Three-dimensional shaping device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional molding apparatus capable of facilitating a calculation process of calculating a distance between a deposition face and a tip end part in a control part.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding apparatus includes: a molding part having a nozzle for jetting a molding material from a nozzle opening formed at a tip end part; a stage having a deposition face on which the molding material is to be deposited; a transfer mechanism for varying a relative position between the nozzle and the stage; a measurement part for measuring a distance between the deposition face and the tip end part; and a control part for control the transfer mechanism. The measurement part has a contact type first detector which moves in conjunction with the nozzle, and a contact type second detector which moves in conjunction with the stage. The first detector and the second detector are constituted so as to detect the fact that one of the first detector and the second detector have come into contact with each other when the first detector and the second detector have come into contact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 devices are known that form a three-dimensional object by discharging and layering plasticized material and then curing it.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a modeling device that includes a reference unit distance detection unit that is supported integrally with the mounting table and detects a distance L3 to a modeling reference unit on the modeling unit, and a mounting surface distance acquisition unit that acquires a distance L5 between the reference unit distance detection unit and the mounting surface, and detects a modeling utilization distance L between the mounting surface and the modeling reference unit on the modeling unit based on the distance (L3-L5). Patent Document 1 also describes that it is preferable to use non-contact distance detection units as the reference unit distance detection unit and the mounting surface distance acquisition unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-217792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the inventors thought that it would be preferable to use a contact distance detection means rather than a non-contact means in order to measure at low cost and with greater accuracy, but they discovered that when detecting the modeling utilization distance L using multiple distance detection means, inconveniences arise if the distance detection means come into contact with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to a modeling unit having a nozzle that discharges a modeling material from a nozzle opening formed at a tip thereof; a stage having a deposition surface on which the build material is deposited; a moving mechanism for changing the relative position between the nozzle and the stage; a measuring unit for measuring the distance between the deposition surface and the tip; a control unit that controls the movement mechanism; Including, The measurement unit a contact-type first detection unit that moves in conjunction with the nozzle; a contact-type second detection unit that moves in conjunction with the stage; and The first detection unit and the second detection unit are configured such that, when the first detection unit and the second detection unit come into contact with each other, one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects the contact. [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 cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a control unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modeling layer forming process of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the 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 modeling unit 10, a stage 20, a moving mechanism 30, a support member 40, an upper heater 50, a measuring unit 60, a first replacement detection unit 70, a second replacement detection unit 72, a third replacement detection unit 74, and a control unit 80. For convenience, the replacement detection units 70, 72, and 74 are not shown in FIG.

[0011] The three-dimensional modeling device 100 drives the movement mechanism 30 to change the relative positions of the modeling unit 10 and the stage 20 while discharging the plasticized modeling material from the modeling unit 10 toward the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 models a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20.

[0012] The three-dimensional modeling device 100 includes a first modeling unit 10a and a second modeling unit 10b as the modeling unit 10. In the illustrated example, the first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b are aligned in the X-axis direction. The first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b have the same configuration, for example. Both the first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b may dispense a modeling material that forms a three-dimensional object, or one may dispense a modeling material and the other may dispense a support material that supports the three-dimensional object. Although not illustrated, one of the first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b may not be provided.

[0013] The modeling unit 10 includes, for example, a material supply unit 110, a plasticizing unit 120, and a nozzle 160.

[0014] Pellets or powdered materials are fed into the material supply unit 110. The material supply unit 110 supplies raw materials to the plasticization unit 120. The material supply unit 110 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material supplied by the material supply unit 110 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0015] 2, the material supply unit 110 and the plasticizing unit 120 are connected by a supply path 112 provided below the material supply unit 110. The material fed into the material supply unit 110 is supplied to the plasticizing unit 120 via the supply path 112.

[0016] The plasticizing unit 120 has, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a barrel heater 150. The plasticizing unit 120 plasticizes the solid material supplied from the material supply unit 110 to generate a fluid, paste-like modeling material, which is then supplied to the nozzle 160.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 80. 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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. For example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0023] The number of first grooves 134 is not particularly limited. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 134 may be provided, or only one first groove 134 may be provided. Furthermore, although not shown, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may have an in-line screw instead of the flat screw 130.

[0024] 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.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4 , second grooves 144 and communication holes 146 are formed on the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number of second grooves 144 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 modeling material to the communication holes 146.

[0026] 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.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the barrel heater 150 is provided in the barrel 140. The barrel heater 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The output of the barrel heater 150 is controlled by the control unit 80. The plasticizing unit 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communicating holes 146 using the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the barrel heater 150 to generate a plasticized modeling material, and then causes the generated modeling material to flow out of the communicating holes 146. The barrel heater 150 may have a ring-like shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The barrel heater 150 may be omitted, in which case a heater may be located at a position different from the barrel 140.

[0028] The nozzle 160 is provided below the barrel 140. A nozzle flow path 162 is formed in the nozzle 160. The nozzle flow path 162 is connected to the communication hole 146. The nozzle flow path 162 is supplied with the modeling material from the communication hole 146. The nozzle flow path 162 has a nozzle opening 164. The nozzle opening 164 is formed at a tip portion 166 of the nozzle 160. In the illustrated example, the tip portion 166 is the end portion of the nozzle 160 in the -Z axis direction. The nozzle 160 ejects the modeling material from the nozzle opening 164 toward the stage 20.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stage 20 is provided below the nozzle 160. In the illustrated example, the shape of the stage 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The stage 20 has a deposition surface 22 on which the modeling material is deposited. The deposition surface 22 is an area on the upper surface of the stage 20. In the illustrated example, a perpendicular line P to the deposition surface 22 is parallel to the Z axis.

[0030] The stage 20 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The stage 20 may be made of a metal plate and an adhesive sheet attached to the metal plate. In this case, the deposition surface 22 is made of the adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheet can improve adhesion between the stage 20 and the modeling material discharged from the modeling unit 10.

[0031] Although not shown, the stage 20 may be composed of a metal plate with grooves formed therein and a base layer provided to fill the grooves. In this case, the deposition surface 22 is composed of the base layer. The material of the base layer is, for example, the same as the modeling material. The base layer can improve adhesion between the stage 20 and the modeling material discharged from the modeling unit 10.

[0032] The movement mechanism 30 supports the stage 20. The movement mechanism 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the movement mechanism 30 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 30 moves the modeling unit 10 in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] The movement mechanism 30 has, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, and a third electric actuator 36. 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 modeling unit 10 in the Z-axis direction. Note that the movement mechanism 30 only needs to be able to change the relative positions of the nozzle 160 and the stage 20. For example, the movement mechanism 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction and the modeling unit 10 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or may be configured to move the stage 20 or the modeling unit 10 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0034] The support member 40 is connected to a third electric actuator 36. The support member 40 supports the modeling unit 10 and the upper heater 50. The movement mechanism 30 moves the support member 40 in the Z-axis direction using the third electric actuator 36, thereby moving the modeling unit 10 and the upper heater 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The upper heater 50 has a plate-like shape, for example. The upper heater 50 moves in conjunction with the nozzle 160. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the upper heater 50 covers at least a portion of the deposition surface 22 when the nozzle opening 164 overlaps with the center of the stage 20. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the upper heater 50 may cover only a portion of the deposition surface 22, or may cover the entire deposition surface 22 when the nozzle opening 164 overlaps with the center of the stage 20. The upper heater 50 heats the modeling material deposited on the deposition surface 22.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper heater 50 has, for example, a support plate 52 and a heater material 54. The support plate 52 forms the upper surface of the upper heater 50. The support plate 52 is made of, for example, a heat insulating material. The heater material 54 forms the lower surface of the upper heater 50. The heater material 54 is made of, for example, a ceramic heater or a rubber heater. The output of the heater material 54 is controlled by the control unit 80.

[0037] A through-hole 56 is formed in the upper heater 50. The through-hole 56 penetrates the upper heater 50 in the Z-axis direction. During modeling, a nozzle 160 is located in the through-hole 56. In the illustrated example, two through-holes 56 are formed, and the nozzle 160 of the first modeling unit 10a is located in one of the through-holes 56, and the nozzle 160 of the second modeling unit 10b is located in the other through-hole 56. The upper heater 50 is located above the position of the nozzle opening 164 during modeling. Specifically, the upper heater 50 is located above the position of the nozzle opening 164 during the first to third contact treatments and modeling layer formation treatment described below. The flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 are located above the upper heater 50, and the nozzle opening 164 and the stage 20 are located below the upper heater 50. In the illustrated example, "upward" refers to the +Z-axis direction, and "downward" refers to the -Z-axis direction.

[0038] A through-hole 58 is formed in the upper heater 50. The through-hole 58 passes through the upper heater 50 in the Z-axis direction. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the distance between the through-hole 58 and the center of the upper heater 50 is greater than the distance between the through-hole 56 and the center of the upper heater 50.

[0039] The measuring unit 60 measures the distance L between the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 and the tip 166 of the nozzle 160. The measuring unit 60 has, for example, a first detecting unit 61a, a second detecting unit 61b, a first moving unit 65a, a second moving unit 65b, a first insulating member 66a, and a second insulating member 66b. For convenience, the moving units 65a and 65b are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] The first detector 61a moves in conjunction with the nozzle 160. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first detector 61a is fixed to the support plate 52 of the upper heater 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the first detector 61a is provided inside the outer edge 59 of the upper heater 50 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer edge 59 has a rectangular shape, for example. The second detector 61b moves in conjunction with the stage 20. In the example shown, the second detector 61b is fixed to the movement mechanism 30.

[0041] The first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b are contact-type detection units that come into contact with an object and output a detection signal to the control unit 80. The first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b each have, for example, a substrate 62, a contactor 63, and a biasing unit 64.

[0042] The substrate 62 supports the contacts 63 via the biasing portions 64. The substrate 62 includes an IC (integrated circuit). The substrate 62 is configured to be able to output a detection signal to the control portion 80.

[0043] The contactor 63 is a part that comes into contact with the object. The surface of the contactor 63 is made of, for example, ceramic. This improves the heat resistance of the contactor 63. The contactor 63 of the first detection unit 61a can come into contact with the deposition surface 22 and the contactor 63 of the second detection unit 61b. The contactor 63 of the second detection unit 61b can come into contact with the tip 166 of the nozzle 160 of the first modeling unit 10a and the tip 166 of the nozzle 160 of the second modeling unit 10b. Because the stage 20 and the nozzle 160 become hot, it is preferable to improve the heat resistance of the contactor 63.

[0044] The biasing portion 64 connects the substrate 62 and the contact 63. The biasing portion 64 biases the contact 63 outward. "Biasing the contact 63 outward" means biasing the contact 63 toward the opposite side of the substrate 62. The biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a biases the contact 63 toward the upper heater 50. In the illustrated example, the biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a biases the contact 63 toward the -Z-axis direction. The biasing portion 64 of the second detection portion 61b biases the contact 63 toward the upper heater 50. In the illustrated example, the biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a biases the contact 63 toward the +Z-axis direction. Here, the biasing portion 64 and the substrate 62 may be housed in the same housing and used as a single component.

[0045] The biasing portion 64 is configured by, for example, a spring. The biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a is different from the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the second detection portion 61b. For example, the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 can be adjusted by adjusting the spring constant of the biasing portion 64. The biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a is smaller than the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the second detection portion 61b, for example.

[0046] The first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b are configured to detect contact between the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b. If the biasing force of the biasing unit 64 of the first detection unit 61a is smaller than the biasing force of the biasing unit 64 of the second detection unit 61b, the three-dimensional printing device 100 detects contact between the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b. In other words, when the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b come into contact, a detection signal is output from the first detection unit 61a to the control unit 80.

[0047] The first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b may be switch-type detection units of an A-contact type that detect contact by current conduction in the substrate 62 when the contactor 63 comes into contact with an object to activate the switch, or may be switch-type detection units of a B-contact type that detect contact by current non-conduction in the substrate 62. However, the B-contact type is preferable because it takes a shorter time from when the detection units 61a and 61b make contact until they output a detection signal to the control unit 80. The substrate 62, the contactor 63, and the biasing unit 64 constitute a switch. The detection units 61a and 61b are, for example, touch sensors.

[0048] The first moving unit 65a moves the first detecting unit 61a between the measurement position and the standby position. The second moving unit 65b moves the second detecting unit 61b between the measurement position and the standby position. Here, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the three-dimensional printing device 100. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the detecting units 61a and 61b are in the measurement position. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the detecting units 61a and 61b are in the standby position.

[0049] The first moving unit 65a moves the first detecting unit 61a in the Z-axis direction to move the first detecting unit 61a between a measurement position and a standby position. As shown in FIG. 5, at the measurement position, the tip of the contact 63 of the first detecting unit 61a protrudes from the first insulating member 66a and is positioned below the tip 166 of the nozzle 160. The contact 63 comes into contact with the object at the measurement position. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, at the standby position, the tip of the contact 63 of the first detecting unit 61a is positioned above the upper heater 50 and is housed in the first insulating member 66a.

[0050] The second moving unit 65b moves the second detecting unit 61b in the Z-axis direction to move the second detecting unit 61b between the measurement position and the standby position. As shown in FIG. 5, at the measurement position, the tip of the contact 63 of the second detecting unit 61b protrudes from the second insulating member 66b and is positioned above the deposition surface 22. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, at the standby position, the contact 63 of the second detecting unit 61b is positioned below the deposition surface 22 and is housed in the second insulating member 66b. The moving units 65a and 65b may be configured to include an air cylinder. The moving units 65a and 65b are controlled by the control unit 80.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 2, the first insulating member 66a covers the first detecting unit 61a in the standby position. The first insulating member 66a has a box-like shape. The first insulating member 66a houses the first detecting unit 61a in the standby position. A through hole 67a is formed in the first insulating member 66a. The through hole 67a communicates with the through hole 58 formed in the upper heater 50. The tip of the contact 63 of the first detecting unit 61a passes through the through hole 58 and the through hole 67a and is positioned below the tip 166 in the measurement position.

[0052] The second insulating member 66b covers the second detection unit 61b in the standby position. The second insulating member 66b has a box-like shape. The second insulating member 66b houses the second detection unit 61b in the standby position. A through-hole 67b is provided in the second insulating member 66b. The tip of the contact 63 of the second detection unit 61b passes through the through-hole 67b and is positioned above the deposition surface 22 in the measurement position. The material of the insulating members 66a, 66b is not particularly limited as long as it has thermal insulation properties.

[0053] The first replacement detection unit 70 detects at least one of replacement of the modeling unit 10, replacement of the stage 20, and replacement of the nozzle 160. The modeling unit 10, the stage 20, and the nozzle 160 are configured to be detachable.

[0054] When the first replacement detection unit 70 detects replacement, it outputs a measurement start signal to the control unit 80 to start measuring the distance L between the deposition surface 22 and the tip 166. Alternatively, when the first replacement detection unit 70 detects replacement, it outputs a replacement signal to the control unit 80. When the replacement signal is input, the control unit 80 displays information that replacement has been performed on a display unit (not shown). The user visually confirms the information and outputs a measurement start signal to the control unit 80 from an operation unit (not shown). This is the same for the second replacement detection unit 72 and the third replacement detection unit 74.

[0055] The display unit is configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, an EPD (Electrophoretic Display), a touch panel display, etc. The operation unit is configured, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the first replacement detection unit 70 detects replacement of the modeling unit 10. Two first replacement detection units 70 are provided. One first replacement detection unit 70 detects replacement of the first modeling unit 10a. The other first replacement detection unit 70 detects replacement of the second modeling unit 10b.

[0057] The second replacement detection unit 72 detects replacement of the nozzle 160. In the illustrated example, two second replacement detection units 72 are provided. One second replacement detection unit 72 detects replacement of the nozzle 160 of the first modeling unit 10a. The other second replacement detection unit 72 detects replacement of the nozzle 160 of the second modeling unit 10b.

[0058] The third replacement detection unit 74 detects replacement of the stage 20. The replacement detection units 70, 72, 74 may be non-contact detection units that do not come into contact with the object to be replaced, or may be contact detection units that switch depending on whether they come into contact with the object to be replaced. The locations at which the replacement detection units 70, 72, 74 are provided are not particularly limited as long as they can detect replacement.

[0059] The control unit 80 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 80 performs various functions, for example, by the processor executing a program loaded into the main memory device. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the modeling unit 10, the movement mechanism 30, the upper heater 50, and the measurement unit 60. Note that the control unit 80 may be configured not as a computer but as a combination of multiple circuits.

[0060] 1.2. Control section processing FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 80.

[0061] First, when the control unit 80 receives the measurement start signal, it performs a heater drive process in step S1, driving the upper heater 50 and the barrel heater 150, as shown in Fig. 6. By driving the upper heater 50 and the barrel heater 150, it is possible to perform the contact process, which will be described later, at a temperature close to the environmental temperature during modeling. Therefore, it is possible to measure the distance L between the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 and the tip 166 of the nozzle 160, taking into account the thermal expansion of the stage 20 and the nozzle 160.

[0062] Next, in step S2, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to perform a first contact process in which the contactor 63 of the first detection unit 61a and the contactor 63 of the second detection unit 61b are brought into contact with each other.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the first moving unit 65a to position the tip of the contact 63 of the first detection unit 61a in the -Z axis direction relative to the tip 166 of the nozzle 160. Furthermore, the control unit 80 controls the second moving unit 65b to position the tip of the contact 63 of the second detection unit 61b in the +Z axis direction relative to the deposition surface 22. Next, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the second detection unit 61b in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. Next, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the first detection unit 61a in the -Z axis direction, bringing the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b into contact with each other.

[0064] As described above, the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a is smaller than the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the second detection portion 61b. Therefore, when the first detection portion 61a and the second detection portion 61b come into contact with each other, the switch of the first detection portion 61a is activated, and the first detection portion 61a outputs a first detection signal to the control portion 80. At this time, the switch of the second detection portion 61b is not activated. When the control portion 80 receives the first detection signal, it controls the movement mechanism 30 to move the first detection portion 61a in the +Z-axis direction, separating the first detection portion 61a and the second detection portion 61b.

[0065] Next, in step S3, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to perform a second contact process in which the contactor 63 of the first detection unit 61a and the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 are brought into contact with each other.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the movement mechanism 30 to move the deposition surface 22 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Next, the control unit 80 controls the movement mechanism 30 to move the first detection unit 61a in the −Z-axis direction, bringing the first detection unit 61a into contact with the deposition surface 22. When the first detection unit 61a comes into contact with the deposition surface 22, a switch of the first detection unit 61a is activated, and the first detection unit 61a outputs a second detection signal to the control unit 80. When the second detection signal is input, the control unit 80 controls the movement mechanism 30 to move the first detection unit 61a in the +Z-axis direction, separating the first detection unit 61a from the deposition surface 22.

[0067] Next, in step S4, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to perform a third contact process in which the contactor 63 of the second detection unit 61b and the tip 166 of the nozzle 160 are brought into contact with each other.

[0068] Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the second detection unit 61b in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Next, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the tip end 166 in the −Z-axis direction, thereby bringing the second detection unit 61b into contact with the tip end 166 of the first modeling unit 10a. When the second detection unit 61b comes into contact with the tip end 166, a switch of the second detection unit 61b is activated, and the second detection unit 61b outputs a third detection signal to the control unit 80. When the control unit 80 receives the third detection signal, it controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the tip end 166 in the +Z-axis direction, thereby separating the second detection unit 61b from the tip end 166.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the second detection unit 61b in the X-axis direction and move the tip end 166 in the −Z-axis direction, thereby bringing the second detection unit 61b into contact with the tip end 166 of the second modeling unit 10b. When the second detection unit 61b comes into contact with the tip end 166, a switch of the second detection unit 61b is activated, and the second detection unit 61b outputs a fourth detection signal to the control unit 80. When the control unit 80 receives the fourth detection signal, it controls the moving mechanism 30 to move the tip end 166 in the +Z-axis direction, thereby separating the second detection unit 61b from the tip end 166. Next, the control unit 80 controls the first moving unit 65a to house the contactor 63 of the first detection unit 61a in the first insulating member 66a, and controls the second moving unit 65b to house the contactor 63 of the second detection unit 61b in the second insulating member 66b.

[0070] Next, in Step S5, the control unit 80 performs a calculation process to calculate a distance L1 between the deposition surface 22 and the tip end 166 of the first modeling unit 10a based on the acquired first detection signal, second detection signal, and third detection signal. Furthermore, in the calculation process, the control unit 80 calculates a distance L2 between the deposition surface 22 and the tip end 166 of the second modeling unit 10b based on the acquired first detection signal, second detection signal, and fourth detection signal. Next, the control unit 80 displays the distances L1 and L2 on a display unit (not shown).

[0071] After Step S5 is completed, when a predetermined signal is input from the operation unit, the control unit 80 performs, in Step S6, a modeling data acquisition process for acquiring modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object.

[0072] The modeling data includes information regarding the type of material stored in the material supply unit 110, the movement path of the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20, the amount of modeling material discharged from the nozzle 160, and the like.

[0073] The modeling data is created, for example, by loading shape data into slicer software installed on a computer connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 100. The shape data represents the target shape of a 3D object created using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, 3D CG (Computer Graphics) software, or the like. Examples of the shape data include Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format and Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF). The slicer software divides the target shape of the 3D object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed in G-code, M-code, or the like. The control unit 80 acquires the modeling data from a computer connected to the 3D modeling apparatus 100 or a recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0074] Next, in step S7, the control unit 80 performs a modeling layer formation process in which a modeling material is discharged onto the deposition surface 22 of the stage 20 to form a modeling layer.

[0075] Specifically, the control unit 80 plasticizes the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate the modeling material, and then discharges the modeling material from the nozzle 160. The control unit 80 continues to generate the modeling material, for example, until the modeling layer formation process is completed. Here, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the modeling layer formation process.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, based on the acquired modeling data, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to change the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20, while controlling the modeling unit 10 to eject modeling material from the nozzle 160 toward the stage 20.

[0077] Specifically, before the formation of the first modeling layer M1, which is the modeling layer, begins, the nozzle 160 is positioned at an initial position in the -X-axis direction, closer to the end of the stage 20 in the -X-axis direction. When the modeling layer formation process begins, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 80 controls the movement mechanism 30 to move the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20, for example, in the +X-axis direction. As the nozzle 160 passes over the stage 20, a modeling material is ejected from the nozzle 160. This forms the modeling layer M1. In FIG. 7, n is an arbitrary natural number, and up to the n-th modeling layer Mn are illustrated.

[0078] Next, in step S8, the control unit 80 performs a determination process of determining whether or not the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed based on the modeling data.

[0079] If it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has not been completed ("NO" in step S8), the control unit 80 returns the process to step S7. The control unit 80 repeats steps S7 and S8 until it determines in step S8 that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed ("YES" in step S8), the control unit 80 performs a heater drive stop process to stop the drive of the upper heater 50 and the barrel heater 150 in step S9.

[0081] If a predetermined time has elapsed between step S5 and step S6, control unit 80 may stop driving upper heater 50 and barrel heater 150, and may drive upper heater 50 and barrel heater 150 again in step S7. Furthermore, steps S2, S3, and S4 do not have to be performed in this order, and steps S2 to S4 may be performed in any order.

[0082] Thereafter, the control unit 80 ends the process.

[0083] 1.3. Effects The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a measuring unit 60 that measures the distance L between the deposition surface 22 and the tip 166. The measuring unit 60 has a contact-type first detection unit 61a that moves in conjunction with the nozzle 160, and a contact-type second detection unit 61b that moves in conjunction with the stage 20. The first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b are configured so that, when the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b come into contact with each other, one of the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b detects the contact.

[0084] Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 100, the first detection unit detects contact when the first detection unit and the second detection unit contact each other the first time, and the second detection unit detects contact when the first detection unit and the second detection unit contact each other the second time, or the first detection unit and the second detection unit detect contact at the same time, making it easier to perform the calculation process for calculating the distance L in the control unit 80. Furthermore, because a detection signal is output when the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b actually come into contact, the distance L can be measured more accurately than when, for example, a non-contact type detection unit is used.

[0085] In the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, the measurement unit 60 includes a first moving unit 65a that moves the first detection unit 61a between a measurement position and a standby position, and a second moving unit 65b that moves the second detection unit 61b between the measurement position and the standby position. Therefore, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, during the modeling layer formation process in which the modeling material is discharged to form a modeling layer, the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b are moved to the standby position, so that the modeling layer formation process can be performed without being disturbed by the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b.

[0086] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the measurement unit 60 has a first heat insulating member 66a that covers the first detection unit 61a at the standby position and a second heat insulating member 66b that covers the second detection unit 61b at the standby position. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, it is possible to prevent the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b from being deteriorated by heat from, for example, the upper heater 50 at the standby position.

[0087] In the three-dimensional modeling device 100, the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b are detection units that detect contact when the contactor 63 is pressed and a current is conducted or not conducted. The first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b each have a biasing unit 64 that biases the contactor 63 outward, and the biasing force of the biasing unit 64 of the first detection unit 61a is different from the biasing force of the biasing unit 64 of the second detection unit 61b. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 100, by adjusting the biasing force of the biasing unit 64, when the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b come into contact with each other, only one of the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b can detect the contact.

[0088] In the three-dimensional modeling device 100, the biasing force of the biasing unit 64 of the first detection unit 61a is smaller than the biasing force of the biasing unit 64 of the second detection unit 61b. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 100, when the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b come into contact with each other, only the first detection unit 61a can detect the contact.

[0089] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the control unit 80 controls the moving mechanism 30 to perform a first contact process in which the first detection unit 61a and the second detection unit 61b are brought into contact with each other, a second contact process in which the moving mechanism 30 is controlled to perform a second contact process in which the first detection unit 61a is brought into contact with the deposition surface 22, and a third contact process in which the moving mechanism 30 is controlled to perform a third contact process in which the second detection unit 61b is brought into contact with the tip end 166. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the control unit 80 can automatically calculate the distance L between the deposition surface 22 and the tip end 166.

[0090] Furthermore, when the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the first detection portion 61a is smaller than the biasing force of the biasing portion 64 of the second detection portion 61b, the first detection portion 61a outputs a detection signal consecutively during the first contact process and the second contact process, which makes it possible to facilitate the calculation process of the control portion 80.

[0091] For example, if the biasing force of the biasing part of the first detection part is greater than the biasing force of the biasing part of the second detection part, a detection signal will be output from the second detection part in the first contact process, then a detection signal will be output from the first detection part in the second contact process, and then a detection signal will be output from the second detection part in the third contact process. In this way, if the detection part that outputs the detection signal is switched every time a contact process is performed, the calculation process of the control part may become complicated.

[0092] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the control unit 80 performs a first contact process, a second contact process, and a third contact process when the modeling unit 10, the stage 20, or the nozzle 160 is replaced. When the modeling unit 10, the stage 20, or the nozzle 160 is replaced, the distance L between the deposition surface 22 and the tip 166 may deviate from a predetermined value. However, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, even if a deviation in the distance L occurs due to replacement, the deviation can be corrected by the first contact process, the second contact process, and the third contact process.

[0093] The three-dimensional modeling device 100 includes a first replacement detection unit 70 that detects at least one of replacement of the modeling unit 10, replacement of the stage 20, and replacement of the nozzle 160. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 100, at least one of replacement of the modeling unit 10, replacement of the stage 20, and replacement of the nozzle 160 can be automatically detected by the first replacement detection unit 70.

[0094] The three-dimensional modeling device 100 includes a first modeling unit 10a and a second modeling unit 10b as the modeling unit 10, and in the third contact process, the control unit 80 brings the second detection unit 61b into contact with the tip end 166 of the first modeling unit 10a, and also brings the second detection unit 61b into contact with the tip end 166 of the second modeling unit 10b. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 can detect a difference in height between the tip end 166 of the first modeling unit 10a and the tip end 166 of the second modeling unit 10b.

[0095] The three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 includes an upper heater 50 that is located above the position of the nozzle opening 164 during printing and moves in conjunction with the nozzle 160. The upper heater 50 covers at least a portion of the deposition surface 22 when the nozzle opening 164 overlaps with the center of the stage 20 as viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the first detection unit 61a is provided inside an outer edge 59 of the upper heater 50 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Therefore, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, the movement distance of the first detection unit 61a can be made shorter when the first detection unit 61a is brought into contact with the object compared to when the first detection unit is provided outside the outer edge of the upper heater, and the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 can be made smaller.

[0096] 2. Modified examples of 3D printing equipment Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0097] Hereinafter, in the 3D modeling apparatus according to the modified example of this embodiment, differences from the example of the 3D modeling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described, and a description of similarities will be omitted.

[0098] In the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is ABS resin.

[0099] In contrast, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the modified example of this embodiment, the material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0100] 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.

[0101] Examples of the thermoplastic material that can be used include thermoplastic resins, such as general-purpose engineering plastics and super engineering plastics.

[0102] Examples of general-purpose engineering plastics include 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.

[0103] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0104] 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 unit 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the barrel heater 150. The modeling material thus produced hardens as the temperature drops after being discharged from the nozzle 160. It is desirable that the thermoplastic material be heated to or above its glass transition point and discharged from the nozzle 160 in a completely molten state.

[0105] 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 powder material made by powdering the metal material is mixed with a component that melts when generating the modeling material, and then introduced into the plasticizing unit 120.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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, PA, PPS, PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. 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 in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0113] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0114] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus is a modeling unit having a nozzle that discharges a modeling material from a nozzle opening formed at a tip thereof; a stage having a deposition surface on which the build material is deposited; a moving mechanism for changing the relative position between the nozzle and the stage; a measuring unit for measuring the distance between the deposition surface and the tip; a control unit that controls the movement mechanism; Including, The measurement unit a contact-type first detection unit that moves in conjunction with the nozzle; a contact-type second detection unit that moves in conjunction with the stage; and The first detection unit and the second detection unit are configured such that, when the first detection unit and the second detection unit come into contact with each other, one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects the contact.

[0115] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, it is possible to facilitate the calculation process in the control unit for calculating the distance between the deposition surface and the tip end.

[0116] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The measurement unit a first moving unit that moves the first detection unit between a measurement position and a standby position; a second moving unit that moves the second detection unit between a measurement position and a standby position; may have

[0117] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, during the modeling layer formation process in which modeling material is ejected to form a modeling layer, the first detection unit and the second detection unit are moved to a standby position, so that the modeling layer formation process can be carried out without being disturbed by the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0118] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The measurement unit a first heat insulating member that covers the first detection unit at the standby position; a second heat insulating member that covers the second detection unit at the standby position; may have

[0119] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, it is possible to prevent the first and second detection units from being deteriorated due to heat from, for example, the upper heater at the standby position.

[0120] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, the first detection unit and the second detection unit are detection units that detect contact when a contactor is pressed and a current is conducted or not conducted, the first detection unit and the second detection unit each have a biasing unit that biases the contact outward; The biasing force of the biasing portion of the first detection portion and the biasing force of the biasing portion of the second detection portion may be different.

[0121] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, by adjusting the biasing force of the biasing unit, when the first detection unit and the second detection unit come into contact, only one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit can detect the contact.

[0122] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The biasing force of the biasing portion of the first detection portion may be smaller than the biasing force of the biasing portion of the second detection portion.

[0123] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, when the first detection unit and the second detection unit come into contact with each other, only the first detection unit can detect the contact.

[0124] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The control unit a first process of controlling the moving mechanism to bring the first detection unit and the second detection unit into contact with each other; a second process of controlling the moving mechanism to bring the first detection unit into contact with the deposition surface; a third process of controlling the moving mechanism to bring the second detection unit into contact with the tip portion; may be performed.

[0125] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, the control unit can automatically calculate the distance between the deposition surface and the tip.

[0126] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The control unit may perform the first process, the second process, and the third process when the modeling unit is replaced, when the stage is replaced, or when the nozzle is replaced.

[0127] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, even if a deviation occurs in the distance between the deposition surface and the tip portion due to replacement, the deviation can be corrected by the first contact process, the second contact process, and the third contact process.

[0128] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The apparatus may further include a replacement detection unit that detects at least one of replacement of the modeling unit, replacement of the stage, and replacement of the nozzle.

[0129] According to this three-dimensional modeling apparatus, at least one of replacement of the modeling unit, replacement of the stage, and replacement of the nozzle can be automatically detected by the replacement detection unit.

[0130] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The molding unit includes a first molding unit and a second molding unit, In the third process, the control unit may bring the second detection unit into contact with the tip end of the first modeling unit, and may also bring the second detection unit into contact with the tip end of the second modeling unit.

[0131] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, it is possible to detect the difference in height between the tip end of the first modeling unit and the tip end of the second modeling unit.

[0132] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, an upper heater that is located above the position of the nozzle opening during modeling and moves in conjunction with the nozzle; the upper heater covers at least a portion of the deposition surface when the nozzle opening overlaps the center of the stage as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the deposition surface; The first detector may be provided inside an outer edge of the upper heater when viewed from the perpendicular direction.

[0133] According to this three-dimensional modeling device, when the first detection unit is brought into contact with the object, the movement distance of the first detection unit can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 10...Modeling unit, 10a...First modeling unit, 10b...Second modeling unit, 20...Stage, 22...Deposition surface, 30...Moving mechanism, 32...First electric actuator, 34...Second electric actuator, 36...Third electric actuator, 40...Support member, 50...Upper heater, 52...Support plate, 54...Heater material, 56, 58...Through-hole, 59...Outer edge, 60...Measuring unit, 61a...First detection unit, 61b...Second detection unit, 62...Substrate, 63...Contact, 64...Applying unit, 65a...First moving unit, 65b...Second moving unit, 66a...First insulating member, 66b...Second insulating member, 67a, 67b...Through-hole, 70...First replacement detection part, 72...second replacement detection part, 74...third replacement detection part, 80...control part, 100...three-dimensional modeling device, 110...material supply part, 112...supply path, 120...plasticization part, 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 part, 136...connection part, 137...material introduction part, 140...barrel, 142...opposing surface, 144...second groove, 146...communicating hole, 148...outer periphery, 150...barrel heater, 160...nozzle, 162...nozzle flow path, 164...nozzle opening, 166...tip part

Claims

1. a modeling unit having a nozzle that discharges a modeling material from a nozzle opening formed at a tip thereof; a stage having a deposition surface on which the build material is deposited; a moving mechanism for changing the relative position between the nozzle and the stage; a measuring unit for measuring the distance between the deposition surface and the tip; a control unit that controls the movement mechanism, The measurement unit a contact-type first detection unit that moves in conjunction with the nozzle; a contact-type second detection unit that moves in conjunction with the stage; a first moving unit that moves the first detection unit between a measurement position and a standby position; a second moving unit that moves the second detection unit between a measurement position and a standby position, The first detection unit and the second detection unit are in contact with each other. When the contact is detected, one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects that the contact has been detected. The three-dimensional printing device is configured to:

2. In claim 1, The measurement unit a first heat insulating member that covers the first detection unit at the standby position; a second heat insulating member that covers the second detection unit at the standby position. Place.

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, The first and second detection units are configured to detect whether a contact is pressed to conduct or not conduct current. A detection unit that detects contact by passing through the sensor. The first detection unit and the second detection unit each include a biasing unit that biases the contacts outward. Has, The biasing force of the biasing portion of the first detection portion and the biasing force of the biasing portion of the second detection portion are A different 3D printing device.

4. In claim 3, The biasing force of the biasing portion of the first detection portion is greater than the biasing force of the biasing portion of the second detection portion. A small, three-dimensional modeling device.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit a first process of controlling the moving mechanism to bring the first detection unit and the second detection unit into contact with each other; 、 a second process of controlling the moving mechanism to bring the first detection unit into contact with the deposition surface; a third process of controlling the moving mechanism to bring the second detection unit into contact with the tip portion; A three-dimensional modeling device.

6. In claim 5, When the modeling unit is replaced, when the stage is replaced, or when the control unit When the nozzle is replaced, the first process, the second process, and the third process are performed. Ah, a three-dimensional modeling device.

7. In claim 6, At least one of replacing the modeling unit, replacing the stage, and replacing the nozzle. A three-dimensional printing apparatus including a replacement detection unit that detects the replacement.

8. In any one of claims 5 to 7, The molding unit includes a first molding unit and a second molding unit, The control unit, in the third process, and bringing the second detection unit and the tip end of the second modeling unit into contact with each other. Dimensional modeling device.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The nozzle opening is located above the nozzle opening during modeling and moves in conjunction with the nozzle. Includes a heating element, The upper heater is configured such that the nozzle opening is positioned at the stage when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the deposition surface. covering at least a portion of the deposition surface when the deposition surface overlaps the center of the page; The first detector is located inside the outer edge of the upper heater when viewed from the perpendicular direction. A three-dimensional modeling device is provided.

Images