Three-dimensional modeling device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can reduce the movement distance of a cleaning mechanism when cleaning a nozzle.SOLUTION: Provided is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that includes an ejection unit having a nozzle for ejecting material toward a stage, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle, and a movement unit for moving the ejection unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage, and in which the movement unit moves the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in coordination with the movement of the ejection unit relative to the stage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Three-dimensional modeling apparatuses are known that form a three-dimensional object by discharging plasticized material onto a stage, laminating the material, and curing the material.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a three-dimensional modeling device that is configured to move an extrusion head on a horizontal xy plane, and that moves the extrusion head to an edge cleaning assembly, which periodically performs cleaning operations on the extrusion head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2010-530326 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, when the head is moved to the cleaning mechanism for cleaning, depending on the position of the head that was performing the modeling, the head needs to be moved a long distance. As a result, residue inside the head may fall off and adhere to the model while the head is moving, affecting the modeling accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to a discharge unit having a nozzle and discharging the material toward the stage; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle; a moving unit that moves the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage; Including, The moving unit moves the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the relative movement of the discharge unit with respect to the stage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a first cleaning mechanism of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a first cleaning mechanism of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a first cleaning mechanism of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a control unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a first cleaning mechanism of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0009] 1. Three-dimensional printing equipment 1.1. Overall structure First, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, schematically showing the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 1 and 2, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis and Y-axis directions are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions.

[0010] 1 and 2, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes, for example, a first discharging unit 10a and a second discharging unit 10b as the discharging unit 10, a stage 20, a moving unit 30, a first supporting unit 40a and a second supporting unit 40b as the supporting unit 40, a heating unit 50, a first cleaning mechanism 60a and a second cleaning mechanism 60b as the cleaning mechanism 60, a first cleaning moving unit 70a and a second cleaning moving unit 70b as the cleaning moving unit 70, a collection box 80, and a control unit 90. For convenience, the cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b, the cleaning moving units 70a and 70b, and the collection box 80 are not shown in FIGS.

[0011] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 drives the moving unit 30 to change the relative positions of the discharge units 10a and 10b and the stage 20 while discharging the plasticized material from the discharge units 10a and 10b toward the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 forms a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20.

[0012] The first discharge unit 10a and the second discharge unit 10b are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the first discharge unit 10a is located on the −X-axis direction of the second discharge unit 10b. The discharge units 10a and 10b discharge the plasticized material toward the stage 20.

[0013] The first discharge unit 10a and the second discharge unit 10b each include, for example, a material supply unit 110, a plasticizing unit 120, and a nozzle 160. The first discharge unit 10a and the second discharge unit 10b basically have the same configuration.

[0014] Pellet-shaped or powder-shaped materials are fed into the material feeding section 110. The material feeding section 110 feeds the raw material to the plasticizing section 120. The material feeding section 110 is configured, for example, as a hopper. The material feeding section 110 and the plasticizing section 120 are connected by a feeding path 112 provided below the material feeding section 110. The material fed into the material feeding section 110 is fed to the plasticizing section 120 via the feeding path 112. The types of materials fed by the material feeding section 110 will be described later.

[0015] 2, the plasticizing unit 120 has, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a heater 150. The plasticizing unit 120 plasticizes the solid material supplied from the material supply unit 110 to generate a paste-like material having fluidity, and supplies the paste-like material to the nozzle 160.

[0016] Plasticization is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0017] The screw case 122 is a housing that houses the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in the space surrounded by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0018] The drive motor 124 is provided on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The drive motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 is connected to an upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The drive motor 124 is controlled by the control unit 90. Although not shown, the shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reducer.

[0019] The flat screw 130 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than its size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0020] The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the flat screw 130. For convenience, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , a first groove 134 is formed in the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 146. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the example shown, the connecting portion 136 is provided in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. 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 unit 110 is introduced into the first groove 134 from the material introduction unit 137, and is transported through the connection unit 136 and the central unit 135 to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. In the illustrated example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0022] There is no particular limitation on the number of first grooves 134. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 134 may be provided, or only one first groove 134 may be provided.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, 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. 4 is a plan view that schematically shows the barrel 140.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4 , second grooves 144 and communication holes 146 are formed in the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 144 are formed around the communication holes 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of each second groove 144 is connected to the communication holes 146, and the second grooves 144 extend in a spiral shape from the communication holes 146 toward the outer periphery 148 of the barrel 140. The second grooves 144 have the function of guiding the plasticized material to the communication holes 146.

[0025] The shape of second groove 144 is not particularly limited, and may be linear, for example. One end of second groove 144 does not have to be connected to communicating hole 146. Furthermore, second groove 144 does not have to be formed on opposing surface 142. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized material to communicating hole 146, second groove 144 is preferably formed on opposing surface 142.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , the heater 150 is provided in the barrel 140. The heater 150 is, for example, a rod heater. The heater 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The output of the heater 150 is controlled by the control unit 90. The plasticizing unit 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communicating hole 146 using the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the heater 150, generating a plasticized material, and causes the generated material to flow out of the communicating hole 146. Although not shown, the heater 150 may have a ring-like shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0027] The nozzle 160 is provided below the barrel 140. The nozzle 160 discharges the material supplied from the plasticizing section 120 toward the stage 20. The nozzle 160 is provided with a nozzle flow path 162. The nozzle flow path 162 communicates with the communication hole 146. The nozzle flow path 162 has a nozzle opening 164. The nozzle opening 164 is located at the tip of the nozzle 160. The material supplied from the communication hole 146 passes through the nozzle flow path 162 and is discharged from the nozzle opening 164.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stage 20 is provided below the nozzle 160. In the illustrated example, the stage 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The stage 20 has a printing region 22. The printing region 22 is a region where layers made of materials discharged from the discharge units 10a and 10b are formed. The printing region 22 is a region on the upper surface of the stage 20. The printing region 22 is determined by the positions of the nozzle openings 164 of the discharge units 10a and 10b. For example, when the stage 20 is moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the movement unit 30, the end of the printing region 22 in the −X-axis direction is located below the nozzle opening 164 of the first discharge unit 10a when the stage 20 has moved the furthest in the +X-axis direction. The end of the printing region 22 in the +X-axis direction is located below the nozzle opening 164 of the second discharge unit 10b when the stage 20 has moved the furthest in the −X-axis direction.

[0029] The moving unit 30 moves the discharge units 10a and 10b and the heating unit 50 relative to the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the moving unit 30 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the relative positions of the discharge units 10a and 10b and the heating unit 50, and the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The moving unit 30 moves the heating unit 50 relative to the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in conjunction with the relative movements of the discharge units 10a and 10b with respect to the stage 20. Furthermore, the moving unit 30 moves the discharge units 10a and 10b in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the relative positions of the discharge units 10a and 10b and the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction.

[0030] 1, the movement unit 30 has, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, a third electric actuator 36, and a fourth electric actuator 38. The first electric actuator 32 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 34 moves the stage 20 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 36 moves the first discharge unit 10a in the Z-axis direction. The fourth electric actuator 38 moves the second discharge unit 10b in the Z-axis direction. The electric actuators 36 and 38 move the discharge units 10a and 10b in the Z-axis direction independently of each other.

[0031] The moving unit 30 may or may not have a configuration for moving the heating unit 50 in the Z-axis direction. When moving the heating unit 50 in the Z-axis direction, the moving unit 30 may have a fifth electric actuator (not shown) extending in the Z-axis direction and drive the fifth electric actuator to move the heating unit 50 in the Z-axis direction. When moving the discharging units 10a and 10b in the Z-axis direction during modeling, for example, the moving unit 30 may move the heating unit 50 in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the discharging units 10a and 10b in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] The first support part 40a supports the first discharge part 10a from a direction perpendicular to the material discharge direction. In the illustrated example, the material discharge direction is the Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the material discharge direction is the Y-axis direction. The first support part 40a is fixed to the third electric actuator 36. The second support part 40b supports the second discharge part 10b from the Y-axis direction. The second support part 40b is fixed to the fourth electric actuator 38.

[0033] The first support portion 40a and the second support portion 40b have, for example, a support plate 42 and a protrusion 44. The first support portion 40a and the second support portion 40b basically have the same configuration.

[0034] The support plate 42 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. In the illustrated example, the support plate 42 has a main surface parallel to the XZ plane. The support plate 42 of the first support part 40a is fixed to the third electric actuator 36. The support plate 42 of the second support part 40b is fixed to the fourth electric actuator 38.

[0035] The protrusion 44 protrudes in the Y-axis direction from the main surface of the support plate 42. The protrusion 44 of the first support part 40a is connected to the first discharge part 10a. The movement part 30 drives the third electric actuator 36 to move the first support part 40a in the Z-axis direction, thereby moving the first discharge part 10a in the Z-axis direction. The protrusion 44 of the second support part 40b is connected to the second discharge part 10b. The movement part 30 drives the fourth electric actuator 38 to move the second support part 40b in the Z-axis direction, thereby moving the second discharge part 10b in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The heating unit 50 heats the printing region 22 of the stage 20. A layer made of material ejected from the nozzle 160 is formed in the printing region 22. The layer is heated by the heating unit 50. The heating unit 50 has, for example, a substantially plate-like shape. The heating unit 50 is configured to include a heater. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the heating unit 50 has a shape that covers the printing region 22. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the printing region 22 overlaps with the heating unit 50. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the area of the heating unit 50 is larger than the area of the printing region 22.

[0037] 2, when the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 prints a model, the heating unit 50 is located above the nozzle opening 164 of the nozzle 160 and below the cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b. In the illustrated example, "above" refers to the +Z-axis direction, and "below" refers to the -Z-axis direction.

[0038] The heating unit 50 is provided with a first through hole 50a and a second through hole 50b. The through holes 50a and 50b penetrate the heating unit 50 in the Z-axis direction. When modeling is performed using the first discharging unit 10a, the nozzle 160 of the first discharging unit 10a is located in the first through hole 50a, and the nozzle opening 164 is located below the heating unit 50. When modeling is performed using the second discharging unit 10b, the nozzle 160 of the second discharging unit 10b is located in the second through hole 50b, and the nozzle opening 164 is located below the heating unit 50.

[0039] Here, Fig. 5 is a perspective view that schematically shows the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. Fig. 6 is a plan view that schematically shows the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. Fig. 7 is a side view that schematically shows the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. For convenience, the discharge units 10a and 10b, the stage 20, the moving unit 30, and the support units 40a and 40b are not shown in Figs. 5 to 7.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the heating unit 50 is supported by a base 52 via beams 54 and first hanging units 56. The base 52 is supported, for example, by a support body (not shown). The base 52 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. Two beams 54 are provided, for example. The beams 54 protrude from the base 52 in the -Y-axis direction. The first hanging units 56 are provided at the tips of the beams 54. The first hanging units 56 support the heating unit 50 by suspending it. Furthermore, the heating unit 50 is supported by second hanging units 58 provided at the tips of the cleaning moving units 70a and 70b.

[0041] The first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160 of the first discharging unit 10a. The first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160 of the first discharging unit 10a, for example, during modeling by the second discharging unit 10b. The second cleaning mechanism 60b cleans the nozzle 160 of the second discharging unit 10b. The second cleaning mechanism 60b cleans the nozzle 160 of the second discharging unit 10b, for example, during modeling by the first discharging unit 10a.

[0042] The first cleaning mechanism 60a and the second cleaning mechanism 60b are moved by the moving unit 30. The moving unit 30 moves the dischargers 10a, 10b and the cleaning mechanisms 60a, 60b relative to the stage 20. Specifically, the moving unit 30 drives the electric actuators 32, 34 to move the stage 20, thereby moving the dischargers 10a, 10b and the cleaning mechanisms 60a, 60b relative to the stage 20. The moving unit 30 moves the cleaning mechanisms 60a, 60b relative to the stage 20 in conjunction with the relative movement of the dischargers 10a, 10b with respect to the stage 20. Specifically, when the dischargers 10a, 10b are moved relative to the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the moving unit 30 moves the cleaning mechanisms 60a, 60b relative to the stage 20 in conjunction with the relative movement of the dischargers 10a, 10b with respect to the stage 20. Furthermore, the moving unit 30 drives the electric actuators 36 and 38 to move the cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b in the Z-axis direction.

[0043] When the first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160 of the first discharge part 10a, the moving part 30 drives the third electric actuator 36 to move the nozzle opening 164 of the first discharge part 10a above the heating part 50. When the second cleaning mechanism 60b cleans the nozzle 160 of the second discharge part 10b, the moving part 30 drives the fourth electric actuator 38 to move the nozzle opening 164 of the second discharge part 10b above the heating part 50.

[0044] The first cleaning mechanism 60a is supported by a first cleaning moving part 70a. The second cleaning mechanism 60b is supported by a second cleaning moving part 70b. Here, Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the first cleaning mechanism 60a. Figs. 9 and 10 are side views showing the first cleaning mechanism 60a.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 8, the first cleaning mechanism 60a and the second cleaning mechanism 60b each include, for example, a base plate 61, a side plate 62, a brush unit 63, a blade plate 64, a cleaning case 65, a gripping unit 66, a purge unit 67, and a discharge mechanism 68. The first cleaning mechanism 60a and the second cleaning mechanism 60b basically have the same configuration. For convenience, the side plate 62 is not shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0046] The substrate 61 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. In the illustrated example, the substrate 61 has a main surface parallel to the XY plane. The main surface is the upper surface of the substrate 61. A cleaning case 65 and a purge unit 67 are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 61.

[0047] The side plate 62 is connected to the substrate 61. The side plate 62 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. In the illustrated example, the side plate 62 has a main surface parallel to the YZ plane. The side plate 62 may be provided integrally with the substrate 61. The side plate 62 of the first cleaning mechanism 60a connects the substrate 61 and the first cleaning moving part 70a. The side plate 62 of the second cleaning mechanism 60b connects the substrate 61 and the second cleaning moving part 70b.

[0048] The brush unit 63 is housed in a cleaning case 65. The brush unit 63 has a brush that comes into contact with the nozzle 160. In the illustrated example, the brush unit 63 has a shape in which the Y-axis direction is the longitudinal direction. The brush unit 63 comes into contact with the nozzle 160 and can move back and forth in small increments in the Y-axis direction by driving the cleaning movement units 70a and 70b. The cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b can clean the nozzle 160 using the brush unit 63.

[0049] The blade plate 64 is housed in a cleaning case 65. In the illustrated example, a pair of blade plates 64 are provided, sandwiching the brush unit 63 in the Y-axis direction. The tip of the blade plate 64 has a blade surface inclined with respect to the XZ plane. In the illustrated example, the tip of the blade plate 64 is the end in the +Z-axis direction. A notch 65a is provided in the cleaning case 65, so that the tip of the blade plate 64 can be seen from the cleaning case 65 in the Y-axis direction. The blade plate 64 moves in the Y-axis direction by driving the cleaning movement units 70a and 70b, and can cut, for example, resin residue extending downward without separating from the nozzle 160. After cutting the residue with the blade plate 64, the cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b clean the nozzle 160 with the brush unit 63.

[0050] The cleaning case 65 has, for example, a shape that is open at the top. The cleaning case 65 can accumulate resin residue discharged from the nozzle 160 by cleaning the brush part 63 and residue cut by the blade plate 64.

[0051] The grip 66 is connected to the cleaning case 65. In the illustrated example, the grip 66 protrudes from the cleaning case 65 in the X-axis direction. The cleaning case 65 is detachably provided with respect to the substrate 61. A user can grasp the grip 66 to remove the cleaning case 65 from the substrate 61 and discard any residue accumulated in the cleaning case 65.

[0052] The purge unit 67 is provided, for example, in the +Y-axis direction of the cleaning case 65. The purge unit 67 has a generally box-like shape that is open upward and on a side in the +Y-axis direction. The material is purged from the nozzle 160 and accumulated in the purge unit 67. Specifically, when starting to model a new object, the material used in the previous modeling remains in the nozzle 160, and therefore the discharge units 10a, 10b discharge the material as residue toward the purge unit 67. The purge unit 67 receives the discharged residue.

[0053] The discharge mechanism 68 is provided below the substrate 61. The discharge mechanism 68 is a mechanism that discharges the material accumulated in the purge section 67 into the collection box 80. Specifically, the discharge mechanism 68 tilts the bottom surface 67a of the purge section 67 with respect to the upper surface of the substrate 61, thereby sliding the material accumulated on the bottom surface 67a and discharging it into the collection box 80.

[0054] The bottom surface 67a may be fluorine-coated or polished. Although not shown, an actuator that vibrates the bottom surface 67a may be provided. Such processing or vibration can make the accumulated material slide easily across the bottom surface 67a.

[0055] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the discharge mechanism 68 has, for example, a roller 68a provided below the substrate 61, a support shaft portion 68b connecting the roller 68a to the substrate 61, and a spring portion 68c connecting the support shaft portion 68b to the substrate 61.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , when the discharge mechanism 68 is cleaning the nozzle 160 or purging the material from the nozzle 160, the bottom surface 67a of the purge unit 67 is kept parallel to the upper surface of the substrate 61. When discharging the material accumulated in the purge unit 67 into the collection box 80, the cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b are moved in the +Y-axis direction by the cleaning movement units 70a and 70b until they contact the stop base 59 shown in FIG. 5 . The stop base 59 is provided in the heating unit 50. As shown in FIG. 10 , when the roller 68a contacts the stop base 59, the movement of the roller 68a in the +Y-axis direction is stopped, and the support shaft 68b becomes inclined relative to the Z-axis. The bottom surface 67a of the purge unit 67 is tilted in response to this movement of the support shaft 68b. The accumulated material is then discharged into the collection box 80. When the discharge mechanism 68 is separated from the stopper base 59, the bottom surface 67a of the purge portion 67 is kept parallel to the upper surface of the substrate 61 by the action of the spring portion 68c, as shown in FIG.

[0057] The first cleaning moving unit 70a moves the first cleaning mechanism 60a. The first cleaning mechanism 60a is moved by the first cleaning moving unit 70a to clean the nozzle 160 of the first discharge unit 10a. The second cleaning moving unit 70b moves the second cleaning mechanism 60b. The second cleaning mechanism 60b is moved by the second cleaning moving unit 70b to clean the nozzle 160 of the second discharge unit 10b.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first cleaning movement unit 70a moves the first cleaning mechanism 60a to a first position P1 that overlaps with the nozzle opening 164 and a second position P2 that does not overlap with the nozzle opening 164, as viewed in the Z-axis direction. The first cleaning movement unit 70a cleans the nozzle 160 at the first position P1 and does not clean the nozzle 160 at the second position P2. The first cleaning movement unit 70a moves the first cleaning mechanism 60a to a first region 3 that includes a region 2 that overlaps with the nozzle opening 164 and a second region 4 that does not overlap with the nozzle opening 164, as viewed in the Z-axis direction. The first cleaning movement unit 70a cleans the nozzle 160 at the first region 3 and does not clean the nozzle 160 at the second region 4. The first region 3 includes the first position P1. The second region 4 includes the second position P2. In the illustrated example, the second position P2 is located in the +Y-axis direction from the first position P1. When the first discharge unit 10a is located at the second position P2, the first discharge unit 10a is in contact with the stopper base 59. The second position P2 is a position closer to the support plate 42 shown in FIG. 1 than the first discharge unit 10a. The second region 4 is a region closer to the support plate 42 than the first discharge unit 10a. At the second position P2, the discharge mechanism 68 of the first cleaning mechanism 60a discharges the material accumulated in the purge unit 67 into the collection box 80. At the second region 4, the discharge mechanism 68 of the first cleaning mechanism 60a discharges the material accumulated in the purge unit 67 into the collection box 80.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the second cleaning movement unit 70b moves the second cleaning mechanism 60b to a third position P3 that overlaps with the nozzle opening 164 and a fourth position P4 that does not overlap with the nozzle opening 164, as viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second cleaning movement unit 70b cleans the nozzle 160 at the third position P3 and does not clean the nozzle 160 at the fourth position P4. The second cleaning movement unit 70b moves the second cleaning mechanism 60b to a third region 6 that includes a region 5 that overlaps with the nozzle opening 164 and a fourth region 7 that does not overlap with the nozzle opening 164, as viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second cleaning movement unit 70b cleans the nozzle 160 at the third region 6 and does not clean the nozzle 160 at the fourth region 7. The third region 6 includes the third position P3. The fourth region 7 includes the fourth position P4. In the illustrated example, the fourth position P4 is located in the +Y-axis direction from the third position P3. When the second discharge unit 10b is located at the fourth position P4, the second discharge unit 10b is in contact with the stopper base 59. The fourth position P4 is located closer to the support plate 42 than the second discharge unit 10b in FIG. 1. The fourth region 7 is located closer to the support plate 42 than the first discharge unit 10a. The discharge mechanism 68 of the second cleaning mechanism 60b discharges the material accumulated in the purge unit 67 to the collection box 80 at the fourth position P4. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first cleaning mechanism 60a is located at the first position P1. The second cleaning mechanism 60b is located at the fourth position P4. The discharge mechanism 68 of the second cleaning mechanism 60b discharges the material accumulated in the purge unit 67 to the collection box 80 at the fourth region 7.

[0060] 5 and 6, the first cleaning moving portion 70a and the second cleaning moving portion 70b have, for example, a support beam 71, a drive portion 72, a drive box 73, and a connection member 74. The first cleaning moving portion 70a and the second cleaning moving portion 70b basically have the same configuration.

[0061] The support beam 71 is fixed to the base 52. In the illustrated example, the support beam 71 protrudes from the base 52 in the -Y-axis direction. A second hanging portion 58 that supports the heating portion 50 is provided at the tip of the support beam 71. A through hole that passes through the support beam 71 in the X-axis direction is formed in the support beam 71. The through hole allows the weight of the support beam 71 to be reduced.

[0062] The drive unit 72 drives a pulley housed in a drive box 73. Driving the pulley moves the connecting member 74 in the Y-axis direction, thereby moving the cleaning mechanisms 60a, 60b in the Y-axis direction. The drive unit 72 of the first cleaning movement unit 70a is provided in the +X-axis direction of the support beam 71. The drive unit 72 of the second cleaning movement unit 70b is provided in the -X-axis direction of the support beam 71. The drive unit 72 is configured by, for example, a stepping motor.

[0063] The drive box 73 houses a pulley driven by the drive unit 72. The drive box 73 of the first cleaning movement unit 70a is provided in the -X-axis direction of the support beam 71. The drive box 73 of the second cleaning movement unit 70b is provided in the +X-axis direction of the support beam 71.

[0064] The connecting member 74 connects the drive box 73 and the side plate 62. The force generated by the pulley is transmitted to the connecting member 74, causing the connecting member 74 to move in the Y-axis direction. As the connecting member 74 moves, the cleaning mechanisms 60a and 60b move in the Y-axis direction.

[0065] 5 and 7, the recovery box 80 is provided below the heating section 50. Materials accumulated in the purge section 67 are discharged to the recovery box 80. The materials discharged to the recovery box 80 are, for example, recovered and reused.

[0066] The collection box 80 is connected to the stopper base 59 via a duct 82. An inlet 82a is provided at the part of the duct 82 that connects to the stopper base 59. An outlet 82b is provided at the part of the duct 82 that connects to the collection box 80. The material accumulated in the purge section 67 passes through the duct 82 from the inlet 82a and is discharged into the collection box 80 from the outlet 82b.

[0067] The collection box 80 is provided with a first partition plate 84. The first partition plate 84 defines two spaces within the collection box 80. As shown in FIG. 7 , the duct 82 is provided with a second partition plate 86. The second partition plate 86 defines two spaces within the duct 82. Materials accumulated in the purge section 67 of the first cleaning mechanism 60a pass through one space within the duct 82 defined by the second partition plate 86 and are discharged into one space within the collection box 80 defined by the first partition plate 84. Materials accumulated in the purge section 67 of the second cleaning mechanism 60b pass through the other space within the duct 82 defined by the second partition plate 86 and are discharged into the other space within the collection box 80 defined by the first partition plate 84.

[0068] In this way, the materials accumulated in the first cleaning mechanism 60a and the materials accumulated in the second cleaning mechanism 60b can be collected separately by the first partition plate 84 and the second partition plate 86. Therefore, even if the materials accumulated in the first cleaning mechanism 60a and the materials accumulated in the second cleaning mechanism 60b are different materials, they can be easily reused.

[0069] The control unit 90 is configured, for example, by a computer having a processor, a main memory device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals from and to the outside. The control unit 90 performs various functions, for example, by the processor executing a program loaded into the main memory device. Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the discharge units 10a and 10b, the moving unit 30, and the cleaning moving units 70a and 70b. Note that the control unit 90 may be configured not by a computer but by a combination of multiple circuits.

[0070] 1.2. Control section processing FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 90.

[0071] For example, the user operates an operation unit (not shown) to output a processing start signal for starting processing to the control unit 90. The operation unit is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The control unit 90 starts processing when it receives the processing start signal.

[0072] First, as shown in FIG. 11 , in step S1, the control unit 90 performs a process of acquiring modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object. The modeling data includes information such as the movement path of the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20 and the amount of material dispensed from the nozzle 160. The modeling data is created, for example, by loading shape data into slicer software installed on a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. The shape data represents the target shape of a three-dimensional object created using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software or three-dimensional computer graphics (CG) software. For example, data in the Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format or the Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF) is used as the shape data. The slicer software divides the target shape of the three-dimensional object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed in G-code, M-code, or the like. The control unit 90 acquires modeling data from a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 or a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0073] Next, in step S2, the control unit 90 controls the discharge units 10a, 10b, the moving unit 30, and the cleaning moving units 70a, 70b based on the modeling data to perform a process of forming a layer made of the material discharged from the discharge units 10a, 10b in the modeling area 22 of the stage 20.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the first discharging unit 10a to purge residue from the nozzle 160 of the first discharging unit 10a. The first cleaning mechanism 60a is located at a first position P1. Next, the control unit 90 controls the first cleaning movement unit 70a to move the first cleaning mechanism 60a to a second position P2. Next, the control unit 90 controls the movement unit 30 to position the nozzle opening 164 of the first discharging unit 10a below the heating unit 50. Next, the control unit 90 controls the movement unit 30 to move the first discharging unit 10a relative to the stage 20, while controlling the plasticizing unit 120 of the first discharging unit 10a to discharge the generated material from the nozzle opening 164 toward the stage 20 and form a layer in the modeling region 22.

[0075] While the control unit 90 is discharging the material from the first discharge unit 10a, the control unit 90 controls the second cleaning movement unit 70b to move the second cleaning mechanism 60b to a third position P3 and have the second cleaning mechanism 60b clean the nozzle 160 of the second discharge unit 10b. Next, the control unit 90 controls the second discharge unit 10b to purge residual material from the nozzle 160 of the second discharge unit 10b. Next, the control unit 90 controls the second cleaning movement unit 70b to move the second cleaning mechanism 60b to a fourth position P4. Next, the control unit 90 controls the movement unit 30 to position the nozzle opening 164 of the second discharge unit 10b below the heating unit 50. Next, the control unit 90 terminates the discharging of the material from the first discharge unit 10a. Next, the control unit 90 controls the moving unit 30 to move the second discharge unit 10b relative to the stage 20, while controlling the plasticizing unit 120 of the second discharge unit 10b to discharge the generated material from the nozzle opening 164 toward the manufacturing area 22 of the stage 20, thereby forming a layer in the manufacturing area 22.

[0076] While the control unit 90 is performing a process of discharging the material from the second discharge unit 10b, it controls the moving unit 30 to position the nozzle opening 164 of the first discharge unit 10a above the heating unit 50. Next, the control unit 90 controls the first cleaning moving unit 70a to move the first cleaning mechanism 60a to the first position P1 and clean the nozzle 160 of the first discharge unit 10a.

[0077] Next, in step S3, the control unit 90 performs a process of determining whether or not the modeling object is complete based on the modeling data. If it is determined that the modeling object is not complete, the control unit 90 returns the process to step S2, as indicated by "NO" in Fig. 11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the modeling object is complete, as indicated by "YES" in Fig. 11, the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0078] The materials discharged from the first discharge unit 10a and the second discharge unit 10b may be the same or different. When the materials discharged from the discharge units 10a and 10b are different, the material discharged from the first discharge unit 10a may be a modeling material for forming the object, and the material discharged from the second discharge unit 10b may be a support material for supporting the object. The support material is removed after the object is formed. Alternatively, when the materials discharged from the discharge units 10a and 10b are different, both the materials discharged from the discharge units 10a and 10b may be modeling materials for forming the object.

[0079] Although the above description has been given of an example in which two discharge units 10 are provided, the number of discharge units 10 is not particularly limited. The number of cleaning mechanisms 60 and the number of cleaning movement units 70 are the same as the number of discharge units 10.

[0080] 1.3. Effects The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a first discharge unit 10a having a nozzle 160 and discharging a material toward the stage 20, a first cleaning mechanism 60a cleaning the nozzle 160, and a movement unit 30 moving the first discharge unit 10a and the cleaning mechanism 60a relative to the stage 20. The movement unit 30 moves the first cleaning mechanism 60a relative to the stage 20 in conjunction with the relative movement of the first discharge unit 10a relative to the stage 20. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the movement distance of the cleaning mechanism 60 when cleaning the nozzle 160 can be made shorter than when the cleaning mechanism is not linked to the relative movement of the discharge unit relative to the stage.

[0081] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the first cleaning mechanism 60a has a purge unit 67 that purges material from the nozzle 160, and a brush unit 63 that has a brush that contacts the nozzle 160. Therefore, the first cleaning mechanism 60a can receive the material purged by the purge unit 67 and clean the nozzle 160 with the brush unit 63.

[0082] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a first cleaning movement unit 70a that moves the first cleaning mechanism 60a, and the first cleaning mechanism 60a is moved by the first cleaning movement unit 70a to clean the nozzle 160. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 can prevent deterioration in the accuracy of the modeled object due to nozzle cleaning compared to when the nozzle is cleaned by moving the discharge unit. For example, when the nozzle is cleaned by moving the discharge unit in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, residue inside the discharge unit may fall and adhere to the model while the discharge unit is moving, thereby deteriorating the accuracy of the modeled object.

[0083] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the first cleaning movement unit 70a moves the first cleaning mechanism 60a to a first region 3 including a region 2 overlapping with the nozzle opening 164 of the nozzle 160, and a second region 4 not overlapping with the nozzle opening 164 of the nozzle 160, as viewed from the material discharge direction, and the first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160 in the first region 3 but does not clean the nozzle 160 in the second region 4. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, while the first discharge unit 10a is discharging material, the first cleaning mechanism 60a can be moved to the second region 4, and the first cleaning mechanism 60a does not interfere with the discharge by the first discharge unit 10a.

[0084] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a first support member 40a that supports the first discharge unit 10a from a direction perpendicular to the material discharge direction. The first support member 40a has a support plate 42 and a protrusion 44 that protrudes from the support plate 42 in a direction perpendicular to the material discharge direction and is connected to the first discharge unit 10a. The second region 4 is an area closer to the support plate 42 than the first discharge unit 10a. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the first cleaning mechanism 60a does not get in the way when a user performs maintenance or replacement of the first discharge unit 10a. A user typically performs maintenance or replacement of the first discharge unit 10a from the side opposite the support plate 42 side of the first discharge unit 10a.

[0085] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the first cleaning mechanism 60a has a discharge mechanism 68 in the second area 4 that discharges the material accumulated in the purge section 67 into the collection box 80. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, if the first cleaning mechanism 60a is moved to the second area 4, the discharge mechanism 68 can automatically discharge the accumulated material into the collection box 80.

[0086] The three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 includes a heating unit 50 that heats the printing region 22 of the stage 20. During printing, the heating unit 50 is located above the nozzle opening 164 of the nozzle 160 and below the first cleaning mechanism 60a, and a layer made of material discharged from the first discharging unit 10a is formed in the printing region 22. When viewed from the material discharging direction, the heating unit 50 has a shape that covers the printing region 22, and the moving unit 30 moves the heating unit 50 relative to the stage 20 in conjunction with the relative movement of the first discharging unit 10a with respect to the stage 20. Therefore, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, when a second layer is formed by discharging material onto the first layer formed in the printing region 22, the heat from the heating unit 50 can improve adhesion between the first layer and the second layer.

[0087] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, when the first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160, the moving unit 30 moves the nozzle opening 164 of the nozzle 160 above the heating unit 50. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, when the first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160, the heating unit 50 does not get in the way.

[0088] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a second discharging unit 10b, and the first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160 of the first discharging unit 10a while modeling is being performed by the second discharging unit 10b. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 can shorten the time required to form a model compared to a case where the nozzle of the first discharging unit is not cleaned while the second discharging unit is operating.

[0089] In the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, the moving unit 30 moves the first discharging unit 10a and the first cleaning mechanism 60a in the Z-axis direction, which is a first direction parallel to the material discharging direction, and moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction, which is a second direction perpendicular to the material discharging direction, and in the Y-axis direction, which is a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. Therefore, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 can improve the accuracy of the object produced compared to, for example, moving the discharging unit and the cleaning mechanism in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. Because the discharging unit is particularly heavy, moving the discharging unit in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions can easily cause the relative position of the discharging unit with respect to the stage to deviate from its predetermined position, potentially resulting in a deterioration in the accuracy of the object produced.

[0090] 1.4. Materials Supplied Examples of materials supplied from the material supply unit 110 include materials containing various materials as main components, such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the term "main material" refers to the material that forms the core of the shape of the object, and refers to a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the object. The above-mentioned materials include those obtained by melting the main material alone, and those obtained by melting some of the components contained in the main material and turning it into a paste.

[0091] Examples of thermoplastic materials include thermoplastic resins, such as general-purpose engineering plastics like 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, and polyethylene terephthalate, and engineering plastics like polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0092] The thermoplastic material may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, and other additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and thermal stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state in the plasticizing section 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the heater 150. The plasticized material thus produced is then hardened by a decrease in temperature after being injected from the nozzle 160. It is desirable that the thermoplastic material be heated to or above its glass transition point and injected from the nozzle 160 in a completely molten state.

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

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

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

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

[0097] A solvent, for example, 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; acetate esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (e.g., tetrabutylammonium acetate); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0098] Additionally, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110. Examples of binders 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.

[0099] 2. Modified examples of 3D printing equipment Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing a first cleaning mechanism 60a of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 according to a modification of this embodiment.

[0100] Hereinafter, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 200 according to a modified example of this embodiment, components having the same functions as the components of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0101] 12, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 differs from the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that the first cleaning mechanism 60a has an inspection unit 260. The second cleaning mechanism 60b also has, for example, an inspection unit 260.

[0102] The inspection unit 260 inspects the nozzle 160 for clogging. For example, the inspection unit 260 inspects whether the nozzle 160 has been cleared of clogging after the first cleaning mechanism 60a cleans the nozzle 160. The inspection unit 260 is, for example, a camera, and inspects the nozzle 160 for clogging by photographing the nozzle 160. Note that the form of the inspection unit 260 is not particularly limited as long as it can inspect the nozzle 160 for clogging.

[0103] The inspection unit 260 is provided on the substrate 61. The inspection unit 260 is provided in the vicinity of the cleaning case 65. In the illustrated example, the inspection unit 260 is provided in the −Y-axis direction of the cleaning case 65.

[0104] After the first cleaning mechanism 60a has cleaned the nozzle 160, the control unit 90 controls the first cleaning movement unit 70a to position the inspection unit 260 directly below the nozzle 160. Next, the control unit 90 acquires inspection information from the inspection unit 260 and performs a process to determine whether or not a clog has occurred in the nozzle 160. If the control unit 90 determines that a clog has occurred in the nozzle 160, it causes the first cleaning mechanism 60a to clean the nozzle 160 again. The control unit 90 repeats the above-described cleaning process and determination process until it determines that no clog has occurred in the nozzle 160.

[0105] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 includes an inspection unit 260 that inspects the nozzle 160 for clogging. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 can cause the first cleaning mechanism 60a to clean the nozzle 160 based on inspection information from the inspection unit 260.

[0106] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0107] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that add publicly known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0108] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0109] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus is a discharge unit having a nozzle and discharging the material toward the stage; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle; a moving unit that moves the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage; Including, The moving unit moves the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the relative movement of the discharge unit with respect to the stage.

[0110] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the moving distance of the cleaning mechanism when cleaning the nozzle can be reduced.

[0111] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The cleaning mechanism includes: a purge section in which the material is purged from the nozzle; a brush unit including a brush that contacts the nozzle; may have

[0112] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the cleaning mechanism can receive the material purged by the purge unit and clean the nozzle with the brush unit.

[0113] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, a cleaning movement unit that moves the cleaning mechanism, The cleaning mechanism may be moved by the cleaning movement unit to clean the nozzle.

[0114] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of the modeled object from being deteriorated due to nozzle cleaning.

[0115] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, the cleaning movement unit moves the cleaning mechanism between a first region including a region overlapping with the nozzle opening of the nozzle when viewed from the discharge direction of the material, and a second region not overlapping with the nozzle opening of the nozzle; The cleaning mechanism may clean the nozzles in the first region and not clean the nozzles in the second region.

[0116] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, when the discharging unit is discharging the material, the cleaning mechanism can be moved to the second area, and the cleaning mechanism does not interfere with the discharging by the discharging unit.

[0117] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, a support part that supports the discharge part in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the material, The support portion is A support plate; a protrusion protruding from the support plate in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the material and connected to the discharge portion; and The second region may be located closer to the support plate than the ejection portion.

[0118] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the cleaning mechanism does not get in the way when the user performs maintenance or replacement of the discharge unit.

[0119] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The cleaning mechanism may include a discharge mechanism in the second area that discharges the material accumulated in the purge section into a collection box.

[0120] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the discharge mechanism can automatically discharge accumulated materials into a collection box.

[0121] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The cleaning mechanism may include an inspection unit that inspects the nozzles for clogging.

[0122] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the cleaning mechanism can be made to clean the nozzle based on the inspection information from the inspection unit.

[0123] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, a heating unit that heats the modeling region of the stage, the heating unit is located above a nozzle opening of the nozzle and below the cleaning mechanism during modeling; a layer made of the material discharged from the discharge unit is formed in the modeling region; When viewed from the direction in which the material is discharged, the heating unit has a shape that covers the modeling region, The moving section may move the heating section relative to the stage in conjunction with the movement of the discharge section relative to the stage.

[0124] With this three-dimensional modeling device, when a material is ejected onto a first layer formed in a modeling area to form a second layer, the heat from the heating section can increase the adhesion between the first layer and the second layer.

[0125] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, When the cleaning mechanism cleans the nozzle, the moving unit may move the nozzle opening of the nozzle above the heating unit.

[0126] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the heating unit does not get in the way when the cleaning mechanism cleans the nozzle.

[0127] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The ejection unit includes a first ejection unit and a second ejection unit, The cleaning mechanism may clean the nozzle of the first discharge unit during modeling by the second discharge unit.

[0128] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can reduce the time required to model a model.

[0129] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The moving unit may move the stage in a first direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the material and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and may move the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism in a third direction parallel to the discharge direction of the material.

[0130] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can improve the accuracy of the modeled object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 2...area, 3...first area, 4...second area, 5...area, 6...third area, 7...fourth area, 10...discharge section, 10a...first discharge section, 10b...second discharge section, 20...stage, 22...modeling area, 30...movement section, 32...first electric actuator, 34...second electric actuator, 36...third electric actuator, 38...fourth electric actuator, 40...support section, 40a...first support section, 40b...second support section, 42...support plate, 44...protrusion, 5 0...heating portion, 50a...first through hole, 50b...second through hole, 52...base, 54...beam portion, 56...first hanging portion, 58...second hanging portion, 59...stop base, 60...cleaning mechanism, 60a...first cleaning mechanism, 60b...second cleaning mechanism, 61...base plate, 62...side plate, 63...brush portion, 64...blade plate, 65...cleaning case, 65a...notch, 66...gripping portion, 67...purging portion, 67a...bottom surface, 68...discharge mechanism, 68a...roller , 68b...support shaft portion, 68c...spring portion, 70...cleaning moving portion, 70a...first cleaning moving portion, 70b...second cleaning moving portion, 71...support beam, 72...drive portion, 73...drive box, 74...connecting member, 80...recovery box, 82...duct, 82a...inlet, 82b...outlet, 84...first partition plate, 86...second partition plate, 90...control portion, 100...three-dimensional modeling device, 110...material supply portion, 112...supply path, 120...plasticization portion, 122... Screw case, 124...drive motor, 126...shaft, 130...flat screw, 131...upper surface, 132...groove forming surface, 133...side surface, 134...first groove, 135...center portion, 136...connection portion, 137...material introduction portion, 140...barrel, 142...opposing surface, 144...second groove, 146...communicating hole, 148...periphery, 150...heater, 160...nozzle, 162...nozzle flow path, 164...nozzle opening, 200...three-dimensional modeling device, 260...inspection portion

Claims

1. a discharge unit having a nozzle and discharging the material toward the stage; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle, the cleaning mechanism including a purge section for purging the material from the nozzle and a brush section having a brush that contacts the nozzle; a cleaning movement unit that moves the cleaning mechanism; a moving unit that moves the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage; a support portion having a support plate and a protruding portion protruding from the support plate in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the material and connected to the discharge portion, the support portion supporting the discharge portion in the direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the material, the moving unit moves the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the relative movement of the discharge unit with respect to the stage; the cleaning movement unit moves the cleaning mechanism between a first region including a region overlapping with the nozzle opening of the nozzle when viewed from the discharge direction of the material, and a second region not overlapping with the nozzle opening of the nozzle; the cleaning mechanism is moved by the cleaning movement unit, cleans the nozzles in the first region, and does not clean the nozzles in the second region; Three-dimensional printing equipment.

2. a discharge unit having a nozzle and discharging the material toward the stage; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle; a moving unit that moves the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage; a heating unit that is located above the position of the nozzle opening of the nozzle and below the cleaning mechanism during modeling, and that heats the modeling region of the stage, the moving unit moves the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the relative movement of the discharge unit with respect to the stage; a layer made of the material discharged from the discharge unit is formed in the modeling region; the heating unit has a shape that covers the modeling region when viewed from the material discharging direction, the moving unit moves the heating unit relative to the stage in conjunction with the relative movement of the discharge unit with respect to the stage. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

3. a discharge unit having a nozzle and discharging the material toward the stage; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle; a moving unit that moves the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage, the moving unit moves the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the relative movement of the discharge unit with respect to the stage; the moving unit moves the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism in a first direction parallel to the discharge direction of the material, and moves the stage in a second direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the material and in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

4. In claim 1, the cleaning mechanism has a discharge mechanism in the second area that discharges the material accumulated in the purge section into a collection box.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The cleaning mechanism includes an inspection unit that inspects the nozzle for clogging.

6. In claim 2, When the cleaning mechanism cleans the nozzle, the moving unit moves the nozzle opening of the nozzle above the heating unit. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The ejection unit includes a first ejection unit and a second ejection unit, The cleaning mechanism cleans the nozzle of the first discharge unit during modeling by the second discharge unit.

Images