Three dimensional shaping apparatus

Abstract

To provide a three dimensional shaping apparatus which easily transfers heat of a heating part to a tip of a nozzle.SOLUTION: A plasticizing unit that plasticizes a material to generate a plasticized material, a flow path forming portion that communicates with the plasticizing unit and has a flow path through which the plasticized material flows, a nozzle that is coupled to the flow path forming portion and discharges the plasticized material, and a heating unit that is provided in the flow path forming portion and heats the plasticized material, in which the nozzle has an introduction port that communicates with the flow path and introduces the plasticized material, and a discharge port that communicates with the introduction port and discharges the plasticized material, A length of the nozzle in a direction orthogonal to a direction of a center line passing through a center of the introduction port and a center of the discharge port is twice or more a length of the nozzle in the direction of the center line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Three-dimensional modeling apparatuses are known that eject plasticized material from a nozzle onto a stage and harden it to form a three-dimensional object.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a three-dimensional modeling device that includes a nozzle portion that ejects material, a main body portion that has a flow path for the material and to which the nozzle portion is attached, and a platform on which the material ejected from the nozzle portion is deposited. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-107401 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described three-dimensional modeling device, depending on the shape of the nozzle portion, the heat from the heating portion that heats the material may not be easily transmitted to the tip of the nozzle portion, and the temperature at the tip of the nozzle portion may drop below a temperature appropriate for discharging the material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path forming section communicating with the plasticizing section and having a flow path through which the plasticizing material flows; a nozzle connected to the flow path forming portion and configured to discharge the plasticizing material; a heating section provided in the flow path forming section and configured to heat the plasticizing material; Including, The nozzle is an inlet communicating with the flow path and for introducing the plasticizing material; a discharge port communicating with the inlet and discharging the plasticizing material; and The length of the nozzle in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a center line passing through the center of the inlet and the center of the outlet is at least twice the length in the direction of the center line.

[0007] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path forming section communicating with the plasticizing section and having a flow path through which the plasticizing material flows; a nozzle connected to the flow path forming portion and configured to discharge the plasticizing material; a heating section provided in the flow path forming section and configured to heat the plasticizing material; Including, The nozzle is an inlet communicating with the flow path and for introducing the plasticizing material; a discharge port communicating with the inlet and discharging the plasticizing material; and All of the side surfaces of the nozzle are located outside a cone having a vertex at the center of the discharge port, a height equal to the distance between the center of the inlet port and the center of the discharge port, and a right apex angle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a nozzle unit and a stage of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a nozzle unit of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a nozzle unit of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a nozzle unit of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the results of a simulation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0010] 1. Three-dimensional printing equipment 1.1. Overall structure First, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes, for example, a discharge unit 10, a stage 20, a position change unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0012] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 drives the position changing unit 30 to change the relative position between the discharge unit 10 and the stage 20 while discharging the plasticized material from the discharge unit 10 toward the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 forms a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that uses FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) (registered trademark).

[0013] Although not shown, a plurality of discharge units 10 may be provided. For example, two discharge units 10 may be provided. In this case, both of the two discharge units 10 may discharge the plasticizing material that constitutes the three-dimensional object, or one may discharge the plasticizing material and the other may discharge the support material that supports the three-dimensional object. The two discharge units 10 may be aligned in the X-axis direction.

[0014] The discharge section 10 has, for example, a material storage section 110, a plasticizing section 120, and a nozzle unit 160. For convenience, the nozzle unit 160 is shown in a simplified form in FIG.

[0015] The material storage unit 110 stores pellet-shaped or powder-shaped materials. The material storage unit 110 supplies the materials to the plasticizing unit 120. The material storage unit 110 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material stored in the material storage unit 110 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0016] The material storage section 110 and the plasticizing section 120 are connected by a supply path 112 provided below the material storage section 110. The material introduced into the material storage section 110 is supplied to the plasticizing section 120 via the supply path 112.

[0017] The plasticizing unit 120 has, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a heating unit 150. The plasticizing unit 120 plasticizes the solid material supplied from the material storage unit 110 to generate a paste-like plasticized material having fluidity, and supplies the paste-like plasticized material to the nozzle unit 160.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The screw case 122 is a housing that houses the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in the space surrounded by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0020] The drive motor 124 is provided on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The drive motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 is connected to an upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The drive motor 124 is controlled by the control unit 40. Although not shown, the shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reducer.

[0021] The flat screw 130 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than its size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0022] The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the flat screw 130. For convenience, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, a first groove 134 is formed in the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 146. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the example shown, the connecting portion 136 is provided in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. In other words, the material introduction portion 137 is provided on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. The material supplied from the material reservoir 110 is introduced into the first groove 134 from the material introduction section 137, and is transported through the connection section 136 and the central section 135 to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. For example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0024] There is no particular limitation on the number of first grooves 134. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 134 may be formed, or only one first groove 134 may be formed.

[0025] Although not shown, the plasticizing unit 120 may have a long in-line screw with a spiral groove on its side instead of the flat screw 130. The plasticizing unit 120 may then plasticize the material by rotating the in-line screw. However, in consideration of miniaturization of the device, it is preferable to use the flat screw 130.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrel 140 is provided below the flat screw 130. The barrel 140 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. A communication hole 146 that communicates with the first groove 134 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. Here, Fig. 3 is a plan view that schematically shows the barrel 140.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3 , second grooves 144 and communication holes 146 are formed in the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number of second grooves 144 is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 144 are formed around the communication holes 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of each second groove 144 is connected to the communication holes 146, and the second grooves 144 extend in a spiral shape from the communication holes 146 toward the outer periphery of the barrel 140. The second grooves 144 have the function of guiding the plasticized plasticized material to the communication holes 146.

[0028] The shape of second groove 144 is not particularly limited, and may be linear, for example. One end of second groove 144 does not have to be connected to communicating hole 146. Furthermore, second groove 144 does not have to be formed on opposing surface 142. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized material to communicating hole 146, second groove 144 is preferably formed on opposing surface 142.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , the heating section 150 is provided in the barrel 140. The heating section 150 is a heater. The heating section 150 is, for example, a rod heater. The heating section 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The output of the heating section 150 is controlled by the control section 40. The plasticizing section 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communicating hole 146 using the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the heating section 150, thereby generating a plasticized material. The plasticizing section 120 then causes the generated plasticized material to flow out of the communicating hole 146. Note that the heating section 150 may have a ring-like shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The plasticizing material is supplied to the nozzle unit 160 through the communication hole 146. The nozzle unit 160 ejects the supplied plasticizing material toward the stage 20. Details of the nozzle unit 160 will be described later.

[0031] The stage 20 is provided below the nozzle unit 160. In the illustrated example, the shape of the stage 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The stage 20 has a deposition surface 22 on which the plasticized material is deposited. The deposition surface 22 is an area on the upper surface of the stage 20. The material of the stage 20 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum.

[0032] The position changer 30 supports the stage 20. The position changer 30 changes the relative position between the discharge unit 10 and the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the position changer 30 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle unit 160 and the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the position changer 30 moves the discharge unit 10 in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle unit 160 and the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] The position changing unit 30 has, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, and a third electric actuator 36. The first electric actuator 32 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 34 moves the stage 20 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 36 moves the discharge unit 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0034] The configuration of the position changer 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the relative positions of the discharger 10 and the stage 20. For example, the position changer 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction and move the discharger 10 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Alternatively, the position changer 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 or the discharger 10 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0035] The control unit 40 is configured, for example, by a computer having a processor, a main memory device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals from and to the outside. The control unit 40 performs various functions, for example, by the processor executing a program loaded into the main memory device. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the discharge unit 10 and the position change unit 30. Note that the control unit 40 may be configured not by a computer but by a combination of multiple circuits.

[0036] 1.2. Nozzle unit FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the nozzle unit 160 and the stage 20. As shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle unit 160 includes, for example, a flow path forming portion 162, a butterfly valve 164, a pressure sensor 166, a heating portion 168, and a nozzle 170.

[0038] The flow path forming portion 162 is connected to the barrel 140. The shape of the flow path forming portion 162 is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The material of the flow path forming portion 162 is, for example, SUS (Steel Use Stainless).

[0039] The flow path forming section 162 has a flow path 163. The flow path 163 communicates with the plasticizing section 120. Specifically, the flow path 163 communicates with the communication hole 146 of the barrel 140. The plasticized material from the plasticizing section 120 flows through the flow path 163.

[0040] The butterfly valve 164 is provided in the flow path 163. The butterfly valve 164 adjusts the flow rate of the plasticizing material flowing through the flow path 163. The butterfly valve 164 is driven by a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit is controlled by the control unit 40.

[0041] The pressure sensor 166 is provided in the flow path forming portion 162. The pressure sensor 166 detects the pressure in the flow path 163. Information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 166 is transmitted to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 adjusts the butterfly valve 164, for example, based on the received pressure information.

[0042] The heating unit 168 is provided in the flow path forming unit 162. The heating unit 168 is, for example, a heater. The heating unit 168 may be a rod heater or a ring-shaped heater. In the example shown in the figure, the heating unit 168 is a rod heater, and the flow path 163 is provided between two heating units 168.

[0043] The heating section 168 is located closer to the nozzle 170 than the plasticizing section 120. That is, the distance D1 between the nozzle 170 and the heating section 168 is smaller than the distance D2 between the plasticizing section 120 and the heating section 168. The heating section 168 heats the flow path forming section 162 and the nozzle 170, thereby heating the plasticizing material. The output of the heating section 168 is controlled by the control section 40. The set temperature of the heating section 168 may be higher than the set temperature of the heating section 150 of the plasticizing section 120.

[0044] The nozzle 170 is connected to the flow path forming portion 162. The nozzle 170 is, for example, detachable from the flow path forming portion 162. This allows the nozzle 170 to be replaced if it deteriorates. The thermal conductivity of the nozzle 170 is, for example, higher than the thermal conductivity of the flow path forming portion 162. The material of the nozzle 170 is, for example, a metal such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or platinum (Pt).

[0045] The nozzle 170 discharges the plasticizing material. The nozzle 170 has a nozzle hole 172. The nozzle hole 172 communicates with the flow path 163 of the flow path forming portion 162. The nozzle hole 172 has an inlet 172a and an outlet 172b. The inlet 172a communicates with the flow path 163. The inlet 172a introduces the plasticizing material from the flow path 163 into the nozzle hole 172. The outlet 172b communicates with the inlet 172a. The outlet 172b discharges the plasticizing material. The diameter of the outlet 172b is smaller than the diameter of the inlet 172a. The outlet 172b is provided at the tip of the nozzle 170. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the shapes of the inlet 172a and the outlet 172b are, for example, circular.

[0046] The nozzle 170 is, for example, screwed into the flow path forming portion 162. In the illustrated example, the flow path forming portion 162 has a first thread portion 161, and the nozzle 170 has a second thread portion 171. The second thread portion 171 is fastened to the first thread portion 161, thereby connecting the nozzle 170 to the flow path forming portion 162. The first thread portion 161 is provided at a portion of the outlet 163a of the flow path 163. The first thread portion 161 is a male thread. The length V1 of the first thread portion 161 in the X-axis direction is greater than the length V2 of the first thread portion 161 in the Z-axis direction. The second thread portion 171 is provided at a portion of the inlet 172a. The second thread portion 171 is a female thread.

[0047] The nozzle 170 has a peripheral portion 173 provided around the second screw portion 171. The peripheral portion 173 surrounds the second screw portion 171. In the example shown, the peripheral portion 173 is separated from the flow path forming portion 162. A gap exists between the peripheral portion 173 and the flow path forming portion 162. The gap between the peripheral portion 173 and the flow path forming portion 162 allows the second screw portion 171 to be fastened to the first screw portion 161 more reliably.

[0048] In the nozzle 170, the length W1 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the center line A that passes through the center C1 of the inlet 172a and the center C2 of the outlet 172b is at least twice the length W2 in the direction of the center line A. In the illustrated example, the direction of the center line A is the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the direction of the center line A is the X-axis direction. Preferably, the length W1 is 2.3 to 5 times, and more preferably 2.5 to 4 times, the length W2. In the illustrated example, the length W1 is shorter than the length of the flow path forming portion 162 in the X-axis direction. The length W2 is the distance between the inlet 172a and the outlet 172b.

[0049] All of the side surfaces 174 of the nozzle 170 are located outside the cone B. All of the side surfaces 174 of the nozzle 170 are separated from the cone B. The cone B is a cone with a vertex at the center C2 of the discharge port 172b, a height equal to the distance between the center C1 of the inlet 172a and the center C2 of the discharge port 172b, and a right apex angle.

[0050] On all of the side surfaces 174 of the nozzle 170, the distance E1 between the side surface 174 of the nozzle 170 and the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 is smaller than the distance E2 between the discharge port 172b and the deposition surface 22. The side surfaces 174 are located between the flow path forming portion 162 and an imaginary plane (not shown) that is perpendicular to the center line A and passes through the discharge port 172b.

[0051] 1.3. Operation 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 40.

[0052] For example, the user operates an operation unit (not shown) to output a processing start signal for starting processing to the control unit 40. The operation unit is configured with, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc. The control unit 40 starts processing when it receives the processing start signal.

[0053] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 40 performs, in step S1, a modeling data acquisition process for acquiring modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object.

[0054] The modeling data includes information regarding, for example, the type of material stored in the material storage unit 110, the movement path of the discharge unit 10 relative to the stage 20, the amount of plasticized material discharged from the discharge unit 10, and the like.

[0055] The modeling data is created, for example, by loading shape data into slicer software installed on a computer connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 100. The shape data represents the target shape of a 3D object created using 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, 3D Computer Graphics (CG) software, or the like. Examples of the shape data include Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format and Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF). The slicer software divides the target shape of the 3D object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed in G-code, M-code, or the like. The control unit 40 acquires the modeling data from a computer connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 100 or a recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0056] Next, in step S2, the control unit 40 performs a modeling layer formation process in which a plasticizing material is ejected onto the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 to form a modeling layer.

[0057] Specifically, the control unit 40 plasticizes the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate the plasticized material, and discharges the plasticized material from the nozzle unit 160 of the discharge unit 10. The control unit 40 continues to generate the plasticized material until, for example, the modeling layer formation process is completed.

[0058] 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. For convenience, the nozzle unit 160 is illustrated in a simplified form in FIG.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 40 controls the position change unit 30 to change the relative position between the discharge unit 10 and the stage 20 based on the acquired modeling data, while controlling the discharge unit 10 to discharge the plasticized material from the nozzle unit 160 toward the stage 20.

[0060] Specifically, before the modeling layer formation process starts, i.e., before the formation of the first modeling layer L1 starts, the nozzle unit 160 is positioned at an initial position in the -X axis direction, further away from the end of the stage 20 in the -X axis direction. When the modeling layer formation process starts, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 40 controls the position change unit 30 to, for example, move the nozzle unit 160 relative to the stage 20 in the +X axis direction. As the nozzle unit 160 passes over the stage 20, the plasticizing material is ejected from the nozzle unit 160. This forms the modeling layer L1. In FIG. 6, n is an arbitrary natural number, and up to the nth modeling layer Ln are illustrated.

[0061] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S3, the control unit 40 performs a determination process of determining whether or not the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed based on the modeling data.

[0062] If it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has not been completed ("NO" in step S3), the control unit 40 returns the process to step S2. The control unit 40 repeats steps S2 and S3 until it determines in step S3 that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed ("YES" in step S3), the control unit 40 ends the process.

[0064] 1.4. Effects The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a plasticizing unit 120 that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticized material, a flow path forming unit 162 that communicates with the plasticizing unit 120 and has a flow path 163 through which the plasticized material flows, a nozzle 170 that is connected to the flow path forming unit 162 and discharges the plasticized material, and a heating unit 168 that is provided in the flow path forming unit 162 and heats the plasticized material. The nozzle 170 has an inlet 172a that communicates with the flow path 163 and introduces the plasticized material, and an outlet 172b that communicates with the inlet 172a and discharges the plasticized material. The length W1 of the nozzle 170 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a center line A connecting a center C1 of the inlet 172a and a center C2 of the outlet 172b is at least twice the length W2 of the nozzle 170 in the direction of the center line A.

[0065] Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the heat of the heating unit 168 is more easily transferred to the tip of the nozzle 170 than when the length W1 is less than twice the length W2. This allows the temperature of the nozzle 170 to be stabilized, enabling accurate modeling. For example, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the length W2 is half or less of the length W1, so the distance between the heating unit 168 and the tip of the nozzle 170 can be reduced, making it easier for the heat of the heating unit 168 to be transferred to the tip of the nozzle 170.

[0066] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, all of the side surfaces 174 of the nozzle 170 are located outside a cone B whose apex is the center C2 of the discharge port 172b, whose height is the distance between the center C1 of the inlet 172a and the center C2 of the discharge port 172b, and whose apex angle is a right angle. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, it is easier to transfer heat from the heating unit 168 to the tip of the nozzle 170 than when the side surfaces of the nozzle are located inside the cone B.

[0067] In the three-dimensional modeling device 100, the flow path forming unit 162 has a first screw portion 161 provided at the outlet 163a of the flow path 163, and the nozzle 170 has a second screw portion 171 that can be fastened to the first screw portion 161 provided at the inlet 172a, and the length V1 of the first screw portion 161 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the center line A is greater than the length V2 in the direction of the center line A. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 100, it is easier to transfer heat from the heating unit 168 to the tip of the nozzle 170 than when the length V1 is equal to or shorter than V2.

[0068] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a stage 20 having a deposition surface 22 on which the plasticized material is deposited, and for all of the side surfaces 174 of the nozzle 170, the distance E1 between the side surface 174 of the nozzle 170 and the deposition surface 22 is smaller than the distance E2 between the discharge port 172b and the deposition surface 22. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 can reduce the possibility that the nozzle 170 will come into contact with the stage 20 or the modeled object.

[0069] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the distance D1 between the nozzle 170 and the heating unit 168 is smaller than the distance D2 between the plasticizing unit 120 and the heating unit 168. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the distance between the heating unit 168 and the tip of the nozzle 170 can be made small, making it easier to transfer heat from the heating unit 168 to the tip of the nozzle 170.

[0070] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the thermal conductivity of the nozzle 170 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the flow path forming portion 162. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the heat of the heating unit 168 is easily transferred to the tip of the nozzle 170.

[0071] 2. Variations 2.1. First variant Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a nozzle unit 160 of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 according to a first modified example of this embodiment.

[0072] Hereinafter, in the 3D printing apparatus 200 according to the first modified example of this embodiment, components having the same functions as those of the 3D printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. This also applies to the 3D printing apparatuses according to the second to fourth modified examples of this embodiment described later.

[0073] In the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, a gap exists between the peripheral portion 173 of the nozzle 170 and the flow path forming portion 162, as shown in FIG.

[0074] 7 , in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200, the peripheral portion 173 of the nozzle 170 is in contact with the flow path forming portion 162. That is, the nozzle 170 is in contact with the flow path forming portion 162 at portions other than the second screw portion 171. In the illustrated example, the peripheral portion 173 forms the upper surface of the nozzle 170. The contact area between the peripheral portion 173 and the flow path forming portion 162 is larger than the contact area between the second screw portion 171 and the flow path forming portion 162, for example.

[0075] In the three-dimensional modeling device 200, the nozzle 170 has a peripheral portion 173 provided around the second screw portion 171, and the peripheral portion 173 is in contact with the flow path forming portion 162. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 200, the peripheral portion 173 can increase the contact area between the nozzle 170 and the flow path forming portion 162, making it easier to transfer heat from the heating portion 168 to the tip of the nozzle 170.

[0076] 2.2. Second Variant Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a nozzle unit 160 of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 300 according to the second modified example of this embodiment.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 300 differs from the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that it includes a low thermal conductivity section 180.

[0078] The low thermal conductivity portion 180 is provided on the side surface 174 of the nozzle 170. The thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity portion 180 is lower than the thermal conductivity of the nozzle 170. The material of the low thermal conductivity portion 180 is, for example, ceramic. The low thermal conductivity portion 180 is a gripping portion that is gripped when fastening or unlocking the second screw portion 171 of the nozzle 170 to or from the first screw portion 161 of the flow path forming portion 162.

[0079] The three-dimensional modeling device 300 has a low thermal conductivity section 180 that is provided on the side surface 174 of the nozzle 170 and has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the nozzle 170. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 300, the low thermal conductivity section 180 can retain heat from the heating section 168 that is transferred to the nozzle 170. This makes it easier to transfer the heat from the heating section 168 to the tip of the nozzle 170.

[0080] It should be noted that a gripping portion having the same thermal conductivity as the nozzle 170 may be provided instead of the low thermal conductivity portion 180. In this case, the material of the gripping portion may be the same as the material of the nozzle 170.

[0081] 2.3. Third Variant Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 according to a third modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a nozzle unit 160 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 according to the third modified example of this embodiment.

[0082] 9, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 differs from the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that the side surface 174 of the nozzle 170 has an upright portion 175 whose distance from the center line A is the same as the distance F1 between the center line A and the side surface 169 of the flow path forming portion 162. The distance F2 between the center line A and the upright portion 175 is the same as the distance F1 between the center line A and the side surface 169.

[0083] In the three-dimensional modeling device 400, the side surface 174 of the nozzle 170 has an upright portion 175 as a portion whose distance from the center line A is the same as the distance F1 between the center line A and the side surface 169 of the flow path forming portion 162. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 400, the nozzle 170 can be made smaller and lighter while still allowing the heat of the heating unit 168 to be transmitted to the tip of the nozzle 170.

[0084] 2.4. Fourth Variant Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a fourth modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0085] In the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the material stored in the material storage unit 110 is ABS resin.

[0086] In contrast, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourth modification of this embodiment, the material stored in the material reservoir 110 is a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0087] Examples of materials stored in the material storage unit 110 include materials containing various materials as main components, such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the term "main material" refers to the material that forms the core of the shape of the three-dimensional object to be formed by the three-dimensional printing device, and refers to a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the three-dimensional object. The above-mentioned materials include those obtained by melting the main material alone, and those obtained by melting some of the components contained in the main material and forming a paste.

[0088] Examples of the thermoplastic material that can be used include thermoplastic resins, such as general-purpose plastics, general-purpose engineering plastics, and super engineering plastics.

[0089] Examples of general-purpose plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0090] Examples of general-purpose engineering plastics include polyacetal (POM), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0091] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0092] The thermoplastic material may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, and other additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and thermal stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state in the plasticizing section 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the heating section 150. The plasticized material thus produced is then ejected from the nozzle unit 160 and deposited on the stage 20, where it hardens as the temperature drops.

[0093] In place of the thermoplastic material described above, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material in the plasticizing unit 120. In this case, it is desirable that a component that melts when the plasticized material is produced is mixed with a powder material made by powdering the metal material, and then the powder material is introduced into the plasticizing unit 120.

[0094] Examples of metal materials include single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), or alloys containing one or more of these metals, as well as maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys.

[0095] Instead of the above-mentioned metal materials, ceramic materials can be used as the main material in the plasticizing portion 120. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0096] The powder material of the metallic material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110 may be a mixed material obtained by mixing multiple types of powder of a single metal, alloy powder, or ceramic material. The powder material of the metallic material or ceramic material may also be coated with, for example, the thermoplastic resin described above or other thermoplastic resins. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizing unit 120 to exhibit fluidity.

[0097] A solvent, for example, can be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110. Examples of the solvent include water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetate esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (e.g., tetrabutylammonium acetate); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0098] Additionally, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material stored in the material storage unit 110. Examples of binders include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose-based resin, other synthetic resins, PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0099] 3. Experimental Example As an experimental example, a simulation was carried out using the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method with FLOW-3D.

[0100] Model M1 used in the simulation is a model according to the embodiment. Specifically, Model M1 is a model of a nozzle unit in which the length of the nozzle in a direction perpendicular to the center line direction is at least twice the length in the center line direction. Furthermore, in Model M1, all of the side surfaces of the nozzle are located outside a cone with a right apex angle, with the center of the outlet as the vertex and the distance between the center of the inlet and the center of the outlet as the height.

[0101] Model M2 used in the simulation is a model according to a comparative example. Specifically, Model M2 is a model of a nozzle unit in which the length of the nozzle in a direction perpendicular to the center line direction is less than twice the length in the center line direction. Furthermore, in Model 2, at least a portion of the side surface of the nozzle is located inside a cone with a right apex angle, the center of the discharge port as its vertex, and the distance between the center of the inlet and the center of the discharge port as its height.

[0102] Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the results of the simulation. In Figure 10, higher temperatures are darker. In models M1 and M2, the set temperature of the heater installed in the flow path forming section was 250°C. As shown in Figure 10, the temperature at the tip of the nozzle in model M2 was approximately 220°C, while the temperature at the tip of the nozzle in model M1 was approximately 235°C. Therefore, it was found that the heat from the heating section was more easily transmitted to the tip of the nozzle in model M1 than in model M2.

[0103] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0104] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that add publicly known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0105] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0106] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus is a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path forming section communicating with the plasticizing section and having a flow path through which the plasticizing material flows; a nozzle connected to the flow path forming portion and configured to discharge the plasticizing material; a heating section provided in the flow path forming section and configured to heat the plasticizing material; Including, The nozzle is an inlet communicating with the flow path and for introducing the plasticizing material; a discharge port communicating with the inlet and discharging the plasticizing material; and The length of the nozzle in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a center line passing through the center of the inlet and the center of the outlet is at least twice the length in the direction of the center line.

[0107] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the heat from the heating unit can be easily transferred to the tip of the nozzle.

[0108] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus is a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path forming section communicating with the plasticizing section and having a flow path through which the plasticizing material flows; a nozzle connected to the flow path forming portion and configured to discharge the plasticizing material; a heating section provided in the flow path forming section and configured to heat the plasticizing material; Including, The nozzle is an inlet communicating with the flow path and for introducing the plasticizing material; a discharge port communicating with the inlet and discharging the plasticizing material; and All of the side surfaces of the nozzle are located outside a cone having a vertex at the center of the discharge port, a height equal to the distance between the center of the inlet port and the center of the discharge port, and a right apex angle.

[0109] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the heat from the heating unit can be easily transferred to the tip of the nozzle.

[0110] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, the flow path forming portion has a first screw portion provided at an outlet portion of the flow path, the nozzle has a second screw portion that can be fastened to the first screw portion provided in the inlet portion, The first threaded portion may have a length in a direction perpendicular to a center line passing through a center of the inlet and a center of the outlet, which is greater than a length in the direction of the center line.

[0111] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the heat from the heating unit can be easily transferred to the tip of the nozzle.

[0112] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The nozzle has a peripheral portion provided around the second threaded portion, The peripheral portion may be in contact with the flow path forming portion.

[0113] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the peripheral portion can increase the contact area between the nozzle and the flow path forming portion.

[0114] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, a stage having a deposition surface onto which the plasticized material is deposited; At all of the side surfaces of the nozzle, the distance between the side surface of the nozzle and the deposition surface may be smaller than the distance between the ejection opening and the deposition surface.

[0115] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can reduce the possibility of the nozzle coming into contact with the stage or the model.

[0116] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The distance between the nozzle and the heating section may be smaller than the distance between the plasticizing section and the heating section.

[0117] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the distance between the heating unit and the tip of the nozzle can be reduced.

[0118] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The nozzle may have a higher thermal conductivity than the flow passage forming portion.

[0119] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the heat from the heating unit can be easily transferred to the tip of the nozzle.

[0120] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The side surface of the nozzle may have a portion where the distance between a center line passing through the center of the inlet and the center of the outlet is the same as the distance between the center line and the side surface of the flow path forming portion.

[0121] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the nozzle can be made smaller and lighter, while the heat from the heating unit can be transferred to the tip of the nozzle.

[0122] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The nozzle may include a low thermal conductivity portion provided on a side surface of the nozzle and having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the nozzle.

[0123] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the heat transmitted from the heating unit to the nozzle can be retained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10...Discharge section, 20...Stage, 22...Deposition surface, 30...Position change section, 32...First electric actuator, 34...Second electric actuator, 36...Third electric actuator, 40...Control section, 100...Three-dimensional modeling device, 110...Material storage section, 112...Supply channel, 120...Plasticization section, 122...Screw case, 124...Drive motor, 126...Shaft, 130...Flat screw, 131...Top surface, 132...Groove forming surface, 133...Side, 134...First groove, 135...Central section, 136...Connection section, 137...Material guide Inlet portion, 140...barrel, 142...opposing surface, 144...second groove, 146...communicating hole, 150...heating portion, 160...nozzle unit, 161...first screw portion, 162...flow path forming portion, 163...flow path, 163a...outlet, 164...butterfly valve, 166...pressure sensor, 168...heating portion, 169...side surface, 170...nozzle, 171...second screw portion, 172...nozzle hole, 172a...inlet port, 172b...outlet port, 173...periphery, 174...side surface, 175...upright portion, 180...low thermal conductivity portion, 200, 300, 400...three-dimensional printing device

Claims

1. a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path forming section communicating with the plasticizing section and having a flow path through which the plasticizing material flows; a nozzle connected to the flow path forming portion and configured to discharge the plasticizing material; a heating section provided in the flow path forming section and configured to heat the plasticizing material; Including, The nozzle is an inlet communicating with the flow path and for introducing the plasticizing material; a discharge port communicating with the inlet and discharging the plasticizing material; and a length of the nozzle in a direction perpendicular to a center line passing through a center of the inlet and a center of the outlet is at least twice the length of the nozzle in the direction of the center line.

2. a plasticizing section for plasticizing the material to produce a plasticized material; a flow path forming section communicating with the plasticizing section and having a flow path through which the plasticizing material flows; a nozzle connected to the flow path forming portion and configured to discharge the plasticizing material; a heating section provided in the flow path forming section and configured to heat the plasticizing material; Including, The nozzle is an inlet communicating with the flow path and for introducing the plasticizing material; a discharge port communicating with the inlet and discharging the plasticizing material; and a three-dimensional printing apparatus, wherein all of the side surfaces of the nozzle are located outside a cone having a vertex at the center of the discharge port, a height equal to the distance between the center of the inlet and the center of the discharge port, and a right apex angle.

3. In claim 1 or 2, the flow path forming portion has a first screw portion provided at an outlet portion of the flow path, the nozzle has a second screw portion that can be fastened to the first screw portion provided at the inlet, a length of the first screw portion in a direction perpendicular to a center line passing through a center of the inlet and a center of the outlet is greater than a length of the first screw portion in the direction of the center line.

4. In claim 3, the nozzle has a peripheral portion provided around the second threaded portion, The peripheral portion is in contact with the flow path forming portion.

5. In claim 1 or 2, a stage having a deposition surface onto which the plasticized material is deposited; a distance between the side surface of the nozzle and the deposition surface is smaller than a distance between the discharge port and the deposition surface on all sides of the nozzle.

6. In claim 1 or 2, a distance between the nozzle and the heating unit is smaller than a distance between the plasticizing unit and the heating unit.

7. In claim 1 or 2, The nozzle has a higher thermal conductivity than the flow path forming portion.

8. In claim 1 or 2, a side surface of the nozzle having a portion where the distance between a center line passing through the center of the inlet and the center of the outlet is the same as the distance between the center line and the side surface of the flow path forming portion.

9. In claim 1 or 2, a low thermal conductivity portion provided on a side surface of the nozzle and having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the nozzle;

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