Construction-use 3D printer and method of manufacturing molded article

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a construction-use 3D printer that can be easily installed. [Solution] A construction-use 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a nozzle configured so as to discharge a shaping material, and a body frame supporting the nozzle. The construction 3D printer is configured such that: at least when the shaping material is being discharged, the body frame comprises a first frame for supporting the nozzle so that the same can move along a first axis, a second frame for supporting the first frame so that the same can move along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a third frame for supporting the second frame so that the same can move along a third axis intersecting with both the first axis and the second axis; and the first frame, the second frame, and / or the third frame can be displaced so as to be overlaid over a different site of the body frame.

Description

Construction 3D printer and manufacturing method for modeled objects

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction 3D printer and a method for manufacturing a model.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a construction 3D printer that forms a model by discharging and layering a modeling material is well known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-045906

[0004] Construction objects are large and heavy. Therefore, if a construction object is created in a factory using a construction 3D printer, the cost of transporting it to the construction site becomes high. In addition, transportation constraints may limit the size of the object.

[0005] One possible solution is to install a construction 3D printer at the construction site and create the model there. However, this solution requires the construction 3D printer to be transported to the construction site in a disassembled state and then assembled. This requires a considerable amount of man-hours to install the construction 3D printer. Furthermore, there is a risk that the accuracy of the assembly may affect the accuracy of the model.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a construction 3D printer and the like that is easy to install.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a build material; and a main body frame supporting the nozzle; wherein, at least during ejection of the build material, the main body frame has a first frame supporting the nozzle movably along a first axis, a second frame supporting the first frame movably along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a third frame supporting the second frame movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis; and wherein at least one of the first frame, second frame, and third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on another portion of the main body frame.

[0008] According to this aspect, the construction 3D printer can be transported with the main body frame folded, making it easy to transport to a construction site. Furthermore, by unfolding the main body frame from the folded state, at least a portion of the construction 3D printer's assembly work can be performed, reducing the installation man-hours. This makes it easier to lend and supply construction 3D printers. Furthermore, the number of detachable parts in the construction 3D printer is reduced, preventing a decrease in modeling accuracy.

[0009] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of this embodiment. A schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of FIG. 1 viewed from a different direction. A schematic perspective view of the first frame 31. A schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 in a state where the first frame 31 is removed. A schematic perspective view of the right second frame 32A. A schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 in a state where the second frame 32 is folded. A schematic perspective view of the right third frame 33A. A schematic cross-sectional view showing the connection structure between the second frame slider 332 and the support arm 323 of the right second frame 32A. A schematic perspective view of the base frame 34. A schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 in a state where the right third frame 33A is folded. A schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 in a state where the left third frame 33B is folded. A schematic perspective view of the mechanism that fixes the second frame 32 to the third frame 33. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a locked state in which the second frame lock mechanism 328 is engaged with the lock receiving mechanism 337. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the mechanism that fixes the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing another part of the mechanism that fixes the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B are fixed. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a mechanism that positions the third frame 33 and the base frame 34. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a hose guide 37. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the nozzle 2. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the nozzle 2 and the first frame 31. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the manufacturing method of a shaped object according to the present embodiment.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0011] <Construction 3D Printer 1> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 of Fig. 1 viewed from a different direction. The construction 3D printer 1 forms a construction object (construction structure). The construction 3D printer 1 includes a nozzle 2, a main body frame 3, and a control panel 4. The construction 3D printer 1 can be transformed into a modeling mode in which a model is formed by discharging a modeling material, and a transport mode in which the main body frame 3 is folded.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first axis is an axis along the horizontal direction (so-called X-axis) and corresponds to the left-right direction of the construction 3D printer 1 in modeling mode. The second axis is an axis along the vertical direction (so-called Z-axis) and corresponds to the up-down direction of the construction 3D printer 1 in modeling mode. The third axis is an axis (so-called Y-axis) that is perpendicular to both the first and second axes and corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the construction 3D printer 1. The first, second, and third axes intersect (specifically, are perpendicular to) each other. This makes it possible to create a model of any shape by designing the code that controls the construction 3D printer. In this embodiment, the side of the main body frame 3 to which the control panel 4 is attached is considered to be the front.

[0013] <Nozzle 2> The nozzle 2 is configured to eject the modeling material downward. The modeling material is a powder or paste material that mineralizes through a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a firing reaction. Here, "mineralization" means that the main component (the component that is most abundant by mass) is converted into a hardened inorganic material. Specifically, the modeling material is composed of concrete, mortar, or ceramics. The construction 3D printer 1 forms a model composed of such a modeling material.

[0014] A hose (not shown) is connected to the nozzle 2. The hose is connected to a pump that delivers the modeling material to the nozzle 2. The nozzle 2 moves three-dimensionally in directions along the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis as the main body frame 3 moves.

[0015] <Main body frame 3> The main body frame 3 supports the nozzle 2 so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other. The main body frame 3 is also movable on the ground. Furthermore, the main body frame 3 is foldable after the formation of the object. Here, the term "ground" is not limited to the earth's surface, but also includes the floor of a building such as a factory (the surface on which the object is formed).

[0016] The main body frame 3 has a first frame 31, a second frame 32, a third frame 33, a base frame 34, a first wheel 35A, a second wheel 35B, a third wheel 35C, and a fourth wheel 35D.

[0017] <First Frame 31> The first frame 31 supports the nozzle 2 so that it can move along the first axis when discharging the modeling material (i.e., in modeling mode). Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first frame 31. As shown in Fig. 3, the first frame 31 has a nozzle guide 311, a nozzle slider 312, a nozzle motor 313, and a harness frame 314.

[0018] The nozzle guide 311 supports the nozzle 2. Specifically, the nozzle guide 311 supports the nozzle 2 via a nozzle slider 312. The nozzle slider 312 is movable along a first axis. Specifically, the nozzle slider 312 is attached to a moving body (timing belt) within the nozzle guide 311, and is configured to slide left and right along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311. The nozzle 2 is attached to the nozzle slider 312.

[0019] The nozzle motor 313 is a drive source configured to move the nozzle 2, and generates a drive force to move the nozzle 2. The nozzle motor 313 rotates to move the nozzle slider 312 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311. The nozzle motor 313 is attached to one end (e.g., the right end) of the nozzle guide 311 in the longitudinal direction. The rotation axis of the nozzle motor 313 is parallel to the second axis (i.e., the up-and-down direction when discharging the modeling material).

[0020] The harness frame 314 is attached to the nozzle guide 311 and holds the harness (signal cable) connected to the nozzle 2. The harness frame 314 extends along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle guide 311 and reinforces the nozzle guide 311 over the entire longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to suppress deflection of the first frame 31 without providing any additional parts.

[0021] 1, the longitudinal length of the first frame 31 is greater than the longitudinal length of the second frame 32 (the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B). This stabilizes the balance of the entire main body frame 3 when the first frame 31 moves upward. This makes it possible to suppress wobbling of the main body frame 3 during modeling.

[0022] Furthermore, the first frame 31 can be detached from the second frame 32 after the formation of the model. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the first frame 31 removed. This makes it easy to fold the main frame 3. Specifically, the first frame 31 is configured so that both ends of the harness frame 314 can be detached from the second frame 32. The detached first frame 31 can be attached to, for example, the base frame 34 and transported together with other frames.

[0023] <Second Frame 32> The second frame 32 supports the first frame 31 so as to be movable along a second axis intersecting the first axis when the modeling material is being dispensed. The second frame 32 has a right second frame 32A and a left second frame 32B that are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis (left-right direction) when the modeling material is being dispensed. The right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B support the first frame 31 when the modeling material is being dispensed. This allows the first frame 31 to be stably supported.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the right second frame 32A. As shown in Fig. 5, the right second frame 32A has a first frame guide 321, a first frame slider 322, a support arm 323, a second frame hinge 324, a first frame motor 325, and a hydraulic damper 326 (see Fig. 1).

[0025] The first frame guide 321 supports the first frame 31. Specifically, the first frame guide 321 supports the first frame 31 via the first frame slider 322. When discharging the modeling material (i.e., in the modeling mode), the first frame guide 321 is positioned inside (i.e., on the left side) the right third frame 33A in the left-right direction. Furthermore, when discharging the modeling material, the lower end of the first frame guide 321 is positioned below the second frame slider 332 of the right third frame 33A.

[0026] The first frame slider 322 is movable along the second axis. Specifically, the first frame slider 322 is attached to a moving body (timing belt) of the first frame guide 321 and configured to slide up and down along the longitudinal direction of the first frame guide 321 when discharging the modeling material. The first frame 31 is configured to be detachable from the first frame slider 322. That is, the right second frame 32A has the first frame slider 322 as a first mounting portion that can support the first frame 31 so as to be movable along a second axis that intersects the first axis.

[0027] The support arm 323 is attached to the first frame guide 321 and is supported from below by the second frame slider 332 of the right second frame 32A when discharging the modeling material. When discharging the modeling material, the support arm 323 is positioned outside (i.e., on the left side) in the left-right direction of the first frame guide 321. The support arm 323 is a frame in the shape of a right triangle when viewed from the left-right direction, and its bottom surface contacts the top surface of the second frame slider 332 when discharging the modeling material.

[0028] The support arm 323 is pivotally connected to the second frame slider 332 via the second frame hinge 324. This allows the right second frame 32A to be easily folded and improves the stability of the right second frame 32A during the dispensing of the modeling material. The support arm 323 has a second frame stopper 323A configured to contact the second frame guide 331 from above when the right second frame 32A is folded. The second frame stopper 323A has an elastic body (e.g., rubber) that protrudes rearward when the support arm 323 is upright. When the right second frame 32A is folded, this elastic body contacts the second frame guide 331.

[0029] The second frame hinge 324 connects the support arm 323 to the second frame slider 332 so that the support arm 323 can swing back and forth relative to the second frame slider 332. The rotation axis of the second frame hinge 324 is parallel to the first axis (i.e., the left-right direction when discharging the modeling material). The second frame hinge 324 is positioned so as to overlap the first frame guide 321 in the left-right direction. The second frame hinge 324 allows the first frame guide 321 to swing together with the support arm 323 relative to the right second frame 32A.

[0030] The first frame motor 325 is a drive source configured to move the first frame 31, and generates a drive force to move the first frame 31. The first frame motor 325 rotates to move the first frame slider 322 in the longitudinal direction of the first frame guide 321. The first frame motor 325 is attached to the lower end of the first frame guide 321. This allows the first frame 31 to be unfolded (swinged) from a folded state with a small load.

[0031] The rotation axis of the first frame motor 325 is parallel to the third axis (i.e., the front-to-rear direction when discharging the modeling material), which allows the dimension of the right second frame 32A along the width direction of the first frame guide 321 to be reduced when the right second frame 32A is folded.

[0032] When the right second frame 32A is held by the right third frame 33A so that the longitudinal direction of the right second frame 32A is the up-down direction (i.e., in a modeling mode in which the right second frame 32A is not folded), the connection between the right second frame 32A and the right third frame 33A (i.e., the second frame hinge 324) is located above the lower end of the right second frame 32A. As a result, when the first frame 31 is in a low position during the production of a model (at the start of modeling when the stack height of the modeling material is low), the first frame 31 is located below the connection between the second frame 32 and the third frame 33A, thereby improving the stability of the main frame 3.

[0033] 1, one end of the hydraulic damper 326 is connected to the support arm 323, and the other end is connected to the second frame slider 332. The hydraulic damper 326 extends when the right second frame 32A is swung (tilted backward) relative to the right third frame 33A, thereby limiting the swing speed. This prevents the right second frame 32A from suddenly tipping over.

[0034] 1 is connected to the left third frame 33B and has a structure symmetrical to the right second frame 32A. That is, the left second frame 32B has the same first frame guide 321, first frame slider 322, support arm 323, second frame hinge 324, first frame motor 325, and hydraulic damper 326 as the right second frame 32A.

[0035] The second frames 32 (right second frame 32A and left second frame 32B) are displaceable so as to be superimposed on other portions of the main body frame 3. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the second frames 32 folded.

[0036] 4 is detached from the second frame 32, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B can be displaced to a folded position as shown in FIG. 6, in which the height is smaller than when the modeling material is being dispensed. This reduces the vertical dimension of the main frame 3 when folded, making it easier to store and transport the construction 3D printer 1. When the second frame 32 is folded, the longitudinal direction of the first frame guide 321 is parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0037] <Third Frame 33> As shown in Fig. 1, the third frame 33 supports the second frame 32 so as to be movable along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis during the dispensing of the modeling material. The third frame 33 has a right third frame 33A and a left third frame 33B that are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis (left-right direction) during the dispensing of the modeling material. The right third frame 33A supports the right second frame 32A during the dispensing of the modeling material. The left third frame 33B supports the left second frame 32B during the dispensing of the modeling material. This allows the first frame 31 to be stably supported via the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B.

[0038] 7 is a schematic perspective view of the right third frame 33A. As shown in FIG. 7, the right third frame 33A includes a second frame guide 331, a second frame slider 332, a lower frame 333, a plurality of third frame hinges 334, a plurality of third frame stoppers 335, and a second frame motor 336.

[0039] The second frame guide 331 supports the right second frame 32A. Specifically, the second frame guide 331 supports the right second frame 32A via the second frame slider 332. When discharging the modeling material, the second frame guide 331 is disposed outward in the left-right direction (i.e., on the right side) from the first frame guide 321 of the right second frame 32A.

[0040] The second frame slider 332 is movable along the third axis. Specifically, the second frame slider 332 is attached to a movable body (timing belt) of the second frame guide 331 and configured to slide back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the second frame guide 331 when the modeling material is dispensed. As described above, the right second frame 32A is swingably connected to the second frame slider 332. That is, the right third frame 33A has the second frame slider 332 as a second mounting portion capable of supporting the second frame 32 (right second frame 32A) movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis.

[0041] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connection structure between the second frame slider 332 and the support arm 323 of the right second frame 32A. A sliding pad 332A made of a resin such as fluororesin is disposed between the second frame slider 332 and the support arm 323. The sliding pad 332A, together with the support arm 323, is fastened to the second frame slider 332 by a bolt 332B.

[0042] The bolt 332B is inserted into a cylindrical collar 332C that is inserted into an insertion hole provided in the support arm 323 and the sliding pad 332A. The outer diameter of the collar 332C is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole. This makes it possible to suppress horizontal rattle of the second frame 32 relative to the third frame 33. In addition, a clearance is provided between the head of the bolt 332B and the upper surface of the support arm 323. This makes it possible to suppress vertical rattle of the second frame 32 (support arm 323) relative to the third frame 33 (second frame slider 332).

[0043] The lower frame 333 shown in Figure 7 supports the second frame guide 331 from below. The second frame guide 331 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower frame 333. The lower frame 333 has a certain height in the vertical direction and a truss structure to suppress bending of the second frame guide 331. The support arm 323 is swingably connected to the base frame 34 via a third frame hinge 334.

[0044] The third frame hinge 334 connects the lower frame 333 to the right end of the base frame 34 so that the lower frame 333 can swing left and right relative to the base frame 34. The right third frame 33A has two third frame hinges 334 spaced apart in the vertical direction. The rotation axis of the third frame hinges 334 is parallel to the second axis (i.e., the vertical direction). The upper third frame hinge 334 is positioned so as to overlap the second frame guide 331 in the horizontal direction. The third frame hinge 334 allows the second frame guide 331 to swing relative to the base frame 34 together with the lower frame 333.

[0045] 9 is a schematic perspective view of the base frame 34. As shown in FIG. 9, the third frame stopper 335 is configured to connect the lower frame 333 and the base frame 34. The right third frame 33A has two third frame stoppers 335 arranged vertically apart. The third frame stoppers 335 protrude toward the base frame 34 from the front end of the lower frame 333 when the modeling material is being ejected. The third frame stoppers 335 are arranged forward of the third frame hinge 334 (i.e., at a position farther from the longitudinal center of the lower frame 333).

[0046] The third frame stopper 335 is fixed to the lower frame 333 and is configured to be detachable from the base frame 34. When discharging the molding material, the third frame stopper 335 is fastened to the base frame 34 with a fastener such as a bolt. Therefore, when discharging the molding material, the right third frame 33A is connected to the base frame 34 by two connecting parts (the third frame hinge 334 and the third frame stopper 335) that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. When folding the right third frame 33A, the third frame stopper 335 is detached from the base frame 34.

[0047] The second frame motor 336 is a drive source configured to move the right second frame 32A and generates a drive force to move the right second frame 32A. The second frame motor 336 rotates to move the second frame slider 332 in the longitudinal direction of the second frame guide 331. The second frame motor 336 is attached to the rear end of the second frame guide 331. The rotation axis of the second frame motor 336 is parallel to the first axis (i.e., the left-right direction during the dispensing of the modeling material).

[0048] 1 is connected to the left end of the base frame 34 and has a structure symmetrical to the right third frame 33A. That is, the left third frame 33B has a second frame guide 331, a second frame slider 332, a lower frame 333, a plurality of third frame hinges 334, a plurality of third frame stoppers 335, and a second frame motor 336, similar to the right third frame 33A.

[0049] The third frames 33 (right third frame 33A and left third frame 33B) can be displaced so as to be superimposed on other portions of the main body frame 3. Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the right third frame 33A folded. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the construction 3D printer 1 with the left third frame 33B folded.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 10, the right third frame 33A can be displaced so as to be superimposed on the base frame 34 when the right second frame 32A is in the folded position. Also, as shown in Fig. 11, the left third frame 33B can be displaced so as to be superimposed on the base frame 34 and the right third frame 33A when the left second frame 32B is in the folded position. This reduces the front-to-rear dimension of the main body frame 3 when folded, making it easier to store and transport the construction 3D printer 1.

[0051] When the third frame 33 is folded, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The longitudinal directions of the first frame guides 321 of the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B and the longitudinal directions of the second frame guides 331 of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B are all parallel (specifically, parallel to the left-right direction).

[0052] 9, the base frame 34 is connected to the third frame 33 (the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B). The base frame 34 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending horizontally. When the molding material is being ejected, the longitudinal direction of the base frame 34 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first frame 31 (i.e., the first axis).

[0053] The base frame 34 has a constant width in the front-rear direction and is connected to the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B at two points spaced apart in the front-rear direction. This improves the rigidity of the main frame 3 against rotational moments around the vertical axis caused by the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. As a result, lateral deflection of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B is suppressed.

[0054] The base frame 34 also has a certain width in the vertical direction, and the third frame hinges 334 are attached to two points spaced apart in the vertical direction. This improves the rigidity of the main frame 3 against rotational moments around the left-right axis caused by the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. As a result, vertical deflection of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B is suppressed.

[0055] <Wheels> As shown in Fig. 10 , the first wheel 35A is attached to the right third frame 33A. Specifically, the first wheel 35A is attached to the end of the right third frame 33A opposite the end connected to the base frame 34 (the end that is rearward when the modeling material is being dispensed). The second wheel 35B is attached to the left third frame 33B. Specifically, the second wheel 35B is attached to the end of the left third frame 33B opposite the end connected to the base frame 34. This makes it easy to move the main frame 3 after the modeling material has been deposited so that the third frame 33 does not come into contact with the stack of modeling material.

[0056] The first wheel 35A and the second wheel 35B are each configured to be able to change direction around a rotation axis parallel to the up-down direction. Therefore, when the right third frame 33A is folded, the right third frame 33A can be moved while changing the direction of the first wheel 35A. Similarly, when the left third frame 33B is folded, the left third frame 33B can be moved while changing the direction of the second wheel 35B.

[0057] 9, the third wheel 35C is attached to the right end of the base frame 34. The fourth wheel 35D is attached to the left end of the base frame 34. The third wheel 35C and the fourth wheel 35D are each configured to be able to turn around a rotation axis that is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0058] The main body frame 3 can travel in any direction relative to the ground in both the modeling mode and the transport mode by using the first wheel 35A, the second wheel 35B, the third wheel 35C, and the fourth wheel 35D.

[0059] 2, the main frame 3 has an open portion O through which the stack of modeling material ejected from the nozzle 2 can pass without disassembling or folding the main frame 3 (i.e., while in modeling mode). The open portion O is a part (rear surface) of the space (i.e., the modeling space M) into which the nozzle 2 ejects the modeling material. This allows the main frame 3 to be quickly moved from the modeling space M after the stack is formed. Note that although the first frame 31 is positioned low in FIG. 1 and other figures, after the stack is formed, the first frame 31 is positioned above the stack and does not interfere with the stack when the main frame 3 is moved.

[0060] The printing space M is a rectangular parallelepiped space defined by the first frame 31, the second frame 32, and the third frame 33. Specifically, the printing space M is defined by the movable area of ​​the nozzle 2. In other words, the width of the printing space M in the left-right direction is equal to the left-right movement distance of the tip of the nozzle 2, which is determined by the movable length of the nozzle 2 in the first frame 31. The width of the printing space M in the front-rear direction is equal to the front-rear movement distance of the tip of the nozzle 2, which is determined by the movable length in the third frame 33 (right third frame 33A and left third frame 33B) of the second frame 32 (right second frame 32A and left second frame 32B). The height of the printing space M is equal to the distance from the ground to the highest point of the tip of the nozzle 2, which is determined by the movable length in the second frame 32 (right second frame 32A and left second frame 32B) of the first frame 31.

[0061] The open portion O is formed by an imaginary plane at the rear of the printing space M. At least a portion of the open portion O is defined by at least one of the first frame 31, the second frame 32, and the third frame 33. This allows the structure of the main body frame 3 to be simplified. Specifically, at least a portion of the open portion O is defined by the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. This allows the stack to pass relatively through the open portion O by running the main body frame 3 in the same shape in the direction along the third axis after the stack is formed. As a result, the stack can be pulled out of the printing space M.

[0062] More specifically, at least a portion of the open portion O is defined by the second end (rear end to which the first wheel 35A or the second wheel 35B is attached) of each of the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B, which is opposite to the first end (front end to which the base frame 34 is connected) in the longitudinal direction. This allows the stacked body to be stably pulled out of the printing space M by moving the main body frame 3 so that the base frame 34 moves away from the stacked body (i.e., forward). Specifically, the rear end of the right third frame 33A and the rear end of the left third frame 33B face each other so as to sandwich the open portion O in the left-right direction.

[0063] The right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B are connected only by the base frame 34, excluding the first frame 31. In other words, the frame portion (the portion consisting of the third frame 33 and the base frame 34) supporting the first frame 31 and the second frame 32 is rectangular (U-shaped) with one side open in a plan view. The printing space M corresponds to the internal space of this rectangle, and the open portion O corresponds to the open side of this rectangle. Therefore, a stack placed on the ground (i.e., not moved from its stacked position) can pass through the open portion O relatively.

[0064] <Control Panel 4> The control panel 4 is configured to control the positions of the nozzle 2, the first frame 31, and the second frame 32. Specifically, the control panel 4 sends drive signals to the nozzle motor 313, the first frame motor 325, and the second frame motor 336 so that the nozzle 2 moves to coordinates according to the designed code. The control panel 4 also controls the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 2, the movement speed of the nozzle 2, etc.

[0065] The control panel 4 is attached to the base frame 34. This allows the control panel 4 to be integrated with the main body frame 3, making it easier to transport the construction 3D printer 1. It also prevents the harness connected to the control panel 4 from interfering with other components when the main body frame 3 is folded. The control panel 4 and each motor are connected by a harness.

[0066] <Additional Configuration> Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a mechanism for fixing the second frame 32 to the third frame 33. As shown in Fig. 12A, the right second frame 32A may have a second frame lock mechanism 328. The second frame lock mechanism 328 is disposed at the end of the support arm 323 of the right second frame 32A (specifically, above the second frame stopper 323A when the right second frame 32A is in the upright position). The second frame lock mechanism 328 has a first snatch lock 328A, a second snatch lock 328B, and a connecting bar 328C.

[0067] The first snatch lock 328A and the second snatch lock 328B are arranged to face each other in the width direction of the support arm 323. The connecting bar 328C connects the unlocking portion of the first snatch lock 328A to the unlocking portion of the second snatch lock 328B. By moving the connecting bar 328C, the first snatch lock 328A and the second snatch lock 328B are simultaneously unlocked.

[0068] 12B , the right third frame 33A may have a lock receiving mechanism 337 corresponding to the second frame lock mechanism 328. The lock receiving mechanism 337 has a first receiving portion 337A and a second receiving portion 337B. The first receiving portion 337A and the second receiving portion 337B are each rod-shaped portions (strikers) attached to the second frame guide 331 and arranged to face each other in the width direction of the second frame guide 331.

[0069] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a locked state in which the second frame locking mechanism 328 is engaged with the lock receiving mechanism 337. When the right second frame 32A is folded so that it overlaps the right third frame 33A, the first snatch lock 328A of the second frame locking mechanism 328 engages with the first receiving portion 337A, and the first snatch lock 328A is locked. The same applies to the second snatch lock 328B and the second receiving portion 337B. This secures the right second frame 32A to the right third frame 33A, thereby preventing the right second frame 32A from moving or vibrating when the main frame 3 is moved in the folded state. Furthermore, by operating the connecting bar 328C, the locked state can be easily released and the right second frame 32A can be unfolded. Similar second frame locking mechanisms 328 and lock receiving mechanisms 337 are also provided on the left second frame 32B and the left third frame 33B.

[0070] 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the mechanism for fixing the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. As shown in FIG. 14, the right third frame 33A may have a third frame lock mechanism 338. In addition, a left lock receiving mechanism 361 may be attached to the right third frame 33A.

[0071] 15 is a schematic perspective view showing another part of the mechanism for fixing the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B. As shown in FIG. 15, the left third frame 33B may have a third frame lock mechanism 338 similar to that of the right third frame 33A. In addition, a right lock receiving mechanism 362 may be attached to the base frame 34.

[0072] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the right third frame 33A and the left third frame 33B in a fixed state. As shown in FIG. 16A , the third frame lock mechanism 338 has a snatch lock 338A, a release lever 338B, and a lock cover 338C. The right lock receiving mechanism 362 has a rod-shaped member (striker) that can be engaged with the snatch lock 338A of the third frame lock mechanism 338 of the right third frame 33A. When the right third frame 33A is folded so that it overlaps the base frame 34, the snatch lock 338A of the third frame lock mechanism 338 engages with the right lock receiving mechanism 362, and the snatch lock 338A is locked. The release lever 338B is a lever that releases the lock of the snatch lock 338A. The lock cover 338C covers the release lever 338B from above. The lock cover 338C prevents the release lever 338B from being released by the operator's hand or the like touching it when the main body frame 3 is moved in the folded state.

[0073] 16B, the left-hand lock receiving mechanism 361 has a rod-shaped member (striker) that can be engaged with the snatch lock 338A of the third frame locking mechanism 338 in the left third frame 33B. When the left third frame 33B is folded so that it overlaps with the right third frame 33A, the snatch lock 338A of the third frame locking mechanism 338 engages with the left-hand lock receiving mechanism 361, and the snatch lock 338A enters a locked state.

[0074] Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a mechanism for positioning the third frame 33 and the base frame 34. As shown in Fig. 17A, the right third frame 33A may have at least one guide portion 339. Note that, in the example of Fig. 17A, two guide portions 339 are arranged vertically apart, but the number of guide portions 339 may be one, or may be three or more. Furthermore, the base frame 34 may have at least one guide receiving portion 342. The number of guide receiving portions 342 corresponds to the number of guide portions 339.

[0075] The guide portion 339 is provided in place of the third frame stopper 335 shown in FIG. 9 or in combination with the third frame stopper 335. As shown in FIG. 17B , the guide portion 339 has a plate 339A, a positioning hole 339B, and a bolt hole 339C. The plate 339A is fixed to an end of the lower frame 333 and has a plate surface that overlaps with the guide receiving portion 342. The positioning hole 339B and the bolt hole 339C are each through holes provided in the plate 339A. In the example of FIG. 17B , the bolt hole 339C is provided in a portion of the plate 339A that comes into contact with the guide receiving portion 342 later than the positioning hole 339B when the right third frame 33A is unfolded from the folded state (i.e., at a position farther from the swing center axis of the right third frame 33A than the positioning hole 339B).

[0076] The guide receiving portion 342 has a base 342A, a tapered pin 342B, and a bolt hole 342C. The base 342A is a portion fixed to the main body of the base frame 34. The tapered pin 342B is a pin that protrudes from the base 342A and has a reduced diameter toward its tip. The tapered pin 342B is provided at a position where it passes through the positioning hole 339B of the guide portion 339 when the plate 339A of the guide portion 339 is superimposed on the surface of the base 342A. The bolt hole 342C is a through-hole provided in the base 342A. The bolt hole 342C is provided at a position where it overlaps with the bolt hole 339C of the guide portion 339 when the plate 339A of the guide portion 339 is superimposed on the surface of the base 342A.

[0077] When the right third frame 33A is unfolded from its folded state, the tip of the tapered pin 342B of the guide receiving portion 342 is inserted into the positioning hole 339B of the guide portion 339. When the right third frame 33A is further unfolded, the taper of the tapered pin 342B adjusts the position of the guide portion 339 so that the bolt hole 339C of the guide portion 339 and the bolt hole 342C of the guide receiving portion 342 are aligned. After the right third frame 33A is unfolded, a bolt is inserted into the bolt hole 339C of the guide portion 339 and the bolt hole 342C of the guide receiving portion 342, fixing the guide portion 339 and the guide receiving portion 342 together. The left third frame 33B also has a similar guide portion 339. This improves the parallelism accuracy of the third frame 33. Furthermore, since each guide portion 339 is fixed at two points, the tapered pin 342B and the bolt, the rigidity of the main frame 3 against rotational moments around the vertical axis is improved.

[0078] Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the hose guide 37. The main body frame 3 may have the hose guide 37 shown in Fig. 18. The hose guide 37 is attached to the right second frame 32A or the left second frame 32B, and is configured to support and guide a hose connected to the nozzle 2 and the pump. The hose guide 37 has a guide main body 371 and a connecting arm 372.

[0079] The guide body 371 has a plurality of first rollers 371A and two second rollers 371B. The plurality of first rollers 371A form a path along which the hose moves toward the nozzle side or the pump side. A hose is stretched from above over each of the first rollers 371A. The two second rollers 371B are arranged to horizontally sandwich the hose extending in the vertical direction. The two second rollers 371B are connected by a toggle clamp, allowing the hose to be attached and detached.

[0080] The connecting arm 372 connects the guide body 371 to the right second frame 32A (or the left second frame 32B). Specifically, the upper end of the connecting arm 372 is fixed to the guide body 371. The lower end of the connecting arm 372 is attached to the right second frame 32A by being inserted into a guide bracket 329 fixed to the right second frame 32A. The connecting arm 372 is detachable from the guide bracket 329. Therefore, when folding the right second frame 32A, the hose guide 37 is detached from the right second frame 32A. Furthermore, the right second frame 32A may have multiple guide brackets 329 attached at different positions in the vertical direction. This allows the position of the hose guide 37 to be changed according to the molding conditions.

[0081] The hose guide 37 prevents the hose from interfering with the model, the main frame 3, etc., and from bending. In addition, the hose can escape above the guide body 371, making it easier for the hose to follow the nozzle 2. Furthermore, it is recommended to attach a weight to the hose in an area closer to the pump than the guide body 371. This will pull the hose back toward the pump due to the weight of the weight, thereby preventing the hose from bending.

[0082] 19A is a schematic perspective view showing the nozzle 2. As shown in FIG. 19A, the nozzle 2 may have a nozzle body 21, a nozzle frame 22, a sensor cover 23, and a sensor 24. The nozzle body 21 is connected to a hose and configured to eject the modeling material. The nozzle frame 22 supports the nozzle body 21 and is connected to the first frame 31. The sensor cover 23 is a cover that protects the sensor 24 and is attached to the nozzle frame 22.

[0083] The sensor 24 shown in Fig. 19B is configured to measure the origin position of the nozzle 2 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). Fig. 19B is a view of the nozzle 2 in Fig. 19A viewed from below (from the discharge port side). The sensor 24 is attached to the nozzle frame 22. The sensor 24 measures the distance from the nozzle 2 to the surface on which the object is to be modeled (e.g., a floor, a pallet, etc.) in order to correct the origin of the Z-axis in accordance with the height of the surface on which the object is to be modeled. The sensor 24 is a non-contact distance sensor, such as an infrared laser sensor. By making the sensor 24 non-contact, it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to collisions, malfunctions due to adhesion of the modeling material, etc.

[0084] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view showing the nozzle 2 and the first frame 31. As shown in Figure 20, the first frame 31 may have an auxiliary rail 315 and an auxiliary slider 316. The auxiliary rail 315 is disposed below the nozzle guide 311 and supports the nozzle 2 together with the nozzle guide 311. The auxiliary slider 316 is attached to the auxiliary rail 315 so as to be movable along the first axis (the extension direction of the first frame 31). The nozzle 2 is attached to the auxiliary slider 316. The auxiliary rail 315 suppresses deflection of the first frame 31 due to the weight of the nozzle 2.

[0085] 21 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a shaped object according to this embodiment. This method is for producing a shaped object (specifically, a shaped object made of concrete, mortar, or ceramics) that is made by mineralizing a powder or paste material that is mineralized through a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing.

[0086] The manufacturing method includes a conveying step S110, an unfolding step S120, a forming step S130, a moving step S140, and a folding step S160.

[0087] <Transportation Step> In the transportation step S110, the construction 3D printer 1 in the state in which the main body frame 3 shown in FIG. 11 is folded (i.e., in the transportation mode) is transported to a manufacturing site for a model.

[0088] <Unfolding Process> In the unfolding process S120, the construction 3D printer 1 is unfolded with the main body frame 3 folded. Specifically, first, as shown in Fig. 10, the left third frame 33B is moved to a position during modeling and fixed to the base frame 34. Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the right third frame 33A is moved to a position during modeling and fixed to the base frame 34.

[0089] After the third frame 33 is unfolded, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B are rotated (raised) to their respective positions for modeling, as shown in Fig. 4, and then fixed to the second frame slider 332 with fasteners such as bolts. After the second frame 32 is unfolded, the first frame 31 is attached to the second frame 32, as shown in Fig. 1. This causes the construction 3D printer 1 to transition to modeling mode.

[0090] <Forming Step> In the forming step S130, a model is formed by discharging and layering the modeling material from the construction 3D printer 1. Specifically, a layered body of the modeling material is formed in the modeling space M by moving the nozzle 2, the first frame 31, and the second frame 32.

[0091] In the moving step S140, after the laminate is formed, the construction 3D printer 1 is moved from the formation area of ​​the object. Specifically, the main body frame 3 is moved while remaining in the state of the forming step S130 (i.e., while the main body frame 3 is not folded and remains in the object formation mode) so that the laminate passes through the open portion O of the main body frame 3.

[0092] If a continuous object is to be formed after the moving step S140 (step S150: YES), the main body frame 3 may be moved to a formation area for the next object. In this case, the forming step S130 is performed again, and the next object can be formed without deforming the main body frame 3. If a continuous object is not to be formed (step S150: NO), the next folding step S160 is performed.

[0093] <Folding Process> In the folding process S160, after the formation of the model, the construction 3D printer 1 is folded. Specifically, first, as shown in Fig. 4, the first frame 31 is detached from the second frame 32. Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the right second frame 32A and the left second frame 32B are released from the second frame slider 332 and rotated so as to fall backward.

[0094] After folding the second frame 32, as shown in Fig. 10, the right third frame 33A is released from the base frame 34 and moved so as to overlap the base frame 34. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 11, the left third frame 33B is released from the base frame 34 and moved so as to overlap the base frame 34. The folded construction 3D printer 1 is transported to the next manufacturing site. This causes the construction 3D printer 1 to transition to transport mode.

[0095] 4. Actions The actions of this embodiment can be summarized as follows. Because the construction 3D printer 1 can be transported with the main body frame 3 folded, it is easy to transport it to a construction site. Furthermore, because at least part of the assembly work of the construction 3D printer 1 can be performed by unfolding the main body frame 3 from its folded state, the installation man-hours are reduced. This makes it easy to lend or supply the construction 3D printer 1. Furthermore, because the number of detachable parts in the construction 3D printer 1 is reduced, a decrease in modeling accuracy is suppressed.

[0096] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0097] 5. Other The configuration of the construction 3D printer 1 described above is one example. For example, the main body frame 3 of the construction 3D printer 1 does not necessarily have to have an open portion O through which the stack of modeling material ejected from the nozzle 2 can pass. In other words, the main body frame 3 may form a modeling space M that is closed in plan view.

[0098] <Other Background> Models formed by layering modeling materials require time to harden and cannot be moved immediately. Models are sometimes produced directly at the installation site. Therefore, in order to continuously produce models, construction 3D printers need to be moved.

[0099] In contrast, with conventional construction 3D printers, after producing one model, the printer must be at least partially disassembled, transported to the location where the next model is to be produced, and then reassembled. Furthermore, the assembly accuracy must be controlled to avoid affecting the modeling accuracy. This reduces the efficiency of model production.

[0100] Therefore, according to the aspect (D1) described below, since the main body frame has an open portion, after stacking the modeling material, the stacked body can be passed through the open portion and moved to the next modeling position without disassembling the main body frame. Therefore, the next modeled object can be manufactured without disassembling and assembling the main body frame and adjusting the positional accuracy. As a result, models can be manufactured efficiently and continuously.

[0101] In an aspect such as (D1), the main body frame of the construction 3D printer does not necessarily have to be foldable, and the first frame does not necessarily have to be detachable from the second frame.

[0102] (D1) A construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a main body frame that supports the nozzle movably along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other and that can run on the ground, wherein the main body frame has an open portion through which the stack of modeling material ejected from the nozzle can pass.

[0103] (D2) A construction 3D printer according to (D1) above, wherein the open portion is part of the space from which the nozzle ejects the modeling material.

[0104] (D3) In the construction 3D printer described in (D1) or (D2) above, the main body frame has at least a first frame that supports the nozzle movably along the first axis, a second frame that supports the first frame movably along the second axis, and a third frame that supports the second frame movably along the third axis, and at least a portion of the open portion is defined by at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame.

[0105] (D4) In the construction 3D printer described in (D3) above, the first axis is an axis along the horizontal direction, the second axis is an axis along the vertical direction, and the third axis is an axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

[0106] (D5) In the construction 3D printer described in (D4) above, the second frame has a right second frame and a left second frame arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis, the third frame has a right third frame and a left third frame arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis, the right second frame and the left second frame support the first frame when the modeling material is ejected, the right third frame supports the right second frame when the modeling material is ejected, and the left third frame supports the left second frame when the modeling material is ejected.

[0107] (D6) A construction 3D printer according to (D5) above, wherein at least a portion of the open portion is defined by the right third frame and the left third frame.

[0108] (D7) A construction 3D printer according to (D6) above, wherein the main body frame further has a base frame connected to first longitudinal ends of the right third frame and the left third frame, and at least a portion of the open portion is defined by second ends of the right third frame and the left third frame opposite the first ends.

[0109] (D8) In the construction 3D printer described in (D7) above, the main body frame has wheels attached to the right third frame and the left third frame, respectively.

[0110] (D9) A method for manufacturing a molded object, comprising: a forming step of forming a molded object by ejecting and stacking a modeling material from a construction 3D printer; and a moving step of moving the construction 3D printer from the object formation area after forming a stack of the modeling material, wherein the construction 3D printer comprises a nozzle configured to eject the modeling material, and a main body frame that supports the nozzle so that it is movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other and is capable of running on the ground, and wherein in the moving step, the main body frame is moved so that the stack passes through an open portion of the main body frame.

[0111] It may be provided in the following manner.

[0112] (1) A construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a main body frame supporting the nozzle; wherein, at least during ejection of the modeling material, the main body frame has a first frame supporting the nozzle movably along a first axis, a second frame supporting the first frame movably along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a third frame supporting the second frame movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis; and wherein at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on another portion of the main body frame.

[0113] (2) In the construction 3D printer described in (1) above, when the second frame is held by the third frame so that the longitudinal direction of the second frame is the up-down direction, the connection between the second frame and the third frame is located above the lower end of the second frame.

[0114] (3) In the construction 3D printer described in (1) or (2) above, the first axis is an axis along the horizontal direction, the second axis is an axis along the vertical direction, and the third axis is an axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

[0115] (4) In the construction 3D printer described in (3) above, at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the second frame has a right second frame and a left second frame that are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis and support the first frame, and at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the third frame has a right third frame and a left third frame that are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis and support the right second frame and the left second frame, respectively.

[0116] (5) In the construction 3D printer described in (3) or (4) above, the first frame is detachable from the second frame.

[0117] (6) In the construction 3D printer described in (5) above, the second frame can be displaced to a folded position in which the height is smaller than when the modeling material is ejected when the first frame is detached from the second frame.

[0118] (7) In the construction 3D printer described in (6) above, the main body frame further has a base frame connected to the third frame, and the third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on the base frame when the second frame is in the folded position.

[0119] (8) The construction 3D printer described in (7) above, further comprising a control panel configured to control the positions of the nozzle, the first frame, and the second frame, the control panel being attached to the base frame.

[0120] (9) In the construction 3D printer described in any one of (3) to (8) above, the third frame has a slider that is movable along the third axis, and at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the second frame has a first frame guide that supports the first frame, and a support arm that is attached to the first frame guide and supported from below by the slider, and the support arm is swingably connected to the slider.

[0121] (10) In the construction 3D printer described in any one of (3) to (9) above, the second frame has a motor configured to move the first frame, and the rotation axis of the motor is parallel to the third axis.

[0122] (11) A construction 3D printer according to any one of (3) to (10) above, further comprising a harness connected to the nozzle, wherein the first frame has a nozzle guide that supports the nozzle, and a harness frame that is attached to the nozzle guide and holds the harness.

[0123] (12) A construction 3D printer according to any one of (3) to (11) above, wherein the longitudinal length of the first frame is greater than the longitudinal length of the second frame.

[0124] (13) A construction 3D printer according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the modeling material is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing.

[0125] (14) A construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a main body frame supporting the nozzle, wherein the main body frame comprises: a first frame supporting the nozzle movably along a first axis; a second frame having a first mounting portion capable of supporting the first frame movably along a second axis intersecting the first axis; and a third frame having a second mounting portion capable of supporting the second frame movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis, wherein at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on another portion of the main body frame.

[0126] (15) A method for manufacturing a shaped object, comprising: a forming step of forming a shaped object by discharging and layering a modeling material from a construction 3D printer; and a folding step of folding the construction 3D printer after the shaped object is formed, wherein the construction 3D printer comprises a nozzle configured to discharge the modeling material, and a main body frame that supports the nozzle so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other, and the main body frame is foldable. Of course, this is not limited to this.

[0127] Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, they are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0128] 1: Construction 3D printer, 2: Nozzle, 3: Main body frame, 4: Control panel, 21: Nozzle main body, 22: Nozzle frame, 23: Sensor cover, 24: Sensor, 31: First frame, 32: Second frame, 32A: Right second frame, 32B: Left second frame, 32B: Left second frame, 33: Third frame, 33A: Right third frame, 33B: Left third frame, 34: Base frame, 35A: First wheel, 35B: Second wheel, 35C: Third wheel, 35D: Fourth wheel, 37: Hose guide, 311: Nozzle Nozzle guide, 312: Nozzle slider, 313: Nozzle motor, 314: Harness frame, 315: Auxiliary rail, 316: Auxiliary slider, 321: First frame guide, 322: First frame slider, 323: Support arm, 323A: Second frame stopper, 324: Second frame hinge, 325: First frame motor, 326: Hydraulic damper, 328: Second frame lock mechanism, 328A: First snatch lock, 328B: Second snatch lock, 328C: Connecting bar, 3 29: Guide bracket, 331: Second frame guide, 332: Second frame slider, 332A: Sliding pad, 332B: Bolt, 332C: Collar, 333: Lower frame, 334: Third frame hinge, 335: Third frame stopper, 336: Second frame motor, 337: Lock receiving mechanism, 337A: First receiving portion, 337B: Second receiving portion, 338: Third frame lock mechanism, 338A: Snatch lock, 338B: Release lever, 338C: Lock cover, 3 39: guide portion, 339A: plate, 339B: positioning hole, 339C: bolt hole, 342: guide receiving portion, 342A: base portion, 342B: tapered pin, 342C: bolt hole, 361: left lock receiving mechanism, 362: right lock receiving mechanism, 371: guide body, 371A: first roller, 371B: second roller, 372: connecting arm, M: forming space, O: open portion, S110: conveying process, S120: unfolding process, S130: forming process, S140: moving process, S150: step, S160: folding process

Claims

1. A construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a main body frame supporting the nozzle, wherein at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the main body frame has: a first frame supporting the nozzle movably along a first axis; a second frame supporting the first frame movably along a second axis intersecting the first axis; and a third frame supporting the second frame movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis, and at least one of the first frame, the second frame and the third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on another portion of the main body frame.

2. A construction 3D printer as described in claim 1, wherein when the second frame is held by the third frame so that the longitudinal direction of the second frame is in the up-down direction, the connection between the second frame and the third frame is located above the lower end of the second frame.

3. A construction 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axis is an axis along the horizontal direction, the second axis is an axis along the vertical direction, and the third axis is an axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

4. A construction 3D printer as described in claim 3, wherein, at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the second frame has a right second frame and a left second frame that are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis and support the first frame, and at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the third frame has a right third frame and a left third frame that are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the first axis and support the right second frame and the left second frame, respectively.

5. A construction 3D printer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first frame is detachable from the second frame.

6. A construction 3D printer as described in claim 5, wherein the second frame is displaceable to a folded position in which the height is smaller than when the modeling material is ejected when the first frame is detached from the second frame.

7. A construction 3D printer according to claim 6, wherein the main body frame further has a base frame connected to the third frame, and the third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on the base frame when the second frame is in the folded position.

8. A construction 3D printer according to claim 7, further comprising a control panel configured to control the positions of the nozzle, the first frame and the second frame, the control panel being attached to the base frame.

9. A construction 3D printer according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the third frame has a slider movable along the third axis, and at least during the ejection of the modeling material, the second frame has: a first frame guide supporting the first frame; and a support arm attached to the first frame guide and supported from below by the slider, and the support arm is swingably connected to the slider.

10. A construction 3D printer according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the second frame has a motor configured to move the first frame, and a rotational axis of the motor is parallel to the third axis.

11. A construction 3D printer according to any one of claims 3 to 10, further comprising a harness connected to the nozzle, wherein the first frame has: a nozzle guide supporting the nozzle; and a harness frame attached to the nozzle guide and holding the harness.

12. A construction 3D printer according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the longitudinal length of the first frame is greater than the longitudinal length of the second frame.

13. A construction 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the modeling material is a powder or paste material that is mineralized via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or sintering.

14. A construction 3D printer comprising: a nozzle configured to eject a modeling material; and a main body frame supporting the nozzle, wherein the main body frame comprises: a first frame supporting the nozzle movably along a first axis; a second frame having a first mounting portion capable of supporting the first frame movably along a second axis intersecting the first axis; and a third frame having a second mounting portion capable of supporting the second frame movably along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis, wherein at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame is displaceable so as to be superimposed on another portion of the main body frame.

15. A method for manufacturing a molded object, comprising: a forming step of forming a molded object by ejecting and layering a modeling material from a construction 3D printer; and a folding step of folding the construction 3D printer after the molded object is formed, wherein the construction 3D printer comprises: a nozzle configured to eject the modeling material; and a main body frame supporting the nozzle so as to be movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that intersect with each other, and the main body frame is foldable.

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