Material discharge device, three-dimensional molding device, and injection molding device

Abstract

To provide a highly reliable material discharge device, a three-dimensional molding device, and an injection molding device.SOLUTION: A material discharge device includes: a plasticization part; a flow path that communicates with the plasticization part and through which a plasticized material flows; a suction and delivery part that has a cylinder connected to the flow path and a plunger 1000 moving within the cylinder, and that performs a suction operation of sucking the plasticized material into the cylinder and a delivery operation of delivering the plasticized material sucked into the cylinder to the flow path; and a nozzle having a nozzle hole communicating with the flow path and discharging the plasticized material. The plunger 1000 has a plunger pin 1100 and a plunger shaft 1200, the plunger pin 1100 having a first contact part 1110 that contacts the plunger shaft 1200, and the plunger shaft 1200 having a second contact part 1210 that contacts the plunger pin 1100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a material discharge device equipped with a suction and delivery section that has a plunger that moves within a cylinder and performs a suction operation to suck in plasticized material and a delivery operation to deliver the sucked plasticized material to a flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-33361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if there is any misalignment in the assembly of the components, the movement of the plunger may deteriorate, and the accuracy of the suction and delivery operation may decrease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The material discharge device has a plasticizing section that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticized material, a flow path connected to the plasticizing section and through which the plasticized material flows, a cylinder connected to the flow path, and a plunger that moves within the cylinder, and is equipped with a suction and delivery section that performs a suction operation to suck the plasticized material into the cylinder and a delivery operation to deliver the plasticized material sucked into the cylinder to the flow path, and a nozzle that communicates with the flow path and has a nozzle hole that discharges the plasticized material, and the plunger has a first member and a second member, the first member having a first contact portion that contacts the second member, and the second member having a second contact portion that contacts the first member.

[0006] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes the material discharging device described above and a modeling table that deposits the plasticized material discharged from the nozzle.

[0007] The injection molding apparatus includes the material discharge device described above and a mold clamping unit that opens and closes a mold into which the plasticized material is injected from the nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the material discharge device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a flat screw. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a plunger. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a plunger. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion A of the plunger shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the injection molding device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a plunger according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a plunger according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a plunger pin according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The configurations of the material discharging device 100, injection molding device 100A, and three-dimensional modeling device 100B will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, three mutually orthogonal axes will be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the "X-direction," the direction along the Y-axis as the "Y-direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as the "Z-direction." The direction of the arrow is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is referred to as the - direction. Note that a view from the +Z direction or the -Z direction is also referred to as a planar view or planar.

[0010] First, the configuration of a material discharge device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the material discharge device 100 includes a discharge unit 20 and a control unit 50.

[0012] The discharge unit 20 includes, for example, a plasticizing unit 60, a suction / delivery unit 70, and a nozzle 80. The discharge unit 20 discharges the plasticized material.

[0013] The plasticizing unit 60 is configured to plasticize the supplied material, generate a flowable, paste-like plasticized material, and guide the plasticized material to the suction delivery unit 70. The plasticizing unit 60 includes, for example, a screw case 62, a drive motor 64, a flat screw 110, a barrel 120, and a heater 130.

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

[0015] The screw case 62 is a housing that houses the flat screw 110. The flat screw 110 is housed in a space surrounded by the screw case 62 and the barrel 120.

[0016] The drive motor 64 is connected to the screw case 62. The drive motor 64 rotates the flat screw 110. The drive motor 64 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 is connected to the flat screw 110. The drive motor 64 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0017] The flat screw 110 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than its size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Y axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 64 causes the flat screw 110 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0018] The flat screw 110 has a motor side surface 111 on the drive motor 64 side, a groove forming surface 112 on the opposite side to the motor side surface 111, and a connection surface 113 connected to the groove forming surface 112.

[0019] The control unit 50 is configured by, for example, a computer having a processor, a main memory device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals from and to the outside. The control unit 50 performs various functions by, for example, having the processor execute a program loaded into the main memory device.

[0020] The heater 130 is provided in the barrel 120. The heater 130 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 110 and the barrel 120. The heater 130 heats the material supplied to the first groove 114 (see FIG. 2). The heater 130 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0021] As described above, the plasticization section 60 uses the flat screw 110, barrel 120, and heater 130 to heat the material while transporting it toward the flow path 126 to produce a plasticized material, and then the plasticized material flows out of the flow path 126 to the suction delivery section 70.

[0022] The suction delivery unit 70 includes, for example, a cylinder 72, a plunger 1000, and a plunger drive unit 76.

[0023] The cylinder 72 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the flow path 126. The plunger 1000 is disposed to control the amount of plasticized material discharged, and moves inside the cylinder 72.

[0024] The plunger 1000 is driven by a plunger driving unit 76 that includes a motor, gears, etc. A plunger shaft 1200 (see FIG. 6 ) is connected to the plunger driving unit 76, for example, and converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion. The plunger driving unit 76 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0025] The suction and delivery unit 70 performs suction and delivery operations by sliding the plunger 1000 within the cylinder 72. The suction operation is an operation in which the plunger 1000 is moved in the -X axis direction away from the flow path 126, thereby guiding the plasticized material located in the flow path 126 into the cylinder 72. The delivery operation is an operation in which the plunger 1000 is moved in the +X axis direction toward the flow path 126, thereby delivering the plasticized material in the cylinder 72 through the nozzle 80.

[0026] The nozzle 80 has a nozzle hole 82 formed therein, which is in communication with the flow path 126. The nozzle 80 discharges the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing unit 60. Specifically, by performing the above-described suction operation and delivery operation, the plasticized material sucked into the cylinder 72 is delivered from the suction delivery unit 70 to the nozzle hole 82 via the flow path 126. The plasticized material is then discharged from the nozzle hole 82.

[0027] Next, a specific configuration of the flat screw 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. For convenience, Fig. 2 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in Fig. 3.

[0028] 2, a first groove 114 is formed on the groove forming surface 112 of the flat screw 110. The first groove 114 has a spiral shape. The first groove 114 has, for example, a central portion 115, a connecting portion 116, and a material introduction portion 117.

[0029] The central portion 115 faces a flow path 126 formed in the barrel 120. The central portion 115 communicates with the flow path 126.

[0030] The connecting portion 116 connects the central portion 115 and the material introduction portion 117. The connecting portion 116 is formed in a spiral shape from the central portion 115 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 112. The material introduction portion 117 is formed on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 112. In other words, the material introduction portion 117 is formed on the connecting surface 113 of the flat screw 110.

[0031] The material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is introduced from the material introduction section 117 into the first groove 114, and is transported through the connection section 116 and the central section 115 to the flow path 126 formed in the barrel 120. In this embodiment, two first grooves 114 are formed. Note that the number of first grooves 114 is not particularly limited. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 114 may be formed, or only one first groove 114 may be formed.

[0032] 3, the barrel 120 is provided opposite the flat screw 110. The barrel 120 has an opposing surface 122 that faces the groove-forming surface 112 of the flat screw 110. The opposing surface 122 faces the groove-forming surface 112 in the Y-axis direction. A flow path 126 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 122.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the barrel 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] 3, second grooves 124 and flow paths 126 are formed in the opposing surface 122 of the barrel 120. A plurality of second grooves 124 are formed.

[0035] In this embodiment, six second grooves 124 are formed. Note that there is no particular limitation on the number of second grooves 124. The multiple second grooves 124 are formed around the flow path 126 when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0036] One end of the second groove 124 is connected to the flow path 126, and extends in a spiral shape from the flow path 126 toward the outer periphery of the opposing surface 122. The second groove 124 has the function of guiding the plasticized material to the flow path 126. The plasticized material flows into the flow path 126. The flow path 126 causes the plasticized material that has flowed in to flow out of the barrel 120.

[0037] The shape of the second groove 124 is not particularly limited, and may be linear, for example. One end of the second groove 124 does not have to be connected to the flow path 126. Furthermore, the second groove 124 does not have to be formed on the opposing surface 122. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized material to the flow path 126, it is preferable that the second groove 124 be formed on the opposing surface 122.

[0038] 3, the heater 130 is provided in the barrel 120. The heater 130 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 110 and the barrel 120. The heater 130 heats the material supplied to the first groove 114. The heater 130 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0039] The plasticization section 60 uses the flat screw 110, barrel 120, and heater 130 to heat the material while transporting it toward the flow path 126 to produce a plasticized material, and then the plasticized material flows out of the flow path 126 to the suction delivery section 70.

[0040] The suction and delivery unit 70 has, for example, a cylinder 72, a plunger 1000, and a plunger driver 76. The cylinder 72 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the flow path 126. The plunger 1000 moves inside the cylinder 72. The plunger 1000 is driven by the plunger driver 76, which is composed of a motor, gears, and the like. The plunger driver 76 is controlled by the control unit 50. The cylinder 72 may be connected to a flow path downstream of the flow path 126.

[0041] The suction and delivery unit 70 performs metering and injection operations by sliding the plunger 1000 within the cylinder 72. The metering operation refers to the operation of guiding the plasticized material located in the flow path 126 into the cylinder 72 by moving the plunger 1000 in the -X-axis direction away from the flow path 126, and measuring the material within the cylinder 72. The injection operation refers to the operation of injecting the plasticized material in the cylinder 72 into the mold unit 30 through the nozzle 80 by moving the plunger 1000 in the +X-axis direction approaching the flow path 126.

[0042] The nozzle 80 is formed with a nozzle hole 82 that communicates with the flow path 126. The nozzle 80 injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing section 60 toward the forming die 32 of the molding section 30. Specifically, by performing the above-described metering operation and injection operation, the plasticized material measured in the cylinder 72 is sent from the suction and delivery section 70 through the flow path 126 to the nozzle hole 82. The plasticized material is then injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the molding section 30.

[0043] The mold section 30 has a molding die 32. The plasticized material sent to the nozzle hole 82 is injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the cavity 34 of the molding die 32. Specifically, the molding die 32 has a movable die 36 and a fixed die 38 that face each other, and the cavity 34 is formed between the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38. The cavity 34 is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product. The movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 are made of metal. However, the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 may also be made of ceramic or resin.

[0044] The mold clamping unit 40 has, for example, a mold drive unit 42 and a ball screw unit 44. The mold drive unit 42 is composed of, for example, a motor, gears, etc. The mold drive unit 42 is connected to the movable mold 36 via the ball screw unit 44. The mold drive unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 50. The ball screw unit 44 transmits power generated by the drive of the mold drive unit 42 to the movable mold 36. The mold clamping unit 40 opens and closes the mold unit 30 by moving the movable mold 36 using the mold drive unit 42 and the ball screw unit 44.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the plunger 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the plunger 1000 has a plunger pin 1100 as a first member and a plunger shaft 1200 as a second member, and the plunger pin 1100 and the plunger shaft 1200 are arranged in contact with each other.

[0047] 7 and 8, the plunger pin 1100 has a first contact portion 1110 that contacts the plunger shaft 1200. On the other hand, the plunger shaft 1200 has a second contact portion 1210 that contacts the plunger pin 1100.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the plunger 1000 has a fastening nut 1300 as a covering portion that covers the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210. As shown in FIGS.

[0049] Specifically, the fastening nut 1300 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and has an opening hole 1320 formed in a flat surface 1310 that closes one opening of the cylindrical shape. The pin 1120 of the plunger pin 1100 is inserted into the opening hole 1320.

[0050] 7 and 8, the first contact portion 1110 of the plunger pin 1100 is spherical. The second contact portion 1210 of the plunger shaft 1200, i.e., the end portion, is flat. In other words, the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact.

[0051] A thread (not shown) is formed on the outer periphery 1220 of the plunger shaft 1200 on the second contact portion 1210 side. A thread (not shown) is formed on the inner periphery 1330 of the fastening nut 1300 on the other opening side.

[0052] That is, the plunger pin 1100 is inserted into the fastening nut 1300 from the pin 1120 side and passed through the opening 1320, and the plunger shaft 1200 and the fastening nut 1300 are tightened together via a screw. As a result, the first contact portion 1110 of the plunger pin 1100 comes into contact with the edge 1321 of the opening 1320 of the fastening nut 1300 and the second contact portion 1210 of the plunger shaft 1200, thereby fixing the plunger pin 1100, the plunger shaft 1200, and the fastening nut 1300 together.

[0053] In this way, since the plunger 1000 is composed of the plunger pin 1100 and the plunger shaft 1200, when the plunger 1000 moves inside the cylinder 72, it is possible to suppress the influence of misalignment of the parts related to the plunger 1000 compared to when the plunger 1000 is composed of a single part, for example, and it is possible to perform the suction operation and delivery operation of the plunger 1000 with high precision. This allows the plasticized material to be discharged with high precision.

[0054] Furthermore, since the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact, even if there is an assembly misalignment in the parts related to the plunger 1000, the position of the point contact can move, making it possible to mitigate the effects of the misalignment, and the suction and delivery operations of the plunger 1000 can be performed with precision.

[0055] 8, the first contact portion 1110 of the plunger pin 1100 contacts the edge 1321 of the opening 1320 of the fastening nut 1300, thereby suppressing the influence of misalignment of the components associated with the plunger 1000 when assembling them. In addition, because the second contact portion 1210 has a flat shape, it does not need to be formed into a spherical shape like the first contact portion 1110, and the contact portion can be formed relatively easily.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction and delivery unit 70 has a holder 200. The holder 200 holds the plunger 1000 in a cantilevered manner. When the plunger 1000 is held in a cantilevered manner by the holder 200 in this manner, it is difficult to align the central axis of the plunger 1000 with the central axis of the cylinder 72, which tends to increase sliding resistance. However, because the plunger 1000 is made up of multiple parts, the impact of misalignment of the parts related to the plunger 1000 can be reduced compared to when the plunger 1000 is made up of a single part, for example.

[0057] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the configuration of an injection molding apparatus 100A to which the above-described material discharging apparatus 100 is applied will be described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, the injection molding apparatus 100A includes an injection section 20A, a mold section 30, a mold clamping section 40, a control section 50, and a plasticizing section 60.

[0059] The plasticizing section 60 plasticizes the supplied material to form a plasticized material. The injection section 20A injects the plasticized material toward the mold section 30.

[0060] A cavity 34 corresponding to the shape of the molded product is formed in the mold section 30. The plasticized material injected from the injection section 20A flows into the cavity 34. The plasticized material is then cooled and solidified, producing the molded product.

[0061] The mold clamping unit 40 opens and closes the mold unit 30. After the plasticized material has cooled and solidified, the mold clamping unit 40 opens the mold unit 30, thereby ejecting the molded product to the outside. The control unit 50 controls the injection unit 20A and the mold clamping unit 40.

[0062] The injection section 20A includes, for example, a plasticizing section 60, an injection mechanism 70A, and a nozzle 80.

[0063] The plasticizing unit 60 is configured to plasticize the supplied material, generate a fluid, paste-like plasticized material, and guide the plasticized material to the injection mechanism 70A. The plasticizing unit 60 includes, for example, a screw case 62, a drive motor 64, a flat screw 110, a barrel 120, and a heater 130.

[0064] The plasticizing section 60 uses the flat screw 110, barrel 120, and heater 130 to heat the material while transporting it toward the flow path 126 to produce a plasticized material, and then the plasticized material flows out of the flow path 126 to the injection mechanism 70A.

[0065] The injection mechanism 70A has, for example, a cylinder 72, a plunger 1000, and a plunger driver 76. The cylinder 72 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the flow path 126. The plunger 1000 moves inside the cylinder 72. The plunger 1000 is driven by the plunger driver 76, which is composed of a motor, gears, etc. The plunger driver 76 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0066] The injection mechanism 70A performs a suction operation and a delivery operation by sliding the plunger 1000 within the cylinder 72. The suction operation refers to an operation of guiding the plasticized material located in the flow path 126 into the cylinder 72 by moving the plunger 1000 in the -X axis direction away from the flow path 126. The delivery operation refers to an operation of injecting the plasticized material in the cylinder 72 into the mold section 30 via the nozzle 80 by moving the plunger 1000 in the +X axis direction approaching the flow path 126.

[0067] The nozzle 80 is formed with a nozzle hole 82 that communicates with the flow path 126. The nozzle 80 injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing section 60 toward the forming die 32 of the mold section 30. Specifically, by performing the above-described suction operation and delivery operation, the plasticized material sucked into the cylinder 72 is sent from the injection mechanism 70A to the nozzle hole 82 via the flow path 126. The plasticized material is then injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the mold section 30.

[0068] The mold section 30 has a molding die 32. The plasticized material sent to the nozzle hole 82 is injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the cavity 34 of the molding die 32. Specifically, the molding die 32 has a movable die 36 and a fixed die 38 that face each other, and the cavity 34 is formed between the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38. The cavity 34 is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product. The movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 are made of metal. However, the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 may also be made of ceramic or resin.

[0069] The mold clamping unit 40 has, for example, a mold drive unit 42 and a ball screw unit 44. The mold drive unit 42 is composed of, for example, a motor, gears, etc. The mold drive unit 42 is connected to the movable mold 36 via the ball screw unit 44. The mold drive unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 50. The ball screw unit 44 transmits power generated by the drive of the mold drive unit 42 to the movable mold 36. The mold clamping unit 40 opens and closes the mold unit 30 by moving the movable mold 36 using the mold drive unit 42 and the ball screw unit 44.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100B to which the above-described material discharging apparatus 100 is applied will be described.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 10, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100B includes, for example, a material supply unit 10, a control unit 50, a plasticizing unit 60, a nozzle 80, a modeling table 210, and a position changing unit 220. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100B is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that uses the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) (registered trademark) method. For convenience, the material discharging device 100 is simplified in Fig. 10.

[0072] The material supply unit 10 supplies the material to the plasticizing section 60 via the supply path 202. The plasticizing section 60 plasticizes the material to generate a plasticized material.

[0073] The nozzle 80 discharges the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing unit 60 toward the modeling table 210. Specifically, the three-dimensional modeling device 100B drives the position changing unit 220 to change the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the modeling table 210 while discharging the plasticizing material from the nozzle 80 toward the modeling table 210. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling device 100B forms a three-dimensional object having a desired shape on the modeling table 210.

[0074] The modeling table 210 is provided below the nozzle 80. The modeling table 210 supports the plasticized material discharged from the nozzle 80. The modeling table 210 has a deposition surface 212 on which the plasticized material is deposited.

[0075] The material of the shaping table 210 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum. The shaping table 210 may be composed of a metal plate and an adhesive sheet attached to the metal plate. In this case, the deposition surface 212 is composed of the adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheet can improve adhesion between the shaping table 210 and the plasticized material discharged from the nozzle 80.

[0076] The position changer 220 supports the modeling table 210. The position changer 220 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the modeling table 210. In the illustrated example, the position changer 220 moves the modeling table 210 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the modeling table 210 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the position changer 220 moves the nozzle 80 in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the modeling table 210 in the Z-axis direction.

[0077] The position changing unit 220 has, for example, a first electric actuator 222, a second electric actuator 224, and a third electric actuator 226. The first electric actuator 222 moves the modeling table 210 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 224 moves the modeling table 210 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 226 moves the nozzle 80 in the Z-axis direction. The third electric actuator 226 supports, for example, the screw case 62 of the plasticizing unit 60. The plunger 1000 described above is disposed in the screw case 62.

[0078] The configuration of the position changer 220 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the modeling table 210. For example, the position changer 220 may be configured to move the modeling table 210 in the Z-axis direction and move the nozzle 80 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, or may be configured to move the modeling table 210 or the nozzle 80 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0079] As described above, the material discharge device 100 of this embodiment has a plasticizing section 60 that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticized material, a flow path 126 that is connected to the plasticizing section 60 and through which the plasticized material flows, a cylinder 72 connected to the flow path 126, and a plunger 1000 that moves within the cylinder 72.The material discharge device 100 is also equipped with a suction and delivery section 70 that performs a suction operation to suck the plasticized material into the cylinder 72 and a delivery operation to deliver the plasticized material sucked into the cylinder 72 to the flow path 126, and a nozzle 80 that is connected to the flow path 126 and has a nozzle hole 82 that discharges the plasticized material.The plunger 1000 has a plunger pin 1100 and a plunger shaft 1200.The plunger pin 1100 has a first contact portion 1110 that contacts the plunger shaft 1200, and the plunger shaft 1200 has a second contact portion 1210 that contacts the plunger pin 1100.

[0080] According to this configuration, the plunger 1000 is composed of the plunger pin 1100 and the plunger shaft 1200. Therefore, when the plunger 1000 moves within the cylinder 72, the influence of misalignment of the components related to the plunger 1000 can be reduced compared to when the plunger 1000 is composed of a single component. Specifically, the inclination of the components related to the plunger 1000 can be absorbed. Therefore, the suction and delivery operations of the plunger 1000 can be performed with high precision, and the plasticized material can be discharged with high precision.

[0081] Furthermore, in the material discharging device 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact. With this configuration, since the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact, even if there is an assembly misalignment in the parts related to the plunger 1000, the position of the point contact can be moved, thereby mitigating the effect of the misalignment, and the suction operation and delivery operation of the plunger 1000 can be performed with high accuracy.

[0082] Furthermore, in the material discharging device 100 of this embodiment, the plunger 1000 preferably has a fastening nut 1300 that covers the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210, and the first contact portion 1110 preferably contacts the fastening nut 1300. With this configuration, the plunger 1000 is made up of the plunger pin 1100, the plunger shaft 1200, and the fastening nut 1300. Therefore, compared to when the plunger 1000 is made up of a single part, for example, it is possible to suppress the influence of misalignment of the parts related to the plunger 1000, and the suction and delivery operations of the plunger 1000 can be performed with high accuracy.

[0083] Furthermore, in the material discharging device 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that at least one of the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 is spherical. With this configuration, because the first contact portion 1110 or the second contact portion 1210 is spherical, the portion where the plunger pin 1100 and the plunger shaft 1200 come into contact is a point contact, and even if there is an assembly misalignment in the parts related to the plunger 1000, the position of the point contact can be moved, thereby mitigating the influence of the misalignment, and the suction operation and delivery operation of the plunger 1000 can be performed with high accuracy.

[0084] Furthermore, in the material discharging device 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that one of the first contact portion 1110 and the fastening nut 1300 has a flat surface, and the first contact portion 1110 and the fastening nut 1300 contact each other at the flat surface. With this configuration, the first contact portion 1110 and the fastening nut 1300 contact each other at the flat surface provided on one of them, so that the contact portion can be formed relatively easily compared to, for example, a case where both the first contact portion 1110 and the fastening nut 1300 include an arc shape.

[0085] Furthermore, in the material discharging device 100 of this embodiment, the suction and delivery unit 70 preferably has a holder 200 that holds the plunger 1000, and the holder 200 preferably holds the plunger 1000 in a cantilevered manner. With this configuration, even when the plunger 1000 is held in a cantilevered manner by the holder 200, the plunger 1000 is made up of multiple parts, and therefore, the influence of misalignment of the parts related to the plunger 1000 can be reduced compared to when the plunger 1000 is made up of a single part, for example.

[0086] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100B of this embodiment includes the material discharging apparatus 100 described above and a modeling table 210 that deposits the plasticized material discharged from the nozzle 80. This configuration makes it possible to provide the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100B that can discharge the plasticized material with high precision.

[0087] Furthermore, the injection molding apparatus 100A of this embodiment includes the material discharge apparatus 100 described above and a mold clamping unit 40 that opens and closes the molding die 32 into which the plasticized material is injected from the nozzle 80. This configuration makes it possible to provide an injection molding apparatus 100A that can inject the plasticized material with high precision.

[0088] Modifications of the above-described embodiment will now be described.

[0089] As described above, the shape of the first contact portion 1110 of the plunger pin 1100 is not limited to a spherical shape and may be, for example, the shape shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the modified plunger 1000A has a plunger pin 1100A, a plunger shaft 1200, and a fastening nut 1300.

[0090] The plunger pin 1100A has a first contact portion 1110A and a pin 1120. The first contact portion 1110A has an arc portion 1111A and an inclined surface portion 1112A. The plunger shaft 1200 and the fastening nut 1300 have the same structure as the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0091] The tip of the arc portion 1111A of the first contact portion 1110A comes into point contact with the second contact portion 1210 of the plunger shaft 1200. Also, the inclined surface portion 1112A of the first contact portion 1110A comes into point contact with the edge 1321 of the opening hole 1320 of the fastening nut 1300.

[0092] Thus, according to the plunger 1000A of the modified example, as in the above embodiment, the first contact portion 1110A and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact, and further, the first contact portion 1110A is in point contact with the fastening nut 1300. Therefore, even if there is an assembly misalignment in the parts related to the plunger 1000A, the position of the point contact can be moved, thereby mitigating the influence of the misalignment. Therefore, the suction operation and delivery operation of the plunger 1000A can be performed with high accuracy.

[0093] Alternatively, a plunger 1000B may be configured as shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12, the modified plunger 1000B includes a plunger pin 1100B, a plunger shaft 1200, and a fastening nut 1300B.

[0094] The plunger pin 1100B has a first contact portion 1110B and a pin 1120. The first contact portion 1110B has an arc portion 1111B and a cylindrical portion 1112B. One side of the cylindrical portion 1112B has an edge portion 1113B. The plunger shaft 1200 is similar to the plunger shaft 1200 shown in FIG. 7. The fastening nut 1300B has an opening hole 1320B in an inclined surface 1310B, which is a flat surface that closes one opening of the cylindrical shape. The pin 1120 of the plunger pin 1100B is inserted into the opening hole 1320.

[0095] The arc portion 1111B of the first contact portion 1110B is similar to the arc portion 1111A of the modified example described above. The tip of the arc portion 1111B comes into point contact with the second contact portion 1210 of the plunger shaft 1200. The edge 1113B of the cylindrical portion 1112B comes into point contact with the inclined surface 1310B.

[0096] Thus, according to the modified plunger 1000B, as in the above modified example, the arc portion 1111B and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact, and further, the edge portion 1113B of the cylindrical portion 1112B and the fastening nut 1300B are in point contact. Therefore, even if there is an assembly misalignment in the parts related to the plunger 1000B, the position of point contact can move, thereby mitigating the effects of the misalignment.

[0097] As described above, the first contact portion 1110 is not limited to being formed in a spherical shape or including the arc portion 1111B, and may be a polygonal shape formed only of straight lines, as shown in Fig. 13. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, the plunger pin 1100C of the modified example has a first contact portion 1110C including a polygonal pyramidal portion 1111C that contacts the second contact portion 1210, a polygonal column portion 1112C, and a polygonal pyramidal portion 1113C.

[0098] In this way, the first contact portion 1110C is configured without including a spherical shape or an arc shape, and therefore the first contact portion 1110C can be formed relatively easily.

[0099] As described above, in the modified material dispensing device 100, at least one of the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 is preferably polygonal. With this configuration, because the first contact portion 1110 or the second contact portion 1210 is polygonal, the contact portion between the plunger pin 1100 and the plunger shaft 1200 forms a point contact. Even if there is an assembly misalignment of the components related to the plunger 1000, the position of the point contact can be moved, thereby mitigating the effects of the misalignment, and the suction and delivery operations of the plunger 1000 can be performed with high precision. Furthermore, because the shape is polygonal, it is easier to process than, for example, a spherical shape.

[0100] As described above, the first contact portion 1110 of the plunger pin 1100 is not limited to being spherical, as long as the first contact portion 1110 and the second contact portion 1210 are in point contact, and the second contact portion 1210 may be spherical and the first contact portion 1110 may have a flat surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10...material supply unit, 20...discharge section, 20A...injection section, 30...mold section, 32...molding mold, 34...cavity, 36...movable mold, 38...fixed mold, 40...mold clamping section, 42...mold drive section, 44...ball screw section, 50...control section, 60...plasticizing section, 62...screw case, 64...drive motor, 66...shaft, 70...suction delivery section, 70A...injection mechanism, 72...cylinder, 76...plunger drive section, 80...nozzle, 82...nozzle hole, 100...material discharge device, 100A...injection molding device, 100B...three-dimensional modeling device, 110...flat screw, 111...motor side surface, 112...groove forming surface, 113...connection surface, 114...first groove, 115...center portion, 116...connection portion, 117...material introduction portion, 120...barrel, 122...opposing surface, 124...second groove, 126...flow path, 130...heater, 200...holding portion, 202...supply path, 210...forming Form table, 212... deposition surface, 220... position change portion, 222... first electric actuator, 224... second electric actuator, 226... third electric actuator, 1000, 1000A, 1000B... plunger, 1100, 1100A, 1100B, 1100C... plunger pin as first member, 1110, 1110A, 1110B, 1110C... first contact portion, 1111A, 1111B... circle Arc portion, 1111C...polygonal pyramidal portion, 1112A...inclined surface portion, 1112B...cylindrical portion, 1112C...polygonal column portion, 1113B...edge portion, 1113C...polygonal pyramidal portion, 1120...pin, 1200...plunger shaft as second member, 1210...second contact portion, 1220...outer circumference, 1300, 1300B...fastening nut, 1310...flat surface, 1310B...inclined surface, 1320...opening hole, 1321...edge, 1330...inner circumference.

Claims

1. a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path communicating with the plasticizing section through which the plasticizing material flows; a suction and delivery unit having a cylinder connected to the flow path and a plunger moving within the cylinder, the suction and delivery unit performing a suction operation of sucking the plasticized material into the cylinder and a delivery operation of delivering the plasticized material sucked into the cylinder to the flow path; a nozzle communicating with the flow path and having a nozzle hole for discharging the plasticizing material; Equipped with The plunger has a first member and a second member, the first member has a first contact portion that contacts the second member, The second member has a second contact portion that contacts the first member.

2. 2. The material dispensing device according to claim 1, The material discharging device, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are in point contact.

3. 2. The material dispensing device according to claim 1, the plunger has a covering portion that covers the first contact portion and the second contact portion, The material discharging device, wherein the first contact portion contacts the covering portion.

4. 3. The material dispensing device according to claim 2, At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is spherical.

5. 3. The material dispensing device according to claim 2, At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has a polygonal shape.

6. 4. The material dispensing device according to claim 3, one of the first contact portion and the covering portion has a flat surface; The material discharging device, wherein the first contact portion and the covering portion are in contact with each other at the plane.

7. 2. The material dispensing device according to claim 1, the suction delivery unit has a holding unit that holds the plunger, The material discharging device, wherein the holding portion holds the plunger in a cantilevered manner.

8. The material ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a modeling table that deposits the plasticized material discharged from the nozzle; A three-dimensional printing apparatus comprising:

9. The material ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a mold clamping unit that opens and closes a molding die into which the plasticized material is injected from the nozzle; An injection molding apparatus comprising:

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