Plasticizing apparatus, injection molding apparatus, and screw

Abstract

To provide an injection molding apparatus that can improve the amount of material plasticized per unit time. [Solution] A plasticizer comprising a rotating screw, a barrel positioned opposite the screw and having a communication hole formed therein for allowing plasticized material to flow out to the outside, and a first heating section for heating the material, wherein the screw has a first screw section having an opposing surface facing the barrel, and a second screw section protruding from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw section and having its tip located in the communication hole, the second screw section being positioned in conjunction with the rotation axis, a first groove formed on the opposing surface of the first screw section for supplying the material, a second groove formed on the side surface of the second screw section connected to the first groove, and in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between the tip of the second screw section and the opposing surface of the first screw section is greater than the width of the second screw section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasticizing device, an injection molding device, and a screw.

Background Art

[0002] An injection molding device is known that injects a material plasticized by a plasticizing device into a cavity of a mold and cures it to form a molded product.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a plasticizing device including a drive motor, a flat screw having a groove formation surface formed with grooves and rotating about the shaft of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface opposing the groove formation surface and formed with communication holes for allowing the plasticized material to flow out to the outside, and a heating unit for heating the material supplied to the grooves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the plasticizing device as described above, it is required to improve the amount of material plasticized per unit time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the plasticizing device according to the present invention is a drive motor, a screw rotated by the drive motor, a barrel positioned opposite to the screw and formed with communication holes for allowing the plasticized material to flow out to the outside, a first heating unit for heating the material, and includes The aforementioned screw is A first screw portion having an opposing surface facing the barrel, A second screw portion protrudes from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw portion, with its tip located in the communication hole, It has, The second screw portion is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis, A first groove is formed on the opposing surface of the first screw portion through which the material is supplied. A second groove connected to the first groove is formed on the side surface of the second screw portion. In the direction of rotation, the distance between the tip of the second screw portion and the opposing surface of the first screw portion is greater than the width of the second screw portion.

[0007] One aspect of the injection molding apparatus according to the present invention is: The plasticizer and, A nozzle for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizing device, A mold opening and closing device for opening and closing a mold having a cavity into which the injected material is supplied, Includes.

[0008] One aspect of the screw according to the present invention is: A screw provided in a plasticizing device having a communication hole for allowing plasticized material to flow out to the outside, A first screw portion having an opposing surface facing the barrel, A second screw portion protrudes from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw portion, with its tip located in the communication hole, Includes, The second screw portion is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis, A first groove is formed on the opposing surface of the first screw portion through which the material is supplied. A second groove connected to the first groove is formed on the side surface of the second screw portion. In the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between the tip of the second screw portion and the opposing surface of the first screw portion is greater than the width of the second screw portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] Side view schematically showing the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view schematically showing the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] View schematically showing the barrel of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] Perspective view schematically showing the screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] Perspective view schematically showing the screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective view schematically showing the screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] Perspective view schematically showing the screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] Perspective view schematically showing the screw of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] Perspective view schematically showing the first groove and the second groove of the injection molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. <G [Figure 10] Side view schematically showing the second screw portion of the injection molding apparatus according to the first modification of the present embodiment. <G [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view schematically showing the second screw portion of the injection molding apparatus according to the first modification of the present embodiment. <G [Figure 12] Perspective view schematically showing the first groove and the second groove of the injection molding apparatus according to the first modification of the present embodiment. <G [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view schematically showing the three-dimensional shaping apparatus according to the present embodiment. <G )]]

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Injection molding equipment 1.1. Overall structure First, the injection molding apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the injection molding apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the three mutually orthogonal axes are shown as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis and Y-axis directions are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the injection molding apparatus 100 includes, for example, a material supply unit 10, an injection unit 20, a mold unit 30, a mold clamping unit 40, and a control unit 50. The material supply unit 10 supplies raw materials to the injection unit 20. The material supply unit 10 may be composed of a hopper. The shape of the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is, for example, pellets. The material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0013] The injection unit 20 plasticizes the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 to create a plastic material. Then, the injection unit 20 injects the plastic material toward the mold unit 30.

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

[0015] A cavity corresponding to the shape of the molded product is formed in the mold section 30. The plasticizing material injected from the injection section 20 flows into the cavity. The plasticizing material is then cooled and solidified, and the molded product is produced.

[0016] The clamping section 40 opens and closes the mold section 30. The clamping section 40 opens the mold section 30 after the plasticizing material has cooled and solidified. This allows the molded product to be discharged to the outside.

[0017] The control unit 50 is composed of, for example, a computer having a processor, main memory, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The control unit 50 performs various functions, for example, by having the processor execute a program loaded into the main memory. Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 40. Note that the control unit 50 may be composed of a combination of multiple circuits instead of a computer.

[0018] 1.2. Specific Configuration Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1, showing the injection molding apparatus 100. The injection unit 20 includes, for example, a plasticizer 60, an injection mechanism 70, and a nozzle 80, as shown in Figure 2.

[0019] The plasticizer 60 is configured to plasticize at least a portion of the material supplied from the material supply unit 10, generate a fluid paste-like plasticizer, and guide it to the injection mechanism 70. The plasticizer 60 includes, for example, a screw case 62, a drive motor 64, a screw 110, a barrel 120, and a heating unit 130.

[0020] The screw case 62 is a housing that contains the screw 110. The screw 110 is housed in the space enclosed by the screw case 62 and the barrel 120.

[0021] The drive motor 64 is located on the outside of the screw case 62. The drive motor 64 is configured, for example, to include a servo motor. The shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 is connected to the shaft surface 141 of the screw 110. The drive motor 64 is controlled by the control unit 50. Although not shown in the figures, the shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 and the shaft surface 141 of the screw 110 may be connected via a reduction gear.

[0022] The screw 110 is connected to the drive motor 64. The screw 110 rotates due to the torque generated by the drive motor 64. The screw 110 is installed in the plasticizer 60. Details of the screw 110 will be described later.

[0023] The barrel 120 is mounted in the +Y axis direction of the screw 110. The barrel 120 is positioned opposite the screw 110. The barrel 120 has an opposing surface 122 that faces the screw 110. Here, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the barrel 120.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, barrel grooves 124 and communication holes 126 are formed on the opposing surface 122 of the barrel 120. Multiple barrel grooves 124 are formed. In the illustrated example, six barrel grooves 124 are formed, but the number of barrel grooves 124 is not particularly limited. Multiple barrel grooves 124 are formed around the communication holes 126 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. One end of each barrel groove 124 is connected to the communication hole 126 and extends in a spiral shape from the communication hole 126 toward the outer circumference of the barrel 120. The barrel grooves 124 have the function of guiding the plasticized plasticizing material to the communication holes 126. The communication holes 126 are formed, for example, in the center of the opposing surface 122. The communication holes 126 extend in the Y-axis direction. The communication holes 126 penetrate the barrel 120. The communication holes 126 allow the plasticizing material to flow out to the outside.

[0025] The shape of the barrel groove 124 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, straight. Also, one end of the barrel groove 124 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 126. Furthermore, the barrel groove 124 does not have to be formed on the opposing surface 122. However, considering the efficient guidance of the plasticizing material into the communication hole 126, it is preferable that the barrel groove 124 be formed on the opposing surface 122.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the heating unit 130 is provided in the barrel 120. The heating unit 130 is a heater. For example, the heating unit 130 is a rod heater. The heating unit 130 heats the material supplied between the screw 110 and the barrel 120. The output of the heating unit 130 is controlled by the control unit 50. The plasticizer 60 heats the material while conveying it toward the communication hole 126 using the screw 110, barrel 120, and heating unit 130, thereby producing plasticized plasticized material. The plasticizer 60 then discharges the produced plasticized material from the communication hole 126.

[0027] The heating section 130 is provided, for example, in the -Y-axis direction relative to the cylinder 72 of the injection mechanism 70. Multiple heating sections 130 are provided, for example. Of the multiple heating sections 130, the first heating section 130a and the second heating section 130b are aligned in the Y-axis direction. The first heating section 130a and the second heating section 130b are spaced apart from each other. The number of heating sections 130 is not particularly limited. Although not shown in the figures, there may be three or more heating sections 130.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the shape of the heating section 130 may be ring-shaped when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Also, the third heating section among the multiple heating sections 130 may be located in the -Y-axis direction relative to the cylinder 72. Furthermore, the heating section 130 does not have to be provided on the barrel 120, but may be provided on the screw 110, for example.

[0029] The injection mechanism 70 includes, for example, a cylinder 72, a plunger 74, and a plunger drive unit 76. The cylinder 72 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 126. The plunger 74 moves inside the cylinder 72. The plunger 74 is driven by the plunger drive unit 76, which is composed of a motor, gears, etc. The plunger drive unit 76 is controlled by the control unit 50. Although not shown in the figures, the cylinder 72 may also be connected to a flow path downstream of the communication hole 126.

[0030] The injection mechanism 70 performs metering and injection operations by sliding the plunger 74 within the cylinder 72. Metering refers to the operation of moving the plunger 74 away from the communication hole 126 in the X-axis direction, thereby guiding the plasticizing material located in the communication hole 126 into the cylinder 72 and metering it within the cylinder 72. Injection refers to the operation of moving the plunger 74 closer to the communication hole 126 in the X-axis direction, thereby injecting the plasticizing material in the cylinder 72 into the mold section 30 via the nozzle 80.

[0031] The nozzle 80 has a nozzle hole 82 that communicates with the communication hole 126. The nozzle 80 injects the plasticized material, which has been plasticized by the plasticizing device 60, into the mold 32 of the mold section 30. Specifically, as the above-described metering and injection operations are performed, the plasticized material metered in the cylinder 72 is sent from the injection mechanism 70 to the nozzle hole 82 via the communication hole 126. The plasticized material is then injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the mold section 30.

[0032] The mold section 30 has a molding die 32. The plasticizing material injected from the nozzle 80 is supplied to the cavity 34 of the molding die 32. Specifically, the molding die 32 has a movable die 36 and a fixed die 38 facing each other, and a cavity 34 between the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38. The cavity 34 is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product. The movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 are made of metal. However, the materials of the movable die 36 and the fixed die 38 may be ceramic or resin.

[0033] The mold clamping section 40 includes, for example, a mold drive section 42 and a ball screw section 44. The mold drive section 42 is composed of, for example, a motor, gears, etc. The mold drive section 42 is connected to the movable mold 36 via the ball screw section 44. The mold drive section 42 is controlled by the control section 50. The ball screw section 44 transmits the power generated by the drive of the mold drive section 42 to the movable mold 36. The mold clamping section 40 is a mold opening and closing device that opens and closes the mold section 30 by moving the movable mold 36 with the mold drive section 42 and the ball screw section 44.

[0034] 1.3. Screw Figures 4 to 8 are schematic perspective views of the screw 110. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the screw 110 has a first screw portion 140 and a second screw portion 150. For convenience, the second screw portion 150 is omitted from Figure 6. The first screw portion 140 is omitted from Figure 7.

[0035] The first screw portion 140 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than the size in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. The first screw portion 140 is, for example, a flat screw. The first screw portion 140 is connected to, for example, a drive motor 64. The first screw portion 140 rotates about the rotation axis R by the rotation of the drive motor 64. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Y axis.

[0036] The first screw portion 140 has, for example, a shaft surface 141 to which the shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 is connected, an opposing surface 142 opposite to the shaft surface 141, and a connecting surface 143 that connects the shaft surface 141 and the opposing surface 142. The opposing surface 142 faces the opposing surface 122 of the barrel 120. As shown in Figure 6, a first groove 144 and an insertion hole 147 are formed on the opposing surface 142. The connecting surface 143 is, for example, perpendicular to the opposing surface 142.

[0037] The first groove 144 of the first screw section 140 includes, for example, a material introduction section 145 and a material transport section 146. The material introduction section 145 is formed on the outer circumference of the opposing surface 142. That is, the material introduction section 145 is formed on the connecting surface 143 of the first screw section 140. The material transport section 146 is connected to the material introduction section 145. In the illustrated example, the material transport section 146 is formed spirally from the insertion hole 147 toward the outer circumference of the opposing surface 142. The material supplied from the material supply section 10 is supplied from the material introduction section 145 to the first groove 144, and transported through the material transport section 146 to the second groove 154 formed in the second screw section 150. In the illustrated example, two first grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, one first groove 144 is shown with a pattern of black dots, and the other first groove 144 is shown in gray. The same applies to the second groove 154.

[0038] The number of first grooves 144 is not particularly limited. Although not shown in the diagram, there may be three or more first grooves 144, or there may be only one.

[0039] The first groove 144 of the first screw portion 140 has a portion where the width W1 is greater than the depth H1. In the illustrated example, the width W1 of the first groove 144 is greater than the depth H1 throughout its entire range.

[0040] The insertion hole 147 of the first screw portion 140 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. In the example shown in Figure 5, the insertion hole 147 penetrates the first screw portion 140, but it does not have to penetrate the first screw portion 140. The second screw portion 150 is inserted into the insertion hole 147. As shown in Figure 6, a receiving portion 148 for receiving the second screw portion 150 is provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole 147. The receiving portion 148 protrudes from the inner surface of the insertion hole 147 toward the center.

[0041] The second screw portion 150 is connected to the first screw portion 140. The second screw portion 150 is inserted into the insertion hole 147 of the first screw portion 140. As shown in Figure 7, the second screw portion 150 has a D-cut portion 151. The D-cut portion 151 contacts a receiving portion 148 provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole 147. The first screw portion 140 and the second screw portion 150 are separate components. The second screw portion 150 may be screwed to the first screw portion 140. The material of the first screw portion 140 and the material of the second screw portion 150 are, for example, the same. The material of the first screw portion 140 and the material of the second screw portion 150 are, for example, metals such as SUS440C.

[0042] The first screw portion 140 and the second screw portion 150 may be a single unit. Alternatively, the first screw portion 140 and the second screw portion 150 may be separate components, and the materials of the first screw portion 140 and the second screw portion 150 may be different. For example, the second screw portion 150, which is closer to the heating portion 130, may be made of a material with a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the first screw portion 140, which is further away from the heating portion 130.

[0043] The second screw portion 150 may be detachable from the first screw portion 140. Although not shown in the figures, the second screw portion 150 may be removed from the first screw portion 140, and an insert may be inserted into the insertion hole 147 to use the first screw portion 140 as a flat screw.

[0044] The second screw section 150 rotates around the rotation axis R in conjunction with the rotation of the first screw section 140. The second screw section 150 performs the same rotational motion as the first screw section 140. That is, the rotational speed of the second screw section 150 is the same as that of the first screw section 140, and the rotational direction of the second screw section 150 is the same as that of the first screw section 140. In the example shown in Figure 2, the second screw section 150 is connected to the shaft 66 of the drive motor 64. Although not shown, the insertion hole 147 may not penetrate the first screw section 140, and the second screw section 150 may be separated from the shaft 66 of the drive motor 64.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the second screw portion 150 protrudes in the +Y-axis direction from the opposing surface 142 of the first screw portion 140. The second screw portion 150 is positioned to coincide with the axis of rotation R. The axis of rotation R passes through, for example, the center of the second screw portion 150. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the second screw portion 150 coincides with the center of the first screw portion 140. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the outer circumference of the second screw portion 150 is located inside the outer circumference of the first screw portion 140.

[0046] At least a portion of the second screw portion 150 is located in the communication hole 126 formed in the barrel 120, as shown in Figure 2. More than half of the volume of the second screw portion 150 is located in the communication hole 126. The tip 152 of the second screw portion 150 is located in the communication hole 126. The tip 152 is located in the -Y-axis direction relative to the cylinder 72. The tip 152 is the +Y-axis end of the second screw portion 150. Viewed from the Y-axis direction, the shape of the tip 152 is, for example, circular. As shown in Figure 4, in the Y-axis direction, the distance L between the tip 152 and the opposing surface 142 is greater than the width D of the second screw portion 150. The distance L is the size in the Y-axis direction of the portion of the second screw portion 150 that protrudes from the opposing surface 142. The width D is, for example, the diameter of the second screw portion 150, viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0047] The second screw portion 150 has a side surface 153. The side surface 153 is parallel to the Y-axis. The perpendicular to the side surface 153 is perpendicular to the Y-axis. The side surface 153 is perpendicular to, for example, the opposing surface 142. A second groove 154 is formed in the side surface 153. The second groove 154 is formed in a helical shape. Here, Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the first groove 144 and the second groove 154.

[0048] The second groove 154 is connected to the first groove 144, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The second groove 154 is continuous with the first groove 144. The number of second grooves 154 is the same as the number of first grooves 144. In the illustrated example, two second grooves 154 are formed. At the connection portion 160 between the first groove 144 and the second groove 154, as shown in Figure 9, the width W1 of the first groove 144 and the depth H2 of the second groove 154 are, for example, equal. At the connection portion 160, the depth H1 of the first groove 144 and the width W2 of the second groove 154 are, for example, equal. The width W1 is, for example, the size of the first groove 144 in the radial direction of the first screw portion 140, and is the size in the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction of the first groove 144. The depth H1 is the size of the first groove 144 in the Y-axis direction. The width W2 is the size of the second groove 154 in the Y-axis direction. The depth H2 is, for example, the size of the second groove 154 in the radial direction of the second screw portion 150, and is the size in the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction of the second groove 154. In the connecting portion 160, the first groove 144 and the second groove 154 are smoothly connected without, for example, the formation of a step.

[0049] 1.4. Effects The plasticizing apparatus 60 includes a drive motor 64, a screw 110 rotated by the drive motor 64, a barrel 120 positioned opposite the screw 110 and having a communication hole 126 formed therein for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside, and a first heating section 130a for heating the material. The screw 110 has a first screw section 140 having an opposing surface 142 facing the barrel 120, and a second screw section 150 protruding from the opposing surface 142 in the direction of the rotation axis R of the first screw section 140, with its tip 152 located in the communication hole 126. The second screw section 150 is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis R. A first groove 144 is formed on the opposing surface 142 of the first screw section 140 through which the material is supplied, and a second groove 154 is formed on the side surface 153 of the second screw section 150 and connected to the first groove 144. In the direction of the rotation axis R, the distance L between the tip 152 of the second screw portion 150 and the opposing surface 142 of the first screw portion 140 is greater than the width D of the second screw portion 150.

[0050] Therefore, the plasticizer 60 can improve the amount of material plasticized per unit time compared to the case where the distance L is smaller than the width D. Furthermore, the second screw section 150 can reduce the possibility of material accumulating in the screw 110.

[0051] For example, in a flat screw, material is transported from the outer edge towards the center, but it is presumed that the velocity is highest at the outer edge and lowest, almost zero, at the center. Due to this phenomenon, material flow is difficult to generate at the center of the flat screw, and the material stagnates there. As a result, the amount of material plasticized per unit time becomes small.

[0052] To address these issues, the plasticizer 60 has a second screw section 150, which reduces the possibility of material accumulating in the screw 110. Furthermore, the plasticizer 60 can be made smaller in the Y-axis direction compared to a case where the screw is composed only of an inline screw.

[0053] In the plasticizer 60, at the connection point 160 between the first groove 144 and the second groove 154, the width W1 of the first groove 144 and the depth H2 of the second groove 154 are equal, and the depth H1 of the first groove 144 and the width W2 of the second groove 154 are equal. Therefore, in the plasticizer 60, the material can flow more easily at the connection point 160, and the possibility of material stagnation can be reduced.

[0054] The plasticizer 60 includes a second heating section 130b for heating the material, and the first heating section 130a and the second heating section 130b are aligned in the direction of the rotation axis R. Therefore, the plasticizer 60 can increase the heated area of ​​the second screw section 150, thereby improving the amount of material plasticized per unit time.

[0055] In the plasticizer 60, the first screw section 140 and the second screw section 150 are separate components, and the materials of the first screw section 140 and the second screw section 150 are the same. Therefore, in the plasticizer 60, the thermal expansion coefficient of the first screw section 140 and the thermal expansion coefficient of the second screw section 150 can be made the same, reducing the possibility of a gap forming between the first groove 144 and the second groove 154. This reduces the possibility of material leaking out from between the first groove 144 and the second groove 154.

[0056] The first screw portion 140 and the second screw portion 150 may be integrated. If the first screw portion 140 and the second screw portion 150 are integrated, the possibility of material leaking out from between the first groove 144 and the second groove 154 can be reduced.

[0057] The injection molding apparatus 100 includes a plasticizer 60, a nozzle 80 for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizer 60, and a mold section 30 for opening and closing a mold 32 having a cavity 34 into which the injected material is supplied. Therefore, the injection molding apparatus 100 can improve the amount of material plasticized per unit time.

[0058] 2. Modified Injection Molding Apparatus 2.1. First Variation Next, an injection molding apparatus according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the second screw portion 150 of the injection molding apparatus 200 according to the first modified example of this embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second screw portion 150 of the injection molding apparatus 200 according to the first modified example of this embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the first groove 144 and the second groove 154 of the injection molding apparatus 200 according to the first modified example of this embodiment.

[0059] The following describes the differences between the injection molding apparatus 200 according to the first modified example of this embodiment and the injection molding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment described above, while similar points will be simplified or omitted from the explanation.

[0060] In the injection molding apparatus 200, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the shape of the second groove 154 of the second screw portion 150 differs from that of the injection molding apparatus 100 described above.

[0061] In the injection molding apparatus 200, the width W2 of the second groove 154 gradually increases from the connection portion 160 between the first groove 144 and the second groove 154 toward the tip 152 of the second screw portion 150. The width H2 of the second groove 154 gradually decreases from the connection portion 160 toward the tip 152. The second groove 154 has a portion where the width W2 is greater than the depth H2.

[0062] In the plasticizer 60 of the injection molding apparatus 200, the first groove 144 has a portion where the width W1 is greater than the depth H1, and the second groove 154 has a portion where the width W2 is greater than the depth H2. Therefore, in the plasticizer 60 of the injection molding apparatus 200, the material can flow more easily in the first groove 144 and the second groove 154, and the possibility of material stagnation can be reduced.

[0063] 2.2. Second Variation Next, an injection molding apparatus according to a second modified example of this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences between the injection molding apparatus according to the second modified example of this embodiment and the example of the injection molding apparatus 100 according to this embodiment described above will be explained, while similar points will be omitted from the explanation.

[0064] In the injection molding apparatus 100 described above, the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 to the injection unit 20 was ABS resin.

[0065] In contrast, in the injection molding apparatus according to the second modified example of this embodiment, the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 to the injection unit 20 is a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0066] The materials supplied from the material supply unit 10 include materials mainly composed of various materials such as thermoplastic materials, metallic materials, and ceramic materials. Here, "main material" refers to the central material that forms the shape of the molded product formed by the injection molding apparatus, and means a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the molded product. The materials mentioned above include those main materials that have been melted individually, and those in which some of the components contained together with the main material have been melted and made into a paste.

[0067] Examples of thermoplastic materials include thermoplastic resins. Examples of thermoplastic resins include general-purpose plastics, general-purpose engineering plastics, and super engineering plastics.

[0068] Examples of general-purpose plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0069] 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).

[0070] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0071] Thermoplastic materials may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, or other additives such as waxes, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers. In the plasticizer 60, the thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state by the rotation of the screw 110 and the heating of the heating section 130. The plasticized material thus produced is then discharged from the nozzle 80 and deposited in the cavity 34, after which it hardens as the temperature decreases.

[0072] In the plasticizer 60, instead of the thermoplastic material described above, a metal material may be used as the main material. In this case, it is desirable that the metal material is powdered and mixed with components that melt during the production of the plasticizer before being fed into the plasticizer 60.

[0073] Examples of metallic 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 alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, and cobalt-chromium alloy.

[0074] In the plasticizing apparatus 60, ceramic materials can be used as the main material instead of the metal materials mentioned above. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, as well as non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0075] The metal and ceramic powder materials supplied from the material supply unit 10 may be mixed materials containing multiple types of single metal powders, alloy powders, or ceramic powders. Furthermore, the metal and ceramic powder materials may be coated with, for example, the aforementioned thermoplastic resin or other thermoplastic resins. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may melt in the plasticizer 60 to achieve fluidity.

[0076] For example, a solvent can be added to the powder materials of metal materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 10. Examples of solvents 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; acetic acid esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, iso-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and iso-butyl 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 solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetate (e.g., tetrabutylammonium acetate); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0077] In addition, the metal and ceramic powder materials supplied from the material supply unit 10 may contain, for example, a binder. Examples of binders include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose resin, or other synthetic resins, or PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, or other thermoplastic resins.

[0078] 3. Three-dimensional printing equipment Next, the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences between the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 of this embodiment and the injection molding apparatus 100 according to this embodiment described above will be explained, and similar points will be simplified or omitted from the explanation.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 includes, for example, a material supply unit 10, a control unit 50, a plasticizer 60, a nozzle 80, a stage 310, and a position change unit 320. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 is a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) type three-dimensional molding apparatus.

[0080] The nozzle 80 extrudes the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device 60 toward the stage 310. Specifically, the three-dimensional molding device 300 extrudes the plasticizing material from the nozzle 80 toward the stage 310 while driving the position change unit 320 to change the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the stage 310. As a result, the three-dimensional molding device 300 creates a three-dimensional object of the desired shape on the stage 310.

[0081] Stage 310 is located below the nozzle 80. In the illustrated example, the shape of stage 310 is a rectangular parallelepiped. Stage 310 supports the plasticizing material extruded from the nozzle 80. The plasticizing material is deposited on stage 310. The material of stage 310 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum.

[0082] The position changing unit 320 supports the stage 310. The position changing unit 320 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the stage 310. In the illustrated example, the position changing unit 320 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the stage 310 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions by moving the stage 310 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the position changing unit 320 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the stage 310 in the Z-axis direction by moving the nozzle 80 in the Z-axis direction.

[0083] The position change unit 320 includes, for example, a first electric actuator 322, a second electric actuator 324, and a third electric actuator 326. The first electric actuator 322 moves the stage 310 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 324 moves the stage 310 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 326 moves the nozzle 80 in the Z-axis direction. The third electric actuator 326 supports, for example, the screw case 62 of the plasticizer 60.

[0084] The configuration of the position changing unit 320 is not particularly limited, as long as it can change the relative position of the nozzle 80 and the stage 310. For example, the position changing unit 320 may be configured to move the stage 310 in the Z-axis direction and the nozzle 80 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or it may be configured to move the stage 310 or the nozzle 80 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0085] Furthermore, the plasticizing apparatus 60 according to this embodiment is not limited to injection molding apparatus and three-dimensional molding apparatus, but may be used in, for example, an extruder.

[0086] The embodiments and variations described above are examples only and are not limited thereto. For example, each embodiment and each variation can be combined as appropriate.

[0087] The present invention includes configurations substantially identical to those described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same function, method, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations that produce the same effects or achieve the same purpose as those described in the embodiments. Finally, the present invention includes configurations that add known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0088] The following can be derived from the embodiments and modifications described above.

[0089] One embodiment of a plasticizing apparatus is: The drive motor and A screw rotated by the aforementioned drive motor, A barrel positioned opposite the screw and having a communication hole formed therein for allowing the plasticized material to flow out to the outside, A first heating section for heating the aforementioned material, Includes, The aforementioned screw is A first screw portion having an opposing surface facing the barrel, A second screw portion protrudes from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw portion, with its tip located in the communication hole, It has, The second screw portion is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis, A first groove is formed on the opposing surface of the first screw portion through which the material is supplied. A second groove connected to the first groove is formed on the side surface of the second screw portion. In the direction of rotation, the distance between the tip of the second screw portion and the opposing surface of the first screw portion is greater than the width of the second screw portion.

[0090] This plasticizing device can improve the amount of material plasticized per unit time.

[0091] In one embodiment of the plasticizer, The first groove has a portion where the width is greater than the depth, The second groove may have a portion where its width is greater than its depth.

[0092] This plasticizing device makes it possible to facilitate the flow of material in the first and second grooves.

[0093] In one embodiment of the plasticizer, At the connection between the first groove and the second groove, The width of the first groove and the depth of the second groove are equal, The depth of the first groove and the width of the second groove may be equal.

[0094] This plasticizing device makes it possible to make the material flow more easily at the connection point. In one embodiment of the plasticizer, It includes a second heating section for heating the aforementioned material, The first heating section and the second heating section may be arranged in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0095] This plasticizing device allows for a larger area to be heated in the second screw section.

[0096] In one embodiment of the plasticizer, The first screw portion and the second screw portion may be integrated into one unit.

[0097] This plasticizing device reduces the possibility of material leaking out from between the first and second grooves.

[0098] In one embodiment of the plasticizer, The first screw portion and the second screw portion are separate entities. The material of the first screw portion and the material of the second screw portion may be the same.

[0099] This plasticizing device reduces the possibility of material leaking out from between the first and second grooves.

[0100] One embodiment of an injection molding apparatus is: One embodiment of the plasticizer, A nozzle for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizing device, A mold opening and closing device for opening and closing a mold having a cavity into which the injected material is supplied, Includes.

[0101] This injection molding apparatus can improve the amount of material plasticized per unit time.

[0102] One aspect of a screw is, A screw provided in a plasticizing device having a communication hole for allowing plasticized material to flow out to the outside, A first screw portion having an opposing surface facing the barrel, A second screw portion protrudes from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw portion, with its tip located in the communication hole, Includes, The second screw portion is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis, A first groove is formed on the opposing surface of the first screw portion through which the material is supplied. A second groove connected to the first groove is formed on the side surface of the second screw portion. In the direction of rotation, the distance between the tip of the second screw portion and the opposing surface of the first screw portion is greater than the width of the second screw portion.

[0103] This screw allows for an improvement in the amount of material plasticized per unit time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 10...Material supply unit, 20...Injection unit, 30...Mold unit, 32...Mold, 34...Cavity, 36...Movable mold, 38...Fixed mold, 40...Clamping unit, 42...Mold drive unit, 44...Ball screw unit, 50...Control unit, 60...Plasticizing device, 62...Screw case, 64...Drive motor, 66...Shaft, 70...Injection mechanism, 72...Cylinder, 72...Plunger, 76...Plunger drive unit, 80...Nozzle, 82...Nozzle hole, 100...Injection molding device, 110...Screw, 120...Barrel, 122...Opposite surface, 124...Barrel groove, 126...Communication hole, 130...Heating unit, 130a ...First heating section, 130b...Second heating section, 140...First screw section, 141...Shaft surface, 142...Opposite surface, 143...Connecting surface, 144...First groove, 145...Material introduction section, 146...Material transport section, 147...Insertion hole, 148...Receiving section, 150...Second screw section, 151...D-cut section, 152...Tip, 153...Side surface, 154...Second groove, 160...Connecting section, 200...Injection molding device, 300...Three-dimensional molding device, 310...Stage, 320...Position change section, 322...First electric actuator, 324...Second electric actuator, 326...Third electric actuator

Claims

1. The drive motor and A screw rotated by the aforementioned drive motor, A barrel positioned opposite the screw and having a communication hole formed therein for allowing the plasticized material to flow out to the outside, A first heating section for heating the aforementioned material, Includes, The aforementioned screw is A first screw portion having an opposing surface facing the barrel, A second screw portion protrudes from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw portion, with its tip located in the communication hole, It has, The second screw portion is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis, A first groove is formed on the opposing surface of the first screw portion through which the material is supplied. A second groove connected to the first groove is formed on the side surface of the second screw portion. A plasticizer in which, in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between the tip of the second screw portion and the opposing surface of the first screw portion is greater than the width of the second screw portion.

2. In claim 1, The first groove has a portion where the width is greater than the depth, The plasticizing apparatus has a second groove in which the width is greater than the depth.

3. In claim 1, At the connection between the first groove and the second groove, The width of the first groove and the depth of the second groove are equal, A plasticizing apparatus in which the depth of the first groove and the width of the second groove are equal.

4. In claim 1, It includes a second heating section for heating the aforementioned material, The first heating section and the second heating section are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the plasticizing apparatus.

5. In claim 1, A plasticizer comprising the first screw section and the second screw section, which are integrated into a single unit.

6. In claim 1, The first screw portion and the second screw portion are separate entities. A plasticizer in which the material of the first screw portion and the material of the second screw portion are the same.

7. A plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A nozzle for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizing device, A mold opening and closing device for opening and closing a mold having a cavity into which the injected material is supplied, An injection molding machine, including [a specific component].

8. A screw provided in a plasticizing device having a communication hole for allowing plasticized material to flow out to the outside, A first screw portion having an opposing surface facing the barrel, A second screw portion protrudes from the opposing surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the first screw portion, with its tip located in the communication hole, Includes, The second screw portion is positioned to overlap with the rotation axis, A first groove is formed on the opposing surface of the first screw portion through which the material is supplied. A second groove connected to the first groove is formed on the side surface of the second screw portion. A screw in which, in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between the tip of the second screw portion and the opposing surface of the first screw portion is greater than the width of the second screw portion.

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