Three-dimensional shaping device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional molding device that can improve accuracy of a three-dimensional object.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device comprises: an ejection unit including a plasticization unit that plasticizes a material to generate a molding material, and configured to eject the molding material from a nozzle opening; a stage configured to support the molding material ejected from the ejection unit; a heating unit configured to heat the molding material deposited on the stage; a position changing unit configured to change relative positions of the ejection unit and the stage; a housing configured to accommodate the ejection unit, the stage, the heating unit, and the position changing unit, and including a door; a lock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door; a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of at least one of the plasticization unit, the stage and the heating unit; and a control unit. The control unit controls the lock mechanism based on a detection result of the temperature detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional shaping apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A three-dimensional shaping apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by discharging and laminating a plasticized material and curing it is known.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a thermoplastic material heated and melted by a preheater is extruded from an extrusion nozzle that scans according to preset shape data to a specific area on a base, and more melted material is laminated on the cured material on the base to create a three-dimensional object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a three-dimensional object as described above is taken out of the apparatus while it is hot, the shape of the three-dimensional object may collapse, or warping or deformation due to rapid cooling may occur in the three-dimensional object, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of the three-dimensional object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the three-dimensional shaping apparatus according to the present invention is having a plasticizing unit that plasticizes a material to generate a shaping material, a discharging unit that discharges the shaping material from a nozzle opening, a stage that supports the shaping material discharged from the discharging unit, a heating unit that heats the shaping material deposited on the stage, A position changing unit that changes the relative position between the discharge unit and the stage, A housing having a door, which houses the discharge unit, the stage, the heating unit, and the position changing unit, A locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the aforementioned door, A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the plasticizing unit, the stage, and the heating unit, Control unit and Includes, The control unit controls the locking mechanism based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view showing the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view showing the flat screw of the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic plan view showing the barrel of the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit of the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view illustrating the process of forming the build layer of the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0009] 1. Three-dimensional printing equipment 1.1. Overall structure First, the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views showing the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2, showing the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0010] In Figures 1 to 3, the X, Y, and Z axes are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X and Y axes are, for example, horizontal. The Z axis is, for example, vertical.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes, for example, an ejection unit 10, a stage 20, a position change unit 30, a support member 40, heating units 50, 54, temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, 66, a housing 70, a locking mechanism 78, a cooling unit 80, a discharge mechanism 82, a gas detection unit 84, an open / close detection unit 86, a signal tower 88, a receiving unit 90, a display unit 92, and a control unit 94.

[0012] For convenience, Figures 2 and 3 show the housing 70 as a transparent view. Also, Figures 2 and 3 omit the locking mechanism 78, cooling unit 80, discharge mechanism 82, gas detection unit 84, opening / closing detection unit 86, signal tower 88, reception unit 90, and display unit 92. Furthermore, Figure 2 omits the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66.

[0013] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 extrudes plasticized molding material from the extrusion unit 10 toward the stage 20, while simultaneously driving the position change unit 30 to change the relative position between the extrusion unit 10 and the stage 20. As a result, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 creates a three-dimensional object of the desired shape on the stage 20.

[0014] Although not shown in the drawings, a plurality of ejection units 10 may be provided. For example, two ejection units 10 may be provided. In this case, both of the two ejection units 10 may eject the modeling material that constitutes the three-dimensional object, or one may eject the modeling material and the other may eject the support material that supports the three-dimensional object.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the ejection unit 10 has, for example, a material supply unit 110, a plasticizing unit 120, and a nozzle 160.

[0016] Pellet-shaped or powdery materials are input into the material supply unit 110. The material supply unit 110 supplies the material serving as the raw material to the plasticizing unit 120. The material supply unit 110 is constituted by, for example, a hopper. The material supplied by the material supply unit 110 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0017] The material supply unit 110 and the plasticizing unit 120 are connected by a supply path 112 provided below the material supply unit 110. The material input into the material supply unit 110 is supplied to the plasticizing unit 120 via the supply path 112. In the illustrated example, "below" refers to the -Z axis direction, and "above" refers to the +Z axis direction.

[0018] The plasticizing unit 120 has, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a heater 150. The plasticizing unit 120 plasticizes at least a part of the material in a solid state supplied from the material supply unit 110 to generate a paste-shaped modeling material having fluidity and supplies it to the nozzle 160.

[0019] Note that plasticization is a concept including melting and means changing from a solid state to a state having fluidity. Specifically, in the case of a material in which glass transition occurs, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. In the case of a material in which glass transition does not occur, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0020] The screw case 122 is a housing that contains the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in the space enclosed by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0021] The drive motor 124 is mounted on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The drive motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. The shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 is connected to the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The drive motor 124 is controlled by the control unit 94. Although not shown in the figures, the shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reduction gear.

[0022] The flat screw 130 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the magnitude in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than the magnitude in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate around the rotation axis R.

[0023] The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite to the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the flat screw 130. For convenience, Figure 4 shows the state with the vertical positional relationship reversed compared to the state shown in Figure 3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, a first groove 134 is formed on the groove-forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 146. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 136 is arranged in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer circumference of the groove-forming surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer circumference of the groove-forming surface 132. That is, the material introduction portion 137 is provided on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. The material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is introduced into the first groove 134 from the material introduction unit 137, and is transported through the connecting unit 136 and the central unit 135 to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. For example, there are two first grooves 134.

[0025] The number of first grooves 134 is not particularly limited. Although not shown in the figures, there may be three or more first grooves 134, or there may be only one. Also, although not shown in the figures, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 may have inline screws instead of flat screws 130.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the barrel 140 is located below the flat screw 130. The barrel 140 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove-forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. A communication hole 146 that communicates with the first groove 134 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. Here, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the barrel 140.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, a second groove 144 and a communication hole 146 are formed on the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. Multiple second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number of second grooves 144 is not particularly limited. Multiple second grooves 144 are formed around the communication hole 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of the second groove 144 is connected to the communication hole 146 and extends in a spiral shape from the communication hole 146 toward the outer circumference 148 of the barrel 140. The second groove 144 has the function of guiding the plasticized molding material to the communication hole 146.

[0028] The shape of the second groove 144 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, straight. Also, one end of the second groove 144 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 146. Furthermore, the second groove 144 does not have to be formed on the opposing surface 142. However, considering the efficient guidance of the plasticized molding material into the communication hole 146, it is preferable that the second groove 144 be formed on the opposing surface 142.

[0029] The heater 150 is located in the barrel 140, as shown in Figure 3. The heater 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The heater 150 is controlled by the control unit 94. The plasticizing unit 120 uses the flat screw 130, barrel 140, and heater 150 to heat and transport the material toward the communication hole 146, generating plasticized molding material, which is then discharged from the communication hole 146. Viewed from the Z-axis direction, the shape of the heater 150 may be ring-shaped.

[0030] The position of the heater 150 is not particularly limited. Although not shown in the figures, the heater 150 may be provided, for example, on the nozzle 160. Also, the number of heaters 150 is not particularly limited. Although not shown in the figures, two heaters 150 may be provided, with one heater 150 provided on the barrel 140 and the other heater 150 provided on the nozzle 160.

[0031] The nozzle 160 is located below the barrel 140. The nozzle 160 has a nozzle channel 162. The nozzle channel 162 communicates with a communication hole 146. The molding material is supplied to the nozzle channel 162 from the communication hole 146. The nozzle channel 162 has a nozzle opening 164. The nozzle 160 extrudes the molding material from the nozzle opening 164 toward the stage 20.

[0032] Stage 20 is located below the nozzle 160, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In the illustrated example, the shape of stage 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped. Stage 20 supports the material extruded from the extrusion unit 10. Stage 20 has a build surface 22 on which the material is deposited. The build surface 22 is the upper surface area of ​​stage 20. In the illustrated example, the perpendicular P to the build surface 22 is parallel to the Z-axis.

[0033] The material of stage 20 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum. Stage 20 may consist of a metal plate and an adhesive sheet provided on the metal plate. In this case, the molding surface 22 is formed by the adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheet can improve the adhesion between stage 20 and the molding material extruded from the extrusion unit 10.

[0034] Stage 20, although not shown in the diagram, may consist of a metal plate with grooves formed in it and a base layer provided to fill the grooves. In this case, the molded surface 22 is formed by the base layer. The material of the base layer is, for example, the same as the molding material. The base layer can improve the adhesion between Stage 20 and the molding material extruded from the extrusion unit 10.

[0035] The repositioning unit 30 supports the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the repositioning unit 30 supports the stage 20 via the second heating unit 54. The repositioning unit 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20. In the illustrated example, the repositioning unit 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions by moving the stage 20 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the repositioning unit 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction by moving the discharge unit 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The position changing unit 30 includes, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, and a third electric actuator 36. The first electric actuator 32 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 34 moves the stage 20 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 36 moves the discharge unit 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The configuration of the position changing unit 30 is not particularly limited, as long as it can change the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20. For example, the position changing unit 30 may be configured to move the stage 20 in the Z-axis direction and the discharge unit 10 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or it may be configured to move the stage 20 or the discharge unit 10 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0038] The support member 40 is connected to the third electric actuator 36. The support member 40 supports the discharge section 10 and the first heating section 50. The position change section 30 moves the discharge section 10 and the first heating section 50 in the Z-axis direction by moving the support member 40 in the Z-axis direction using the third electric actuator 36.

[0039] 1.2. Heating section The first heating unit 50 is supported by a support member 40. The first heating unit 50 moves in conjunction with the nozzle 160. The first heating unit 50 is positioned above the position of the nozzle opening 164 during molding. As shown in Figure 3, the first heating unit 50 is provided with a through hole 51. The through hole 51 penetrates the first heating unit 50 in the Z-axis direction. During molding, the nozzle 160 is positioned in the through hole 51. "During molding" refers to the time when the process of forming the molded layer, which will be described later, is being performed.

[0040] The first heating unit 50 has a shape that covers at least a portion of the stage 20 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, with the nozzle opening 164 located at the center of the stage 20. The first heating unit 50 may cover only a portion of the stage 20 or the entire stage 20 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, with the nozzle opening 164 located at the center of the stage 20. The first heating unit 50 heats the molding material deposited on the stage 20.

[0041] The first heating unit 50 includes, for example, a heater 52 and an insulating member 53. -52 faces the build surface 22. The heater 52 is located between the stage 20 and the heat insulating member 53. The heater 52 is, for example, a rubber heater. The heater 52 is controlled by the control unit 94. The heat insulating member 53 is located on the heater 52. The heat insulating member 53 is connected to the support member 40. The heat insulating member 53 can reduce the heat from the heater 52 that is transmitted above the heat insulating member 53.

[0042] The second heating unit 54 is supported by the position change unit 30. The second heating unit 54 is located below the stage 20. The second heating unit 54 is provided between the position change unit 30 and the stage 20. The second heating unit 54 moves in conjunction with the stage 20. By heating the stage 20, the second heating unit 54 heats the molding material deposited on the stage 20.

[0043] The second heating section 54 includes, for example, a heat insulating member 55, a heater 56, and a plate 57. The heat insulating member 55 is provided between the position changing section 30 and the heater 56. The heat insulating member 55 can reduce the heat from the heater 56 that is transmitted below the heat insulating member 55. The heater 56 is provided between the heat insulating member 55 and the plate 57. The heater 56 is, for example, a rubber heater. The heater 56 is controlled by the control unit 94. The plate 57 is provided between the heater 56 and the stage 20. The material of the plate 57 is, for example, aluminum.

[0044] 1.3. Temperature detection unit The first temperature detection unit 60 detects the temperature of the plasticizing unit 120. For example, the first temperature detection unit 60 detects the temperature of the heater 150 of the plasticizing unit 120. In the illustrated example, the first temperature detection unit 60 is provided in the barrel 140.

[0045] The second temperature detection unit 62 detects the temperature of the first heating unit 50. For example, the second temperature detection unit 62 detects the temperature of the heater 52 of the first heating unit 50. In the illustrated example, the second temperature detection unit 62 is supported by the heat insulating member 53.

[0046] The third temperature detection unit 64 detects the temperature of the stage 20. The third temperature detection unit 64 detects, for example, the temperature of the molding surface 22 of the stage 20. The third temperature detection unit 64 is supported, for example, by a support member (not shown).

[0047] The fourth temperature detection unit 66 detects the temperature of the second heating unit 54. The fourth temperature detection unit 66 detects, for example, the temperature of the heater 56 of the second heating unit 54. The fourth temperature detection unit 66 is supported, for example, by a support member (not shown). The temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 are non-contact radiation thermometers that emit, for example, infrared rays.

[0048] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 may be configured to include only one of the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, or 66, or to include only two of the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, or 66, or to include only three of the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, or 66, although these are not shown in the figures.

[0049] 1.4. Enclosures, etc. The housing 70 houses the dispensing unit 10, the stage 20, the position changing unit 30, the support member 40, the heating units 50, 54, and the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, 66. The housing 70 has, for example, a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 70 includes, for example, a main body 72, a door 74, and a handle 76.

[0051] The main body 72 has a box-like shape. The main body 72 houses the discharge unit 10, the stage 20, the position changing unit 30, the support member 40, the heating units 50, 54, and the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, 66.

[0052] The door 74 is connected to the main body 72, for example, via a hinge (not shown). In the illustrated example, the door 74 forms a face of the housing 70 facing the -Y axis. The door 74 is rotatable about the hinge. The hinge is provided, for example, at the -X axis end of the door 74.

[0053] A handle 76 is provided on the door 74. In the illustrated example, the handle 76 is provided on the end of the door 74 in the +X axis direction. The handle 76 is grasped by the user when opening and closing the door 74.

[0054] The locking mechanism 78 is provided on the door 74. The locking mechanism 78 may be provided on the main body 72 and the door 74. The locking mechanism 78 locks and unlocks the door 74. The locking mechanism 78 is configured to lock and unlock the door 74. The locking mechanism 78 may be configured to lock and unlock the door 74 by engaging and disengaging a portion provided on the door 74 and a portion provided on the main body 72. The form of the locking mechanism 78 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to lock and unlock the door 74. When the locking mechanism 78 is locked the door 74, the user cannot open the door 74. When the locking mechanism 78 is unlocked the door 74, the user can open the door 74. The locking mechanism 78 is controlled by the control unit 94.

[0055] The cooling unit 80 is housed, for example, in the housing 70. The cooling unit 80 is provided, for example, in the +Y axis direction of the position changing unit 30. The cooling unit 80 cools at least one of the plasticizing unit 120, the stage 20, the first heating unit 50, and the second heating unit 54. Preferably, the cooling unit 80 cools all of the plasticizing unit 120, the stage 20, and the heating units 50 and 54. The cooling unit 80 is, for example, a fan or a ventilation fan. The cooling unit 80 is controlled by the control unit 94.

[0056] The discharge mechanism 82 is provided in the housing 70. In the illustrated example, the discharge mechanism 82 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 70. The discharge mechanism 82 discharges the gas inside the housing 70 to the outside of the housing 70. The discharge mechanism 82 is composed of, for example, pipes and a pump. Although not shown in the illustration, the cooling unit 80 and the discharge mechanism 82 may be provided integrally.

[0057] The gas detection unit 84 is housed in the housing 70. The gas detection unit 84 is provided, for example, on the top of the housing 70. The gas detection unit 84 detects the gas inside the housing 70. The gas detection unit 84 is, for example, a sensor that detects the oxygen concentration in the housing 70.

[0058] The opening / closing detection unit 86 is provided on the housing 70. In the illustrated example, the opening / closing detection unit 86 is provided on the surface of the housing 70 facing the -Y axis direction. The opening / closing detection unit 86 detects the opening and closing of the door 74. The form of the opening / closing detection unit 86 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the opening and closing of the door 74.

[0059] The signal tower 88 is located on the housing 70. In the illustrated example, the signal tower 88 is located on the top surface of the housing 70. The signal tower 88 notifies the user, for example, that the three-dimensional object has been completed or that an error has occurred during the printing process, by the color of the light-emitting lamp. The signal tower 88 is controlled by the control unit 94.

[0060] 1.5. Control Unit, etc. The reception unit 90 is located outside the housing 70. The reception unit 90 receives user input. The reception unit 90 transmits signals to the control unit 94 according to the user's input. The reception unit 90 receives a user instruction to start processing for the control unit 94 and outputs a processing start signal to the control unit 94. Furthermore, the reception unit 90 receives a user instruction to unlock the door 74 and outputs an unlock signal to the control unit 94. The reception unit 90 is composed of, for example, a mouse, touch panel, keyboard, etc.

[0061] The display unit 92 is provided on the housing 70. In the illustrated example, the display unit 92 is provided on the surface of the housing 70 facing the -Y axis. The display unit 92 displays various images based on signals from the control unit 94. The display unit 92 displays, for example, that the fabrication of the three-dimensional object has been completed or that an error occurred during fabrication. The display unit 92 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or an EPD (Electrophoretic Display).

[0062] The control unit 94 is located outside the housing 70. The control unit 94 is composed of, for example, a computer having a processor, main memory, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The control unit 94 performs various functions, for example, by having the processor execute a program loaded into the main memory. Specifically, the control unit 94 controls the dispensing unit 10, the position changing unit 30, the heating units 50, 54, the locking mechanism 78, the cooling unit 80, the signal tower 88, and the display unit 92. Note that the control unit 94 may be composed of a combination of multiple circuits instead of a computer.

[0063] Here, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 94.

[0064] First, when the control unit 94 receives the processing start signal described above, it performs a process to acquire molding data for fabricating a three-dimensional object as step S1.

[0065] The molding data includes information such as the type of material stored in the material supply unit 110, the movement path of the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20, and the amount of molding material discharged from the nozzle 160.

[0066] The molding data is created, for example, by loading shape data into slicer software installed on a computer connected to the 3D printing apparatus 100. The shape data is data representing the target shape of a 3D object created using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software or 3D CG (Computer Graphics) software. For shape data, for example, data in STL (Standard Triangulated Language) format or AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format) is used. The slicer software divides the target shape of the 3D object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates molding data for each layer. The molding data is represented by G-code or M-code. The control unit 94 acquires the molding data from a computer connected to the 3D printing apparatus 100 or from a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0067] Next, as step S2, the control unit 94 performs a process to extrude the molding material onto the stage 20 to form a molding layer.

[0068] Specifically, the control unit 94 drives the plasticizing unit 120 and the heating units 50, 54 to plasticize the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate the molding material, and to extrude the molding material from the nozzle 160. The control unit 94 continues to generate the molding material, for example, until the process of forming the molding layer is completed. During the process of forming the molding layer, the locking mechanism 78 locks the door 74. During the process of forming the molding layer, the cooling unit 80 is driven It hasn't been done.

[0069] Here, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of forming the build layer.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 94 controls the position change unit 30 based on the acquired molding data to change the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20, while controlling the discharge unit 10 to discharge the molding material from the nozzle 160 toward the stage 20.

[0071] Specifically, before the process of forming the build layers begins, that is, before the formation of the first build layer, build layer L1, begins, the nozzle 160 is positioned at an initial position in the -X direction relative to the -X direction end of the stage 20. When the process of forming the build layers begins, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 94 controls the position change unit 30 to move the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20, for example, in the +X direction. As the nozzle 160 passes over the stage 20, the build material is ejected from the nozzle 160. This forms the build layer L1. In Figure 7, the process up to the nth build layer Ln is illustrated, where n is an arbitrary natural number.

[0072] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 94 performs a process in step S3 to determine whether or not the formation of all layers has been completed based on the molding data.

[0073] If it is determined that the formation of all layers has not been completed (NO in step S3), the control unit 94 returns to step S2. The control unit 94 then repeats the process between steps S2 and S3 until it is determined in step S3 that the formation of all layers has been completed.

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined that the formation of all layers is complete (YES in step S3), the control unit 94 performs the following process in step S4: stops supplying power to the ejection unit 10, the position change unit 30, and the heating units 50 and 54, and drives the cooling unit 80.

[0075] Next, the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 based on the detection results of the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66. Specifically, in step S5, the control unit 94 performs a process to determine whether all the temperatures detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 have fallen below a predetermined value.

[0076] If the temperature detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 is determined not to be below a predetermined value (NO in step S5), the control unit 94 performs a process in step S6 to determine whether or not an unlocking signal has been input from the reception unit 90 in accordance with the user's instruction to unlock.

[0077] If the control unit 94 determines that no unlocking signal has been input (NO in step S6), it returns to step S5. The control unit 94 then repeats the process of steps S5 and S6 until it determines in step S5 that all temperatures detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 are below a predetermined value, or until it determines in step S6 that an unlocking signal has been input.

[0078] If it is determined that all temperatures detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 are below a predetermined value (YES in step S5), the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 based on the detection result of the gas detection unit 84. Specifically, in step S7, the control unit 94 performs a process to determine whether the oxygen concentration detected by the gas detection unit 84 is above a predetermined value. In the above example, in step S5, the temperature detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 The process determines whether all of the detected temperatures are below a predetermined value. However, in step S5, it is also possible to determine whether at least one of the temperatures detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 is below a predetermined value. In this case, if it is determined that at least one of the temperatures detected by the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 is below a predetermined value, the process may proceed to step S7.

[0079] If the gas detection unit 84 determines that the oxygen concentration detected is not above a predetermined value (NO in step S7), the control unit 94 repeats the process in step S7 until it determines that the oxygen concentration detected by the gas detection unit 84 is above a predetermined value.

[0080] On the other hand, if the gas detection unit 84 determines that the oxygen concentration detected is above a predetermined value (YES in step S7), or if it determines that an unlocking signal has been input (YES in step S6), the control unit 94 controls the locking mechanism 78 to unlock the door 74 in step S8.

[0081] Then, the control unit 94 controls the signal tower 88 and the display unit 92 to notify the user that the process has finished, and then terminates the process. Note that the process in step S7 may be omitted in the flowchart described above.

[0082] 1.6. Effects The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a housing 70 having a door 74 that houses the ejection unit 10, stage 20, heating units 50, 54, and position change unit 30; a locking mechanism 78 for locking and unlocking the door 74; temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, 66 for detecting the temperatures of the plasticizing unit 120, stage 20, and heating units 50, 54; and a control unit 94. The control unit 94 controls the locking mechanism 78 based on the detection results of the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, 66.

[0083] Therefore, in the 3D printing apparatus 100, the door 74 is not immediately opened by the user even after the printing of the 3D object is complete. As a result, the 3D object is removed when its temperature has cooled to a predetermined level. Consequently, the possibility of the 3D object losing its shape or experiencing warping or deformation due to rapid cooling is reduced. As a result, the accuracy of the 3D object can be improved.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 based on the detection results of temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 that detect the temperatures of the plasticizing unit 120, the stage 20, and the heating units 50, 54. However, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 may instead have a temperature detection unit that measures the surface temperature of the three-dimensional molded object, and the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 based on the surface temperature of the three-dimensional molded object measured by the temperature detection unit. Nevertheless, it is preferable to control the lock mechanism 78 based on the detection results of temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66 that detect the temperatures of the plasticizing unit 120, the stage 20, and the heating units 50, 54. This is because, for example, compared to the case where the surface of the three-dimensional molded object is measured by the temperature detection unit and the lock mechanism is controlled based on the detection results of the temperature detection unit, the temperature can be lowered to the interior of the three-dimensional molded object. Furthermore, depending on the shape and material of the three-dimensional object, even if the surface temperature drops to a predetermined level, the internal temperature may not have dropped to that level. This method can reduce the likelihood of such problems occurring.

[0085] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a gas detection unit 84 that detects gas inside the housing 70, and the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 based on the detection result of the gas detection unit 84. Therefore, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can prevent the door 74 from being opened, for example, when the oxygen concentration inside the housing 70 is low.

[0086] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a discharge mechanism 82 that discharges gas from inside the housing 70 to the outside of the housing 70. Therefore, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can prevent a predetermined amount of gas from accumulating inside the housing 70.

[0087] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a cooling unit 80 that cools at least one of the plasticizing unit 120, the stage 20, and the heating units 50, 54. Therefore, in the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100, the cooling unit 80 can lower the temperature of at least one of the plasticizing unit 120, the stage 20, and the heating units 50, 54.

[0088] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a first heating unit 50 that is located above the nozzle opening 164 during molding and has a shape that covers at least a portion of the stage 20 when the nozzle opening 164 is at the center of the stage 20. The first heating unit 50 moves in conjunction with the discharge unit 10. Therefore, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can improve the adhesion between the first molded layer formed on the stage 20 and the second molded layer formed on the first molded layer.

[0089] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 includes a second heating section 54 located below the stage 20 and for heating the stage 20. Therefore, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 can improve the adhesion between the first molded layer formed on the stage 20 and the second molded layer formed on the first molded layer.

[0090] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 90 that receives instructions from the user to unlock the door 74. When the reception unit 90 receives an instruction, the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 to unlock the door 74 based on the instruction, instead of the detection results of the temperature detection units 60, 62, 64, and 66. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the user can open the door 74 without being controlled by the control unit 94 if they wish to do so.

[0091] In the above example, a process was described in which it is determined whether or not an unlocking signal has been input from the receiving unit 90 after the process of forming the build layer. However, this determination process may also be performed during the process of forming the build layer. If it is determined that an unlocking signal has been input during the process of forming the build layer, the control unit 94 controls the lock mechanism 78 to unlock the door 74, even if the process of forming the build layer is still in progress. When the user opens the door 74 and the opening / closing detection unit 86 detects that the door 74 has been opened, the control unit 94 stops supplying power to at least one of the dispensing unit 10, the position changing unit 30, the first heating unit 50, and the second heating unit 54. Preferably, the control unit 94 stops supplying power to all of the dispensing unit 10, the position changing unit 30, and the heating units 50 and 54. This enhances user safety. After stopping the power supply, the control unit 94 terminates the process.

[0092] 2. Modified examples of 3D printing devices Next, a modified example of this embodiment of a three-dimensional molding apparatus will be described.

[0093] The following describes the differences between the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to a modified example of this embodiment and the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment described above, while similar points will be omitted from the explanation.

[0094] In the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 described above, the material supplied from the material supply unit 110 was ABS resin.

[0095] In contrast, in the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to a modified example of this embodiment, the material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0096] The materials supplied from the material supply unit 110 include materials primarily composed of various materials such as thermoplastic materials, metallic materials, and ceramic materials. Here, "primary material" refers to the central material that forms the shape of the three-dimensional object, and means a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the three-dimensional object. The materials mentioned above include those obtained by melting the primary material alone, and those obtained by melting some of the components contained together with the primary material to form a paste.

[0097] Examples of thermoplastic materials include thermoplastic resins. Examples of thermoplastic resins include general-purpose engineering plastics and super engineering plastics.

[0098] Examples of general-purpose engineering plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0099] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0100] Thermoplastic materials may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, or other additives such as waxes, flame retardants, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers. In the plasticizing section 120, the thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted to a molten state by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the heater 150. The resulting molded material is then deposited from the nozzle 160 and hardens as the temperature decreases. It is desirable that the thermoplastic material be heated above its glass transition point and extruded from the nozzle 160 in a completely molten state.

[0101] In the plasticizing section 120, instead of the thermoplastic material described above, a metal material may be used as the main material. In this case, it is desirable that the powder material, which is a powdered metal material, is mixed with a component that melts during the formation of the molding material, and then introduced into the plasticizing section 120.

[0102] Examples of metallic materials include single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), or alloys containing one or more of these metals, as well as maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, and cobalt-chromium alloy.

[0103] In the plasticizing section 120, it is possible to use a ceramic material as the main material instead of the above-mentioned metal material. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0104] The metal and ceramic powder materials supplied from the material supply unit 110 may be mixed materials containing multiple types of single metal powders, alloy powders, and ceramic powders. Furthermore, the metal and ceramic powder materials may include, for example, the thermoplastic resins mentioned above. The material may also be coated with another thermoplastic resin. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may melt in the plasticizing portion 120 to produce fluidity.

[0105] For example, a solvent can be added to the powder materials of metal materials and ceramic materials supplied from the material supply unit 110. Examples of solvents include water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetic acid esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, iso-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and iso-butyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetate (e.g., tetrabutylammonium acetate); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0106] In addition, the metal and ceramic powder materials supplied from the material supply unit 110 may contain, for example, a binder. Examples of binders include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose resin, or other synthetic resins, or PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, or other thermoplastic resins.

[0107] The embodiments and variations described above are examples only and are not limited thereto. For example, each embodiment and each variation can be combined as appropriate.

[0108] The present invention includes configurations substantially identical to those described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same function, method, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations that produce the same effects or achieve the same purpose as those described in the embodiments. Finally, the present invention includes configurations that add known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0109] The following can be derived from the embodiments and modifications described above.

[0110] One embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus is: It has a plasticizing section that plasticizes the material to produce a molding material, and a dispensing section that extrudes the molding material from a nozzle opening, A stage that supports the molding material extruded from the extrusion section, A heating unit for heating the molding material deposited on the stage, A position changing unit that changes the relative position between the discharge unit and the stage, A housing having a door, which houses the discharge unit, the stage, the heating unit, and the position changing unit, A locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the aforementioned door, A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the plasticizing unit, the stage, and the heating unit, Control unit and Includes, The control unit controls the locking mechanism based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit.

[0111] This 3D printing device makes it possible to improve the accuracy of 3D printed objects.

[0112] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, Includes a gas detection unit for detecting the gas inside the housing, The control unit may control the locking mechanism based on the detection result of the gas detection unit.

[0113] This three-dimensional printing device makes it possible to prevent the door from opening, for example, when the oxygen concentration inside the enclosure is low.

[0114] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, The enclosure may also include a discharge mechanism for discharging the gas inside the enclosure to the outside.

[0115] This three-dimensional printing device makes it possible to prevent a specific gas from filling the enclosure.

[0116] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, The system may also include a cooling unit for cooling at least one of the plasticizing unit, the stage, and the heating unit.

[0117] This three-dimensional printing apparatus allows the cooling unit to lower the temperature of at least one of the plasticizing unit, stage, and heating unit.

[0118] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, The heating section includes a first heating section that is located above the nozzle opening during molding and has a shape that covers at least a portion of the stage when the nozzle opening is located at the center of the stage. The first heating unit may move in conjunction with the discharge unit.

[0119] This three-dimensional molding device makes it possible to improve the adhesion between the first molded layer formed on the stage and the second molded layer formed on the first molded layer.

[0120] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, The heating section may include a second heating section located below the stage and for heating the stage.

[0121] This three-dimensional molding device makes it possible to improve the adhesion between the first molded layer formed on the stage and the second molded layer formed on the first molded layer.

[0122] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, Includes a reception unit that receives instructions from the user to unlock the aforementioned door, If the receiving unit receives the instruction, the control unit may unlock the locking mechanism based on the instruction instead of the detection result of the temperature detection unit.

[0123] With this three-dimensional modeling device, the door can be opened by the user without the control of the control unit, whenever the user wishes to open it.

[0124] In one embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling device, It includes an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door, When the opening / closing detection unit detects that the door is open, the control unit controls the discharge unit and the heating The power supply to the unit and at least one of the position-changing unit may be stopped.

[0125] This 3D printing device can enhance user safety. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 10…Discharge unit, 20…Stage, 22…Building surface, 30…Position change unit, 32…First electric actuator, 34…Second electric actuator, 36…Third electric actuator, 40…Support member, 50…First heating unit, 51…Through hole, 52…Heater, 53…Insulation member, 54…Second heating unit, 55…Insulation member, 56…Heater, 57…Plate, 60…First temperature detection unit, 62…Second temperature detection unit, 64…Third temperature detection unit, 66…Fourth temperature detection unit, 70…Housing, 72…Main body, 74…Door, 76…Handle, 78…Locking mechanism, 80…Cooling unit, 82…Discharge mechanism, 84…Gas detection unit, 86…Open 88...Closed detection unit, 90...Signal tower, 92...Receiving unit, 94...Display unit, 100...Three-dimensional molding device, 110...Material supply unit, 112...Supply path, 120...Plasticizing unit, 122...Screw case, 124...Drive motor, 126...Shaft, 130...Flat screw, 131...Top surface, 132...Groove forming surface, 133...Side surface, 134...First groove, 135...Center part, 136...Connection part, 137...Material introduction unit, 140...Barrel, 142...Opposite surface, 144...Second groove, 146...Communication hole, 148...Outer circumference, 150...Heater, 160...Nozzle, 162...Nozzle flow path, 164...Nozzle opening

Claims

1. It has a plasticizing section that plasticizes the material to produce a molding material, and a dispensing section that extrudes the molding material from a nozzle opening, A stage that supports the molding material extruded from the extrusion section, A heating unit for heating the molding material deposited on the stage, A position changing unit that changes the relative position between the discharge unit and the stage, A housing having a door, which houses the discharge unit, the stage, the heating unit, and the position changing unit, A locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the aforementioned door, A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the plasticizing unit, the stage, and the heating unit, Control unit and A cooling unit that cools at least one of the plasticizing unit, the stage, and the heating unit, Includes, The control unit, A process of controlling the discharge unit, the heating unit, and the position changing unit to form a molded layer on the stage, A process to determine whether the formation of all the aforementioned molded layers has been completed, When it is determined that the formation of all the aforementioned layers has been completed, the cooling unit is activated. A process to control the locking mechanism based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, Perform The control unit does not drive the cooling unit during the process of forming the molded layer in the three-dimensional molding apparatus.

2. In claim 1, Includes a gas detection unit for detecting the gas inside the housing, The control unit controls the locking mechanism based on the detection result of the gas detection unit, three Dimensional modeling device.

3. In claim 1 or 2, A three-dimensional molding apparatus including a discharge mechanism for discharging gas from inside the enclosure to the outside of the enclosure.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The heating section includes a first heating section that is located above the nozzle opening during molding and has a shape that covers at least a portion of the stage when the nozzle opening is located at the center of the stage. The first heating unit is a three-dimensional molding apparatus that moves in conjunction with the discharge unit.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, A three-dimensional molding apparatus, comprising a second heating unit located below the stage and for heating the stage, as the heating unit.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, Includes a reception unit that receives instructions from the user to unlock the aforementioned door, A three-dimensional molding apparatus in which, upon receiving the instruction at the receiving unit, the control unit unlocks the locking mechanism based on the instruction instead of the detection result of the temperature detection unit.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, It includes an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door, A three-dimensional molding apparatus, wherein when the opening / closing detection unit detects that the door is open, the control unit stops supplying power to at least one of the dispensing unit, the heating unit, and the position changing unit.

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