Three-dimensional printing stage and three-dimensional printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a stage for three-dimensional shaping capable of reducing the possibility of exerting an influence on shaping accuracy by influence of a flatness of a heater on a flatness of a shaping stage.SOLUTION: A stage for three-dimensional shaping includes: a mounting part having an opening and a reference surface having an adjusted flatness; a shaping stage mounted on the reference surface so as to cover the opening and having a shaping surface on which a shaping layer is to be laminated; a heating part arranged below the shaping stage and heating the shaping stage; a compression part compressing the heating part against the shaping stage through the opening; and a pressing part pressing the shaping stage relatively against the reference surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stage for three-dimensional shaping and a three-dimensional shaping apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a shaping apparatus in which a plurality of planar heaters for heating a shaping stage are provided on the shaping stage.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When placing the shaping stage on the heater, the flatness of the heater may affect the flatness of the shaping stage, which may affect the shaping accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a stage for three-dimensional shaping is provided. The stage for three-dimensional shaping includes a mounting portion having an opening and a reference surface with adjusted flatness, a shaping stage placed on the reference surface so as to cover the opening and having a shaping surface on which a shaping layer is laminated, a heating portion disposed below the shaping stage for heating the shaping stage, a pressing portion for pressing the heating portion against the shaping stage through the opening, and a holding portion for holding the shaping stage relatively against the reference surface.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional shaping apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes the stage for three-dimensional shaping and a nozzle for discharging a shaping material onto the shaping surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a flat screw. [Figure 3] This is a schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a stage for 3D modeling. [Figure 5] This is a top view of a stage for 3D modeling. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the VI-VI section, which is perpendicular to the Y direction. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the heating section. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the second pressing portion and its vicinity. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the biasing portion and its vicinity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 10. Figure 1 shows arrows representing the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 1 and the X, Y, and Z directions in other figures point to the same directions. When specifying the direction, the positive direction, which is the direction pointed to by the arrow, is denoted as "+", and the negative direction, which is the direction opposite to the direction pointed to by the arrow, is denoted as "-", and both positive and negative signs are used in the direction notation. Hereafter, the +Z direction will also be referred to as "up", and the -Z direction as "down".

[0009] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 comprises a molding unit 100, a three-dimensional molding stage 200, a position changing unit 300, a sensor 400, and a control unit 500.

[0010] The control unit 500 is a control device that controls the operation of the entire three-dimensional molding apparatus 10. The control unit 500 is composed of a computer equipped with one or more processors, memory, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The control unit 500 performs various functions, such as executing molding processes for molding three-dimensional objects by having the processor execute programs and instructions loaded into the main memory. Alternatively, instead of being composed of a computer, the control unit 500 may be realized by a configuration that combines multiple circuits to realize at least some of each function.

[0011] The molding unit 100, under the control of the control unit 500, plasticizes a solid material to form a paste, which is then extruded onto a three-dimensional molding stage 200 that serves as the base for a three-dimensional object. The molding unit 100 comprises a material supply unit 20, a plasticizing unit 30, and an extrusion unit 60.

[0012] The material supply unit 20 supplies material for generating molding material to the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 is composed of, for example, a hopper. The material supply unit 20 contains material in the form of pellets or powder. Examples of materials used include thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), and polyacetal resin (POM). Below the material supply unit 20, a connecting passage 21 is provided that connects the material supply unit 20 and the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 supplies material to the plasticizing unit 30 via the connecting passage 21.

[0013] The plasticizing unit 30 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the material supply unit 20, generating a fluid paste-like molding material which is then guided to the discharge unit 60. Here, "plasticization" is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a solid state to a fluid state. Specifically, in the case of materials that undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. In the case of materials that do not undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the melting point. The plasticizing unit 30 comprises a flat screw 40, a screw case 31, a drive motor 32, and a barrel 50.

[0014] The flat screw 40 is housed within the screw case 31. The upper surface of the flat screw 40 is connected to the drive motor 32. The flat screw 40 rotates within the screw case 31 due to the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 32. The axis direction of the rotation axis RX of the flat screw 40 is aligned with the Z direction. The rotational speed of the flat screw 40 is controlled by the control unit 500 controlling the rotational speed of the drive motor 32. The flat screw 40 may also be driven by the drive motor 32 via a reduction gear. The flat screw 40 is also called a rotor or screw.

[0015] The barrel 50 is installed on the -Z side of the flat screw 40. The upper surface 51 of the barrel 50 faces the lower surface 41 of the flat screw 40. A communication hole 52 is formed in the center of the barrel 50, which communicates with the flow path 62 of the discharge section 60. A plasticizing heater 53 is provided inside the barrel 50. The temperature of the plasticizing heater 53 is controlled by the control unit 500.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the flat screw 40. The flat screw 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a length in the direction along the rotation axis RX being smaller than the length in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RX. On the lower surface 41 of the flat screw, a spiral groove portion 43 is formed around the central portion 42. The groove portion 43 communicates with a material inlet 44 formed on the side surface of the flat screw 40. The material supplied from the material supply unit 20 is supplied to the groove portion 43 through the material inlet 44. The groove portion 43 is formed by being separated by a rib portion 45. FIG. 2 shows an example in which three groove portions 43 are formed, but the number of groove portions 43 may be one or two or more. Note that the groove portion 43 is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be a helical shape or an involute curve shape, or may be a shape extending in an arc from the central portion 42 toward the outer periphery.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the barrel 50. A plurality of guide grooves 54 are formed around the communication hole 52 on the upper surface 51 of the barrel. Each guide groove 54 has one end connected to the communication hole 52 and extends spirally from the communication hole 52 toward the outer periphery of the upper surface 51 of the barrel. Note that one end of the guide groove 54 may not be connected to the communication hole 52. Also, the barrel 50 may not have the guide groove 54 formed therein.

[0018] The material supplied to the groove portion 43 of the flat screw 40 is plasticized in the groove portion 43 while flowing along the groove portion 43 by the rotation of the flat screw 40 and the heating of the plasticizing heater 53, and is guided to the central portion 42 of the flat screw 40 as a shaping material. The paste-like shaping material that has flowed into the central portion 42 and exhibits fluidity is supplied to the discharge portion 60 through the communication hole 52. Note that in the plasticizing unit 30, not all types of substances constituting the shaping material may be plasticized. The shaping material may be converted into a state having fluidity as a whole by plasticizing at least some types of substances constituting the shaping material.

[0019] The discharge unit 60 shown in FIG. 1 discharges the shaping material. The discharge unit 60 includes a nozzle 61, a flow path 62, a flow rate adjustment unit 63, and a suction unit 64.

[0020] The nozzle 61 is connected to the communication hole 52 of the barrel 50 through the flow path 62. The nozzle 61 discharges the shaping material generated in the plasticizing unit 30 from the discharge port 65 at the tip of the nozzle 61 toward the three-dimensional shaping stage 200. A heater for suppressing the temperature drop of the shaping material discharged onto the three-dimensional shaping stage 200 may be arranged around the nozzle 61.

[0021] The flow rate adjustment unit 63 changes the opening degree of the flow path 62 by rotating within the flow path 62. The flow rate adjustment unit 63 is constituted by a butterfly valve. The flow rate adjustment unit 63 is driven by a first drive unit 66 under the control of the control unit 500. The first drive unit 66 is constituted by, for example, a stepping motor. The control unit 500 uses the first drive unit 66 to control the rotation angle of the butterfly valve, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the shaping material flowing from the plasticizing unit 30 to the nozzle 61, that is, the flow rate of the shaping material discharged from the nozzle 61. The flow rate adjustment unit 63 adjusts the flow rate of the shaping material and controls the on / off of the outflow of the shaping material.

[0022] The suction unit 64 is connected between the flow rate adjustment unit 63 and the discharge port 65 in the flow path 62. When the discharge of the shaping material from the nozzle 61 stops, the suction unit 64 temporarily sucks the shaping material in the flow path 62, thereby suppressing the trailing phenomenon in which the shaping material drips from the discharge port 65 like a thread. The suction unit 64 is constituted by a plunger. The suction unit 64 is driven by a second drive unit 67 under the control of the control unit 500. The second drive unit 67 is constituted by, for example, a stepping motor or a rack and pinion mechanism that converts the rotational force of the stepping motor into the translational movement of the plunger.

[0023] When the control unit 500 stops the discharge of the molding material from the nozzle 61, it first controls the flow rate adjustment unit 63 to turn off the outflow of the molding material, and then controls the suction unit 64 to suck up the molding material. When restarting the discharge of the molding material from the nozzle 61, it controls the suction unit 64 to send out the molding material that has been sucked up by the suction unit 64, and then controls the flow rate adjustment unit 63 to turn on the outflow of the molding material.

[0024] The three-dimensional printing stage 200 is positioned opposite the discharge port 65 of the nozzle 61. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 creates a three-dimensional object by extruding the printing material from the discharge section 60 toward the printing surface 121 of the three-dimensional printing stage 200 and accumulating layers of the material. Details of the three-dimensional printing stage 200 will be described later.

[0025] The position change unit 300 changes the relative position between the nozzle 61 and the three-dimensional printing stage 200. The position change unit 300 moves the three-dimensional printing stage 200 relative to the nozzle 61. The change in the relative position of the nozzle 61 relative to the three-dimensional printing stage 200 is also simply called the movement of the nozzle 61. The position change unit 300 is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the stage in the three axes of X, Y, and Z directions using the driving force of three motors. Each motor is driven under the control of the control unit 500. Note that the position change unit 300 may be configured to move the nozzle 61 without moving the three-dimensional printing stage 200, or it may be configured to move both the three-dimensional printing stage 200 and the nozzle 61.

[0026] The following describes the three-dimensional printing stage 200. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the three-dimensional printing stage 200. Figure 5 is a top view of the three-dimensional printing stage 200. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the VI-VI section, which is perpendicular to the Y direction, as shown in Figure 5. The three-dimensional printing stage 200 comprises a mounting section 110, a printing stage 120, a heating section 130, a pressing section 140, a holding section 150, and a biasing section 160.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the mounting portion 110 comprises an opening 111, a protrusion 112, and a reference surface 113. The shape of the mounting portion 110 is frame-like when viewed from the Z direction. The opening 111 is the inside of the frame of the mounting portion 110. The protrusion 112 is the portion of the mounting portion 110 whose upper surface is higher in the Z direction than its surroundings. The reference surface 113 is the upper surface of the protrusion 112. In Figure 5, the reference surface 113 is hatched to make it easier to see. The height of the reference surface 113 in the Z direction is adjusted so that its flatness is small. The flatness of the reference surface 113 is preferably, for example, 100 μm or less.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, a support section 170 is provided below the mounting section 110 and the heating section 130. The mounting section 110 is fixed on a column 171 fixed to the upper surface of the support section 170, such that its upper surface is parallel to the X and Y directions. The column 171 is made of a material that is resistant to deformation by heating, such as Invar.

[0029] The build stage 120 is placed on the reference surface 113 so as to cover the opening 111. As shown in Figure 5, the build stage 120 is in contact with a portion of the reference surface 113. As shown in Figure 4, the build stage 120 has a build surface 121, a first portion 122, and a second portion 123.

[0030] The build surface 121 is the surface on which the build material extruded from the nozzle 61 is layered. Multiple grooves 124 are formed on the build surface 121 at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, the grooves 124 are formed in a direction along the Y direction. Note that grooves 124 do not necessarily have to be formed on the build stage 120.

[0031] The first part 122 is the portion of the build stage 120 that contacts the reference surface 113 and has a handle formed on it. The first part 122 is provided at the +X side end and the -X side end of the build stage 120. The second part 123 is the portion of the build stage 120 that contacts the reference surface 113 and does not have a handle formed on it. The second part 123 is provided at the +Y side end and the -Y side end of the build stage 120. As shown in Figure 5, the area of ​​the reference surface 113 at the +X side end and the -X side end of the mounting portion 110 is smaller than the area of ​​the reference surface 113 at the +Y side end and the -Y side end of the mounting portion 110. Therefore, the contact area between the first part 122 and the reference surface 113 is smaller than the contact area between the second part 123 and the reference surface 113.

[0032] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the heating section 130. The heating section 130 comprises a first aluminum plate 131, a rubber heater 132, and a second aluminum plate 133. The first aluminum plate 131 and the second aluminum plate 133 are plate-shaped. In this embodiment, the rubber heater 132 is plate-shaped with a square hole in the center. The heating section 130 has a first region 134 and a second region 135. The first region 134 is a region that does not have the rubber heater 132 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface 121, i.e., the Z direction. The second region 135 surrounds the first region 134 and has the rubber heater 132 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface 121, i.e., the Z direction. The first aluminum plate 131, the rubber heater 132, and the second aluminum plate 133 are stacked in the order of second aluminum plate 133, rubber heater 132, and first aluminum plate 131, from the -Z direction to the +Z direction.

[0033] The heating unit 130 heats the molding stage 120. As shown in Figure 6, the heating unit 130 is positioned below the molding stage 120 and is provided in the opening 111 of the mounting unit 110 so as not to come into contact with the mounting unit 110. The heating unit 130 and the reference surface 113 are spaced apart from each other. Below the heating unit 130, there is an insulating material 136 to suppress the transfer of heat from the heating unit 130 downwards, and an insulating material support 137 to support the insulating material 136.

[0034] The pressing section 140 is located below the heating section 130. The pressing section 140 presses the heating section 130 against the molding stage 120 from below through the opening 111. The pressing section 140 comprises a positioning screw 141, a support column 142, a spacer 143, and a spring 144. The positioning screw 141 is fixed to the first aluminum plate 131. The support column 142 is located below the second aluminum plate 133. The support column 142 is fixed to the heating section 130 by screwing the positioning screw 141 into a screw hole provided on its upper surface. A portion of the support column 142 is located inside a hole 172 provided in the support section 170. The spacer 143 is provided in the hole 172 of the support section 170 to fill the gap between the support column 142 and the support section 170. The spring 144 is located on the outer circumference of the support column 142, between the second aluminum plate 133 and the spacer 143. The heating section 130 is biased upward by the elastic force of the spring 144 and pressed against the molding stage 120 from below. Note that there may be more than one pressing section 140 located below the heating section 130.

[0035] The pressing section 150 shown in Figure 4 presses the molding stage 120 relative to the reference surface 113. The pressing section 150 comprises a first pressing section 151 and a second pressing section 152. The first pressing section 151 is provided at the -X direction end of the mounting section 110. The second pressing section 152 is provided at the +Y direction end of the mounting section 110. The first pressing section 151 and the second pressing section 152 are composed of eccentric pins 153. Each eccentric pin 153 has a pin rotation axis AX. The axial direction of the pin rotation axis AX is along the Z axis. The pin rotation axis AX is provided at a position offset from the center of the eccentric pin 153. The eccentric pin 153 is provided so as to be rotatable with the pin rotation axis AX as the axis of rotation.

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second pressing portion 152 and its vicinity. The side surface of the build stage 120 has a first inclined surface 126, which is inclined such that the lower end is further horizontally away from the build surface 121 than the upper end. The angle D between the build surface 121 and the first inclined surface 126 is preferably 95° to 135° on the inside of the build stage 120. The pressing portion 150 has a second inclined surface 156 that faces the first inclined surface 126 of the build stage 120. The second inclined surface 156 of the pressing portion 150 contacts the first inclined surface 126 of the build stage 120, thereby pressing the build stage 120 relative to the reference surface 113.

[0037] The presser section 150 has a position adjustment mechanism 157 that adjusts the position of the build stage 120 in the direction along the build surface 121. The position of the build stage 120 in the direction along the build surface 121 is adjusted by the user rotating the eccentric pin 153 around the pin rotation axis AX. Since the pin rotation axis AX is located offset from the center of the eccentric pin 153, the distance between the pin rotation axis AX and the part of the second inclined surface 156 that contacts the first inclined surface 126 changes as the eccentric pin 153 is rotated around the pin rotation axis AX. Therefore, the position of the build stage 120 in the direction along the build surface 121 changes as the eccentric pin 153 is rotated around the pin rotation axis AX. The position of the end of the build stage 120 on the -X direction side is adjusted by the user rotating the eccentric pin 153 of the first presser section 151 around the pin rotation axis AX. The position of the end of the build stage 120 on the +Y side is adjusted by the user rotating the eccentric pin 153 of the second retaining part 152 around the pin rotation axis AX. The retaining part 150 adjusts the position of the build stage 120 in the direction along the build surface 121 such that the angle between the direction of the groove 124 of the build stage 120 and the side of the mounting part 110 along the X direction is close to 90°.

[0038] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the biasing section 160 and its vicinity. The biasing section 160 biases the build stage 120 toward the retaining section 150. The biasing section 160 is provided at the +X direction end of the three-dimensional build stage 200. A first inclined surface 126a is provided on the side surface of the build stage 120 toward the +X direction. The angle between the build surface 121 and the first inclined surface 126a is preferably 95° to 135° on the inside of the build stage 120. The biasing section 160 has a third inclined surface 161 that faces the first inclined surface 126a. The biasing section 160 biases the build stage 120 toward the retaining section 150 by bringing the third inclined surface 161 into contact with the first inclined surface 126a. Note that the three-dimensional build stage 200 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the biasing section 160.

[0039] The sensor 400 shown in Figure 1 moves relative to the three-dimensional printing stage 200 in a direction along the side surface of the mounting section 110, measuring the distance between the sensor 400 and the printing stage 120 at multiple points. The sensor 400 is, for example, a laser displacement meter. In this embodiment, the sensor 400 is provided so as to be movable in a direction along the side surface of the mounting section 110. In this embodiment, the sensor 400 is provided so as to be movable in a direction along the X direction or a direction along the Y direction. Before the three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 prints a three-dimensional object, the sensor 400 moves in a direction along the side surface of the mounting section 110 under the control of the control unit 500, measuring the distance from the sensor 400 to the side surface of the printing stage 120. When the sensor 400 moves in a direction along the X direction, the sensor 400 measures the distance from the sensor 400 to the side surface of the printing stage 120 along the X direction. When the sensor 400 moves along the Y direction, the sensor 400 measures the distance from the sensor 400 to the side of the build stage 120 along the Y direction. When the sensor 400 moves along one side of the mounting section 110 and measures the distance to the side of the build stage 120, if the distance to the side of the build stage 120 changes beyond a predetermined threshold, the control unit 500 displays a warning message on the display unit 510 connected to the control unit 500.

[0040] According to the three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 in the first embodiment described above, the molding stage 120 is placed on a reference surface 113 whose flatness has been adjusted, the heating section 130 is pressed from below by the pressing section 140, and the pressing section 150 holds it down relative to the reference surface 113. Since the molding stage 120 is not placed on the heating section 130, the influence of the flatness of the heating section 130 on the flatness of the molding stage 120 can be reduced, and as a result, the possibility that the flatness of the heating section 130 will affect the molding accuracy can be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, since the first part 122 of the build stage 120 has a handle formed thereon, its temperature is lower than that of the second part 123 due to heat dissipation from the handle. In this embodiment, the contact area between the first part 122 and the reference surface 113 is smaller than the contact area between the second part 123 and the reference surface 113, so the amount of heat transferred from the first part 122 to the mounting section 110 can be reduced to less than the amount of heat transferred from the second part 123 to the mounting section 110. As a result, the temperature distribution of the build stage 120 can be made more uniform.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating section 130 has a first region 134 that does not have a rubber heater 132 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface 121, so that the temperature of the center of the heating section 130 can be lowered. This suppresses the temperature of the center of the heating section 130 from becoming too high, and makes the temperature distribution of the molding stage 120 more uniform.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side surface of the molding stage 120 has a first inclined surface 126, and it is preferable that the angle D formed by the molding surface 121 and the first inclined surface 126 is 95° or more and 135° or less on the inside of the molding stage 120. Therefore, compared to the case where the angle D formed by the molding surface 121 and the first inclined surface 126 is greater than 135° on the inside of the molding stage 120, it is possible to suppress the molding stage 120 from biting into the pressing part 150 when the molding stage 120 is heated by the heating part 130, which would prevent the molding stage 120 from separating from the pressing part 150.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the pressing portion 150 has a second inclined surface 156 that faces the first inclined surface 126 of the molding stage 120, it is possible to suppress the molding stage 120 from lifting up in the +Z direction.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the pressing part 150 has a position adjustment mechanism 157, the user can adjust the position of the printing stage 120 in the direction along the printing surface 121. In addition, in this embodiment, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 is equipped with a sensor 400 that measures the distance between the sensor 400 and the printing stage 120 while moving in a direction along the side surface of the mounting part 110. When the sensor 400 measures the distance to the side surface of the printing stage 120 while moving in a direction along one side surface of the mounting part 110, if the distance to the side surface of the printing stage 120 changes beyond a predetermined threshold, the control unit 500 displays a warning message on the display unit 510. As a result, the user can know that the side surface of the mounting part 110 and the side surface of the printing stage 120 are not parallel, that is, the angle between the direction of the groove 124 of the printing stage 120 and the side surface of the mounting part 110 along the X direction is not around 90°. Furthermore, based on the distance to the side of the build stage 120 measured by the sensor 400, the user can adjust the position of the build stage 120 in the direction along the build surface 121 by adjusting the presser 150 so that the angle between the direction of the groove 124 of the build stage 120 and the side of the mounting section 110 along the X direction is close to 90°. As a result, the build material can be positioned accurately in relation to the groove 124.

[0046] B. Other embodiments: (B-1) In the above embodiment, the sensor 400 is provided so as to be movable in a direction along the side surface of the mounting section 110. Alternatively, the position of the sensor 400 may be fixed, and the three-dimensional molding stage 200 may be provided so as to be movable in a direction along the side surface of the mounting section 110.

[0047] (B-2) In the above embodiment, the side surface of the molding stage 120 does not need to have a first inclined surface 126, and the pressing portion 150 does not need to have a second inclined surface 156.

[0048] (B-3) In the above embodiment, the retaining portion 150 does not need to have a position adjustment mechanism 157.

[0049] (B-4) In the above embodiment, the heating section 130 does not need to have the first region 134 and the second region 135.

[0050] (B-5) In the above embodiment, the contact area between the first part 122 and the reference surface 113 of the molding stage 120 does not have to be smaller than the contact area between the second part 123 and the reference surface 113.

[0051] (B-6) In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 does not have to include some or all of the molding unit 100, the position changing unit 300, the sensor 400, and the control unit 500.

[0052] C. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0053] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional printing stage is provided. This three-dimensional printing stage includes a mounting section having an opening and a reference surface with adjusted flatness, a printing stage placed on the reference surface so as to cover the opening and having a printing surface on which printing layers are stacked, a heating section disposed below the printing stage for heating the printing stage, a pressing section that presses the heating section against the printing stage through the opening, and a pressing section that holds the printing stage relative to the reference surface. With this embodiment, since the printing stage is not placed on the heating section, the influence of the flatness of the heating section on the flatness of the printing stage can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility that the flatness of the heating section will affect the printing accuracy can be reduced.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, the side surface of the molding stage has a first inclined surface such that the lower end is inclined to be further horizontally away from the molding surface than the upper end, and the pressing portion may have a second inclined surface opposite to the first inclined surface. With this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the molding stage from floating up in the +Z direction.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the angle between the molding surface and the first inclined surface may be 95° to 135° on the inside side of the molding stage. With this embodiment, when the molding stage is heated by the heating section, it is possible to prevent the molding stage from biting into the pressing section and becoming unable to separate from the molding stage and the pressing section.

[0056] (4) In the above embodiment, a biasing unit may be provided that biases the molding stage toward the pressing unit. With this embodiment, movement of the molding stage on the reference surface can be suppressed.

[0057] (5) In the above embodiment, the pressing portion may have a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the printing stage in the direction along the printing surface. With this embodiment, the user can adjust the position of the printing stage in the direction along the printing surface.

[0058] (6) In the above embodiment, the heating section may have, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface, a first region without a rubber heater and, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface, a second region surrounding the first region and having the rubber heater. With such an embodiment, the temperature distribution of the molding stage can be made more uniform.

[0059] (7) In the above configuration, the reference surface and the heating section are spaced apart from each other, and the molding stage has a first portion in contact with the reference surface on which a handle is formed, and a second portion in contact with the reference surface on which a handle is not formed, and the contact area between the first portion and the reference surface may be smaller than the contact area between the second portion and the reference surface. With this configuration, the amount of heat transferred from the first portion to the mounting section can be reduced to less than the amount of heat transferred from the second portion to the mounting section. As a result, the temperature distribution of the molding stage can be made more uniform.

[0060] (8) In the above configuration, a plurality of grooves may be formed on the molding surface at predetermined intervals. With this configuration, the molding material is injected into the grooves, making it easier to fix the molding material extruded onto the molding surface.

[0061] (9) According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional molding apparatus is provided, comprising a three-dimensional molding stage and a nozzle for discharging molding material onto the molding surface.

[0062] (10) In the above embodiment, a sensor may be provided, and the sensor may move relative to the three-dimensional printing stage in a direction along the side surface of the mounting portion described above, and measure the distance between the sensor and the printing stage at multiple points. With this embodiment, the user can adjust the position of the printing stage so that the side surface of the mounting portion and the side surface of the printing stage are parallel, based on the distance measured by the sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10...3D printing device, 20...Material supply unit, 21...Communication passage, 30...Plasticizing unit, 31...Screw case, 32...Drive motor, 40...Flat screw, 41...Flat screw bottom surface, 42...Central part, 43...Groove part, 44...Material input port, 45...Protruding part, 50...Barrel, 51...Barrel top surface, 52...Communication hole, 53...Plasticizing heater, 54...Guide groove, 60...Discharge unit, 61...Nozzle, 62...Flow path, 63...Flow rate adjustment unit, 64...Suction unit, 65...Discharge port, 66...First drive unit, 67...Second drive unit, 100...Printing unit, 110...Placement unit, 111...Opening, 112...Protruding part, 113...Reference surface, 120...Printing stage, 121...Printing surface, 122...First part, 123...Second part, 124...Groove, 126 ...First inclined surface, 130...Heating section, 131...First aluminum plate, 132...Rubber heater, 133...Second aluminum plate, 134...First region, 135...Second region, 136...Insulation material, 137...Insulation material holder, 140...Pressing section, 141...Screw, 142...Support column, 143...Spacer, 144...Spring, 150...Pressing section, 151...First pressing section, 152...Second pressing section, 153...Eccentric pin, 156...Second inclined surface, 157...Position adjustment mechanism, 160...Biasing section, 161...Third inclined surface, 170...Support section, 171...Column, 172...Hole, 200...3D modeling stage, 300...Position change section, 400...Sensor, 500...Control unit, 510...Display unit, AX...Pin rotation axis, RX...Flat screw rotation axis

Claims

1. A mounting section having an opening and a reference surface with adjusted flatness, A molding stage is placed on the reference surface so as to cover the opening, and has a molding surface on which molding layers are stacked, A heating unit is located below the molding stage and heats the molding stage, A pressing section that presses the heating section against the molding stage through the opening, The molding stage is provided with a pressing part that presses the molding stage against the reference surface, A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

2. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 1, The side surface of the molding stage has a first inclined surface such that the lower end is inclined to be further horizontally away from the molding surface than the upper end. The pressing portion has a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface, A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

3. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 2, The angle between the molding surface and the first inclined surface is 95° to 135° on the inside side of the molding stage. A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

4. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 2, The molding stage is provided with a biasing unit that biases it toward the pressing unit. A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

5. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 1, The pressing portion has a position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the molding stage in a direction along the molding surface. A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

6. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 1, The heating section is Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface, the first region does not have a rubber heater, Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding surface, the second region surrounds the first region and has the rubber heater, A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

7. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 1, The reference surface and the heating section are spaced apart from each other. The aforementioned molding stage is The portion in contact with the aforementioned reference surface, the first portion having a handle formed therein, It has a second portion that is in contact with the reference surface and on which the handle is not formed, The contact area between the first part and the reference surface is smaller than the contact area between the second part and the reference surface. A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

8. A three-dimensional molding stage according to claim 1, Multiple grooves are formed on the molded surface at predetermined intervals. A stage for three-dimensional modeling.

9. A three-dimensional molding stage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A nozzle for dispensing molding material onto the molding surface, Three-dimensional printing equipment.

10. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 9, It has a sensor, The sensor moves relative to the three-dimensional molding stage in a direction along the side surface of the aforementioned mounting portion, and measures the distance between the sensor and the molding stage at multiple points. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

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