Plasticizing device, injection molding device, and three-dimensional modeling device

Abstract

To provide plasticizing equipment capable of easily performing barrel maintenance.SOLUTION: Plasticizing equipment comprises: a drive motor; a flat screw that has a groove forming surface with grooves formed thereon and rotates about a rotation axis of the drive motor; a barrel that has a surface facing the groove forming surface and has a communication hole formed therein; and a heating part that heats a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel. The barrel has a separate structure including a first barrel having a facing surface and a second barrel spaced apart from the facing surface when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasticizing device, an injection molding device, and a three-dimensional shaping device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an injection molding device that supplies a material plasticized by a plasticizing device to a cavity formed by a pair of molds and injects it from a nozzle.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a plasticizing and feeding device including a barrel having a material inflow passage opening at one end surface, a rotor having an end surface in sliding contact with one end surface of the barrel, and a spiral groove formed on the end surface of the rotor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the plasticizing and feeding device as described above, it is difficult to clean the inside of the barrel, and when one end surface of the barrel facing the rotor wears, it is necessary to replace the entire barrel, and maintenance is not easy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the plasticizing device according to the present invention is a drive motor, a flat screw having a groove - forming surface with grooves formed thereon and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface opposing the groove - forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, a heating unit that heats a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel including when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the barrel has a first barrel having the opposing surface, and a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including these.

[0007] One aspect of the injection molding apparatus according to the present invention includes a plasticizing device that plasticizes a material into a plasticized material, and a nozzle that injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a mold, including wherein the plasticizing device includes a drive motor, a flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed therein and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, and a heating unit that heats the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, including wherein the barrel has a first barrel having the opposing surface, and a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including these.

[0008] One aspect of the three-dimensional shaping apparatus according to the present invention includes a plasticizing device that plasticizes a material into a plasticized material, and a nozzle that discharges the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a stage, including wherein the plasticizing device includes a drive motor, a flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed therein and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, and a heating unit that heats the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, including the barrel, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, has a first barrel with the opposing surface, and a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including these.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Injection Molding Apparatus 1.1. Overall Configuration First, the injection molding apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the injection molding apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown as three axes orthogonal to each other. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, a vertical direction.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the injection molding apparatus 100 includes a material supply unit 10, an injection unit 20, a mold unit 30, a mold clamping unit 40, and a control unit 50.

[0013] The material supply unit 10 supplies a material that becomes a raw material to the injection unit 20. The material supply unit 10 is constituted by, for example, a hopper. Pellet-shaped or powder-shaped materials are supplied to the material supply unit 10.

[0014] The injection unit 20 plasticizes the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 to make a plasticized material. Then, the injection unit 20 injects the plasticized material toward the mold unit 30.

[0015] Note that plasticization is a concept including melting and means changing from a solid state to a state having fluidity. Specifically, in the case of a material in which glass transition occurs, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. In the case of a material in which glass transition does not occur, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0016] A cavity corresponding to the shape of the molded product is formed in the mold unit 30. The plasticized material injected from the injection unit 20 flows into the cavity. Then, the plasticized material is cooled and solidified, and a molded product is produced.

[0017] The clamping part 40 opens and closes the mold part 30. After the plasticized material is cooled and solidified, the clamping part 40 opens the mold part 30. Thereby, the molded product is discharged to the outside.

[0018] The control unit 50 is configured by, for example, a computer having a processor, a main storage device, and an input / output interface that performs signal input / output with the outside. The control unit 50 exhibits various functions when, for example, the processor executes a program read into the main storage device. Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the injection part 20 and the clamping part 40. Note that the control unit 50 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of circuits instead of a computer.

[0019] 1.2. Specific Configuration FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1 schematically showing the injection molding apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the injection part 20 has, for example, a plasticizing device 60, an injection mechanism 70, and a nozzle 80.

[0020] The plasticizing device 60 is configured to plasticize the material supplied from the material supply part 10, generate a paste-like plasticized material having fluidity, and guide it to the injection mechanism 70. The plasticizing device 60 has, for example, a screw case 62, a drive motor 64, a flat screw 110, a barrel 120, and a heating part 130.

[0021] The screw case 62 is a housing that houses the flat screw 110. The flat screw 110 is housed in a space surrounded by the screw case 62 and the barrel 120.

[0022] The drive motor 64 is provided in the screw case 62. The drive motor 64 rotates the flat screw 110. The drive motor 64 is, for example, a servo motor. The shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 is connected to the flat screw 110. The drive motor 64 is controlled by the control unit 50. Although not shown, the shaft 66 of the drive motor 64 and the flat screw 110 may be connected via a speed reducer.

[0023] The flat screw 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the size in the direction of the rotation axis RA is smaller than the size in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis RA. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis RA is parallel to the Y axis. The flat screw 110 rotates about the rotation axis RA by the torque generated by the drive motor 64. The flat screw 110 has a main surface 111, a groove forming surface 112 on the side opposite to the main surface 111, and a connecting surface 113 connecting the main surface 111 and the groove forming surface 112. Here, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the flat screw 110. For convenience, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the vertical positional relationship is opposite to the state shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, a first groove 114 is formed in the groove forming surface 112 of the flat screw 110. The first groove 114 has, for example, a central portion 115, a connecting portion 116, and a material introduction portion 117. The central portion 115 faces the communication hole 126 formed in the barrel 120. The central portion 115 communicates with the communication hole 126. The connecting portion 116 connects the central portion 115 and the material introduction portion 117. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 116 is formed in a spiral shape from the central portion 115 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 112. The material introduction portion 117 is formed on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 112. That is, the material introduction portion 117 is formed on the connecting surface 113 of the flat screw 110. The material supplied from the material supply unit 10 is introduced into the first groove 114 from the material introduction portion 117, passes through the connecting portion 116 and the central portion 115, and is conveyed to the communication hole 126 formed in the barrel 120. In the illustrated example, two first grooves 114 are formed.

[0025] Note that the number of the first grooves 114 is not particularly limited. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 114 may be formed, or only one first groove 114 may be formed.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the barrel 120 is provided to face the flat screw 110. The barrel 120 has a facing surface 122 that faces the groove forming surface 112 of the flat screw 110. A communication hole 126 is formed at the center of the facing surface 122. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the barrel 120.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, a second groove 124 and a communication hole 126 are formed in the facing surface 122 of the barrel 120. A plurality of second grooves 124 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 124 are formed, but the number thereof is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 124 are formed around the communication hole 126 when viewed in the Y-axis direction. One end of the second groove 124 is connected to the communication hole 126 and extends spirally from the communication hole 126 toward the outer periphery of the facing surface 122. The second groove 124 has a function of guiding the plasticized material to the communication hole 126.

[0028] Note that the shape of the second groove 124 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be linear. Also, one end of the second groove 124 may not be connected to the communication hole 126. Further, the second groove 124 may not be formed in the facing surface 122. However, considering efficiently guiding the plasticized material to the communication hole 126, it is preferable that the second groove 124 is formed in the facing surface 122.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 130 is provided on the barrel 120. The heating unit 130 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 110 and the barrel 120. The output of the heating unit 130 is controlled by the control unit 50. The plasticizing device 60 heats the material while conveying it toward the communication hole 126 by the flat screw 110, the barrel 120, and the heating unit 130 to generate a plasticized material, and causes the generated plasticized material to flow out from the communication hole 126 to the injection mechanism 70.

[0030] The injection mechanism 70 has, 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 a plunger drive unit 76 constituted by a motor, gears, etc. The plunger drive unit 76 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0031] The injection mechanism 70 executes a metering operation and an injection operation by sliding the plunger 74 within the cylinder 72. The metering operation refers to an operation of guiding the plasticized material located in the communication hole 126 into the cylinder 72 and metering it within the cylinder 72 by moving the plunger 74 in the -X axis direction away from the communication hole 126. The injection operation refers to an operation of injecting the plasticized material within the cylinder 72 into the mold part 30 through the nozzle 80 by moving the plunger 74 in the +X axis direction approaching the communication hole 126.

[0032] A nozzle hole 82 communicating with the communication hole 126 is formed in the nozzle 80. The nozzle 80 injects the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device 60 toward the mold 32 of the mold part 30. Specifically, by executing the above-described metering operation and injection operation, the plasticized material metered within the cylinder 72 is sent from the injection mechanism 70 to the nozzle hole 82 through the communication hole 126. Then, the plasticized material is injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the mold part 30.

[0033] The mold part 30 has a mold 32. The mold 32 is a die. The plasticized material sent to the nozzle hole 82 is injected from the nozzle hole 82 into the cavity 34 of the mold 32. Specifically, the mold 32 has a movable mold 36 and a fixed mold 38 facing each other, and has a cavity 34 between the movable mold 36 and the fixed mold 38. The cavity 34 is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product. The materials of the movable mold 36 and the fixed mold 38 are metal. Note that the materials of the movable mold 36 and the fixed mold 38 may be ceramic or resin.

[0034] The mold clamping part 40 has, for example, a mold driving part 42 and a ball screw part 44. The mold driving part 42 is constituted by, for example, a motor, gears, etc. The mold driving part 42 is connected to the movable mold 36 via the ball screw part 44. The driving of the mold driving part 42 is controlled by the control part 50. The ball screw part 44 transmits the power generated by the driving of the mold driving part 42 to the movable mold 36. The mold clamping part 40 opens and closes the mold part 30 by moving the movable mold 36 by the mold driving part 42 and the ball screw part 44.

[0035] 1.3. First Barrel and Second Barrel FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the injection molding apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the barrel 120 of the injection molding apparatus 100. For convenience, in FIG. 5, the illustration other than the injection part 20 is omitted. Also, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. 6. Further, FIG. 5 shows a cross-section orthogonal to the cross-section shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a cross-section including the X-axis and the Y-axis, and FIG. 5 shows a cross-section including the Y-axis and the Z-axis. Also, FIG. 6 shows a view seen from the opposite surface 123 side opposite to the facing surface 122 of the barrel 120.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the barrel 120 has a separate structure including a first barrel 140 and a second barrel 142 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis RA. That is, the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 are separate and different members. The first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 are separable. The communication hole 126 has a first portion 127 formed in the first barrel 140 and a second portion 128 formed in the second barrel 142.

[0037] The first barrel 140 is provided between the flat screw 110 and the second barrel 142. The first barrel 140 may be spaced apart from or in contact with the flat screw 110. The first barrel 140 has an opposing surface 122.

[0038] The shapes of the first barrel 140 and the flat screw 110 are, for example, circular when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis RA. The shapes of the first barrel 140 and the flat screw 110 are, for example, disk-shaped. When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis RA, the diameter D1 of the first barrel 140 is, for example, smaller than the diameter D2 of the flat screw 110. When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis RA, the diameter D1 of the first barrel 140 is, for example, smaller than the minimum length L of the opening 61 formed in the screw case 62. The opening 61 houses the flat screw 110. In the illustrated example, the minimum length L of the opening 61 is the same length as the diameter D2.

[0039] Note that the "minimum length L of the opening 61" is the diameter when the shape of the opening 61 is circular when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis RA, and is the diameter of the minimum circumscribed circle when the shape of the opening 61 is non-circular. For example, when the shape of the opening 61 is polygonal when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis RA, the minimum length L of the opening 61 is the diameter of the smallest circle that contains the polygon therein, and when the shape of the opening 61 is elliptical, the minimum length L of the opening 61 is the diameter of the smallest circle that contains the ellipse therein.

[0040] The second barrel 142 is provided between the first barrel 140 and the nozzle 80. The second barrel 142 is spaced apart from the opposing surface 122. The second barrel 142 has an opposite surface 123. The nozzle 80 is connected to the second barrel 142. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis RA, the area of the second barrel 142 is larger than the area of the first barrel 140 and the area of the flat screw 110.

[0041] The second barrel 142 is joined to the first barrel 140 by screws 144. The screw heads of the screws 144 are exposed on the opposite surface 123. In the example shown in FIG. 6, eight screws 144 are provided, but the number is not particularly limited.

[0042] As a first method of separating the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142, first, the screw 65 shown in FIG. 2 is loosened to remove the screw unit 68 from the screw case 62. The screw unit 68 has a drive motor 64, a flat screw 110, and a spacer 63 provided between the drive motor 64 and the flat screw 110. The screw 65 is provided on the spacer 63. Next, the screws 144 are loosened to remove the first barrel 140 from the second barrel 142 and separate the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142. The first barrel 140 is removed from the second barrel 142 through the opening 61.

[0043] As a second method of separating the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142, first, the barrel case 146 that houses the barrel 120 is removed from the screw case 62. Next, the screws 144 are loosened to remove the second barrel 142 from the first barrel 140 and separate the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142.

[0044] The first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 are made of, for example, different materials. The first barrel 140 is made of a material that is harder than the second barrel 142, for example. Thereby, it is possible to suppress wear of the first barrel 140 by the supplied material. Also, the second barrel 142 is made of a material that is less expensive than the first barrel 140, for example. Thereby, the barrel 120 can be manufactured at low cost. Also, the first barrel 140 is made of a material obtained by performing a surface coating of boron nitride on SUS (Steel Use Stainless), and the second barrel 142 is made of SUS without a surface coating, for example. Thereby, the barrel 120 can be manufactured at low cost and wear of the first barrel 140 by the supplied material can be suppressed. Also, the first barrel 140 is made of a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the second barrel 142, for example. Thereby, heat from the heating unit 130 can be efficiently transferred to the supplied material. The SUS constituting the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 may be SUS440c, which is a martensitic stainless steel.

[0045] The heating unit 130 is provided in the second barrel 142. The heating unit 130 is not provided in the first barrel 140. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heating unit 130 is composed of four rod heaters.

[0046] Although not shown, the second barrel 142 may be provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the barrel 120, a cooling unit for cooling the material supplied between the flat screw 110 and the barrel 120, or a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the communication hole 126.

[0047] 1.4. Check Valve As shown in FIG. 5, the plasticizing device 60 further has a check valve 150. The check valve 150 is provided in the second portion 128 of the communication hole 126. Specifically, the check valve 150 is provided at the end 128a on the first portion 127 side of the second portion 128. In the illustrated example, the end 128a is the end of the second portion 128 in the -Y axis direction. The check valve 150 can prevent the plasticizing material from flowing backward from the communication hole 126 into the first groove 114 formed in the flat screw 110. Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the check valve 150 and is a view of the communication hole 126 as seen from the second barrel 142 side.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the check valve 150 is spherical. In the illustrated example, the second barrel 142 has three beams 148 provided on the inner surface 126a of the communication hole 126. The inner surface 126a is the surface of the barrel 120 that defines the communication hole 126. The cylinder 72 is connected to the second portion 128 of the communication hole 126 as shown in FIG. 2. When the injection mechanism 70 is performing a metering operation, the check valve 150 is separated from the three beams 148, and the check effect is not manifested. When the injection mechanism 70 performs an injection operation, due to the pressure generated by the movement of the plunger 74 in the +X axis direction, the check valve 150 comes into contact with the three beams 148, preventing the plasticizing material from flowing backward into the first groove 114.

[0049] 1.5. Function and Effect In the plasticizing device 60, the barrel 120 has a separate structure including a first barrel 140 having an opposing surface 122 and a second barrel 142 spaced apart from the opposing surface 122 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis RA. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 can be separated, and the communication hole 126 can be easily cleaned. As a result, for example, the material remaining in the communication hole 126 can be reduced, and even when a highly elastic resin such as an elastomer is used as the material, the injection stability is high. Further, even if the opposing surface 122 of the barrel 120 is worn due to the supplied material, only the first barrel 140 needs to be replaced without replacing the entire barrel 120. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the maintenance of the barrel 120 can be easily performed. In particular, when the material to be plasticized contains metal, the opposing surface 122 is easily worn.

[0050] The plasticizing device 60 includes a screw case 62 in which an opening 61 for accommodating the flat screw 110 is formed. When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis RA, the diameter D1 of the first barrel 140 is smaller than the minimum length L of the opening 61. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the first barrel 140 can be removed from the second barrel 142 through the opening 61.

[0051] In the plasticizing device 60, when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis RA, the diameter D1 of the first barrel 140 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the flat screw 110. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the first barrel 140 can be removed from the second barrel 142 through the opening 61.

[0052] The plasticizing device 60 includes a check valve 150 provided in the communication hole 126. The communication hole 126 has a first portion 127 formed in the first barrel 140 and a second portion 128 formed in the second barrel 142. The check valve 150 is provided at an end portion 128a of the second portion 128 on the side of the first portion 127. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 can be separated, and the check valve 150 can be easily cleaned. Further, the replacement of the check valve 150 is also facilitated.

[0053] In the plasticizing device 60, the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 are made of different materials. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, for example, the first barrel 140, which is easily worn by the supplied material, can be made of a material with a higher hardness than the second barrel 142, and the second barrel 142 can be made of a material less expensive than the first barrel. Thus, the plasticizing device 60 can have an inexpensive barrel 120 while reducing the wear of the opposing surface 122.

[0054] In the plasticizing device 60, the heating unit 130 is provided in the second barrel 142. Therefore, in the plasticizing device 60, even if the first barrel 140 is replaced when it is worn by the supplied material, the heating unit 130 is not replaced, so that costs can be reduced.

[0055] 1.6 Supplied Material Examples of the material supplied from the material supply unit 10 include materials having various materials such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials as the main material. Here, the "main material" means the central material that forms the shape of the molded product, and means a material that occupies a content rate of 50% by mass or more in the molded product. The above-described materials include those obtained by melting these main materials alone and those obtained by melting some components contained together with the main material into a paste form.

[0056] As the material having thermoplasticity, for example, a thermoplastic resin can be used. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include general-purpose engineering plastics such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (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, polyethylene terephthalate, and engineering plastics such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0057] The material having thermoplasticity may be mixed with additives such as pigments, metals, ceramics, waxes, flame retardants, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, etc. The material having thermoplasticity is plasticized and converted into a molten state by the rotation of the flat screw 110 and the heating of the heating unit 130 in the plasticizing device 60. Further, the plasticized material thus produced is cured by a decrease in temperature after being injected from the nozzle 80. It is desirable that the material having thermoplasticity be heated above its glass transition point and injected from the nozzle 80 in a completely molten state.

[0058] In the plasticizing device 60, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material instead of the above-described material having thermoplasticity. In this case, it is desirable that a component that melts during the production of the plasticized material be mixed with the powdered metal material and then introduced into the plasticizing device 60.

[0059] Examples of the metal material include a single metal such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing one or more of these metals. Further examples include maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, and cobalt-chromium alloy.

[0060] In the plasticizing device 60, it is possible to use a ceramic material as the main material instead of the above metal material. Examples of the ceramic material include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0061] The powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 10 may be a mixed material in which powders of a single metal, alloy powders, or ceramic material powders of a plurality of types are mixed. Further, the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material may be coated with, for example, the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin or another thermoplastic resin. In this case, in the plasticizing device 60, it may be assumed that the thermoplastic resin melts and exhibits fluidity.

[0062] For the powder materials of metallic materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 10, for example, a solvent can also be added. Examples of the solvent include water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetate esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetate (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate, etc.); ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate, and the like.

[0063] In addition, for the powder materials of metallic materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 10, for example, a binder may be added. Examples of the binder include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, cellulose-based resins, or other synthetic resins, or PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, or other thermoplastic resins.

[0064] 2. Modification Examples of the Injection Molding Apparatus 2.1. First Modification Example Next, the injection molding apparatus according to the first modification example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the injection molding apparatus 200 according to the first modification example of the present embodiment.

[0065] Hereinafter, in the injection molding apparatus 200 according to the first modification of the present embodiment, members having the same functions as the constituent members of the injection molding apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. This also applies to the injection molding apparatus according to the second modification of the present embodiment shown below.

[0066] In the injection molding apparatus 100 described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the check valve 150 was spherical.

[0067] On the other hand, in the injection molding apparatus 200, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the check valve 150 is a flap-type valve that swings about a connection portion 152 connected to the inner surface 126a of the communication hole 126. The inner surface 126a is the surface of the second barrel 142 that defines the communication hole 126. In the illustrated example, the check valve 150 has a rod-like shape, and the end on the side opposite to the connection portion 152 is a free end.

[0068] In a state where the injection mechanism 70 is performing a metering operation, as shown in FIG. 8, the check valve 150 is in an open state, and the check effect is not exhibited. When the injection mechanism 70 performs an injection operation, due to the pressure generated by the movement of the plunger 74 in the +X-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 9, the check valve 150 is in a closed state, suppressing the backflow of the plasticized material into the first groove 114 formed in the flat screw 110.

[0069] In the injection molding apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 7, it is not necessary to provide the beam 148 in the communication hole 126. As a result, since the plasticized material is not divided by the beam 148, even for a material with high flow resistance, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the injection amount. In the injection molding apparatus 200, since the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 are separable, the check valve 150, which is a flap-type valve, can be easily provided at the end 128a of the second portion 128 of the communication hole 126.

[0070] 2.2. Second Modification Next, an injection molding apparatus according to a second modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views schematically showing an injection molding apparatus 300 according to the second modification of the present embodiment.

[0071] In the injection molding apparatus 100 described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the shape of the check valve 150 was spherical.

[0072] On the other hand, in the injection molding apparatus 300, the check valve 150 is a Tesla valve that utilizes a step 154 provided on the inner surface 126a of the communication hole 126, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The inner surface 126a is the surface of the second barrel 142 that defines the communication hole 126. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the step 154 is ring-shaped. The diameter of the communication hole 126 at the portion where the step 154 is provided is smaller than the diameter of the communication hole 126 at the portion where the step 154 is not provided.

[0073] In a state where the injection mechanism 70 is performing a metering operation, as shown in FIG. 10, no retention of the plasticized material occurs due to the step 154, and the check valve effect of the check valve 150 is not manifested. When the injection mechanism 70 performs an injection operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the plasticized material is retained by the step 154 and the plunger 74 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11. As a result, the check valve 150 suppresses the backflow of the plasticized material into the first groove 114 formed in the flat screw 110.

[0074] In the injection molding apparatus 300, similar to the injection molding apparatus 200, since the plasticized material is not divided by the beam 148, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the injection amount even for a material with high flow resistance. In the injection molding apparatus 300, since the first barrel 140 and the second barrel 142 are separable, the check valve 150, which is a Tesla valve, can be easily provided at the end 128a of the second portion 128 of the communication hole 126.

[0075] 3. Three-dimensional modeling apparatus Next, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment.

[0076] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a material supply unit 10, a control unit 50, a plasticizing device 60, an injection mechanism 70, a nozzle 80, a stage 410, and a moving mechanism 420. The plasticizing device 60 has, for example, a screw unit 68, a barrel 120 including a first barrel 140 and a second barrel 142, a heating unit 130, and a butterfly valve 430.

[0077] The nozzle 80 discharges the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device 60 toward the stage 410. Specifically, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 drives the moving mechanism 420 while discharging the plasticized material from the nozzle 80 to the stage 410, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the stage 410. Thereby, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 400 forms a three-dimensional model of a desired shape on the stage 410.

[0078] The stage 410 is moved by the moving mechanism 420. The three-dimensional model is formed on the modeling surface 412 of the stage 410. Note that the plasticized material may be directly laminated on the stage 410, or a sample plate may be provided on the stage 410, and the three-dimensional model may be formed on the sample plate.

[0079] The moving mechanism 420 changes the relative position between the nozzle 80 and the stage 410. In the illustrated example, the moving mechanism 420 moves the stage 410 with respect to the nozzle 80. The moving mechanism 420 is constituted by, for example, a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 410 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction by the driving force of three motors 422. The motors 422 are controlled by the control unit 50.

[0080] Note that the moving mechanism 420 may be configured to move the nozzle 80 without moving the stage 410. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 420 may be configured to move both the nozzle 80 and the stage 410.

[0081] The butterfly valve 430 is provided in the communication hole 126. In the illustrated example, the butterfly valve 430 is provided at an end 128a on the first portion 127 side of the second portion 128 of the communication hole 126. The butterfly valve 430 is in an open state when the plasticized material is injected from the nozzle 80, and is in a closed state when the plasticized material is not injected from the nozzle 80. In the off state, the butterfly valve 430 is closed, and further, when the plunger 74 moves in the -X axis direction, the plasticized material between the butterfly valve 430 and the nozzle 80 is sucked. Thereby, in the off state, it is possible to suppress the plasticized material between the butterfly valve 430 and the nozzle 80 from coming out of the nozzle 80 due to gravity.

[0082] The above-described embodiments and modifications are examples and are not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to appropriately combine each embodiment and each modification.

[0083] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations having the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations having the same objectives and effects. Further, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Further, the present invention includes configurations that exhibit the same operational effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or configurations that can achieve the same objectives. Further, the present invention includes configurations in which known technologies are added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0084] The following content is derived from the above-described embodiments.

[0085] One aspect of the plasticizing device is a drive motor, and A flat screw having a groove-forming surface with a groove formed therein, and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor; A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; A heating unit for heating a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel; Including; When viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the barrel Has a first barrel having the opposing surface; A second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface; Has a separate structure including.

[0086] According to this plasticizing device, maintenance of the barrel can be easily performed.

[0087] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, Including a screw case in which an opening for accommodating the flat screw is formed, When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, the diameter of the first barrel may be smaller than the minimum length of the opening.

[0088] According to this plasticizing device, the first barrel can be removed from the second barrel through the opening.

[0089] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, the diameter of the first barrel may be smaller than the diameter of the flat screw.

[0090] According to this plasticizing device, the first barrel can be removed from the second barrel through the opening.

[0091] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, Including a check valve provided in the communication hole, The communication hole Has a first portion formed in the first barrel; A second portion formed in the second barrel; Has, The check valve may be provided at the end of the second part on the first part side.

[0092] According to this plasticizing device, the first barrel and the second barrel can be separated, and the check valve can be easily cleaned.

[0093] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, The check valve may be a flap-type valve that swings with a portion connected to the inner surface of the communication hole as a fulcrum.

[0094] According to this plasticizing device, even for a material with high flow resistance, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the injection amount.

[0095] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, The check valve may be a Tesla valve that utilizes a step provided on the inner surface of the communication hole.

[0096] According to this plasticizing device, even for a material with high flow resistance, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the injection amount.

[0097] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, The first barrel and the second barrel may be made of different materials.

[0098] According to this plasticizing device, for example, it is possible to have an inexpensive barrel while reducing wear of the opposing surfaces.

[0099] In one aspect of the plasticizing device, The heating unit may be provided on the second barrel.

[0100] According to this plasticizing device, even if the first barrel is replaced when it is worn due to the supplied material, the heating unit is not replaced, so costs can be reduced.

[0101] One aspect of the injection molding device is A plasticizing device for plasticizing a material into a plasticized material, a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a mold, and includes, wherein the plasticizing device includes a drive motor, a flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, and a heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, and includes, wherein the barrel has, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, a first barrel having the opposing surface, a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including these.

[0102] One aspect of a three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a plasticizing device for plasticizing a material into a plasticized material, a nozzle for discharging the plasticized material supplied from the plasticizing device toward a stage, and includes, wherein the plasticizing device includes a drive motor, a flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, and a heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, and includes, wherein the barrel has, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, a first barrel having the opposing surface, a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including these.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 10…Material supply section, 20…Injection section, 30…Mold section, 32…Molding die, 34…Cavity, 36…Movable mold, 38…Fixed mold, 40…Mold clamping section, 42…Mold drive section, 44…Ball screw section, 50…Control section, 60…Plasticizing device, 61…Opening, 62…Screw case, 63…Spacer, 64…Drive motor, 65…Screw, 66…Shaft, 68…Screw unit, 70…Injection mechanism, 72…Cylinder, 74…Plunger, 76…Plunger drive section, 80…Nozzle, 82…Nozzle hole, 100…Injection molding device, 110…Flat screw, 111…Main surface, 112…Groove forming surface, 113…Connection surface, 114…First groove, 115…Central part, 116…Connection part, 117…Material introduction section, 120…Barrel, 122…Opposing surface, 124…Second groove, 126…Communication hole, 126a…Inner surface, 127…First part, 128…Second part, 128a…End part, 130…Heating section, 140…First barrel, 142…Second barrel, 144…Screw, 146…Barrel case, 148…Beam, 150…Check valve, 152…Connection part, 154…Step, 200, 300…Injection molding device, 400…Three-dimensional modeling device, 410…Stage, 412…Modeling surface, 420…Moving mechanism, 422…Motor, 430…Butterfly valve

Claims

1. A drive motor, A flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon, and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, A heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, A screw case having an opening for accommodating the flat screw, Comprising, When viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, A first barrel having the opposing surface, A second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, Having a separate structure including, A plasticizing device in which the diameter of the first barrel is smaller than the minimum length of the opening when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis.

2. In claim 1, A plasticizing device in which the diameter of the first barrel is smaller than the diameter of the flat screw when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis.

3. A drive motor, A flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon, and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, A heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, A check valve provided in the communication hole, Comprising, When viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, A first barrel having the opposing surface, A second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, Having a separate structure including, The communication hole, A first portion formed in the first barrel, A second portion formed in the second barrel, Having, A plasticizing device in which the check valve is provided at an end portion of the second portion on the first portion side.

4. In claim 3, The check valve is a flap-type valve that swings about a fulcrum at a portion connected to the inner surface of the communication hole, or a Tesla valve that utilizes a step provided on the inner surface of the communication hole. A plasticizing device.

5. A drive motor, A flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon, and rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, A heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, Comprising, When viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, A first barrel having the opposing surface, A second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, Having a separate structure including, The plasticizing device, wherein the first barrel is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second barrel. **Claim 6**: A drive motor, a flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon, the flat screw rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, a heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, comprising: when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the barrel has a first barrel having the opposing surface, a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including them, wherein the heating unit is provided in the second barrel. The plasticizing device. **Claim 7**: A drive motor, a flat screw having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed thereon, the flat screw rotating about the rotation axis of the drive motor, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having communication holes formed therein, a heating unit for heating the material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel, comprising: when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the barrel has a first barrel having the opposing surface, a second barrel spaced apart from the opposing surface, and has a separate structure including them, a barrel case having a through hole provided along the rotation axis and accommodating the barrel in the through hole, a screw for joining the first barrel and the second barrel, having: the through hole extends from a first opening to a second opening farther from the flat screw than the first opening, the screw extends along the rotation axis, and the screw head of the screw is exposed to the outside through the second opening. The plasticizing device. **Claim 8** A plasticizing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, and a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material generated by heating the material by the plasticizing device toward a mold. An injection molding device comprising the same. **Claim 9** A plasticizing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, and a nozzle for discharging the plasticized material generated by heating the material by the plasticizing device toward a stage. A three-dimensional shaping device comprising the same.

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