Plasticizing device, injection molding device, three-dimensional shaping device

Abstract

To provide a plasticizing apparatus capable of obtaining a homogeneous plasticized state.SOLUTION: A plasticizing apparatus includes: a rotor which has a groove-formed surface where a groove is formed and rotates around a rotating axis, and in which a feeding port communicating with the groove is formed on a side surface; a barrel which has an opposing face opposing the groove-formed surface in a direction of extending the rotating axis, and in which a communication hole for flowing a plasticized material to the outside is formed; a heating part which heats the material fed through the feeding port; and a housing part which houses the rotor, where a first feeding passage and a second feeding passage capable of feeding the material to the feeding port are formed in the housing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In order to miniaturize an injection molding machine, an injection molding machine in which a conventional screw is replaced with a rotor has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a plasticizing and feeding device including a rotor having spiral grooves formed therein, and a barrel that abuts against an end surface of the rotor and has a communication hole at the center. According to this document, resin in the form of pellets is stored in a hopper attached to a casing, and is supplied from here to the radially outer end portion of the spiral grooves of the rotor through the casing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the plasticizing and feeding device of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to obtain a uniform plasticized state. Specifically, in one rotation of the rotor, since the material is supplied only when the supply port at the outer peripheral edge of the spiral groove overlaps with the charging port communicating with the hopper, the amount of the molten material sent out decreases until the next material is supplied, and the material density inside the groove becomes non-uniform. In addition, the plasticizing and feeding device also has a problem that it is difficult to switch the material or change the ratio of the materials during plasticization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above problems and can be realized in the following examples or forms.

[0006] (Examples of application) A plasticizing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rotor having a groove-forming surface in which grooves are formed, rotating about a rotation axis, and having a supply port on its side that communicates with the grooves; a barrel having a facing surface that faces the groove-forming surface in the direction in which the rotation axis extends, and having a communication hole for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside; a heating section for heating the material supplied through the supply port; and a housing section for housing the rotor, wherein the housing section has a first supply path and a second supply path formed therein that can supply the material to the supply port.

[0007] An injection molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned plasticizing apparatus, a nozzle section for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizing apparatus, and a fixing section for fixing a mold for receiving the material.

[0008] A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned plasticizing apparatus, a nozzle section for discharging the material plasticized by the plasticizing apparatus, and a stage having a molding surface on which the material is layered. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an injection molding apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of section bb in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view of one aspect of the rotor. [Figure 4] A plan view of one embodiment of the rotor. [Figure 5] A plan view of one embodiment of the rotor. [Figure 6] Plan view of the barrel. [Figure 7] Plan view of the case body. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the plasticizing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9]Plan view of the case body. [Figure 10] Plan view of the case body according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] Plan view of the case body according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 12] Plan view of the case body according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 13] Enlarged view of part d of FIG. 2 according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 14] Enlarged view of part j in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] Schematic configuration diagram of the three-dimensional shaping device according to Embodiment 7.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Embodiment 1 ***Outline of the injection molding device*** FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the injection molding device. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The injection molding device 200 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a vertical injection molding device in which a base 150 including a plasticizing device 100 is placed on a movable pedestal 90. The base 150 is a rectangular base member and is fixed to the pedestal 90. In each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are three axes orthogonal to each other, are illustrated. The extending direction of the long side of the base 150 is defined as the X-plus direction, and the extending direction of the short side is defined as the Y-plus direction. The height direction of the injection molding device 200 is defined as the Z-plus direction. The Z-plus direction is also referred to as upward, and the Z-minus direction is also referred to as downward.

[0012] The injection molding device 200 is composed of a pedestal 90, a plasticizing device 100, a lower mold support 130, a position changing unit 140, a mold clamping device 170, an ejector unit 180, a control unit 190, etc. The pedestal portion 90 is a robust pedestal equipped with a metal frame, and wheels 91 are provided at the four corners of its bottom surface. Also, bolt-type stopper legs 92 are provided on the columns near each wheel 91. Thereby, after moving the injection molding apparatus 200 to a desired position by the wheels 91, it can be securely fixed by the stopper legs 92.

[0013] Below the plasticizing device 100, an upper mold support portion 13 is provided. The upper mold support portion 13 is equipped with a clamping mechanism for fixing the upper mold 11. The lower mold support portion 130 is provided on the base 150 via a movable portion 141 and is equipped with a clamping mechanism for fixing the lower mold 15. In FIG. 1, since the state before attaching the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 15 is shown, they are illustrated by dotted lines in a separated state, but during injection molding, molding is performed in a state where the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 15 are clamped by the mold clamping device 170. Note that the mold set composed of the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 15 is called a molding die 10. Also, the upper mold support portion 13 and the lower mold support portion 130 correspond to the fixing portions. In other words, the injection molding apparatus 200 includes the plasticizing device 100, a nozzle portion 60 (FIG. 2) for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizing device 100, and the upper mold support portion 13 and the lower mold support portion 130 as fixing portions for fixing the molding die 10 that receives the material.

[0014] The position changing portion 140 is a stage capable of linearly moving the lower mold support portion 130 along the extending direction of the X-axis. The position changing portion 140 has a movable portion 141 that supports the lower mold support portion 130 and an electric actuator 142 that moves the movable portion 141. In a preferred example, the electric actuator 142 is composed of a ball screw and a motor that rotates the ball screw.

[0015] The mold clamping device 170 clamps and opens the molding die 10 by moving the plasticizer 100, including the upper die 11, along the Z-axis direction, driven by the mold clamping motor 171. Specifically, the driving force of the mold clamping motor 171 is transmitted to the ball screw section 173 via the reduction gear 172, causing the movable platen 174 coupled to the ball screw section 173 to move in the Z-direction along the first support column 175, and the plasticizer 100 fixed to the movable platen 174 via the second support column 176 to move in the Z-direction. As a result, when clamping the mold, moving the movable platen 174 in the Z-minus direction causes the plasticizer 100 to move downward, bringing the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 15 into contact. When opening the mold, moving the movable platen 174 in the Z-plus direction causes the plasticizer 100 to move upward, separating the upper mold 11 from the lower mold 15.

[0016] The ejector section 180 is the part used to remove the molded product from the lower mold 15. The ejector section 180 is located on the X-minus side of the plasticizer 100, and when the lower mold support section 130, which holds the molded lower mold 15, moves to the upper part of the ejector section 180, it drives the ejector pins to remove the molded product from the lower mold 15. The ejector section 180 is located below the base 150.

[0017] The control unit 190 is comprised of a computer equipped with one or more processors, a memory unit, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The memory unit stores molding programs that define the sequence and content of mold opening, mold clamping, injection molding, and removal of molded products, as well as material adjustment programs for switching materials and adjusting the mixing ratio, and associated data. By executing these programs, the control unit 190 provides overall control of the injection molding apparatus 200, including the plasticizer 100.

[0018] ***Configuration of the plasticizing device*** Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plasticizing apparatus at the bb section of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the plasticizer 100 consists of material storage sections 20a, 20b, rotor 40a, barrel 50, heater 58, nozzle section 60, injection control mechanism 70, and the like.

[0019] The plasticizer 100 plasticizes the material supplied from the material storage sections 20a and 20b between the rotor 40a and the barrel 50 using the rotor 40a, barrel 50, and heater 58 to produce a molding material, which is then injected into the mold 10 (Figure 1) from the nozzle section 60. In Figure 2, the rotation axis of the rotor 40a is defined as the center line 61. Furthermore, "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.

[0020] The material storage section 20a is a hopper that stores materials in the form of pellets, powder, etc. In this embodiment, there are two material storage sections: material storage section 20a and material storage section 20b. Material storage section 20a corresponds to the first material storage section, and material storage section 20b corresponds to the second material storage section. Material storage section 20b is located at a position symmetric to material storage section 20a with respect to the center line 61 as the axis of symmetry. In plan view, material storage section 20b is positioned at a location where material storage section 20a has been rotated 180° with respect to the center line 61 as the center point (Figure 1).

[0021] Below the material storage section 20a, a pipe section 21a is provided. The pipe section 21a is connected to a first supply path 22a formed in the case body 81. Similarly, below the material storage section 20b, a pipe section 21b is provided. The pipe section 21b is connected to a second supply path 22b formed in the case body 81. In other words, the material storage section 20a, as the first material storage section, communicates with the first supply path 22a, and the material storage section 20b, as the second material storage section, communicates with the second supply path 22b. The material for the material storage section 20a is supplied through the first supply path 22a from the inlet 23a between the rotor 40a and the barrel 50. Similarly, the material for the material storage section 20b is supplied through the second supply path 22b from the inlet 23b between the rotor 40a and the barrel 50.

[0022] The rotor 40a is also called a scroll or flat screw. The rotor 40a is rotationally driven by a rotor drive unit 98, which consists of a drive motor 96 and a rotor reducer 97, with the center line 61 along the Z-axis as the axis of rotation. The rotation of the rotor 40a by the rotor drive unit 98 is controlled by a control unit 190.

[0023] The rotor 40a and the rotor reducer 97 are housed in the housing 80. The housing 80 has a case body 81 and an upper cover 82. The case body 81 is a component that houses the rotor 40a and the rotor reducer 97 in a horizontal direction. The upper cover 82 is a component that is positioned on top of the case body 81 so as to cover the rotor 40a and the rotor reducer 97 from above. The drive motor 96 is positioned on top of the upper cover 82 with its output shaft aligned with the center line 61.

[0024] A communication hole 56 is formed in the center of the barrel 50 through which the generated molding material flows. The injection cylinder 71 of the injection control mechanism 70, which will be described later, is connected to the communication hole 56. A check valve 59 is provided in the communication hole 56 upstream of the injection cylinder 71. The heater 58 is a heating element that heats the material supplied between the groove-forming surface 42 of the rotor 40a and the opposing surface 52 of the barrel 50. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, four heaters 58 are provided inside the barrel 50. The output of the heaters 58 is controlled by the control unit 190. In other words, the heaters 58 heat the material supplied through the supply port 44 (Figure 3) of the rotor 40a.

[0025] The injection control mechanism 70 consists of an injection cylinder 71, a plunger 72, and the like. The injection control mechanism 70 has the function of injecting the molding material in the injection cylinder 71 into the cavity of the mold 10 (Figure 1). Under the control of the control unit 190, the injection control mechanism 70 controls the amount of molding material injected from the nozzle section 60. The injection cylinder 71 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 56 of the barrel 50 and is positioned in the depth direction (X-axis direction) in Figure 2. The plunger 72 is a rod-shaped member inserted into the injection cylinder 71 and slides inside the injection cylinder 71, pressurizing the molding material to the nozzle section 60.

[0026] ***Rotor Configuration*** Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the rotor. As shown in Figure 3, the rotor 40a is a disc-shaped member with spiral grooves on its surface. The surface of the rotor 40a facing the barrel 50 (Figure 2) is called the groove-forming surface 42. The groove-forming surface 42 has three spiral grooves 45 centered around the center line 61. The grooves 45 spiral outwards from the vicinity of the center line 61 and communicate with a supply port 44 formed on the side surface 43 of the rotor 40a. The three grooves 45 are separated by three protruding sections 46 that serve as side walls. In other words, the rotor 40a has a groove-forming surface 42 on which the grooves 45 are formed, rotates around the center line 61 which serves as the axis of rotation, and has a supply port 44 formed on the side surface 43 that communicates with the grooves 45.

[0027] In plan view, the three supply ports 44 in the three grooves 45 are located on the side surface 43 of the rotor 40a at 120-degree intervals with respect to the center line 61. Furthermore, a conical projection, called a stagnation suppression portion 48, is provided in the center of the rotor 40a. The central axis of the stagnation suppression portion 48 is approximately aligned with the center line 61. The tip of the stagnation suppression portion 48 is inserted into a communication hole 56 formed in the barrel 50 (Figure 2). The stagnation suppression portion 48 allows the molding material to be efficiently guided into the communication hole 56.

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 are plan views showing schematic configurations of rotors in different embodiments. In the above description, the rotor 40a was described as having three grooves 45, but it is sufficient for there to be one or more grooves 45; for example, there may be two, or four or more. Hereafter, the same parts as above will be numbered the same way, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the rotor 40b has two spiral grooves 45 centered on the center line 61 on the groove-forming surface 42. The two supply ports 44 in the two grooves 45 are located on the side surface 43 of the rotor 40b at opposite positions with respect to the center line 61. In other words, one supply port 44 and the other supply port 44 are located on the side surface 43 of the rotor 40b at positions rotated 180 degrees around the center line 61. Furthermore, in the rotor 40c shown in Figure 5, one spiral groove 45 is provided on the groove-forming surface 42, centered on the center line 61. There is only one supply port 44 for the groove 45 on the side surface 43 of the rotor 40c.

[0030] ***Barrel Configuration*** Figure 6 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the barrel. As shown in Figure 6, the barrel 50 is approximately circular in shape and has an opposing surface 52 that faces the groove-forming surface 42 of the rotor 40a. A communication hole 56 is provided in the center of the barrel 50. The center of the communication hole 56 is approximately coincident with the center line 61. The opposing surface 52 is provided with a plurality of guide grooves 54 that extend in a spiral shape from the communication hole 56 toward the outer circumference. In Figure 6, six guide grooves 54 are provided, but this is not limited to this; any number of guide grooves 54 is acceptable. In other words, the barrel 50 has an opposing surface 52 that faces the groove-forming surface 42 in the direction in which the centerline 61 as the axis of rotation extends, and a communication hole 56 is formed therein for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside. Note that one end of the guide groove 54 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 56. Also, the barrel 50 does not have to have guide grooves 54 formed therein.

[0031] ***Case Structure*** Figure 7 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the case body. As shown in Figure 7, a circular opening 81a is provided approximately in the center of the case body 81 of the housing section 80, into which the rotor 40a is housed. An input port 23a is provided on the side of the opening 81a in the Y-minus direction, and the input port 23a communicates with the first supply path 22a. Similarly, an input port 23b is provided on the side of the opening 81a in the Y-plus direction, and the input port 23b communicates with the second supply path 22b. In other words, the case body 81 of the housing section 80 has a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22b formed therein, which can supply material to the supply port 44 (Figure 3) of the rotor 40a.

[0032] The input port 23b is located 180 degrees from the input port 23a, with respect to the center line 61. In other words, the input ports 23a and 23b are positioned facing each other through the opening 81a. When the rotor 40a is set in the opening 81a of the case body 81, the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a faces the input port 23a and the input port 23b during one rotation of the rotor 40a. In other words, during one rotation of the rotor 40a, material is supplied to the supply port 44 of one groove 45 of the rotor 40a from the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22b. As a result, unlike conventional plasticizing and dispensing devices in which the supply port and the input port overlap only once during one rotation of the rotor, the plasticizing device 100 of this embodiment allows for two material supplies per rotation, thus enabling uniform material density inside the rotor 40a.

[0033] This is also true for rotor 40b having two grooves 45 and rotor 40c having one groove 45, where each groove 45 receives material twice per rotation. Furthermore, a larger number of grooves 45 increases the amount of material introduced, allowing for a stable supply of material in a uniform plasticized state.

[0034] Return to Figure 2. The material supplied to the groove 45 of the rotor 40a is plasticized between the groove-forming surface 42 of the rotor 40a and the opposing surface 52 of the barrel 50 by the rotation of the rotor 40a and heating by the heater 58, and is then guided to the center of the rotor 40a by the rotation of the rotor 40a. The material that has flowed into the center is sent to a communication hole 56 provided in the center of the barrel 50, and is further guided from the communication hole 56 to the injection control mechanism 70.

[0035] As described above, the plasticizer 100 and injection molding apparatus 200 of this embodiment provide the following advantages. The plasticizer 100 comprises a rotor 40a having a groove-forming surface 42 on which grooves 45 are formed, which rotates about a center line 61 serving as a rotation axis, and having a supply port 44 on its side surface 43 that communicates with the grooves 45; a barrel 50 having an opposing surface 52 facing the groove-forming surface 42 in the direction in which the center line 61 extends, and having a communication hole 56 for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside; a heater 58 serving as a heating unit for heating the material supplied through the supply port 44; and a housing unit 80 for housing the rotor 40a. The case body 81 of the housing unit 80 has a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22b formed therein that allow material to be supplied to the supply port 44.

[0036] According to this, since the case body 81 is provided with a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22b, material is supplied to the supply port 44 of one groove 45 of the rotor 40a from both the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22b during one rotation of the rotor 40a, meaning that material is supplied twice per rotation. Therefore, unlike conventional plasticizing and dispensing devices in which the supply port and the input port overlap only once per rotation of the rotor, the plasticizing device 100 of this embodiment allows for two material supplies per rotation, thus enabling uniform material density inside the rotor 40a. Furthermore, since the rotor 40a has three grooves 45, it is possible to stably supply material in a uniform plasticized state. Therefore, it is possible to provide a plasticizing apparatus 100 that can stably supply material in a uniform plasticized state.

[0037] The injection molding apparatus 200 includes a plasticizer 100, a nozzle 60 for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizer 100, and an upper mold support 13 and a lower mold support 130 as fixing parts for fixing the mold 10 that receives the material. According to this, since the injection molding apparatus 200 is equipped with a plasticizer 100, it can efficiently perform injection molding using a stably supplied, uniformly plasticized material. Therefore, it is possible to provide an injection molding apparatus 200 with high molding efficiency and excellent stability.

[0038] Embodiment 2 ***Different Types of Plasticizing Apparatus - 1*** Figure 8 is a perspective view of the plasticizing apparatus according to Embodiment 2, and corresponds to Figure 1. Figure 9 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the case body, and corresponds to Figure 7. In the above embodiment, the case body 81 was described as having two supply paths, a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22b. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and any multiple supply paths may be provided. For example, the plasticizer 101 of this embodiment has four material storage sections, and the case body 81 has four supply paths. Hereafter, the same parts as in the above embodiment will be numbered, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the plasticizing apparatus 101 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the aforementioned material storage sections 20a and 20b, material storage sections 20c and 20d. In plan view, the material storage sections 20a, 20c, 20b, and 20d are arranged at 90-degree intervals with the center line 61 as the center point. Below the material storage section 20c, a pipe section is provided, similar to the material storage section 20a, and this pipe section is connected to a third supply path 22c formed in the case body 81. Similarly, below the material storage section 20d, a pipe section is provided, and this pipe section is connected to a fourth supply path 22d formed in the case body 81.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9, the opening 81a of the case body 81 is provided with input ports 23a, 23c, 23b, and 23d at 90-degree intervals around the center line 61. Input port 23c is the end opening of the third supply path 22c, and input port 23d is the end opening of the fourth supply path 22d. When the rotor 40a is set in the opening 81a of such a case body 81, the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a faces the input ports 23a, 23c, 23b, and 23d during one rotation of the rotor 40a. In other words, during one rotation of the rotor 40a, material is supplied to the supply port 44 of one groove 45 of the rotor 40a from the first supply path 22a, the third supply path 22c, the second supply path 22b, and the fourth supply path 22d. As a result, with the plasticizer 101 of this embodiment, material is supplied four times per rotation, making it possible to equalize the material density inside the rotor 40a.

[0041] Although the above description assumes four material storage sections and supply paths at 90-degree intervals, it is acceptable to have multiple sets of these. For example, a configuration with three material storage sections and supply paths at 120-degree intervals is also acceptable, or a configuration with five or more material storage sections and supply paths is also acceptable.

[0042] As described above, the following effects can be obtained with the plasticizing apparatus 101 and injection molding apparatus 200 of this embodiment. The plasticizer 101 comprises a rotor 40a having a groove-forming surface 42 on which grooves 45 are formed, which rotates about a centerline 61 serving as a rotation axis, and having a supply port 44 on its side surface 43 that communicates with the grooves 45; a barrel 50 having an opposing surface 52 facing the groove-forming surface 42 in the direction in which the centerline 61 extends, and having a communication hole 56 for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside; a heater 58 serving as a heating unit for heating the material supplied through the supply port 44; and a housing unit 80 for housing the rotor 40a. The case body 81 of the housing unit 80 has a first supply path 22a, a third supply path 22c, a second supply path 22b, and a fourth supply path 22d formed therein that allow material to be supplied to the supply port 44.

[0043] According to this, since the case body 81 is provided with four supply paths, material will be supplied four times during one rotation of the rotor 40a. Therefore, unlike conventional plasticizing and dispensing devices in which the supply port and the input port overlap only once per rotation of the rotor, the plasticizing device 101 of this embodiment allows for four material supplies per rotation, thus enabling uniform material density inside the rotor 40a. Furthermore, since the rotor 40a has three grooves 45, it is possible to stably supply material in a uniform plasticized state. Therefore, it is possible to provide a plasticizing apparatus 101 that can stably supply material in a uniform plasticized state. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an injection molding apparatus 200 that has high molding efficiency and excellent stability.

[0044] Embodiment 3 ***Different Types of Plasticizing Apparatus - 2*** Figure 10 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the case body, and corresponds to Figure 7. In Embodiment 1, the case body 81 was described as having two supply paths, a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22b, with the same flow path diameter. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the flow path diameters may be different. For example, in the plasticizer 102 of this embodiment, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first supply path 22a and the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 22e are different. Hereafter, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 will be numbered, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0045] First, the configuration of the first supply path 22a and the input port 23a is the same as in Embodiment 1. The shape of the opening on the surface of the case body 81 in the second supply path 22e is the same as that of the first supply path 22a, but the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 23e is smaller than that of the inlet 23a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the second supply path 22e gradually narrows from the opening on the surface of the case body 81, becoming narrowest at the inlet 23e. For example, if the inlet 23e is circular, its diameter d2 is smaller than the diameter d1 of the inlet 23a. In other words, the minimum cross-sectional area in the first supply path 22a is different from the minimum cross-sectional area in the second supply path 22e. Note that the part that narrows the flow path diameter is not limited to the inlet 23e; it is sufficient if at least one place in the second supply path 22e is narrowed. As a result, the amount of material supplied to the rotor 40a is less from the second supply path 22e than from the first supply path 22a.

[0046] Furthermore, in a preferred example, the material stored in material storage section 20a and the material stored in material storage section 20b are different. In other words, a first material is stored in material storage section 20a, and a second material is stored in material storage section 20b, and the first and second materials are different materials. This allows for changing the supply ratio between the first and second materials.

[0047] As described above, the following effects can be obtained with the plasticizing apparatus 102 and injection molding apparatus 200 of this embodiment. In the plasticizer 102, the minimum cross-sectional area in the first supply path 22a is different from the minimum cross-sectional area in the second supply path 22e. According to this, the supply ratio of material can be changed by making the flow path diameters in the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22e different.

[0048] Furthermore, in the plasticizing apparatus 102, the first material is stored in the material storage section 20a, and the second material is stored in the material storage section 20b, and the first and second materials are different materials. This makes it possible to change the supply ratio of the first material and the second material.

[0049] Embodiment 4 ***Different Types of Plasticizing Apparatus - 3*** Figure 11 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the case body, and corresponds to Figure 7. In Embodiments 1 to 3, the device was described as having two or more material storage sections, including a material storage section 20a and a material storage section 20b. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and even with only one material storage section, it is sufficient if multiple supply paths are provided. For example, in the plasticizer 103 of this embodiment, the material storage section is configured to have one material storage section 20a, but two supply paths are provided. Hereafter, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 will be numbered, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0050] In the plasticizing apparatus 103 of this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the material storage section is configured to have only one material storage section 20a. As shown in Figure 11, the case body 81 is provided with only one inlet opening 24 that leads to the first supply path 22a. As shown in Figure 11, directly below the inlet opening 24, the supply path branches into two: a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22f. In other words, the supply path branches into two inside the case body 81. The supply path may branch into multiple paths; for example, it may branch into three paths, or four or more paths. This allows material to be supplied from one material storage unit to multiple supply paths. The first supply path 22a proceeds straight in the Y-plus direction from the inlet opening 24 and communicates with the input opening 23a at the opening 81a in the center of the case body 81.

[0051] The second supply path 22f extends from the inlet opening 24 in the X-minus direction and communicates with the input port 23f along the perimeter of the opening 81a. The input port 23f is located opposite the input port 23a via the opening 81a. In other words, when the ends of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f in the case body 81 of the storage section 80 are considered as input port 23a and input port 23f, the other ends of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f, the inlet opening 24, are directly connected. Note that the configuration is not limited to the direct connection of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f at the inlet opening 24. For example, a material pool section capable of accommodating a certain amount of material may be provided near the inlet opening 24, and the two may be indirectly connected via the material pool section.

[0052] According to this, since the case body 81 is provided with a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22f, material is supplied to the supply port 44 of one groove 45 of the rotor 40a from both the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f during one rotation of the rotor 40a. In other words, material is supplied twice per rotation. Therefore, according to the plasticizer 103 of this embodiment, since material is supplied twice per rotation, the material density inside the rotor 40a can be made uniform.

[0053] As described above, the following effects can be obtained with the plasticizing apparatus 103 and injection molding apparatus 200 of this embodiment. In the plasticizer 103, when the ends of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f in the case body 81 of the housing section 80 are designated as input ports 23a and 23f, the other ends of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f, namely the inlet openings 24, are directly connected.

[0054] According to this, even if the material storage section has only one configuration, the case body 81 is provided with a first supply path 22a and a second supply path 22f. Therefore, during one rotation of the rotor 40a, material is supplied to the supply port 44 of one groove 45 of the rotor 40a from both the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22f. In other words, material is supplied twice per rotation. Furthermore, since the rotor 40a has three grooves 45, it is possible to stably supply material in a uniform plasticized state. Therefore, it is possible to provide a plasticizing apparatus 103 that can stably supply material in a uniform plasticized state.

[0055] Embodiment 5 ***Different Types of Plasticizing Apparatus - 4*** Figure 12 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the case body, and corresponds to Figure 7. In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a case body 81 is provided with multiple supply paths has been described, but adjustment units for opening and closing flow paths may also be provided within the supply paths. For example, in the plasticizer 104 of this embodiment, the first supply path 22a is provided with a first adjustment unit 5a, and the second supply path 22b is provided with a second adjustment unit 5b. Hereafter, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 will be numbered the same way, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in Figure 12, in the plasticizer 104 of this embodiment, a first adjustment unit 5a is provided in the first supply path 22a, and a second adjustment unit 5b is provided in the second supply path 22b. Aside from the provision of the first adjustment unit 5a and the second adjustment unit 5b, the description is the same as in Figure 7.

[0057] The first adjustment unit 5a is a shutter mechanism and is provided at the inlet opening 24a of the case body 81. The first adjustment unit 5a is equipped with a linear actuator including a drive motor (not shown) and operates the shutter mechanism in the direction of the arrow in Figure 12 (Y-axis extending direction) in response to a control signal from the control unit 190. The shutter function can not only fully open / close but also be stopped midway to narrow the flow path diameter. The second adjustment unit 5b is the same shutter mechanism as the first adjustment unit 5a. Note that the adjustment unit is not limited to being provided at the inlet opening, but may be provided anywhere in the supply path, for example, at the input port. In other words, at least one of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22b is provided with an adjustment unit to adjust the amount of material supplied.

[0058] For example, Figure 12 shows the first adjustment section 5a of the first supply path 22a in a fully open state, exposing the entire inlet opening 24a. On the other hand, in the second supply path 22b, the second adjustment section 5b is shown in a closed state, covering the entire inlet opening 24b. In a preferred example, the first adjustment section 5a and the second adjustment section 5b are opened and closed in accordance with the rotation period of the rotor 40a. Specifically, the first adjustment section 5a is opened when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a reaches the inlet 23a of the first supply path 22a, and closed at all other times. In other words, the first adjustment section 5a is selectively opened when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a coincides with the inlet 23a of the first supply path 22a. Similarly, the second adjustment unit 5b is opened when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a reaches the input port 23b of the second supply path 22b, and closed at all other times. In other words, the control unit 190 controls the first adjustment unit 5a and the second adjustment unit 5b based on the position of the rotor 40a within its rotational period.

[0059] As a result, when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a is not in the position of the input port 23a of the first supply path 22a, no material is supplied, thus preventing material from getting stuck between the rotor 40a and the barrel 50. In other words, by selectively opening the first adjustment unit 5a at the timing when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a coincides with the input port 23a of the first supply path 22a, material clogging can be prevented. The same applies to the second supply path 22b.

[0060] Furthermore, by storing materials of different colors in material storage section 20a and material storage section 20b, it is possible to manufacture molded products with a marble pattern. For example, red material can be stored in material storage section 20a and white material in material storage section 20b. Using a two-groove rotor 40b, the first adjustment section 5a and the second adjustment section 5b are opened and closed in accordance with the rotation period of the rotor 40b so that red material is supplied to one groove and white material is supplied to the other groove. This makes it possible to produce plastic material with a red and white marble pattern. Alternatively, for example, recycled material, such as runners created during molding, can be stored in material storage section 20a, and new material can be stored in material storage section 20b. By adjusting the opening and closing of the first adjustment section 5a and the second adjustment section 5b, recycled material can be mixed with new material in a certain ratio. This makes it possible to reduce environmental impact and material costs.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, by narrowing the flow path diameter using the second adjustment unit 5b, the flow path diameters in the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22b can be made different, as explained in Figure 10, thereby changing the material supply ratio. In this case, the settings of the first adjustment unit 5a and the second adjustment unit 5b are fixed regardless of the rotation of the rotor 40a.

[0062] As described above, the following effects can be obtained with the plasticizing apparatus 104 and injection molding apparatus 200 of this embodiment. In the plasticizer 104, at least one of the first supply path 22a and the second supply path 22b is provided with an adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of material supplied. The control unit 190 controls the first adjustment unit 5a and the second adjustment unit 5b based on the position of the rotor 40a within its rotation period.

[0063] According to this, when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a is not in the position of the input port 23a of the first supply path 22a, no material is supplied, thus preventing material from getting stuck between the rotor 40a and the barrel 50. Therefore, by selectively opening the first adjustment unit 5a at the timing when the supply port 44 of the rotor 40a coincides with the input port 23a of the first supply path 22a, material clogging can be prevented. Therefore, a plasticizing device 104 capable of stably supplying material in a uniform plasticized state can be provided. Note that the first adjustment unit 5a and the second adjustment unit 5b are not limited to a shutter mechanism; other known mechanisms can be used as long as they can adjust the amount of material supplied.

[0064] Embodiment 6 ***Different Types of Plasticizing Apparatus - 5*** Figure 13 is an enlarged view of section d in Figure 2. Figure 13 shows the molding die 10. In each of the above embodiments, a cap member 85 may be provided around the hot runner 75 to improve the maintainability of the mold. Hereafter, the same parts as in the above embodiments will be numbered, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0065] As shown in Figure 13, the nozzle portion 60 of the plasticizer 100 is positioned directly above the cavity 95 of the mold 10. The mold 10 is constructed by the contact of an upper mold 11 as a fixed mold and a lower mold 15 as a movable mold. In other words, the mold 10 includes an upper mold 11 as a fixed mold and a lower mold 15 as a movable mold. The upper mold 11 is provided with mounting holes 12 for the hot runner 75. The mounting holes 12 are formed so that the inner diameter gradually decreases as they deepen in the Z-minus direction from the opening. The deepest end 12a of the mounting hole 12 is formed in a substantially conical shape with a gradually decreasing inner diameter. The tip of the end 12a functions as a gate opening 67 through which the molding material is injected. The gate opening 67 is configured as a substantially circular hole.

[0066] The hot runner 75 is positioned in the mounting hole 12 of the upper mold 11 and guides the heated molding material supplied from the plasticizer 100 to the gate opening 67. As shown in Figure 13, the hot runner 75 consists of a main body 76, a nozzle 60, heaters 78a and 78b, and the like. The main body 76 is roughly cylindrical in shape, and a female thread (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the end on the gate opening 67 side.

[0067] The nozzle section 60 consists of a connecting section 63, a flange section 64, a tip section 65, and the like. The connecting portion 63 is substantially cylindrical in shape, and a male thread (not shown) is formed on its outer surface. This male thread is screwed into the female thread of the main body portion 76, and the connecting portion 63 (nozzle portion 60) is fixed inside the main body portion 76. The flange portion 64 is a flange-shaped part having a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 63. The tip portion 65 is a roughly conical part that protrudes from the flange portion 64 toward the gate opening 67. The connecting portion 63, the flange portion 64, and the tip portion 65 are formed as a single unit.

[0068] A flow channel 77 is formed in the center of the main body 76 and the nozzle 60. The flow channel 77 is provided along the center line 61 and has the function of guiding the molding material to the gate opening 67. The flow path 77 communicates with the two branched nozzle openings 65a at the tip 65 of the nozzle section 60. Note that the number of nozzle openings 65a is not limited to two; there may be three or more. Due to this structure, when the area around the nozzle portion 60 is observed from the cavity 95 side, it has a ring-shaped form centered on the tip portion 65. For this reason, the gate opening 67 is configured as an open gate structure, also known as a ring gate. In an open gate structure, the flow path 77 is not blocked even when the molding material hardens, and the gate opening 67 remains open at all times.

[0069] Heater 78a is a coil heater embedded in the main body 76 and heats the hot runner 75. Heater 78b is a coil heater surrounding the outer circumference of the connection portion 63 of the nozzle portion 60 and heats the nozzle portion 60. The heating of heaters 78a and 78b maintains the molten state of the molding material flowing through the flow path 77.

[0070] ***Construction of the cap component*** Figure 14 is an enlarged view of section j in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, a cap member 85 is provided around the hot runner 75. More specifically, the cap member 85 is a cylindrical cap member that is slightly thicker than the cylindrical main body 76 of the hot runner 75 and surrounds the main body 76. The cavity 95 side of the cap member 85 is formed up to just before the flange 64 of the nozzle 60, and its tip is open.

[0071] As shown in Figure 14, the cap member 85 has an inner core portion 85a and a surface shell portion 85b. The cap member 85 is made of a material with a melting point higher than that of the material to be plasticized. In a preferred example, the material of the cap member 85 is metal. The core portion 85a has multiple voids, and its porosity is greater than that of the shell portion 85b. The shell portion 85b is formed to be harder than the core portion 85a. In other words, the material density of the core portion 85a is coarse, while the material density of the shell portion 85b is dense.

[0072] In a preferred example, the cap member 85 is a component fabricated using a 3D printer from a metal-containing material. Stainless steel is preferred as the metal. However, it is not limited to stainless steel; any metal with equivalent physical properties is acceptable. In other words, the cap member 85 is made of a material with a melting point higher than that of the material to be plasticized, and is positioned between the upper mold 11 and the nozzle portion 60. Furthermore, the difference in density between the core portion 85a and the surface shell portion 85b can be achieved, for example, by using the hollow-out molding technique of a 3D printer. Specifically, the molding program is set so that the material density of the core portion 85a is coarse and the material density of the shell portion 85b is dense, and then 3D molding is performed.

[0073] As described above, the plasticizer 100 and injection molding apparatus 200 of this embodiment provide the following advantages. In an injection molding apparatus 200 equipped with a plasticizer 100, the mold 10 includes an upper mold 11 as a fixed mold and a lower mold 15 as a movable mold, and is positioned between the upper mold 11 and the nozzle portion 60, and includes a cap member 85 made of a material with a melting point higher than that of the material to be plasticized, the cap member 85 having an inner core portion 85a and a surface shell portion 85b, the core portion 85a having multiple voids and having a greater void ratio than the shell portion 85b.

[0074] In normal molding, when the cap member 85 is not provided, plasticized material is filled around the hot runner 75 in the mounting hole 12, and this resin acts as a cap member. However, because the area around the hot runner 75 is always at a high temperature, the filled resin is prone to carbonization, requiring periodic cleaning. In contrast, by providing a metal cap member 85 around the hot runner 75, the frequency of cleaning can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the maintainability of the mold 10. Furthermore, because the core portion 85a is formed with a coarse material density, the core portion 85a functions as an air insulation layer, thereby improving the insulation between the hot runner 75 and the upper mold 11. This reduces carbonization of the resin. When resin carbonization is reduced, the occurrence of defects such as black spots on molded products is also reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide an injection molding apparatus 200 that is easy to maintain, has high molding efficiency, and is highly stable.

[0075] Embodiment 7 ***3D printing equipment*** Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional printing apparatus. The plasticizing devices 100 to 104 of each of the above embodiments can also be applied to three-dimensional molding devices. Hereafter, the same parts as in the above embodiments will be numbered, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0076] As shown in Figure 15, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 of this embodiment consists of a plasticizer 100 that generates and extrudes molding material made of a plasticizer, a stage 210 having a molding surface 211 on which the molding material is layered, a position changing unit 230 that changes the relative position between the nozzle unit 60 and the stage 210, and a control unit 191 that controls the position changing unit 230, and the like.

[0077] The stage 210 is positioned opposite the nozzle 60. In this embodiment, the molding surface 211 of the stage 210 opposite the nozzle 60 is positioned parallel to the X,Y directions, i.e., the horizontal direction. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 creates a three-dimensional object by extruding molding material from the tip of the nozzle 60 toward the molding surface 211 of the stage 210 and stacking layers during three-dimensional molding. In other words, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 comprises a plasticizer 100, a nozzle 60 that extrudes the material plasticized by the plasticizer 100, and a stage 210 having a molding surface 211 on which the material is stacked. The stage 210 is equipped with a stage heater 212 as a heating element. The stage heater 212 prevents a rapid drop in the temperature of the molding material extruded onto the stage 210.

[0078] The position changing unit 230 changes the relative position between the nozzle unit 60 and the stage 210. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle unit 60 is fixed, and the position changing unit 230 moves the stage 210. The position changing unit 230 is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 210 in three axes in the X, Y, and Z directions using the driving force of three motors. Under the control of the control unit 191, the position changing unit 230 changes the relative positional relationship between the nozzle unit 60 and the stage 210. Note that the movement of the nozzle unit 60 means moving the nozzle unit 60 relative to the stage 210.

[0079] Alternatively, instead of using the position-changing unit 230 to move the stage 210, the position-changing unit 230 may move the nozzle unit 60 relative to the stage 210 while the stage 210 remains in a fixed position. Alternatively, the position-changing unit 230 may be used to move the stage 210 in the Z direction and the nozzle unit 60 in the X and Y directions, or the position-changing unit 230 may be used to move the stage 210 in the X and Y directions and the nozzle unit 60 in the Z direction. Even with these configurations, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle unit 60 and the stage 210 can be changed.

[0080] As described above, the following effects can be obtained with the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 of this embodiment. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 comprises a plasticizer 100, a nozzle 60 for discharging the material plasticized by the plasticizer 100, and a stage 210 having a molding surface 211 on which the material is layered. According to this, since the three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 is equipped with a plasticizer 100, it can efficiently perform 3D molding using a stably supplied, uniformly plasticized material. Therefore, it is possible to provide a three-dimensional molding apparatus 300 with high molding efficiency and excellent stability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 5a...First adjustment section, 5b...Second adjustment section, 10...Molding mold, 11...Upper mold, 12...Mounting hole, 12a...End section, 13...Upper mold support section, 15...Lower mold, 20a~20d...Material storage section, 21a,21b...Pipe section, 22a...First supply path, 22b...Second supply path, 22c...Third supply path, 22d...Fourth supply path, 22e...Second supply path, 22f...Second supply path, 23a~23f...Inlet, 24...Inlet opening, 24a,24b...Inlet opening 40a~40c...Rotor, 42...Groove forming surface, 43...Side, 44...Supply port, 45...Groove, 46...Protruding ridge, 48...Stagnation suppression part, 50...Barrel, 52...Opposite surface, 54...Guide groove, 56...Communication hole, 58...Heater, 59...Check valve, 60...Nozzle part, 61...Centerline, 63...Connection part, 64...Flange part, 65...Tip part, 65a...Nozzle opening, 67...Gate opening, 70...Injection control mechanism, 71...Injection cylinder, 72...Plunger, 75 ...Hot runner, 76...Main body, 77...Flow path, 78a, 78b...Heater, 80...Housing section, 81...Case body, 81a...Opening, 82...Upper cover, 85...Cap member, 85a...Core section, 85b...Shell section, 90...Base section, 91...Wheels, 92...Stopper legs, 95...Cavity, 96...Drive motor, 97...Rotor reducer, 98...Rotor drive section, 100~104...Plasticizing device, 130...Lower mold support section, 140... Position change unit, 141...Movable unit, 142...Electric actuator, 150...Base, 170...Clamping device, 171...Clamping motor, 172...Reduction gear, 173...Ball screw unit, 174...Movable platen, 175...First support unit, 176...Second support unit, 180...Ejector unit, 190,191...Control unit, 200...Injection molding device, 210...Stage, 211...Building surface, 212...Stage heater, 230...Position change unit, 300...Three-dimensional molding device.

Claims

1. A rotor having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed therein, which rotates around a rotation axis, and having a supply port on its side that communicates with the grooves, A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface in the direction in which the rotation axis extends, and having a communication hole formed therein for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside, A heating unit that heats the material supplied to the groove via the supply port, It comprises a housing section for housing the rotor, The receiving section is provided with a first supply path and a second supply path that can supply the material to the supply port. At least one of the first supply path and the second supply path is provided with an adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of material supplied. The control unit that controls the adjustment unit controls the adjustment unit based on its position within the rotation period of the rotor. Plasticizing equipment.

2. A first material storage section communicating with the first supply path, A second material storage section communicating with the second supply path, The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first material is stored in the first material storage section. The second material is stored in the second material storage section. The first material and the second material are different materials. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first supply path and the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path are different. The plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the ends of the first supply path and the second supply path on the supply port side are considered as one end, The other ends of the first supply path and the second supply path are connected directly or indirectly. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1 to 3 or 5, A nozzle section for injecting the material plasticized by the plasticizing device, The system includes a fixing part for fixing a mold that receives the material, Injection molding equipment.

7. The molding die includes a movable die and a fixed die. A cap member is provided, which is positioned between the fixed type and the nozzle portion and is made of a material with a melting point higher than the melting point of the material. The aforementioned cap member has an inner core portion and a surface shell portion. The core portion has multiple voids and has a greater porosity than the shell portion. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 6.

8. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1 to 3 or 5, A nozzle section for discharging the material plasticized by the plasticizing device, A stage having a molding surface on which the aforementioned material is layered, comprising Three-dimensional modeling device.

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