensor 72 outputs a detection result indicating the presence of a detection object when the light emitted by the light emitter 71A or the reflected light is blocked by the detection object and the reflected light is not detected by the light receiver 71B.

[0068] In this embodiment, the detected object is the modeling material present at the upper part of the temporary storage container 80. Therefore, the second sensor 72 is fixed so that, for example, when the remaining amount of storage is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the modeling material is disposed between the light projector and receiver and the reflector, and when the remaining amount of storage is less than the upper limit, the modeling material is not disposed between the light projector and receiver and the reflector. The upper limit is the upper limit of the remaining amount of modeling material that requires replenishment. The upper limit may be an amount close to the capacity of the temporary storage container 80.

[0069] When the material transport control unit 15 receives a detection result from the second sensor 72 indicating that a detected object is present, it determines that the modeling material is present at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 80. When the material transport control unit 15 receives a detection result from the second sensor 72 indicating that a detected object is not present, it determines that the modeling material is not present at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 80. When the first sensor 71 detects that the modeling material is present at a specific position, that is, when the material transport control unit 15 receives a detection result from the second sensor 72 indicating that a detected object is present, it ends the transport of the modeling material.

[0070] Next, a method for transporting a modeling material using compressed air will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows a side view of a large-capacity storage container 90. Figure 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the large-capacity storage container 90 includes a container body 91 and a lid 92.

[0071] The container body 91 is the main body of a container capable of storing a large amount of modeling material. The lid 92 is a member that covers an opening (not shown) provided in the top of the container body 91. The lid 92 has openings (not shown) for passing piping 61A and piping 62. The piping 62 is a piping for supplying compressed air from a compressor (not shown) to the large-capacity storage container 90. The large-capacity storage container 90 is placed on a measurement table 93 that is placed on a load cell 73. The load cell 73 measures the total weight of the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90, the large-capacity storage container 90, and the measurement table 93.

[0072] One end of pipe 61A is connected to one end of pipe 61B, and the other end of pipe 61A is connected to a sending member 63 near the bottom of container body 91. One end of pipe 62 is connected to a compressor, and the other end of pipe 62 is connected to one end of joint 66. The other end of joint 66 is connected to sending member 63. Sending member 63 is a member for sending out the modeling material from large-capacity storage container 90 toward temporary storage container 80. Sending member 63 includes member 64 and member 65. Member 64 includes a protrusion 64A and a through-hole 64B that penetrates protrusion 64A. Member 65 includes a protrusion 65A and a through-hole 65B that penetrates protrusion 65A.

[0073] The other end of the pipe 61A is fitted into the protrusion 64A, and one end of the through hole 64B is covered by the pipe 61A. The other end of the through hole 64B is fitted into the protrusion 65A. A space 63A is formed between the member 64 and the member 65. A small gap is formed between the space 63A and the through hole 64B. The joint 66 is a member for connecting the pipe 62 to the delivery member 63. The joint 66 has a through hole 66A.

[0074] At one end of the joint 66, the other end of the pipe 62 is inserted into one end of a through-hole 66A. The other end of the joint 66 is inserted into an opening (not shown) provided in the side of the member 64, which is connected to the space 63A. A valve 67 is provided inside the joint 66 to control the flow of air within the through-hole 66A. In this manner, the material conveying mechanism 60 includes the compressor, the pipe 61, the pipe 62, the delivery member 63, the joint 66, the valve 67, etc.

[0075] The method by which the material conveying mechanism 60 conveys the modeling material will be described below. It is assumed that the compressor is always capable of supplying compressed air via the piping 62. When the material conveyance control unit 15 closes the valve 67, compressed air is not supplied to the delivery member 63, and therefore the modeling material is not conveyed. On the other hand, when the material conveyance control unit 15 opens the valve 67, compressed air is supplied to the delivery member 63, and therefore the modeling material is conveyed.

[0076] More specifically, compressed air is first supplied from the compressor to the space 63A via the pipe 62 and the joint 66. Then, air flows at high speed from the space 63A toward the through-hole 64B through the gap between the members 64 and 65. This causes an upward airflow from below to above the through-hole 64B. This generates negative pressure above the through-hole 65B, and also generates an upward airflow from below to above the through-hole 65B. As a result, negative pressure is generated below the through-hole 65B, and the modeling material around the through-hole 65B is drawn to the lower part of the through-hole 65B. This modeling material follows the upward airflow and reaches the temporary storage container 80 via the path of the through-hole 65B, the through-hole 64B, the pipe 61A, and the pipe 61B.

[0077] Next, the material transport process executed by the modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. The material transport process is executed in parallel with a model generation process, which is a process for generating a model. Note that in this embodiment, the model generation process and the material transport process are independent of each other, and the material transport process does not interrupt the model generation process.

[0078] First, the control unit 10 included in the molding apparatus 100 acquires the measurement result of the load cell 73 (step S101). For example, the control unit 10 acquires the measurement result indicating the load applied to the load cell 73 from the load cell 73. After completing the process of step S101, the control unit 10 determines whether the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S102).

[0079] The remaining storage amount is the remaining amount of modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90. The remaining storage amount can be calculated by subtracting the weight of the large-capacity storage container 90 and the weight of the measurement platform 93 from the load applied to the load cell 73. This lower limit amount is the lower limit of the remaining amount below which it is no longer necessary to replenish the large-capacity storage container 90 with modeling material. The lower limit amount may be a few percent of the capacity of the large-capacity storage container 90.

[0080] When the control unit 10 determines that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S102: YES), it requests the replenishment of the modeling material (step S103). For example, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 22 to display a screen requesting the replenishment of the modeling material to the large-capacity storage container 90. When the user checks this screen, the control unit 10 replenishes the modeling material to the large-capacity storage container 90. When the control unit 10 completes the processing of step S103, it returns the processing to step S101.

[0081] When the control unit 10 determines that the remaining storage amount is not less than the lower limit amount (step S102: NO), it acquires the detection result of the first sensor 71 (step S104). After completing the processing of step S104, the control unit 10 determines whether the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S105). The control unit 10 can determine whether the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount based on the detection result of the first sensor 71. Note that this detection result is the result of whether or not the detection object has been detected, and is the determination result of whether or not the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount.

[0082] If the control unit 10 determines that the remaining storage amount is not less than the lower limit amount (step S105: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101. If the control unit 10 determines that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S105: YES), the control unit 10 starts transporting the modeling material (step S106). For example, the control unit 10 transports the modeling material from the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80 by opening the valve 67.

[0083] Upon completing the process of step S106, the control unit 10 acquires the detection result of the second sensor (step S107). Upon completing the process of step S107, the control unit 10 determines whether the remaining storage amount has reached the upper limit amount (step S108). The control unit 10 can determine whether the remaining storage amount has reached the upper limit amount based on the detection result of the second sensor 72. Note that this detection result is the result of whether or not the detection object has been detected, and is the determination result of whether or not the remaining storage amount has reached the upper limit amount.

[0084] If the control unit 10 determines that the remaining amount of storage has not reached the upper limit amount (step S108: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S107. If the control unit 10 determines that the remaining amount of storage has reached the upper limit amount (step S108: YES), the control unit 10 ends the transport of the modeling material (step S109). After completing the process of step S109, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101.

[0085] In this embodiment, the modeling material is continuously supplied from the temporary storage container 80 to the discharging unit 30, and when the remaining amount of the modeling material in the temporary storage container 80 is less than the lower limit amount, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90 is transported to the temporary storage container 80. In this embodiment, even if the capacity of the temporary storage container 80 is not very large, the modeling material can be continuously supplied to the discharging unit 30. In other words, according to this embodiment, the modeling material can be appropriately supplied to the discharging unit 30 while a model is being formed.

[0086] In this embodiment, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 90 is transported to the temporary storage container 80 together with air using a pipe 61 that extends from the interior of the large-capacity storage container 90, which is located at a lower position than the temporary storage container 80, to the supply port of the temporary storage container 80. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transport of the modeling material is achieved with a simple configuration.

[0087] In this embodiment, one end of the pipe 61 is fixed to the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 and is movable together with the temporary storage container 80. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the modeling material can be transported without interrupting the modeling of the object.

[0088] In this embodiment, the conveyance of the modeling material is started in response to the detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 80 to the discharging unit 30. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the conveyance of the modeling material can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0089] In this embodiment, the transport of the modeling material is terminated when it is detected that the modeling material is present at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 80. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transport of the modeling material can be terminated at an appropriate timing.

[0090] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which one end of the pipe 61 moves together with the temporary storage container 80. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which one end of the pipe 68 does not move. Hereinafter, explanations of the same configurations, functions, etc. as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9 , the configuration of the modeling apparatus 100A according to this embodiment is similar to that of the modeling apparatus 100, except that the material conveying mechanism 60 includes a pipe 68 instead of the pipe 61. The pipe 68 extends from the interior of the large-capacity storage container 90 to a predetermined material supply position. The material supply position is a position where the modeling material is supplied to the temporary storage container 80, and is at the same height as the height of the supply port of the temporary storage container 80. The pipe 68 is, for example, a pipe that is not flexible and does not deform. As such, in this embodiment, the pipe 68 is used that cannot follow the movement of the temporary storage container 80, instead of the pipe 61 that can follow the movement of the temporary storage container 80.

[0092] In this embodiment, in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit, the unit movement control unit 13 controls the unit moving mechanism 40 to move the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 to the material supply position. That is, in response to the first sensor 71 detecting the first state, the unit movement control unit 13 moves the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 to the material supply position.

[0093] The discharge unit 30 moves together with the temporary storage container 80. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is necessary to interrupt the formation of the object when transporting the modeling material to the temporary storage container 80. The material transport control unit 15 starts transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 has moved to the material supply position.

[0094] Next, the material transport process executed by the modeling apparatus 100A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the material transport process interrupts the model generation process.

[0095] The processes from step S101 to step S105 are the same as those described in embodiment 1. If the control unit 10 determines that the remaining storage amount is not less than the lower limit amount (step S105: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101. If the control unit 10 determines that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S105: YES), the control unit 10 interrupts the formation of the object (step S105A).

[0096] For example, the control unit 10 stops the discharging of the modeling material by the discharging unit 30 and stops the movement of the discharging unit 30 by the unit moving mechanism 40. The control unit 10 stores interruption information indicating the state at the time of interruption in the storage unit 21. The interruption information is, for example, information indicating the layer and position of the model that was already modeled at the time of interruption. The interruption information is referenced when resuming modeling of the modeled object.

[0097] When the control unit 10 completes the process of step S105A, it moves the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 to the material supply position (step S105B). For example, the control unit 10 controls the unit moving mechanism 40 to move the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 to the material supply position so that the other end of the pipe 68 is inserted into the supply port of the temporary storage container 80. When the control unit 10 completes the process of step S105B, it starts transporting the modeling material (step S106).

[0098] The processes from step S106 to step S109 are as described in the first embodiment. When the control unit 10 completes the process of step S109, it resumes the formation of the object (step S110). For example, the control unit 10 refers to the interruption information stored in the storage unit 21 and resumes the formation of the object from the layer and position where the formation of the object was interrupted. When the control unit 10 completes the process of step S110, it returns the process to step S101.

[0099] In this embodiment, one end of the pipe 68 is disposed at a predetermined material supply position, and the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 moves to the material supply position when the modeling material is transported. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to make the one end of the pipe 68 follow the movement of the temporary storage container 80. The cost required for manufacturing and maintaining the pipe 68 is considered to be lower than the cost required for manufacturing and maintaining the pipe 61. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cost required for manufacturing, maintaining, etc. the material transport mechanism 60 can be reduced.

[0100] In this embodiment, in response to detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 80 to the discharge unit 30, the supply port of the temporary storage container 80 moves to the material supply position and starts conveying the modeling material. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to start conveying the modeling material at an appropriate timing.

[0101] (Variation) Although the embodiments have been described above, modifications and applications in various forms are possible. It is up to the discretion of the individual to adopt any of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configurations, functions, and operations, additional configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0102] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the modeling material is transported from the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80 after the remaining amount of modeling material in the temporary storage container 80 has run out. The modeling material may be transported from the large-capacity storage container 90 to the temporary storage container 80 before the remaining amount of modeling material in the temporary storage container 80 has run out. In this case, for example, instead of providing the first sensor 71 and the state-changing member 34 in the material input unit 31, a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor may be provided at the bottom of the temporary storage container 80.

[0103] In the first embodiment, a method for determining the timing to end the transport of the modeling material has been described using the detection result of the second sensor 72. The method for determining the timing to end the transport of the modeling material is not limited to this example. For example, the timing to end the transport of the modeling material may be determined to be the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the transport of the modeling material.

[0104] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the modeling material in the large-capacity storage container 90 is not stirred. The modeling material in the large-capacity storage container 90 may be stirred. For example, depending on the size of the resin pellets, which are the modeling material, it may be difficult to suck up the resin pellets in the large-capacity storage container 90. In this case, if the modeling material in the large-capacity storage container 90 is stirred when the resin pellets are transported, it is expected that the resin pellets will be easier to suck up. To achieve stirring, for example, a screw that rotates to stir the resin pellets, a motor that drives the screw rotation, etc. may be provided in the large-capacity storage container 90.

[0105] In the embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 10 executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 21 to function as each unit shown in FIG. 2 . However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 10 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 10 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized collectively by a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other functions may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 10 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0106] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 5 Resin pellets 10 Control Unit 11 Viscosity control section 12 Discharge control section 13 Unit movement control section 14 Table movement control section 15 Material transport control unit 21 Memory section 22 Display section 23 Operation reception section 24 Communications Department 30 Discharge unit 31 Material input section 31A Hollow part 32 barrels 33 nozzle 34 State-changing materials 35 Rotation axis 36 Rotating member 36A Partition 40 Unit movement mechanism 41 First unit movement mechanism 42 Second unit movement mechanism 43 First moving member 44 Second moving member 45 Support member 46 Fixing member 46A,80A,80B Opening part 50, 50A, 50B table movement mechanism 51 Table 60 Material transport mechanism 61, 61A, 61B, 62, 68 Piping 63 Delivery member 63A Space 64,65 Components 64A,65A protrusion 64B,65B,66A through hole 66 Joint 67 Valve 71 First Sensor 71A floodlight 71B Receiver 72 Second Sensor 73 Load Cell 74 Support member 80 Temporary storage container 90 Large Capacity Storage Containers 91 Container body 92 Lid 93 Measuring Table 100,100A molding device

Claims

1. A modeling apparatus that forms a model by stacking modeling materials, a large-capacity storage container for storing a large amount of the modeling material; a temporary storage container that temporarily stores the modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container; a dispensing unit that is movable together with the temporary storage container and that melts and dispenses the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container; a material transport mechanism that transports the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container to the temporary storage container when a remaining storage amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container is less than a lower limit amount. Modeling equipment.

2. the bulk storage container is positioned lower than the temporary storage container; the material conveying mechanism conveys the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container together with air to the temporary storage container using a pipe extending from inside the large-capacity storage container to a supply port of the temporary storage container; The molding apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. one end of the pipe is fixed to a supply port of the temporary storage container and is movable together with the temporary storage container; a material conveyance control unit that controls the material conveyance mechanism to start conveying the modeling material in response to detecting that the remaining amount of the modeling material is less than the lower limit amount; The molding apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. a state-changing member that is in a first state when the modeling material is not supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container, and that is in a second state different from the first state when the modeling material is supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container; a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member; the material transport control unit starts transporting the modeling material in response to the first sensor detecting the first state. The molding apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. One end of the pipe is disposed at a predetermined material supply position, a unit moving mechanism that moves the discharge unit together with the temporary storage container; a unit movement control unit that controls the unit movement mechanism to move a supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to detection that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount; a material transport control unit that starts transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the supply port of the temporary storage container has moved to the material supply position, The molding apparatus according to claim 2 .

6. a state-changing member that is in a first state when the modeling material is not supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container, and that is in a second state different from the first state when the modeling material is supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container; a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member; the unit movement control section moves a supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to the first sensor detecting the first state. The molding apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. a second sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the building material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container; the material transport control unit terminates transport of the modeling material in response to the second sensor detecting that the modeling material is present at the specific position. The molding apparatus according to claim 4 or 6.

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