Three-dimensional shaping device

Abstract

This technology provides a mechanism for switching between the discharge of plasticizing material and fiber material from a nozzle. [Solution] The three-dimensional molding apparatus comprises a plasticizing unit, a fiber material supply unit, a first connecting passage through which the plasticizing material passes, at least one second connecting passage through which the fiber material passes, a flow path through which the plasticizing material that has passed through the first connecting passage and the fiber material that has passed through the second connecting passage can pass, a material switching unit that switches the communication between the first connecting passage, the second connecting passage and the flow path, a nozzle, and a control unit. The material switching unit comprises a rotating unit that rotates about a rotation axis along the axial direction of the flow path. The control unit controls the material switching unit in order to switch between a first mode in which the first connecting passage and the flow path are in communication and the second connecting passage and the flow path are not, a second mode in which the first connecting passage and the second connecting passage are in communication with the flow path, and a third mode in which neither the first connecting passage nor the second connecting passage is in communication with the flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional shaping apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional shaping apparatus that introduces a second fiber material longer than the first fiber material into a plasticized material containing a first fiber material and a thermoplastic resin, and shapes a three-dimensional shaped object containing the first fiber material and the second fiber material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a three-dimensional shaping apparatus, switching between the discharge of a plasticized material from a nozzle and the discharge of a fiber material has not been studied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, a three-dimensional molding apparatus is provided. This three-dimensional molding apparatus includes a plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of a material including a thermoplastic resin to produce a plasticizable material, a fiber material supply unit that supplies a fiber material, a first communication passage communicating with the plasticizing unit and through which the plasticizable material passes, at least one second communication passage communicating with the fiber material supply unit and through which the fiber material passes, a flow path through which the plasticizable material that has passed through the first communication passage and the fiber material that has passed through the second communication passage can pass, a material switching unit connected to the first communication passage, the second communication passage and the flow path, and which switches the communication between the first communication passage, the second communication passage and the flow path, and a flow path communicating with the flow path and the plasticizable material that has passed through the flow path The apparatus comprises a nozzle for discharging the fibrous material onto a stage, the plasticizing unit, the fibrous material supply unit, and the material switching unit, and a control unit that controls these to fabricate a three-dimensional object containing the plasticizing material on the stage, wherein the material switching unit includes a rotating unit that rotates about a rotation axis along the axial direction of the flow path, and the control unit controls the material switching unit to switch between a first mode in which the first communication passage and the flow path are in communication with the second communication passage and the flow path, a second mode in which the first communication passage and the second communication passage are in communication with the flow path, and a third mode in which neither the first communication passage nor the second communication passage is in communication with the flow path. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional molding apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing material introduction section. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a flat screw. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the fiber material introduction section, material switching section, and discharge section. [Figure 6] This is a top view of the rotating part. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the VII-VII position in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the VIII-VIII position in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view illustrating the positional relationship between the first connecting passage, the second connecting passage, and the rotating section. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the state of communication between the first connecting passage, the second connecting passage, and the flow path via the rotating part in the first mode. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the state of communication between the first and second connecting passages and the flow path via the rotating part in the second mode. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the state of communication between the first and second connecting passages and the flow path via the rotating part in the third mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 shows arrows representing the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 1 and the X, Y, and Z directions in other figures point to the same directions. When specifying the direction, the positive direction, which is the direction pointed to by the arrow, is denoted as "+", and the negative direction, which is the direction opposite to the direction pointed to by the arrow, is denoted as "-", and both positive and negative signs are used in the direction notation. The +Z direction is also called "up", and the -Z direction is also called "down".

[0008] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 is a device that creates three-dimensional objects by a material extrusion method. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 comprises a molding unit 20 that generates and extrudes plasticizable material, a molding stage 30 that serves as the base for the three-dimensional object, a moving mechanism 40 that controls the extrusion position of the plasticizable material, and a control unit 50 for controlling each part of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 10.

[0009] The molding unit 20, under the control of the control unit 50, extrudes plasticizable material, which is obtained by plasticizing a material in a solid state, onto the stage 30. The molding unit 20 includes a plasticizable material introduction unit 21, a fiber material introduction unit 22, a material switching unit 23, and an extrusion unit 24.

[0010] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing material introduction unit 21. The plasticizing material introduction unit 21 generates plasticizing material and guides the generated plasticizing material to the material switching unit 23. The plasticizing material introduction unit 21 comprises a material supply unit 101, a plasticizing unit 110, and a first connecting passage 170.

[0011] The material supply unit 101 supplies material MR to the plasticizing unit 110. The material supply unit 101 is composed of, for example, a hopper that contains the material MR. The material supply unit 101 is connected to the plasticizing unit 110 via a material supply passage 105. The material MR is fed into the material supply unit 101 in the form of pellets, powder, etc. Examples of materials MR include thermoplastic resins such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), and PP (polypropylene). Inorganic materials such as metals and ceramics may also be included in the material MR.

[0012] The plasticizing unit 110 plasticizes at least a portion of the material MR supplied from the material supply unit 101 to produce a paste-like plasticized material that exhibits fluidity. In this embodiment, "plasticization" is a concept that includes melting and refers to changing a solid state to a fluid state. Specifically, in the case of materials that undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material to above the glass transition point. In the case of materials that do not undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material to above the melting point. The plasticizing unit 110 comprises a drive motor 120, a reduction gear 130, a flat screw 140, and a barrel 150. The flat screw 140 is also called a rotor, scroll, or simply a screw. The barrel 150 is also called the screw face section.

[0013] The flat screw 140 is housed in the screw case 148. The flat screw 140 is connected to the drive motor 120 via the speed reducer 130, and rotates within the screw case 148 about the rotation axis RX by the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 120. In the present embodiment, the direction of the rotation axis RX is along the X direction. The rotation of the flat screw 140 by the drive motor 120 is controlled by the control unit 50. A barrel 150 is arranged on the -X direction side of the flat screw 140. Note that the flat screw 140 may be directly connected to the drive motor 120 without passing through the speed reducer 130.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the flat screw 140. The flat screw 140 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the height in the direction along its central axis is smaller than the diameter. The central axis of the flat screw 140 coincides with the rotation axis RX. On the groove forming surface 141 of the flat screw 140 facing the barrel 150, spiral grooves 143 are formed around the central portion 142. The groove 143 communicates with a material inlet 144 formed on the side surface of the flat screw 140. The material MR supplied from the material supply unit 101 is supplied to the groove 143 through the material inlet 144. The groove 143 is formed by being separated by a rib portion 145. FIG. 3 shows an example in which three grooves 143 are formed, but the number of grooves 143 may be one or two or more. Note that the groove 143 is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be a helical shape or an involute curve shape, or may be a shape extending in an arc from the central portion 142 toward the outer periphery.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, a barrel heater 155 for heating the material MR supplied into the groove 143 of the flat screw 140 is embedded in the barrel 150. The temperature of the barrel heater 155 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the barrel 150. The barrel 150 has a facing surface 153 that faces the groove forming surface 141 of the flat screw 140. A communication hole 151 that penetrates the barrel 150 in the X direction is formed at the center of the facing surface 153. A plurality of guide grooves 154 are formed on the facing surface 153, connected to the communication hole 151, and extending spirally from the communication hole 151 toward the outer periphery. Note that the barrel 150 may not be provided with the guide grooves 154. Further, the guide grooves 154 may not be connected to the communication hole 151.

[0017] The material MR supplied to the groove 143 of the flat screw 140 is plasticized between the flat screw 140 and the barrel 150 by the rotation of the flat screw 140 and the heating of the barrel heater 155, and flows along the groove 143 and the guide groove 154 by the rotation of the flat screw 140, and is guided to the central portion 142 of the flat screw 140. The plasticized material flowing into the central portion 142 flows out from the communication hole 151 provided at the center of the barrel 150 to the first communication path 170. Note that in the plasticized material, not all types of substances constituting the plasticized material may be plasticized. The plasticized material only needs to be converted into a state having fluidity as a whole by plasticizing at least some types of substances constituting the plasticized material.

[0018] The first communication path 170 communicates the plasticizing section 110 and the material switching section 23. One end of the first communication path 170 is connected to the communication hole 151, and the other end of the first communication path 170 is connected to the material switching section 23. That is, the first communication path 170 communicates with the plasticizing section 110. The plasticized material generated in the plasticizing section 110 passes through the first communication path 170 and flows out to the material switching section 23.

[0019] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the fiber material introduction section 22, the material switching section 23, and the discharge section 24. Although not shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the molding section 20 includes three fiber material introduction sections 22. The configuration of one fiber material introduction section 22 will be described below with reference to Figure 5. The fiber material introduction section 22 includes a fiber material supply section 210 and a second connecting passage 220.

[0020] The fiber material supply unit 210 supplies fiber material FB to the material switching unit 23. The fiber material supply unit 210 comprises a storage unit 211 and a conveyor roller 212. The storage unit 211 houses the fiber material FB wound on a reel. The conveyor roller 212 is a pair of rollers that grip the fiber material FB supplied from the storage unit 211. The conveyor roller 212 is located below the storage unit 211. As the conveyor roller 212 rotates around its axis while gripping the fiber material FB, the fiber material FB is conveyed from the storage unit 211 to the material switching unit 23. In this embodiment, the direction along the axis of the conveyor roller 212 is the Y direction. The rotation of the conveyor roller 212 is controlled by the control unit 50. Furthermore, the method of conveying the fiber material FB is not limited to the method described above. For example, the fiber material FB may be conveyed from the storage unit 211 to the material switching unit 23 by a motor rotating the reel on which the fiber material FB is wound.

[0021] The second connecting passage 220 is a cylindrical member located below the conveying roller 212, through which the fiber material FB sent from the storage section 211 passes. The second connecting passage 220 communicates with the fiber material supply section 210. In this embodiment, the axis of the second connecting passage 220 is along the Z direction. The lower end of the second connecting passage 220 is connected to the material switching section 23. The fiber material FB supplied from the fiber material supply section 210 passes through the second connecting passage 220 and is conveyed to the material switching section 23.

[0022] The fiber material FB is composed of fiber bundles in which multiple fibers are bundled together. In this embodiment, the fiber material FB has a structure in which multiple carbon fibers are bundled together with a sizing agent. The fiber material FB may be composed of fiber materials other than carbon fibers, for example, glass fibers. The fiber material FB may also be composed of various fibers having a higher modulus of elasticity than material MR. The fiber material FB may also be composed of a single fiber. Furthermore, the fiber material FB may be a material in which multiple fibers are bundled together or a single fiber is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin. The diameter of the fiber material FB can be, for example, 5 μm or more and less than or equal to the hole diameter of the nozzle opening 431 described later. Here, the diameter of the fiber material FB corresponds to the dimension of the maximum width in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber bundle constituting the fiber material FB.

[0023] A thermal insulation material 250 is provided between the second connecting passage 220 and the plasticizing section 110. In this embodiment, the thermal insulation material 250 is a box-shaped member that houses the first connecting passage 170. The thermal insulation material 250 is made of, for example, ceramic, glass fiber, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), etc. Note that the thermal insulation material 250 only needs to be provided between the second connecting passage 220 and the plasticizing section 110, and may be, for example, a box-shaped member that houses the entire plasticizing section 110.

[0024] The material switching unit 23 is connected to the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410, which will be described later, and switches the communication between the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410. The material switching unit 23 includes a rotating unit 310 that rotates around a rotation axis AX that is aligned with the axial direction of the flow path 410. The direction along the rotation axis AX is the Z direction. The rotating unit 310 is driven by a first drive unit 380 under the control of the control unit 50. The first drive unit 380 is configured, for example, by a stepping motor. The control unit 50 uses the first drive unit 380 to control the rotation angle of the rotating unit 310 around the rotation axis AX. Viewed from the direction along the rotation axis AX, the distance L1 between the rotating axis AX and the plasticizing unit 110 is longer than the distance L2 between the rotating axis AX and the fiber material supply unit 210. The detailed structure of the rotating unit 310 will be described later.

[0025] The discharge section 24 comprises a flow path 410, a suction section 420, a nozzle 430, and a nozzle heater 440. The flow path 410 is a linearly extending hole formed in a block 180, which is a member located on the -Z direction side of the rotating section 310. The axis of the flow path 410 is along the Z direction. The flow path 410 is connected to the material switching section 23, and the plasticizing material that has passed through the first connecting passage 170 and the fibrous material FB that has passed through the second connecting passage 220 can pass through it.

[0026] The nozzle 430 is located at the lower end of the block 180. The nozzle 430 communicates with the flow path 410 and discharges the plasticizing material and fibrous material FB that have passed through the flow path 410 from the nozzle opening 431 at its tip toward the stage 30.

[0027] The nozzle heater 440 is positioned around the portion of the flow path 410 located near the nozzle 430. The nozzle heater 440 heats the plasticizing material in the flow path 410 near the nozzle 430. The temperature of the nozzle heater 440 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0028] The suction unit 420 suppresses the trailing phenomenon, where the plasticizing material dangles from the nozzle opening 431 in a string-like manner, by temporarily sucking the plasticizing material in the flow path 410 when the discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 430 stops. The suction unit 420 comprises a branched flow path 421, a plunger 422, and a plunger drive unit 423. The branched flow path 421 is a linearly extending hole formed in the block 180 and is connected to the flow path 410. In this embodiment, the direction in which the branched flow path 421 extends is the X direction. The plunger 422 is an axial member and is arranged within the branched flow path 421. The plunger drive unit 423 generates a driving force that instantaneously reciprocates the plunger 422 within the branched flow path 421 under the control of the control unit 50. The plunger drive unit 423 is composed of an actuator such as a solenoid mechanism, a piezoelectric element, or a motor. When the control unit 50 temporarily interrupts the discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 430, it controls the plunger drive unit 423 to instantaneously move the plunger 422 so that the tip of the plunger 422 moves from the connection point between the flow path 410 and the branch flow path 421 to a recessed position within the branch flow path 421. As a result, a portion of the plasticizing material in the flow path 410 is drawn into the branch flow path 421, creating negative pressure in the flow path 410. When no fiber material FB is present in the flow path 410 and only the plasticizing material is present, the control unit 50 moves the plunger 422 to draw in the plasticizing material in the flow path 410. Note that the discharge unit 24 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a suction unit 420.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the stage 30 is positioned opposite the nozzle opening 431 of the nozzle 430. The molding surface 31 of the stage 30 opposite the nozzle opening 431 is positioned parallel to the X,Y direction, i.e., the horizontal direction. The stage 30 may be equipped with a stage heater to suppress the rapid cooling of the plasticizing material extruded onto the stage 30.

[0030] The moving mechanism 40 changes the relative position between the stage 30 and the nozzle 430 under the control of the control unit 50. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle 430 is fixed, and the moving mechanism 40 moves the stage 30. The moving mechanism 40 is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 30 in three axes in the X, Y, and Z directions by the driving force of three servo motors. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, movement of the nozzle 430 means moving the nozzle 430 or the discharge unit 24 relative to the stage 30.

[0031] In other embodiments, instead of moving the stage 30 with the moving mechanism 40, a configuration may be adopted in which the stage 30 is fixed in position and the moving mechanism 40 moves the nozzle 430 relative to the stage 30. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the moving mechanism 40 moves the stage 30 in the Z direction and the nozzle 430 in the X and Y directions, or in which the moving mechanism 40 moves the stage 30 in the X and Y directions and the nozzle 430 in the Z direction. Even with these configurations, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 430 and the stage 30 can be changed.

[0032] The control unit 50 is a control device that controls the operation of the entire three-dimensional molding apparatus 10. The control unit 50 is composed of a computer comprising a CPU 51, a storage device 52, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The control unit 50 performs the function of executing molding processes for molding a three-dimensional object by having the CPU 51 execute programs and instructions loaded into the main storage device. In the molding process, the control unit 50 controls the plasticizing unit 110, the fiber material supply unit 210, the material switching unit 23, the discharge unit 24, and the moving mechanism 40 according to the molding data for molding the three-dimensional object, thereby molding a three-dimensional object containing plasticizing material on the stage 30. In other embodiments, instead of being composed of a computer, the control unit 50 may be realized by a configuration that combines multiple circuits to realize at least some of each function.

[0033] Figure 6 is a top view of the rotating part 310. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing position VII-VII in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing position VIII-VIII in Figure 6. The rotating part 310 is a disc-shaped member with a portion cut off. In this embodiment, the rotating part 310 includes three first passages 320 and three second passages 350, which are through holes that penetrate the rotating part 310 in the Z direction. The rotating part 310 can be any plate-shaped member, and its shape in top view can be circular, polygonal, or other shapes.

[0034] The first passage 320 is a through-hole that allows the first connecting passage 170 and the flow path 410 to communicate. As shown in Figure 7, the first passage 320 has a first opening 321 that can be connected to the first connecting passage 170 and a second opening 322 that can be connected to the flow path 410. The first opening 321 is an opening located at the +Z direction end of the first passage 320, and the second opening 322 is an opening located at the -Z direction end of the first passage 320. The axial direction of the first passage 320 is along the axial direction of the flow path 410. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the first passage 320 is along the Z direction.

[0035] The second passage 350 is a through-hole that allows communication between the first connecting passage 170 and the flow path 410, and between the second connecting passage 220 and the flow path 410. As shown in Figure 8, the second passage 350 has a third opening 351 that can be connected to the first connecting passage 170, a fourth opening 352 that is connected to the second connecting passage 220, and a fifth opening 353 that can be connected to the flow path 410. The third opening 351 and the fourth opening 352 are openings located at the +Z direction end of the second passage 350, and the fifth opening 353 is an opening located at the -Z direction end of the second passage 350. The sum of the opening areas of the third opening 351 and the fourth opening 352 is greater than the opening area of ​​the fifth opening 353. The fourth opening 352 and the third opening 351 are provided side by side in the radial direction. Here, the radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AX and away from the rotation axis AX. The fourth opening 352 and the third opening 351 are provided in this order along the radial direction.

[0036] The rotating section 310 comprises a first passage 320, which includes a first plasticizing material passage 326, a second plasticizing material passage 327, and a third plasticizing material passage 328. The first plasticizing material passage 326, the second plasticizing material passage 327, and the third plasticizing material passage 328 are located at positions equal in distance from the rotation axis AX. Specifically, the first opening 321 and the second opening 322 of each first passage 320 are located at positions equal in distance from the rotation axis AX.

[0037] The rotating section 310 comprises a second passage 350, which includes a first fiber material passage 356, a second fiber material passage 357, and a third fiber material passage 358. The first fiber material passage 356, the second fiber material passage 357, and the third fiber material passage 358 are located at positions equal in distance from the rotation axis AX. Specifically, the third opening 351, the fourth opening 352, and the fifth opening 353 of each second passage 350 are each located at positions equal in distance from the rotation axis AX.

[0038] The distance between the first opening 321 of each first passage 320 and the rotation axis AX is equal to the distance between the third opening 351 of each second passage 350 and the rotation axis AX. The distance between the second opening 322 of each first passage 320 and the rotation axis AX is equal to the distance between the fifth opening 353 of each second passage 350 and the rotation axis AX. The first fiber material passage 356, the first plasticizing material passage 326, the second fiber material passage 357, the second plasticizing material passage 327, the third fiber material passage 358, and the third plasticizing material passage 328 are provided in this order clockwise around the rotation axis AX when viewed from the +Z direction. That is, the first plasticizing material passage 326 and the second plasticizing material passage 327, which are the first passage 320, are provided between the two second passages 350 in the rotation direction of the rotating part 310. In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the rotating part 310 is clockwise around the rotation axis AX when viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the positional relationship between the first connecting passage 170, the second connecting passage 220, and the rotating section 310. As previously mentioned, the molding section 20 includes three fiber material introduction sections 22. The molding section 20 includes a fiber material supply section 210, which comprises a first fiber material supply section 216, a second fiber material supply section 217, and a third fiber material supply section 218. The molding section 20 also includes a second connecting passage 220, which comprises a first fiber material connecting passage 226, a second fiber material connecting passage 227, and a third fiber material connecting passage 228.

[0040] The first fiber material supply unit 216 supplies the first fiber material to the first fiber material passage 226. The second fiber material supply unit 217 supplies the second fiber material to the second fiber material passage 227. The third fiber material supply unit 218 supplies the third fiber material to the third fiber material passage 228. Here, the first fiber material, the second fiber material, and the third fiber material are different types of fiber materials FB. The first fiber material is, for example, carbon fiber, the second fiber material is, for example, glass fiber, and the third fiber material is, for example, aramid fiber.

[0041] Hereinafter, the end of the second connecting passage 220 that connects to the material switching section 23 will be referred to as the second connecting passage opening 221. Each second connecting passage opening 221 of the second connecting passage 220 is connected to the fourth opening 352 of a different second passage 350. The second connecting passage opening 221 of the first fiber material connecting passage 226 is connected to the fourth opening 352 of the first fiber material connecting passage 356. The second connecting passage opening 221 of the second fiber material connecting passage 227 is connected to the fourth opening 352 of the second fiber material connecting passage 357. The second connecting passage opening 221 of the third fiber material connecting passage 228 is connected to the fourth opening 352 of the third fiber material connecting passage 358. Each fiber material supply section 210 and each second connecting passage 220 rotate together with the rotating section 310 when the rotating section 310 rotates around the rotation axis AX. The plasticizing material introduction section 21 and the discharge section 24 are fixed in the molding section 20. In other words, each fiber material supply unit 210, each second connecting passage 220, and the rotating unit 310 move relative to the plasticizing material introduction unit 21 and the discharge unit 24.

[0042] The first connecting passage 170 is positioned so that the distance between the first connecting passage opening 171 and the rotation axis AX is equal to the distance between the first opening 321 of each first passage 320 and the rotation axis AX. Here, the first connecting passage opening 171 is the end of the first connecting passage 170 that connects to the material switching section 23. As a result, when the rotating section 310 rotates around the rotation axis AX, the first connecting passage opening 171 and the first opening 321 of each first passage 320 communicate with each other. The first connecting passage 170 is also positioned so that the distance between the first connecting passage opening 171 and the rotation axis AX is equal to the distance between the third opening 351 of each second passage 350 and the rotation axis AX. As a result, when the rotating section 310 rotates around the rotation axis AX, the first connecting passage opening 171 and the third opening 351 of each second passage 350 communicate with each other.

[0043] The control unit 50 controls the material switching unit 23 to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Specifically, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating unit 310 around the rotation axis AX to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Here, the first mode is a mode in which the first communication passage 170 and the flow path 410 are in communication, but the second communication passage 220 and the flow path 410 are not in communication. The second mode is a mode in which both the first communication passage 170 and the second communication passage 220 are in communication with the flow path 410. The third mode is a mode in which neither the first communication passage 170 nor the second communication passage 220 are in communication with the flow path 410.

[0044] Figures 10 to 12 show the state of communication between the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410 via the rotating section 310 in each of the modes described above. Hereafter, the end of the flow path 410 connected to the material switching section 23 will be referred to as the flow path opening 411.

[0045] Figure 10 shows the state of communication between the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410 via the rotating part 310 in the first mode. In the first mode, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX so that at least a portion of the first communication passage opening 171 overlaps with at least a portion of the first opening 321, at least a portion of the flow path opening 411 overlaps with at least a portion of the second opening 322, and the flow path opening 411 does not overlap with the fifth opening 353. Therefore, in the first mode, the plasticizing material in the first communication passage 170 flows out to the flow path 410 through the first passage 320, but the fibrous material FB in the second communication passage 220 is not transported to the flow path 410. Consequently, in the first mode, only the plasticizing material is discharged from the nozzle 430. The amount of plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 430 is controlled, for example, by the control unit 50 controlling the rotational speed of the flat screw 140 to adjust the amount of plasticizing material generated in the plasticizing unit 110. In the first mode, the first passage 320 communicating with the first communication passage 170 and the flow path 410 may be any of the first plasticizing material passage 326, the second plasticizing material passage 327, and the third plasticizing material passage 328.

[0046] Figure 11 shows the state of communication between the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410 via the rotating part 310 in the second mode. In the second mode, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position where at least a portion of the first communication passage opening 171 and at least a portion of the third opening 351 overlap, and at least a portion of the flow path opening 411 and at least a portion of the fifth opening 353 overlap. Therefore, in the second mode, the plasticizing material in the first communication passage 170 flows out into the flow path 410 through the second passage 350, and the fibrous material FB in the second communication passage 220 is transported to the flow path 410 via the second passage 350. Consequently, in the second mode, the plasticizing material and the fibrous material FB are discharged from the nozzle 430. In the second mode, the second passage 350, which communicates with the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410, is determined according to the type of fibrous material FB to be discharged from the nozzle 430. For example, when the first fibrous material is discharged from the nozzle 430, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position where the first fibrous material passage 356 communicates with the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410.

[0047] Figure 12 shows the state of communication between the first communication passage 170, the second communication passage 220, and the flow path 410 via the rotating part 310 in the third mode. In the third mode, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX so that the flow path opening 411 does not overlap with either the second opening 322 or the fifth opening 353. Therefore, in the third mode, the plasticizing material in the first communication passage 170 does not flow into the flow path 410, and the fibrous material FB in the second communication passage 220 is not transported to the flow path 410. Consequently, in the third mode, neither the plasticizing material nor the fibrous material FB is discharged from the nozzle 430.

[0048] The control unit 50 switches between modes according to the fabrication data for creating the three-dimensional object. The control unit 50 switches between modes so that, for example, fiber material FB is extruded into the parts of the three-dimensional object where the strength is to be improved. The parts of the three-dimensional object where the strength is to be improved are, for example, the outer surface of the three-dimensional object.

[0049] The control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX when switching the type of fiber material FB discharged from the nozzle 430. For example, when switching the fiber material FB discharged from the nozzle 430 from a first fiber material to a second fiber material, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX so that it changes from a first state to a second state. Here, the first state is a state in which at least a part of the fifth opening 353 of the first fiber material passage 356 and at least a part of the flow path opening 411 overlap. The second state is a state in which at least a part of the fifth opening 353 of the second fiber material passage 357 and at least a part of the flow path opening 411 overlap.

[0050] When cutting the fiber material FB, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX from a position where at least a portion of the flow channel opening 411 and at least a portion of the second opening 322 overlap to a position where the flow channel opening 411 and the second opening 322 do not overlap. Alternatively, when cutting the fiber material FB, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX from a position where at least a portion of the flow channel opening 411 and at least a portion of the fifth opening 353 overlap to a position where the flow channel opening 411 and the fifth opening 353 do not overlap. As a result, the fiber material FB is cut by bending near the flow channel opening 411. Cutting the fiber material FB refers to changing from a state in which the fiber material FB is discharged from the nozzle 430 to a state in which the fiber material FB is not discharged from the nozzle 430. For example, switching from the second mode to the first mode or the third mode corresponds to cutting the fiber material FB.

[0051] According to the first embodiment described above, the control unit 50 controls the material switching unit 23 to switch between a first mode in which the first communication passage 170 communicating with the plasticizing unit 110 and the flow path 410 communicating with the nozzle 430 are in communication, and the second communication passage 220 communicating with the fiber material supply unit 210 and the flow path 410 are not in communication; a second mode in which the first communication passage 170 and the second communication passage 220 are in communication with the flow path 410; and a third mode in which neither the first communication passage 170 nor the second communication passage 220 are in communication with the flow path 410. As a result, it is possible to switch between the discharge of plasticizing material from the nozzle 430 and the discharge of fiber material FB.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating part 310 includes a first passage 320 which is a through hole that can connect the first communication passage 170 and the flow path 410, and a second passage 350 which is a through hole that can connect the first communication passage 170 and the flow path 410, and the second communication passage 220 and the flow path 410. The first passage 320 has a first opening 321 that can be connected to the first communication passage 170 and a second opening 322 that can be connected to the flow path 410, and the second passage 350 has a third opening 351 that can be connected to the first communication passage 170, a fourth opening 352 connected to the second communication passage 220 and a fifth opening 353 that can be connected to the flow path 410, the axial direction of the first passage 320 is along the axial direction of the flow path 410, and the sum of the opening area of ​​the third opening 351 and the opening area of ​​the fourth opening 352 is greater than the opening area of ​​the fifth opening 353. Therefore, by rotating the rotating part 310 around the rotating axis AX, it is possible to easily switch between the discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 430 and the discharge of the fiber material FB.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first mode, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating unit 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position where at least a portion of the first communication passage opening 171, which is the end of the first communication passage 170 connected to the rotating unit 310, overlaps with at least a portion of the first opening 321, at least a portion of the flow path opening 411, which is the end of the flow path 410 connected to the rotating unit 310, overlaps with at least a portion of the second opening 322, and the flow path opening 411 and the fifth opening 353 do not overlap. Therefore, in the first mode, only the plasticizing material can be discharged from the nozzle 430.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the second mode, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating unit 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position where at least a portion of the first communication passage opening 171, which is the end of the first communication passage 170 connected to the rotating unit 310, overlaps with at least a portion of the third opening 351, and at least a portion of the flow path opening 411, which is the end of the flow path 410 connected to the rotating unit 310, overlaps with at least a portion of the fifth opening 353. Therefore, in the second mode, both the plasticizing material and the fiber material FB can be discharged from the nozzle 430.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the third mode, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating unit 310 around the rotation axis AX so that the flow path opening 411, which is the end of the flow path 410 connected to the rotating unit 310, does not overlap with either the second opening 322 or the fifth opening 353. Therefore, in the third mode, neither the plasticizing material nor the fiber material FB can be discharged from the nozzle 430.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 is equipped with a plurality of second connecting passages 220, and the fiber material supply unit 210 supplies different types of fiber material FB to each of the second connecting passages 220. The rotating unit 310 is equipped with a plurality of second passages 350, and the fourth opening 352 of each second passage 350 is connected to a different second connecting passage 220. Therefore, different types of fiber material FB can be discharged from the nozzle 430.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when switching the fiber material FB discharged from the nozzle 430 from the first fiber material to the second fiber material, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating unit 310 around the rotation axis AX so that it changes from a first state in which at least a part of the fifth opening 353 of the first fiber material passage 356 and at least a part of the flow path opening 411, which is the end of the flow path 410 connected to the rotating unit 310, overlap, to a second state in which at least a part of the fifth opening 353 of the second fiber material passage 357 and at least a part of the flow path opening 411 overlap. Therefore, the type of fiber material FB discharged from the nozzle 430 can be easily switched.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first passage 320 is provided between the two second passages 350 in the rotational direction of the rotating part 310. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch from the second mode to the first mode.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fourth opening 352 and the third opening 351 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AX and moving away from the rotation axis AX. Therefore, when the rotating part 310 has multiple second passages 350, the third opening 351 and the fourth opening 352, which are communicating with each other, can be easily identified.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat insulating material 250 is provided between the second communication passage 220 and the plasticizing section 110. Therefore, the influence of the heat from the plasticizing section 110 on the fibrous material FB passing through the second communication passage 220 can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle heater 440 is positioned around the portion of the flow path 410 located near the nozzle 430. Therefore, the plasticizing material can be heated just before it is discharged from the nozzle 430, allowing for more stable discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 430.

[0062] B. Other embodiments: (B-1) In the above embodiment, the molding unit 20 is provided with three fiber material introduction sections 22. In contrast, the molding unit 20 may be provided with one, two, or four or more fiber material introduction sections 22. That is, the molding unit 20 may be provided with one, two, or four or more second connecting passages 220. Also, in the above embodiment, the rotating unit 310 is provided with three second passages 350. In contrast, the rotating unit 310 may be provided with one, two, or four or more second passages 350. Each second connecting passage 220 is connected to a different second passage 350.

[0063] (B-2) In the above embodiment, the rotating part 310 has three first passages 320. In contrast, the rotating part 310 may have one, two, or four or more first passages 320.

[0064] (B-3) In the above embodiment, the axial direction of the first passage 320 is along the axial direction of the flow path 410. In contrast, the axial direction of the first passage 320 does not have to be along the axial direction of the flow path 410.

[0065] (B-4) In the above embodiment, the sum of the opening area of ​​the third opening 351 and the opening area of ​​the fourth opening 352 is greater than the opening area of ​​the fifth opening 353. In contrast, the sum of the opening area of ​​the third opening 351 and the opening area of ​​the fourth opening 352 does not have to be greater than the opening area of ​​the fifth opening 353.

[0066] (B-5) In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position in the first mode where at least a part of the first passage opening 171 overlaps with at least a part of the first opening 321, at least a part of the flow path opening 411 overlaps with at least a part of the second opening 322, and the flow path opening 411 does not overlap with the fifth opening 353. In contrast, the control unit 50 does not have to rotate the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position in the first mode where at least a part of the first passage opening 171 overlaps with at least a part of the first opening 321, at least a part of the flow path opening 411 overlaps with at least a part of the second opening 322, and the flow path opening 411 does not overlap with the fifth opening 353.

[0067] (B-6) In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position where at least a part of the first communication passage opening 171 and at least a part of the third opening 351 overlap, and at least a part of the flow path opening 411 and at least a part of the fifth opening 353 overlap. In contrast, the control unit 50 does not have to rotate the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX to a position where at least a part of the first communication passage opening 171 and at least a part of the third opening 351 overlap, and at least a part of the flow path opening 411 and at least a part of the fifth opening 353 overlap.

[0068] (B-7) In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 rotates the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX so that the flow path opening 411 does not overlap with either the second opening 322 or the fifth opening 353 in the third mode. In contrast, the control unit 50 does not have to rotate the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX so that the flow path opening 411 does not overlap with either the second opening 322 or the fifth opening 353 in the third mode.

[0069] (B-8) In the above embodiment, the first passage 320 is provided between the two second passages 350 in the rotational direction of the rotating part 310. In contrast, the first passage 320 does not have to be provided between the two second passages 350 in the rotational direction of the rotating part 310.

[0070] (B-9) In the above embodiment, the fourth opening 352 and the third opening 351 are arranged side by side in the radial direction, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis AX and away from the rotation axis AX. In contrast, the fourth opening 352 and the third opening 351 do not have to be arranged side by side in the radial direction.

[0071] (B-10) In the above embodiment, the distance L1 between the rotating shaft AX and the plasticizing section 110, as viewed from the direction along the rotating shaft AX, is longer than the distance L2 between the rotating shaft AX and the fiber material supply section 210. In contrast, the distance L1 between the rotating shaft AX and the plasticizing section 110, as viewed from the direction along the rotating shaft AX, does not have to be longer than the distance L2 between the rotating shaft AX and the fiber material supply section 210.

[0072] (B-11) In the above embodiment, a heat insulating material 250 is provided between the second connecting passage 220 and the plasticizing section 110. However, a heat insulating material 250 may not be provided between the second connecting passage 220 and the plasticizing section 110.

[0073] (B-12) In the above embodiment, the discharge unit 24 is equipped with a nozzle heater 440. However, the discharge unit 24 does not need to be equipped with a nozzle heater 440.

[0074] (B-13) In the above embodiment, the amount of plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 430 is controlled, for example, by the control unit 50 controlling the rotational speed of the flat screw 140. Alternatively, the amount of plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 430 may be controlled by the control unit 50 controlling the rotation angle of the rotating part 310 around the rotation axis AX, thereby changing the area of ​​the overlapping portion of the first passage opening 171 and the first opening 321, or the area of ​​the overlapping portion of the first passage opening 171 and the third opening 351.

[0075] C. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0076] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional molding apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional molding apparatus includes a plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of a material including a thermoplastic resin to produce a plasticizable material, a fiber material supply unit that supplies a fiber material, a first communication passage communicating with the plasticizing unit and through which the plasticizable material passes, at least one second communication passage communicating with the fiber material supply unit and through which the fiber material passes, a flow path through which the plasticizable material that has passed through the first communication passage and the fiber material that has passed through the second communication passage can pass, a material switching unit connected to the first communication passage, the second communication passage and the flow path, and switching the communication between the first communication passage, the second communication passage and the flow path, and a flow path communicating with the flow path and the plasticizable material that has passed through the flow path The apparatus comprises a nozzle for discharging the fibrous material onto a stage, the plasticizing unit, the fibrous material supply unit, and the material switching unit, and a control unit that controls these to fabricate a three-dimensional object containing the plasticizing material on the stage, wherein the material switching unit includes a rotating unit that rotates about a rotation axis along the axial direction of the flow path, and the control unit controls the material switching unit to switch between a first mode in which the first communication passage and the flow path are in communication with the second communication passage and the flow path, a second mode in which the first communication passage and the second communication passage are in communication with the flow path, and a third mode in which neither the first communication passage nor the second communication passage is in communication with the flow path. This configuration allows for switching between the discharge of plasticizing material and fibrous material from the nozzle.

[0077] (2) In the above embodiment, the rotating part comprises a first passage which is a through hole that can connect the first communication passage and the flow path, and at least one second passage which is a through hole that can connect the first communication passage and the flow path, and the second communication passage and the flow path, wherein the first passage has a first opening connectable to the first communication passage and a second opening connectable to the flow path, the second passage has a third opening connectable to the first communication passage, a fourth opening connected to the second communication passage and a fifth opening connectable to the flow path, the axial direction of the first passage is in the direction along the axial direction of the flow path, and the sum of the opening area of ​​the third opening and the opening area of ​​the fourth opening may be greater than the opening area of ​​the fifth opening. With this configuration, by rotating the rotating part around the axis of rotation, it is possible to easily switch between dispensing plasticizing material from the nozzle and dispensing fibrous material.

[0078] (3) In the above configuration, the control unit may rotate the rotating part around the rotation axis in the first mode such that at least a portion of the first passage opening, which is the end of the first passage connected to the rotating part, overlaps with at least a portion of the first opening, at least a portion of the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, overlaps with at least a portion of the second opening, and the flow path opening and the fifth opening do not overlap. With this configuration, in the first mode, only the plasticizing material can be discharged from the nozzle.

[0079] (4) In the above configuration, the control unit may rotate the rotating part about the rotation axis in the second mode such that at least a portion of the first passage opening, which is the end of the first passage connected to the rotating part, and at least a portion of the third opening overlap, and at least a portion of the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, and at least a portion of the fifth opening overlap. In this configuration, in the second mode, both the plasticizing material and the fibrous material can be discharged from the nozzle.

[0080] (5) In the above configuration, the control unit may rotate the rotating part around the rotation axis in the third mode so that the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, does not overlap with either the second opening or the fifth opening. With this configuration, in the third mode, neither the plasticizing material nor the fibrous material can be discharged from the nozzle.

[0081] (6) In the above embodiment, the fiber material supply unit may be provided with a plurality of second passages, and the fiber material supply unit may be provided with different types of fiber material to each of the second passages, and the rotating unit may be provided with a plurality of second passages, and the fourth opening of each second passage may be connected to a different second passage. This configuration allows different types of fibrous materials to be extruded from the nozzle.

[0082] (7) In the above embodiment, the first fiber material passage and the second fiber material passage are provided as the second passage, the fiber material supply unit supplies the first fiber material to the first fiber material passage, and supplies the second fiber material, which is a different type of fiber material from the first fiber material, to the second fiber material passage, the rotating unit is provided as the first fiber material passage and the second fiber material passage, the fourth opening of the first fiber material passage is connected to the first fiber material passage, and the fourth opening of the second fiber material passage is The control unit may rotate the rotating part around the rotation axis so that, when switching the fiber material discharged from the nozzle from the first fiber material to the second fiber material, it changes from a first state in which at least a part of the fifth opening of the first fiber material passage and at least a part of the flow path opening which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part overlap, to a second state in which at least a part of the fifth opening of the second fiber material passage and at least a part of the flow path opening overlap. This configuration allows for easy switching of the type of fibrous material discharged from the nozzle.

[0083] (8) In the above embodiment, the first passage may be provided between the two second passages in the rotation direction of the rotating part. This configuration allows for quick switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0084] (9) In the above embodiment, the fourth opening and the third opening may be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and away from the rotation axis. With this configuration, when the rotating part has multiple second passages, the third and fourth openings that communicate with each other can be easily identified.

[0085] (10) In the above embodiment, the distance between the rotating shaft and the plasticizing part, when viewed from the direction along the rotating shaft, may be longer than the distance between the rotating shaft and the fiber material supply part.

[0086] (11) In the above embodiment, a heat insulating material may be further provided between the second connecting passage and the plasticizing portion. This configuration reduces the influence of heat from the plasticizing section on the fibrous material passing through the second passage.

[0087] (12) In the above embodiment, a nozzle heater may be further provided, which is arranged around the portion of the flow path located near the nozzle. With this configuration, the plasticizing material can be heated immediately before being discharged from the nozzle, allowing for more stable discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...3D modeling device, 20...Modeling section, 21...Plasticizing material introduction section, 22...Fiber material introduction section, 23...Material switching section, 24...Discharge section, 30...Stage, 31...Modeling surface, 40...Movement mechanism, 50...Control unit, 51...CPU, 52...Memory device, 101...Material supply section, 105...Material supply path, 110...Plasticizing section, 120...Drive motor, 130...Reduction gear, 140...Flat screw, 141...Groove forming surface, 142 ...Central section, 143...groove, 144...material input port, 145...protruding section, 148...screw case, 150...barrel, 151...connecting hole, 153...opposing surface, 154...guide groove, 155...barrel heater, 170...first connecting passage, 171...first connecting passage opening, 180...block, 210...fiber material supply section, 211...storage section, 212...conveyor roller, 216...first fiber material supply section, 217...second fiber material supply section, 218...second 3 Fiber material supply section, 220... Second connecting passage, 221... Second connecting passage opening, 226... First fiber material connecting passage, 227... Second fiber material connecting passage, 228... Third fiber material connecting passage, 250... Insulation material, 310... Rotating section, 320... First passage, 321... First opening, 322... Second opening, 326... First plasticizing material passage, 327... Second plasticizing material passage, 328... Third plasticizing material passage, 350... Second passage, 351... Third opening, 352 ...4th opening, 353...5th opening, 356...1st fiber material passage, 357...2nd fiber material passage, 358...3rd fiber material passage, 380...1st drive unit, 410...flow path, 411...flow path opening, 420...suction unit, 421...branching flow path, 422...plunger, 423...plunger drive unit, 430...nozzle, 431...nozzle opening, 440...nozzle heater, AX...rotating shaft, FB...fiber material, MR...material, RX...rotating shaft

Claims

1. A plasticizing unit that plasticizes at least a portion of a material containing a thermoplastic resin to produce a plasticized material, A fiber material supply unit that supplies fiber materials, A first connecting passage that communicates with the plasticizing section and through which the plasticizing material passes, A second communication passage that communicates with the fiber material supply section and through which the fiber material passes, A flow path through which the plasticizing material that has passed through the first connecting passage and the fiber material that has passed through the second connecting passage can pass, A material switching unit is connected to the first connecting passage, the second connecting passage, and the flow path, and switches the communication between the first connecting passage, the second connecting passage, and the flow path. A nozzle that communicates with the aforementioned flow path and discharges the plasticizing material and the fiber material that have passed through the aforementioned flow path onto a stage, The system comprises a control unit that controls the plasticizing unit, the fiber material supply unit, and the material switching unit to fabricate a three-dimensional object containing the plasticizing material on the stage, The material switching unit includes a rotating part that rotates around a rotation axis along the axial direction of the flow path, The control unit controls the material switching unit in order to switch between a first mode in which the first communication passage and the flow path are in communication and the second communication passage and the flow path are not in communication; a second mode in which the first communication passage and the second communication passage are in communication with the flow path; and a third mode in which neither the first communication passage nor the second communication passage is in communication with the flow path. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

2. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 1, The rotating part is, The first passage is a through-hole that allows the first connecting passage and the flow path to communicate, The device comprises the first connecting passage and the flow path, and at least one second passage which is a through-hole capable of connecting the second connecting passage and the flow path, The first passage has a first opening connectable to the first connecting passage and a second opening connectable to the flow path, The second passage has a third opening connectable to the first connecting passage, a fourth opening connected to the second connecting passage, and a fifth opening connectable to the flow path. The axial direction of the first passage is in the direction along the axial direction of the flow path. The sum of the opening area of ​​the third opening and the opening area of ​​the fourth opening is greater than the opening area of ​​the fifth opening. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

3. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 2, In the first mode, the control unit rotates the rotating part around the rotation axis so that at least a portion of the first communication opening, which is the end of the first communication passage connected to the rotating part, overlaps with at least a portion of the first opening, at least a portion of the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, overlaps with at least a portion of the second opening, and the flow path opening and the fifth opening do not overlap. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

4. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 2, In the second mode, the control unit rotates the rotating part around the rotation axis at a position where at least a portion of the first communication opening, which is the end of the first communication passage connected to the rotating part, overlaps with at least a portion of the third opening, and at least a portion of the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, overlaps with at least a portion of the fifth opening. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

5. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 2, In the third mode, the control unit rotates the rotating part around the rotation axis so that the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, does not overlap with either the second opening or the fifth opening. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

6. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 2, The system includes multiple of the aforementioned second connecting passages, The fiber material supply unit supplies different types of fiber material to each of the two connecting passages. The rotating part comprises a plurality of the second passages, Each of the second passages has a fourth opening which is connected to a different second passage. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

7. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 6, The second connecting passage comprises a first fiber material connecting passage and a second fiber material connecting passage, The aforementioned fiber material supply unit is: The first fiber material is supplied to the first fiber material passage, A second fiber material, which is a different type of fiber material from the first fiber material, is supplied to the second fiber material passage. The rotating part comprises the first fiber material passage and the second fiber material passage, which are the second passages. The fourth opening of the first fiber material passage is connected to the first fiber material passage, The fourth opening of the second fiber material passage is connected to the second fiber material passage, When switching the fibrous material discharged from the nozzle from the first fibrous material to the second fibrous material, the control unit rotates the rotating part around the rotation axis so that it changes from a first state in which at least a portion of the fifth opening of the first fibrous material passage and at least a portion of the flow path opening, which is the end of the flow path connected to the rotating part, overlap, to a second state in which at least a portion of the fifth opening of the second fibrous material passage and at least a portion of the flow path opening overlap. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

8. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 6, The first passage is provided between the two second passages in the rotational direction of the rotating part. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

9. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 2, The fourth opening and the third opening are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation and away from the axis of rotation. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

10. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 1, Viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, the distance between the rotation axis and the plasticizing section is longer than the distance between the rotation axis and the fiber material supply section. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

11. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 1, The system further comprises an insulating material provided between the second connecting passage and the plasticizing portion. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

12. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 1, The system further comprises a nozzle heater positioned around the portion of the flow path located near the nozzle. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

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