Plasticizing apparatus, three-dimensional molding apparatus, and injection molding apparatus

Abstract

To provide plasticizing equipment, three-dimensional modeling equipment, and injection molding equipment that are easy to maintain.SOLUTION: A plasticizer for plasticizing a material to produce a plasticized material comprises: a screw having a groove-forming surface on which a groove is formed; a barrel having a facing surface opposite the groove-forming surface and having a connecting hole through which the plasticized material flows outward; a first heating portion disposed in the barrel for heating the material fed into the groove; and a first detecting portion disposed in the barrel for detecting a temperature of the groove. The barrel has a first hole for accommodating the first heating unit and a second hole for accommodating the first detection unit, the direction in which the first hole extends and the direction in which the second hole extends are coincident, and the first heating unit and the first detection unit are connected to each other via fixed members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a plasticizing device, a three-dimensional shaping device, and an injection molding device equipped with a flat screw.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Plasticizing devices, three-dimensional shaping devices, and injection molding devices need to be maintained regularly, but the maintenance work is complicated because the structure of the devices is complex.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a plasticizing device is provided. The plasticizing device is a plasticizing device that plasticizes a material to generate a plasticized material, and includes a screw having a groove-forming surface on which a groove is formed, a barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having a communication hole through which the plasticized material flows out to the outside, a first heating unit disposed in the barrel and heating the material supplied to the groove, and a first detection unit disposed in the barrel and detecting the temperature of the groove. The barrel has a first hole for accommodating the first heating unit and a second hole for accommodating the first detection unit, the direction in which the first hole extends and the direction in which the second hole extends coincide with each other, and the first heating unit and the first detection unit are connected to each other via a fixing member.

[0006] A third-dimensional molding apparatus is provided according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The third-dimensional molding apparatus comprises a plasticizer and a nozzle for discharging the plasticizer toward a table.

[0007] A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides an injection molding apparatus comprising a plasticizer and a nozzle for injecting the plasticizer into a mold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing device. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the screw. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 5] This is a side view of the barrel and block. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the heater unit. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the heater unit connected to the molding section. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the barrel and block in the second embodiment, perpendicular to the Y direction. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the block in the second embodiment, perpendicular to the X direction. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a method for removing solid matter adhering to the communication holes of a barrel. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a method for removing solid material adhering to the flow path of a block. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the plunger unit. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the plunger unit connected to the plasticizer. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the mounting section. [Figure 15]It is a perspective view of the three-dimensional shaping apparatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the plasticizing apparatus in a state where the first part and the second part are separated. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus and the mold clamping apparatus in the fourth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A. First Embodiment: FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are explanatory diagrams showing a schematic configuration of the three-dimensional shaping apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. In FIGS. 1 and 2, arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions orthogonal to each other are shown. The X direction and the Y direction are directions parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z direction is a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate the same directions as the X, Y, and Z directions in other figures. When specifying the direction, the positive direction, which is the direction indicated by the arrow, is denoted as "+", and the negative direction, which is the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow, is denoted as "-", and positive and negative signs are used in combination in the direction notation.

[0010] The three-dimensional shaping apparatus 100 includes a shaping unit 10, a table 20, a position changing unit 30, a table heating unit 40, and a control unit 50.

[0011] The control unit 50 is a control device that controls the operation of the entire three-dimensional shaping apparatus. The control unit 50 is constituted by a computer including one or a plurality of processors, a memory, and an input / output interface for performing signal input / output with the outside. The control unit 50 exhibits various functions such as a function of executing a shaping process for shaping a three-dimensional shaped object by the processor executing a program or instruction read onto the main storage device. Note that the control unit 50 may be realized by a configuration in which a plurality of circuits for realizing at least a part of each function are combined instead of being constituted by a computer.

[0012] Under the control of the control unit 50, the shaping unit 10 discharges a plasticized material, which is obtained by plasticizing a solid-state material into a paste state, onto a table 20 that serves as a base for a three-dimensional shaped object. The shaping unit 10 includes a material supply unit 11, a plasticizing device 12, and a nozzle 13. The shaping unit 10 is also referred to as a head.

[0013] The three-dimensional shaping device 100 includes, as the shaping unit 10, a first shaping unit 10a and a second shaping unit 10b. The first shaping unit 10a includes a first material supply unit 11a as the material supply unit 11, a first plasticizing device 12a as the plasticizing device 12, and a first nozzle 13a as the nozzle 13. The second shaping unit 10b includes a second material supply unit 11b as the material supply unit 11, a second plasticizing device 12b as the plasticizing device 12, and a second nozzle 13b as the nozzle 13. The first shaping unit 10a and the second shaping unit 10b are arranged side by side in the X direction so that their positions in the Y direction coincide. The second shaping unit 10b is arranged at the +X direction position of the first shaping unit 10a. Since the configuration of the first shaping unit 10a and the configuration of the second shaping unit 10b are the same, hereinafter, when not particularly distinguishing between the two, they may be simply referred to as the shaping unit 10. Also, when distinguishing the constituent members of the two, the constituent members of the first shaping unit 10a are denoted with the symbol "a", and the constituent members of the second shaping unit 10b are denoted with the symbol "b".

[0014] The material supply unit 11 supplies a material for generating a plasticized material to the plasticizing device 12. The material supply unit 11 is constituted by, for example, a hopper. The material supply unit 11 stores materials in the form of pellets or powder. As the material, for example, thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), and polyacetal resin (POM) are used. Below the material supply unit 11, a communication path 15 connecting the material supply unit 11 and the plasticizing device 12 is provided. The material supply unit 11 supplies the material to the plasticizing device 12 through the communication path 15.

[0015] The plasticizer 12 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the material supply unit 11, generating a fluid paste-like plasticizer material which is then guided to the nozzle 13. Here, "plasticization" is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a solid 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 plasticizer 12 comprises a screw 110, a drive motor 120, a barrel 130, and a discharge unit 140.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the screw 110 is housed in the lower case 152. The upper side of the screw 110 is connected to the drive motor 120 via the drive shaft 121. The screw 110 rotates together with the drive shaft 121 when the drive motor 120 provides driving force to the drive shaft 121. The rotation axis RX of the screw 110 coincides with the axis of the drive shaft 121. The axial direction of the rotation axis RX of the screw 110 is along the Z direction. The rotational speed of the screw 110 is controlled by the control unit 50 controlling the rotational speed of the drive motor 120. The screw 110 may also be driven by the drive motor 120 via a reduction gear. The screw 110 is also called a rotor or flat screw. The drive shaft 121 is located in the upper case 151, which is situated above the lower case 152.

[0017] The barrel 130 is installed on the -Z side of the screw 110. The upper surface 131 of the barrel 130 faces the groove-forming surface 111, which is the lower surface of the screw 110. A communication hole 132 is formed in the center of the barrel 130, which communicates with the flow path 142 of the discharge section 140. Inside the barrel 130 are a first heating section 201 for heating the material supplied to the groove 113 of the screw 110 (described later) and a first detection section 202 for detecting the temperature of the groove 113 of the screw 110. Details of the barrel 130 will be described later.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the screw 110. The screw 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the length in the direction along the rotation axis RX is smaller than the length in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RX. A spiral groove 113 is formed on the groove-forming surface 111, centered on the central part 112. The groove 113 communicates with a material input port 114 formed on the side surface of the screw 110. Material supplied from the material supply unit 11 is supplied to the groove 113 through the material input port 114. The groove 113 is formed by being separated by a protruding ridge 115. Figure 3 shows an example in which three grooves 113 are formed, but the number of grooves 113 may be one or two or more. Note that the groove 113 is not limited to a spiral shape, but may also be helical or involute curved, or may extend in an arc from the central part 112 toward the outer circumference.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the barrel 130. Multiple guide grooves 133 are formed around the communication hole 132 on the opposing surface 131. One end of each guide groove 133 is connected to the communication hole 132, and it extends in a spiral shape from the communication hole 132 toward the outer circumference of the opposing surface 131. Note that one end of the guide groove 133 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 132. Also, the barrel 130 does not have to have guide grooves 133 formed thereon.

[0020] The material supplied to the groove 113 of the screw 110 flows along the groove 113 while being plasticized within the groove 113 by the rotation of the screw 110 and the heating of the first heating section 201, and is guided to the central section 112 of the screw 110 as plasticizing material. The paste-like plasticizing material that has flowed into the central section 112 and exhibits fluidity is supplied to the discharge section 140 through the communication hole 132. Note that in the plasticizing section, it is not necessary for all types of substances constituting the plasticizing material to be plasticized. It is sufficient that the plasticizing material is converted into a fluid state as a whole by plasticizing at least some of the types of substances constituting the plasticizing material.

[0021] The discharge unit 140 shown in Figure 2 comprises a block 141, a flow path 142, a flow rate adjustment unit 143, and a suction unit 144.

[0022] Block 141 is installed on the -Z side of the barrel 130. A flow path 142 is formed in block 141. Inside block 141 are a second heating unit 203 for heating block 141 and a second detection unit 204 for detecting the temperature of block 141. Details of block 141 will be described later.

[0023] The nozzle 13 is located at the lower end of the block 141. The nozzle 13 is connected to the communication hole 132 of the barrel 130 through the flow path 142. The nozzle 13 discharges the plasticizing material generated in the plasticizer 12 from the discharge port 145 at the tip of the nozzle 13 toward the table 20.

[0024] The flow rate adjustment unit 143 changes the opening of the flow path 142 by rotating within the flow path 142. The flow rate adjustment unit 143 is composed of a butterfly valve. The flow rate adjustment unit 143 is controlled by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 adjusts the flow rate of the plasticizing material flowing from the plasticizer 12 to the nozzle 13, that is, the flow rate of the plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 13, by controlling the rotation angle of the butterfly valve. The flow rate adjustment unit 143 adjusts the flow rate of the plasticizing material and also controls the on / off state of the outflow of the plasticizing material. Alternatively, the flow rate adjustment unit 143 may have a shutter mechanism, and the flow rate of the plasticizing material may be adjusted by changing the opening of the flow path 142 using the shutter mechanism.

[0025] The suction unit 144 includes a cylinder connected to a flow path 142 between the flow rate adjustment unit 143 and the discharge port 145, a plunger that reciprocates within the cylinder, and a plunger drive unit that drives the plunger. When the discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 13 stops, the suction unit 144 temporarily sucks the plasticizing material in the flow path 142 into the cylinder, thereby suppressing the trailing phenomenon in which the plasticizing material hangs down in a string-like manner from the discharge port 145. The suction unit 144 is controlled by the control unit 50. In this embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 143 and the suction unit 144 are collectively referred to as the discharge adjustment unit.

[0026] When the control unit 50 wants to stop the discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 13, it first controls the flow rate adjustment unit 143 to turn off the outflow of the plasticizing material, and then controls the suction unit 144 to suck up the plasticizing material. When it wants to restart the discharge of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 13, it controls the suction unit 144 to send out the plasticizing material that has been sucked up by the suction unit 144, and then controls the flow rate adjustment unit 143 to turn on the outflow of the plasticizing material.

[0027] The table 20 is positioned opposite the discharge port 145 of the nozzle 13. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 creates a three-dimensional object by extruding plasticizing material from the nozzle 13 toward the molding surface 21 of the table 20 and accumulating layers of material.

[0028] The position changing unit 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 13 and the table 20. In this embodiment, the position changing unit 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 13 and the table 20 by moving the molding unit 10 along the Z direction, which is the stacking direction, and moving the table 20 in a direction intersecting the stacking direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, the position changing unit 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 13 and the table 20 in the Z direction by moving the molding unit 10 along the Z direction, and changes the relative position between the nozzle 13 and the table 20 in the X and Y directions by moving the table 20 in the X and Y directions. As shown in Figure 1, the position changing unit 30 is composed of a first electric actuator 31 that moves the table 20 along the X direction, a second electric actuator 32 that moves the table 20 and the first electric actuator 31 along the Y direction, and a third electric actuator 33 that moves the molding unit 10 along the Z direction. The third electric actuator 33 moves the first molding section 10a and the second molding section 10b along the Z-direction by moving the movable section 41, to which the first molding section 10a and the second molding section 10b are fixed, along the Z-direction. Note that the third electric actuator 33 and the movable section 41 are omitted in Figure 2.

[0029] The first electric actuator 31, the second electric actuator 32, and the third electric actuator 33 described above are driven under the control of the control unit 50. The position changing unit 30 may, for example, move the table 20 in the Z direction and move the molding unit 10 along the X and Y directions, or it may move the table 20 in the X, Y and Z directions without moving the molding unit 10, or it may move the molding unit 10 in the X, Y and Z directions without moving the table 20.

[0030] The table heating unit 40 heats the plasticizing material laminated on the table 20. The table heating unit 40 is fixed to the movable unit 41. The table heating unit 40 is moved in the Z direction by the third electric actuator 33 together with the molding unit 10. As shown in Figure 2, the table heating unit 40 is provided with an opening 42 that penetrates in the Z direction. When the nozzle 13 is extruding the plasticizing material to create a three-dimensional object, it is located inside the opening 42, and the tip of the nozzle 13 is positioned between the table heating unit 40 and the table 20 in the Z direction.

[0031] Figure 5 is a side view of the barrel 130 and block 141. The barrel 130 has a first hole 146 for housing the first heating unit 201 and a second hole 147 for housing the first detection unit 202. The direction in which the first hole 146 extends and the direction in which the second hole 147 extends are the same. That is, the insertion direction of the first heating unit 201 into the first hole 146 is the same as the insertion direction of the first detection unit 202 into the second hole 147. In this embodiment, the direction in which the first hole 146 and the second hole 147 extend is the Y direction. In this specification, "the same" means that a state in which they do not perfectly coincide and are slightly tilted is also acceptable. For example, if the diameter of the first hole 146 is larger than the diameter of the first heating section 201, or if the diameter of the second hole 147 is larger than the diameter of the first detection section 202, the direction in which the first hole 146 extends and the direction in which the second hole 147 extends may be slightly inclined.

[0032] Furthermore, block 141 has a third hole 156 for housing the second heating unit 203 and a fourth hole 157 for housing the second detection unit 204. The direction in which the third hole 156 extends and the direction in which the fourth hole 157 extends are the same. That is, the insertion direction of the second heating unit 203 into the third hole 156 and the insertion direction of the second detection unit 204 into the fourth hole 157 are the same. In this embodiment, the direction in which the third hole 156 and the fourth hole 157 extend is the Y direction. The direction in which the third hole 156 and the fourth hole 157 extend is the same as the direction in which the first hole 146 and the second hole 147 extend.

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the heater unit 210. The heater unit 210 includes a first heating section 201, a first detection section 202, a second heating section 203, a second detection section 204, and a fixing member 205. The first heating section 201, the first detection section 202, the second heating section 203, and the second detection section 204 are cylindrical in shape with an axis along the Y direction and are provided to protrude from the fixing member 205 in the -Y direction. The first heating section 201, the first detection section 202, the second heating section 203, and the second detection section 204 are each fixed to the fixing member 205 and connected by the fixing member 205. The fixing member 205 houses the wiring for the first heating section 201, the first detection section 202, the second heating section 203, and the second detection section 204. The first heating section 201 and the second heating section 203 are, for example, heaters. The first detection section 202 and the second detection section 204 are, for example, thermocouples. The first heating section 201, the first detection section 202, the second heating section 203, and the second detection section 204 are positioned such that when the heater unit 210 is connected to the plasticizer 12, the first heating section 201 is inserted into the first hole 146, the first detection section 202 is inserted into the second hole 147, the second heating section 203 is inserted into the third hole 156, and the second detection section 204 is inserted into the fourth hole 157.

[0034] Figure 7 shows the state in which the heater unit 210 is connected to the plasticizer 12. By connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12, the first heating unit 201 is inserted into the first hole 146, the first detection unit 202 is inserted into the second hole 147, the second heating unit 203 is inserted into the third hole 156, and the second detection unit 204 is inserted into the fourth hole 157. In other words, by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12, the first heating unit 201 and the first detection unit 202 are arranged inside the barrel 130, and the second heating unit 203 and the second detection unit 204 are arranged inside the block 141.

[0035] In the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 of this embodiment described above, a first hole 146 and a second hole 147 are formed in the barrel 130, and a third hole 156 and a fourth hole 157 are formed in the block 141, with the directions in which the first hole 146, the second hole 147, the third hole 156, and the fourth hole 157 extend being the same. Furthermore, the heater unit 210 has a first heating section 201, a first detection section 202, a second heating section 203, and a second detection section 204, and the first heating section 201, the first detection section 202, the second heating section 203, and the second detection section 204 are connected by a fixing member 205. Therefore, when the heater unit 210 is connected to the plasticizer 12, the first heating unit 201 is inserted into the first hole 146, the first detection unit 202 is inserted into the second hole 147, the second heating unit 203 is inserted into the third hole 156, and the second detection unit 204 is inserted into the fourth hole 157. Thus, by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12 from one direction, the first heating unit 201 can be inserted into the first hole 146 at the same time as the first detection unit 202 is inserted into the second hole 147. Furthermore, by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12 from one direction, the first heating unit 201 and the first detection unit 202 can be connected to the barrel 130 at the same time as the second heating unit 203 and the second detection unit 204 are connected to the block 141. Therefore, by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12, the first heating unit 201, the first detection unit 202, the second heating unit 203, and the second detection unit 204 can be connected to the plasticizer 12 together, and by removing the heater unit 210 from the plasticizer 12, the first heating unit 201, the first detection unit 202, the second heating unit 203, and the second detection unit 204 can be removed from the plasticizer 12 together. As a result, maintenance work on the plasticizer 12 can be made easier.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the directions in which the first hole 146 and the second hole 147 extend coincide, and by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12, the first heating unit 201 and the first detection unit 202 can be inserted into the barrel 130 together. Therefore, compared to the case where the first heating unit 201 and the first detection unit 202 are inserted into the barrel 130 from different directions, it is possible to suppress the position of the first heating unit 201 and the first detection unit 202 within the barrel 130 from varying depending on the individual barrel 130. Furthermore, since the extension directions of the third hole 156 and the fourth hole 157 coincide, the second heating section 203 and the second detection section 204 can be inserted together into the block 141 by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12. This suppresses the variation in the positions of the second heating section 203 and the second detection section 204 within the block 141 depending on the individual block 141, compared to the case where the second heating section 203 and the second detection section 204 are inserted into the block 141 from different directions. In addition, since the wiring for the first heating section 201, the first detection section 202, the second heating section 203, and the second detection section 204 is housed in the fixing member 205, it is possible to suppress the wiring from being pinched between the heater unit 210 and the plasticizer 12 when connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12.

[0037] B. Second Embodiment: In the second embodiment, block 141 has a first through hole 161 and a second through hole 171. The configuration of each part of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 other than block 141 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel 130 and block 141 perpendicular to the Y direction in the second embodiment. The first through-hole 161 extends from the surface of block 141 facing the barrel 130 in a direction away from the barrel 130. In this embodiment, the first through-hole 161 is formed to penetrate the block 141 in the Z direction. A screw groove is formed inside the first through-hole 161.

[0039] The barrel 130 and the block 141 are connected by engaging with each other. In this embodiment, the block 141 is fixed to the barrel 130 by screws (not shown).

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, after a three-dimensional object has been fabricated, solid material S, which is the plasticizer used to fabricate the object, adheres to the barrel 130 and block 141 of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100. Therefore, even if the screws engaging the barrel 130 and block 141 are removed, the barrel 130 and block 141 may be stuck together by the solid material S and cannot be separated. In this case, the barrel 130 and block 141 are separated using a push bolt 162. Specifically, the push bolt 162 is inserted into the first through hole 161 and rotated around its axis of rotation AX, thereby moving the push bolt 162 in the +Z direction. The tip of the push bolt 162 presses against the lower surface of the barrel 130, expanding the space between the lower surface of the barrel 130 and the upper surface of the block 141, causing the block 141 to move in the -Z direction.

[0041] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of block 141 perpendicular to the X direction in the second embodiment. The second through-hole 171 is formed from the -Y direction side of block 141 toward the flow rate adjustment section 143. The direction in which the hole of the second through-hole 171 extends is the Y direction. A screw groove is formed inside the second through-hole 171.

[0042] Block 141 is connected to a transmission unit 172 that transmits power from a motor driving the flow rate adjustment unit 143 to the flow rate adjustment unit 143. The transmission unit 172 is connected to block 141 from the +Y direction side of the flow rate adjustment unit 143. In other words, the transmission unit 172 is connected to block 141 from the opposite side of the second through-hole 171, with the flow rate adjustment unit 143 in between. The flow rate adjustment unit 143 and the transmission unit 172 together are also called the valve unit 173. The valve unit 173 is configured to be separable from block 141.

[0043] As shown in Figure 9, solid matter S adheres to the flow path 142 and flow rate adjustment section 143 of the block 141 after the three-dimensional object has been fabricated. Therefore, the valve unit 173 and the block 141 may be bonded together by the solid matter S and cannot be separated. In this case, the valve unit 173 and the block 141 are separated using a push bolt 174. Specifically, the push bolt 174 is inserted into the second through hole 171 and rotated around its axis of rotation BX, thereby moving the push bolt 174 in the +Y direction. The tip of the push bolt 174 pushes the flow rate adjustment section 143, causing the valve unit 173 to move in the +Y direction. Note that when the three-dimensional printing device 100 fabricates a three-dimensional object, the second through hole 171 may be blocked by a cap member or the like instead of a push bolt 174.

[0044] Figure 10 shows an example of a method for removing solid matter S adhering to the communication hole 132 of the barrel 130. To remove solid matter S remaining in the communication hole 132 of the barrel 130, a jig 181 is fixed to the lower surface of the barrel 130, a screw 182 is inserted into the communication hole 132 through a screw hole formed in the jig 181, and the solid matter S in the communication hole 132 is pushed out in the +Z direction by moving the screw 182 in the +Z direction.

[0045] Figure 11 shows an example of a method for removing solid matter S adhering to the flow path 142 of block 141. To remove solid matter S remaining downstream of the flow rate adjustment section 143 in the flow path 142 of block 141, the protruding part 184 of the jig 183 is inserted into the flow path 142 from the +Z direction, and the jig 183 is moved in the -Z direction to push the solid matter S in the flow path 142 in the -Z direction.

[0046] According to the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 of this embodiment described above, the block 141 has a first through hole 161, and by inserting a push bolt 162 into the first through hole 161 and pushing the lower surface of the barrel 130, the barrel 130 and the block 141 can be separated even if solid matter S is adhering to the barrel 130 and the block 141 after the three-dimensional molding has been completed. Therefore, the barrel 130 and the block 141 can be separated without heating and softening the solid matter S remaining on the barrel 130 and the block 141. Consequently, maintenance work on the barrel 130 and the block 141 can be made easier.

[0047] Furthermore, the block 141 has a second through-hole 171, and by inserting a push bolt 174 into the second through-hole 171 and pushing the valve unit 173, the valve unit 173 and the block 141 can be separated even if solid matter S is adhering to the flow path 142 and flow rate adjustment section 143 of the block 141 after the three-dimensional object has been fabricated. Therefore, the valve unit 173 and the block 141 can be separated without heating and softening the solid matter S remaining in the flow path 142 and flow rate adjustment section 143 of the block 141. Consequently, maintenance work on the valve unit 173 and the block 141 can be made easier.

[0048] C. Third Embodiment: In the third embodiment, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a mounting section 230 on which an ejection adjustment unit separated from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can be mounted, and a support section 211 for suspending the plasticizer 12. In the third embodiment, the plasticizer 12 is configured to be separable into a first section 191 and a second section 192. The configuration of each part of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 other than the plasticizer 12, the mounting section 230, and the support section 211 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the plunger unit 220. The plunger unit 220 includes a first engaging portion 221, a plunger 222, and a plunger drive unit 223. The plunger 222 and the plunger drive unit 223 are identical to the plunger and plunger drive unit of the suction portion 144 described in the first embodiment. The first engaging portion 221 is a member provided to protrude from the plunger unit 220 in the +Y direction. The plunger 222 is driven by the plunger drive unit 223, which is configured to be motorized. In the third embodiment, the plunger unit 220 is configured to be separable from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100.

[0050] Figure 13 shows the plunger unit 220 connected to the plasticizer 12. The plunger unit 220 is fixed to the plasticizer 12 by fixing the end of the first engaging portion 221 to the side surface of the upper case 151. When the plunger unit 220 is connected to the plasticizer 12, the plunger 222 is inserted into a cylinder provided in the block 141 and connected to the flow path 142.

[0051] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the mounting section 230. The plunger unit 220, separated from the plasticizer 12, is mounted on the mounting section 230. The mounting section 230 is composed of two plates connected by bolts. The mounting section 230 has a second engaging section 231. The second engaging section 231 is provided at the upper end of the mounting section 230. The end of the first engaging section 221 of the plunger unit 220 is hooked onto the second engaging section 231, thereby engaging the first engaging section 221 and the second engaging section 231. The plunger unit 220 is mounted on the mounting section 230 by the engagement of the first engaging section 221 and the second engaging section 231. The second engaging section 231 may have a screw hole for fixing the end of the first engaging section 221 with a screw, and the first engaging section 221 and the second engaging section 231 may be engaged by a screw.

[0052] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the lower end of the mounting section 230 is fixed to the arm section 46 which is fixed to the movable section 41 of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100. Figure 15 shows the plunger unit 220 mounted on the mounting section 230.

[0053] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the plasticizer 12 with the first part 191 and the second part 192 separated. The first part 191 includes a drive motor 120, a drive shaft 121, an upper case 151, and a screw 110. The second part 192 includes a lower case 152, a barrel 130, and a block 141. Before the plasticizer 12 is separated into the first part 191 and the second part 192, the plunger unit 220 is removed from the plasticizer 12.

[0054] As shown in Figure 15, the support portion 211 is provided on the +Y and +Z sides of the plasticizer 12 and is fixed to the movable portion 41. The support portion 211 suspends the first portion 191 of the plasticizer 12. Figure 15 shows the state in which the first portion 191a of the first plasticizer 12a is suspended from the support portion 211. The support portion 211 has a spring 212 and a second connecting portion 213. The spring 212 is, for example, a leaf spring. Preferably, the spring 212 is a constant-load spring. The second connecting portion 213 is a member that suspends the first portion 191 and is fixed to the lower end of the spring 212. The second connecting portion 213 is, for example, a hook.

[0055] The first part 191 has a first connecting portion 214. As shown in Figures 13 and 16, the first connecting portion 214 is provided at the upper end of the plasticizer 12. The first connecting portion 214 is a plate-shaped member having an opening 215 and is fixed to the drive motor 120. The first part 191 is suspended from the support portion 211 by the second connecting portion 213 catching on the opening 215 of the first connecting portion 214. The second part 192 is not suspended from the support portion 211.

[0056] As described above, in the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the plunger unit 220 is configured to be detachable from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100, and the plunger unit 220 removed from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can be placed on the mounting section 230 by the engagement of the first engaging portion 221 of the plunger unit 220 with the second engaging portion 231 of the mounting section 230. Therefore, compared to a configuration without a mounting section 230, when the plunger unit 220 is removed from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100, it is not necessary to place the plunger unit 220 in an unstable location, and the plunger unit 220 can be placed in a more stable state. Consequently, maintenance work on the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can be performed more safely.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plasticizer 12 is configured to be separable into a first part 191 and a second part 192, and the first part 191 is suspended by a support part 211. Therefore, when the plasticizer 12 is disassembled into the first part 191 and the second part 192, only the second part 192 can be removed from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 while leaving the first part 191 in place. Since the plasticizer 12 is heavy, removing only the second part 192 from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 reduces the weight of the parts removed from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 compared to removing the entire plasticizer 12 from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100. Thus, maintenance work on the plasticizer 12 can be made easier. Furthermore, when the plasticizer 12 is disassembled into the first part 191 and the second part 192, the screw 110 and the barrel 130 are separated, making maintenance work on the screw 110 and the barrel 130 easier.

[0058] In this embodiment, the plasticizer 12 may have a valve unit 173 as described in the second embodiment. The valve unit 173 may have a first engaging portion, and the valve unit 173 may be placed on the mounting portion by the first engaging portion of the valve unit 173 engaging with a second engaging portion of a mounting portion other than the mounting portion 230. In this embodiment, the plunger unit 220 and the valve unit 173 are collectively referred to as the discharge adjustment unit. The discharge adjustment unit adjusts the amount of plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 13 and is provided so as to be separable from the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100.

[0059] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus 400 in the fourth embodiment. The injection molding apparatus 400 comprises a material supply unit 11, a plasticizer 12c, a nozzle 13, a mold clamping device 410, a control unit 50c, a heater unit 210, a support unit 211, and a mounting unit 230. In this embodiment, elements with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 12c and the clamping device 410 in the fourth embodiment. The plasticizer 12c comprises a screw 110, a drive motor 120, a barrel 130, a discharge section 140c, and a first connecting section 214.

[0061] In this embodiment, the discharge section 140c comprises a block 141, a flow path 142, a check valve 406, and a suction delivery section 420. The check valve 406 is provided in the flow path 142 of the block 141 to prevent backflow of the plasticizing material from the nozzle 13 side to the screw 110 side. The suction delivery section 420 comprises a suction delivery cylinder 421, a plunger 422, and a plunger drive unit 423. The suction delivery section 420 has the function of injecting the plasticizing material in the suction delivery cylinder 421 into the mold 411. The plunger 422 moves inside the suction delivery cylinder 421 away from the flow path 142, drawing the plasticizing material into the suction delivery cylinder 421 and measuring it. Subsequently, the plunger 422 moves inside the suction discharge cylinder 421 toward the flow path 142, distributing the plasticizing material into the flow path 142. The plasticizing material distributed into the flow path 142 is pressurized to the nozzle 13 and injected from the nozzle 13 into the mold 411. The plunger 422 is driven by the plunger drive unit 423. The plunger 422 and the plunger drive unit 423 are configured to be separable from the injection molding apparatus 400. In this embodiment, the plunger 422 and the plunger drive unit 423 are also referred to as the discharge adjustment unit.

[0062] The barrel 130 has a first hole 146 and a second hole 147, similar to the first embodiment. The block 141 has a third hole 156 and a fourth hole 157, similar to the first embodiment. By connecting the heater unit 210 shown in Figure 17 to the plasticizer 12c, the first heating unit 201 is inserted into the first hole 146, the first detection unit 202 is inserted into the second hole 147, the second heating unit 203 is inserted into the third hole 156, and the second detection unit 204 is inserted into the fourth hole 157.

[0063] The plasticizer 12c is configured to be disassembled into a first part 191 and a second part 192, similar to the third embodiment. The first connecting part 214 is provided at the upper end of the plasticizer 12c, similar to the third embodiment. Also, the block 141 has a first through hole 161 that extends away from the barrel 130 from the surface facing the barrel 130, similar to the second embodiment. The other configurations of the plasticizer 12c are the same as those of the plasticizer 12c in the first embodiment.

[0064] The molding die 411 consists of a fixed die 412 and a movable die 413. The fixed die 412 is fixed to the plasticizer 12c. The movable die 413 is provided by a clamping device 410 so as to be able to move back and forth in the clamping direction relative to the fixed die 412. The plasticized material produced by the plasticizer 12c is injected from the nozzle 13 into the cavity partitioned by the fixed die 412 and the movable die 413. The molding die 411 may be made of metal, resin, or ceramic. A metal molding die 411 is also called a mold.

[0065] The mold clamping device 410 includes a mold drive unit 414. The mold drive unit 414 is composed of a motor, gears, etc., and is connected to the movable mold 413 via a ball screw 415. The mold clamping device 410 rotates the ball screw 415 by driving the mold drive unit 414 under the control of the control unit 50c, thereby moving the movable mold 413 relative to the fixed mold 412 and opening and closing the molding mold 411.

[0066] As shown in Figure 17, the mounting section 230 is fixed on the base 401 of the injection molding apparatus 400. The discharge adjustment section, which is separated from the injection molding apparatus 400, is mounted on the mounting section 230.

[0067] The support portion 211 is fixed on the base 401 of the injection molding apparatus 400. Similar to the third embodiment, the support portion 211 suspends the first portion 191 of the plasticizer 12c by a second connecting portion 213 fixed to the lower end of the spring 212 being hooked onto the opening 215 of the first connecting portion 214 of the plasticizer 12c.

[0068] In the injection molding apparatus 400 of the fourth embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, a first hole 146 and a second hole 147 are formed in the barrel 130, and a third hole 156 and a fourth hole 157 are formed in the block 141. Therefore, by connecting the heater unit 210 to the plasticizer 12c, the first heating unit 201, the first detection unit 202, the second heating unit 203, and the second detection unit 204 can be connected to the plasticizer 12c together, and by removing the heater unit 210 from the molding unit 10, the first heating unit 201, the first detection unit 202, the second heating unit 203, and the second detection unit 204 can be removed from the plasticizer 12c together, thus facilitating maintenance work on the plasticizer 12c.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the block 141 has a first through hole 161, similar to the second embodiment, the barrel 130 and block 141 can be separated without heating and softening the solidified plasticizer S remaining in the barrel 130 and block 141 by inserting a push bolt 162 into the first through hole 161 and pushing the lower surface of the barrel 130. Therefore, maintenance work on the barrel 130 and block 141 can be easily performed.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the injection molding apparatus 400 is equipped with a mounting section 230, the discharge adjustment unit, which has been separated from the injection molding apparatus 400, can be mounted on the mounting section 230. Therefore, when the discharge adjustment unit is removed from the injection molding apparatus 400, it is not necessary to mount the discharge adjustment unit in an unstable location, and the discharge adjustment unit can be mounted in a more stable state.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plasticizer 12c is configured to be separable into a first part 191 and a second part 192, and the first part 191 is suspended by a support part 211. Therefore, when the plasticizer 12c is disassembled into the first part 191 and the second part 192, only the second part 192 can be removed from the injection molding apparatus 400 while the first part 191 remains in the injection molding apparatus 400. Since the plasticizer 12c is heavy, removing only the second part 192 from the injection molding apparatus 400 reduces the weight of the parts to be removed from the injection molding apparatus 400 compared to removing the entire plasticizer 12c from the injection molding apparatus 400.

[0072] E. Other embodiments: (E-1) In the first and fourth embodiments, the heater unit 210 has a second heating section 203 and a second detection section 204. In contrast, the heater unit 210 does not have to have a second heating section 203 and a second detection section 204. If the heater unit 210 does not have a second heating section 203 and a second detection section 204, the directions in which the third hole 156 and the fourth hole 157 extend do not have to coincide with the directions in which the first hole 146 and the second hole 147 extend. That is, the insertion direction of the second heating section 203 into the third hole 156 and the insertion direction of the second detection section 204 into the fourth hole 157 do not have to coincide with the insertion direction of the first heating section 201 into the first hole 146 and the insertion direction of the first detection section 202 into the second hole 147.

[0073] (E-2) In the third and fourth embodiments, the plasticizer 12 is configured to be disassembled into a first part 191 and a second part 192. In contrast, the plasticizer 12 does not have to be configured to be disassembled into a first part 191 and a second part 192.

[0074] (E-3) In the third and fourth embodiments, the support portion 211 suspends the first portion 191. In contrast, the support portion 211 may suspend the entire plasticizer 12 instead of the first portion 191.

[0075] (E-4) In the third and fourth embodiments, the first part 191 has a screw 110 and the second part 192 has a barrel 130. In contrast, the first part 191 does not have to have a screw 110. That is, the plasticizer 12 may be disassembled so that the second part 192 has a screw 110. Also, the second part 192 does not have to have a barrel 130. That is, the plasticizer 12 may be disassembled so that the first part 191 has a barrel 130.

[0076] (E-5) In the third and fourth embodiments, the first portion 191 is suspended from the support portion 211 by the second connecting portion 213 hooking into the opening 215 of the first connecting portion 214. Alternatively, the first connecting portion 214 may have an opening, and the first portion 191 may be suspended from the support portion 211 by the second connecting portion 213 hooking into the opening of the first connecting portion 214. Alternatively, the first portion 191 may be suspended from the support portion 211 by the first connecting portion 214 and the second connecting portion 213 hooking into each other.

[0077] (E-6) In the fourth embodiment, the block 141 does not have to have the first through hole 161. Also, the injection molding apparatus 400 does not have to have the support portion 211 or the mounting portion 230.

[0078] F. 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.

[0079] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plasticizing apparatus is provided for plasticizing a material to produce a plasticizable material. The plasticizing apparatus comprises a screw having a groove-forming surface in which grooves are formed, a barrel having a facing surface opposite to the groove-forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein for the plasticizable material to flow out to the outside, a first heating unit disposed in the barrel for heating the material supplied to the grooves, and a first detection unit disposed in the barrel for detecting the temperature of the grooves, wherein the barrel has a first hole for housing the first heating unit and a second hole for housing the first detection unit, the direction in which the first hole extends and the direction in which the second hole extends coincide, and the first heating unit and the first detection unit are connected to each other via a fixing member. With this embodiment, the first heating unit and the first detection unit can be connected to and removed from the barrel together from one direction, thus facilitating maintenance work on the plasticizing apparatus.

[0080] (2) In the above embodiment, the apparatus comprises a block having a flow path formed in communication with the communication hole, and a second heating unit disposed within the block for heating the block, wherein the block has a third hole for housing the second heating unit, the direction in which the third hole extends coincides with the direction in which the first hole and the second hole extend, and the second heating unit may be fixed to the fixing member. With this embodiment, the first heating unit and the first detection unit can be connected to the barrel at the same time as the second heating unit is connected to the block, and the first heating unit and the first detection unit can be removed from the barrel at the same time as the second heating unit is removed from the block, thus facilitating maintenance work on the plasticizer.

[0081] (3) In the above embodiment, a block is provided in which a flow path communicating with the communication hole is formed, the barrel and the block are connected by engaging with each other, and the block may have a first through hole extending away from the barrel from the surface facing the barrel. With this embodiment, by inserting a push bolt into the first through hole and pushing the barrel with the push bolt, the barrel and the block can be easily separated even if solid material formed from the plasticizing material is adhering to the barrel and the block, thereby facilitating maintenance work on the plasticizing apparatus.

[0082] (4) According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional molding apparatus is provided, comprising the plasticizer and a nozzle for discharging the plasticizer toward a table.

[0083] (5) In the above embodiment, the plasticizer may have a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, and may be provided with a support portion that suspends the plasticizer by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. With this embodiment, since the plasticizer is suspended from the support portion, the plasticizer, which is a heavy object, can be moved from its original position without being removed from the three-dimensional molding apparatus, and maintenance of the three-dimensional molding apparatus can be performed.

[0084] (6) In the above embodiment, the plasticizing device is configured to be separable into a first part and a second part, and the first part may have the first connecting part. With this embodiment, the first part can be suspended from the support by connecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part, and the weight of the part to be removed from the three-dimensional molding device can be reduced by removing only the second part from the three-dimensional molding device while leaving the first part in the three-dimensional molding device.

[0085] (7) In the above configuration, the first part may have the screw and the second part may have the barrel. With this configuration, maintenance work on the screw and barrel can be easily performed.

[0086] (8) In the above embodiment, the dispensing adjustment unit may have a first engaging portion and adjust the amount of plasticizing material dispensed from the nozzle, and be separable from the three-dimensional molding apparatus, and a mounting portion may have a second engaging portion on which the dispensing adjustment unit, separated by engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, can be mounted. With this embodiment, when performing maintenance on the three-dimensional molding apparatus, the dispensing adjustment unit can be mounted in a stable location within the three-dimensional molding apparatus.

[0087] (9) According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding apparatus is provided, comprising the plasticizer and a nozzle for injecting the plasticizer into a mold. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10...Forming section, 10a...First forming section, 10b...Second forming section, 11...Material supply section, 11a...First material supply section, 11b...Second material supply section, 12...Plasticizing device, 12a...First plasticizing device, 12b...Second plasticizing device, 13...Nozzle, 13a...First nozzle, 13b...Second nozzle, 15...Connecting passage, 20...Table, 21...Forming surface, 30...Position change section, 31...First electric actuator, 32...Second electric actuator, 33...Third electric actuator, 40...Table heating section, 41...Movable section, 42 ...Opening, 46...Arm section, 50...Control section, 100...Three-dimensional molding device, 110...Screw, 111...Groove forming surface, 112...Central section, 113...Groove, 114...Material input port, 115...Protruding section, 120...Drive motor, 121...Drive shaft, 130...Barrel, 131...Opposite surface, 132...Communication hole, 133...Guide groove, 140...Discharge section, 141...Block, 142...Flow path, 143...Flow rate adjustment section, 144...Suction section, 145...Discharge port, 146...First hole, 147...Second hole, 151...Upper case, 152...Lower case, 15 6...Third hole, 157...Fourth hole, 161...First through hole, 162...Push bolt, 171...Second through hole, 172...Transmission part, 173...Valve unit, 174...Push bolt, 181...Jig, 182...Screw, 183...Jig, 184...Protruding part, 191...First part, 192...Second part, 201...First heating part, 202...First detection part, 203...Second heating part, 204...Second detection part, 205...Fixing member, 210...Heater unit, 211...Support part, 212...Spring, 213...Second connecting part, 214...First connecting part, 2 15…Opening, 220…Plunger unit, 221…First engagement part, 222…Plunger, 223…Plunger drive unit, 230…Mounting part, 231…Second engagement part, 400…Injection molding device, 401…Base, 406…Check valve, 410…Clamping device, 411…Mold, 412…Fixed mold, 413…Movable mold, 414…Mold drive unit, 415…Ball screw, 420…Suction discharge unit, 421…Suction discharge cylinder, 422…Plunger, 423…Plunger drive unit, RX…Screw rotation axis, S…Solid matter

Claims

1. A plasticizing apparatus that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticizable material, A screw having a groove-forming surface in which grooves are formed, A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein for the plasticizing material to flow out to the outside, A first heating unit is disposed within the barrel and heats the material supplied to the groove, The barrel is equipped with a first detection unit that is positioned inside the barrel and detects the temperature of the groove, The barrel has a first hole for housing the first heating unit and a second hole for housing the first detection unit. The direction in which the first hole extends and the direction in which the second hole extends coincide. The first heating unit and the first detection unit are connected to each other via a fixing member. Plasticizing equipment.

2. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, A block having a flow path that communicates with the aforementioned communication hole, It comprises a second heating unit located within the block and for heating the block, The block has a third hole formed therein for housing the second heating section. The direction in which the third hole extends coincides with the direction in which the first and second holes extend. The second heating section is fixed to the fixing member, Plasticizing equipment.

3. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, The block comprises a channel formed in which a channel communicating with the aforementioned communication hole is formed, The barrel and the block are connected by engaging with each other. The block has a first through hole extending from the surface facing the barrel in a direction away from the barrel. Plasticizing equipment.

4. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, It comprises a nozzle for discharging the plasticizing material toward a table, Three-dimensional printing equipment.

5. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 4, The plasticizing device has a first connecting portion, It has a second connecting portion, and a support portion that suspends the plasticizing device by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Three-dimensional printing equipment.

6. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 5, The plasticizing apparatus is configured to be separable into a first part and a second part. The first part has the first connecting portion, Three-dimensional printing equipment.

7. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 6, The first part has the screw, and the second part has the barrel, Three-dimensional printing equipment.

8. A three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 4, A discharge adjustment unit having a first engagement portion, which adjusts the amount of plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle and is separable from the three-dimensional molding apparatus, It comprises a mounting portion having a second engaging portion, on which the discharge adjustment portion separated by engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be mounted, Three-dimensional printing equipment.

9. The plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, The molding die includes a nozzle for injecting the plasticizing material, Injection molding equipment.

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