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

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing generation of abnormal noise due to a change in clearance between a casing and a rotating body due to thermal expansion in a plasticizing device in which the rotating body rotates within the casing.SOLUTION: A plasticization device comprises: a rotating body that has a rotating screw having a grooved surface on which grooves are formed; a barrel that has a facing surface opposing to the grooved surface and in which a communicating hole through which a plasticized material flows out is formed; a heating part that heats a material supplied to the grooves; and a screw case that houses the screw. The plasticization device further comprises an urging part that urges the rotating body from the screw case toward the rotating body, and has a rotating member having lower hardness than the rotating body at a tip, or a sealing part that seals a fluid in a space between the screw case and the rotating body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a plasticizing and feeding device including a rotor housed in a casing and having a spiral groove, and a barrel that abuts against an end face of the rotor and has a communication hole at the center.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As in the above document, when a rotating body such as a rotor rotates in a casing, the clearance between the casing and the rotating body may change due to thermal expansion. If the clearance between the casing and the rotating body becomes narrow, there is a possibility that the casing and the rotating body come into contact and abnormal noise occurs. Also, if the clearance widens, there is a possibility that abnormal noise occurs due to shaft vibration of the rotating body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A plasticizer is provided according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The plasticizer comprises a rotating body having a rotating screw and 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 in which the plasticized material flows out to the outside; a heating section for heating the material supplied to the grooves; and a screw case for housing the screw, further comprising a biasing section that biases the rotating body toward the rotating body from the screw case and having a rotating member with a lower hardness than the rotating body at its tip, or a sealing section for sealing a fluid in the space between the screw case and the rotating body.

[0006] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a plasticizing apparatus. This plasticizing apparatus comprises a rotating body having a rotating screw having a groove-forming surface in which grooves are formed; a barrel having a facing surface opposite the groove-forming surface and having a communication hole for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside; a heating section for heating the material supplied to the grooves; and a screw case for housing the screw, wherein the rotating body has a first regulating section having a first contact surface facing the barrel side, and the screw case has a second regulating section having a second contact surface opposite the first contact surface and capable of contacting the first contact surface, and the distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface is 0.15 mm or more and 0.25 mm or less at an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0007] A third embodiment of the present disclosure is an injection molding apparatus comprising the plasticizing apparatus of the above embodiment and a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material flowing out from the communication hole into a mold.

[0008] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is a three-dimensional molding apparatus comprising the plasticizing apparatus of the above embodiment and a nozzle for discharging the plasticized material flowing out from the communication hole toward a molding table. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an injection molding apparatus. [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 cross-sectional view showing the structure of a gearbox. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a disassembled part of the gearbox. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the first and second gears as seen in the +X direction. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the first regulatory section. [Figure 9] This figure shows the experimental results regarding the optimal value for the first distance. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the spacing between each component. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the plasticizing apparatus in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the rotating members. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizing apparatus in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional molding apparatus in the ninth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A. First Embodiment: FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an injection molding apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, 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, and the Z direction is a direction opposite to the gravitational direction. The X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIGS. 2 and subsequent figures correspond to the X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, when specifying a 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 plus and minus signs are used in combination in the direction notation.

[0011] The injection molding apparatus 10 includes a plasticizing device 110 and a mold clamping device 130. The plasticizing device 110 and the mold clamping device 130 are respectively fixed to a base 20. The base 20 is provided with a control unit 500. The injection molding apparatus 10 injects a plasticized material from the plasticizing device 110 into a mold 12 mounted on the mold clamping device 130 to form a molded product. In the present embodiment, a metal mold 12 is mounted on the mold clamping device 130. The mold 12 mounted on the mold clamping device 130 is not limited to being made of metal, and may be made of resin or ceramic. The metal mold 12 is referred to as a die.

[0012] A hopper 30 into which a material for a molded product is charged is connected to the plasticizing device 110. As the material for the molded product, for example, a thermoplastic resin formed in a pellet shape is used.

[0013] The plasticizing device 110 plasticizes at least a part of the material supplied from the hopper 30 to generate a plasticized material, and injects the plasticized material into the mold 12 mounted on the mold clamping device 130. In this specification, "plasticization" is a concept including melting, and is to change from a solid state to a state having fluidity. Specifically, in the case of a material in which glass transition occurs, plasticization is to raise the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. In the case of a material in which glass transition does not occur, plasticization is to raise the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0014] The control unit 500 is comprised of a computer equipped with one or more processors, main memory, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The processor loads a program into the main memory and executes it, thereby controlling the plasticizer 110 and the clamping device 130 to manufacture molded products.

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus 10. As described above, the injection molding apparatus 10 includes a plasticizer 110, a clamping device 130, and a mold 12, and also includes an injection control mechanism 120.

[0016] The plasticizer 110 includes a screw 111, a barrel 112, a heater 113, and a nozzle 114.

[0017] The screw 111 is housed in a screw case 101 that contains the screw 111. The screw 111 is also called a rotor, scroll, or flat screw. The screw 111 is rotationally driven within the screw case 101 around the rotation axis RX by a screw drive unit 115, which consists of a drive motor 118 and a reduction gear 300. In this embodiment, the X direction is the direction along the rotation axis RX. A communication hole 116 is formed in the center of the barrel 112. An injection cylinder 121 and a nozzle 114, which will be described later, are connected to the communication hole 116. A check valve 124 is provided in the communication hole 116 upstream of the injection cylinder 121. The rotation of the screw 111 by the screw drive unit 115 and the heating by the heater 113 are controlled by the control unit 500.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the screw 111. The screw 111 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the length in the direction along its central axis is smaller than the length in the direction perpendicular to the central axis. On the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 facing the barrel 112, a spiral groove 202 is formed, centered on the central part 205. The groove 202 communicates with a material inlet 203 formed on the side of the screw 111. The material supplied from the hopper 30 is supplied to the groove 202 through the material inlet 203. The groove 202 is formed by being separated by a protruding ridge 204. Figure 3 shows an example in which three grooves 202 are formed, but the number of grooves 202 may be one or two or more. Note that the groove 202 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 toward the outer circumference.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the barrel 112. The barrel 112 has an opposing surface 212 that faces the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111. A communication hole 116 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 212 through which the plasticized material flows out. Multiple guide grooves 211 are formed on the opposing surface 212, connected to the communication hole 116 and extending in a spiral shape from the communication hole 116 toward the outer circumference. The material supplied to the groove 202 of the screw 111 is plasticized between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 by the rotation of the screw 111 and the heating of the heater 113, and flows along the groove 202 and guide grooves 211 as the screw 111 rotates, and is guided to the central part 205 of the screw 111. The material that has flowed into the central part 205 is guided to the injection control mechanism 120 through the communication hole 116 provided in the center of the barrel 112. Note that the barrel 112 does not necessarily need to have a guide groove 211. The temperature of the heater 113 is set by the control unit 500 within the range of 25°C to 430°C depending on the type of material.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the injection control mechanism 120 comprises an injection cylinder 121, a plunger 122, and a plunger drive unit 123. The injection control mechanism 120 has the function of injecting the plasticizing material in the injection cylinder 121 into a cavity 117, which will be described later. The injection control mechanism 120 controls the amount of plasticizing material injected from the nozzle 114 under the control of the control unit 500. The injection cylinder 121 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 116 of the barrel 112 and has a plunger 122 inside. The plunger 122 slides inside the injection cylinder 121 and pressurizes the plasticizing material in the injection cylinder 121 to the nozzle 114 provided in the plasticizing device 110. The plunger 122 is driven by a plunger drive unit 123 which is configured as a motor. The injection cylinder 121 may also be connected to a flow path downstream of the communication hole 116.

[0021] The molding die 12 comprises a movable die 12M and a fixed die 12S. The movable die 12M and the fixed die 12S are positioned facing each other and have a cavity 117 between them, which is a space corresponding to the shape of the molded product. The plasticizing material that has flowed out from the communication hole 116 of the barrel 112 is pressurized into the cavity 117 by the injection control mechanism 120 and injected from the nozzle 114.

[0022] The mold clamping device 130 is equipped with a mold drive unit 131 and has the function of opening and closing the movable mold 12M and the fixed mold 12S. Under the control of the control unit 500, the mold clamping device 130 rotates a ball screw 132 by driving the mold drive unit 131, which is composed of a motor, and moves the movable mold 12M, which is coupled to the ball screw 132, relative to the fixed mold 12S, thereby opening and closing the mold 12. In other words, the fixed mold 12S is stationary in the injection molding apparatus 10, and the opening and closing of the mold 12 is performed by the relative movement of the movable mold 12M relative to the stationary fixed mold 12S.

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the reducer 300. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the reducer 300 disassembled. Figure 7 is a plan view of the first gear 310 and the second gear 320 provided in the reducer 300, viewed in the +X direction. In the cross-sectional views shown from Figure 5 onward, hatching in each cross-section has been omitted as appropriate. The cross-section shown in Figure 5 shows a cross-section in a different direction from the cross-section shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 shows how the material passage 31 communicating with the hopper 30 extends in the +Z direction. The reducer 300 in this embodiment is a concentric type reducer in which the input shaft and the output shaft are on the same axis.

[0024] The reduction gear 300 includes a substantially cylindrical eccentric body 301 fixed to the output shaft 119 of the drive motor 118, a first gear 310 configured as a planetary gear, and a second gear 320 configured as a sun gear.

[0025] The end of the eccentric body 301 on the drive motor 118 side is supported by a first ball bearing 341 fixed to the screw case 101. The end of the eccentric body 301 on the screw 111 side is supported by a second ball bearing 342 press-fitted into the inner circumference of the second gear 320. The outer circumference of the portion of the eccentric body 301 fixed to the first ball bearing 341 and the outer circumference of the portion fixed to the second ball bearing 342 are circular in shape centered on the output shaft of the drive motor 118. In contrast, the portion of the eccentric body 301 sandwiched between the first ball bearing 341 and the second ball bearing 342 is circular in shape with a central axis eccentric to the output shaft of the drive motor 118. Hereafter, when simply referred to as the eccentric body 301, it refers to the portion of the eccentric body 301 sandwiched between the first ball bearing 341 and the second ball bearing 342.

[0026] The first gear 310 has an annular shape, and a needle bearing 344 is press-fitted and fixed to its inner circumference. As shown in Figure 7, wavy external teeth 311 are formed on the outer circumference of the first gear 310. Multiple pins 312 are arranged on the first gear 310 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction when viewed in the +X direction. Each of these pins 312 is positioned in a pin receiving recess 303. As shown in Figure 6, multiple pin receiving recesses 303 are formed in an annular pin receiving portion 302 fixed around the eccentric body 301 in the screw case 101. As shown in Figure 7, each pin receiving recess 303 opens facing the +X direction and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the pin 312. Therefore, the pins 312 can move in the Y and Z directions, which are perpendicular to the rotation axis RX, within the pin receiving recess 303.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the second gear 320 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open end face on the -X direction side. A first recess 321 is formed on the -X direction end face of the second gear 320, and a second recess 323 is further formed at the bottom of the first recess 321. The first gear 310 is housed in the first recess 321. The first recess 321 has wavy internal teeth 322 formed on its inner circumference, which contact the external teeth 311 of the first gear 310 shown in Figure 7. A second ball bearing 342, which pivotally supports the +X direction end of the eccentric body 301, is press-fitted and fixed into the second recess 323.

[0028] A recess 206 is formed on the end face of the screw 111 on the -X direction side, and the bottom 328 of the second gear 320 fits into this recess 206. The recess 206 and the bottom 328 are subjected to anti-slip processing such as D-cutting. The screw 111 is fixed to the bottom 328 of the second gear 320 by a bolt 324, which acts as a fixing part, in the direction of the rotation axis RX. In other words, the screw 111 is integrated with the second gear 320. Therefore, when the second gear 320 moves along the rotation axis RX, the screw 111 also moves along the rotation axis RX accordingly. Note that the second gear 320 and the screw 111 may be fixed by other fixing parts such as rivets, not just the bolt 324. Also, the second gear 320 and the screw 111 may be fixed by multiple bolts 324, not just one. In the following, the screw 111, which is rotated by the drive motor 118, and the reduction gear 300, and especially the second gear 320 of the reduction gear 300, will also be referred to as the "rotating body 125".

[0029] A flange-shaped first restricting portion 325 is formed on the outer circumference of the second gear 320. Details of this first restricting portion 325 will be described later. The portion of the second gear 320 on the -X direction side of the first restricting portion 325 is pivotally supported by a third ball bearing 343 fixed to the screw case 101 on the outer circumference side of the pin receiving portion 302. In this embodiment, the third ball bearing 343 is configured as a single-row angular contact bearing that receives a load from the screw 111 in the -X direction.

[0030] The operation of the reduction gear 300 described above will now be explained. When the drive motor 118 rotates, the eccentric body 301 fixed to the output shaft 119 of the drive motor 118 rotates. As the eccentric body 301 rotates, it partially contacts the needle bearing 344 provided on the inner circumference of the first gear 310. When the eccentric body 301 contacts the needle bearing 344, the first gear 310 receives a driving force from the eccentric body 301 and oscillates in the YZ direction intersecting the rotation axis RX, with the pin 312 housed in the pin receiving recess 303. As the first gear 310 moves, its external teeth 311 make partial contact with the internal teeth 322 of the second gear 320 in sequence. The second gear 320 rotates according to a predetermined reduction ratio determined by the number of external teeth 311 of the first gear 310 and the number of internal teeth 322 of the second gear 320. Consequently, the screw 111 fixed to the second gear 320 rotates within the screw case 101. Figure 6 shows the structure of the reduction gear 300 operating in this manner, separated into upper and lower sections: the part fixed to the screw case 101 and the part driven by the drive motor 118.

[0031] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first restricting portion 325. As described above, a flange-shaped first restricting portion 325 is formed on the outer circumference of the second gear 320, which is a rotating body 125. Since the screw 111 is fixed to the second gear 320, it can be said that the first restricting portion 325 is indirectly fixed to the screw 111.

[0032] The first restricting portion 325 has a first contact surface 326 facing the barrel 112 side, i.e., the +X direction side. The screw case 101 is provided with a second restricting portion 103 having a second contact surface 102 facing the first contact surface 326. The second restricting portion 103 may be integrally provided with the screw case 101, or it may be formed separately from the screw case 101 and joined to the screw case 101. The second contact surface 102 faces the first contact surface 326 in the direction of the rotation axis RX and is capable of contacting the first contact surface 326. "Capable of contact" means that it can be in either a state of not contacting or a state of contacting. The movement of the screw 111 along the rotation axis RX, more specifically, movement in the +X direction beyond a predetermined amount, is restricted by the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103.

[0033] The groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 is separated from the opposing surface 212 by a predetermined distance when the first contact surface 326 of the first restricting portion 325 and the second contact surface 102 of the second restricting portion 103 are in contact. This distance is, for example, 0.1 mm. The distance between the groove-forming surface 201 and the opposing surface 212 refers to the shortest distance in a position where no grooves 202 or guide grooves 211 are formed.

[0034] Grease may be applied between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 to reduce sliding resistance between them, or a low-friction coating such as fluororesin may be applied to these surfaces. In addition, the first restricting portion 325 or the second restricting portion 103 may be formed from a material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0035] As described above, the screw 111 is fixed to the second gear 320 of the reduction gear 300 by a bolt 324. When the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 are in contact, the bolt 324 fixes the second gear 320 and the screw 111 at a position where the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 is separated from the opposing surface 212 of the barrel 112 by the aforementioned distance. Therefore, when the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 are not in contact, the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 and the opposing surface 212 of the barrel 112 are separated by a distance greater than the aforementioned distance.

[0036] With the above configuration, the first distance D1 between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 is smaller than the second distance D2 between the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 and the opposing surface 212 of the barrel 112, regardless of the contact state between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102. During normal operation, i.e., when the plasticizing material is generated, the first distance D1 between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 is, for example, 0.1 mm, and the second distance D2 between the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 and the opposing surface 212 of the barrel 112 is, for example, 0.2 mm. If the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set in this way, even if the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 are in contact, a gap of at least 0.1 mm will be created between the screw 111 and the barrel 112, and the screw 111 and the barrel 112 will not come into contact. The second distance D2 is the distance at which the material supplied between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 can be plasticized, and is determined in advance by conducting experiments or simulations.

[0037] Figure 9 shows the experimental results for the optimal value of the first distance D1. In this experiment, the first distance D1 was set to 0.10 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.30 mm at an ambient temperature of 25°C, and the operating sound of the plasticizer 110 was checked when the heater 113 was set to 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, and 430°C at each of the first distances D1. The results of this check are shown with the symbols "A", "B", and "C" in Figure 9. Symbol A indicates that the operating sound is appropriate. Symbol B indicates that a loud periodic sound was heard. Symbol C indicates that a loud rubbing sound was heard. In this experiment, the screw 111, the second gear 320 including the first restricting section 325, and the screw case 101 including the second restricting section 103 were made of SUS440C, a type of martensitic stainless steel. The surface of the screw 111 was coated with CrN, and it had a diameter of 120 mm and a thickness of 29.7 mm. The rotational speed of the screw 111 was set to 95 rpm, which is the maximum rotational speed specified in the specifications of the plasticizer 110.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, when the first distance D1 was 0.10 mm at an ambient temperature of 25°C, the evaluation result was "C" when the set temperature was set to 400°C and 430°C. In other words, under these conditions, a very loud rubbing noise was heard from the plasticizer 110. This is because the first restricting part 325 provided on the rotating body 125 and the second restricting part 103 provided on the screw case 101 underwent thermal expansion, causing the first distance D1 to narrow excessively, and resulting in contact and interference between the first restricting part 325 and the second restricting part 103.

[0039] Furthermore, when the first distance D1 at an ambient temperature of 25°C was 0.30 mm and the set temperature was set to 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C, and when the first distance D1 at an ambient temperature of 25°C was 0.25 mm and the set temperature was set to 100°C, the evaluation result was "B". In other words, under these conditions, a loud periodic noise was heard from the plasticizer 110. This is because even though the first restricting section 325 and the second restricting section 103 underwent thermal expansion, the first distance D1 did not shrink sufficiently, causing rotational shaft wobble in the rotating body 125 and generating a periodic noise.

[0040] According to the experimental results described above, at an ambient temperature of 25°C, the minimum value of the first distance D1 is preferably 0.15 mm. Furthermore, the maximum value of the first distance D1 is preferably 0.25 mm, and more preferably 0.20 mm. By satisfying these conditions for the first distance D1, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise from the plasticizer 110 as the rotating body 125 rotates. In addition, since contact between the first restricting part 325 and the second restricting part 103 can be suppressed, excessive load on the drive motor 118 can be suppressed.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the first restricting portion 325 further has a third contact surface 327 on the opposite side of the first contact surface 326 in the direction along the rotation axis RX. The screw case 101 is provided with a third restricting portion 105 having a fourth contact surface 104 that can contact the third contact surface 327. In other words, in this embodiment, the first restricting portion 325 fixed to the screw 111 is positioned between the second restricting portion 103 and the third restricting portion 105 provided on the screw case 101. The third restricting portion 105 and the first restricting portion 325 restrict the movement of the screw 111 in the -X direction by a predetermined amount or more. The distance between the third contact surface 327 and the fourth contact surface 104 is set to a distance smaller than, for example, the play of the third ball bearing 343 in the direction along the rotation axis RX. Note that the third restricting portion 105 can be omitted.

[0042] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the spacing between each member in the direction along the rotation axis RX. As shown in Figure 10, the eccentric body 301 has a flange portion 305 formed on its outer circumference, and the third distance D3 between the flange portion 305 and the needle bearing 344 fixed to the first gear 310 is, for example, 0.1 mm. The fourth distance D4 between the needle bearing 344 and the second gear 320 is, for example, 0.1 mm. Furthermore, the fifth distance D5 between the first gear 310 to which the needle bearing 344 is fixed and the pin receiving portion 302 is, for example, 0.5 mm, and the sixth distance D6 between the first gear 310 and the second gear 320 is, for example, 0.2 mm. In other words, the third distance D3 and the fourth distance D4 are smaller than the sixth distance D6, and the fifth distance D5 is larger than the sixth distance D6. With this distance relationship, contact between the first gear 310 and the second gear 320 can be suppressed by reducing the gap between the needle bearing 344 and other components located above and below it. As a result, wear on both the first gear 310 and the second gear 320 can be suppressed.

[0043] With the injection molding apparatus 10 of this embodiment configured as described above, even when the screw 111 moves toward the barrel 112 along the rotation axis RX, the first restricting part 325 fixed to the screw 111 contacts the second restricting part 103 fixed to the screw case 101 before the screw 111 contacts the barrel 112. Therefore, for example, even if the material supply from the hopper 30 is temporarily interrupted during continuous molding or if material becomes clogged in the material passage 31, the screw 111 and the barrel 112 will not come into contact. Furthermore, even if the rattle in the direction along the rotation axis RX increases due to the aging deterioration of the third ball bearing 343, for example, the screw 111 and the barrel 112 will not come into contact. Moreover, even when the screw 111 is allowed to rotate freely during maintenance of the injection molding apparatus 10, the screw 111 and the barrel 112 will not come into contact. Therefore, according to this embodiment, rotation of the screw 111 while in contact with the barrel 112 is suppressed, thus preventing wear on the screw 111 and barrel 112 and reducing their durability.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reduction gear 300 and the screw 111 are fixed by bolts 324 in a position where the screw 111 is separated from the barrel 112 by a predetermined distance while the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 are in contact. Therefore, the screw 111 can be fixed to the reduction gear 300 so that it does not come into contact with the barrel 112.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the screw 111 is fixed to the second gear 320 provided in the reduction gear 300, contact between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first restricting portion 325 is provided on the second gear 320, wear of the screw 111 due to contact between the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103 can be suppressed. As a result, the durability of the screw 111 can be improved.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, regardless of the contact state between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102, the first distance D1 between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102 is smaller than the second distance D2 between the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111 and the opposing surface 212 of the barrel 112. Therefore, contact between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first restricting portion 325 has a third contact surface 327 on the opposite side of the first contact surface 326, and the screw case 101 is equipped with a third restricting portion 105 having a fourth contact surface 104 that can contact the third contact surface 327. As a result, it is possible to suppress the excessive movement of the screw 111 toward the drive motor 118 in the direction along the rotation axis RX. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the plasticization performance of the material due to the movement of the screw 111 toward the drive motor 118.

[0049] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the plasticizer 110B in the second embodiment. The plasticizer 110B in the second embodiment has a biasing unit 333 that biases the rotating body 125 toward the rotating body 125 from the screw case 101.

[0050] As shown in Figure 11, in the second embodiment, a hole 330 is formed in the second contact surface 102 of the second restricting portion 103 provided in the screw case 101. A spherical rotating member 331 and an elastic body 332 composed of a coil spring are arranged in the hole 330. The rotating member 331 is biased by the elastic body 332 from the +X direction towards the first restricting portion 325. The rotating member 331 and the elastic body 332 are collectively referred to as the biasing portion 333. The biasing portion 333 may be composed of, for example, a ball plunger or a press-fit plunger. As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, a part of the rotating member 331 of the biasing portion 333 is positioned between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102.

[0051] The hardness of the rotating member 331 is lower than the hardness of the rotating body 125. More specifically, the hardness of the rotating member 331 is lower than the hardness of the first restricting portion 325 of the rotating body 125 that the rotating member 331 contacts. In this embodiment, hardness refers to Vickers hardness (HV). The rotating member 331 is formed from, for example, austenitic stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and the first restricting portion 325 is formed from, for example, martensitic stainless steel or high-speed tool steel. By making the hardness of the rotating member 331 lower than that of the first restricting portion 325, wear of the first restricting portion 325 is suppressed, and the rotating member 331 wears out more easily than the first restricting portion 325. Therefore, by replacing the biasing portion 333 or the rotating member 331 as a consumable part, the maintenance costs can be reduced compared to replacing the rotating body 125 including the first restricting portion 325.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface roughness of the rotating member 331 is smaller than that of the rotating body 125. More specifically, the surface roughness of the rotating member 331 is smaller than that of the first restricting portion 325 of the rotating body 125 that the rotating member 331 contacts. This reduces friction between the rotating member 331 and the first restricting portion 325, thereby suppressing wear of the first restricting portion 325. The surface roughness of the rotating member 331 can be reduced, for example, by polishing the surface of the rotating member 331.

[0053] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the rotating members 331. As shown in Figure 12, multiple rotating members 331 are provided around the screw 111, along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis RX, so as to contact the first regulating portion 325. However, the rotating members 331 are not provided in the region that overlaps with the material passage 31 shown in Figure 5 in the X direction.

[0054] According to the second embodiment described above, since the rotating member 331 is positioned between the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103, the sliding resistance between the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103 can be reduced. Therefore, the generation of abnormal noise from the plasticizer 110B can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rotating member 331 prevents the first restricting portion 325 from approaching the second restricting portion 103, contact between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 can be suppressed. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the rotating member 331 is biased toward the first restricting portion 325 by the elastic body 332, contact between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 can be suppressed more reliably. In addition, in this embodiment, since multiple rotating members 331 are provided along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis RX, rotational axis wobble of the screw 111 can be suppressed.

[0055] In this embodiment, the biasing portion 333 is provided on the second restricting portion 103, but the biasing portion 333 may also be provided on the first restricting portion 325. Furthermore, the rotating member 331 is not limited to multiple members, but may be provided as a single unit at any of the positions. Moreover, the elastic body 332 is not essential and can be omitted.

[0056] Furthermore, the rotating member 331 is not limited to a spherical shape; it may also be cylindrical or annular in shape, rotating around an axis that extends radially from the rotation axis RX. For example, a thrust bearing can be used as the rotating member 331. In this case, the thrust bearing may be biased towards the first restricting portion 325 by arranging an elastic member such as a disc spring between the thrust bearing and the screw case 101.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hardness of the rotating member 331 is lower than that of the rotating body 125, and the surface roughness of the rotating member 331 is smaller than that of the rotating body 125. However, it is not essential that both of these conditions are met; either one of the conditions may be met, or neither may be met.

[0058] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 110C in the third embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the first restricting section 325 is provided on the second gear 320 of the reduction gear 300. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the first restricting section 325C is provided on the screw 111C and not on the reduction gear 300C.

[0059] In this embodiment, the bolt 324, which serves as the fixing part, fixes the reducer 300C and the screw 111C at a position where a gap is formed between the first contact surface 326C of the first restricting part 325C provided on the screw 111 and the second contact surface 102C of the second restricting part 103C provided on the screw case 101C. This gap is, for example, 0.1 mm. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned gap is formed between the first contact surface 326C and the second contact surface 102C, the distance between the groove-forming surface 201 of the screw 111C and the opposing surface 212 of the barrel 112 is larger than the above-mentioned gap, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0060] In the third embodiment configured as described above, similar to the first embodiment, even if the first restricting portion 325C fixed to the screw 111C comes into contact with the second restricting portion 103C fixed to the screw case 101 housing the screw 111C, the screw 111C and the barrel 112 will separate by a predetermined distance. Therefore, rotation of the screw 111C while in contact with the barrel 112 is suppressed, and wear on the screw 111C and barrel 112, which would reduce durability, can be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bolt 324 fixes the reducer 300C and the screw 111C at a position where a gap is formed between the first contact surface 326C of the first restricting portion 325C and the second contact surface 102C of the second restricting portion 103C. Therefore, contact between the screw 111C and the barrel 112 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0062] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a biasing portion 333 may be provided between the first contact surface 326C of the first restricting portion 325C and the second contact surface 102 of the second restricting portion 103C.

[0063] As in the third embodiment described above, when the first restricting section 325C is provided on the screw 111C, the reduction gear 300C is not limited to a concentric type reduction gear in which the input shaft and output shaft are on the same axis, but may also be a parallel-axis type reduction gear or a right-angle-axis type reduction gear. Furthermore, the screw 111C may be connected directly to the drive motor 118 without going through the reduction gear 300C.

[0064] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 110D in the fourth embodiment. The plasticizer 110B of the second embodiment described above includes a biasing unit 333 that biases the rotating body 125 toward the rotating body 125 from the screw case 101. In contrast, the plasticizer 110D of the fourth embodiment includes a sealing unit 140 that seals a fluid in the space between the screw case 101 and the rotating body 125. As the fluid, for example, air, water, or hydraulic oil can be used.

[0065] The sealing portion 140 is constructed by placing O-rings 141 on the inner and outer circumference sides of the second contact surface 102 of the second restricting portion 103, respectively, and by these O-rings 141, a space in which fluid can be sealed is defined between the first contact surface 326 and the second contact surface 102. Grooves are formed in the second contact surface 102 into which the O-rings 141 are fitted.

[0066] The plasticizer 110D has an inlet 142 that communicates with the sealing section 140 and allows fluid to flow into the sealing section 140, and an outlet 143 that allows the fluid inside the sealing section 140 to flow to the outside. The inlet 142 communicates with the sealing section 140 through an inlet channel 144 formed in the screw case 101. The outlet 143 communicates with the sealing section 140 through an outlet channel 145 formed in the screw case 101. A pump 146 for allowing fluid to flow into the sealing section 140 is connected to the inlet 142. The pump 146 is controlled by a control unit 500. The control unit 500 can adjust the biasing force that the sealing section 140 exerts on the rotating body 125 by controlling the pump 146 and adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the fluid flowing into the sealing section 140. The pump 146 may be connected to the outlet 143 instead of the inlet 142.

[0067] The fourth embodiment described above, like the second embodiment, can reduce the sliding resistance between the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103, thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal noise from the plasticizer 110D. Furthermore, the sealing portion 140 prevents the first restricting portion 325 from approaching the second restricting portion 103, thus suppressing contact between the screw 111 and the barrel 112. Moreover, since the sealing portion 140 biases the first restricting portion 325 in the -X direction, contact between the screw 111 and the barrel 112 can be suppressed more reliably. In addition, since the fluid sealed in the sealing portion 140 uniformly biases the first restricting portion 325, rotational shaft wobble of the screw 111 can be suppressed.

[0068] E. Fifth Embodiment: Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 110E in the fifth embodiment. In the plasticizer 110D of the fourth embodiment described above, the sealing section 140 communicates with the inlet section 142 and the outlet section 143 through the inlet channel 144 and the outlet channel 145. In contrast, in the plasticizer 110E of the fifth embodiment, the sealing section 140 communicates with the cooling section 150 which cools the screw 111.

[0069] The cooling unit 150 has a tubular structure formed inside the screw case 101 so as to surround the screw 111. A fluid for cooling the screw 111 flows through this annular structure. Various cooling media can be used as the fluid. The cooling unit 150 is connected, for example, to a chiller located outside the plasticizer 110E, and the fluid is supplied from the chiller.

[0070] According to the fifth embodiment described above, since the sealing section 140 is in communication with the cooling section 150 that cools the screw 111, the fluid for cooling the screw 111 can be used in common as the fluid for biasing the rotating body 125. Therefore, the configuration of the plasticizer 110E can be simplified.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, the sealing portion 140 is in communication with a cooling portion 150 for cooling the screw 111. However, the sealing portion 140 may also be in communication with a cooling portion having a tubular structure through which a fluid for cooling the drive motor 118 that drives the screw 111 flows.

[0072] F. Sixth Embodiment: Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 110F in the sixth embodiment. In the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the sealing portion 140 is positioned between the first contact surface 326 of the first restricting portion 325 and the second contact surface 102 of the second restricting portion 103. In contrast, in the plasticizer 110F of the sixth embodiment, the entire reduction gear 300, which is located on the drive motor 118 side of the second gear 320, is included in the sealing portion 140F.

[0073] The area enclosed by the thick line in Figure 16 represents the area of ​​the sealed section 140F. As shown in Figure 16, the sealed section 140F includes a first ball bearing 341, a second ball bearing 342, a third ball bearing 343, a needle bearing 344, a pin receiving section 302, a first gear 310, a second gear 320, and an eccentric body 301. An O-ring 141 is positioned between the first regulating section 325 and the second regulating section 103 to demarcate the sealed section 140F. The sealed section 140 is connected to an inlet passage 144 and an outlet passage 145, and fluid is supplied or discharged through these passages, similar to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use hydraulic oil as the fluid.

[0074] According to the sixth embodiment described above, similar to the second embodiment, the sliding resistance between the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal noise from the plasticizer 110F. Furthermore, since the sealing portion 140F encloses the entire rotating body 125 excluding the screw 111, the generation of heat in the rotating body 125 can be suppressed, and lubrication of each part can be improved.

[0075] G. Seventh Embodiment: Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 110G in the seventh embodiment. In the plasticizer 110B of the second embodiment described above, the biasing unit 333 is positioned between the first restricting unit 325 and the second restricting unit 103. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, the biasing unit 333 is positioned between the side surface of the screw 111 and the screw case 101. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress rotational shaft wobble in the screw 111 and to suppress the generation of abnormal noise associated with rotational shaft wobble.

[0076] Although Figure 17 shows an example where the biasing portion 333 is located between the side surface of the screw 111 and the screw case 101, the biasing portion 333 may be provided both between the first restricting portion 325 and the second restricting portion 103, and between the side surface of the screw 111 and the screw case 101.

[0077] Furthermore, although Figure 17 shows an example in which the biasing portion 333 is positioned between the side surface of the screw 111 and the screw case 101, the sealing portion 140 described in the fourth and fifth embodiments may also be positioned between the side surface of the screw 111 and the screw case 101.

[0078] H. Eighth Embodiment: Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the plasticizer 110H in the eighth embodiment. The plasticizer 110H of the eighth embodiment is equipped with a biasing unit 333, similar to the plasticizer 110B of the second embodiment, and further, the plasticizer 110H is equipped with a detection unit 160. The detection unit 160 is connected to the control unit 500.

[0079] The detection unit 160 includes sensors that detect values ​​related to the biasing force applied to the rotating body 125 by the biasing unit 333 from the torque value of the drive motor 118 and the operating sound or vibration of the plasticizer 110. Examples of such sensors include a current sensor for measuring the torque value of the drive motor 118, a sound sensor for measuring the loudness of the operating sound of the plasticizer 110, and a vibration sensor for measuring the magnitude of vibration. If the biasing force applied to the rotating body 125 is large, a large torque must be applied to the drive motor 118, resulting in a large current value. Also, if the biasing force applied to the rotating body 125 is large, the frictional force between the rotating body 125 and the biasing unit 333 increases, resulting in louder operating sound and vibration.

[0080] The control unit 500 uses the detection unit 160 to acquire a value related to the biasing force applied to the rotating body 125 by the biasing unit 333, and compares this value with a predetermined reference range. If the value related to the biasing force falls outside the reference range, the control unit notifies the user of the error through a display device or speaker.

[0081] In this way, the plasticizer 110H can detect whether the rotating body 125 is properly biased by detecting a value related to the biasing force applied to the rotating body 125 using the detection unit 160. Furthermore, by detecting the biasing force with the detection unit 160, the wear condition of the biasing unit 333 or the first regulating unit 325 can be detected, and by notifying the user of an error, the user can be prompted to replace parts or perform maintenance.

[0082] In the eighth embodiment, the plasticizer 110H is provided with a biasing unit 333, but instead of the biasing unit 333, the sealing unit 140 described in the fourth to sixth embodiments may be provided. With such a configuration, the biasing state of the rotating body 125 by the sealing unit 140 can be detected by the detection unit 160.

[0083] Furthermore, the plasticizer 110H does not necessarily have to be equipped with either the biasing unit 333 or the sealing unit 140. In this configuration, the detection unit 160 can detect the contact state between the first restricting unit 325 and the second restricting unit 103.

[0084] I. Ninth Embodiment: Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 400 in the ninth embodiment. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 400 comprises a plasticizer 110I, a molding table 410, a moving mechanism 420, and a control unit 500I.

[0085] The plasticizer 110I comprises a screw 111, a barrel 112, a heater 113, and a nozzle 114. The configuration of the plasticizer 110I is generally the same as that of any of the plasticizers 110, 110B to 110H in the first to eighth embodiments. However, in this embodiment, a valve 430 is provided between the communication hole 116 and the nozzle 114 to switch the amount of plasticizing material discharged from the nozzle 114 or whether or not discharge is performed. The valve 430 is driven under the control of the control unit 500I.

[0086] The upper surface of the build table 410 faces the nozzle 114. The three-dimensional object is printed on the build table 410. In this embodiment, the build table 410 is aligned horizontally. The build table 410 is supported by a moving mechanism 420.

[0087] The moving mechanism 420 changes the relative position between the nozzle 114 and the build table 410. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 420 changes the relative position between the nozzle 114 and the build table 410 by moving the build table 410. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 420 is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the build table 410 in three axes in the X, Y, and Z directions using power generated by three motors. Each motor is driven under the control of the control unit 500I. The moving mechanism 420 may also be configured to change the relative position between the nozzle 114 and the build table 410 by moving the plasticizer 110I without moving the build table 410. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 420 may be configured to change the relative position between the nozzle 114 and the build table 410 by moving both the build table 410 and the plasticizer 110I.

[0088] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 400, under the control of the control unit 500I, creates a three-dimensional object of a desired shape by depositing layers of plasticizing material onto the molding table 410 by extruding plasticizing material from the nozzle 114 while changing the relative position between the nozzle 114 and the molding table 410.

[0089] In the ninth embodiment of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 400 described above, the same apparatus as in the first to eighth embodiments is provided as the plasticizer 110I, so the generation of abnormal noise from the plasticizer 110I can be suppressed.

[0090] J. Other embodiments: (1) In the second and seventh embodiments described above, the biasing unit 333 biases the rotating member 331 with an elastic body 332. In contrast, the biasing unit 333 may bias the rotating member 331 using various actuators such as motors and cylinders. In this case, the control unit 500 may adjust the distance between the barrel 112 and the screw 111 by controlling the biasing force of the biasing unit 333.

[0091] (2) In the fourth to sixth embodiments described above, the control unit 500 may control the biasing force of the sealing section 140 by controlling the pressure and flow rate of the fluid flowing into the sealing section 140, thereby adjusting the distance between the barrel 112 and the screw 111.

[0092] K. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

[0093] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a plasticizing apparatus is provided. The plasticizing apparatus comprises a rotating body having a rotating screw and 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 in which plasticized material flows out to the outside; a heating section for heating the material supplied to the grooves; and a screw case for housing the screw, further comprising a biasing section that biases the rotating body toward the rotating body from the screw case and having a rotating member with a lower hardness than the rotating body at its tip, or a sealing section for sealing a fluid in the space between the screw case and the rotating body. In this configuration, the gap between the rotating body and the screw case can be adjusted to an appropriate distance by biasing the rotating body with a rotating member provided in the biasing section, or by sealing a fluid in the space between the screw case and the rotating body with a sealing section. Therefore, the generation of abnormal noise associated with the rotation of the rotating body can be suppressed. In addition, since the hardness of the rotating member provided in the biasing section is lower than that of the rotating body, wear of the rotating body by the rotating member can be suppressed.

[0094] (2) In the above embodiment, the rotating body has a first restricting portion having a first contact surface facing the barrel side, and the screw case has a second restricting portion having a second contact surface facing the first contact surface and capable of contacting the first contact surface, and the biasing portion or the sealing portion may be located between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. In such an embodiment, the distance between the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion can be set to an appropriate distance by the biasing portion or the sealing portion.

[0095] (3) In the above configuration, the biasing portion or the sealing portion may be provided between the side surface of the screw and the screw case. With such a configuration, the generation of abnormal noise as the rotating body rotates can be suppressed.

[0096] (4) In the above configuration, there may be a detection unit that detects a value related to the force biasing the rotating body. In such a configuration, it is possible to detect whether or not the rotating body is properly biased.

[0097] (5) In the above configuration, the device comprises the sealing section and a cooling section for cooling the screw or the drive motor that rotates the screw, wherein the cooling section has a tubular structure through which the fluid flows, and the cooling section and the sealing section may be in communication with each other. In such a configuration, the fluid used in the cooling section and the fluid used in the sealing section can be the same.

[0098] (6) In the above configuration, the device may have an inlet that has a sealing portion and communicates with the sealing portion, allowing the fluid to flow into the sealing portion, and an outlet that allows the fluid inside the sealing portion to flow out. In such a configuration, the biasing force of the sealing portion can be easily adjusted by adjusting the pressure or flow rate of the fluid flowing in from the inlet or the fluid flowing out from the outlet.

[0099] (7) In the above configuration, the surface roughness of the rotating member may be less than the surface roughness of the rotating body. In this configuration, wear of the rotating body can be suppressed.

[0100] (8) A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a plasticizing apparatus. This plasticizing apparatus comprises a rotating body having a rotating 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 for the plasticized material to flow out to the outside; a heating section for heating the material supplied to the grooves; and a screw case for housing the screw, wherein the rotating body has a first restricting section having a first contact surface facing the barrel side, and the screw case has a second restricting section having a second contact surface opposite to the first contact surface and capable of contacting the first contact surface, and the distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface is 0.15 mm or more and 0.25 mm or less at an ambient temperature of 25°C. With this configuration, the distance between the first and second contact surfaces can be set to an appropriate distance, thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal noises associated with the rotation of the rotating body.

[0101] (9) A third embodiment of the present disclosure is an injection molding apparatus comprising the plasticizing apparatus of the above embodiment and a nozzle for injecting the plasticized material flowing out from the communication hole into a mold.

[0102] (10) A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is a three-dimensional molding apparatus comprising the plasticizing apparatus of the above embodiment and a nozzle for discharging the plasticized material flowing out from the communication hole toward a molding table. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 10...Injection molding machine, 12...Mold, 12M...Movable mold, 12S...Fixed mold, 20...Base, 30...Hopper, 31...Material passage, 101...Screw case, 102...Second contact surface, 103...Second regulating section, 104...Fourth contact surface, 105...Third regulating section, 110...Plasticizing device, 111...Screw, 112...Barrel, 113...Heater, 114...Nozzle, 115...Screw drive unit, 116...Communication hole, 117...Catcher Bitty, 118…Drive motor, 119…Output shaft, 120…Injection control mechanism, 121…Injection cylinder, 122…Plunger, 123…Plunger drive unit, 124…Check valve, 125…Rotating body, 130…Clamping device, 131…Mold drive unit, 132…Ball screw, 140…Sealing part, 141…O-ring, 142…Inlet part, 143…Outlet part, 144…Inlet passage, 145…Outlet passage, 146…Pump, 150 ...cooling section, 160...detection section, 201...groove forming surface, 202...groove, 203...material input port, 204...protruding section, 205...center section, 206...recess, 211...guide groove, 212...opposing surface, 300...reducer, 301...eccentric body, 302...pin receiving section, 303...pin receiving recess, 305...flange section, 310...first gear, 311...external teeth, 312...pin, 320...second gear, 321...first recess, 322...internal teeth, 323...second recess, 32 4...Bolt, 325...First restricting part, 326...First contact surface, 327...Third contact surface, 328...Bottom part, 330...Hole part, 331...Rotating member, 332...Elastic body, 333...Biasing part, 341...First ball bearing, 342...Second ball bearing, 343...Third ball bearing, 344...Needle bearing, 400...Three-dimensional molding device, 410...Molding table, 420...Moving mechanism, 430...Valve, 500...Control unit

Claims

1. A rotating body having a groove-forming surface with grooves formed on it and a rotating screw, A barrel having an opposing surface facing the groove-forming surface, and having a communication hole formed through which the plasticized material flows out to the outside, A heating unit for heating the material supplied to the groove, A screw case for housing the aforementioned screw, A biasing part that biases the rotating body toward the rotating body from the screw case and has a rotating member with lower hardness than the rotating body at its tip, A detection unit that detects a value related to the force biasing the rotating body, A plasticizing device is provided.

2. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, The rotating body has a first regulating portion having a first contact surface facing the barrel side, The screw case has a second restricting portion which faces the first contact surface and has a second contact surface that can contact the first contact surface, A plasticizing apparatus having the biasing portion between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

3. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, A plasticizer having the biasing portion between the side surface of the screw and the screw case.

4. A plasticizing apparatus according to claim 1, A plasticizer wherein the surface roughness of the rotating member is less than the surface roughness of the rotating body.

5. A plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A nozzle for injecting the plasticized material that has flowed out from the communication hole into a mold, An injection molding apparatus equipped with [a specific feature].

6. A plasticizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A nozzle for discharging the plasticized material that has flowed out from the communication hole toward the build table, A three-dimensional modeling device equipped with the following features.

Images