Plasticizing device, 3D modeling device, and injection molding device

Abstract

To provide a plasticizing device that can suppress the occurrence of bridge phenomenon and smoothly start up the device.SOLUTION: The plasticizing device includes a drive motor, a flat screw, a barrel, a heating section, a cooling section, and a control section. The control section executes: plasticizing processing for plasticizing a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel and allowing the material to flow out from a communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating section, and the cooling section; stop processing for stopping at least the drive motor and the heating section after executing the plasticizing processing, and stopping the plasticizing processing; and start-up processing for starting the heating section when the plasticizing processing is restarted after the elapse of a predetermined time from the stop processing, and controlling at least one of the heating section and the cooling section so that an outer circumference of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than a temperature at the time of the plasticizing processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by discharging a material plasticized by a plasticizing device, laminating the material, and curing the material.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a plasticizing and delivering device that includes a barrel with a material inflow passage opening at one end, a rotor with an end face that slides against the one end face of the barrel, and a spiral groove formed in the end face of the rotor. The spiral groove is supplied with material from a radially outer end, and its radially inner end communicates with the open end of the material inflow passage of the barrel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-241016 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a plasticizing delivery device such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is ideal for the material to be plasticized gradually from the outer periphery of the rotor toward the center. It is known that if the material is plasticized at the outer periphery of the rotor, the radially outer end of the spiral groove becomes clogged and new material cannot be supplied, or the material conveying force is lost and plasticization cannot be sufficient, resulting in a bridge phenomenon in which plasticization does not go well.

[0006] When the plasticizing and sending device is stopped and then started up again after a while, the material used last time remains in the plasticizing and sending device in a solid state. Therefore, the start-up of the plasticizing and sending device starts with heating the remaining material with a heater, but at that time, a bridging phenomenon occurs, and the start-up may not be performed smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the plasticizing device according to the present invention is A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; When the plasticization treatment is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop treatment, the heating unit is started so that the outer periphery of the flat screw is at a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization treatment. a start-up process for controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit; Execute.

[0008] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to a plasticizer for plasticizing the material into a plasticized material; a nozzle that ejects the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a stage; Including, The plasticizing device comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; Execute.

[0009] One aspect of the injection molding apparatus according to the present invention is a plasticizer for plasticizing the material into a plasticized material; a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizer into a mold; Including, The plasticizing device comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; Execute. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a control unit of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a plasticization process by a control unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an injection molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Three-dimensional printing equipment 1.1. Overall structure First, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view that shows a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a modeling unit 10, a stage 20, and a moving mechanism 30.

[0014] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 discharges the plasticized material from the nozzle 180 of the modeling unit 10 onto the stage 20, while driving the movement mechanism 30 to change the relative position between the nozzle 180 and the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 models a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20. The detailed configuration of the modeling unit 10 will be described later.

[0015] The stage 20 is moved by a moving mechanism 30. A plasticized material discharged from a nozzle 180 is deposited on a deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 to form a three-dimensional object. The plasticized material may be deposited directly on the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20, or may be deposited on the deposition surface 22 via a sample plate provided on the stage 20.

[0016] The movement mechanism 30 changes the relative position between the modeling unit 10 and the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the movement mechanism 30 moves the stage 20 relative to the modeling unit 10. The movement mechanism 30 is configured by, for example, a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction by the driving forces of three motors 32. The motors 32 are controlled by the control unit 190.

[0017] Note that the moving mechanism 30 may be configured to move the modeling unit 10 without moving the stage 20. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 30 may be configured to move both the modeling unit 10 and the stage 20.

[0018] 1.2. Modeling unit As shown in FIG. 1, the modeling unit 10 includes, for example, a material supply unit 110, a plasticizer 120, and a nozzle 180.

[0019] Pellet-like or powder-like materials are fed into the material feed section 110. The material feed section 110 feeds the raw material to the plasticizer 120. The material feed section 110 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material feed section 110 and the plasticizer 120 are connected by a feed path 112 provided below the material feed section 110. The material fed into the material feed section 110 is fed to the plasticizer 120 via the feed path 112. The types of materials fed by the material feed section 110 will be described later.

[0020] The plasticizing device 120 includes, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, a heating unit 150, a cooling unit 160, a temperature sensor 170, a pressure sensor 172, and a control unit 190. The plasticizing device 120 plasticizes the solid-state material supplied from the material supply unit 110 to generate a paste-like plasticized material having fluidity, and supplies the plasticized material to the nozzle 180.

[0021] Plasticization is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a material from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0022] The screw case 122 is a housing that houses the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the lower surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in a space surrounded by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0023] The driving motor 124 is provided on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The driving motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 126 of the driving motor 124 is connected to an upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The driving motor 124 is controlled by a control unit 190. Although not shown, the shaft 126 of the driving motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reducer.

[0024] The flat screw 130 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis RA is smaller than the size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis RA. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis RA is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate about the rotation axis RA. The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite to the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the flat screw 130 in a schematic manner. For convenience, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the vertical positional relationship is reversed from that shown in FIG. 1. Also, FIG. 1 shows the flat screw 130 in a simplified form.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, a first groove 134 is formed on the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 146. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 136 is formed in the central portion 135. 35 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. That is, the material introduction portion 137 is provided on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. The material supplied from the material supply portion 110 is introduced from the material introduction portion 137 into the first groove 134, and is transported to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140 through the connection portion 136 and the central portion 135. In the illustrated example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0026] It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the number of first grooves 134. Although not shown in the figure, three or more first grooves 134 may be provided, or only one first groove 134 may be provided.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrel 140 is provided below the flat screw 130. The barrel 140 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. A communication hole 146 that communicates with the first groove 134 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. Here, Fig. 3 is a plan view that shows the barrel 140. For convenience, the barrel 140 is shown in a simplified form in Fig. 1.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, a second groove 144 and a communication hole 146 are formed on the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 144 are formed around the communication hole 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of the second groove 144 is connected to the communication hole 146, and the second groove 144 extends in a spiral shape from the communication hole 146 toward the outer periphery 148 of the barrel 140. The second groove 144 has a function of guiding the plasticized material to the communication hole 146.

[0029] The shape of the second groove 144 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, linear. One end of the second groove 144 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 146. Furthermore, the second groove 144 does not have to be formed on the opposing surface 142. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized material to the communication hole 146, it is preferable that the second groove 144 is formed on the opposing surface 142.

[0030] The opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140 has a high-temperature region 142a and a low-temperature region 142b. The high-temperature region 142a is a region that is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the plasticization temperature of the material by the heating unit 150 when the material is plasticized. The low-temperature region 142b is a region that is heated to a temperature lower than the plasticization temperature of the material when the material is plasticized. In other words, the low-temperature region 142b is a region that does not reach the plasticization temperature of the material when the material is plasticized. When the material is plasticized, the temperature of the low-temperature region 142b is lower than the temperature of the high-temperature region 142a. Note that the "plasticization temperature" refers to the temperature at which plasticization begins, which is the glass transition point in the case of a material that undergoes glass transition, and the melting point in the case of a material that does not undergo glass transition. The low-temperature region 142b surrounds the high-temperature region 142a when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the shape of the low-temperature region 142b is ring-shaped, and the shape of the high-temperature region 142a is circular. The communication hole 146 is located, for example, in the center of the high temperature region 142a.

[0031] The heating section 150 is provided in the barrel 140. In the illustrated example, the heating section 150 is configured by four rod heaters provided in the barrel 140. The heating section 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The output of the heating section 150 is controlled by the control section 190. The plasticizing device 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communication hole 146 by the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the heating section 150 to generate a plasticized material, and causes the generated plasticized material to flow out from the communication hole 146.

[0032] The cooling section 160 cools the outer periphery of the flat screw 130. The "outer periphery of 130" refers to the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling section 160 has a cooling flow passage 162 through which a refrigerant flows, and a circulation device (not shown) that circulates the refrigerant. In the illustrated example, the cooling flow passage 162 is provided in the screw case 122. The cooling flow passage 162 surrounds the flat screw 130, for example, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The cooling flow passage 162 surrounds the heating section 150, for example, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the distance between the cooling section 160 and the side surface 133 is smaller than the distance between the heating section 150 and the side surface 133. The refrigerant flowing through the cooling flow passage 162 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, water. The heating section 150 and the cooling section 160 form a temperature gradient in which the temperature gradually increases from the outer periphery 148 of the barrel 140 toward the communication hole 146.

[0033] The temperature sensor 170 is provided on the barrel 140. The temperature sensor 170 detects the temperature of the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. The temperature sensor 170 is, for example, a thermocouple, a thermistor, an infrared sensor, or the like. Although not shown, the temperature sensor 170 may be provided on the flat screw 130. In this case, the temperature sensor 170 detects the temperature of the groove forming surface 132.

[0034] The pressure sensor 172 is provided in the communication hole 146. The pressure sensor 172 detects the pressure in the communication hole 146.

[0035] The nozzle 180 is provided below the barrel 140. The nozzle 180 discharges the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizer 120 toward the stage 20. The nozzle 180 is provided with a nozzle flow path 182. The nozzle flow path 182 communicates with the communication hole 146. The plasticized material supplied from the communication hole 146 passes through the nozzle flow path 182 and is discharged from the nozzle 180.

[0036] The control unit 190 is configured, for example, by a computer having a processor, a main storage device, and an input / output interface that inputs and outputs signals from and to the outside. The control unit 190 performs various functions, for example, by the processor executing a program loaded into the main storage device. Specifically, the control unit 190 controls the drive motor 124, the heating unit 150, the cooling unit 160, and the motor 32 of the movement mechanism 30. Note that the control unit 190 may be configured not by a computer, but by a combination of multiple circuits. The processing of the control unit 190 will be described below.

[0037] 1.3. Processing of the control section FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 190.

[0038] The user, for example, operates an operation unit (not shown) to output a processing start signal for starting processing to the control unit 190. The operation unit is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The control unit 190 starts processing when it receives the processing start signal. Each process will be described below.

[0039] 1.3.1. Printing data acquisition process First, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 190 executes a modeling data acquisition process in step 1 to acquire modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object. The modeling data includes information regarding the movement path of the nozzle 180 relative to the stage 20, the amount of plasticized material discharged from the nozzle 180, and the like. The modeling data is created, for example, by having slicer software installed on a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 read shape data. The shape data is the target shape of the three-dimensional object created using three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, three-dimensional CG (Computer Graphics) software, or the like. The shape data is data that represents the shape of the 3D object. For example, data in the Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format or Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF) format is used. The slicer software divides the target shape of the 3D object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed by G-code, M-code, etc. The control unit 190 acquires the modeling data from a computer connected to the 3D modeling device 100 or a recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0040] The modeling data acquisition process may be performed after the determination process of determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed and before the plasticization process.

[0041] 1.3.2. Process for determining whether a certain time has elapsed Next, the control unit 190 executes a determination process in step S2 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process was executed after the previous plasticization process. The predetermined time is not particularly limited, but is, for example, one hour. The plasticization process is a process of plasticizing the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 and causing it to flow out from the communication hole 146 by controlling the drive motor 124, the heating unit 150, and the cooling unit 160. The stop process is a process of stopping at least the drive motor 124 and the heating unit 150 after the plasticization process is executed to stop the plasticization process.

[0042] 1.3.3. Launch process If it is determined in step S2 that the predetermined time has elapsed (if "YES" in step S2), the control unit 190 executes a start-up process in step S3 before resuming the plasticization process.

[0043] In the above example, if it is determined in step S2 that a predetermined time has elapsed, the start-up process is executed. However, instead of step S2, if it is determined that the detection value of the temperature sensor 170 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 190 may execute the start-up process as step S3 before resuming the plasticization process.

[0044] In the start-up process, new material is not supplied from the material supply unit 110 to the material introduction unit 137 of the first groove 134. The start-up process is started in a state where the material used in the previous plasticization process remains in the first groove 134. The material remaining in the first groove 134 is in a solid state.

[0045] In the start-up process, the control unit 190 starts the heating unit 150 and the cooling unit 160, and controls the cooling unit 160 so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 is equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process. By controlling the cooling unit 160, the control unit 190 may make the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 in the start-up process equal to the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 in the plasticization process, or may make it lower than the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 in the plasticization process.

[0046] In the start-up process, after the heating section 150 and the cooling section 160 are started to rotate the flat screw 130, the period during which the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 is at or below the temperature during the plasticization process is 3 seconds or more. This period is not particularly limited as long as it is 3 seconds or more, and may be, for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

[0047] The control unit 190 further controls the cooling unit 160 so that the area of ​​the high temperature region 142a of the facing surface 142 in the raising process is equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the high temperature region 142a in the plasticizing process.

[0048] Specifically, the control unit 190 controls the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the cooling unit 160 during the start-up process. is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the cooling section 160 in the plasticization process. This allows the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 in the start-up process to be equal to or lower than the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 in the plasticization process. Furthermore, the area of ​​the high temperature region 142a in the start-up process can be equal to or lower than the high temperature region 142a in the plasticization process. The control section 190 can change the temperature of the refrigerant, for example, by controlling the output of a circulation device that circulates the refrigerant. The difference between the temperature of the refrigerant in the start-up process and the temperature of the refrigerant in the plasticization process is, for example, 10°C to 50°C, preferably 20°C to 40°C, more preferably 30°C.

[0049] In the start-up process, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 based on, for example, a detection value of the temperature sensor 170. In other words, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 so that the detection value of the temperature sensor 170 becomes a predetermined value.

[0050] In the start-up process, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 based on, for example, the detection value of the pressure sensor 172. In other words, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 so that the detection value of the pressure sensor 172 becomes a predetermined value.

[0051] In the start-up process, the control unit 190 rotates the flat screw 130 after a predetermined time has elapsed since starting the heating unit 150. The predetermined time is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 minute or more and 30 minutes or less. The control unit 190 rotates the flat screw 130 by controlling the drive motor 124.

[0052] The control unit 190 rotates the flat screw 130 at a lower rotation speed in the start-up process than in the plasticization process, for example. Specifically, the control unit 190 controls the drive motor 124 so that the rotation speed of the flat screw 130 in the start-up process is lower than the rotation speed of the flat screw 130 in the plasticization process. The rotation speed of the flat screw 130 in the start-up process is, for example, ⅓ or less of the rotation speed of the flat screw 130 in the plasticization process.

[0053] In the start-up process, the control unit 190 controls the drive motor 124 based on, for example, the detection value of the temperature sensor 170. Specifically, when the detection value of the temperature sensor 170 reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 190 drives the drive motor 124 to rotate the flat screw 130.

[0054] In the start-up process, the control unit 190 controls the moving mechanism 30 based on the acquired modeling data while rotating the flat screw 130, for example. This allows a modeling layer that constitutes a three-dimensional object to be formed on the stage 20.

[0055] The control unit 190 ends the start-up process, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after driving the drive motor 124. Information regarding the predetermined time is included, for example, in the modeling data.

[0056] In the above example, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 during the start-up process so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process.

[0057] In contrast, the control unit 190 may control the heating unit 150 instead of the cooling unit 160 to make the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process during the start-up process. The control unit 190 may also control the heating unit 150 so that the temperature of the material during the start-up process is equal to or higher than the plasticization temperature of the material and equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process. For example, the control unit 190 may set the temperature of the heating unit 150 in the start-up process to be lower than the temperature in the plasticization process, thereby setting the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 to the temperature in the plasticization process or lower.

[0058] Alternatively, the control unit 190 may control both the heating unit 150 and the cooling unit 160 in the start-up process to make the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process.

[0059] In the above, an example has been described in which the drive motor 124 is driven to rotate the flat screw 130 when the detection value of the temperature sensor 170 reaches a predetermined value, but the control unit 190 may also drive the drive motor 124 to rotate the flat screw 130 when the detection value of the pressure sensor 172 reaches a predetermined value. That is, the control unit 190 controls the drive motor 124 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 172 in the start-up process.

[0060] Alternatively, the control unit 190 may drive the drive motor 124 to rotate the flat screw 130 when both the detection values ​​of the temperature sensor 170 and the pressure sensor 172 reach or exceed predetermined values ​​during the start-up process.

[0061] 1.3.4. Plasticization treatment After the start-up process is completed, the control unit 190 executes the plasticization process in step S4. Alternatively, if it is determined in step S2 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (if "NO" in step S2), the control unit 190 executes the plasticization process in step S4. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the temperatures of the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 are still high, so the material remaining in the center portion 135 of the first groove 134 is in a plasticized state. Therefore, the material can be stably plasticized in the plasticization process without performing the start-up process.

[0062] In the above example, if it is determined in step S2 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the plasticization process is executed. However, instead of step S2, if it is determined that the detection value of the temperature sensor 170 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 190 may execute the plasticization process as step S4.

[0063] In the plasticization process, new material is supplied from the material supply section 110 to the material introduction section 137 of the flat screw 130. The supply of material is continued until the plasticization process is completed. In the plasticization process, the control section 190 plasticizes the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate a plasticized material, and causes the plasticized material to flow out from the communication hole 146. The control section 190 continues to generate the plasticized material until the plasticization process is completed. Here, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the plasticization process.

[0064] 5, in the plasticization process, the control unit 190 executes a process of discharging the plasticization material from the nozzle 180 toward the deposition surface 22 while controlling the movement mechanism 30 to change the relative position between the nozzle 180 and the deposition surface 22 based on the acquired modeling data. This forms, for example, a first layer of multiple modeling layers constituting the three-dimensional object OB.

[0065] If a modeling layer has already been formed in the start-up process, the control unit 190 will form a modeling layer from the continuation of the modeling layer formed in the start-up process based on the acquired modeling data. For example, if the first layer has been formed in the start-up process, the control unit 190 will form a second modeling layer in the plasticization process. Alternatively, if the first layer has been formed halfway through the start-up process, the control unit 190 will form a second modeling layer in the plasticization process. A modeling layer is then formed.

[0066] In the plasticization process, the control unit 190, for example, makes the temperature of the refrigerant in the cooling unit 160 higher than that in the start-up process. The control unit 190 may control the cooling unit 160 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 170, or may control the cooling unit 160 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 172.

[0067] In the plasticization process, the control unit 190, for example, sets the temperature of the heating unit 150 higher than that in the start-up process. The control unit 190 may control the heating unit 150 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 170, or may control the heating unit 150 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 172.

[0068] In the plasticization process, the control unit 190 increases the rotation speed of the flat screw 130 compared to the start-up process. The control unit 190 may control the drive motor 124 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 170, or may control the drive motor 124 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 172.

[0069] In the plasticization process, the control unit 190 changes the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 according to the type of material supplied. Specifically, when the material supplied is a crystalline material, the control unit 190 increases the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 compared to when the material supplied is an amorphous material. For example, when the material supplied is an amorphous material, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 becomes a first temperature, and when the material supplied is a crystalline material, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The control unit 190 acquires information on the type of material supplied, for example, from the modeling data. An example of the crystalline material is PEEK (polyether ether ketone). An example of the amorphous material is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin.

[0070] In addition, the control unit 190 may change the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 in accordance with the type of material supplied during the start-up process. Specifically, the control unit 190 may increase the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 when the material supplied is a crystalline material, compared to when the material supplied is a non-crystalline material.

[0071] 1.3.5. Process to determine whether formation of all layers is complete Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 190 executes a process of determining whether or not the formation of all the modeling layers of the three-dimensional object OB has been completed based on the acquired modeling data, in step S5. If it is not determined that the formation of all the modeling layers of the three-dimensional object OB has been completed ("NO" in step S5), the control unit 190 returns to the plasticization process, and forms, for example, the remaining modeling layers of the three-dimensional object OB. On the other hand, if it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers of the three-dimensional object OB has been completed ("YES" in step S5), the control unit 190 ends the process. The control unit 190 repeats the processes of steps S4 and S5 until it determines in step S5 that the formation of all the modeling layers of the three-dimensional object OB has been completed, thereby forming the three-dimensional object OB.

[0072] 1.4. Effects In the plasticizing device 120, the control unit 190 controls the drive motor 124, the heating unit 150, and the cooling unit 160 to perform a plasticizing process in which the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole 146, and after the plasticizing process, stops at least the drive motor 124 and the heating unit 150 to stop the plasticizing process. The apparatus performs a stop process to stop the plasticization process, and a start-up process to start the heating section 150 and control at least one of the heating section 150 and the cooling section 160 so that the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process. Therefore, the plasticization apparatus 120 can suppress the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon and can start up the apparatus smoothly. The reason for this will be explained below.

[0073] In the plasticization process, the flat screw rotates and new material is supplied from the material introduction section of the first groove formed in the flat screw. Therefore, the outer circumference of the flat screw is cooled by the newly supplied material in addition to the cooling section. On the other hand, when starting up the device, the material used last time remains in the first groove, so the material is heated in the heating section before the flat screw is rotated. In that case, if the outer circumference of the flat screw is cooled under the same conditions as the plasticization process, new material is not supplied to the material introduction section of the first groove at the start-up, so the temperature of the outer circumference of the flat screw becomes high. If the temperature of the outer circumference of the flat screw becomes high and the material is plasticized in the outer circumference, the material introduction section of the first groove becomes clogged and new material cannot be supplied, or the conveying force for conveying the material toward the center of the first groove is lost and plasticization cannot be performed sufficiently, which increases the possibility of the bridge phenomenon occurring.

[0074] As described above, in the start-up process, the plasticizer 120 controls at least one of the heating unit 150 and the cooling unit 160 so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 is equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 caused by a lack of supply of new material. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, it is possible to suppress plasticization of the material on the outer periphery of the flat screw 130. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon and to start up the apparatus smoothly. Therefore, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 can print a high-quality three-dimensional object OB.

[0075] In the plasticizer 120, the control unit 190 rotates the flat screw 130 after a predetermined time has elapsed since starting the heating unit 150 in the start-up process. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, the load on the drive motor 124 can be reduced. For example, if the flat screw is rotated before a predetermined time has elapsed since starting the heating unit, the previously used material may not be sufficiently plasticized, and the load on the drive motor may become large.

[0076] In the plasticizer 120, the control unit 190 rotates the flat screw 130 at a lower rotation speed in the start-up process than in the plasticization process. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, even if the material used last time is not sufficiently plasticized, the load on the drive motor 124 can be reduced.

[0077] In the plasticizer 120, the control unit 190 controls the cooling unit 160 in the start-up process so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 is equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, the material on the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 can be prevented from plasticizing.

[0078] In the plasticizer 120, the control unit 190 controls the heating unit 150 so that the temperature of the material during the start-up process is equal to or higher than the plasticization temperature of the material and equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, the material can be more reliably prevented from being plasticized on the outer periphery of the flat screw 130.

[0079] In the plasticizer 120, the facing surface 142 has a high-temperature region 142a that is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the plasticization temperature of the material by the heating unit 150, and the control unit 190 controls the high-temperature region At least one of the heating section 150 and the cooling section 160 is controlled so that the area of ​​the high temperature region 142a is equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the high temperature region 142a in the plasticization process. Therefore, in the plasticization device 120, the material can be more reliably prevented from being plasticized on the outer periphery of the flat screw 130.

[0080] The plasticizing device 120 includes a temperature sensor 170 that detects the temperature of the groove forming surface 132 or the opposing surface 142, and the control unit 190 controls at least one of the cooling unit 160, the heating unit 150, and the drive motor 124 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 170 during the start-up process. Therefore, the plasticizing device 120 can smoothly perform the start-up process based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 170.

[0081] The plasticizing device 120 includes a pressure sensor 172 that detects the pressure in the communication hole 146, and the control unit 190 controls at least one of the cooling unit 160, the heating unit 150, and the drive motor 124 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 172 during the start-up process. Therefore, the plasticizing device 120 can smoothly perform the start-up process based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 172.

[0082] In the plasticizer 120, the control unit 190 changes the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 depending on the type of material. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, the temperature distribution in the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 can be optimized depending on the type of material.

[0083] In the plasticizer 120, the control unit 190 increases the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw 130 when the material is a crystalline material, compared to when the material is an amorphous material. Therefore, in the plasticizer 120, even if the material is a crystalline material, the temperature distribution in the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 can be optimized. When the material is crystalline, it is more difficult to plasticize it than when the material is amorphous.

[0084] 1.5 Materials Supplied Examples of materials supplied from the material supply unit 110 include materials that are mainly made of various materials such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the "main material" refers to a material that is the core material that forms the shape of the shaped object, and refers to a material that occupies 50% by mass or more in the shaped object. The above-mentioned materials include those main materials that are melted alone, and those in which some components contained together with the main material are melted and turned into a paste.

[0085] Examples of the material having thermoplastic properties include thermoplastic resins, such as general-purpose engineering plastics such as ABS resin, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate, and engineering plastics such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, and PEEK.

[0086] The thermoplastic material may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, and additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted to a molten state in the plasticizer 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the heating section 150. The plasticized material thus produced is hardened by a drop in temperature after being injected from the nozzle 180. The material is preferably heated to or above its glass transition point and ejected from the nozzle 180 in a completely molten state.

[0087] In the plasticizer 120, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned material having thermoplasticity. In this case, it is preferable that a component that melts when the plasticized material is produced is mixed with a powder material made by powdering the metal material, and then the powder material is fed into the plasticizer 120.

[0088] Examples of metal materials include single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), or alloys containing one or more of these metals, as well as maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys.

[0089] Instead of the above-mentioned metal materials, ceramic materials can be used as the main material in the plasticizer 120. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0090] The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110 may be a mixed material in which a single metal powder, an alloy powder, or a ceramic material powder is mixed with a plurality of types of powder. The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material may be coated with, for example, the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic resin other than the above. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizer 120 to exhibit fluidity.

[0091] For example, a solvent may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110. Examples of the solvent include water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetates such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate, etc.); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0092] Additionally, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110. Examples of the binder include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose-based resin, other synthetic resins, PLA (polylactic acid), PA (polyamide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0093] 2. Injection molding equipment Next, an injection molding apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic diagram of an injection molding apparatus 900 according to this embodiment.

[0094] 6, the injection molding apparatus 900 includes, for example, the above-mentioned plasticizing apparatus 120. The injection molding apparatus 900 further includes, for example, a material supply unit 110, a nozzle 180, an injection mechanism 910, a mold unit 920, and a mold clamping unit 930.

[0095] The plasticizer 120 plasticizes the material supplied to the first groove 134 of the flat screw 130 to generate a flowable, paste-like plasticized material, which is then guided from the communication hole 146 to the injection mechanism 910 .

[0096] The injection mechanism 910 has, for example, a cylinder 912, a plunger 914, and a plunger driver 916. The cylinder 912 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 146. The plunger 914 moves inside the cylinder 912. The plunger 914 is driven by the plunger driver 916 which is constituted by a motor, gears, etc. The plunger driver 916 is controlled by the control unit 190.

[0097] The injection mechanism 910 performs a metering operation and an injection operation by sliding the plunger 914 in the cylinder 912. The metering operation refers to an operation of guiding the plasticized material located in the communication hole 146 into the cylinder 912 by moving the plunger 914 in a direction away from the communication hole 146, and measuring the material in the cylinder 912. The injection operation refers to an operation of injecting the plasticized material in the cylinder 912 into the mold section 920 through the nozzle 180 by moving the plunger 914 in a direction approaching the communication hole 146.

[0098] The nozzle 180 injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizer 120 into the molding die 922 of the mold section 920. Specifically, by performing the above-mentioned measuring operation and injection operation, the plasticized material measured in the cylinder 912 is sent from the injection mechanism 910 to the nozzle 180 via the communication hole 146. The plasticized material is then injected from the nozzle 180 into the mold section 920.

[0099] The mold section 920 has a molding die 922. The molding die 922 is a metal mold. The molding die 922 has a movable die 926 and a fixed die 928 that face each other, and has a cavity 924 between the movable die 926 and the fixed die 928. The plasticized material is injected from the nozzle 180 into the cavity 924 of the molding die 922. The cavity 924 is a space that corresponds to the shape of the molded product. The plasticized material that flows into the cavity 924 is cooled and solidified. This produces a molded product. The material of the movable die 926 and the fixed die 928 is metal. The material of the movable die 926 and the fixed die 928 may be ceramic or resin.

[0100] The mold clamping unit 930 has, for example, a mold driving unit 932 and a ball screw unit 934. The mold driving unit 932 is composed of, for example, a motor, a gear, and the like. The mold driving unit 932 is connected to the movable mold 926 via the ball screw unit 934. The driving of the mold driving unit 932 is controlled by the control unit 190. The ball screw unit 934 transmits the power generated by the driving of the mold driving unit 932 to the movable mold 926. The mold clamping unit 930 opens and closes the mold unit 920 by moving the movable mold 926 by the mold driving unit 932 and the ball screw unit 934.

[0101] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined.

[0102] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments, for example, configurations that have the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations that have the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention includes a configuration that has the same effect as the configuration described in the embodiment or that can achieve the same purpose as the configuration described in the embodiment. The present invention also includes a configuration in which publicly known technology is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0103] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment.

[0104] One embodiment of the plasticizer comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; Execute.

[0105] According to this plasticizing device, the occurrence of the bridging phenomenon can be suppressed, and the device can be started up smoothly.

[0106] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, In the start-up process, the control unit may rotate the flat screw after a predetermined time has elapsed since starting up the heating unit.

[0107] According to this plasticizing device, the load on the drive motor can be reduced.

[0108] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The control unit may rotate the flat screw at a rotational speed in the start-up process at a lower rotational speed than in the plasticization process.

[0109] According to this plasticizing device, the load on the drive motor can be reduced.

[0110] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The control unit may control the cooling unit in the start-up process so that a temperature of an outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than a temperature during the plasticization process.

[0111] This plasticizing device can prevent the material from being plasticized on the outer periphery of the flat screw.

[0112] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The control unit is configured to control the temperature of the material to be equal to or higher than a plasticization temperature of the material during the start-up process. The heating section may be controlled so that the temperature is equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization treatment.

[0113] This plasticizing device can more reliably prevent the material from being plasticized on the outer periphery of the flat screw.

[0114] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The facing surface has a region whose temperature is increased by the heating portion to a plasticization temperature of the material or higher, The control unit may control at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that an area of ​​the region in the start-up process is equal to or smaller than an area of ​​the region in the plasticization process.

[0115] This plasticizing device can more reliably prevent the material from being plasticized on the outer periphery of the flat screw.

[0116] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the groove forming surface or the opposing surface, In the start-up process, the control unit may control at least one of the cooling unit, the heating unit, and the drive motor based on a detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0117] According to this plasticizing device, the start-up process can be smoothly performed based on the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0118] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the communication hole; In the start-up process, the control unit may control at least one of the cooling unit, the heating unit, and the drive motor based on a detection value of the pressure sensor.

[0119] According to this plasticizing device, the start-up process can be smoothly carried out based on the detection value of the pressure sensor.

[0120] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The control unit may change a temperature of an outer periphery of the flat screw depending on the type of the material.

[0121] This plasticizer allows the temperature distribution in the flat screw and barrel to be optimized depending on the type of material.

[0122] In one embodiment of the plasticizing device, The control unit may increase the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw when the material is a crystalline material, compared to when the material is a non-crystalline material.

[0123] This plasticizer allows for optimal temperature distribution in the flat screw and barrel, even if the material is crystalline.

[0124] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus includes: a plasticizer for plasticizing the material into a plasticized material; a nozzle that ejects the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a stage; Including, The plasticizing device comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; Execute.

[0125] One embodiment of the injection molding apparatus comprises: a plasticizer for plasticizing the material into a plasticized material; a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizer into a mold; Including, The plasticizing device comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; Execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10...modeling unit, 20...stage, 22...deposition surface, 30...movement mechanism, 32...motor, 100...three-dimensional modeling device, 110...material supply section, 112...supply path, 120...plasticization device, 122...screw case, 124...driving motor, 126...shaft, 130...flat screw, 131...upper surface, 132...groove forming surface, 133...side surface, 134...first groove, 1 35...center portion, 136...connection portion, 137...material introduction portion, 140...barrel, 142...opposing surface, 142a...high temperature region, 142b...low temperature region, 144...second groove, 146...communication hole, 148...outer periphery, 150...heating portion, 160...cooling portion, 162...cooling flow path, 170...temperature sensor, 172...pressure sensor, discharge portion, 180...nozzle, 182...nozzle flow path, 190...control portion, 900 injection molding apparatus, 910...injection mechanism, 912...cylinder, 914...plunger, 916...plunger drive portion, 920...mold portion, 922...molding mold, 924...cavity, 926...movable mold, 928...fixed mold, 930...mold clamping portion, 932...mold drive portion, 934...ball screw portion

Claims

1. A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; A plasticizing device that performs the above steps.

2. In claim 1, The control unit rotates the flat screw after a predetermined time has elapsed since starting up the heating unit in the start-up process.

3. In claim 2, The control unit rotates the flat screw at a rotational speed lower than that of the plasticization process in the start-up process.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit controls the cooling unit during the start-up process so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw is equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit controls the heating unit so that the temperature of the material during the start-up process is equal to or higher than a plasticization temperature of the material and equal to or lower than a temperature during the plasticization process.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The facing surface has a region whose temperature is increased by the heating portion to a plasticization temperature of the material or higher, The control unit controls at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that an area of ​​the region in the start-up process is equal to or smaller than an area of ​​the region in the plasticization process.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the groove forming surface or the opposing surface, The control unit controls at least one of the cooling unit, the heating unit, and the drive motor based on the detection value of the temperature sensor during the start-up process.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the communication hole; The control unit controls at least one of the cooling unit, the heating unit, and the drive motor based on the detection value of the pressure sensor during the start-up process.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The control unit changes a temperature of an outer periphery of the flat screw depending on a type of the material during the plasticization process or the start-up process.

10. In claim 9, The control unit increases the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw when the material is a crystalline material compared to when the material is a non-crystalline material.

11. a plasticizer for plasticizing the material into a plasticized material; a nozzle that ejects the plasticizing material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a stage; Including, The plasticizing device comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is The drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit are controlled to a plasticization process for plasticizing the material supplied between the feed screw and the barrel and causing the material to flow out of the communicating hole; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; A three-dimensional printing device that performs the above.

12. a plasticizer for plasticizing the material into a plasticized material; a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizer into a mold; Including, The plasticizing device comprises: A drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface on which grooves are formed and rotated by the drive motor; a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating section for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; A cooling section that cools the outer periphery of the flat screw; A control unit that controls the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; Including, The control unit is a plasticization process in which the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel is plasticized and caused to flow out of the communication hole by controlling the drive motor, the heating unit, and the cooling unit; a stop process of stopping at least the drive motor and the heating unit after the plasticization process is performed to stop the plasticization process; a start-up process for starting the heating unit and controlling at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the flat screw becomes equal to or lower than the temperature during the plasticization process when the plasticization process is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop process; To perform the injection molding equipment.

Images