Manufacturing device, screw, operation method, and manufacturing method

Abstract

Provided is a manufacturing device, a screw, and an operation method with which it is possible to suitably manufacture an article.　The manufacturing device comprises: a barrel 82 to which a material for manufacturing is supplied; a heater 85 that heats the material supplied into the barrel 82; a rotary screw that is provided in the barrel 82 and transfers the material heated by the heater 85; a nozzle that discharges the material transferred by the screw; and a colorant injection mechanism 60 that injects a colorant fluid into the barrel 82 and / or the nozzle between a position where the material is supplied to the barrel 82 and a position where the material is discharged from the nozzle.

Description

Molding apparatus, screw, operation method, and molding method

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding apparatus, a screw, an operation method, and a molding method.

[0002] In recent years, modeling devices have been used to create three-dimensional objects. One modeling device method is fused deposition modeling. In fused deposition modeling, pellets or filaments of thermoplastic resin, which are the modeling material, are sometimes supplied to a print head together with a colorant, thereby coloring the pellets or filaments ejected from the print head. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when the filament is supplied to the print head, the filament is coated with a colorant before being supplied to the print head.

[0003] Currently, there is known a molding apparatus that forms a model by stacking a molding material discharged from a discharging unit on a table. During the formation of the model, it is necessary to continuously supply the molding material to the discharging unit so that the molding material discharged by the discharging unit does not run out. In particular, when forming a large model, it is necessary to devise a method for supplying the molding material so that the molding material does not run out during the formation of the model.

[0004] Patent Literature 3 describes a 3D printer equipped with a dispenser that supplies each raw material of a modeling material and a recovery device that recovers unused raw material into the dispenser. The dispenser equipped in this 3D printer has a tank for storing the raw material, and the 3D printer has a supply device that supplies the raw material to the tank. This dispenser is considered to correspond to the above-mentioned discharge unit.

[0005] Special Publication No. 2014-516829 Publication Patent No. 5920859 Publication Special Publication No. 2023-504969

[0006] In the conventional method of supplying the modeling material and colorant to the print head from the same supply port, as in Patent Document 1, when switching colors or cleaning (flushing) the material path inside the print head, unnecessary modeling material had to be removed from the entire material path from the supply port to the discharge port inside the print head, which was time-consuming.

[0007] Furthermore, when pellets of the modeling material and pellets of the colorant are supplied to the print head from the same supply port, color unevenness is likely to occur.

[0008] In addition, in this case, since the optimal melting temperature for the modeling material is different from the optimal melting temperature for the colorant, it was not possible to optimize the temperature setting for heating the mixture of modeling material and colorant in the print head for both the modeling material and the colorant.

[0009] Furthermore, as in Patent Document 1, conventionally, the modeling material often remained in the barrel or nozzle for a long time, which could cause the modeling material to deteriorate and adversely affect its material properties, such as the viscosity and degree of solidification of the heated material, the strength and crystallinity of the material after hardening, and the appearance of the modeled object.

[0010] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a molding apparatus, a screw, and an operating method that can suitably manufacture a molded object.

[0011] Furthermore, in the fused deposition modeling method, the material ejected from the nozzle is rapidly cooled and shrinks, which causes thermal stress in the object, and if the thermal stress is large, the object may warp or crack. In particular, materials with high viscosity or low melt flow rate have a large shrinkage rate and large thermal stress, making these materials unable to be used for practical manufacturing of objects.

[0012] In order to reduce the effects of material shrinkage, attempts have been made to prevent the object from shrinking suddenly during printing by using a high-temperature printing table or furnace. However, this can lead to deformation of the object during printing (e.g., sagging) because additional material is layered on top of the object before it has fully solidified.

[0013] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a molding apparatus that can suitably manufacture a molded object, for example, a molding apparatus that can suppress the effects of shrinkage of the material ejected during the manufacture of the molded object or deformation of the molded object.

[0014] Furthermore, with the modeling device of Patent Document 2, the nozzle diameter cannot be changed during printing, making it difficult to accommodate changes such as reducing the layer pitch in small areas and increasing the layer pitch in other areas, making it difficult to efficiently form beautiful models.

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a molding apparatus and a molding method that can efficiently and beautifully form a molded object.

[0016] Furthermore, in the modeling device of Patent Document 2, when the nozzle is moved after discharging the modeling material, the modeling material may remain at the tip of the nozzle, and the modeling material may droop and stretch like strings, adhering to the outside of the modeled object. This stringiness of the modeling material can cause a problem of poor appearance of the modeled object.

[0017] These problems can be reduced by retracting the filament to clear the nozzle tip when the nozzle is moved after the extrusion of the modeling material has finished, but retraction is not available when pellets are used as the modeling material.

[0018] Furthermore, when pellets are used as the modeling material in a modeling device, the pellets are heated, mixed, and discharged by an extruder, so the modeling material stored in the extruder is subjected to high pressure from the subsequent modeling material that is compressed and transported by the extruder screw.As a result, after the screw is stopped, the modeling material stored at the tip of the nozzle is pushed out by the pressure and drips from the nozzle.

[0019] Furthermore, when pellets are used as the molding material in a molding device, due to the pressure exerted on the molding material stored in the extruder, when materials such as colorants are supplied to the extruder of the molding device from the side using a supply device such as a side feeder, liquid feeder, or extruder, there is a risk that the molding material will flow back from the extruder to the supply device.

[0020] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an F-modeling apparatus that can suitably control the discharge of modeling material.

[0021] Furthermore, with the technology described in Patent Document 3, it is difficult to increase the capacity of the tank provided in the dispenser, and it is necessary to frequently supply raw material from the supply device to the tank. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to frequently interrupt the modeling process to supply raw material. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that appropriately supplies the modeling material to the dispensing unit during modeling of a model. For this reason, there is a demand for a technology that appropriately supplies the modeling material to the dispensing unit during modeling of a model.

[0022] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a molding apparatus that appropriately supplies molding material to a discharge unit during molding of a molded object.

[0023] A molding apparatus according to aspect 1-1 of the present invention comprises: a barrel into which material for molding is supplied; a heater that heats the material supplied into the barrel; a rotary screw provided in the barrel that transports the material heated by the heater; a nozzle that ejects the material transported by the screw; and a colorant injection mechanism that injects a colorant fluid into the barrel and / or the nozzle between the position where the material is supplied to the barrel and the position where it is ejected from the nozzle.

[0024] With the above configuration, the distance over which the material in the barrel is colored is shortened, allowing, for example, color switching and barrel cleaning to be performed in a short time. Furthermore, for example, since the colorant fluid is injected into the molten material before kneading, color unevenness is less likely to occur, and the melting temperature of the material can be controlled independently of the melting temperature of the colorant. This allows for optimal production of shaped objects.

[0025] The colorant injection mechanism may inject the colorant into the barrel and / or the nozzle near the nozzle.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the distance over which the material in the barrel is colored is shortened, so that, for example, color switching and barrel cleaning can be completed in a shorter time, thereby enabling the production of a shaped object to be performed in a more suitable manner.

[0027] The screw comprises, from the upper end to the tip, in this order: a supply section to which the material before melting is supplied; a compression section to compress the melted material; a metering section to transport the compressed material at a constant flow rate; and a kneading section to knead the material and the colorant; and the colorant injection mechanism may inject the colorant into the barrel and / or the nozzle at a position where the metering section or the kneading section is housed.

[0028] With the above configuration, the distance over which the material in the barrel is colored is shortened, allowing for quick color changes and barrel cleaning, for example. Furthermore, because the same screw is used for both material extrusion and kneading, unlike when separate screws are used for extrusion and kneading, the rotation speed of the screw for extrusion and the rotation speed of the screw for kneading are the same, resulting in high reproducibility of the kneading results. This allows for optimal production of shaped objects.

[0029] The ink supply device may include a plurality of colorant injection mechanisms for injecting colorants of different colors into the barrel.

[0030] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reproduce an infinite number of colors by combining a plurality of colorants, which makes it possible to suitably manufacture shaped objects.

[0031] The colorant injection mechanism may include a colorant supply unit and a colorant kneading unit, the colorant supply unit preheating the colorant to at least partially melt it and supplying it to the colorant kneading unit, and the colorant kneading unit heating and kneading the colorant supplied from the colorant supply unit and injecting it into the barrel.

[0032] According to the above configuration, for example, the colorant is melted in advance by the colorant supply unit, so that the colorant can be melted well even in a relatively small colorant kneading unit, thereby enabling the production of a shaped object to be carried out favorably.

[0033] The image forming apparatus may further include a colorant supply device that supplies colorant to the colorant injection mechanism when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant injection mechanism falls below a predetermined remaining amount.

[0034] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the colorant from running out in the colorant injection mechanism, thereby enabling the production of a shaped object to be carried out in an optimal manner.

[0035] According to a first aspect, a screw for use in the molding apparatus according to the first aspect includes, in order from the upper end to the tip, a supply section to which unmelted molding material is supplied, a compression section to compress the melted material, a metering section to transfer the compressed material at a constant flow rate, and a kneading section to knead the material and the colorant.

[0036] According to the above configuration, since the extrusion and kneading of the material are performed using the same screw, unlike when the extrusion and kneading of the material are performed using separate screws, the rotation speed of the screw for extrusion and the rotation speed of the screw for kneading are the same, and the kneading results are highly reproducible, which allows for the production of shaped objects in an optimal manner.

[0037] An operating method according to aspect 1-3 of the present invention is an operating method performed by the molding apparatus according to aspect 1-1, and includes: a material supply stopping step of stopping the supply of material to the barrel when a time period during molding during which the barrel is heated but the material is not being extruded from the barrel exceeds a predetermined time; and a material extrusion step of extruding the material from the barrel to substantially empty the barrel.

[0038] According to the above-described configuration, the material inside the barrel does not change in quality, and problems associated with the change in quality of the material can be avoided, thereby enabling the production of a shaped object to be carried out in an optimal manner.

[0039] An operating method according to aspect 1-4 of the present invention is an operating method performed by the molding apparatus according to aspect 1-1, and includes, when cleaning the barrel, a material supply stopping step of stopping the supply of the material to the barrel; a barrel heating step of heating the material in the barrel to a predetermined temperature that exceeds the melting temperature of the material; and a material extrusion step of extruding the material from the barrel to substantially empty the barrel.

[0040] According to the above configuration, in the modeling performed after cleaning, the altered material remains in the barrel, so that the adverse effects of the altered material on the modeling operation and the modeled object are not exerted. This allows for the optimal production of the modeled object.

[0041] In addition, a modeling apparatus according to aspect 2-1 of the present invention includes a barrel into which modeling material is supplied, a heater that heats the material supplied into the barrel, a nozzle that ejects the heated and melted material, and a blower that sends air heated by the heater to the tip of the nozzle.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the cooling rate of the material discharged from the nozzle tip is slowed down, which reduces the effect of shrinkage of the discharged material during the production of a model, allowing the use of a material with a high viscosity or a low melt flow rate as the modeling material.

[0043] The air conditioner may further include a deflector that deflects the air blown by the blower.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the hot air can be more reliably directed at the tip of the nozzle.

[0045] The heating device may further include a heat source other than the heater, and an additional blower that sends air heated by the heat source to the tip of the nozzle.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the cooling rate of the material discharged from the nozzle tip can be made slower.

[0047] An air passage for suppressing diffusion of air heated by the heater may be provided in at least a part of the path from the heater to the tip of the nozzle.

[0048] According to the above configuration, the cooling rate of the material discharged from the nozzle tip can be made slower.

[0049] A modeling apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a blower that blows air at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of a material used for modeling to an object being modeled on a modeling table.

[0050] According to the above configuration, deformation (for example, sagging) of the object during modeling can be suppressed.

[0051] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the modeling apparatus according to aspect 3-1 of the present invention comprises a material input section for inputting material for modeling, a heater for heating the material input from the material input section, a transfer section for transferring the material heated by the heater, and a nozzle having an outlet formed therein through which the material transferred by the transfer section is ejected, and the nozzle is provided with a throttle mechanism capable of changing the size of the outlet.

[0052] According to the above configuration, in various modeling devices that discharge material from a nozzle, the thickness of the discharged material can be freely changed, and by discharging thin material in small areas and thick material in other areas, the thickness and fineness of the model can be freely set and the material can be layered. Changing the size of the discharge port does not require nozzle replacement, which reduces the time required for nozzle replacement. This allows for efficient and beautiful formation of models.

[0053] The apparatus further includes a barrel having a hollow portion formed therein into which the material is introduced from the material introduction portion, the heater being provided on the outer periphery of the barrel, the transport portion being a screw provided in the hollow portion that rotates to transport the material heated by the heater, and the nozzle being provided at one end of the barrel.

[0054] With the above configuration, the pellet-type molding device allows the thickness and fineness of the object to be freely set and the material to be layered. Changing the size of the outlet does not require replacing the nozzle, which reduces the time required for nozzle replacement. This allows for efficient and beautiful molding.

[0055] The ink jet printer may further include a motor that can change the rotation speed of the screw in accordance with the change in size of the discharge port caused by the throttle mechanism.

[0056] The above configuration enables the ejection of materials suited to the size of the ejection port, which allows processes for ejecting materials of different thicknesses to be carried out in a single flow, eliminating material seams and enabling the formation of a cleanly shaped object.

[0057] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a modeling method according to aspect 3-2 of the present invention is a modeling method for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking multiple layers using the above-mentioned modeling device, and includes the steps of operating the transfer unit to eject and stack material melted by the heat of the heater, and when stopping the operation of the transfer unit to stop the ejection of material from the ejection port, narrowing the ejection port using the throttling mechanism to prevent dripping of material from the ejection port.

[0058] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent dripping liquid from spoiling the appearance of the model and soiling the modeling table, and it is possible to efficiently form a beautiful model.

[0059] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a modeling method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a modeling method for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking multiple layers using the above-mentioned modeling device, and includes a first step of operating the transfer unit to eject the material melted by the heat of the heater from an outlet of a first size and stack the layers, and a second step of operating the transfer unit to eject the material melted by the heat of the heater from an outlet of a second size made larger by the throttle mechanism and stack the layers.

[0060] With the above configuration, the thickness of the material being ejected can be freely changed, and by ejecting thin material in small areas and thick material in other areas, the thickness and fineness of the object can be freely set and the material can be layered. Changing the size of the ejection port in this way does not require replacing the nozzle, which reduces the time required for nozzle replacement. This allows for efficient and beautiful formation of objects.

[0061] The transport unit may be operated at a first speed in the first step, and at a second speed different from the first speed in the second step.

[0062] The above configuration enables the ejection of materials suited to the size of the ejection port, which allows processes for ejecting materials of different thicknesses to be carried out in a single flow, eliminating material seams and enabling the formation of a cleanly shaped object.

[0063] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a modeling method according to a third or fourth aspect of the present invention is a modeling method for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking multiple layers using the above-mentioned modeling device, and includes the steps of: operating the transfer unit to eject and stack material melted by the heat of the heater; and, while stopping the operation of the transfer unit to stop the ejection of material from the ejection port, changing the size of the ejection port using the throttle mechanism to remove the material adhering to the ejection port.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the material adhering to the discharge port can be automatically scraped off, which eliminates the need to scrape off the material adhering to the discharge port and reduces the burden of cleaning the modeling apparatus.

[0065] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the modeling apparatus according to aspect 4-1 of the present invention is a modeling apparatus that forms a model by stacking modeling material, and includes a table on which the modeling material is stacked, an ejection head that ejects the modeling material toward the table, a moving mechanism that moves the ejection head and the table relatively, and an ejection control unit that controls the ejection of the modeling material by the ejection head, and when continuous ejection of the modeling material from the ejection head is completed, the ejection control unit controls the ejection of the modeling material to stop, and moves the ejection head back and forth along the same path, causing the stringy modeling material to overlap each other.

[0066] According to the above configuration, a part of a model can be formed using the stringy modeling material. Therefore, when the nozzle is moved after the modeling material is ejected, the stringy modeling material does not adhere to the outside of the model. This allows for optimal control of the ejection of the modeling material, and for example, allows for the formation of a beautiful model.

[0067] The apparatus may further include a reciprocating movement amount determination unit that determines a movement amount by which the discharge head is reciprocated, and the reciprocating movement amount determination unit may determine the reciprocating movement amount based on the modeling material to be discharged.

[0068] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine an appropriate reciprocating movement amount even when the modeling material is changed, thereby making it possible to appropriately process stringy modeling material, and to suitably control the dispensing of the modeling material, thereby enabling, for example, the formation of a beautiful modeled object.

[0069] The discharge head may be configured to return to a position where the discharge control unit stopped discharging the modeling material by reciprocating along the same path.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the stringy modeling material can be overlapped with one another without any gaps, which allows the discharge of the modeling material to be suitably controlled, thereby enabling, for example, the formation of a beautiful modeled object.

[0071] A modeling apparatus according to aspect 4-2 of the present invention is a modeling apparatus that forms a model by layering modeling material, and is equipped with an ejection head having a nozzle that ejects the modeling material and a screw that transports the modeling material to the nozzle, and the ejection head further has a moving device that moves the screw so as to press the tip of the screw against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle.

[0072] According to the above configuration, when the modeling material is not being discharged from the nozzle, the nozzle can be sealed with the tip of the screw. After sealing, the modeling material does not drip from the discharge nozzle. This allows for optimal control of the discharge of the modeling material, and for example, prevents contamination and clogging of the nozzle of the discharge head.

[0073] A modeling apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a modeling apparatus that forms a model by layering modeling material, and includes: an ejection head that ejects the modeling material; and a supply device that supplies an additive to the ejection head from the side thereof. The supply device includes: a nozzle that injects the additive into the ejection head; a screw that transports the additive to the nozzle; and a moving device that moves the screw so that the tip of the screw is pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle.

[0074] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the modeling apparatus according to the present disclosure is a modeling apparatus that models a model by stacking modeling materials, and includes: a large-capacity storage container that stores the modeling material; a temporary storage container that temporarily stores the modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container; a discharge unit that is movable together with the temporary storage container and melts and discharges the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container; and a material transport mechanism that transports the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container to the temporary storage container when the remaining storage amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container is less than a lower limit amount.

[0075] In the above configuration, the modeling material is continuously supplied from the temporary storage container to the discharge unit, and when the remaining amount of the modeling material in the temporary storage container is less than the lower limit, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container is transported to the temporary storage container. In this configuration, the modeling material can be continuously supplied to the discharge unit even if the capacity of the temporary storage container is not very large. In other words, with this configuration, the modeling material can be appropriately supplied to the discharge unit during the modeling of a model.

[0076] In addition, in the present invention, the large-capacity storage container is positioned at a lower position than the temporary storage container, and the material conveying mechanism may convey the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container together with air to the temporary storage container using a pipe extending from the inside of the large-capacity storage container to the supply port of the temporary storage container.

[0077] In the above configuration, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container is transported to the temporary storage container together with air using a pipe extending from the interior of the large-capacity storage container located at a lower position than the temporary storage container to the supply port of the temporary storage container. Therefore, with the above configuration, the transport of the modeling material can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0078] In addition, in the present invention, one end of the piping may be fixed to the supply port of the temporary storage container and may be movable together with the temporary storage container, and may include a material transport control unit that controls the material transport mechanism to start transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount.

[0079] In the above configuration, one end of the pipe is fixed to the supply port of the temporary storage container and is movable together with the temporary storage container. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the modeling material can be transported without interrupting the modeling of the object.

[0080] In addition, the present invention includes a state-changing member that is in a first state when the modeling material is not being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge outlet of the temporary storage container, and is in a second state different from the first state when the modeling material is being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge outlet of the temporary storage container; and a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member, and the material conveying control unit may start conveying the modeling material in response to the first sensor detecting the first state.

[0081] In the above configuration, the conveyance of the modeling material is started in response to detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container to the discharging unit, and therefore, according to the above configuration, the conveyance of the modeling material can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0082] In addition, in the present invention, one end of the piping may be positioned at a predetermined material supply position, and the device may include a unit movement mechanism that moves the discharge unit together with the temporary storage container, a unit movement control unit that controls the unit movement mechanism to move the supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount, and a material transport control unit that starts transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the supply port of the temporary storage container has moved to the material supply position.

[0083] In the above configuration, one end of the piping is positioned at a predetermined material supply position, and the supply port of the temporary storage container moves to the material supply position when the modeling material is being transported. In the above configuration, it is not necessary to have the one end of the piping follow the movement of the temporary storage container. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the costs required for manufacturing and maintaining the material transport mechanism.

[0084] In addition, the present invention includes a state-changing member that is in a first state when the modeling material is not being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container, and is in a second state different from the first state when the modeling material is being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container, and a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member, and the unit movement control unit may move the supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to the first sensor detecting the first state.

[0085] In the above configuration, in response to detection of a first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container to the discharging unit, the supply port of the temporary storage container moves to the material supply position, and the conveyance of the modeling material is started. Therefore, with the above configuration, the conveyance of the modeling material can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0086] In addition, in the present invention, a second sensor may be provided to detect the presence or absence of the modeling material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container, and the material transport control unit may terminate the transport of the modeling material in response to the second sensor detecting that the modeling material is present at the specific position.

[0087] In the above configuration, the transport of the modeling material is terminated in response to detection of the presence of the modeling material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container, and therefore, the above configuration allows the transport of the modeling material to be terminated at an appropriate timing.

[0088] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molding apparatus, a screw, and an operation method that can suitably manufacture a molded object.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a modeling apparatus that can suitably manufacture a modeled object, for example, a modeling apparatus that can suppress the influence of shrinkage of a material dispensed during the manufacture of a modeled object or the deformation of the modeled object.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molding apparatus and a molding method that can efficiently and beautifully form a molded object.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a modeling apparatus that can suitably control the discharge of modeling material.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately supply the modeling material to the discharge unit during modeling of the modeled object.

[0093] 6 is a perspective view of a modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a print head of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the kneading and dispensing unit of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment, with the motor removed. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screw of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view (a) and a top view (b) of a colorant injection mechanism of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a colorant supply device according to a modified example. (a) A state in which the recess opens to the inlet of the metering device, and (b) A state in which the recess opens to the outlet of the metering device. The multiple circles in the figure schematically represent colorants. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a print head of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view of the print head of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment, with three colorant injection mechanisms located forward of the barrel omitted. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a modeling table and a model cooling unit according to a modified example. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel accommodating the screw of the modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment, cut vertically. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle equipped with a throttle mechanism taken along the cross-sectional line IV-IV in FIG. 15, and shows the operation of the throttle mechanism, which gradually enlarges the discharge port from (a) to (d). It is a schematic diagram focusing on one throttle blade of the throttle mechanism shown in FIG. 16 and a drive ring that moves the throttle blade. It is a diagram showing an example of the material discharge pattern when the discharge port area is changed by the throttle mechanism. It is an external view of a modeling device according to embodiment 4-1. It is an external view of a head moving mechanism according to embodiment 4-1. It is an external view of a table moving mechanism according to embodiment 4-1. It is an external view of a modeling table according to embodiment 4-1. It is a configuration diagram of a modeling device according to embodiment 4-1. It is a flowchart showing the modeling process performed by the modeling device according to embodiment 4-1. It is a flowchart showing the stringing process shown in FIG. 24. It is a side view showing the state in which the stringing process is being performed in chronological order ((a) to (b)), continuing from FIG. 26. It is a side view showing the state in which the stringing process is being performed in chronological order ((a) to (b)). It is a cross-sectional view of a kneading injection device according to embodiment 4-2. It is a cross-sectional view of a supply device according to embodiment 4-3.External view of a molding apparatus according to embodiment 5-1. Structural diagram of a molding apparatus according to embodiment 5-1. Side view of a temporary storage container and a discharge unit according to embodiment 5-1. External view of a state-changing member according to embodiment 5-1. Side views of a state-changing member according to embodiment 5-1, (A) being a side view in a first state and (B) being a side view in a second state. Side view of a large-capacity storage container according to embodiment 5-1. Partial cross-sectional view along line X-X of Figure 35. Flowchart showing a material transport process performed by a molding apparatus according to embodiment 5-1. External view of a molding apparatus according to embodiment 5-2. Flowchart showing a material transport process performed by a molding apparatus according to embodiment 5-2.

[0094] First Embodiment A modeling apparatus A1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The modeling apparatus A1 is an apparatus (3D printer) that models a three-dimensional object using an additive manufacturing method. The modeling apparatus used in this embodiment is, for example, a fused deposition modeling (FDM) apparatus that melts and stacks pellets made of thermoplastic resin.

[0095] 1, the X direction is defined as the "left-right direction," the Y direction is defined as the "front-rear direction," and the Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the "up-down direction."

[0096] (Overview of Modeling Apparatus A1) As shown in FIG. 1 , the modeling apparatus A1 is formed by assembling a plurality of housing units. The modeling apparatus A1 includes a bottom housing unit 10, a pair of side housing units 20, a pair of upper beam units 30 connecting the pair of side housing units 20, an upper housing unit 40 mounting a first print head 1A and a second print head 1B as working heads, a modeling table 50 on which a modeled object is placed, and a control unit A3. The first print head 1A and the second print head 1B melt pellets made of thermoplastic resin and eject them toward the modeling table 50. The bottom housing unit 10, the side housing unit 20, the upper beam unit 30, the upper housing unit 40, and the modeling table 50 are housing units that form the housing of the modeling apparatus A1.

[0097] A pair of side housing units 20, arranged side by side, are installed on the edges of the top surface of the bottom housing unit 10 and form the sides of the modeling apparatus A1. Each of the pair of side housing units 20 has an elevating mechanism A2 in the center. The pair of elevating mechanisms A2 raise and lower the modeling table 50.

[0098] The pair of upper beam units 30 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The pair of upper beam units 30 connect the upper portions of the pair of side housing units 20.

[0099] The upper housing unit 40 includes a frame portion 41 and a print head drive mechanism A4 disposed on the upper surface of the frame portion 41. The frame portion 41 is a frame-shaped member formed in a rectangular shape.

[0100] The print head drive mechanism A4 comprises a first print head drive mechanism A41 that moves the first print head 1A and a second print head drive mechanism A42 that moves the second print head 1B. The first print head 1A is moved in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the first print head drive mechanism A41 under the control of the control unit A3, as indicated by the solid arrows. The second print head 1B is moved in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the second print head drive mechanism A42 under the control of the control unit A3, as indicated by the dashed arrows. In this embodiment, the modeling device A1 is a dual-head modeling device equipped with two print heads, but a single print head is also acceptable.

[0101] The modeling table 50 is a platform on which a model is placed, and both left and right edges thereof are attached to the lifting mechanism A2.

[0102] The molding device A1 includes a plate-shaped reinforcing member 51 on the outside of the molding device A1 to reinforce the joint between the bottom case unit 10 and the side case unit 20. Furthermore, the molding device A1 includes a plate-shaped reinforcing member 52 on the outside of the molding device A1 to reinforce the joint between the side case unit 20 and the upper beam unit 30.

[0103] The control unit A3 controls the operation of each unit of the modeling apparatus A1. The control unit A3 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, etc. The control unit A3 executes the modeling process in accordance with a preset program.

[0104] (Configuration of Print Heads 1A and 1B) Next, we will explain the print heads 1A and 1B, which are components of the modeling apparatus A1. Note that the print heads 1A and 1B basically have the same configuration, and to avoid redundant description, only the print head 1A will be explained below.

[0105] As shown in Figure 2, the print head 1A has a mixing and discharging unit 80 that mixes the material and discharges it toward the modeling table 50, and a support unit 90 that supports the mixing and discharging unit 80 and attaches the print head 1A to the first print head drive mechanism A41.

[0106] The support unit 90 has a first support plate 91 attached to the first print head drive mechanism A41, a second support plate 92 arranged parallel to the first support plate 91 and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and four connecting pillars 93 connecting the first support plate 91 and the second support plate 92.

[0107] The kneading and discharging unit 80 heats and melts natural pellets supplied as a modeling material while transporting the pellets, and kneads the pellets with a colorant near the discharge port to discharge the material colored to a desired color toward the modeling table 50. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the kneading and discharging unit 80 includes a material input section 81 into which the material is input, a barrel 82 into which the material input from the material input section 81 is supplied, a screw 83 that rotates within the barrel 82 and transports the molten material as it rotates, a motor 84 that drives the screw 83, a heater 85 that heats the material in the barrel 82, a nozzle 86 that discharges the material transported by the screw 83, a heat dissipation section 87 that dissipates heat between the heater 85 and the motor 84, and a colorant injection mechanism 60 that injects a colorant fluid into the lower part of the barrel 82.

[0108] The material input section 81 is a cylindrical member with a passage 81a through which the natural pellets pass. This passage 81a leads to a hollow section 82a of the barrel 82. Because the material input section 81 is an inclined passage that descends toward the barrel 82, when the material is carried downward by the screw 83 within the barrel 82 and reaches the upper part of the hollow section 82a of the barrel 82, i.e., when the groove of the supply section 83a of the screw 83, which will be described later, becomes empty, the material input into the material input section 81 naturally slides down into the empty gap in the hollow section 82a of the barrel 82, and the material is replenished into the barrel 82.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 4 , the barrel 82 is a cylindrical member having a circular hollow portion 82a bored out of a cylindrical body. The barrel 82 is arranged with its axis aligned vertically. The barrel 82 has an opening (not shown) that connects the passage 81a of the material feed section 81 with the hollow portion 82a. The barrel 82 also has a lower portion formed with a plurality of injection holes 82b through which the colorant is injected. These injection holes 82b extend from the outer circumferential surface of the barrel 82 to the hollow portion 82a, and the number of injection holes 82b is equal to the number of colorant injection mechanisms 60 that can be installed. For example, to share a cleaning path, the injection holes 82b may be located at the same height as possible across the barrel 82.

[0110] The screw 83 has an upper end connected to a motor 84 and a tip housed in a nozzle 86, and as shown in Figure 5, from the upper end to the tip, it has, in order, a supply section 83a, a compression section 83b, a metering section 83c, and a kneading section 83d.

[0111] The supply section 83a, the compression section 83b, and the metering section 83c are provided with spiral grooves that extend continuously across these areas.

[0112] The supply section 83a is supplied with the unmelted material that has been supplied from the material input section 81 to the barrel 82. The depth of the grooves in the supply section 83a is equal to or greater than the depth of the grooves in the compression section 83b and the metering section 83c. As long as the supply section 83a can hold the unmelted material, which is bulkier than the molten material, the depth of the grooves in the supply section 83a may be constant or may vary from the upper end to the tip of the screw 83, for example, it may gradually become shallower.

[0113] In the compression section 83b, the material transferred from the supply section 83a is heated by the heater 85 to be melted and transferred further to the metering section 83c. The depth of the grooves in the compression section 83b gradually becomes shallower toward the tip. In other words, the volume of the grooves in the compression section 83b gradually decreases toward the tip. Therefore, the material transferred through the grooves in the compression section 83b toward the metering section 83c is compressed in the process.

[0114] In the metering section 83c, the material transferred from the compression section 83b is transferred to the kneading section 83d at a constant flow rate. The depth of the grooves in the metering section 83c is equal to or less than the depths of the supply section 83a and the compression section 83b. The depth of the grooves in the metering section 83c is constant from the upper end side to the tip side of the screw 83 so that the flow rate of the material transferred to the kneading section 83d, i.e., the volume of material transferred per unit time, is constant. Note that, since the flow rate of the material in the kneading section 83d (described later) without taking the metering section 83c into consideration is slower than the flow rate of the material in the metering section 83c, the flow rate of the material in the metering section 83c determines the flow rate of the material discharged from the nozzle 86 via the kneading section 83d.

[0115] The kneading unit 83d kneads the material and the colorant, and includes, for example, a rough mixing unit 83da and a homogenizing unit 83db, as shown in FIG.

[0116] The rough mixing section 83da is located within the barrel 82 immediately below the injection hole 82b connected to the colorant injection mechanism 60, and roughly mixes the colorant injected into the barrel 82 from the colorant injection mechanism 60 with the material transferred from the metering section 83c. The mixture of material and colorant is transferred to the homogenizing section 83db by the pressure of the material transferred from the metering section 83c. The rough mixing section 83da has, for example, a gentle spiral groove with a smaller twist angle than the metering section 83c.

[0117] The homogenizing unit 83db kneads the mixture of the material and the colorant transferred from the rough mixing unit 83da until the colorant is uniformly dispersed in the material. The homogenizing unit 83db has, for example, a plurality of protrusions.

[0118] The motor 84 is, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or the like, and can rotate an output shaft (not shown) at different rotational speeds under the control of the control unit A3.

[0119] 2 to 4, the heaters 85 are provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 82 and heat the material and colorant supplied to the barrel 82. Four heaters 85 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the barrel 82.

[0120] 2 to 4, the nozzle 86 is connected to the lower end of the barrel 82. The tip of the screw 83 is inserted into the nozzle 86. The material transported by the screw 83 is discharged from the nozzle 86 onto the modeling table 50.

[0121] 3 and 4, the heat dissipation portion 87 is provided near the upper end of the barrel 82. The heat dissipation portion 87 dissipates some or all of the heat transferred from the heater 85 through the barrel 82 and the screw 83 to the motor 84 and the connecting parts between the motor 84 and the screw 83. This prevents the motor 84 and the connecting parts between the motor 84 and the screw 83 from being damaged by heat.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 2, the colorant injection mechanisms 60 are attached to the outer edge of the second support plate 92. In this embodiment, five colorant injection mechanisms 60, each having the same configuration and capable of being controlled independently, are attached. As shown in Fig. 6, each colorant injection mechanism 60 has a colorant supply unit 61 and a colorant kneading unit 62.

[0123] The colorant supply unit 61 accommodates colored pellets, preheats them, and at least partially melts them before supplying them to the colorant kneading unit 62. The colorant supply units 61 of the colorant injection mechanisms 60 accommodate colored pellets of different colors. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the colorant supply unit 61 includes a hopper 61a that accommodates the colored pellets, a screw cap 61b that seals the hopper 61a, and a heater 61c attached to the periphery of the hopper 61a. The hopper 61a includes a hollow portion 61d that tapers toward the coloring barrel 62a. The screw cap 61b includes an air passage 61e that is connected to an air compressor (not shown). When colored pellets are added to the colorant supply unit 61, the screw cap 61b is removed from the hopper 61a. The screw cap 61b is then attached to the hopper 61a, sealing the hopper 61a.

[0124] The colorant kneading unit 62 heats and kneads the colorant supplied from the colorant supply unit 61, and injects the kneaded colorant into the barrel 82. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the colorant kneading unit 62 includes a coloring barrel 62a to which the colorant is supplied from the colorant supply unit 61, a heater 62b attached to the periphery of the coloring barrel 62a, a screw 62c that rotates within the coloring barrel 62a, a motor 62d that rotates the screw 62c, a connection unit 62e that connects the screw 62c to the motor 62d, and a nozzle 62f from which the molten colorant is ejected.

[0125] When the colorant injection mechanism 60 injects molten colored pellets as a colorant into the barrel 82, the heater 61c attached to the periphery of the hopper 61a first at least partially melts the colored pellets in the hollow portion 61d. The molten colored pellets are supplied to the coloring barrel 62a by the pressure of air sent from the air passage 61e of the screw cap 61b, against the pressure inside the coloring barrel 62a. Under the control of the control unit A3, the motor 62d drives the screw 62c to rotate, and the colored pellets supplied to the coloring barrel 62a are further heated by the heater 62b attached to the periphery of the coloring barrel 62a and then injected into the barrel 82 through the injection hole 82b shown in FIG. 3 .

[0126] Furthermore, when colorant is not injected into the barrel 82 from the colorant injection mechanism 60, the pressure inside the coloring barrel 62a is reduced, so that the material being transported and pressurized by the screw 83 inside the barrel 82 does not flow back into the colorant injection mechanism 60 from the injection hole 82b by applying pressure to the molten colorant inside the colorant supply section 61 and the colorant kneading section 62 using air supplied from an air compressor.

[0127] (Modeling Method Using Modeling Apparatus A1) Next, a modeling method using the modeling apparatus A1 will be described. In this modeling method, the control unit A3 controls the first print head drive mechanism A41 to cause the first print head 1A to scan the XY plane on the modeling table 50, and during this process, controls the ejection of modeling material by the first print head 1A based on modeling data for forming a modeled object. In other words, the control unit A3 ejects material from the first print head 1A when the relative positions of the modeling table 50 and the first print head 1A are at the position where the material should be ejected.

[0128] Furthermore, when a predetermined color other than the color of the natural pellets is to be imparted to the material to be ejected from the first print head 1A to a predetermined position on the modeling table 50, the controller A3 controls the colorant injection mechanism 60 of the first print head 1A according to the color prior to ejection of the material. That is, the controller A3 injects colorant into the barrel 82 from one or more colorant injection mechanisms 60 corresponding to one type of colorant or a combination of multiple colorants capable of imparting that color to the material in an amount sufficient to reproduce the shade and hue of that color. For example, when coloring a material green, the controller A3 controls the colorant injection mechanism 60 containing a cyan colorant and the colorant injection mechanism 60 containing a yellow colorant to inject the same amount of colorant into the barrel 82 from these mechanisms. Furthermore, when the color of the material to be ejected from the first print head 1A to a predetermined position on the modeling table 50 is to be returned to the color of the natural pellets, the controller A3 stops the injection of colorant by the colorant injection mechanism 60 prior to ejection of the material.

[0129] If necessary, when changing the color of the material to be dispensed from the first print head 1A to a predetermined position on the modeling table 50, the control unit A3 may perform a so-called trial injection operation by controlling the first print head drive mechanism to move the first print head 1A to a modeling material disposal unit (not shown), then controlling the colorant injection mechanism 60 to change the color of the material to the desired color, then causing the first print head 1A to dispense the material of the previous color remaining in the barrel 82 and the nozzle 86 to the modeling material disposal unit, and then controlling the first print head drive mechanism A41 to return the first print head 1A to a predetermined position on the modeling table 50. Note that when the color of the material is to be continuously changed, for example, when gradation is to be expressed, the trial injection operation may not be performed, and the amount of colorant injected from the colorant injection mechanism 60 into the barrel 82 may be continuously changed depending on the position of the modeling table 50.

[0130] If the object is a three-dimensional object having thickness in the Z direction, the control unit A3 forms the layers that make up the object one by one using the above process, and maintains a constant distance between the first print head 1A and the forming table 50 by lowering the forming table 50 in the Z direction by the thickness of one layer each time a layer is formed.

[0131] (Effects of this Embodiment) According to the modeling apparatus A1 according to this embodiment, a model can be suitably manufactured.

[0132] For example, in the modeling apparatus A1, the colorant injection mechanism 60 injects the colorant into the barrel 82 near the nozzle 86, which shortens the distance over which the material in the barrel 82 is colored compared to conventional methods. Therefore, the modeling apparatus A1 allows color switching and barrel cleaning to be performed in a short time.

[0133] Furthermore, in the molding apparatus A1, coloring fluid is injected into the molten material before kneading, so color unevenness is unlikely to occur.

[0134] Furthermore, in the modeling apparatus A1, the melting of the modeling material by the kneading and discharging unit 80 and the melting of the colored pellets by the colorant injection mechanism 60 can be controlled independently. Therefore, the melting of the modeling material and the melting of the colored pellets can be performed at their respective optimal melting temperatures.

[0135] Furthermore, in the molding device A1, the extrusion and kneading of the material are performed using the same screw 83, and therefore, unlike when the extrusion and kneading of the material are performed using separate screws, the rotation speed of the screw for extrusion and the rotation speed of the screw for kneading are the same, resulting in high reproducibility of the kneading results.

[0136] Furthermore, since the molding apparatus A1 is provided with a plurality of colorant injection mechanisms 60 that inject different colored colorants into the barrel 82, it is possible to reproduce an infinite number of colors by combining a plurality of colorants.

[0137] Furthermore, in the molding device A1, in the colorant injection mechanism 60, the colorant is preheated in the colorant supply section 61 to at least partially melt it, and then the colorant is completely heated and kneaded in the colorant kneading section 62, so that the colorant can be melted well even in a relatively small colorant kneading section.

[0138] Furthermore, in the modeling apparatus A1, the barrel 82 and screw 83 of the kneading and discharging unit 80 are arranged vertically, so that gravity causes the material in the barrel 82 to move downward and air bubbles, such as those having a lower density than the material, to move upward. Therefore, compared to when the barrel 82 and screw 83 of the kneading and discharging unit 80 are arranged horizontally, the driving load on the screw 83 is reduced and the amount of air bubbles remaining in the barrel 82 is also reduced.

[0139] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the above-described embodiment, the colorant injection mechanism 60 injects the colorant into the barrel 82 near the nozzle 86. However, the colorant fluid may be injected into the barrel 82 and / or the nozzle 86 at any position between the position where the material is supplied to the barrel 82 and the position where it is discharged from the nozzle 86, for example, at the position of the metering section 83 c and / or the kneading section 83 d of the screw 83.

[0140] In the above embodiment, natural pellets are used as the material for molding, but pellets of thermoplastic resin containing additives such as colorants may also be used, or materials other than thermoplastic resin may be used as long as they can be ejected by heating and kneading.

[0141] In the above embodiment, a fluid of molten colored pellets is used as the colorant, but other colorants may be used as long as they can be discharged by heating and kneading.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the colorant fluid is injected into the barrel 82 using the colorant injection mechanism 60. However, any device that injects the colorant from the side of the barrel 82, such as a side feeder, liquid feeder, or extruder, may also be used. In this case, instead of using a molten solid colorant, a fluid colorant, such as a liquid or sol, may be used. Note that in the following modified examples, the colorant injection mechanism 60 may be any device that injects the colorant from the side of the barrel 82.

[0143] Any means may be used to supply colorant to the colorant injection mechanism 60. For example, a colorant supply device may be provided that supplies colorant to the colorant injection mechanism 60 when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant injection mechanism 60 becomes low, particularly when the remaining amount is less than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount (but the predetermined remaining amount is greater than 0). This prevents the colorant from running out in the colorant injection mechanism 60.

[0144] The colorant supplying device may be, for example, a colorant supplying device 63 including a colorant master batch storage section 63a and a metering device 63b, as shown in FIG.

[0145] The colorant masterbatch storage unit 63a stores a colorant of a predetermined color and may have a larger capacity than, for example, the colorant supply unit 61 of the colorant injection mechanism 60 or the colorant supply unit of the device that injects the colorant. Any means may be used to supply the colorant from the colorant masterbatch storage unit 63a to the metering device 63b, but the colorant masterbatch storage unit 63a may be installed above the metering device 63b in the direction of gravity, and the colorant masterbatch storage unit 63a and the metering device 63b may be connected to each other by a pipeline or the like so that the colorant falls by gravity from an outlet 63aa of the colorant masterbatch storage unit 63a to an inlet 63ba of the metering device 63b.

[0146] When the amount of colorant remaining in colorant injection mechanism 60 becomes low, particularly when it becomes less than a predetermined remaining amount or equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount (however, the predetermined remaining amount is greater than zero), metering device 63b measures out the colorant supplied from inlet 63ba as described above and supplies a predetermined amount of colorant from outlet 63bb to colorant injection mechanism 60. Outlet 63bb of metering device 63b is connected to colorant supply unit 61 of colorant injection mechanism 60 or a colorant supply unit of a device that injects colorant by a pipe or the like so that they can flow together.

[0147] The metering device 63b may have any configuration as long as it can supply a predetermined amount of colorant. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the inlet 63ba of the metering device 63b may be located above the outlet 63bb in the direction of gravity, the metering device 63b may be installed above the colorant injection mechanism 60 in the direction of gravity, the metering device 63b and the colorant injection mechanism 60 may be connected by a conduit or the like so that the colorant falls by gravity from the outlet 63bb to the colorant supply unit 61 of the colorant injection mechanism 60 or the colorant supply unit of the colorant injection device, and the metering device 63b may include a rotatable metering unit 63bc that is mechanically or electronically controlled within the socket 63bd. The center line connecting the center of the inlet 63ba and the center of the outlet 63bb may be approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0148] The metering portion 63bc has a surface 63bca and a recess 63bcb. The surface 63bca abuts the socket 63bd or is separated from the socket 63bd by a gap large enough to prevent colorant from flowing in. The recess 63bcb can hold a predetermined amount of colorant and opens toward the inlet 63ba when the metering portion 63bc faces upward along the direction of gravity, and opens toward the outlet 63bb when the metering portion 63bc faces downward along the direction of gravity. Under the control of the controller A3, when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant injection mechanism 60 becomes low, for example, when the remaining amount is less than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount (but the predetermined remaining amount is greater than zero), the modeling apparatus A1 rotates the metering portion 63bc by an electric motor or the like from an orientation in which the recess 63bcb opens toward the inlet 63ba to an orientation in which the recess 63bcb opens toward the outlet 63bb. Then, the colorant in the recess 63bcb falls to the outlet 63bb due to gravity, and is then supplied to the colorant injection mechanism 60.

[0149] The method for determining whether the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant injection mechanism 60 has become low, for example, whether it has become less than a specified remaining amount or equal to or less than a specified remaining amount (however, the specified remaining amount is greater than 0), is arbitrary, and may be determined indirectly based on, for example, the usage history of the colorant, or may be determined directly based on the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant injection mechanism 60 measured by a sensor provided in the colorant injection mechanism 60, such as a weight sensor or an optical sensor.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the kneading and discharging unit 80 is used, but except for the point that the colorant fluid is injected at a predetermined position, a configuration similar to the kneading and discharging unit of the discharge head used in a conventional modeling apparatus or a configuration equivalent thereto can be adopted. Furthermore, the configuration of the modeling apparatus A1 excluding the kneading and discharging unit 80 can be the configuration of a conventional fused deposition modeling apparatus.

[0151] The means for supplying materials such as natural pellets to the material input section 81 is optional, and for example, the material supply section that supplies the material may be connected to the material input section 81 directly or indirectly via a passage such as a pipe, in a closed or open manner.

[0152] A cutoff mechanism for cutting off the supply of material to the barrel 82 may be provided in the molding apparatus A1, for example, in the material input section 81, the barrel 82, and / or the above-mentioned material supply section.

[0153] The surface of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82, the inner surface of the nozzle 86, and / or the surface of the screw 83 may be subjected to a surface treatment, such as an oxo treatment, to prevent the molten material from sticking. In this case, the molten material can be more easily extruded from the barrel 82. In particular, even if the viscosity of the molten material in the barrel 82 is higher than expected due to deterioration of the material, the molten material can be extruded from the barrel 82 without clogging.

[0154] In order to reduce the extrusion resistance when the molten material is extruded from the barrel 82, the screw 83 may be provided with an additional kneading section such as a Unimelt, for example, between the supply section 83a and the compression section 83b of the screw 83. This makes it possible to more easily extrude the molten material from the barrel 82. In particular, even if the viscosity of the molten material in the barrel 82 is higher than expected due to deterioration of the material or the like, the molten material can be extruded from the barrel 82 without clogging.

[0155] The barrel 82 may be provided with an internal sealing mechanism for airtightly sealing the rear end of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82 (the end opposite the end connected to the nozzle 86) when necessary. Additionally or alternatively, the barrel 82 may be configured so that the rear end of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82 is always airtightly sealed. In either case, if the supply of material to the barrel 82 is stopped and the material continues to be extruded from the barrel 82 while the rear end of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82 is airtightly sealed, the air at the rear end of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82 is heated and expands, and this expanded air promotes the extrusion of the material from the barrel 82. This makes it easier to extrude the molten material from the barrel 82. In particular, even if the viscosity of the molten material in the barrel 82 is higher than expected due to deterioration of the material, the molten material can be extruded from the barrel 82 without clogging.

[0156] The control unit A3 of the modeling apparatus A1 may be configured to perform a barrel emptying process, for example, when the barrel 82 has been heated to the melting temperature of the material but has not extruded the material for a predetermined time or longer. The predetermined time is set to a time that allows the material's properties, such as the viscosity of the heated material, the degree of solidification, the strength and crystallinity of the hardened material, and the appearance of the modeled object to be maintained even if the material is altered by heating, or a time that prevents the material from being altered by heating. The predetermined time varies depending on the material, but for example, if the material is polypropylene, the predetermined time is any time equal to or greater than 20 minutes, such as 30 minutes.

[0157] In this case, the molding apparatus A1, particularly the control unit A3, may include a timer that measures the time during which the barrel 82 is heated to the melting temperature of the material but no material is being extruded during molding. In this case, when the time measured by the timer reaches or exceeds a predetermined time, the molding apparatus A1 performs a barrel emptying process under the control of the control unit A3.

[0158] (Barrel Emptying Process) The barrel emptying process mainly includes a material supply stopping step, a barrel temperature increasing step, and a material extrusion step. These three steps may be performed in this order or in parallel, or the material supply stopping step and the barrel temperature increasing step may be performed in any order or in parallel before the material extrusion step.

[0159] (Material Supply Stopping Process) In the material supply stopping process, the supply of material to the barrel 82 is stopped. For example, if a user has manually supplied material to the barrel 82 via the material input unit 81, the user stops the supply. Also, if material has been automatically supplied to the barrel 82 via the material input unit 81 from the above-mentioned material supply unit or the like, the material supply unit or a shutoff mechanism such as the above-mentioned modified example stops the supply of material to the barrel 82 under the control of the control unit A3.

[0160] (Barrel Heating Process) In the barrel heating process, the material in the barrel 82 is heated to a predetermined temperature that exceeds its melting temperature. For example, under the control of the control unit A3, the heater 85 heats the material in the barrel 82 to a predetermined temperature that exceeds its melting temperature, for example, for a predetermined heating time. The predetermined temperature is any temperature that is equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the material + 20°C. For example, if the material is polypropylene, the predetermined temperature is any temperature that is equal to or higher than 180°C, for example, 200°C.

[0161] (Material Extrusion Process) In the material extrusion process, the material is extruded from the barrel 82 to substantially empty the barrel 82. For example, under the control of the control unit A3, the molding apparatus A1 rotates the screw 83 at a higher speed than during normal molding, for example at the maximum speed, until the barrel 82 is empty, for example for a predetermined rotation time. After the barrel 82 is emptied, the remaining volume of the material in the barrel 82 is preferably less than 1% of the volume of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82.

[0162] (Other Steps) After the barrel emptying process, the molding apparatus A1 ends or suspends molding under the control of the control unit A3. The end or suspension of molding includes stopping the heating of the barrel 82 by the heater 85.

[0163] In the case of barrel emptying treatment over time, a step of heating the material in the barrel 82 to its melting temperature may be provided instead of the barrel temperature increase step. Furthermore, a configuration or step for more easily pushing the molten material out of the barrel 82, such as the above-described modified example, may be combined with the barrel emptying treatment. For example, the barrel emptying treatment may include a step of airtightly sealing the barrel 82, particularly the rear end of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82, using the above-described internal barrel sealing mechanism or the like.

[0164] Prolonged heating above the melting temperature can alter the material and its properties. For example, the altered material may have a higher viscosity in the molten state, or may not fully melt at the desired melting temperature and may even remain solid. This can also alter the strength, crystallinity, and appearance of the hardened material. Barrel emptying over time avoids these problems by preventing the material in the barrel 82 from altering.

[0165] In addition to or instead of the barrel emptying process over time, the molding apparatus A1 may be configured to perform the above-mentioned barrel emptying process when cleaning the barrel 82 under the control of the control unit A3.

[0166] In the above-described cleaning of the barrel 82, after the barrel emptying process, the molding apparatus A1 resumes molding under the control of the control unit A3. The resumption of molding includes a step of lowering the heating temperature of the barrel 82 by the heater 85 and heating the material in the barrel 82 to its melting temperature, and a step of resuming the supply of material to the barrel 82.

[0167] The barrel emptying process during cleaning of the barrel 82 may be combined with a configuration or process, such as the above-described modification, for more easily pushing out the molten material from the barrel 82. For example, the barrel emptying process may include a process of airtightly sealing the barrel 82, particularly the rear end of the hollow portion 82a of the barrel 82, using the above-described internal barrel sealing mechanism or the like. In this case, resuming modeling may include a process of releasing the seal on the barrel 82.

[0168] If a material is altered for some reason and its material properties change, various problems can occur. For example, the altered material may have a higher viscosity in the molten state, or may not melt sufficiently at the specified melting temperature, and in some cases may remain solid. Furthermore, the strength, crystallinity, and appearance of the hardened material may change. By performing a barrel emptying process during cleaning of the barrel 82, the altered material is removed from the barrel 82, preventing adverse effects of the altered material on the modeling process or the model during modeling performed after cleaning.

[0169] The features described in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined in any manner unless they are inconsistent.

[0170] Second Embodiment A modeling apparatus B1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The modeling apparatus B1 is an apparatus (3D printer) that models a three-dimensional object by additive manufacturing. The modeling apparatus used in this embodiment is, for example, a fused deposition modeling (FDM) apparatus that melts and stacks pellets made of thermoplastic resin.

[0171] 9, the X direction is defined as the "left-right direction," the Y direction is defined as the "front-rear direction," and the Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the "up-down direction."

[0172] (Overview of the Modeling Apparatus B1) As shown in FIG. 9 , the modeling apparatus B1 is formed by assembling a plurality of housing units. The modeling apparatus B1 includes a bottom housing unit 110, a pair of side housing units 120, a pair of upper beam units 130 connecting the pair of side housing units 120, an upper housing unit 140 mounting a first print head 101A and a second print head 101B as working heads, a modeling table 150 on which a modeled object is placed, and a control unit B3. The first print head 101A and the second print head 101B melt pellets made of thermoplastic resin and eject them toward the modeling table 150. The bottom housing unit 110, the side housing unit 120, the upper beam unit 130, the upper housing unit 140, and the modeling table 150 are housing units that form the housing of the modeling apparatus B1.

[0173] A pair of side housing units 120, arranged side by side, are installed on the edges of the top surface of the bottom housing unit 110 and form the sides of the modeling apparatus B1. Each of the pair of side housing units 120 has an elevating mechanism B2 in the center. The pair of elevating mechanisms B2 raise and lower the modeling table 150.

[0174] The pair of upper beam units 130 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The pair of upper beam units 130 connect the upper portions of the pair of side housing units 120.

[0175] The upper housing unit 140 includes a frame portion 141 and a print head drive mechanism B4 disposed on the upper surface of the frame portion 141. The frame portion 141 is a frame-shaped member formed in a rectangular shape.

[0176] The print head drive mechanism B4 includes a first print head drive mechanism B41 that moves the first print head 101A and a second print head drive mechanism B42 that moves the second print head 101B. The first print head 101A is moved in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the first print head drive mechanism B41 under the control of the controller B3, as indicated by the solid arrows. The second print head 101B is moved in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the second print head drive mechanism B42 under the control of the controller B3, as indicated by the dashed arrows. In this embodiment, the modeling device B1 is a dual-head modeling device equipped with two print heads, but a single print head is also acceptable.

[0177] The modeling table 150 is a platform on which a model is placed, and both left and right edges thereof are attached to the lifting mechanism B2.

[0178] The modeling device B1 includes a plate-shaped reinforcing member 151 on the outside of the modeling device B1 to reinforce the joint between the bottom case unit 110 and the side case unit 120. Furthermore, the modeling device B1 includes a plate-shaped reinforcing member 152 on the outside of the modeling device B1 to reinforce the joint between the side case unit 120 and the upper beam unit 130.

[0179] The control unit B3 controls the operation of each unit of the molding apparatus B1. The control unit B3 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, etc. The control unit B3 executes the molding process in accordance with a preset program.

[0180] (Configuration of Print Heads 101A and 101B) Next, the print heads 101A and 101B, which are components of the modeling apparatus B1, will be described. Note that the print heads 101A and 101B basically have the same configuration, and to avoid redundant description, only the print head 101A will be described below.

[0181] As shown in Figures 10 and 3, the print head 101A has a mixing and discharging unit 180 that mixes the material and discharges it toward the modeling table 150, a support unit 190 that supports the mixing and discharging unit 180 and attaches the print head 101A to the first print head drive mechanism B41, and a discharge material heating unit 170 that heats the discharged material.

[0182] The support unit 190 has a first support plate 191 attached to the first print head drive mechanism B41, a second support plate 192 arranged parallel to the first support plate 191 and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and four connecting pillars 193 connecting the first support plate 191 and the second support plate 192.

[0183] The kneading and discharging unit 180 heats and melts natural pellets supplied as a modeling material while transporting the pellets, and kneads the pellets with a colorant near a discharge port to discharge the material colored to a desired color toward the modeling table 150. As shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the kneading and discharging unit 180 includes a material input section 181 into which the material is input, a barrel 182 to which the material input from the material input section 181 is supplied, a screw (not shown) that rotates within the barrel 182 and transports the molten material as it rotates, a motor 183 that drives the screw, a heater 184 that heats the material in the barrel 182, a nozzle 185 that discharges the material transported by the screw, a heat dissipation section 186 that dissipates heat between the heater 184 and the motor 183, a cooling fan 187, and a colorant injection mechanism 160 that injects a colorant fluid into the lower part of the barrel 182.

[0184] The material input section 181 is a cylindrical member having a passage 181 a through which the natural pellets pass. The passage 181 a is connected to the hollow portion of the barrel 182.

[0185] The barrel 182 is a cylindrical member with a circular hollow portion carved out of a cylindrical body. The barrel 182 is arranged with its axis aligned vertically. The barrel 182 has an opening (not shown) that connects the passage 181a of the material feed section 181 with the hollow portion. The barrel 182 also has a lower portion formed with multiple injection holes 182a through which the colorant is injected. These injection holes 182a are holes that penetrate from the outer circumferential surface of the barrel 182 to the hollow portion, and are formed in the same number as the number of installable colorant injection mechanisms 160.

[0186] The screw has an upper end connected to a motor 183 and has a spiral groove that can extrude and knead the material.

[0187] The motor 183 is, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or the like, and can rotate an output shaft (not shown) at different rotational speeds under the control of the control unit B3.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 3, the heater 184 is provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 182 and heats the material and colorant supplied to the barrel 182. The heating temperature of the heater, particularly the nozzle temperature, depends on the material, but is, for example, 180°C or higher, particularly 200°C or higher. For example, when polylactic acid (PLA) is used as the material, the heating temperature of the heater is 180°C to 230°C, e.g., 190°C to 220°C; when polypropylene (PP) is used, the heating temperature is 210°C to 250°C, e.g., 220°C to 240°C; when acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin is used, the heating temperature is 210°C to 260°C, e.g., 220°C to 250°C; and when polycarbonate (PC) is used, the heating temperature is 250°C to 320°C, e.g., 260°C to 310°C. Four heaters 184 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the barrel 182.

[0189] 11, the nozzle 185 is connected to the lower end of the barrel 182. The material transported by the screw is discharged from the nozzle 185 toward the modeling table 150.

[0190] 11, the heat dissipation section 186 is provided near the upper end of the barrel 182. The heat dissipation section 186 dissipates some or all of the heat transferred from the heater 184 through the barrel 182 and the screw to the motor 183 and the connecting parts between the motor 183 and the screw. This prevents the motor 183 and the connecting parts between the motor 183 and the screw from being damaged by heat.

[0191] The cooling fan 187 sends relatively cool air (for example, air at room temperature (20° C.) or room temperature) around the modeling apparatus B1 to the heat dissipation unit 186 to cool the heat dissipation unit 186 .

[0192] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 3 , the colorant injection mechanisms 160 are attached to the outer edge of the second support plate 192. In this embodiment, five colorant injection mechanisms 160 having the same configuration are attached. Each colorant injection mechanism 160 contains colored pellets of a different color. The colorant injection mechanism 160 includes a colorant injection section 161, a coloring barrel 162 to which colorant is supplied from the colorant injection section 161, a screw (not shown) that rotates within the coloring barrel 162, a motor 163 that rotates the screw, a heater 164 for heating the colored pellets, and a cooling fan 165 for cooling the motor 163. The heater 164 is provided in the colorant injection section 161 and the coloring barrel 162.

[0193] Colorant pellets are stored in the colorant feed unit 161. The colorant pellets are heated by a heater 164 to become liquid, and are then supplied to a coloring barrel 162. Under the control of the control unit B3, a motor 163 drives and rotates a screw, and the colorant passes through an injection hole 182a shown in FIG. 11 and is injected into the barrel 182.

[0194] Two discharge material heating units 170 are arranged on the second support plate 192 so as to surround the barrel 182 , and each of them has a cooling mitigation blower 171 and a deflection device 172 .

[0195] The cooling-relief blower 171 is disposed on the upper surface of the second support plate 192. A vent is provided on the upper surface of the second support plate 192 to which the cooling-relief blower 171 is attached. When manufacturing a shaped object, particularly when the kneading and discharging unit 180 is operating and material is being discharged from the nozzle 185, the cooling-relief blower 171 draws in air heated by a heater 184 provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 182 and sends it downward through the vent. The temperature of the air sent in this manner is room temperature (20°C) or higher, for example, 30°C to 60°C when the heating temperature of the heater 184 is 200°C or higher.

[0196] The deflector 172 is disposed on the underside of the second support plate 192 so as to face the cooling mitigation blower 171 across the ventilation hole. The deflector 172 is a passage or deflector plate that deflects the air sent from the ventilation hole toward the tip of the nozzle 185.

[0197] Effect of the Present Embodiment According to the present embodiment, when manufacturing a model, the cooling mitigation blower 171 sends air heated by the heater 184 provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 182 to the deflection device 172 via the vent, and the deflection device 172 applies this warm air to the material being discharged from the nozzle 185. This slows down the cooling rate of the material being discharged from the tip of the nozzle 185, thereby suppressing the effects of contraction of the discharged material. Therefore, according to the present invention, materials with high viscosity or low melt flow rate that could not be used as modeling materials in the past can be used as modeling materials.

[0198] Conventionally, the cooling rate of the discharged material has been reduced by controlling the temperature (bed temperature) of the modeling table 150 to a temperature higher than the ambient temperature of the modeling apparatus B1 (e.g., normal temperature (20°C) or room temperature), for example, 60°C to 120°C, depending on the material. However, because resin materials generally have low thermal conductivity and little heat transfer in the Z direction, this method has not been able to sufficiently suppress the effects of material shrinkage, such as thermal stress, at the upper part of a tall object when manufacturing such a model. According to the present invention, hot air is applied to the material discharged from the nozzle 185, so the effects of material shrinkage at the upper part of the tall object can be suppressed even when manufacturing such a tall object.

[0199] In addition, conventionally, attempts have been made to suppress shrinkage of the ejected material by raising the environmental temperature, for example, room temperature itself, but this method requires a large amount of heat to maintain the environmental temperature, resulting in high energy costs. According to the present invention, hot air utilizing exhaust heat is applied locally to the material ejected from the nozzle 185, so additional energy costs can be kept low.

[0200] This invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the above embodiment, two discharge material heating units 170 are provided, but this may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, if the direction of the cooling mitigation blower 171 can be appropriately adjusted so that the hot air can be blown directly onto the tip of the nozzle 185 by the cooling mitigation blower 171, the deflection device 172 may be omitted.

[0201] In the above embodiment, air heated by the heater 184 provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 182 is used as the heat source for the discharge material heating unit 170. However, in addition to or instead of this, other heat sources, such as the heater 164 of the colorant injection mechanism 160, the motor 183 of the kneading and discharging unit 180, and / or the motor 163 of the colorant injection mechanism 160, may be used. In this case, an additional cooling relief fan 171 and / or deflector 172 may be provided along the path from the heat source to the nozzle 185 in order to transport the warm air from the heat source to the nozzle 185. In addition, in order to prevent the warm air from diffusing between the heat source and the nozzle 185, a closed, e.g., airtight, ventilation path, such as a ventilation pipe, for transporting the warm air may be provided along the entire or part of the path from the heat source to the nozzle 185.

[0202] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has been described as a fused deposition modeling system in which pellets are melted, the present invention can also be applied to a filament-type modeling system.

[0203] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the modeling apparatus B1, particularly the first print head 101A, the second print head 101B, and the modeling table 150, are arranged in an open environment, but they may be arranged in a furnace at a high temperature, for example, 60° C. to 120° C. Even in this case, the temperature of the hot air sent from the discharged material heating unit 170 is lower than the melting temperature of the material, but higher than the ambient temperature (for example, 60° C. to 120° C.), making it possible to suppress the effects of shrinkage of the discharged material.

[0204] In addition, in the above embodiment, in order to suppress the effects of shrinkage of the ejected material, the first print head 101A and the second print head 101B are provided with an ejected material heating unit 170 that heats the material immediately after ejection. However, in addition to or instead of this, the modeling table 150 may be provided with an object cooling unit 175 that cools the material immediately after stacking.

[0205] The object cooling units 175 are arranged one on each end of the forming table 150 , and each includes a cooling fan 176 and an air outlet 177 .

[0206] The cooling fan 176 is disposed on the upper surface of the air outlet 177. When manufacturing a model, particularly when materials are being stacked on the modeling table 150, the cooling fan 176 draws in ambient air and sends it onto the modeling table 150 via the air outlet 177. For example, the temperature of the air sent in this manner is ambient temperature (for example, room temperature (20°C) or room temperature when the modeling table 150 is placed in an open area, or 60 to 120°C when the modeling table 150 is placed inside a furnace), which is lower than the melting temperature of the material.

[0207] The air outlets 177 are arranged on both ends of the modeling table 150 so that the openings for blowing out air face each other. The width of the air outlets 177 is approximately the same as the width of the modeling table 150. For example, air blown out from the air outlets 177 in the direction indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 12 collides on the modeling table 150, forming an ascending air current above the modeling table 150.

[0208] In the past, particularly when the forming table 150 was placed in a furnace, if additional material was layered on the object M being formed before it had completely solidified, there was a risk that the object M being formed would be deformed (for example, sagging would occur). According to this modification, when manufacturing an object, the cooling blower 176 sends air at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the material to the object M being formed on the forming table 150 via the air outlet 177. This promotes cooling of the object M being formed, and additional material is layered on the object M being formed in a harder state, making the object M being formed less likely to deform (for example, less likely to sag).

[0209] Furthermore, in this modified example, the air sent out from the air outlet 177 collides on the modeling table 150 and forms an ascending air current. Therefore, even if the height of the object M being modeled is higher than the air outlet 177, the air sent out from the air outlet 177 reaches the top surface of the object being modeled, thereby facilitating cooling of the top surface of the object.

[0210] The number of object cooling units 175 is arbitrary, and may be one, three, or more. As long as air can be sent to the object M being modeled on the modeling table 150, the object cooling units 175 may be arranged arbitrarily on the modeling table 150, and the object cooling units 175 do not have to be arranged on the modeling table 150. For example, the air outlets 177 do not have to be arranged so that the openings from which the air is sent face each other. As long as air can be sent to the object M being modeled on the modeling table 150, the width of the air outlets 177 is arbitrary. Furthermore, as long as the direction of the object cooling units 175 can be appropriately adjusted so that the cooling fans 176 can directly send air to the object M being modeled, the air outlets 177 may be omitted.

[0211] Any means may be used to form an updraft above the modeling table 150. For example, instead of arranging the two air outlets 177 so that the openings from which the air is discharged face each other, two or more air outlets 177 may be arranged so that the air discharged from the openings collides with each other on the modeling table 150. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to forming an updraft above the modeling table 150, the model cooling unit 175 may be moved up and down by a height adjustment mechanism such as a robot arm or an electric slide mechanism depending on the height of the model being modeled.

[0212] By using the dispensed material heating unit 170 and the model cooling unit 175 together, it is possible to more effectively control the cooling rate of the material as it is dispensed from the nozzle 185 and layered on the modeling table 150. This makes it possible to suppress both the effects of material shrinkage and deformation of the model.

[0213] The features described in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined in any manner unless they are inconsistent.

[0214] Third Embodiment A modeling apparatus C1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The modeling apparatus C1 is an apparatus (3D printer) that models a three-dimensional object by additive manufacturing. The modeling apparatus used in this embodiment is, for example, a fused deposition modeling (FDM) apparatus that melts and stacks pellets made of thermoplastic resin.

[0215] 13, the X direction is defined as the "left-right direction," the Y direction is defined as the "front-rear direction," and the Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the "up-down direction."

[0216] (Overview of the Modeling Apparatus C1) As shown in FIG. 13 , the modeling apparatus C1 is formed by assembling a plurality of housing units. The modeling apparatus C1 includes a bottom housing unit 210, a pair of side housing units 220, a pair of upper beam units 230 connecting the pair of side housing units 220, an upper housing unit 240 mounting a first print head 201A and a second print head 201B as working heads, a modeling table 250 on which a modeled object is placed, and a control unit C3. The first print head 201A and the second print head 201B melt pellets made of thermoplastic resin and eject them toward the modeling table 250. The bottom housing unit 210, the side housing unit 220, the upper beam unit 230, the upper housing unit 240, and the modeling table 250 are housing units that form the housing of the modeling apparatus C1.

[0217] A pair of side housing units 220, arranged side by side, are installed on the edges of the upper surface of the bottom housing unit 210 and form the sides of the modeling apparatus C1. Each of the pair of side housing units 220 has an elevating mechanism C2 in the center. The pair of elevating mechanisms C2 raise and lower the modeling table 250.

[0218] The pair of upper beam units 230 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The pair of upper beam units 230 connect the upper portions of the pair of side housing units 220.

[0219] The upper housing unit 240 includes a frame portion 241 and a print head drive mechanism C4 disposed on the upper surface of the frame portion 241. The frame portion 241 is a frame-like member formed in a rectangular shape.

[0220] The print head drive mechanism C4 includes a first print head drive mechanism C41 that moves the first print head 201A and a second print head drive mechanism C42 that moves the second print head 201B. The first print head 201A is moved in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the first print head drive mechanism C41 under the control of the controller C3, as indicated by the solid arrows. The second print head 201B is moved in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the second print head drive mechanism C42 under the control of the controller C3, as indicated by the dashed arrows. In this embodiment, the modeling device C1 is a dual-head modeling device equipped with two print heads, but a single print head is also acceptable.

[0221] The modeling table 250 is a platform on which a model is placed, and both left and right edges thereof are attached to the lifting mechanism C2.

[0222] The molding device C1 includes a plate-shaped reinforcing member 251 on the outside of the molding device C1 to reinforce the joint between the bottom case unit 210 and the side case unit 220. Furthermore, the molding device C1 includes a plate-shaped reinforcing member 252 on the outside of the molding device C1 to reinforce the joint between the side case unit 220 and the upper beam unit 230.

[0223] The control unit C3 controls the operation of each unit of the molding apparatus C1. The control unit C3 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, etc. The control unit C3 executes the molding process according to a preset program.

[0224] (Configuration of Print Heads 201A and 201B) Next, the print heads 201A and 201B, which are components of the modeling apparatus C1, will be described. Note that the print heads 201A and 201B basically have the same configuration, and to avoid redundant description, only the print head 201A will be described below.

[0225] As shown in Figure 14, the print head 201A has a mixing and discharging unit 280 that mixes the material and discharges it toward the modeling table 250, and a support unit 290 that supports the mixing and discharging unit 280 and attaches the print head 201A to the first print head drive mechanism C41.

[0226] The support unit 290 has a first support plate 291 attached to the first print head drive mechanism C41, a second support plate 292 arranged parallel to the first support plate 291 and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and four connecting pillars 293 connecting the first support plate 291 and the second support plate 292.

[0227] The kneading and discharging unit 280 heats and melts the supplied natural pellets while transporting them, and kneads them with a colorant near the discharge port to discharge a material colored to a desired color toward the modeling table 250. The kneading and discharging unit 280 has a material input section 281 into which the natural pellets are input, a barrel 282 to which the material input from the material input section 281 is supplied, a colorant injection mechanism 260 that injects the colorant into the barrel 282, a screw 283 as a transport section that rotates within the barrel 282, a motor 284 that rotates the screw 283, and a heater 285 for heating the material in the barrel 282.

[0228] The material input section 281 is a cylindrical member having a passage 281a through which the natural pellets pass. The passage 281a communicates with a hollow portion 282a of the barrel 282.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 15 , the barrel 282 is a cylindrical member with a circular hollow portion 282a bored out of a cylindrical body. The barrel 282 is arranged with its axis aligned vertically. The barrel 282 has an opening (not shown) that connects the passage 281a of the material feed section 281 with the hollow portion 282a. The barrel 282 also has a lower portion formed with a plurality of injection holes 283a through which the colorant is injected. The injection holes 283a are holes that penetrate from the outer peripheral surface of the barrel 282 to the hollow portion 282a, and are formed in the same number as the number of installable colorant injection mechanisms 260.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 14 , the colorant injection mechanisms 260 are attached to the outer edge of the second support plate 292. In this embodiment, five colorant injection mechanisms 260 having the same configuration are attached. Each colorant injection mechanism 260 contains colored pellets of a different color. The colorant injection mechanism 260 includes a colorant injection section 261, a coloring barrel 262 to which colorant is supplied from the colorant injection section 261, a screw (not shown) that rotates within the coloring barrel 262, a motor 263 that rotates the screw, and a heater 264 for heating the colored pellets. The heater 264 is provided in the colorant injection section 261 and the coloring barrel 262.

[0231] Colorant pellets are stored in the colorant feed unit 261. The colorant pellets are heated by a heater 264 to become liquid, and are then supplied to a coloring barrel 262. Under the control of the control unit C3, a motor 263 drives and rotates a screw, and the colorant is injected into the barrel 282 through an injection hole 283a shown in FIG.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 15 , the screw 283 has a rod-shaped screw shaft 286 , and screw fins 287 and a plurality of protrusions 288 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the screw shaft 286 .

[0233] The axial length (vertical direction) of the screw shaft 286 is longer than the axial length (vertical direction) of the barrel 282. The upper part of the screw shaft 286 protrudes upward from the hollow portion 282a, and this protruding part is connected to the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 284 (FIG. 14). In addition, the tip (lower end) of the screw shaft 286 is formed into a pointed, tapered shape.

[0234] The screw fins 287 are formed in the axial middle portion of the screw shaft 286. That is, there are sections in the upper and lower portions of the screw shaft 286 where the screw fins 287 are not formed. When the screw 283 is rotated by the drive of the motor 284 (FIG. 14), the material and colorant introduced into the hollow portion 282a are transferred downward under pressure.

[0235] The protrusions 288 are formed in a dot pattern on the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft 286. The protrusions 288 are formed in a section below the section in which the screw shaft 286 is formed. When the screw 283 rotates, the material and colorant transported downward are pushed downward and kneaded by the protrusions 288. Hereinafter, the section in which the protrusions 288 are formed and in which the material and colorant are kneaded will be referred to as the kneading section 295.

[0236] The motor 284 is, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or the like, and can rotate an output shaft (not shown) at different rotational speeds under the control of the control unit C3.

[0237] 14, the heaters 285 are provided on the outer periphery of the barrel 282 and heat the materials and colorants that are introduced into the barrel 282. Four heaters 285 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the barrel 282.

[0238] 15, the kneading and discharging unit 280 has a nozzle 296 connected to the lower end of the barrel 282, and a throttle mechanism 270 provided in the nozzle 296. A hollow portion 296b, which is a transfer path for the material and colorant, is formed in the nozzle 296. The tip of the screw 283 is inserted into the hollow portion 296b. A nozzle opening 296a communicating with the hollow portion 296b is formed in the lower end of the nozzle 296.

[0239] The throttling mechanism 270 is attached to the lower end of the nozzle 296. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 15 , the throttling mechanism 270 has a housing 271 for mounting the throttling mechanism 270 to the nozzle 296 while holding each component therein. As shown in FIG. 16 , the housing 271 has, for example, a circular planar shape, and a through-hole 271a penetrating in the vertical direction through which the modeling material passes is formed in the center. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16( a), the throttling mechanism 270 has eight throttling blades 297 arranged at equal angular intervals around the nozzle opening 296a. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the throttling mechanism 270 has a drive ring 298 arranged above the throttling blades 297 to move the throttling blades 297, and a motor 299 to rotate the drive ring 298.

[0240] All eight diaphragm blades 297 have the same shape. By rotating all eight diaphragm blades 297 simultaneously, the size of the opening 297a formed in the center can be changed, as shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c). The shape of the diaphragm blades 297 is formed so that the opening 297a formed in the center is circular. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the diaphragm blades 297 have a tapered shape that curves counterclockwise. The diaphragm blades 297 have a first pin 297d that serves as a rotation axis and a second pin 297e for operation.

[0241] The drive ring 298 is a circular plate with a circular opening 298a formed in its center. The drive ring 298 is positioned with its center aligned with the center of the circular nozzle opening 296a (enlarged view in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16). The diameter of the opening 298a is approximately the same as or larger than the diameter of the nozzle opening 296a. Therefore, the drive ring 298 does not cover the nozzle opening 296a. The drive ring 298 is formed with arc-shaped slits 298c corresponding to each of the eight diaphragm blades 297. That is, the drive ring 298 has a total of eight slits 298c formed at equal angular intervals relative to the center. The second pins 297e of the diaphragm blades 297 are fitted into these slits 298c. A gear 298b that meshes with an output gear 299a of the motor 299 is formed on the outer edge of the drive ring 298.

[0242] The motor 299 is, for example, a stepping motor. Under the control of the control unit C3, the motor 299 rotates the output gear 299a, thereby rotating the drive ring 298 in the circumferential direction indicated by the arrow Y1. As the drive ring 298 rotates, the second pin 297e moves in the direction in which the slit 298c extends. As a result, the rotating drive ring 298 can rotate all eight diaphragm blades 297 simultaneously in the same manner, and the size of the aperture 297a can be changed as shown in FIG. 16(a).

[0243] (Material Discharge Method) Next, the material discharge method will be described. The first print head 201A can change the size of the discharge orifices that discharge the material by using the throttle mechanism 270. That is, under the control of the control unit C3, the motor 299 rotates the drive ring 298, thereby changing the size of the discharge orifices between a state in which the discharge orifices are minimized as shown in FIG. 16(a) and a state in which the discharge orifices are maximized as shown in FIG. 16(d).

[0244] Here, as shown in Figure 16(d), when the diaphragm blade 297 is in the most open state, the diaphragm blade 297 does not cover the nozzle opening 296a. At this time, the nozzle opening 296a formed in the nozzle 296 becomes the outlet for discharging the material, and the size of the outlet is equal to the size of the nozzle opening 296a. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(c), when the diaphragm blade 297 covers the nozzle opening 296a, the size of the openings 297a to 297c formed in the center of the diaphragm blade 297 becomes the size of the outlet for discharging the material. In this way, by operating the diaphragm blade 297, the size of the outlet for discharging the material can be changed.

[0245] 18, when the area of ​​the opening 297a, which is the discharge port in the case of FIG. 16(c), is A, the area of ​​the opening 297b, which is the discharge port in the case of FIG. 16(b), is A / 4.7, and the area of ​​the nozzle opening 296a, which is the discharge port in the case of FIG. 16(d), is 2.0 A. In CASE 1 of FIG. 16(c), where the discharge port is opening 297c, the rotation speed of the output shaft of the motor 284 that rotates the screw 283 is V. １ and the rotation speed of the output shaft of the motor 263 that rotates the screw in the coloring barrel 262 is V ２ In this case, the colored material is discharged from the discharge port at a discharge speed S. Here, the discharge speed is the length of the material discharged from the discharge port per unit time.

[0246] From CASE 1, the area of ​​the ejection port is reduced (the ejection port area is set to A / 4.7), and the rotation speeds of the motors 284 and 263 are not changed, and V １ and V ２ In CASE 2, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharged material is reduced to A / 4.7, and the discharge speed is increased to 4.7S. On the other hand, even if the area of ​​the discharge port is reduced to A / 4.7, the rotation speeds of the motors 284 and 263 are increased to 4.7V. １ and 4.7V ２ In CASE 3, the discharge speed S is the same as in CASE 1. In CASE 2 and CASE 3, the ratio of the rotation speeds of the motor 284 and the motor 263 is the same as in CASE 1, so the color of the discharged material is the same as in CASE 1.

[0247] From CASE 1, the area of ​​the discharge port is increased (discharge port area is set to 2.0 A / ), and the rotation speeds of the motors 284 and 263 are not changed, and V １ and V ２ In CASE 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharged material is increased to 2.0 A, and the discharge speed is slowed to S / 2.0. On the other hand, even if the discharge port area is increased to 2.0 A, the rotation speeds of the motors 284 and 263 are respectively V １ / 2.0 and V ２In CASE 5 where Ratio = 1.0 / 2.0, the discharge speed S is the same as in CASE 1. In CASE 4 and CASE 5, the ratio of the rotation speeds of the motor 284 and the motor 263 is the same as in CASE 1, so the color of the discharged material is the same as in CASE 1.

[0248] 18 shows an example of a material discharging method, in which the thickness and discharging speed of the material discharged from the discharge port can be changed as appropriate by changing the area of ​​the discharge port and the rotation speed of the motors 284 and 263. In an actual modeling method, a first process in which material is discharged and layered under the conditions shown in CASE 1, for example, and a second process in which the size of the discharge port and the rotation speed of the motors 284 and 263 are changed and material is discharged and layered under the conditions shown in CASE 3, for example, are executed consecutively. Thereafter, the process of layering material is executed consecutively by changing the discharge conditions.

[0249] (Drip prevention process) When the first print head 201A stops the motors 284 and 263 to stop discharging the material at the end of the process of layering the material, the controller C3 controls the throttle mechanism 270 to execute a drip prevention process of reducing the size of the discharge port. By reducing the size of the discharge port, the liquid material is less likely to drip from the discharge port.

[0250] (Step of Removing Adherent Material) After the material deposition step is completed, the first print head 201A executes a step of removing the adhering material by operating the diaphragm mechanism 270 to move the diaphragm blades 297 while no material is being ejected. Specifically, the diaphragm mechanism 270 repeatedly widens and narrows its opening. This removal step may be executed after the material deposition step is executed multiple times, or after the deposition step has been executed for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, a user who has confirmed the adhesion of material may issue an instruction to execute the removal step via a separately provided input device. Because adjacent diaphragm blades 297 overlap as shown in FIGS. 16( a ) to 16 ( c ), they rub against each other as they rotate, thereby scraping off the material adhering to the ejection ports.

[0251] (Effects of this embodiment) The nozzle 296 of the modeling apparatus C1 of this embodiment is equipped with a throttle mechanism 270 that can change the size of the material discharge outlet. This allows the thickness of the material to be freely changed, and by discharging thin material in small areas and thick material in other areas, the thickness and fineness of the model can be freely set and the material can be layered. Changing the size of the discharge outlet does not require replacing the nozzle, so the time required for nozzle replacement can be reduced. This allows for efficient and beautiful formation of models.

[0252] Furthermore, since the rotation speed of the screw 283 that transports the material can be changed in accordance with the change in the size of the material outlet, it is possible to transport material that is suited to the size of the outlet. This allows the process of discharging materials of different thicknesses to be carried out in a single flow, eliminating material seams and enabling the formation of a clean model.

[0253] Furthermore, by reducing the size of the outlet when stopping the discharge of the material, it is possible to suppress dripping from the outlet, which prevents the appearance of the model from being marred and the modeling table from being soiled, enabling efficient and beautiful modeling.

[0254] Furthermore, after the process of stacking the material is completed, the material adhering to the discharge port can be automatically scraped off by moving the aperture blade 297 while the material is not being discharged. This eliminates the need to scrape off the material adhering to the discharge port, thereby reducing the burden of cleaning the modeling apparatus C1.

[0255] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the above-described embodiment, the throttle mechanism 270 is described as being attached to the outside of the nozzle, but it can be attached to any location as long as the size of the ejection opening can be changed. For example, it may be attached to the inside of the nozzle.

[0256] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the aperture 297a is formed in the center of the aperture blade 297 when the ejection port is minimized by the aperture mechanism 270, it is also possible to close the nozzle opening 296a with the aperture blade 297 without providing an aperture. This further suppresses dripping from the ejection port.

[0257] In addition, the molding device C1 is provided with a colorant injection mechanism 260 that injects colorant from the bottom of the barrel 282, but the present invention can also be applied to a molding device that omits the colorant injection mechanism 260 and injects colorant from the material input section 281.

[0258] In the above embodiment, the process of changing the size of the material discharge port and discharging the material is performed continuously. However, the timing of changing the size of the discharge port is arbitrary, and the discharge of the material may be stopped once, the size of the discharge port may be changed, and then the discharge of the material may be resumed.

[0259] Furthermore, while the above embodiment has been described as a fused deposition modeling system that melts pellets, the present invention can also be applied to a filament-type modeling system by providing a throttle mechanism 270 to the nozzle. In this case, for example, a gear that feeds the filament and a motor that drives the gear correspond to a transfer unit that transfers the material. Furthermore, a sprawl around which the filament is wound corresponds to a material input unit for inputting the material. Furthermore, by changing the operating speed of the gear that serves as the transfer unit of the filament-type modeling system, the speed at which the filament (material) is transferred can be changed. Changing the operating speed of such a gear corresponds to changing the rotational speed of the screw 283.

[0260] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to any other modeling device as long as it is a modeling device that ejects material from a nozzle.

[0261] The features described in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined in any manner unless they are inconsistent.

[0262] Fourth Embodiment (Embodiment 4-1) With reference to FIG. 19 , the appearance of a modeling apparatus D1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the modeling apparatus D1. The modeling apparatus D1 is an apparatus that models a model by layering a modeling material. The modeling apparatus D1 is also called a 3D printer. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus D1 models a model by fused deposition modeling. The fused deposition modeling is a method of creating a three-dimensional shape by melting thermoplastic resin at high temperature and layering the melted resin. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus D1 uses resin pellets as the modeling material.

[0263] As shown in FIG. 19 , the modeling apparatus D1 includes a discharge head 330, a discharge head 330A, a first head moving mechanism 360, a second head moving mechanism 370, a table moving mechanism 380, and a table 392. As shown in FIG. 22 , the table 392 is provided on a modeling table 390. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus D1 models a model without using the discharge head 330A out of the discharge heads 330 and 330A. Hereinafter, the mechanisms for moving the discharge head 330 and the modeling table 390 will be mainly described, and a description of the mechanism for moving the discharge head 330A will be omitted. Furthermore, descriptions of members, housings, and the like for fixing the various mechanisms will be omitted as appropriate.

[0264] In this embodiment, the Z axis is an axis extending in the vertical direction, the X axis is an axis perpendicular to the Z axis, and the Y axis is an axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Z axis. The direction in which the arrow on the X axis extends is the positive direction of the X axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the arrow on the X axis extends is the negative direction of the X axis. The direction in which the arrow on the Y axis extends is the positive direction of the Y axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the arrow on the Y axis extends is the negative direction of the Y axis. The direction in which the arrow on the Z axis extends is the positive direction of the Z axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the arrow on the Z axis extends is the negative direction of the Z axis. Hereinafter, the positive direction of the X axis will be referred to as the right, the negative direction of the X axis as the left, the positive direction of the Y axis as the front, the negative direction of the Y axis as the back, the positive direction of the Z axis as the up, and the negative direction of the Z axis as the down, as appropriate.

[0265] The head moving mechanism 350 included in the modeling apparatus D1 will be described with reference to Fig. 20 . Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the head moving mechanism 350. The head moving mechanism 350 is a mechanism for moving the ejection head 330. In the present embodiment, the head moving mechanism 350 is a mechanism for moving the ejection head 330 in the horizontal direction. The head moving mechanism 350 includes a first head moving mechanism 360 and a second head moving mechanism 370.

[0266] The first head moving mechanism 360 is a mechanism for moving the ejection head 330 in the left-right direction, which is the X-axis direction. The first head moving mechanism 360 includes a first head moving mechanism 360A and a first head moving mechanism 360B. The first head moving mechanism 360A is a mechanism for moving one end of the second head moving mechanism 370 in the left-right direction. The first head moving mechanism 360B is a mechanism for moving the other end of the second head moving mechanism 370 in the left-right direction.

[0267] The first head moving mechanism 360A includes a pulley 361A, a pulley 362A, a belt 363A, a guide rail 364A, a guide block 365A, and a motor (not shown). The pulleys 361A and 362A are disk-shaped components and are used together with the belt 363A for power transmission. The belt 363A is a belt for moving the ejection head 330. The belt 363A is stretched between the pulleys 361A and 362A. The guide rail 364A guides the guide block 365A in the left-right direction. The guide rail 364A extends in the left-right direction.

[0268] Guide block 365A is fixed to one end of second head moving mechanism 370 and guides one end of second head moving mechanism 370 in the left-right direction. In addition, guide block 365A or one end of second head moving mechanism 370 is fixed to a part of belt 363A. A motor (not shown) rotates pulley 361A and pulley 362A. When the motor (not shown) is driven, pulley 361A and pulley 362A rotate, moving belt 363A, and one end of second head moving mechanism 370 moves in the left-right direction while being guided by guide rail 364A.

[0269] The first head moving mechanism 360B basically has the same configuration as the first head moving mechanism 360A. The first head moving mechanism 360B includes a pulley 361B, another pulley (not shown), a belt 363B, a guide rail 364B, a guide block 365B, and a motor (not shown). When the motor (not shown) is driven, the pulley 361B and the other pulley (not shown) rotate, moving the belt 363B, and the other end of the second head moving mechanism 370 is guided by the guide rail 364B and moves left and right. At this time, the ejection head 330, which is fixed to the second head moving mechanism 370 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, moves left and right together with the second head moving mechanism 370.

[0270] The second head movement mechanism 370 is a mechanism for moving the ejection head 330 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the Y-axis direction. The second head movement mechanism 370 includes a frame 371, two pulleys (not shown), a belt 373, guide rails 374A and 374B, a guide block 375, and a motor (not shown). The frame 371 is a member extending in the front-to-rear direction. The two pulleys (not shown) are provided on both ends of the frame 371. The belt 373 is stretched over the two pulleys (not shown).

[0271] Guide rails 374A and 374B guide guide block 375 in the front-to-rear direction. Guide block 375 is fixed to discharge head 330 and guides discharge head 330 in the front-to-rear direction. Guide block 375 or discharge head 330 is fixed to a part of belt 373. When a motor (not shown) is driven, two pulleys (not shown) rotate, causing belt 373 to move, and discharge head 330 moves in the front-to-rear direction while being guided by guide rails 374A and 374B.

[0272] Next, with reference to FIG. 21 , a table moving mechanism 380 provided in the modeling apparatus D1 will be described. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the table moving mechanism 380. The table moving mechanism 380 is a mechanism for moving a modeling table 390 provided with a table 392. Moving the modeling table 390 is synonymous with moving the table 392. In this embodiment, the table moving mechanism 380 is a mechanism for moving the table 392 in the vertical direction. The table moving mechanism 380 includes a table moving mechanism 380A and a table moving mechanism 380B. The table moving mechanism 380A is a mechanism for moving one end of the modeling table 390 in the vertical direction. The table moving mechanism 380B is a mechanism for moving the other end of the modeling table 390 in the vertical direction.

[0273] The table movement mechanism 380A includes a support plate 381A, a lead screw 382A, a motor 383A, a guide rail 385A, and a guide block 386A. The support plate 381A is a plate that supports one end of the modeling table 390 and is fixed to one end of the modeling table 390. The lead screw 382A is a mechanical element that converts rotational motion into linear motion. The lead screw 382A is rotatably held by the support plate 381A. The motor 383A is a motor that rotates the lead screw 382A.

[0274] The guide rail 385A guides the guide block 386A in the vertical direction. The guide rail 385A extends in the vertical direction. The guide block 386A is fixed to one end of the modeling table 390 and guides the one end of the modeling table 390 in the vertical direction. When the motor 383A is driven to rotate the lead screw 382A, the one end of the modeling table 390 fixed to the support plate 381A moves in the vertical direction while being guided by the guide rail 385A.

[0275] The table moving mechanism 380B basically has the same configuration as the table moving mechanism 380A. That is, the table moving mechanism 380B includes a support plate 381B, a lead screw 382B, a motor (not shown), a guide rail 385B, and a guide block (not shown). When the motor (not shown) is driven to rotate the lead screw 382B, the other end of the modeling table 390 fixed to the support plate 381B is guided by the guide rail 385B and moves in the vertical direction.

[0276] Next, the modeling table 390 included in the modeling apparatus D1 will be described with reference to Fig. 22 . Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the modeling table 390. The modeling table 390 is a table on which a modeled object is placed. The modeling table 390 includes a base 391 and a table 392. The base 391 is a base that serves as the foundation for the table 392. The base 391 is formed, for example, of a rectangular frame. The base 391 includes a protruding plate 393A at one end in the left-right direction, which is the longitudinal direction, and a protruding plate 393B at the other end.

[0277] Protruding plate 393A and protruding plate 393B are plates that protrude outward. Protruding plate 393A is attached to support plate 381A included in table movement mechanism 380A. Protruding plate 393A has a recess 394A through which lead screw 382A is passed and a through hole 395A through which guide rail 385A is passed. Protruding plate 393B is attached to support plate 381B included in table movement mechanism 380B. Protruding plate 393B has a recess 394B through which lead screw 382B is passed and a through hole 395B through which guide rail 385B is passed.

[0278] The table 392 is a plate-like member on which a model is placed. The table 392 is placed on a base 391 and fixed to the base 391. The table 392 is positioned by positioning pins (not shown) attached within the frame of the base 391, and is fixed to the base 391. The modeling table 390 moves up and down by a table moving mechanism 380.

[0279] Next, the function of each unit included in the modeling apparatus D1 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. The modeling apparatus D1 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 321, a display unit 322, an operation reception unit 323, a communication unit 324, a discharge head 330, and a movement mechanism 340.

[0280] The control unit 310 controls the overall operation of the modeling apparatus D1. The control unit 310 includes a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and a real-time clock (RTC). The CPU is also referred to as a central processing unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, or digital signal processor (DSP), and functions as a central processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the modeling apparatus D1. In the control unit 310, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the modeling apparatus D1. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit with a timekeeping function. The CPU can determine the current date and time from time information read from the RTC.

[0281] The storage unit 321 includes nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 321 stores programs and data used by the control unit 310 to execute various processes. The storage unit 321 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 310 as a result of executing various processes.

[0282] The display unit 322 displays various images under the control of the control unit 310. The display unit 322 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 323 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the received operations to the control unit 310. The operation reception unit 323 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc.

[0283] The communication unit 324 communicates with various devices (not shown) in accordance with various wireless communication standards or various wired communication standards under the control of the control unit 310. Examples of various wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), etc. Examples of various wired communication standards include USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark), Thunderbolt (registered trademark), etc. The communication unit 324 is provided with a communication interface that complies with various communication standards.

[0284] The discharging head 330, under the control of the control unit 310, discharges the modeling material supplied from the tank toward the table 392 or the model being modeled on the table 392. The modeling material discharged by the discharging head 330 is adjusted to an appropriate temperature and viscosity by a heating mechanism (not shown).

[0285] The movement mechanism 340 is a mechanism that changes the relative position between the table 392 and the discharge head 330. This change in relative position is achieved by changing the position of at least one of the table 392 and the discharge head 330. For example, a change in the relative position in the left-right direction, the front-back direction, or the up-down direction is achieved by changing the position of at least one of the table 392 and the discharge head 330 in each of the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction.

[0286] In this embodiment, a change in the relative position in the left-right direction is achieved by changing the position of the ejection head 330 in the left-right direction. A change in the relative position in the front-rear direction is achieved by changing the position of the ejection head 330 in the front-rear direction. A change in the relative position in the up-down direction is achieved by changing the position of the table 392 in the up-down direction.

[0287] The movement mechanism 340 includes a head movement mechanism 350 and a table movement mechanism 380. The head movement mechanism 350 includes a first head movement mechanism 360 and a second head movement mechanism 370. The first head movement mechanism 360 moves the ejection head 330 in the left-right direction to change the relative position between the table 392 and the ejection head 330 in the left-right direction. The second head movement mechanism 370 moves the ejection head 330 in the front-rear direction to change the relative position between the table 392 and the ejection head 330 in the front-rear direction. The table movement mechanism 380 moves the table 392 in the up-down direction to change the relative position between the table 392 and the ejection head 330 in the up-down direction.

[0288] Next, the main functions of the control unit 310 will be described in detail. Functionally, the control unit 310 includes a discharge control unit 311, a movement control unit 312, and a reciprocating movement amount determination unit 313. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or storage unit 321. The CPU then executes the programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 321 to realize each of these functions.

[0289] The discharge control unit 311 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge head 330 based on modeling data for forming a modeled object. The discharge control unit 311 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge head 330 in cooperation with the movement control unit 312. In other words, the discharge control unit 311 causes the discharge head 330 to discharge the modeling material when the relative positions of the table 392 and the discharge head 330 are at the position where the modeling material should be discharged.

[0290] The modeling data is, for example, slice data. The slice data is data obtained by dividing a 3D model of a model into layers. In other words, the slice data is data that defines the locations in each layer where the modeling material should be ejected.

[0291] The discharge control unit 311 controls the amount of modeling material discharged by the discharge head 330. The discharge control unit 311 controls the amount of modeling material discharged by the discharge head 330 by controlling the rotation speed of the screw 383 provided in the barrel 382. For example, the discharge control unit 311 controls the amount of modeling material discharged so that the pass width and layer pitch are constant. In this case, the amount of modeling material discharged is roughly the product of the pass width, layer pitch, discharge length, and specific gravity. The pass width is the width of the modeling material discharged when viewed from the top and bottom. The layer pitch is the thickness of one layer of the modeling material discharged, and is the length of the modeling material discharged in the top and bottom directions. The discharge length is the length of the modeling material discharged when viewed from the top and bottom directions. The specific gravity is the specific gravity of the modeling material. The discharge control unit 311 may also control the amount of modeling material discharged per unit time so that the amount of modeling material discharged per unit time is constant.

[0292] The movement control unit 312 controls the movement mechanism 340 based on the modeling data. The movement control unit 312, in cooperation with the discharge control unit 311, moves the discharge head 330 and the table 392 so that the multiple layers constituting the modeled object are formed one by one, starting from the bottom layer. For example, the movement control unit 312 controls the table moving mechanism 380 to move the table 392 to a reference position for the bottom layer. The reference position for the bottom layer is basically a vertical position suitable for forming the bottom layer. Then, the movement control unit 312 controls the first head moving mechanism 360 and the second head moving mechanism 370 to move the discharge head 330 in the left-right and front-back directions so that the modeling material can be discharged to a position in the bottom layer where the modeling material should be discharged.

[0293] After the bottom layer is formed, the movement control unit 312 controls the table movement mechanism 380 to move the table 392 to the reference position for the next layer. In other words, the movement control unit 312 moves the table 392 downward by the distance of one layer. The reference position for the next layer is basically a vertical position suitable for forming the next layer. Hereinafter, the vertical reference position suitable for forming each layer will be referred to as the reference position for each layer, as appropriate. The movement control unit 312 controls the first head movement mechanism 360 and the second head movement mechanism 370 to move the discharge head 330 left and right and front and back so that the modeling material can be discharged to the position where it should be discharged for each layer.

[0294] The reciprocating movement amount determination unit 313 determines the amount of reciprocating movement of the discharge head 330 when the discharge of the modeling material is stopped. Even after the discharge control unit 311 controls the stop of the discharge of the modeling material, the modeling material remaining at the tip of the nozzle 396 ( FIG. 26A ) provided on the discharge head 330 is dragged and stretched into thin, string-like strands, resulting in a phenomenon known as stringing. The reciprocating movement amount determined by the reciprocating movement amount determination unit 313 is the same as the expected amount (length) of stringing. This amount (length) of stringing is determined based on, for example, three factors: the type of nozzle 396 attached to the discharge head 330, the movement speed of the discharge head 330, and the modeling material being discharged. These three factors are included in the modeling data described above, and the amount of stringing is determined, for example, by referring to a table showing the correspondence between the three factors and the amount of stringing. The table is stored, for example, in the storage unit 321. Alternatively, these three factors may be input by the user via the operation reception unit 323. Alternatively, the amount of thread pulling (amount of back-and-forth movement) may be calculated in advance based on these three elements, or the amount of thread pulling (amount of back-and-forth movement) may be experimentally determined, and the previously obtained amount of thread pulling (amount of back-and-forth movement) may be input by the user via the operation reception unit 323.

[0295] The reason why the type of nozzle 396 is a factor is that the nozzle diameter and the amount of modeling material remaining at the tip vary depending on the nozzle 396 installed. In other words, these factors affect the amount of stringing. For example, if a nozzle with a larger nozzle diameter is used, the modeling material remaining at the tip tends to be drawn out more quickly, resulting in a shorter stringing amount. Furthermore, the larger the space provided at the tip of the nozzle 396 and the more modeling material remains, the longer the stringing amount tends to be. Furthermore, as the movement speed of the discharging head 330 increases, the modeling material tends to be drawn out thinner and longer, resulting in a longer stringing amount. Furthermore, the speed at which the modeling material is drawn out from the nozzle varies depending on the viscosity of the modeling material being discharged. The higher the viscosity of the material, the longer the stringing amount tends to be.

[0296] The discharge control unit 311 stops discharging the modeling material just before the end position of the modeled object based on the reciprocating movement amount determined by the reciprocating movement amount determination unit 313. The movement control unit 312 moves the discharge head 330, which has been controlled to stop discharging the modeling material, to the end position, turns back at the end position, and moves the discharge head 330 in the opposite direction to the position where the discharge of the modeling material was stopped by the discharge control unit 311. This series of operations, in which the discharge head 330 is moved to the end position and then turned back and returned while the discharge of the modeling material is stopped, is referred to as a stringing process.

[0297] The modeling process and the stringing process performed during the modeling process will be described below with reference to flowcharts ( FIGS. 24 and 25 ) and diagrams ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ) showing specific movements of the discharging head 330. Note that FIGS. 26 and 27 show, as an example, a nozzle 396 that moves in the X-axis direction to discharge modeling material M. Hereinafter, the manner in which the material is discharged along with the movement of the nozzle 396 will be described. However, because the nozzle 396 and the discharging head 330 move in the same way, the movement of the nozzle 396 may be replaced with the movement of the discharging head 330.

[0298] First, the control unit 310 included in the modeling apparatus D1 acquires modeling data (step S101) as shown in Fig. 24. For example, the control unit 310 acquires the modeling data from the storage unit 321 or another device.

[0299] The control unit 310 determines the reciprocating movement amount of the nozzle 396 from the acquired modeling data (step S102). Below, a case where the reciprocating movement amount determination unit 313 determines the reciprocating movement amount to be L will be described. After the reciprocating movement amount is determined, the control unit 310 sets a position (position on the −X side) that is a distance L / 2 back from the end position X2 as the discharge stop position X1, where control is performed to stop the discharge of the modeling material, as shown in FIG. 26( a). Here, the end position X2 is the endmost position within the range of movement of the nozzle 396 when the modeling material is continuously discharged from the nozzle 396 to perform a series of models. In other words, the end position X2 is the position of the nozzle 396 that forms one end (terminal end) of the series of models.

[0300] Upon completing the processing of step S102, the control unit 310 starts the one-stroke modeling process (step S103). The one-stroke modeling process is a process in which the modeling material is continuously discharged from the nozzle 396 while changing the relative position between the table 392 and the discharge head 330 without stopping the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 396. Therefore, the model formed by the one-stroke modeling process is formed without any seams in the material, with the material being continuously connected. As shown in FIG. 26( a), the control unit 310 moves the nozzle 396 in the +X-axis direction at a speed V while discharging the modeling material M from the nozzle 396.

[0301] Next, as shown in FIG. 24 , the control unit 310 determines whether the position of the nozzle 396 has reached the discharge stop position X1 (step S104). When the current position Xc of the nozzle 396 moving in the +X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 26 (b) coincides with the discharge stop position X1, the control unit 310 determines Yes in step S104 and executes the stringing process (step S105). On the other hand, when the control unit 310 determines that the position of the nozzle 396 has not reached the discharge stop position X1 (step S104: No), it continues discharging the modeling material M from the nozzle 396. The stringing process (step S105) will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 .

[0302] First, the control unit 310 stops the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 396 (step S201). Specifically, the discharge control unit 311 controls the screw 383 provided in the barrel 382 to stop rotating at the discharge stop position X1, thereby stopping the transfer of the modeling material M.

[0303] After completing the process of step S201, the control unit 310 moves the nozzle 396 to the end position X2 while controlling the nozzle 396 to stop discharging the modeling material (step S202). Specifically, the nozzle 396, which has stopped discharging the modeling material, is moved in the +X-axis direction at a speed V by a distance of L / 2. Even if the discharge control unit 311 controls the nozzle 396 to stop discharging the modeling material, the modeling material remaining at the tip of the nozzle 396 is pulled out by the movement of the nozzle 396. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27A, the modeling material M is stretched into thin, stringy material Ma from the discharge stop position X1 and is layered up to the end D3a of the model D3. The layered portion formed with the stringy material Ma is thinner than the portion layered with the modeling material M discharged from the nozzle, resulting in a step between the two.

[0304] After completing the process of step S202, the control unit 310 returns the nozzle 396 from the end position X2 to the discharge stop position X1 (step S203). At this time, the nozzle 396 is moved in the opposite direction, reversing the path it followed in step S202. That is, the nozzle 396, which has stopped discharging the material, moves in the negative X-axis direction at a speed V of L / 2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27(b), the thin, stringy material Ma is layered between the discharge stop position X1 and the end position X2. This reduces the step between the area where the modeling material M discharged from the nozzle is layered. In this way, by moving the nozzle 396, which has stopped discharging the modeling material M, back and forth along the same path so that the total movement distance is the reciprocating movement amount L, all of the modeling material M accumulated at the tip of the nozzle 396 is drawn out. This eliminates stringing from the nozzle 396. The control unit 310 executes step S203 to complete the stringing process. The moving speed of the nozzle 396 is kept constant and does not change depending on whether or not the material is being discharged from the nozzle 396. This makes it possible to easily control the stringing process.

[0305] When the control unit 310 completes the string drawing process in step S105, it determines whether the modeled object is complete or not (step S106), as shown in FIG. 24 . If the control unit 310 determines that the modeled object is not complete (step S106: NO), it prepares for the modeling process for the next stroke (step S107). Specifically, the control unit 310 moves the table 392 to the reference position of the next layer, and moves the nozzle 396 to the next discharge position. Then, the control unit 310 returns the process to step S103. On the other hand, if the control unit 310 determines that the modeled object is complete (step S106: Yes), it ends the modeling process.

[0306] In this embodiment, the discharge nozzle stops discharging the material and then moves back and forth by the same amount as the amount of stringiness, thereby forming a model using the stringy material. Therefore, moving the nozzle after discharging the modeling material does not leave any traces of stringiness. In other words, the discharge of the modeling material can be suitably controlled, allowing for the formation of a beautiful modeled object, for example.

[0307] In addition, in this embodiment, while the discharge control unit 311 controls the discharging of the modeling material to stop, the discharge head 330 moves back and forth along the same path to overlap the stringy modeling material. This reduces the difference in thickness between the portion formed by the stringy modeling material and the portion formed by the discharged material. Furthermore, the stringy modeling material can be overlapped without gaps. In other words, the discharge of the modeling material can be appropriately controlled, and, for example, a beautiful model can be formed.

[0308] The amount (length) of stringiness is determined based on three factors: the type of nozzle 396 attached to the discharge head 330, the movement speed of the discharge head 330, and the modeling material being discharged. By determining the amount of stringiness to an appropriate value based on these multiple factors, the discharge of the modeling material can be suitably controlled, making it possible to form, for example, a beautiful modeled object.

[0309] (Embodiment 4-2) In embodiment 4-1, the problem of stringiness due to dripping from the nozzle during the production of a molded object was resolved by controlling the amount of molding material ejected from the ejection head 330 and the movement of the ejection head 330, but dripping of molding material from the nozzle can also be resolved mechanically.

[0310] The model-forming apparatus 500 according to the embodiment 4-2 has the same configuration as the model-forming apparatus D1 according to the embodiment 4-1, except for the configuration of the discharge head 330.

[0311] The discharge head of the modeling apparatus 500 includes a kneading and injecting device 510 that heats and kneads pellets as a modeling material and injects the mixture toward the table 392 or toward a model being modeled on the table 392. As shown in Fig. 28 , the kneading and injecting device 510 includes a material supply unit 511 to which pellets are supplied, a barrel 512 to which pellets are supplied from the material supply unit, a screw 513 that rotates within the barrel 512 and transports the melted pellets as it rotates, a motor 514 that drives the screw 513 to rotate, a heater 515 that heats the pellets within the barrel 512, and a moving device 516 that moves the screw 513 parallel to its axial direction. The tip of the barrel 512 serves as a discharge nozzle.

[0312] The moving device 516 is, for example, an electric or air-driven actuator connected to the screw 513 via the motor 514. When the modeling material is to be discharged from the discharge nozzle of the barrel 512 under the control of the control unit 310, the moving device 516 moves the tip of the screw 513 away from the discharge nozzle to open the discharge nozzle, as shown in FIG. 28( b). When the modeling material is not to be discharged from the discharge nozzle of the barrel 512, for example, when the modeling of the modeled object is completed, the moving device 516 presses the tip of the screw 513 against the inner surface of the discharge nozzle to seal the discharge nozzle, as shown in FIG. 28( c).

[0313] In this embodiment, when the modeling material is not being discharged from the discharge nozzle, the discharge nozzle is sealed with the tip of the screw 513. Therefore, after sealing, the modeling material does not drip from the discharge nozzle. This allows for optimal control of the discharge of the modeling material, and for example, makes it possible to suppress contamination and clogging of the discharge nozzle.

[0314] (Embodiment 4-3)

[0315] The model-forming apparatus 600 according to the embodiment 4-3 has the same configuration as the model-forming apparatus D1 according to the embodiment 4-1, except for the configuration of the discharge head 330.

[0316] The ejection head of the modeling apparatus 600 includes the kneading / injecting device 510, but does not necessarily include the moving device 516. The ejection head further includes a supply device 610 that supplies additives such as colorants to the kneading / injecting device from the side. For example, the supply device 610 injects the additives from an injection hole 512a located below the barrel 512 of the kneading / injecting device 510.

[0317] 29(a), the supply device 610 has an additive supply unit 611 to which an additive is supplied, a barrel 612 to which the additive is supplied from the additive supply unit 611, a screw 613 that rotates within the barrel 612 and transports the molten additive as it rotates, a motor 614 that drives the screw 613 to rotate, a heater 615 that heats the pellets within the barrel 612, and a moving device 616 that moves the screw 613 parallel to its axial direction. The tip of the barrel 612 is an injection nozzle.

[0318] The moving device 616 is, for example, an electric or air-driven actuator connected to the screw 613 via the motor 614. Under the control of the control unit 310, when an additive is to be injected from the supply device 610 into the kneading and injecting device 510, the moving device 616 moves the tip of the screw 613 away from the injection nozzle to open the injection nozzle, as shown in FIG. 29( b). For example, when an additive is not to be injected from the supply device 610 into the kneading and injecting device 510 while the modeling material is being discharged from the kneading and injecting device 510, the moving device 616 presses the tip of the screw 613 against the inner surface of the injection nozzle to seal the injection nozzle, as shown in FIG. 29( c).

[0319] In this embodiment, when no additive is discharged from the injection nozzle, the injection nozzle is sealed at the tip of the screw 613. Therefore, after sealing, the modeling material does not flow back from the kneading and injecting device 510 to the supply device 610 via the injection nozzle. This allows for optimal control of the discharge of the modeling material, and for example, makes it possible to suppress contamination of the supply device.

[0320] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the above-described embodiment 4-1, the dispensing of the modeling material was stopped just before the end D3a of the model D3, and the nozzle 396 was moved back and forth. However, other dispensing modes of the modeling material may be selected. For example, the modeling material may be dispensed from the nozzle 396 up to the end D3a of the model D3, and the nozzle 396, which has stopped dispensing at the end D3a, may be moved back along the same path until the stringiness disappears. In this way, by overlapping the stringy portion along the dispensed material, the stringy portion can be made less noticeable.

[0321] Although the amount (length) of stringing has been described as being determined based on three factors, namely, the type of nozzle 396 attached to the discharging head 330, the movement speed of the discharging head 330, and the modeling material to be discharged, it may be determined based on at least one of these factors, or may be determined by taking into consideration even more factors. Furthermore, when the amount of stringing is determined by experiment and the user inputs the amount of stringing via the operation receiving unit 323, various factors may be included in addition to the above three factors.

[0322] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 4-1, the movement speed of the nozzle 396 is constant and does not change depending on whether or not the material is being ejected from the nozzle 396. However, the movement speed of the nozzle 396 may be changed. For example, the movement speed of the nozzle 396 may be increased on the condition that the ejection of the material has stopped. This makes it possible to make the stringy modeling material thinner and to make the overlapping stringy portions less noticeable. Alternatively, the movement speed of the nozzle 396 may be decreased.

[0323] Furthermore, the kneading / injecting apparatus 510 and the supplying apparatus 610 of the above-mentioned Embodiments 4-2 and 4-3 can be configured in the same manner as the conventional kneading / injecting apparatus and supplying apparatus, as long as the tips of the screws 513, 613 are pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle by the moving apparatus 516, 616 and the tips of the screws 513, 613 are fitted into the inner surface of the nozzle that receives them. In other words, the moving apparatus 516, 616 can have any other configuration as long as it can press the tips of the screws 513, 613 against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal them. For example, the moving apparatus 516, 616 may be directly connected to the screws 513, 613.

[0324] Fifth Embodiment (Embodiment 5-1) With reference to Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 , the configuration of a modeling apparatus E1 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the modeling apparatus E1. Fig. 31 is a configuration diagram of the modeling apparatus E1. The modeling apparatus E1 is an apparatus that models a model by layering modeling materials. The modeling apparatus E1 is also called a 3D printer. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus E1 models a model by fused deposition modeling. The fused deposition modeling is a method of creating a three-dimensional shape by melting thermoplastic resin at high temperature and layering it. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus E1 uses resin pellets as the modeling material.

[0325] The molding device E1 includes a control unit 410, a memory unit 421, a display unit 422, an operation reception unit 423, a communication unit 424, an ejection unit 430, a unit moving mechanism 440, a first moving member 443, a second moving member 444, a table moving mechanism 450, a table 451, a material conveying mechanism 460, a first sensor 471, a second sensor 472, a load cell 473, a temporary storage container 480, and a large-capacity storage container 490.

[0326] The control unit 410 controls the overall operation of the modeling apparatus E1. The control unit 410 includes a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and a real-time clock (RTC). The CPU is also called a central processing unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, or digital signal processor (DSP), and functions as a central processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the modeling apparatus E1. In the control unit 410, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the modeling apparatus E1. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit with a timekeeping function. The CPU can determine the current date and time from time information read from the RTC.

[0327] The storage unit 421 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 421 stores programs and data used by the control unit 410 to execute various processes. The storage unit 421 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 410 as a result of executing various processes.

[0328] The display unit 422 displays various images under the control of the control unit 410. The display unit 422 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 423 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the received operations to the control unit 410. The operation reception unit 423 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc.

[0329] The communication unit 424 communicates with various devices (not shown) in accordance with various wireless communication standards or various wired communication standards under the control of the control unit 410. Examples of various wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), etc. Examples of various wired communication standards include USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark), Thunderbolt (registered trademark), etc. The communication unit 424 is provided with a communication interface that complies with various communication standards.

[0330] The discharging unit 430 melts and discharges the modeling material under the control of the control unit 410. Specifically, the discharging unit 430 melts the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container 480, and discharges the molten modeling material toward the table 451 or the modeling object being modeled on the table 451. As shown in Fig. 32 , the discharging unit 430 includes a material input unit 431, a barrel 432, and a nozzle 433.

[0331] The material input unit 431 is a member for inputting the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container 480 into the barrel 432. The material input unit 431 has a hollow portion (not shown) through which the modeling material flows. The barrel 432 is a member for storing the modeling material supplied from the material input unit 431. The barrel 432 has a hollow portion (not shown) for storing the modeling material, a screw (not shown), etc. The modeling material stored in the barrel 432 is heated and melted by a heater (not shown). In addition, the modeling material stored in the barrel 432 moves toward the nozzle 433 by the rotation of the screw driven by a motor (not shown), and is ejected from the nozzle 433. The nozzle 433 ejects the molten modeling material.

[0332] The unit moving mechanism 440 is a mechanism that moves the discharge unit 430. The unit moving mechanism 440 includes a first unit moving mechanism 441 and a second unit moving mechanism 442. The first unit moving mechanism 441 moves the discharge unit 430 in a first direction in accordance with control by the control unit 410. The first unit moving mechanism 441 moves a first moving member 443 in the first direction, thereby moving the discharge unit 430 in the first direction. The first moving member 443 is a member to which the discharge unit 430 and the temporary storage container 480 are fixed.

[0333] The second unit moving mechanism 442 moves the discharge unit 430 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction under the control of the control unit 410. The second unit moving mechanism 442 moves the discharge unit 430 in the second direction by moving the second moving member 444 in the second direction. The second moving member 444 is a member to which the first moving member 443 is fixed so as to be movable in the first direction. In Figure 30 , the first direction is the Y-axis direction, and the second direction is the X-axis direction.

[0334] In this embodiment, the Z axis is an axis that extends in the vertical direction, the X axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the Z axis, and the Y axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the X axis and the Z axis. The direction in which the X axis arrow extends is the positive direction of the X axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the X axis arrow extends is the negative direction of the X axis. The direction in which the Y axis arrow extends is the positive direction of the Y axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the Y axis arrow extends is the negative direction of the Y axis. The direction in which the Z axis arrow extends is the positive direction of the Z axis, and the opposite direction to the direction in which the Z axis arrow extends is the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0335] The first unit moving mechanism 441 includes a guide rail (not shown), a guide block (not shown), a belt (not shown), two pulleys (not shown), and a motor (not shown). The guide rail extends in a first direction and guides the guide block in the first direction. The guide block is fixed to the first moving member 443 and guides the first moving member 443 in the first direction. The two pulleys are arranged on a straight line extending in the first direction. The belt is stretched between the two pulleys and is fixed to the guide block, the first moving member 443, etc. The motor rotates one of the two pulleys. The rotation of the motor moves the first moving member 443 in the first direction, and the discharge unit 430 and the temporary storage container 480 move in the first direction.

[0336] The second unit movement mechanism 442 includes a guide rail (not shown), a guide block (not shown), a belt (not shown), two pulleys (not shown), and a motor (not shown). The guide rail extends in the second direction and guides the guide block in the second direction. The guide block is fixed to the second movement member 444 and guides the second movement member 444 in the second direction. The two pulleys are arranged on a straight line extending in the second direction. The belt is stretched between the two pulleys and is fixed to the guide block, the second movement member 444, etc. The motor rotates one of the two pulleys. The rotation of the motor moves the second movement member 444 in the second direction, and the discharge unit 430 and the temporary storage container 480 move in the second direction.

[0337] The table moving mechanism 450 is a mechanism that moves the table 451. The table moving mechanism 450 moves the table 451 in the Z-axis direction, which is the up and down direction, under the control of the control unit 410. The table moving mechanism 450 includes a table moving mechanism 450A and a table moving mechanism 450B. The table moving mechanism 450A is a mechanism that moves one end of the table 451 in the up and down direction. The table moving mechanism 450B is a mechanism that moves the other end of the table 451 in the up and down direction.

[0338] The table moving mechanism 450A includes a support plate (not shown), a lead screw (not shown), a motor (not shown), a guide rail (not shown), and a guide block (not shown). The support plate is a plate fixed to one end of the table 451. The lead screw is rotatably held on the support plate. The motor rotates the lead screw. The guide rail extends in the vertical direction and guides the guide block in the vertical direction. The guide block is fixed to the support plate and guides the support plate in the vertical direction. When the motor is driven to rotate the lead screw, one end of the table 451 fixed to the support plate moves in the vertical direction while being guided by the guide rail.

[0339] The table moving mechanism 450B basically has the same configuration as the table moving mechanism 450A. The table moving mechanism 450B drives a motor to rotate a lead screw, thereby moving the other end of the table 451 in the vertical direction. The table 451 is a plate-like member on which a model is placed. The table 451 is moved in the vertical direction by the table moving mechanism 450A.

[0340] The material conveying mechanism 460 is a mechanism for conveying the modeling material. The material conveying mechanism 460 conveys the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480 under the control of the control unit 410. For example, when the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container 480 is less than the lower limit amount, the material conveying mechanism 460 conveys the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480.

[0341] The first sensor 471 is a sensor for detecting when the remaining amount of the modeling material falls below the lower limit. The first sensor 471 supplies the detection result to the control unit 410. The detection result of the first sensor 471 is used to determine the timing to start conveying the modeling material. The first sensor 471 is, for example, a transmissive photoelectric sensor.

[0342] The second sensor 472 is a sensor for detecting that the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container 480 has reached an upper limit. The second sensor 472 supplies the detection result to the control unit 410. The detection result of the second sensor 472 is used to determine the timing to end the transport of the modeling material. The second sensor 472 is, for example, a retroreflective photoelectric sensor.

[0343] The load cell 473 is a device that converts a load into an electrical signal and is a sensor that measures the load. The load cell 473 supplies the measurement result to the control unit 410. The measurement result of the load cell 473 is used to identify the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490.

[0344] The temporary storage container 480 is a container that temporarily stores the modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container 490. The capacity of the temporary storage container 480 is smaller than the capacity of the large-capacity storage container 490. The capacity of the temporary storage container 480 may be several liters. The temporary storage container 480 may be, for example, a processed 2-liter plastic bottle.

[0345] 32 , the temporary storage container 480 includes an opening 480A and an opening 480B. The opening 480A is a supply port for supplying the modeling material to the temporary storage container 480. The opening 480B is a discharge port for discharging the modeling material from the temporary storage container 480.

[0346] The temporary storage container 480 is fixed to the first moving member 443 and moves together with the discharge unit 430. Specifically, the temporary storage container 480 is fixed to the support member 445 by a fixing member 446. The support member 445 is a member that supports the temporary storage container 480 and is fixed to the first moving member 443. The support member 445 has an inclined surface (not shown) having a predetermined inclination angle. The fixing member 446 fixes the temporary storage container 480 to the support member 445 in a state in which the inclined surface of the support member 445 and the side surface of the temporary storage container 480 overlap.

[0347] The large-capacity storage container 490 is a container for storing a large amount of building material. The capacity of the large-capacity storage container 490 is larger than the capacity of the temporary storage container 480. The capacity of the large-capacity storage container 490 may be several hundred liters. The large-capacity storage container 490 may be located at a lower position than the position of the temporary storage container 480. For example, the large-capacity storage container 490 may be located on the floor.

[0348] The modeling material is transported from the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480 by the material transport mechanism 460. For example, the material transport mechanism 460 transports the modeling material using compressed air. Specifically, the material transport mechanism 460 transports the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480 together with air using a pipe 461. The pipe 461 is a pipe used to supply the modeling material, and extends from the inside of the large-capacity storage container 490 to the supply port of the temporary storage container 480.

[0349] In the present embodiment, piping 461 includes piping 461A and piping 461B. piping 461A is, for example, a piping that extends from the interior of large-capacity storage container 490 to a position at approximately the same height as the position of temporary storage container 480. piping 461A is, for example, a piping that is not flexible and does not deform. piping 461B is a piping that follows the movement of temporary storage container 480. piping 461B is, for example, a piping that is flexible and deforms.

[0350] An example of a piping that is not flexible and does not deform is a piping made of polyvinyl chloride. An example of a piping that is flexible and deformable is a hose made of rubber. One end of piping 461A and one end of piping 461B are connected to each other. The other end of piping 461A is disposed near the bottom inside large-capacity storage container 490. The other end of piping 461B is inserted into opening 480A of temporary storage container 480 and fixed therein. In other words, one end of piping 461A is movable together with temporary storage container 480.

[0351] Next, the main functions of the control unit 410 will be described in detail. Functionally, the control unit 410 includes a viscosity control unit 411, a discharge control unit 412, a unit movement control unit 413, a table movement control unit 414, and a material conveyance control unit 415. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or storage unit 421. The CPU then executes the programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 421 to realize each of these functions.

[0352] The viscosity control unit 411 adjusts the viscosity of the modeling material discharged from the discharge unit 430. Specifically, the viscosity control unit 411 heats the heater provided in the discharge unit 430 so that the viscosity of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 433 becomes a predetermined viscosity.

[0353] The discharge control unit 412 controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge unit 430 based on modeling data for forming a modeled object. The discharge control unit 412 causes the discharge unit 430 to discharge the modeling material when the relative positions of the table 451 and the discharge unit 430 are at a position where the modeling material should be discharged. For example, the discharge control unit 412 drives a motor to rotate a screw, thereby discharging the molten modeling material from the nozzle 433.

[0354] The modeling data is, for example, slice data. Slice data is data obtained by dividing a 3D model of a model into layers. In other words, slice data is data that specifies the locations in each layer where modeling material should be ejected. Slice data includes at least one of raster data and vector data. Raster data is data in which a value is assigned to each cell, such as bitmap data. Vector data is data that numerically represents the coordinates of points or the lines connecting points.

[0355] The unit movement control unit 413 controls the unit moving mechanism 440 based on the modeling data. The unit movement control unit 413 moves the dispensing unit 430 so that the current layer of the multiple layers that make up the modeled object is formed. In other words, the unit movement control unit 413 controls the unit moving mechanism 440 to move the dispensing unit 430 in the horizontal direction so that the modeling material can be dispensed to the position where the modeling material should be dispensed in the current layer.

[0356] The table movement control unit 414 controls the table movement mechanism 450 based on the modeling data. For example, the table movement control unit 414 first controls the table movement mechanism 450 to move the table 451 to the reference position of the lowest layer. When modeling of the lowest layer is completed, the table movement control unit 414 moves the table 451 to the reference position of the next layer. In other words, the table movement control unit 414 moves the table 451 downward by the distance of one layer. Thereafter, the table movement control unit 414 moves the table 451 downward by the distance of one layer every time modeling of one layer is completed. Note that the reference position is a vertical position suitable for forming the current layer.

[0357] The material transport control unit 415 controls the material transport mechanism 460 to transport the modeling material from the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480. For example, in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount, which is the remaining amount of modeling material stored in the temporary storage container 480, is less than a lower limit, the material transport control unit 415 controls the material transport mechanism 460 to start transporting the modeling material. The lower limit is the lowest remaining amount below which modeling material does not need to be replenished. The lower limit may be a few percent of the capacity of the temporary storage container 480. In this embodiment, the lower limit is extremely close to 0, and modeling material is replenished only after the modeling material in the temporary storage container 480 runs out.

[0358] A method for detecting that the temporary storage container 480 has run out of modeling material will be described below with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 . FIG. 33 is an external view of the state-changing member 434 provided at the top of the material input unit 431. In FIG. 33 , visible portions are generally indicated by solid lines, and invisible portions are indicated by dashed lines. However, in FIG. 33 , for ease of understanding, invisible portions of the state-changing member 434 are also indicated by solid lines. FIG. 34 is a side view of the state-changing member 434. FIG. 34(A) is a side view of the state-changing member 434 when the state of the state-changing member 434 is in the first state. FIG. 34(B) is a side view of the state-changing member 434 when the state of the state-changing member 434 is in the second state.

[0359] The state-changing member 434 is a member whose state changes depending on whether or not the modeling material is supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 480 to the discharge unit 430. The state of the state-changing member 434 is basically either a first state or a second state different from the first state. The first state is the state of the state-changing member 434 when the modeling material is not supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 480 to the discharge unit 430. The second state is the state of the state-changing member 434 when the modeling material is supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 480 to the discharge unit 430.

[0360] The state-changing member 434 includes a rotation shaft 435 and a rotation member 436. The rotation shaft 435 is an axis of rotation when rotating the rotation member 436. The rotation member 436 is a member that rotates around the rotation shaft 435. The rotation member 436 includes a first plate-shaped member and a second plate-shaped member. The first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member extend in opposite directions when viewed from the rotation shaft 435. A partition plate 436A extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first plate-shaped member is provided on one surface of the first plate-shaped member.

[0361] The rotating shaft 435 is fixed to the upper part of the material input section 431 so that the first plate-shaped member is arranged outside the material input section 431, the second plate-shaped member is arranged inside the material input section 431, and the second plate-shaped member closes the hollow section 431A of the material input section 431. In the example shown in Fig. 33 , the rotating shaft 435 extends in the X-axis direction, and the surface of the partition plate 436A is perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0362] An opening 480B serving as a discharge port is provided at the tip of temporary storage container 480. The tip of temporary storage container 480 is inserted into hollow portion 431A of material input portion 431 through opening 446A of fixing member 446.

[0363] In this embodiment, the first plate-shaped member is heavier than the second plate-shaped member, and when no load is applied to the second plate-shaped member, the state-changing member 434 is maintained in the first state in which the surfaces of the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are perpendicular to the Z-axis. Therefore, when there are no resin pellets 405, which are the molding material, in the temporary storage container 480, as shown in FIG. 34(A), the state-changing member 434 is maintained in the first state in which the surfaces of the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0364] On the other hand, if resin pellets 405, which are the molding material, are present in the temporary storage container 480, the resin pellets 405 discharged from the discharge port are deposited on the second plate-shaped member. As a result, as shown in Fig. 34(A) , the state-changing member 434 enters the second state in which the second plate-shaped member is displaced downward and the first plate-shaped member is displaced upward due to the load of the resin pellets 405.

[0365] The material conveyance control unit 415 determines whether or not there is a modeling material in the temporary storage container 480 based on the detection result of the first sensor 471, which detects the state of the state-changing member 434. The first sensor 471 is a transmission-type photoelectric sensor that includes a light projector 471A and a light receiver 471B, with a detection object disposed between the light projector 471A and the light receiver 471B. The first sensor 471 outputs a detection result indicating that there is no detection object when the light projected by the light projector 471A is detected by the light receiver 471B. The first sensor 471 outputs a detection result indicating that there is a detection object when the light projected by the light projector 471A is blocked by the detection object and is not detected by the light receiver 471B.

[0366] In this embodiment, the detection object is a partition plate 436A provided below the first plate-shaped member. Therefore, the first sensor 471 is fixed at a position where the partition plate 436A is disposed between the light projector 471A and the light receiver 471B when the state-changing member 434 is in the first state, and where the partition plate 436A is not disposed between the light projector 471A and the light receiver 471B when the state-changing member 434 is in the second state. For example, the first sensor 471 is fixed to the material input unit 431 by being supported by a support member 474 fixed to the material input unit 431.

[0367] When the material conveyance control unit 415 receives a detection result from the first sensor 471 indicating that a detected object is present, the material conveyance control unit 415 determines that the state of the state-changing member 434 is in the first state. When the material conveyance control unit 415 receives a detection result from the first sensor 471 indicating that a detected object is not present, the material conveyance control unit 415 determines that the state of the state-changing member 434 is in the second state. When the first sensor 471 detects the first state, that is, when the material conveyance control unit 415 receives a detection result from the first sensor 471 indicating that a detected object is present, the material conveyance control unit 415 starts conveying the modeling material.

[0368] The material conveyance control unit 415 determines whether the temporary storage container 480 is sufficiently replenished with modeling material based on the detection result of the second sensor 472, which detects the presence or absence of modeling material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 480. The second sensor 472 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor that includes a light emitter (not shown), a light receiver (not shown), and a reflector (not shown), and the light emitter and the light receiver are arranged in close proximity, and a detection object is located between the light emitter and the light receiver and the reflector. The second sensor 472 outputs a detection result indicating the absence of a detection object when the receiver detects light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the reflector. The second sensor 472 outputs a detection result indicating the presence of a detection object when the light emitted by the light emitter or the reflected light is blocked by the detection object and the reflected light is not detected by the receiver.

[0369] In this embodiment, the detected object is the modeling material present at the upper part of the temporary storage container 480. Therefore, the second sensor 472 is fixed at a position where the modeling material is disposed between the light projector and the light receiver and the reflector when the remaining amount of storage is equal to or greater than the upper limit amount, and where the modeling material is not disposed between the light projector and the light receiver and the reflector when the remaining amount of storage is less than the upper limit amount. The upper limit amount is the upper limit of the remaining amount of modeling material that requires replenishment. The upper limit amount may be an amount close to the capacity of the temporary storage container 480.

[0370] When the material conveyance control unit 415 receives a detection result from the second sensor 472 indicating that a detected object is present, it determines that the modeling material is present at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 480. When the material conveyance control unit 415 receives a detection result from the second sensor 472 indicating that a detected object is not present, it determines that the modeling material is not present at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 480. When the second sensor 472 detects that the modeling material is present at a specific position, that is, when the material conveyance control unit 415 receives a detection result from the second sensor 472 indicating that a detected object is present, it ends the conveyance of the modeling material.

[0371] Next, a method for transporting a modeling material using compressed air will be described with reference to Figures 35 and 36. Figure 35 shows a side view of a large-capacity storage container 490. Figure 36 shows a partial cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 35. As shown in Figure 35, the large-capacity storage container 490 includes a container body 491 and a lid 492.

[0372] The container body 491 is the main body of a container capable of storing a large amount of modeling material. The lid 492 is a member that covers an opening (not shown) provided in the upper part of the container body 491. The lid 492 is provided with openings (not shown) through which the pipes 461A and 462 pass. The pipe 462 is a pipe for supplying compressed air from a compressor (not shown) to the large-capacity storage container 490. The large-capacity storage container 490 is placed on a measuring platform 493 that is placed on a load cell 473. The load cell 473 measures the total weight of the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490, the large-capacity storage container 490, and the measuring platform 493.

[0373] One end of pipe 461A is connected to one end of pipe 461B, and the other end of pipe 461A is connected to a sending member 463 near the bottom of container body 491. One end of pipe 462 is connected to a compressor, and the other end of pipe 462 is connected to one end of joint 466. The other end of joint 466 is connected to sending member 463. Sending member 463 is a member for sending out the modeling material from large-capacity storage container 490 toward temporary storage container 480. Sending member 463 includes member 464 and member 465. Member 464 includes a protrusion 464A and a through-hole 464B that penetrates protrusion 464A. Member 465 includes a protrusion 465A and a through-hole 465B that penetrates protrusion 465A.

[0374] The other end of the piping 461A is fitted into the protrusion 464A, and one end of the through-hole 464B is covered by the piping 461A. The other end of the through-hole 464B is fitted into the protrusion 465A. A space 463A is formed between the member 464 and the member 465. A small gap is formed between the space 463A and the through-hole 464B. The joint 466 is a member for connecting the piping 462 to the delivery member 463. The joint 466 has a through-hole 466A.

[0375] The other end of the pipe 462 is inserted into one end of the through-hole 466A at one end of the joint 466. The other end of the joint 466 is inserted into an opening provided in the side of the member 464, which is connected to the space 463A. A valve 467 is provided inside the joint 466 to control the flow of air within the through-hole 466A. In this way, the material conveying mechanism 460 includes the compressor, the pipe 461, the pipe 462, the delivery member 463, the joint 466, the valve 467, etc.

[0376] The method by which the material conveying mechanism 460 conveys the modeling material will be described below. It is assumed that the compressor is always in a state where it can supply compressed air via the pipe 462. When the material conveying control unit 415 closes the valve 467, compressed air is not supplied to the delivery member 463, and therefore the modeling material is not conveyed. On the other hand, when the material conveying control unit 415 opens the valve 467, compressed air is supplied to the delivery member 463, and therefore the modeling material is conveyed.

[0377] More specifically, compressed air is first supplied from the compressor to space 463A via pipe 462 and joint 466. Then, air flows at high speed from space 463A toward through-hole 464B through the gap between member 464 and member 465. This causes an upward airflow from below to above through-hole 464B. This generates negative pressure above through-hole 465B, which also generates an upward airflow from below to above through-hole 465B. As a result, negative pressure is generated below through-hole 465B, and the modeling material around through-hole 465B is drawn to the lower part of through-hole 465B. This modeling material follows the upward airflow and reaches temporary storage container 480 via a path that includes through-hole 465B, through-hole 464B, pipe 461A, and pipe 461B.

[0378] Next, the material transport process executed by the modeling apparatus E1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 37. The material transport process is executed in parallel with the object generation process, which is a process for generating a model. Note that in this embodiment, the object generation process and the material transport process are independent of each other, and the object generation process is not interrupted by the material transport process.

[0379] First, the control unit 410 included in the molding apparatus E1 acquires a measurement result of the load cell 473 (Step S101). For example, the control unit 410 acquires a measurement result indicating a load applied to the load cell 473 from the load cell 473. After completing the process of Step S101, the control unit 410 determines whether the remaining storage amount is less than a lower limit amount (Step S102).

[0380] The remaining storage amount is the remaining amount of modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490. The remaining storage amount can be calculated by subtracting the weight of the large-capacity storage container 490 and the weight of the measurement platform 493 from the load applied to the load cell 473. This lower limit amount is the lower limit of the remaining amount below which it is no longer necessary to replenish the large-capacity storage container 490 with modeling material. The lower limit amount may be a few percent of the capacity of the large-capacity storage container 490.

[0381] When the control unit 410 determines that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S102: YES), it requests the replenishment of the modeling material (step S103). For example, the control unit 410 causes the display unit 422 to display a screen requesting the replenishment of the modeling material to the large-capacity storage container 490. When the user confirms this screen, the control unit 410 replenishes the modeling material to the large-capacity storage container 490. When the control unit 410 completes the process of step S103, it returns the process to step S101.

[0382] When the control unit 410 determines that the remaining storage amount is not less than the lower limit amount (step S102: NO), it acquires the detection result of the first sensor 471 (step S104). After completing the processing of step S104, the control unit 410 determines whether the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S105). Based on the detection result of the first sensor 471, the control unit 410 can determine whether the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount. Note that this detection result is the result of whether or not the detection object is detected, and is the determination result of whether or not the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount.

[0383] If the control unit 410 determines that the remaining storage amount is not less than the lower limit amount (step S105: NO), the control unit 410 returns to step S101. If the control unit 410 determines that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S105: YES), the control unit 410 starts transporting the modeling material (step S106). For example, the control unit 410 transports the modeling material from the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480 by opening the valve 467.

[0384] Upon completing the process of step S106, the control unit 410 acquires the detection result of the second sensor (step S107). Upon completing the process of step S107, the control unit 410 determines whether the remaining storage amount has reached the upper limit (step S108). The control unit 410 can determine whether the remaining storage amount has reached the upper limit based on the detection result of the second sensor 472. Note that this detection result is the result of whether or not the detection object has been detected, and is the determination result of whether or not the remaining storage amount has reached the upper limit.

[0385] If the control unit 410 determines that the remaining amount of storage has not reached the upper limit (step S108: NO), the control unit 410 returns to step S107. If the control unit 410 determines that the remaining amount of storage has reached the upper limit (step S108: YES), the control unit 410 ends the transport of the modeling material (step S109). After completing the process of step S109, the control unit 410 returns to step S101.

[0386] In this embodiment, the modeling material is continuously supplied from the temporary storage container 480 to the discharging unit 430, and when the remaining amount of the modeling material in the temporary storage container 480 falls below the lower limit, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490 is transported to the temporary storage container 480. In this embodiment, even if the capacity of the temporary storage container 480 is not very large, the modeling material can be continuously supplied to the discharging unit 430. In other words, according to this embodiment, the modeling material can be appropriately supplied to the discharging unit 430 during the modeling of a model.

[0387] In this embodiment, the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container 490 is transported to the temporary storage container 480 together with air using a pipe 461 that extends from the interior of the large-capacity storage container 490, which is located at a lower position than the temporary storage container 480, to the supply port of the temporary storage container 480. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transport of the modeling material is achieved with a simple configuration.

[0388] In the present embodiment, one end of the pipe 461 is fixed to the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 and is movable together with the temporary storage container 480. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to transport the modeling material without interrupting the modeling of the object.

[0389] In this embodiment, the conveyance of the modeling material is started in response to the detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 480 to the discharging unit 430. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the conveyance of the modeling material can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0390] In this embodiment, the transport of the modeling material is terminated when it is detected that the modeling material is present at a specific position inside the temporary storage container 480. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transport of the modeling material can be terminated at an appropriate timing.

[0391] (Embodiment 5-2) In embodiment 5-1, an example was described in which one end of pipe 461 moves together with temporary storage container 480. In the present embodiment, an example in which one end of pipe 468 does not move will be described. Hereinafter, explanations of the same configurations, functions, etc. as those in embodiment 5-1 will be omitted or simplified.

[0392] As shown in FIG. 38 , the configuration of the modeling apparatus E1A according to this embodiment is similar to that of the modeling apparatus E1, except that the material conveying mechanism 460 includes a pipe 468 instead of the pipe 461. The pipe 468 extends from the interior of the large-capacity storage container 490 to a predetermined material supply position. The material supply position is a position where the modeling material is supplied to the temporary storage container 480, and is at the same height as the supply port of the temporary storage container 480. The pipe 468 is, for example, a pipe that is not flexible and does not deform. As such, in this embodiment, the pipe 468, which cannot follow the movement of the temporary storage container 480, is adopted instead of the pipe 461, which can follow the movement of the temporary storage container 480.

[0393] In this embodiment, in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit, the unit movement control unit 413 controls the unit moving mechanism 440 to move the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 to the material supply position. In other words, in response to the first sensor 471 detecting the first state, the unit movement control unit 413 moves the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 to the material supply position.

[0394] The discharge unit 430 moves together with the temporary storage container 480. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is necessary to interrupt the formation of the object when transporting the modeling material to the temporary storage container 480. The material transport control unit 415 starts transporting the modeling material in response to detecting that the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 has moved to the material supply position.

[0395] Next, the material transport process executed by the modeling apparatus E1A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 39. Note that in this embodiment, the material transport process interrupts the model generation process.

[0396] The processes from step S101 to step S105 are the same as those described in embodiment 5-1. If the control unit 410 determines that the remaining storage amount is not less than the lower limit amount (step S105: NO), the control unit 410 returns the process to step S101. If the control unit 410 determines that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount (step S105: YES), the control unit 410 suspends the formation of the object (step S105A).

[0397] For example, the control unit 410 stops the discharging of the modeling material by the discharging unit 430 and stops the movement of the discharging unit 430 by the unit moving mechanism 440. The control unit 410 stores interruption information indicating the state at the time of interruption in the storage unit 421. The interruption information is, for example, information indicating the layer and position of the model that was already modeled at the time of interruption. The interruption information is referenced when resuming modeling of the modeled object.

[0398] When the control unit 410 completes the process of step S105A, it moves the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 to the material supply position (step S105B). For example, the control unit 410 controls the unit moving mechanism 440 to move the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 to the material supply position so that one end of the pipe 468 is inserted into the supply port of the temporary storage container 480. When the control unit 410 completes the process of step S105B, it starts conveying the modeling material (step S106).

[0399] The processes from step S106 to step S109 are as described in embodiment 5-1. Upon completing the process of step S109, the control unit 410 resumes the formation of the object (step S110). For example, the control unit 410 refers to the interruption information stored in the storage unit 421 and resumes the formation of the object from the layer and position where the formation of the object was interrupted. Upon completing the process of step S110, the control unit 410 returns the process to step S101.

[0400] In this embodiment, one end of the pipe 468 is disposed at a predetermined material supply position, and the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 moves to the material supply position when the modeling material is transported. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to make the one end of the pipe 468 follow the movement of the temporary storage container 480. The cost required for manufacturing and maintaining the pipe 468 is considered to be lower than the cost required for manufacturing and maintaining the pipe 461. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cost required for manufacturing, maintaining, etc. the material transport mechanism 460 can be reduced.

[0401] In this embodiment, in response to detection of the first state in which the modeling material is not being supplied from the outlet of the temporary storage container 480 to the discharge unit 430, the supply port of the temporary storage container 480 moves to the material supply position and starts conveying the modeling material. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to start conveying the modeling material at an appropriate timing.

[0402] (Modifications) Although the embodiments have been described above, modifications and applications in various forms are possible. It is up to the discretion of which parts of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments to adopt. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configurations, functions, and operations, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0403] In the embodiment 5-1, an example has been described in which the modeling material is transported from the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480 after the remaining amount of modeling material in the temporary storage container 480 has been used up. The modeling material may be transported from the large-capacity storage container 490 to the temporary storage container 480 before the remaining amount of modeling material in the temporary storage container 480 has been used up. In this case, for example, instead of providing the first sensor 471 and the state-changing member 434 in the material input unit 431, a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor may be provided at the bottom of the temporary storage container 480.

[0404] In the embodiment 5-1, a method for determining the timing to end the transport of the modeling material using the detection result of the second sensor 472 has been described. The method for determining the timing to end the transport of the modeling material is not limited to this example. For example, the timing to end the transport of the modeling material may be determined to be the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the transport of the modeling material.

[0405] In the embodiment 5-1, an example was described in which the modeling material in the large-capacity storage container 490 is not stirred. The modeling material in the large-capacity storage container 490 may be stirred. For example, depending on the size of the resin pellets that are the modeling material, it may be difficult to suck up the resin pellets in the large-capacity storage container 490. In this case, stirring the modeling material in the large-capacity storage container 490 when transporting the resin pellets is expected to make it easier to suck up the resin pellets. To achieve stirring, for example, a screw that rotates to stir the resin pellets, a motor that drives the screw rotation, or the like may be provided in the large-capacity storage container 490.

[0406] In the embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 410 executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 421, causing the control unit 410 to function as each unit shown in FIG. 31 . However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 410 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 410 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized collectively by a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other functions may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 410 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0407] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0408] 1A First print head 1B Second print head 10 Bottom housing unit 20 Side housing unit 30 Upper beam unit 40 Upper housing unit 41 Frame section 50 Modeling table 51, 52 Reinforcement member 60 Colorant injection mechanism 61 Colorant supply section 61a Hopper 61b Screw cap 61c Heater of colorant supply section 61d Hollow section of hopper 61e Air passage of screw cap 62 Colorant kneading section 62a Coloring barrel 62b Heater of colorant kneading section 62c Screw of colorant kneading section 62d Motor of colorant kneading section 62e Connection section of screw and motor of colorant kneading section 62f Nozzle of colorant kneading section 63 Colorant supply device 63a Colorant masterbatch storage section 63aa Outlet of colorant masterbatch storage section 63b Metering device 63ba Inlet of metering device 63bb Outlet of metering device 63bc Measuring section 63bca Surface of metering section 63bcb Recess of metering section 63bd Socket 80 Kneading and discharging unit 81 Material input section 81a Passage 82 Barrel 82a Hollow section 82b Injection hole 83 Screw 83a Supply section 83b Compression section 83c Metering section 83d Kneading section 83da Rough mixing section 83db Homogenizing section 84 Motor of kneading and discharging unit 85 Heater of kneading and discharging unit 86 Nozzle 87 Heat dissipation section 90 Support unit 91 First support plate 92 Second support plate 93 Connecting column 96 Nozzle A10 Modeling device A20 Elevating mechanism A30 Control section A40 Print head driving mechanism A41 First print head drive mechanism A42 Second print head drive mechanism 101A First print head 101B Second print head 110 Bottom housing unit 120 Side housing unit 130 Upper beam unit 140 Upper housing unit 141 Frame section 150 Modeling table 151, 152 Reinforcement member 160 Colorant injection mechanism 161 Colorant input section 162 Coloring barrel 163, 183 Motor 164, 184 Heater 165,187 Cooling blower 170 Discharged material heating unit 171 Cooling mitigation blower 172 Deflection device 175 Model cooling unit 176 Cooling blower 177 Air outlet 180 Kneading and discharging unit 181 Material input section 182 Barrel 182a Injection hole 185 Nozzle 186 Heat dissipation section 190 Support unit 191 First support plate 192 Second support plate 193 Connecting column 196 Nozzle B1 Modeling device B2 Elevation mechanism B30 Control section B40 Print head drive mechanism B41 First print head drive mechanism B42 Second print head drive mechanism M Modeled object 201A First print head 201B Second print head 210 Bottom housing unit 220 Side housing unit 230 Upper beam unit 240 Upper housing unit 241 Frame section 250 Building table 251, 52 Reinforcement member 260 Colorant injection mechanism 261 Colorant input section 262 Coloring barrel 263, 284, 299 Motor 264, 285 Heater 270 Throttle mechanism 271 Housing 271a Through hole 280 Kneading and discharging unit 281 Material input section 281a Passage 282 Barrel 282a, 296b Hollow section 283 Screw 283a Injection hole 286 Screw shaft 287 Screw fin 288 Protrusion 290 Support unit 291 First support plate 292 Second support plate 293 Connecting column 295 Kneading section 296 Nozzle 296a Nozzle opening 297 Diaphragm blades 297a, 297b, 297c, 298a Opening 297d First pin 297e Second pin 298 Drive ring 298b Gear 298c Slit 299a Output gear C1 Modeling device C2 Elevation mechanism C3 Control unit C4 Print head drive mechanism C41 First print head drive mechanism C42 Second print head drive mechanism L Reciprocating movement amount Ma Stringy material V Speed ​​X1 Discharge stop position X2 End position Xc Current position 310 Control unit 311 Discharge control unit 312 Movement control unit 313 Reciprocating movement amount determination unit 321 Memory unit 322 Display unit 323 Operation reception unit 324 Communication unit 330, 330A Discharge head 340 Movement mechanism 350 Head movement mechanism 360, 360A,360B First head moving mechanism 361A, 361B, 362A, 362B Pulley 363A, 363B, 373 Belt 364A, 364B, 374A, 374B, 385A, 385B Guide rail 365A, 365B, 375A, 375B, 386A Guide block 370 Second head moving mechanism 371 Frame 380, 380A, 380B Table moving mechanism 381A, 381B Support plate 382A, 382B Lead screw 383A Motor 390 Forming table 391 Base 392 Table 393A, 393B Protruding plate 394A, 394B Recess 395A, 395B Through hole D1 Forming device D3 5. Model D3a End 500 Modeling apparatus of second embodiment 510 Kneading and injecting apparatus 511 Material supply unit of kneading and injecting apparatus 512 Barrel of kneading and injecting apparatus 512a Injection hole of barrel of kneading and injecting apparatus 513 Screw of kneading and injecting apparatus 514 Motor of kneading and injecting apparatus 515 Heater of kneading and injecting apparatus 516 Moving device of kneading and injecting apparatus 600 Modeling apparatus of third embodiment 610 Supply device 611 Additive supply unit of supply device 612 Barrel of supply device 613 Screw of supply device 614 Motor of supply device 615 Heater of supply device 616 Moving device of supply device 405 Resin pellets 410 Control unit 411 Viscosity control unit 412 Discharge control unit 413 Unit movement control unit 414 Table movement control unit 415 Material conveyance control unit 421 Memory unit 422 Display unit 423 Operation reception unit 424 Communication unit 430 Discharge unit 431 Material input unit 431A Hollow portion 432 Barrel 433 Nozzle 434 State change member 435 Rotation shaft 436 Rotation member 436A Partition plate 440 Unit movement mechanism 441 First unit movement mechanism 442 Second unit movement mechanism 443 First movement member 444 Second movement member 445 Support member 446 Fixing member 446A, 480A, 480B Opening portion 450, 450A, 450B Table movement mechanism 451 Table 460 Material transport mechanism 461, 461A, 461B, 462, 468 Piping 463 Delivery member 463A Space 464, 465 Member 464A, 465A Projection 464B, 465B,466A Through hole 466 Joint 467 Valve 471 First sensor 471A Light projector 471B Light receiver 472 Second sensor 473 Load cell 474 Support member 480 Temporary storage container 490 Large-capacity storage container 491 Container body 492 Lid 493 Measurement table E1, E1A Molding device,

Claims

1. A molding device comprising: a barrel into which material for molding is supplied; a heater that heats the material supplied into the barrel; a rotating screw provided in the barrel that transports the material heated by the heater; a nozzle that ejects the material transported by the screw; and a colorant injection mechanism that injects a colorant fluid into the barrel and / or the nozzle between the position where the material is supplied to the barrel and the position where it is ejected from the nozzle.

2. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the colorant injection mechanism injects the colorant into the barrel and / or the nozzle near the nozzle.

3. The molding device described in claim 1, wherein the screw comprises, in order from the upper end to the tip, a supply section to which the material before melting is supplied, a compression section to compress the melted material, a metering section to transport the compressed material at a constant flow rate, and a kneading section to knead the material and the colorant, and the colorant injection mechanism injects the colorant into the barrel and / or the nozzle at a position where the metering section or the kneading section is housed.

4. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of colorant injection mechanisms for injecting colorants of different colors into the barrel.

5. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the colorant injection mechanism comprises a colorant supply unit and a colorant kneading unit, wherein the colorant supply unit preheats the colorant to at least partially melt it and supplies it to the colorant kneading unit, and the colorant kneading unit heats and kneads the colorant supplied from the colorant supply unit and injects it into the barrel.

6. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a colorant supply device that supplies colorant to the colorant injection mechanism when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant injection mechanism falls below a predetermined remaining amount.

7. A screw for use in the molding device described in claim 3, comprising, in order from the top end to the tip, a supply section to which unmelted molding material is supplied, a compression section to compress the molten material, a metering section to transport the compressed material at a constant flow rate, and a kneading section to knead the material and the colorant.

8. An operating method performed by the molding apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a material supply stopping step of stopping the supply of material to the barrel when the time during molding during which the material is not being extruded from the barrel while the barrel is being heated exceeds a predetermined time; and a material extrusion step of extruding the material from the barrel to substantially empty the barrel.

9. An operating method performed by the molding apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a material supply stopping step of stopping the supply of material to the barrel when cleaning the barrel; a barrel heating step of heating the material in the barrel to a predetermined temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the material; and a material extrusion step of extruding the material from the barrel to substantially empty the barrel.

10. A molding device comprising: a barrel into which material for molding is supplied; a heater that heats the material supplied into the barrel; a nozzle that ejects the heated and melted material; and a blower that sends air heated by the heater to the tip of the nozzle.

11. The molding apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a deflector that deflects the air blown from the blower.

12. The molding apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a heat source other than the heater, and an additional blower that sends air heated by the heat source to the tip of the nozzle.

13. The molding apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an air passage for suppressing diffusion of air heated by the heater is provided in at least a part of the path from the heater to the tip of the nozzle.

14. The molding apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a blower that blows air at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the material being molded onto the object being molded on the molding table.

15. A modeling device comprising: a material input section for inputting modeling material; a heater for heating the material input from the material input section; a transfer section for transferring the material heated by the heater; and a nozzle having an outlet formed therein through which the material transferred by the transfer section is ejected, wherein the nozzle is provided with a throttle mechanism capable of changing the size of the outlet.

16. The molding apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a barrel having a hollow portion formed therein into which material is introduced from the material introduction portion, wherein the heater is provided on the outer periphery of the barrel, the transport portion is a screw provided in the hollow portion and transports the material heated by the heater by rotating, and the nozzle is provided at one end of the barrel.

17. The molding apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a motor capable of changing the rotation speed of the screw in accordance with the change in size of the discharge port by the throttle mechanism.

18. A modeling method for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking multiple layers using the modeling device described in any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising: a step of operating the transfer unit to discharge and stack the material melted by the heat of the heater; and a step of reducing the size of the discharge port using the throttle mechanism to prevent dripping of material from the discharge port when the operation of the transfer unit is stopped to stop the discharge of material from the discharge port.

19. A modeling method for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking multiple layers using the modeling device described in any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising: a first step of operating the transfer unit to discharge the material melted by the heat of the heater from a discharge port of a first size and stack the layers; and a second step of operating the transfer unit to discharge the material melted by the heat of the heater from a discharge port of a second size by the throttle mechanism and stack the layers.

20. The molding method according to claim 19, wherein the transport unit is operated at a first speed in the first step, and the transport unit is operated at a second speed different from the first speed in the second step.

21. A modeling method for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking multiple layers using the modeling device described in any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising: a step of operating the transfer unit to discharge and stack material melted by the heat of the heater; and a step of changing the size of the discharge port using the throttle mechanism to remove material adhering to the discharge port while stopping the operation of the transfer unit to stop the discharge of material from the discharge port.

22. A modeling device that forms a model by stacking modeling material, comprising: a table on which the modeling material is stacked; a discharge head that discharges the modeling material toward the table; a movement mechanism that moves the discharge head and the table relatively; and a discharge control unit that controls the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge head, wherein, when continuous discharge of the modeling material from the discharge head is completed, the discharge control unit controls the discharge of the modeling material to stop, and the discharge head moves back and forth along the same path, causing the stringy modeling material to overlap each other.

23. The molding apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a reciprocating movement amount determination unit that determines the amount of reciprocating movement of the discharge head, wherein the reciprocating movement amount determination unit determines the amount of reciprocating movement based on the molding material to be discharged.

24. The modeling apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the discharge head returns to the position where the discharge control unit stopped discharging the modeling material by reciprocating along the same path.

25. A modeling device that forms a model by layering modeling material, comprising an ejection head having a nozzle that ejects the modeling material and a screw that transports the modeling material to the nozzle, wherein the ejection head further comprises a moving device that moves the screw so as to press the tip of the screw against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle.

26. A modeling apparatus that forms a model by layering modeling material, comprising: an ejection head that ejects the modeling material; and a supply device that supplies an additive to the ejection head from the side thereof, wherein the supply device has: a nozzle that injects the additive into the ejection head; a screw that transports the additive to the nozzle; and a moving device that moves the screw so that the tip of the screw is pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle to seal the nozzle.

27. A modeling device that forms a model by layering modeling materials, comprising: a storage container that stores the modeling material; a temporary storage container that temporarily stores the modeling material supplied from the large-capacity storage container; a discharge unit that is movable together with the temporary storage container and melts and discharges the modeling material supplied from the temporary storage container; and a material transport mechanism that transports the modeling material stored in the large-capacity storage container to the temporary storage container when the remaining amount of the modeling material stored in the temporary storage container is less than a lower limit amount.

28. The molding apparatus described in claim 27, wherein the large-capacity storage container is positioned at a lower position than the temporary storage container, and the material conveying mechanism conveys the molding material stored in the large-capacity storage container together with air to the temporary storage container using a pipe extending from the inside of the large-capacity storage container to the supply port of the temporary storage container.

29. The molding apparatus described in claim 28, wherein one end of the piping is fixed to the supply port of the temporary storage container and is movable together with the temporary storage container, and the apparatus is provided with a material transport control unit that controls the material transport mechanism to start transporting the molding material in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount.

30. A molding device as described in claim 29, comprising: a state-changing member that is in a first state when the molding material is not being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container, and that is in a second state different from the first state when the molding material is being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container; and a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member, wherein the material transport control unit starts transporting the molding material in response to the first sensor detecting the first state.

31. The molding apparatus described in claim 28, wherein one end of the piping is positioned at a predetermined material supply position, and the apparatus comprises: a unit movement mechanism that moves the discharge unit together with the temporary storage container; a unit movement control unit that controls the unit movement mechanism to move the supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to detecting that the remaining storage amount is less than the lower limit amount; and a material transport control unit that starts transporting the molding material in response to detecting that the supply port of the temporary storage container has moved to the material supply position.

32. A molding device as described in claim 31, comprising: a state-changing member that is in a first state when the molding material is not being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container, and that is in a second state different from the first state when the molding material is being supplied to the discharge unit from the discharge port of the temporary storage container; and a first sensor that detects the state of the state-changing member, wherein the unit movement control unit moves the supply port of the temporary storage container to the material supply position in response to the first sensor detecting the first state.

33. A molding device as described in claim 30 or 32, further comprising a second sensor that detects the presence or absence of the molding material at a specific position inside the temporary storage container, and the material transport control unit terminates the transport of the molding material in response to the second sensor detecting that the molding material is present at the specific position.

Images