Ejection device, molding device, and ejection method

Abstract

Provided is an ejection device in which the amount of a material having fluidity that is ejected per unit time is increased. This ejection device is provided with: a filling unit having a first space portion and a second space portion that are to be filled with a material; an ejection unit having an ejection path communicating with the first space portion or the second space portion; and a switching unit that has a communication path providing communication between the ejection path and the first space portion or the second space portion, and that switches between a first state in which the communication path provides communication between the first space portion and the ejection path, and a second state in which the communication path provides communication between the second space portion and the ejection path.

Description

Discharge device, molding device, and discharge method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a discharge device for discharging a flowable material, a molding device including the discharge device, and a discharging method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method and an apparatus for extruding a slurry, in which a foamed lightweight cement slurry filled in a magazine is supplied to the inlet of an extrusion molding apparatus and extruded by a piston.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-14106

[0004] A discharge device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a filling section having a first space and a second space filled with a material having a dispersion medium and particulate dispersoids dispersed in the dispersion medium; a discharge section having a discharge path having a first end and a second end, the first end communicating with the first space or the second space and the second end being open to the outside; and a switching section having at least one communication passage connecting the first end of the discharge path with the first space or the second space, the switching section switching between a first state in which the at least one communication passage connects the first space with the discharge path and a second state in which the at least one communication passage connects the second space with the discharge path.

[0005] A discharge method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a filling section having a first space portion and a second space portion filled with a material having a dispersion medium and a particulate dispersoid dispersed in the dispersion medium; a discharge section having a discharge path having a first end and a second end, the first end communicating with the first space portion or the second space portion and the second end being open to the outside; and at least one communication path connecting the first end of the discharge path with the first space portion or the second space portion, the at least one communication path being open to the outside. A method for discharging the material using a discharge device that includes a switching unit that switches between a first state in which one space portion is connected to the discharge path and a second state in which the at least one communication path connects the second space portion to the discharge path, and includes a first extrusion step of extruding the material filled in the first space portion from the first space portion, a second extrusion step of extruding the material filled in the second space portion from the second space portion, and a switching step of switching between the first state and the second state using the switching unit.

[0006] 1. A perspective view showing the configuration of a molding apparatus according to embodiment 1. 2. A cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a discharge device according to embodiment 1. 3. A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a first piston. 4. A cross-sectional view for explaining an example of dimensions of a first space portion and a communication passage in a discharge device according to embodiment 1. 5. A diagram showing an example of an operation of a discharge device according to embodiment 1 to discharge material. 6. A flowchart showing an example of a method for discharging material by a discharge device according to embodiment 1. 7. A diagram showing thrusts of a first piston and a second piston in a first state, a third state, and a second state. 8. A block diagram showing an example of control of pressures of the first piston and a second piston. 9. A flowchart showing an example of a method for discharging material according to embodiment 2. 10. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a discharge device according to embodiment 3. 11. A cross-sectional view for explaining an example of dimensions of a first space portion and a first communication passage in a discharge device according to embodiment 3. 12. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a discharge device according to embodiment 4. 13. A cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device according to embodiment 5. 14. A cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device according to a modified example of embodiment 5. 15. A cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. 16. A cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device according to embodiment 6. 17. A diagram showing an example of an operation of a discharge device according to embodiment 7 to discharge material.

[0007] [Embodiment 1] (Configuration of molding apparatus 100) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a molding apparatus 100 according to embodiment 1. The molding apparatus 100 is an apparatus for molding a material having a dispersion medium and particulate dispersoids dispersed in the dispersion medium onto a substrate. The material may be, for example, a mixture of ceramic particles and a solvent such as water in a ceramic material, or a mixture of an electrode active material and an organic solvent in a storage battery, but is not limited to these. As shown in Fig. 1, the molding apparatus 100 includes a discharge device 1 and a molding table 9.

[0008] The discharge device 1 is a device that discharges material to be formed. In other words, the discharge device 1 is configured to be able to discharge material to be formed. The specific configuration of the discharge device 1 will be described later. The forming table 9 is a table on which a substrate is placed. The table on which the substrate is placed may be made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or a ceramic material such as alumina. The forming table 9 is located below the discharge device 1. The forming table 9 is configured to be movable relative to the discharge device 1. The forming table 9 may be configured to be movable horizontally relative to the discharge device 1. Thus, the forming table 9 is movable relative to the discharge device 1 with the substrate placed thereon. In other words, the forming table 9 can move the substrate relative to the discharge device 1. For example, the forming table 9 may be equipped with a mechanism that moves the table using rotating rollers. Alternatively, the forming table 9 may not be equipped with a table, but may be equipped with a mechanism that moves the substrate placed by suction directly on a belt conveyor. The molding device 100 molds the material by discharging the material from the discharge device 1 onto the substrate while moving the substrate relative to the discharge device 1 using the molding table 9.

[0009] The molding apparatus 100 may further include a height adjustment mechanism 8 that adjusts the height of the discharge device 1 relative to the substrate. The height of the discharge device 1 relative to the substrate corresponds to the distance between the substrate and the discharge device 1. In FIG. 1 , the height adjustment mechanism 8 adjusts the height of the discharge device 1. However, the height adjustment mechanism 8 may also adjust the height of the molding table 9. By adjusting the height of the discharge device 1 relative to the substrate using the height adjustment mechanism 8, the thickness of the material molded by the molding apparatus 100 can be changed.

[0010] The molding device 100 may include a feed roll that feeds out the substrate and a take-up roll that winds up the substrate, instead of the molding table 9. In this case, the molding device 100 molds the material by discharging the material onto the substrate that is supplied in a so-called roll-to-roll manner using the discharge device 1.

[0011] (Configuration of Discharge Device 1) Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the discharge device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the discharge device 1 includes a filling unit 10, a discharge unit 20, a switching unit 30, a control unit 40, and a memory unit 45. In the discharge device 1, the material is discharged from the filling unit 10 via the switching unit 30 and the discharge unit 20 in this order.

[0012] The filling section 10 is a housing into which a material is filled. In other words, the filling section 10 is configured to be able to be filled with a material. The shape of the filling section 10 may be, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited to this. The filling section 10 has a first space 11 and a second space 12 inside. The first space 11 and the second space 12 are spaces into which a material having fluidity is filled.

[0013] The filling unit 10 further includes a first piston 13 and a second piston 14. The first piston 13 pressurizes the material filled in the first space 11 by a pressurizing mechanism (not shown). In other words, the first piston 13 is configured to be able to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11. The first piston 13 may be provided with a pressure gauge 13b that measures the pressure of the material abutting against the first piston 13. The second piston 14 pressurizes the material filled in the second space 12 by a pressurizing mechanism (not shown). In other words, the second piston 14 is configured to be able to pressurize the material filled in the second space 12. The second piston 14 may be provided with a pressure gauge 14b that measures the pressure of the material abutting against the second piston 14.

[0014] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first piston 13. The structure of the second piston 14 is the same as that of the first piston 13, and therefore is not shown.

[0015] 3, the first piston 13 may be provided with an on-off valve 13a. The on-off valve 13a may be a one-way valve that allows air to flow only from the first space 11 to the outside. When the first space 11 is filled with a material, with the first piston 13 inserted in the first space 11, the first space 11 may be evacuated via the on-off valve 13a by a vacuum pump (not shown) before pressurizing the material. In other words, the first piston 13 is configured to be able to evacuate the first space 11 after the first space 11 is filled with a material.

[0016] When filling the first space 11 with material, the first piston 13 is pulled out of the first space 11, the material is filled from the end of the first space 11, and then the first piston 13 is inserted into the first space 11. Therefore, when the first piston 13 is inserted, air may be present between the material and the first piston 13. Also, when the first space 11 is filled with material, air pockets may be present within the material. By evacuating the first space 11, the air between the material and the first piston 13 and the air pockets within the material can be removed. Therefore, by pressurizing the material with the first piston 13 in this state, the amount of material discharged is less likely to fluctuate.

[0017] The discharge unit 20 is a die for discharging the material. The discharge unit 20 has a discharge path 21. The discharge path 21 is a flow path through which the material filled in the first space 11 and the second space 12 passes when being discharged. In other words, the discharge unit 20 is configured to be able to discharge the material filled in the first space 11 and the second space 12 from the discharge path 21.

[0018] The discharge path 21 has a first end 22 and a second end 23. The first end 22 is the end facing the first space 11 or the second space 12. The second end 23 is the end opposite the first end 22 and is open to the outside of the discharge device 1. In other words, the second end 23 has an opening to the outside of the discharge device 1. Specifically, the second end 23 may be open toward the forming table 9.

[0019] Therefore, the material filled in the first space 11 is pressurized by the first piston 13 and discharged onto the substrate on the forming table 9 via the discharge path 21. Also, the material filled in the second space 12 is pressurized by the second piston 14 and discharged onto the substrate on the forming table 9 via the discharge path 21.

[0020] The discharge unit 20 may further include a resistance adjuster 24. The resistance adjuster 24 is a rod-shaped member that can protrude into the discharge path 21. The shape of the resistance adjuster 24 may be, for example, a cylinder or a rectangular prism, but is not limited thereto. The resistance adjuster 24 can be moved by a drive mechanism (not shown) between a position where it protrudes into the discharge path 21 and a position where it does not protrude into the discharge path 21. In other words, the resistance adjuster 24 is configured to be movable between a position where it protrudes into the discharge path 21 and a position where it does not protrude into the discharge path 21. The control unit 40 may also output a control signal to the drive mechanism to move the resistance adjuster 24 to either a position where it protrudes into the discharge path 21 or a position where it does not protrude into the discharge path 21.

[0021] When the resistance adjustment unit 24 is moved to a position where it protrudes into the discharge path 21, the resistance to the flow of material in the discharge path 21 is greater than when it is moved to a position where it does not protrude into the discharge path 21. Therefore, by moving the position of the resistance adjustment unit 24, the magnitude of the resistance in the discharge path 21 to the flow of material can be adjusted.

[0022] The discharge section 20 may further include a pressure gauge 25 that measures the pressure of the material in the discharge section 20 .

[0023] In FIG. 2 , arrow 15 indicates the flow direction of material in the first space 11. Arrow 16 indicates the flow direction of material in the second space 12. Arrow 17 indicates the flow direction of material in the discharge path 21. The angle between arrows 15 and 17, i.e., the angle between the flow direction of material in the first space 11 and the flow direction of material in the discharge path 21, is defined as θ1. The angle between arrows 16 and 17, i.e., the angle between the flow direction of material in the second space 12 and the flow direction of material in the discharge path 21, is defined as θ2. In this case, θ1 and θ2 may each be greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 45°. Furthermore, the flow direction of material in the communication path 31 may be the same as the flow direction of material in the discharge path 21, for example.

[0024] When θ1 and θ2 are within these angles, the flow of material from the first space 11 and the second space 12 to the discharge channel 21 becomes smooth. Furthermore, when (i) θ1 and θ2 are greater than 0°, (ii) the filling section 10 is rectangular, and (iii) the flow direction of the material in the discharge channel 21 is perpendicular to a plane of the rectangular filling section 10 that is parallel to the horizontal plane, the lengths of the first space 11 and the second space 12 in the flow direction of the material become longer compared to when θ1 and θ2 are 0°. Therefore, the volumes of the first space 11 and the second space 12 relative to the size of the filling section 10, i.e., the volume of material that can be filled into the filling section 10, can be increased compared to when θ1 and θ2 are 0°.

[0025] The switching unit 30 is a housing having a communication passage 31. The communication passage 31 may connect the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 to the first space 11, or the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 to the second space 12. In other words, the switching unit 30 is configured so that the communication passage 31 can connect the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 to the first space 11, or the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 to the second space 12.

[0026] The switching unit 30 can switch between a first state in which the communication passage 31 communicates between the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 and the first space 11, and a second state in which the communication passage 31 communicates between the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 and the second space 12. Specifically, the discharge device 1 may further include a switching unit drive mechanism 38. The switching unit drive mechanism 38 may include a motor 38a and a drive shaft 38b. Rotation of the motor 38a may be transmitted to the switching unit 30 via the drive shaft 38b, causing the switching unit 30 to move in parallel relative to the filling unit 10.

[0027] The communication passage 31 may communicate with the first space 11 or the second space 12 depending on the position of the switching unit 30 relative to the filling unit 10. Therefore, the switching unit 30 can be switched between the first state and the second state by moving relative to the filling unit 10 by the switching unit drive mechanism 38.

[0028] When the switching unit 30 is in the first state, the discharge device 1 can discharge material from the first space 11 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21. During this period, the discharge device 1 can also fill the material into the second space 12. When the switching unit 30 is in the second state, the discharge device 1 can discharge material from the second space 12 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21. During this period, the discharge device 1 can also fill the material into the first space 11.

[0029] The switching unit 30 may further include a first blocking unit 32a and a second blocking unit 32b. The first blocking unit 32a may block the second space 12 from the outside in the first state. The second blocking unit 32b may block the first space 11 from the outside in the second state. The outside here refers to the switching unit 30 side of the filling unit 10. In other words, the switching unit 30 is configured to be able to block the second space 12 from the outside with the first blocking unit 32a and to block the first space 11 from the outside with the second blocking unit 32b.

[0030] Specifically, the first blocking portion 32a may be a surface of the switching portion 30 that faces the second space 12 in the first state. The second blocking portion 32b may be a surface of the switching portion 30 that faces the first space 11 in the second state. By providing the switching portion 30 with the first blocking portion 32a and the second blocking portion 32b, the possibility of material leaking from the first space 11 or the second space 12 that is not in communication with the discharge path 21 can be reduced.

[0031] In addition to the first and second states described above, the switching unit 30 may also be switched to a third state in which the communication passage 31 connects both the first space 11 and the second space 12 with the discharge path 21. When the switching unit 30 is in the third state, the discharge device 1 can discharge material from the first space 11 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21, and simultaneously discharge material from the second space 12 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21.

[0032] The third state appears as a state that occurs during the transition from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state. Because the switching unit 30 can be switched to the third state, the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge the material from the discharge path 21 onto the substrate on the forming table 9.

[0033] In the first, second, and third states, the sum of the volume per unit time of the material supplied from the first space 11 to the communicating path 31 and the volume per unit time of the material supplied from the second space 12 to the communicating path 31 may be constant. By keeping the sum of these volumes constant, the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge path 21 can be kept constant whether the switching unit 30 is in the first, second, or third state. Furthermore, the volume per unit time of the material discharged from the discharge device 1 onto the substrate on the forming table 9 can be kept constant.

[0034] The term "constant" here does not necessarily mean completely constant. That is, the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge path 21 may fluctuate within a range that can be considered substantially constant. For example, if the lower limit of the fluctuation in the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge path 21 is 95% or more of the upper limit, it can be considered substantially constant.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of dimensions of the first space 11 and the communication passage 31 in the discharge device 1. In Fig. 4, the first space 11 and the communication passage 31 are assumed to have a cylindrical shape with an axis parallel to the paper surface. In Fig. 4, reference numeral 401 is a diagram showing a first state, and reference numeral 402 is a diagram showing a second state.

[0036] As shown by the reference numeral 401, the width of the first space 11 in the direction of material flow is designated as wa. The length of the communicating passage 31 in a direction parallel to the boundary between the filling section 10 and the switching section 30 is designated as wb. The angle formed between the direction of material flow in the first space 11 and the direction of material flow in the communicating passage 31 is designated as θ1 above. In this case, wa and wb may satisfy the following formula (1): wb × cos(θ1) = wa (1) When formula (1) is satisfied, the dimensions of the first space 11 and the communicating passage 31 match at the boundary between the first space 11 and the communicating passage 31.

[0037] Furthermore, the width between the first space 11 and the second space 12 on the surface of the filling section 10 facing the switching section 30 is defined as wc. In this case, wb and wc may satisfy the following formula (2): wb>wc (2) When formula (2) is satisfied, a third state appears as an intermediate state between the switching from the first state to the second state and the switching from the second state to the first state. The value of wc may be as close to 0 as possible within a range that ensures the strength of the material to withstand pressure.

[0038] As indicated by reference numeral 402, the width of the region where the first space 11 and the communication path 31 communicate with each other in the switching portion 30 in the third state is denoted by wd1. Also, the width of the region where the second space 12 and the communication path 31 communicate with each other in the switching portion 30 in the third state is denoted by wd2. Because the value of wc cannot be set to 0, the sum of wd1 and wd2 is smaller than wb.

[0039] In the third state, the pressure on the material by the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 may be increased compared to the first and second states, which increases the flow rate of the material and allows the volume of material supplied to the discharge path 21 per unit time to be constant.

[0040] The control unit 40 controls the operation of the discharge device 1. For example, the control unit 40 outputs a control signal to the pressurizing mechanism of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 to pressurize the material. The control unit 40 also outputs a control signal to the switching unit drive mechanism 38 to move the switching unit 30. For such control, signals indicating the pressure at each location may be input to the control unit 40 from the pressure gauges 13b, 14b, and 25. In other words, the control unit 40 is configured to be able to control the first piston 13, the second piston 14, and the switching unit drive mechanism 38 based on signals from the pressure gauges 13b, 14b, and 25.

[0041] The switching unit drive mechanism 38 may include a servo motor controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 can recognize the position of the switching unit 30 based on an output signal from the servo motor. Furthermore, the control unit 40 can recognize whether the switching unit 30 is in the first state, the second state, or the third state based on the position of the switching unit.

[0042] The pressurizing mechanisms that pressurize the material by each of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 may also include servo motors controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 can recognize the positions of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 based on output signals from the servo motors. Furthermore, the control unit 40 can recognize the volume of material filled in the first space 11 from the position of the first piston 13, and can recognize the volume of material filled in the second space 12 from the position of the second piston 14.

[0043] However, one or more of the switching unit drive mechanism 38 and the pressurizing mechanisms that pressurize the material by each of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 may not include a servo motor. For example, if the switching unit drive mechanism 38 does not include a servo motor, the switching unit 30 may be equipped with a position sensor that outputs a signal that indicates the position of the switching unit 30. Also, if the pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the material by the first piston 13 does not include a servo motor, the first piston 13 may be equipped with a position sensor that outputs a signal that indicates the position of the first piston 13. Also, if the pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the material by the second piston 14 does not include a servo motor, the second piston 14 may be equipped with a position sensor that outputs a signal that indicates the position of the second piston 14.

[0044] The storage unit 45 stores information necessary for the control unit 40 to control the operation of the discharge device 1. However, the discharge device 1 does not necessarily need to include the storage unit 45, and may be communicably connected to an external storage device that stores information necessary for the control unit 40 to control the operation of the discharge device 1. The information stored in the storage unit 45 may be input by known input means such as a separately provided keyboard or touch panel.

[0045] (Operation of Discharge Device 1) Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the discharge device 1 to discharge material. In the initial state of the discharge device 1, as indicated by the reference numeral 501, the first space 11 and the second space 12 may each be filled with material. In the example shown in Figure 5, the initial state of the switching unit 30 is the first state, but in the operation of the discharge device 1, the initial state of the switching unit 30 may also be the second state.

[0046] When the discharge device 1 starts discharging the material, the control unit 40 may cause the first piston 13 to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 as indicated by the reference numeral 502. The material pressurized by the first piston 13 is discharged from the first space 11 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21.

[0047] When the amount of material filled in the first space 11 decreases (i.e., when the first piston 13 approaches the switching unit 30 within the first space 11), the control unit 40 may translate the switching unit 30 as indicated by the reference numeral 503. Based on the position of the switching unit 30, the control unit 40 recognizes that the switching unit 30 has transitioned from the first state to the third state.

[0048] When the switching unit 30 is in the third state, which is a state transitioned from the first state, the control unit 40 may continue to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 with the first piston 13. Furthermore, when the switching unit 30 is in the third state, which is a state transitioned from the first state, the control unit 40 may pressurize the material filled in the second space 12 with the second piston 14. The material pressurized by the second piston 14 is discharged from the second space 12 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21. This reduces molding defects of the material discharged from the discharge unit 20 caused by a small remaining amount of material filled in the first space 11.

[0049] Before all of the material filled in the first space 11 is discharged (i.e., before the first piston 13 moves to the end of the first space 11 on the switching unit 30 side), the control unit 40 may translate the switching unit 30 as indicated by the reference numeral 504. Based on the position of the switching unit 30, the control unit 40 recognizes that the switching unit 30 has transitioned from the third state to the second state.

[0050] When the switching unit 30 is in the second state, the control unit 40 may continue to pressurize the material filled in the second space 12 from the third state using the second piston 14. Furthermore, when the switching unit 30 is in the second state, the material may be filled in the first space 11 as indicated by the reference symbol 505.

[0051] After the first space 11 is filled with material, when the amount of material filled in the second space 12 decreases (i.e., the second piston 14 approaches the switching unit 30 within the second space 12), the control unit 40 may translate the switching unit 30 as indicated by the reference numeral 506. Based on the position of the switching unit 30, the control unit 40 recognizes that the switching unit 30 has transitioned from the second state to the third state.

[0052] When the switching unit 30 is in the third state, having transitioned from the second state, the control unit 40 may continue to pressurize the material filled in the second space 12 with the second piston 14. Furthermore, when the switching unit 30 is in the third state, having transitioned from the second state, the control unit 40 may pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 with the first piston 13. The material pressurized by the first piston 13 is discharged from the first space 11 via the communication passage 31 and the discharge path 21. This reduces molding defects of the material discharged from the discharge unit 20 caused by a small amount of material remaining in the second space 12.

[0053] Before all of the material filled in the second space 12 is discharged (i.e., before the second piston 14 moves to the end of the second space 12 on the switching unit 30 side), the control unit 40 may translate the switching unit 30 as indicated by the reference numeral 507. Based on the position of the switching unit 30, the control unit 40 recognizes that the switching unit 30 has transitioned from the third state to the first state.

[0054] When the switching unit 30 is in the first state, the first piston 13 may continue to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11 from the third state. Also, when the switching unit 30 is in the first state, the material may be filled in the second space 12 as shown by the reference numeral 508.

[0055] After the second space 12 is filled with the material, when the amount of material filled in the first space 11 decreases, the control unit 40 may move the switching unit 30 in parallel as indicated by the reference numeral 503. Thereafter, the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge the material from the discharge path 21 to the outside by repeating the operations described with reference to the reference numerals 503 to 508.

[0056] In the above description, the discharge unit 20 does not move relative to the filling unit 10, and only the switching unit 30 moves relative to the filling unit 10. However, the discharge unit 20 may move relative to the filling unit 10 together with the switching unit 30.

[0057] Furthermore, the filling of the material into the first space 11 and the second space 12 may be performed manually or by a material filling device. When the filling of the material into the first space 11 and the second space 12 is performed by a material filling device, the material filling device may be included in the discharge device 1. Furthermore, the material filling device may be a device separate from the discharge device 1.

[0058] (Flowchart of Discharge Method) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for discharging material using the discharge device 1. An example of the operation of the discharge device 1 is explained below using a flowchart. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the filling of material into the first space 11 and the second space 12 is performed by a device controlled by the control unit 40. Furthermore, in the initial state of the discharge device 1, it is assumed that both the first space 11 and the second space 12 are filled with material, as shown by reference numeral 501 in Figure 5.

[0059] First, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 using the first piston 13 (S10). As a result, the control unit 40 extrudes the material filled in the first space 11 from the first space 11 (first extrusion step). In response to the displacement of the first piston 13, i.e., the reduction in the volume of the material filled in the first space 11, the control unit 40 translates the switching unit 30 to switch from the first state to the third state (S31). The control unit 40 also starts pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 using the second piston 14 (S21). As a result, the control unit 40 extrudes the material filled in the second space 12 from the second space 12 (second extrusion step).

[0060] In response to further displacement of the first piston 13, i.e., a further decrease in the volume of the material filled in the first space 11, the control unit 40 translates the switching unit 30 to switch from the third state to the second state (S32). When the discharge device 1 switches to the second state, the control unit 40 stops the first piston 13 from pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 (S11). Meanwhile, the second piston 14 continues to pressurize the material filled in the second space 12. In this state, the control unit 40 fills the material into the first space 11 (S12). Specifically, the control unit 40 pulls the first piston 13 out of the first space 11 to fill the first space 11 with the material, and then inserts the first piston 13 into the first space 11.

[0061] After step S12 is completed, the control unit 40 translates the switching unit 30 to switch from the second state to the third state (S33) in response to the displacement of the second piston 14, i.e., the decrease in the volume of the material filled in the second space 12. The control unit 40 also starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 by the first piston 13 (S13). As a result, the control unit 40 extrudes the material filled in the first space 11 from the first space 11 (first extrusion step).

[0062] In response to further displacement of the second piston 14, i.e., a further decrease in the volume of the material filled in the second space 12, the control unit 40 translates the switching unit 30 to switch from the third state to the first state (S34). When the discharge device 1 switches to the first state, the control unit 40 stops the second piston 14 from pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 (S22). Meanwhile, the first piston 13 continues to pressurize the material filled in the first space 11. In this state, the control unit 40 fills the material into the second space 12 (S23). Specifically, the control unit 40 pulls the second piston 14 out of the second space 12 to fill the second space 12 with the material, and then inserts the second piston 14 into the second space 12.

[0063] Thereafter, the control unit 40 repeats the processes of steps S11 to S13 in relation to the first space 11 and the first piston 13. The control unit 40 also repeats the processes of steps S21 to S23 in relation to the second space 12 and the second piston 14. The control unit 40 also repeats the processes of steps S31 to S34 in relation to the switching unit 30. This allows the discharge device 1 to continuously discharge material from the discharge unit 20 in any of the first state, second state, and third state.

[0064] In the above flow, steps S31 and S32 together can be said to indicate that the control unit 40 switches the switching unit 30 from the first state to the second state. Furthermore, steps S33 and S34 together can be said to indicate that the control unit 40 switches the switching unit 30 from the second state to the first state. Therefore, steps S31 to S34 can be collectively referred to as a switching step that switches the switching unit 30 between the first state and the second state. Furthermore, in the above flow, it can be said that the control unit 40 executes at least a part of the switching step in parallel with the first extrusion step (S10, S13) or the second extrusion step (S21).

[0065] (Thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14) Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in each of the first state, the third state, and the second state. The thrust is a force applied to each of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 from the pressurizing mechanism in order to pressurize the material.

[0066] 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a graph showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the first state. Reference numeral 702 denotes a graph showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the third state. Reference numeral 703 denotes a graph showing the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 in the second state. In each graph, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14.

[0067] With respect to the time shown on the horizontal axis, t0 is the time when, in the third state, the area of ​​the region where the first space 11 communicates with the communication path 31 becomes equal to the area of ​​the region where the second space 12 communicates with the communication path 31. Furthermore, −t2 is the time when the switching unit 30 starts to move, and +t2 is the time when the movement ends. Furthermore, −t1 is the time after time −t2 when the communication path 31 transitions from a state where it communicates only with the first space 11 to a state where it communicates with both the first space 11 and the second space 12. Furthermore, +t1 is the time before time +t2 when the communication path 31 transitions from a state where it communicates with both the first space 11 and the second space 12 to a state where it communicates only with the second space 12.

[0068] In Figure 7, the relationship between time and the state of the switching unit 30 is as follows: - Before time -t2, the switching unit 30 is in the first state. - From time -t2 to time +t2, the switching unit 30 is in the third state. During the period from time -t2 to time +t2, the switching unit 30 moves in parallel from the first space portion 11 side to the second space portion 12 side at a constant speed. - After time +t2, the switching unit 30 is in the second state.

[0069] The thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 shown on the vertical axis is shown as a ratio where the thrust of the first piston 13 in the first state and the thrust of the second piston 14 in the second state are set to 100%. The magnitude of the thrust is determined by the control unit 40, and therefore the control unit 40 can recognize the thrust.

[0070] In reference numeral 701, graph 701a shows the thrust of the first piston 13, and graph 701b shows the thrust of the second piston 14. In the first state, the thrust of the first piston 13 may always be 100%, and the thrust of the second piston 14 may always be 0%.

[0071] In the reference numeral 702, a graph 702a shows the thrust of the first piston 13. A graph 702b shows the thrust of the second piston 14.

[0072] At time −t2, when the switching unit 30 starts to move, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be 100%. As the time approaches time t0 from time −t2, the thrust of the first piston 13 gradually increases from 100% and may be, for example, 120% at time t0.

[0073] As the time approaches from time t0 to time t1, the thrust of the first piston 13 may rapidly decrease from 120%. At time t1, when the first space 11 is no longer in communication with the communication passage 31, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be a value slightly higher than 0%, for example, 10%. Between time t1 and time t2, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be constant at a value slightly higher than 0%.

[0074] Furthermore, at the time point at which the switching unit 30 starts to move at time -t2, the thrust of the second piston 14 may be a value slightly higher than 0%, for example 10%. In other words, the second piston 14 may start pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 before the second space 12 comes into communication with the communication passage 31. From time -t2 to time -t1 when the second space 12 comes into communication with the communication passage 31, the thrust of the second piston 14 may be constant at a value slightly higher than 0%.

[0075] After the second space portion 12 comes into communication with the communication passage 31 at time −t1, the thrust of the second piston 14 increases rapidly as time approaches t0, and may be, for example, 120% at time t0. After time t0, the thrust of the second piston 14 gradually decreases as time approaches +t2, and may be 100% at time +t2.

[0076] As described above, in the third state, the sum of the width of the region where the first space 11 communicates with the communication passage 31 and the width of the region where the second space 12 communicates with the communication passage 31 is smaller than the width of the region where the first space 11 communicates with the communication passage 31 in the first state switching unit 30. In the third state, the thrust of one or both of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 is increased to more than 100%, thereby increasing the flow rate of the material. As a result, the volume per unit time of the material supplied to the discharge passage 21 can be kept constant in the third state, the first state, and the second state.

[0077] Furthermore, in the third state, not only are the first space 11 and the second space 12 each in communication with the discharge path 21 via the communication passage 31, but the first space 11 and the second space 12 also in communication with each other via the communication passage 31. By increasing the thrust of the second piston 14 to more than 0% between time −t2 and time −t1, it is possible to reduce backflow of material from the communication passage 31 to the second space 12. Furthermore, by increasing the thrust of the first piston 13 to more than 0% between time +t1 and time +t2, it is possible to reduce backflow of material from the communication passage 31 to the first space 11. The distance traveled by the switching unit 30 between time −t2 and time −t1 and the distance traveled by the switching unit 30 between time +t1 and time +t2 may be 10% or less, or 5% or less, of the distance traveled by the switching unit 30 between time −t2 and time +t2.

[0078] In the graph 703, graph 703a shows the relationship between the position of the switching unit 30 and the thrust of the first piston 13, and graph 703b shows the relationship between the position of the switching unit 30 and the thrust of the second piston 14. In the second state, regardless of the position of the switching unit 30, the thrust of the first piston 13 may be 0% and the thrust of the second piston 14 may be 100%.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of control of the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14. As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 40 may control the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 by so-called cascade control.

[0080] The control unit 40 calculates the deviation between the target value SV1 of the material pressure in the discharge unit 20 and the actual material pressure PV1 in the discharge unit 20 (C01), and performs a first PID (Proportional Integral Differential) calculation to derive a first control signal MV1 (C02). In the first PID calculation, the following proportional term, integral term, and derivative term are calculated, and their sum is defined as MV1. Proportional term: The deviation between SV1 and PV1 multiplied by the proportional gain. Integral term: The integral value of the deviation between SV1 and PV1 multiplied by the integral gain. Differential term: The derivative value of the deviation between SV1 and PV1 multiplied by the derivative gain. The proportional gain, integral gain, and derivative gain may be determined appropriately by the user depending on the state of the material, the target pressure, the speed at which the substrate is moved by the forming table 9, etc.

[0081] The control unit 40 converts the first control signal MV1 into target values ​​for the material pressure in the first piston 13 and the second piston 14. Specifically, the control unit 40 multiplies MV1 by SV1. Because the value of MV1 ranges from -250% to 250%, the target value for pressure is in the range of -2.5 to 2.5 times SV1. Furthermore, the control unit 40 determines the target value SV2 for the material pressure in the first piston 13 and the target value SV3 for the material pressure in the second piston 14, respectively, based on the converted target value for the material pressure and the position of the switching unit 30 (C03).

[0082] The control unit 40 calculates the deviation between the target value SV2 of the material pressure in the first piston 13 and the actual material pressure PV2 in the first piston 13 (C11), and performs a second PID calculation to derive a second control signal MV2 (C12). In the second PID calculation, the following proportional term, integral term, and derivative term are calculated, and their sum is defined as MV2. Proportional term: The deviation between SV2 and PV2 multiplied by the proportional gain Integral term: The integral value of the deviation between SV2 and PV2 multiplied by the integral gain Derivative term: The derivative value of the deviation between SV2 and PV2 multiplied by the derivative gain The proportional gain, integral gain, and derivative gain may be determined appropriately by the user depending on the state of the material, the target pressure, the speed at which the substrate is moved by the forming table 9, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 40 multiplies (C13) the second control signal MV2 by the maximum rotation speed of the motor in the pressurizing device of the first piston 13, thereby deriving a control signal for controlling the thrust of the first piston 13. Because the value of MV2 falls within a range of -100% or more and 100% or less, the control unit 40 controls the thrust of the first piston 13 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor so that it falls within a range of -1 to 1 times the maximum rotation speed.

[0084] The control unit 40 also calculates the deviation between the target value SV3 of the material pressure in the second piston 14 and the actual material pressure PV3 in the second piston 14 (C21), and performs a third PID calculation to derive a third control signal MV3 (C22). In the third PID calculation, the following proportional term, integral term, and derivative term are calculated, and their sum is defined as MV3. Proportional term: The deviation between SV3 and PV3 multiplied by the proportional gain Integral term: The integral value of the deviation between SV3 and PV3 multiplied by the integral gain Derivative term: The derivative value of the deviation between SV3 and PV3 multiplied by the derivative gain The proportional gain, integral gain, and derivative gain may be determined appropriately by the user depending on the state of the material, the target pressure, the speed at which the substrate is moved by the forming table 9, etc.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 40 multiplies (C23) the third control signal MV3 by the rotation speed of the motor in the pressurizing device of the second piston 14, thereby deriving a control signal for controlling the thrust of the second piston 14. Because the value of MV3 falls within a range of -100% or more and 100% or less, the control unit 40 controls the thrust of the second piston 14 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor so that it falls within a range of -1 to 1 times the maximum rotation speed.

[0086] The control unit 40 may acquire a signal indicating the pressure of the material in the first piston 13 after controlling the thrust of the first piston 13. The control unit 40 may use the acquired signal as the pressure PV2 of the material in the first piston 13, which is to be subtracted from the target value SV2 of the pressure of the first piston 13 in C11 of the next control (C14). The control unit 40 may also acquire a signal indicating the pressure of the material in the second piston 14 after controlling the thrust of the second piston 14. The control unit 40 may use the acquired signal as the pressure PV3 of the material in the second piston 14, which is to be subtracted from the target value SV3 of the pressure of the second piston 14 in C21 of the next control (C24). The control unit 40 may also acquire a signal indicating the pressure of the material in the discharge unit 20 after controlling the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14. The control unit 40 may use the acquired signal as the actual material pressure PV1 in the discharge unit 20, which is to be subtracted from the target value SV1 of the material pressure in the discharge unit 20 in C01 of the next control. By the above control, it is possible to realize control of the thrust of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 as shown in FIG.

[0087] However, in the first state, the control unit 40 may directly allocate the target value converted from the first control signal MV1 as the target value SV2 of the pressure of the first piston 13. In this case, the control unit 40 does not perform the controls of C21 to C24. In the second state, the control unit 40 may directly allocate the target value converted from the first control signal MV1 as the target value SV3 of the pressure of the second piston 14. In this case, the control unit 40 does not perform the processes of C11 to C14.

[0088] As described above, the discharge device 1 can continuously discharge material from the discharge section 20 in each of the first, second, and third states. This improves the time efficiency of material discharge. Furthermore, the molding device 100 can improve the time efficiency of molding by molding the material continuously discharged from the discharge device 1.

[0089] [Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the discharge device 1 operates to discharge the material from the discharge unit 20 in all of the first state, second state, and third state. However, the discharge device 1 does not necessarily need to discharge the material from the discharge unit 20 in the third state, and may discharge the material from the discharge unit 20 only in the first state and the second state. In other words, the control unit 40 may be configured to be able to control the first piston 13, the second piston 14, and the switching unit drive mechanism 38 so as to discharge the material from the discharge unit 20 only in the first state and the second state.

[0091] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a material discharging method according to embodiment 2. In the example of the discharging method according to embodiment 2, first, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 by the first piston 13 (S10, first extrusion step). In response to a decrease in the material filled in the first space 11, i.e., the displacement of the first piston 13, the control unit 40 stops pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 by the first piston 13 (S11). The control unit 40 does not need to control anything other than the first piston 13 between steps S10 and S11.

[0092] After step S11, the control unit 40 switches the state of the switching unit 30 from the first state to the second state (S35, switching step). After the switching unit 30 enters the second state, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 with the second piston 14 (S21, second extrusion step). In parallel with step S21, the control unit 40 also fills the material into the first space 11 (S12). In response to a decrease in the material filled in the second space 12, i.e., the displacement of the second piston 14, the control unit 40 stops pressurizing the material filled in the second space 12 with the second piston 14 (S22).

[0093] After step S22, the control unit 40 switches the state of the switching unit 30 from the second state to the first state (S36, switching step). After the switching unit 30 has entered the first state, the control unit 40 starts pressurizing the material filled in the first space 11 by the first piston 13 (S13, first extrusion step). In parallel with step S13, the control unit 40 also fills the material into the second space 12 (S23).

[0094] Thereafter, the control unit 40 repeats the processing of steps S11 to S13 in relation to the first space 11 and the first piston 13. The control unit 40 also repeats the processing of steps S21 to S23 in relation to the second space 12 and the second piston 14. The control unit 40 also repeats the processing of steps S35 and S36 in relation to the switching unit 30. This allows the discharge device 1 to discharge material from the discharge unit 20 in the first state and the second state. Therefore, the time efficiency of material discharge can be improved compared to, for example, repeatedly filling and discharging material using only the first space 11.

[0095] [Embodiment 3] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a discharge device 2 according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 10, the discharge device 2 differs from the discharge device 1 in that it includes a switching unit 30A instead of the switching unit 30. The switching unit 30A differs from the switching unit 30 in that it includes a first communication passage 33a (communication passage) and a second communication passage 33b (communication passage) instead of the communication passage 31, and in that it includes a blocking unit 34 instead of the first blocking unit 32a and the second blocking unit 32b.

[0096] The first communication passage 33a may be a communication passage that connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the first space 11. The second communication passage 33b may be a communication passage that connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the second space 12. In the discharge device 2, the first state may be a state in which the first communication passage 33a connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the first space 11. The second state may be a state in which the second communication passage 33b connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the second space 12. The third state may be a state in which the first communication passage 33a connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the first space 11, and the second communication passage 33b connects the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the second space 12. In other words, the switching unit 30A is configured to be able to connect the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 to the first space portion 11 via the first communication passage 33a, and to connect the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 to the second space portion 12 via the second communication passage 33b.

[0097] The blocking portion 34 may be located between the first communication passage 33a and the second communication passage 33b. In the first state, the blocking portion 34 may face the second space 12 and function as a first blocking portion that blocks the second space 12 from the outside. In the second state, the blocking portion 34 may face the first space 11 and function as a second blocking portion that blocks the first space 11 from the outside. The configuration of the blocking portion 34 may be the same as the configurations of the first blocking portion 32a and the second blocking portion 32b. In other words, the switching unit 30A is configured to be able to block the second space 12 or the first space 11 from the outside using the blocking portion 34 depending on the state.

[0098] In the discharge device 2, the angles θ1 (the angle between the material flow direction in the first space 11 and the material flow direction in the discharge path 21) and θ2 (the angle between the material flow direction in the second space 12 and the material flow direction in the discharge path 21) may each be greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 45°. The material flow direction in the first communication path 33a may be the same as the material flow direction in the first space 11, for example. The material flow direction in the second communication path 33b may be the same as the material flow direction in the second space 12, for example. Furthermore, the material flow direction in the first communication path 33a and the material flow direction in the second communication path 33b may both be the same as the material flow direction in the discharge path 21.

[0099] Furthermore, the flow direction of the material in the first communication passage 33a may be between the flow direction of the material in the first space 11 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21. Furthermore, the flow direction of the material in the second communication passage 33b may be between the flow direction of the material in the second space 12 and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21. In other words, the angle formed between the flow direction of the material in the first communication passage 33a and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21 may be greater than 0° and less than θ1. Furthermore, the angle formed between the flow direction of the material in the second communication passage 33b and the flow direction of the material in the discharge passage 21 may be greater than 0° and less than θ2.

[0100] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of dimensions of the first space portion 11 and the first communication passage 33a in the discharge device 2. In Fig. 11, the switching portion 30A is in the first state.

[0101] In the discharge device 2 in the first state, the distance between the second communication passage 33b and the second space 12 at the boundary between the filling section 10 and the switching section 30A is defined as we. In this case, wb and we may satisfy the following formula (3): wb>we (3) When formula (3) is satisfied, the discharge device 2 enters a third state as a state midway between switching from the first state to the second state and switching from the second state to the first state.

[0102] Unlike wc in the discharge device 1, we in the discharge device 2 can be set to 0. However, we may be set to a value greater than 0 from the viewpoint of reducing the possibility that the second space 12 and the second communication passage 33b communicate with each other in the first state and reducing the possibility that the first space 11 and the first communication passage 33a communicate with each other in the second state.

[0103] As described above, the switching unit 30A in the discharge device 2 can be switched between the first state, the second state, and the third state. The discharge device 2 can discharge materials when the switching unit 30A is in each of the first to third states (see embodiment 1) or when the switching unit 30A is in each of the first and second states (see embodiment 2). This improves the time efficiency of material discharge.

[0104] [Embodiment 4] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a discharge device 3 according to embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 12, the discharge device 3 differs from the discharge device 1 in that it includes a filling section 10A instead of the filling section 10. The filling section 10A differs from the filling section 10 in that it includes a first space 11A instead of the first space 11 and a second space 12A instead of the second space 12.

[0105] 12, the first space 11A has an expanded diameter portion 11Aa and a reduced diameter portion 11Ab. In the flow of material in the first space 11A, the expanded diameter portion 11Aa is located upstream of the reduced diameter portion 11Ab. The expanded diameter portion 11Aa and the reduced diameter portion 11Ab have different diameters, with the expanded diameter portion 11Aa being larger than the reduced diameter portion 11Ab.

[0106] The second space 12A has an expanded diameter portion 12Aa and a reduced diameter portion 12Ab. In the flow of material in the second space 12A, the expanded diameter portion 12Aa is located upstream of the reduced diameter portion 12Ab. The expanded diameter portion 12Aa and the reduced diameter portion 12Ab have different diameters, with the expanded diameter portion 12Aa being larger than the reduced diameter portion 12Ab.

[0107] In the discharge device 3, the diameters of the reduced diameter portions 11Ab and 12Ab facing the communicating passage 31 can be matched with the diameter of the communicating passage 31. Furthermore, since the first space 11A has the expanded diameter portion 12Aa and the second space 12A has the expanded diameter portion 12Aa, a larger amount of material can be filled compared to when these portions are not provided. Therefore, when discharging a certain volume of material, the number of times the material needs to be filled can be reduced, and the material can be discharged more efficiently.

[0108] [Embodiment 5] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device 4 according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 13, the discharge device 4 differs from the discharge device 1 in that it includes a switching unit 30B instead of the switching unit 30. The switching unit 30B differs from the switching unit 30 in that it includes a communication passage 35 instead of the communication passage 31, and in that it includes a blocking unit 36 ​​instead of the first blocking unit 32a and the second blocking unit 32b. The switching unit 30B may be rotatable around a rotation axis 39 that coincides with the central axis of the discharge path 21.

[0109] The communication passage 35 may communicate between the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the first space 11, or between the first end 22 of the discharge passage 21 and the second space 12. The communication passage 35 may have a first end 35a that is an end on the discharge passage 21 side and a second end 35b that is an end on the first space 11 and second space 12 side. The first end 35a may be located on the rotation shaft 39. Meanwhile, the second end 35b may be spaced apart from the rotation shaft 39. Therefore, by rotating the switching unit 30B around the rotation shaft 39, the second end 35b can be displaced without displacing the first end 35a. As a result, the end can be switched between a first state in which it communicates with the first space 11 and a second state in which it communicates with the second space 12. In other words, the switching unit 30B is configured to be able to switch between the first state and the second state by rotating around the rotation shaft 39.

[0110] The blocking portion 36 may pass through the end of the communication passage 35 on the discharge passage 21 side and may be an area on a circumference centered on the rotation axis 39 other than the end of the communication passage 35 on the discharge passage 21 side. In the first state, the blocking portion 36 may function as a first blocking portion that blocks the second space 12 from the outside. In the second state, the blocking portion 36 may function as a second blocking portion that blocks the first space 11 from the outside.

[0111] The discharge device 4 having the above configuration can also discharge material from the discharge section 20 in both the first state and the second state (see embodiment 2). Therefore, the time efficiency of discharging material can be improved.

[0112] (Modification) Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device 4A according to a modification of embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 14, the discharge device 4A differs from the discharge device 4 in that it includes a switching unit 30C instead of the switching unit 30B. The switching unit 30C differs from the switching unit 30B in that it includes a communication passage 37 instead of the communication passage 35. Furthermore, the switching unit 30C may be rotatable around a rotation axis 39 that coincides with the central axis of the discharge path 21.

[0113] The communication passage 37 may have a first end 37a that is an end on the discharge path 21 side and a second end 37b that is an end on the first spatial portion 11 and second spatial portion 12 side. The first end 37a may be located on the rotation axis 39. Meanwhile, the second end 37b may have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis 39. Furthermore, in the discharge device 4A, the first spatial portion 11 and the second spatial portion 12 may also have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis 39. By forming the second end 37b, the first spatial portion 11, and the second spatial portion 12 in the above-described shapes, the switching unit 30C can be switched to a third state in which both the first spatial portion 11 and the second spatial portion 12 communicate with the discharge path 21. The central angle of the arc of the second end 37b, the first spatial portion 11, and the second spatial portion 12 may be, for example, greater than or equal to 170° and less than 180°.

[0114] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in Figure 14. In Figure 15, reference numeral 1501 indicates the first state. Reference numeral 1502 indicates the third state. Reference numeral 1503 indicates the second state. Figure 15 shows not only the second end 37b of the communication path 37, but also the first space 11 and the second space 12.

[0115] As indicated by reference numeral 1501, in the first state, the arc-shaped second end 37b overlaps with the arc-shaped first space 11. As indicated by reference numeral 1502, in the third state, the arc-shaped second end 37b overlaps with a portion of the arc-shaped first space 11 and a portion of the arc-shaped second space 12. As indicated by reference numeral 1503, in the second state, the arc-shaped second end 37b overlaps with the arc-shaped second space 12.

[0116] As described above, in the discharge device 4A, the switching unit 30C, which rotates around the rotation shaft 39, switches between the first state, the second state, and the third state. In other words, the switching unit 30C is configured to be able to switch between the first state, the second state, and the third state by rotating around the rotation shaft 39. This discharge device 4A can also improve the time efficiency of material discharge.

[0117] [Embodiment 6] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a discharge device 5 according to embodiment 6. As shown in Fig. 16, the discharge device 5 differs from the discharge device 1 in that it includes a filling section 10B instead of the filling section 10. The filling section 10B differs from the filling section 10 in that it further includes a third space 18 in addition to the first space 11 and the second space 12.

[0118] In the discharge device 5, the switching unit 30 can also be switched between the first state, the second state, and the third state described above. In the discharge device 5, the switching unit 30 can further be switched between (i) a state in which the communication passage 31 connects the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 with the third space 18, and (ii) a state in which the communication passage 31 connects the discharge path 21 with both the second space 12 and the third space 18.

[0119] According to this discharge device 5, when the switching unit 30 is in each of the above-described states, the material can be discharged from the first space 11, the second space 12, and the third space 18 that are connected to the discharge path 21 via the discharge path 21. Furthermore, the material can be filled into the first space 11, the second space 12, and the third space 18 that are not connected to the discharge path 21. This allows the material to be continuously discharged, improving the time efficiency of discharge. Furthermore, the filling unit in the discharge device according to the present disclosure may have, in addition to the first space 11, the second space 12, and the third space 18, another space that can be filled with the material.

[0120] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the discharge device 1 to discharge material according to a seventh embodiment. In Fig. 17, reference numerals 1701 to 1708 respectively show states corresponding to reference numerals 501 to 508 in Fig. 5.

[0121] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the position of the discharge unit 20 is fixed relative to the filling unit 10, and only the switching unit 30 moves relative to the filling unit 10. In the seventh embodiment, the discharge unit 20 may move together with the switching unit 30 relative to the filling unit 10. Even with this discharge method, the time efficiency of material discharge can be improved.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the first end 22 (see FIG. 2 ) of the discharge path 21 has a shape that widens toward the switching unit 30 to accommodate the movement of the switching unit 30. However, in the seventh embodiment, the discharge unit 20 moves integrally with the switching unit 30, and therefore the first end 22 of the discharge path 21 does not need to have a shape that widens toward the switching unit 30.

[0123] The invention according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the drawings and examples. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the invention according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention according to the present disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. It should also be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0124] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 Discharge device 9 Forming table 10, 10A Filling section 11, 11A First space section 12, 12A Second space section 20 Discharge section 21 Discharge path 22 First end 23 Second end 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Switching section 31, 35, 37 Communication path 32a First blocking section 32b Second blocking section 33a First communication path (communication path) 33b Second communication path (communication path) 34, 36 Blocking section (first blocking section, second blocking section) 100 Molding device

Claims

1. a filling section having a first space section and a second space section, the filling section being filled with a material having a dispersion medium and a particulate dispersoid dispersed in the dispersion medium; a discharge section having a first end and a second end, the first end being in communication with the first space section or the second space section, and the second end being in communication with the discharge section, the second end being open to the outside; a first state in which the at least one communication passage communicates the first space portion with the discharge path, and a second state in which the at least one communication passage communicates the second space portion with the discharge path, the first state being a first state in which the at least one communication passage communicates the second space portion with the discharge path, and a switching unit configured to switch between the first state in which the at least one communication passage communicates the second space portion with the discharge path.

2. The discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein the switching portion switches between the first state and the second state by moving relatively to the filling portion.

3. The discharge device according to claim 2 , wherein the discharge portion moves integrally with the switching portion relative to the filling portion.

4. an angle between a flow direction of the material in the first space and a flow direction of the material in the discharge path; and, The discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein an angle formed between a flow direction of the material in the second space portion and a flow direction of the material in the discharge path is greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 45°.

5. The switching unit is a first blocking portion that blocks the second space in the first state; The discharge device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second blocking portion that blocks the first space in the second state.

6. The switching unit is the first state; the second state; and The discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge passage is switched between a first state, a second state, and a third state in which the at least one communication passage communicates with the discharge passage and both the first space and the second space.

7. 7. The discharge device according to claim 6, wherein in the first state, the second state and the third state, the sum of (i) the volume per unit time of the material supplied from the first space portion to the communicating passage and (ii) the volume per unit time of the material supplied from the second space portion to the communicating passage is constant.

8. An ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a forming table on which a base material is placed and on which the material is discharged from the discharge device; A molding apparatus comprising:

9. a filling section having a first space section and a second space section, the filling section being filled with a material having a dispersion medium and a particulate dispersoid dispersed in the dispersion medium; a discharge section having a first end and a second end, the first end being in communication with the first space section or the second space section, and the second end being in communication with the discharge section, the second end being open to the outside; A method for discharging the material using a discharge device including at least one communication passage that communicates the first end of the discharge passage with the first space portion or the second space portion, and a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the at least one communication passage communicates the first space portion with the discharge passage and a second state in which the at least one communication passage communicates the second space portion with the discharge passage, a first extrusion step of extruding the material filled in the first space from the first space; a second extrusion step of extruding the material filled in the second space from the second space; a switching step of switching the switching unit between the first state and the second state; The discharge method includes: