Head for three-dimensional printing device, nozzle for three-dimensional printing device, three-dimensional printing device, and three-dimensional printing method

Abstract

This head for a three-dimensional printing device is provided with a first portion (11), a second portion (13), and a window (14). The first portion (11) has a first wall (112) facing a reference axis (AX1). The second portion (13) has a second wall (132) facing the reference axis (AX1) and a tip surface (135) intersecting the reference axis (AX1). A resin filament is pressed between the tip surface (135) and a target. The window (14) allows physical access and / or contactless energy transfer to an object or space located between the first wall (112) of the first portion (11) and the tip surface (135) of the second portion (13).

Description

Head for three-dimensional printing device, nozzle for three-dimensional printing device, three-dimensional printing device, and three-dimensional printing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a head for a three-dimensional printing device, a nozzle for a three-dimensional printing device, a three-dimensional printing device, and a three-dimensional printing method. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-118023, filed on July 23, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional modeling device equipped with a nozzle head. The three-dimensional modeling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a heater housed inside the nozzle head. The heater heats the continuous fiber reinforced resin filament passing through the nozzle head. The nozzle head also presses the heated and discharged continuous fiber reinforced resin filament toward a modeling surface.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-124695

[0004] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 heats the filament using a heater inside the nozzle head. For example, the filament is heated to a temperature of 100°C or higher. This type of heater requires time to heat the filament to the target temperature. This requires slowing down the filament delivery speed to ensure sufficient heating time, resulting in a slower modeling speed. If the filament is heated only at the tip of the nozzle head, the filament heating section is short, and the filament delivery speed must be further slowed down.

[0005] An object of aspects of the present invention is to provide a head for a three-dimensional printing device, a nozzle for a three-dimensional printing device, a three-dimensional printing device, and a three-dimensional printing method that are advantageous in terms of improved modeling speed and ease of maintenance.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a head for a three-dimensional printing device includes: a first portion that guides a resin filament along a reference axis, the first portion having a first wall facing the reference axis; a second portion that guides the resin filament from the first portion along the reference axis, the second portion having a second wall facing the reference axis and a tip surface that intersects the reference axis, the second portion being configured to press the resin filament between the tip surface and a target; and a window portion that allows physical access and / or non-contact energy transfer to an object or space located between the first wall of the first portion and the tip surface of the second portion.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a nozzle for a three-dimensional printing device includes a nozzle body, an inlet passage provided in the nozzle body and through which a resin filament passes, an outlet provided at a tip of the nozzle body and through which the resin filament passes from the inlet passage, and a lateral access path provided in the nozzle body and leading to a space or object disposed between the inlet passage and the outlet.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional printing method includes: a first step of preparing a head having a guide body, a pressing body, and a window portion; a second step of arranging a resin filament fed from the head on a first target, the second step including pressing the resin filament between the pressing body and the first target; and a third step of arranging the resin filament fed from the head so as to overlap the resin filament as a second target on the first target, the third step including pressing the resin filament between the pressing body and the second target, wherein at least one of the second step and the third step further includes supplying energy to the inside of the head through the window portion in a non-contact manner to heat the resin filament.

[0009] According to aspects of the present invention, there are provided a head for a three-dimensional printing device, a nozzle for a three-dimensional printing device, a three-dimensional printing device, and a three-dimensional printing method, which are advantageous in terms of improved modeling speed and ease of maintenance using filaments containing fibrous reinforcing materials.

[0010] 15 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus; FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing how energy is supplied; FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a window portion provided in a head (nozzle); FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a form of a second portion (pressing portion); FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus including a heating roller (heating body); FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional printing method; FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically showing a modified example of a three-dimensional printing apparatus; FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing another example of a head (nozzle); FIG. 29 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the head (nozzle) of FIG. 15; FIG. 29 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the head (nozzle) of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a filament is irradiated with laser light.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that various examples, including numerical examples, in the following description can be combined to the extent that no contradiction occurs. Furthermore, elements having the same or similar functions are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus 1. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by continuously discharging a filament F (resin filament, modeling material, print material) onto a modeling table (table, bed, platform) 3. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 layers softened filament F on the modeling table 3. The layered body solidifies to form a modeled object, which is a three-dimensional structure. During the process of layering the filament F in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1, a new filament F is placed on top of a previously placed filament F.

[0013] For example, in the three-dimensional printing device 1, a filament F is fed to the modeling table 3 as a discharge target (target, first target), and the filament F is placed on the modeling table 3. Also, a filament F is fed to the previously fed filament F as a discharge target (target, second target). A new filament F is stacked on the filament F previously placed on the modeling table 3.

[0014] The filament F (printing material), which is the raw material for the shaped object, has a linear shape. The filament F is a continuous material that extends continuously along a central axis. In one example, the filament F has the same cross-sectional shape throughout the axial direction. In another example, the filament can have partially different cross-sectional shapes. The filament F has, for example, a circular or elliptical cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the filament F is not limited to a circle (or ellipse) and various shapes such as a polygon (e.g., a rectangle) can be applied. In one example, the filament F has a resin portion F1 (thermoplastic resin) formed in a linear (thread-like) shape and a fiber F2 (fibrous reinforcing material) contained within the resin portion F1. The resin portion F1 is formed of a thermoplastic resin such as PLA resin (Polylactic Acid), ABS resin, or nylon resin. In another example, the resin portion F1 may include super engineering plastics such as PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) resin, PEKK (Poly Ether Ketone Ketone) resin, and PEI (Poly Ether Imide) resin. Thermoplastic resins other than those mentioned above may also be used as the filament. The fiber F2 may be, for example, carbon fiber, glass fiber, or plant fiber. Fibers other than those mentioned above may also be used as the fiber element. The filament F may include carbon nanotubes.

[0015] In one example, a filament F is used in which continuous linear (thread-like) fibers are arranged in the center of a resin portion with a circular cross section. In another example, a filament in which discontinuous fibers (short fibers, long fibers, non-linear fibers (powder-like fibers, etc.)) are dispersed in a resin portion can be used as the molding material. The molding material is not limited to the filament F described above, and the filament F can have a linear (thread-like) resin portion (thermoplastic resin) and a structure that is substantially free of fibrous reinforcing material. The diameter (maximum width) of the filament can be approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10 mm. The diameter (maximum width) of the filament may be less than 0.1 mm or may be 10 mm or more.

[0016] 1 , the filament F is prepared in a wound state on a bobbin 50. The filament F is pulled out from the bobbin 50 and supplied to the three-dimensional printing device 1. In another example, a bobbin wound with a linear resin portion F1 and a bobbin wound with a fiber F2 are separately prepared, and the resin portion F1 and the fiber F2 pulled out from each bobbin are combined in the three-dimensional printing device 1. The storage state of the filament F is not limited to the wound type.

[0017] 1 , the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 includes a first mechanism 100 that continuously feeds a filament (printing material) F through a nozzle 64, a second mechanism 200 that has a modeling table 3 on which the filament F is stacked, a third mechanism 300 that irradiates energy onto the filament F, and a control device (controller) 8 that controls the first mechanism 100, the second mechanism 200, and the third mechanism 300. The control device 8 includes a control program, a storage unit (memory), a processor (processor, processing circuitry, circuitry) for executing the control program, and the like. In one example, the first mechanism 100 includes a head unit 5 and a head moving mechanism 6.

[0018] In one example, the second mechanism 200 includes a frame 2, a modeling table 3 (table), and a lifting device 4. In one example, the third mechanism 300 includes an energy supply device 7. Alternatively and / or additionally, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 can be configured such that at least a portion of the third mechanism 300 (energy supply device 7) is additionally installed relative to the initial apparatus. The energy supply device 7 can include an attachment mechanism. In the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1, a portion of the first mechanism 100, the second mechanism 200, or the third mechanism 300 can be shared as another mechanism among the first mechanism 100, the second mechanism 200, and the third mechanism 300. For example, a portion of the third mechanism 300 can be shared as the first mechanism 100. Alternatively, a portion of the first mechanism 100 can be shared as the second mechanism 200. In FIG. 1, arrow Z indicates the vertical direction (up and down direction), arrow X indicates one horizontal direction, and arrow Y indicates the horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z and X directions.

[0019] In this embodiment, the frame 2 is a strength member that directly or indirectly supports the modeling table (table) 3, the lifting device 4, the head unit 5, and the head movement mechanism 6. The frame 2 is assembled, for example, to have an overall rectangular parallelepiped or cubic shape. The modeling table 3, the lifting device 4, the head unit 5, and the head movement mechanism 6 are housed inside the frame 2. Multiple wall sections may be provided to cover multiple openings of the frame 2. At least some of these walls may have openable and closable doors. The doors allow the model formed inside the frame 2 to be easily removed to the outside of the frame 2. In one example, the frame 2 includes a casing that encloses the processing chamber. The casing covers the openings of the frame 2. The casing may be equipped with an environmental control unit (not shown) that controls the environment inside the chamber as needed. For example, the environmental control unit may have a mechanism for heating the interior space of the frame 2. For example, by forming a shaped body while the internal space of the frame 2 is heated, it is possible to control the thermal effects on the shaped body, such as suppressing warping of the shaped body.

[0020] In this embodiment, the modeling table 3 is disposed below the head unit 5. For example, the modeling table 3 supports the filament F discharged from the head 54 of the head unit 5 from below. In one example, the modeling table 3 has a flat member (base plate, bed) whose upper surface is the discharge target surface (modeling surface) of the filament F. In other examples, the modeling table 3 can have a different shape. In one example, the modeling table 3 is movable in the Z direction (can be raised and lowered) by the lifting device 4. For example, the movement of the modeling table 3 can be set as desired.

[0021] The modeling table 3 may have a heating device (heater). For example, by incorporating a heater into the modeling table, the filament F on the modeling table 3 can be heated using the heater. By heating one surface of the modeling table 3 on which the filament F is placed, the state of the filament F on the modeling table 3 can be controlled (for example, curing can be suppressed). As the heating device for the modeling table 3, various mechanisms capable of controlling the temperature of the resin on the modeling table 3 can be applied, including plate heaters, surface heaters, etc.

[0022] The lifting device 4 supports the modeling table 3 from below. The lifting device 4 moves the modeling table 3 in the Z direction under the control of the control device 8. In one example, the lifting device 4 includes a cylinder device, a motor, or the like that generates power to raise and lower the modeling table 3. Because the modeling table 3 can be freely moved up and down, the distance (and relative positional relationship) between the nozzle 64 (head 54) of the head unit 5 and the modeling table 3 can be freely adjusted.

[0023] The head unit 5 discharges the filament F toward the modeling surface of the modeling table 3. The head unit 5 is supported by a head movement mechanism 6. The head unit 5 can be moved in the X and Y directions by the head movement mechanism 6. In one example, the head unit 5 pulls out and discharges the filament F from a bobbin 50 based on the control of the control device 8. In one example, the head unit 5 has a carriage 51, a pair of filament drive rollers 52, a motor 53 that drives the filament drive rollers 52, and a head 54 (a head for a three-dimensional printing device). In another example, the drive rollers 52 and the motor 53 can be installed on a member (e.g., a frame 2) separate from the head unit 5.

[0024] The carriage 51 is movable relative to the modeling table 3. In one example, the carriage 51 directly or indirectly supports a filament drive roller 52, a motor 53, and a head 54. The carriage 51 is moved in the X direction and the Y direction by the head moving mechanism 6, thereby moving the head 54 in the X direction and the Y direction. In another example, the carriage 51 can have a different configuration.

[0025] The filament drive rollers 52 are connected to a motor 53 and are driven to rotate by the motor 53. For example, each of the filament drive rollers 52 is a tire-shaped roller. In one example, the filament drive rollers 52 have an outer circumferential surface on which a filament holding groove extending in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction is formed. In other examples, the filament drive rollers 52 have other shapes. The pair of filament drive rollers 52 are positioned so that they can hold the filament F. The rotation speed of each of the filament drive rollers 52 is controlled by the control device 8 in accordance with the amount of filament F discharged from the head unit 5.

[0026] In one example, a stepping motor can be used as the motor 53. In another example, other driving means such as a servo motor can be used as the motor 53. The motor 53 is configured to drive the filament drive roller 52 at any speed. In one example, the head unit 5 includes a cutting device (not shown) that cuts the filament F. For example, the cutting device can cut both the resin elements and the fiber elements in the filament F. At a predetermined timing, such as when changing the layer in which the filament F is arranged, the head unit 5 cuts the filament F with the cutting device. In another example, the head unit 5 can include other means for cutting the filament F. Alternatively, the head unit 5 can be configured without including a cutting device.

[0027] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 includes a non-contact energy supply device 7 for heating the filament F. For example, the energy supply device 7 can include at least one of a laser irradiation device, an optical fiber irradiation device, a xenon irradiation device, an infrared heating device, a high-energy particle heating device, a heating element, and other non-contact heating devices. In one example, energy (energy beam, energy flux) generated by an energy source is directed linearly toward the filament F or an object nearby. In another example, in the energy supply device 7, the energy is guided to the filament F or an object nearby via a transmission optical system having optical elements such as optical fibers, lenses, mirrors, and / or prisms. In another example, in the energy supply device 7, the energy is guided to converge at a predetermined position (converged spot) via a transmission optical system having optical elements such as optical fibers, lenses, mirrors, and / or prisms.

[0028] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 includes multiple energy supply devices 7. In other embodiments, the three-dimensional printing apparatus has multiple transmission optical systems for one energy source. For example, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1, energy is irradiated onto the filament from multiple directions. Alternatively, energy is supplied to multiple positions on the filament. Additionally and / or alternatively, energy is irradiated onto an object other than the filament.

[0029] In the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1, energy (energy beam, energy flux) can be directly supplied from the energy supply device 7 to the filament F and / or an object in the vicinity thereof. The temperature of the filament F and / or an object in the vicinity thereof to which the energy is incident rises in a short period of time. The energy output and irradiation form are appropriately controlled based on the filament material and various conditions. For example, various relationships, such as the relationship between the feed speed (print speed) and the energy output (irradiation power, etc.), are determined in advance so that the temperature of the filament rises to an appropriate temperature. During the printing process, various parameters, such as the energy output, are adjusted according to the filament feed speed.

[0030] By supplying energy in a non-contact manner, both resin filaments that are substantially fiber-free and resin filaments that contain fiber (fiber-reinforced plastics) can be heated and melted in a short time. Super engineering plastics have a higher melting temperature than general-purpose resins. Even if the material of the filament F contains super engineering plastics, the filament F can be heated and melted quickly by irradiating it with energy. The three-dimensional printing device 1 using the non-contact energy supply device 7 is preferably applied to high-speed printing (high-speed three-dimensional modeling) using thermoplastic resin filaments, continuous fiber-reinforced plastic filaments, or super engineering plastic filaments.

[0031] In one example of the energy supply device 7, the energy source (such as a laser light source) and the transmission optical system are integrally configured. In another example of the energy supply device 7, the energy source (such as a laser light source) and at least a part of the transmission optical system are substantially separate. In one example, substantially the entire energy supply device 7 is mounted on the head 54, or a part of the energy supply device 7 is mounted on the head 54. In another example, the entire energy supply device 7 is mounted on a member other than the head 54.

[0032] In an example shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , at least a portion of the energy supply device 7 is mounted on the head unit 5. The filament drive roller 52 and the motor 53 are mounted on the frame 2. In an example shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , at least a portion of the energy supply device 7 is mounted on the head 54 (nozzle 64). The head 54 is mounted on the head unit 5. The filament drive roller 52 and the motor 53 are mounted on the frame 2. In an example shown in part (c) of FIG. 2 , at least a portion of the energy supply device 7 is mounted on the head 54 (nozzle 64). The head 54, the filament drive roller 52, and the motor 53 are mounted on the head unit 5.

[0033] 3 , the head 54 includes a first portion (first guide body, introduction portion, inlet portion) 11 that receives the filament (resin filament) F and guides the filament F along the reference axis AX1, and a second portion (second guide body, discharge portion, outlet portion, pressing body, pressing portion) 13 that receives the filament F from the first portion 11 and guides the filament F along the reference axis AX1. A tip surface 135 of the second portion 13 is disposed so as to intersect (e.g., orthogonally intersect) with the reference axis AX1. At least a portion of the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 can constitute a nozzle 64 that supplies the filament F toward a target.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first portion 11 has an inlet passage 110 extending along the reference axis AX1 and a first wall (inner wall surface) 112 extending along the reference axis AX1. The first wall 112 faces the reference axis AX1 and / or a space surrounding the reference axis AX1 in the inlet passage 110. In one example, the first wall 112 is disposed so as to surround substantially the entire circumference of the reference axis AX1. In another example, the first wall 112 is disposed so as to partially surround the reference axis AX1. In one example, the inlet passage 110 is a through hole provided in the first portion 11, and the first wall 112 is at least a part of the inner circumferential surface (inner wall surface) of the through hole in the inlet passage 110. In another example, the inlet passage 110 can be configured differently from a through hole. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet passage 110 varies along the reference axis AX1, or if the inlet passage 110 has multiple cross-sectional areas that are different from one another, the first wall 112 can correspond to a range that includes the portion of the inlet passage 110 with the smallest cross-sectional area. In one example, the reference axis AX1 is disposed along a straight line. In another example, at least a portion of the reference axis AX1 is disposed along a non-straight line, such as a curve. The filament F enters the interior of the inlet passage 110 through the inlet opening 111 and passes through the inlet passage 110 along the reference axis AX1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second portion 13 has an outlet passage 130 extending along the reference axis AX1 and a second wall 132 that faces the reference axis AX1 and / or a space surrounding the reference axis AX1 in the outlet passage 130. The second wall 132 is connected to a tip surface 135. The second portion 13 has a continuous surface including the second wall 132 and the tip surface 135. In one example, the second wall 132 is disposed so as to surround substantially the entire circumference of the reference axis AX1. In another example, the second wall 132 is disposed so as to partially surround the reference axis AX1. In one example, the outlet passage 130 is a through hole provided in the second portion 13, and the second wall 132 is at least a part of the inner circumferential surface (inner wall surface) of the through hole in the outlet passage 130. In another example, the outlet passage 130 can be configured differently from a through hole. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage 130 varies along the reference axis AX1, or if the outlet passage 130 has a plurality of different cross-sectional areas, the second wall 132 can correspond to a range including the smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage 130. The filament F that enters the second portion 13 from the first portion 11 passes through the outlet passage 130 along the reference axis AX1 and exits through the outlet opening 131.

[0036] In one example, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the filament F is 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet passage 110 can be approximately 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, or 4.0. In other examples, other ratios are possible. In one example, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the filament F is 1.0, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage 130 can be approximately 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, or 4.0. In other examples, ratios other than those described above may be used. In one example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage 130 may be substantially the same as, larger than, or smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet passage 110. Having the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage 130 relatively close to the cross-sectional area of ​​the filament F is advantageous for controlling the printing position of the filament F. In one example related to high position control, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage 130 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet passage 110, and when the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area) of the filament F is 1, the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area) of the outlet passage 130 may be approximately 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, or 1.5. The above numerical values ​​are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0037] In this embodiment, the head 54 further includes a window 14 that allows physical access and / or non-contact energy transmission to an object or space (internal space) 120 located between the first wall 112 of the first portion 11 and the distal end surface 135 of the second portion 13. For example, the space 120 of the head 54 is spatially connected through the window 14, the interior of the head 54 is accessible through the window 14, and / or the space 120 of the head 54 is exposed through the window 14. For example, the window 14 is configured to transmit energy contactlessly and / or allows contactless energy delivery. Energy is directed to the filament through the window 14. In one example, the window 14 forms a lateral access passage, a lateral opening passage, or a lateral communication channel that extends at least in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 are integrally configured, or are configured to be movable integrally. In one example, the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 are integrally formed by processing a single material (material piece). In another example, the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 are integrally formed by directly or indirectly connecting multiple materials (material pieces) each processed into a predetermined shape. For example, the first portion 11 and the second portion 13, each processed into a predetermined shape, are fixed to the same member. Alternatively, the head 54 can be configured so that the member to which the first portion 11 is fixed and the member to which the second portion 13 is fixed are movable integrally.

[0039] In one example, the head 54 includes a nozzle 64 including a nozzle body 640 in which the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 are integrally configured. The nozzle body 640 is provided with an inlet 111 through which the filament F is introduced, an inlet passage 110 through which the filament F from the inlet 111 is guided along the reference axis AX1, and an outlet passage 130 through which the filament F from the inlet passage 110 is guided along the reference axis AX1. A tip portion 642 of the nozzle body 640 is provided with an outlet 131 through which the filament F is discharged from the outlet passage 130. The window portion 14 includes a lateral access path (energy path) 170 provided to communicate from an outer surface (e.g., an outer surface 644) of the nozzle body 640 to a space 120 or an object disposed between the inlet 111 and the outlet 131. In the direction along the reference axis AX1, a space 120 or object connected to the window portion 14 (lateral access path 170) is positioned between the entrance passage 110 connected to the entrance 111 and the exit passage 130 connected to the exit 131.

[0040] The side access path 170 extends at least in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1 and connects the external space and the internal space (space 120) of the nozzle body 640 spatially, optically, and / or so that energy passes through. The window portion 14 has a wall surface (inner wall surface, passage wall surface) 140 that extends at least in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1. For example, at least a portion of the side access path 170 is defined by the wall surface 140.

[0041] In one example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the window portion 14 (lateral access path 170) includes at least one of an opening 141 provided in the nozzle body 640 (head 54), a wall (energy transmission wall) 142 through which energy passes, and a waveguide 143 through which the energy propagates.

[0042] In one example shown in part (a) of FIG. 4 , multiple pillars (support pillars, connection portions) 12 extending along the reference axis AX1 are provided to connect the first portion 11 and the second portion 13. The multiple pillars 12 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction or in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1 so as to surround the reference axis AX1 and / or the space 120 including the reference axis AX1. The window portion 14 (side access path 170) includes one or more openings 141 provided between the multiple pillars 12. In another example, the window portion 14 (side access path 170) includes one or more openings 141 (e.g., holes, slits, etc.) provided in the nozzle body 640 (head 54). Physical access and contactless energy transfer to an object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1 are permitted through the openings 141 in the nozzle body 640 (head 54).

[0043] In an example shown in part (b) of FIG. 4 , one or more walls (energy transmission walls) 142 are provided between the first portion 11 and the second portion 13. The wall 142 extends along the reference axis AX1 and in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1 so as to face the reference axis AX1 and / or the space 120 including the reference axis AX1. Energy entering a first surface (outer surface) of the wall 142 passes through the wall 142 and exits from a second surface (inner surface). In one example, the wall 142 is arranged to surround substantially the entire reference axis AX1. In another example, the wall 142 is arranged to partially surround the reference axis AX1. For example, the wall 142 may be a transparent wall (e.g., an optical wall) capable of transmitting a predetermined energy beam, a mesh wall having a number of slits or holes, and / or any other wall capable of transmitting an energy beam. In the nozzle body 640 (head 54), non-contact energy transfer access is permitted through the wall 142 to an object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1.

[0044] In an example shown in part (c) of FIG. 4 , the nozzle body 640 (head 54) is provided with one or more waveguides 143 extending toward the reference axis AX1. The waveguides 143 face the space surrounding the reference axis AX1 and / or face an object located near the reference axis AX1. For example, the waveguides 143 are provided along the entire path from the outer surface (e.g., the outer surface 644) to the internal space or internal object. Alternatively, the waveguides 143 are provided along part of the path. The waveguides 143 may include optical fibers, waveguides, or other energy waveguides. The waveguides 143 are configured so that energy is guided therein in a direction toward the reference axis AX1. In the nozzle body 640 (head 54), non-contact energy transfer access to the object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1 is permitted via the waveguides 143.

[0045] In an example shown in part (a) of FIG. 5 , the window portion 14 has one or more openings 141 and one or more waveguides 143. The window portion 14 also has a first wall surface (inner wall surface, passage wall surface) 140A corresponding to the opening 141 and extending in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1, and a second wall surface (inner wall surface, passage wall surface) 140B corresponding to the waveguide 143 and extending in a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1. In the nozzle body 640 (head 54), physical access and non-contact energy transfer access to an object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1 are permitted via the opening 141. Furthermore, non-contact energy transfer access to an object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1 is permitted via the waveguide 143.

[0046] 5(b), the window portion 14 has one or more openings 141, one or more walls (energy transmission walls) 142, and a cap (cover) 145 attached to the opening 141. The cap 145 is attached to the nozzle body 640 (head 54) so ​​as to cover the opening 141 as necessary. In the nozzle body 640 (head 54), non-contact energy transmission access is permitted through the wall 142 to an object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1. Furthermore, when the cap 145 is removed, physical access is permitted through the opening 141 to the object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1.

[0047] Physical access to the object or space 120 located near the reference axis AX1 via the window 14 (side access path 170) is advantageous for maintenance, such as preventing clogging of the filament F. Furthermore, non-contact energy transmission to the filament F or the object near the reference axis AX1 via the window 14 (side access path 170) is advantageous for heating the filament F at a position close to the tip surface 135 of the nozzle 64 (head 54). Heating the filament F at such a position suppresses problems such as clogging of the filament F and achieves an improved modeling speed.

[0048] In one example, the head 54 (nozzle body 640) is disposed between the inlet passage (first passage) 110 and the outlet passage (second passage) 130, and has a cavity 122 that communicates with the window portion 14 (side access path 170). The cavity 122 has a larger cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area along a plane intersecting with the reference axis AX1) than the inlet passage 110 and the outlet passage 130. The cavity 122 having a relatively large cross-sectional area is advantageous for ease of maintenance, such as preventing clogging of the filament F, and for stable non-contact energy supply.

[0049] In one example, the window 14 (side access path 170) can have a structure that suppresses heat conduction between the first portion 11 and the second portion 13. Alternatively, the window 14 can have a structure that thermally isolates the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 from each other. For example, the window 14 has an opening, the window 14 includes a lower thermal conductive material (glass, resin, other non-metallic material, etc.) than the other portions, and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the component (frame, solid object) of the window 14 is smaller than that of the other portions. In such a structure, the amount of heat transferred from the second portion 13 to the first portion 11 is suppressed. By suppressing heating of the filament F in the first portion 11, clogging of the filament F in the first portion 11 is prevented. Furthermore, energy is utilized intensively and effectively near the tip of the second portion 13.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , energy (energy beam, energy flux) 70 from the energy supply device 7 is directed toward the reference axis AX1 from one or more predetermined directions intersecting the reference axis AX1. In an example shown in part (a) of FIG. 6 , the energy 70 is incident on an object or space located near the reference axis AX1 from one direction intersecting the reference axis AX1. In each of the examples shown in parts (b), (c), (d), and (e) of FIG. 6 , the energy 70 is incident on an object or space located near the reference axis AX1 from multiple directions spaced at circumferential intervals (equally or non-equally spaced) around the reference axis AX1. Energy is supplied toward the reference axis AX1 from multiple angular positions around the reference axis AX1. In this energy supply, concentration of the heated region in a certain range in the circumferential direction is avoided, and the filament softens relatively uniformly in the circumferential direction.

[0051] In three-dimensional printing, the direction of the filament bending changes according to the movement of the head (nozzle) relative to the print pass (the head movement relative to the target). Uniform softening of the filament allows the filament to appropriately deform in accordance with the head movement. This is advantageous for stabilizing material feed, improving the adhesion and / or cohesion of the filament on the target, and / or suppressing voids in the printed laminate. Reducing voids is advantageous for producing high-strength objects (resin laminate objects). For example, low-void resin objects produced by the three-dimensional printing apparatus of this embodiment can withstand use as insert parts in injection molding or press molding using a mold. Additionally, the direction of energy incidence, the number of energy incidences, and / or the magnitude of energy can be controlled in accordance with the movement of the head (nozzle). For example, the control device determines an appropriate bending direction of the filament F in accordance with the print pass and changes the direction of energy incidence in accordance with the movement of the head (nozzle). The softening state of the filament is controlled in accordance with the movement of the head so that the filament is easily deformed.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the window portion 14 is configured to allow energy to be incident on an object or space located near the reference axis AX1 parallel to and / or at an oblique angle with respect to a plane (reference plane RS1) perpendicular to the reference axis AX1. In Fig. 7, energy (energy beam, energy flux) 70 is directed parallel to or oblique to the reference plane RS1 perpendicular to the reference axis AX1.

[0053] In the examples shown in parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) of Figure 7, the window portion 14 has a wall surface 140 extending in a direction parallel to the reference plane RS1. The wall surface 140 defines at least a portion of an energy path 171 (lateral access path 170). In part (a) of Figure 7, the energy 70 is directed in a direction parallel to the reference plane RS1. In part (b) of Figure 7, the energy 70 is directed at an oblique angle relative to the reference plane RS1. In the energy path 171, the energy 70 moves toward the reference axis AX1 while approaching the tip surface 135. In part (c) of Figure 7, the energy 70 is directed at an oblique angle relative to the reference plane RS1. In the energy path 171, the energy 70 moves toward the reference axis AX1 while moving away from the tip surface 135 of the head 54 (nozzle 64). 7(d), a first energy 70 is directed parallel to the reference plane RS1, and a second energy 70 is directed at an oblique angle relative to the reference plane RS1. For example, the filament is heated in stages at multiple locations along the reference axis AX1. Additionally and / or alternatively, the first energy can be directed at an oblique angle relative to the reference plane RS1, and the second energy can be directed at a different oblique angle than the first energy.

[0054] In the examples shown in parts (e) and (f) of Figure 7, at least a portion of the energy paths 172, 173 (lateral access path 170) is defined by the wall surface 140. In part (e) of Figure 7, the wall surface 140 has a surface 148 extending in a direction parallel to the reference plane RS1 and an inclined and / or curved surface 146 extending in a direction at least oblique to the reference plane RS1. The inclined and / or curved surface 146 extends from the outer surface of the nozzle 64 (head 54) toward the reference axis AX1 while approaching the tip surface 135. In part (f) of Figure 7, the wall surface 140 has an inclined and / or curved circumferential surface 147 extending in a direction at least oblique to the reference plane RS1. The angled and / or curved circumferential surface 147 extends from the outer surface of the nozzle 64 (guide 54) toward the reference axis AX1, approaching the tip surface 135. In sections (e) and (f) of Figure 7, the angled and / or curved surface 146 or the angled and / or curved circumferential surface 147 further allows the energy 70 to be incident on the filament and / or nearby objects at an oblique angle relative to the reference plane RS1. Energy paths 172, 173 (lateral access paths 170) lead to spaces and / or objects near the tip surface 135 of the nozzle body 640. The energy 70, directed at an oblique angle, reaches a location near the tip surface 135.

[0055] Additionally and / or alternatively, first energy is directed to a first position in the direction along the reference axis AX1, and second energy different from the first energy is directed to a second position different from the first position in the direction along the reference axis AX1. For example, the first energy and the second energy differ from each other in the amount of energy (energy flux), cross-sectional area of ​​the energy, and / or type of energy. Additionally and / or alternatively, energy from multiple directions is collectively supplied to one position in the direction along the reference axis AX1. Alternatively, energy is collectively supplied to multiple positions in the direction along the reference axis AX1.

[0056] In one example, the position (energy irradiation position) where energy from the window portion 14 reaches an object or space near the reference axis AX1 is set to a position relatively close to the tip surface 135 of the nozzle 64 (head 54) in the direction along the reference axis AX1. In one example, when the diameter (maximum width) of the filament is 1, the axial distance (distance along the reference axis AX1) from the tip surface 135 to the energy irradiation position can be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or less. For example, energy is concentrated and supplied to the filament near the tip surface 135. This is advantageous for suppressing problems such as filament clogging and improving the modeling speed. In another example, the energy irradiation position is set to a position relatively far from the tip surface 135 of the nozzle 64 (head 54) in the direction along the reference axis AX1. Alternatively, multiple energy irradiation positions are set. The above numerical values ​​are only an example and are not limiting.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the nozzle 64 (head 54) includes a nozzle body 640, an inlet passage 110 provided in the nozzle body 640 and through which the filament F passes, an outlet 131 provided at a tip portion 642 of the nozzle body 640 and through which the filament F passes from the inlet passage 110, and a side access path 170 provided in the nozzle body 640 and leading to a space or object disposed between the inlet passage 110 and the outlet 131. The side access path 170 includes an opening 141 provided in the nozzle body 640. The nozzle body 640 has a plurality of pillars (support pillars, connecting portions) 12 arranged at intervals from one another around the reference axis AX1. The side access path 170 includes one or more openings 141 provided between the plurality of pillars 12. The nozzle body 640 has an inclined and / or curved surface 146 (wall surface 140) that extends toward the reference axis AX1 while approaching the tip surface 135 of the nozzle body 640. The inclined and / or curved surface 146 defines at least a portion of a lateral access path 170. The lateral access path 170 extends in at least a direction intersecting the reference axis AX1.

[0058] 8 , when the maximum width of the first portion (inlet portion) 11 of the nozzle body 640 is NW1 and the radial length (length along a direction perpendicular to the reference axis AX1) of the inclined and / or curved surface 146 is SL1, SL1 / NW1 can be approximately 1 / 20, 2 / 20, 3 / 20, 4 / 20, 5 / 20, 6 / 20, 7 / 20, 8 / 20, 9 / 20, or more. When the maximum width of the second portion (outlet portion) 13 of the nozzle body 640 is NW2 and the radial length (length along a direction perpendicular to the reference axis AX1) of the inclined and / or curved surface 146 is SL1, SL1 / NW2 can be approximately 1 / 20, 2 / 20, 3 / 20, 4 / 20, 5 / 20, 6 / 20, 7 / 20, 8 / 20, 9 / 20, or more. In one example, the axial length SL2 (length along the reference axis AX1) of the inclined and / or curved surface 146 can be larger than the axial length ND1 of the outlet passage 130. These are not limited to the example in FIG. 8 , and can be applied to various configurations having the inclined and / or curved surface 146. The relatively large size of the inclined and / or curved surface 146 is advantageous for realizing a configuration in which energy 70 is supplied to a position near the distal end surface 135 via the lateral access path 170. In other examples, ratios other than those described above can be used. The above numerical values ​​are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0059] In this embodiment, relative movement is performed between the nozzle 64 (head 54) and the table 3, and the filament F fed from the outlet 131 of the nozzle body 640 is placed on the table 3. Based on control of the height position of the tip surface 135 of the nozzle body 640 relative to the table 3 (the distance between the target surface and the tip surface 135), etc., the filament F is pressed between the tip surface 135 and the target surface of the table 3. The filament F is pressed immediately after emerging from the nozzle 64 (head 54), thereby improving the adhesiveness and / or adhesion of the filament F in the laminated structure.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 8 , the second portion 13 of the nozzle body 640 may have an inner curved surface 136 that smoothly transitions between the second wall 132 and the tip surface 135. The inner curved surface 136 is formed as a transition surface between the second wall 132 and the tip surface 135. The second wall 132 and the tip surface 135 are connected via the inner curved surface 136. The second portion 13 has a continuous surface including the inner curved surface 136 and the tip surface 135. For example, the continuous surface including the inner curved surface 136 and the tip surface 135 has a smooth convex contour. The filament is guided from the outlet passage 130 toward the tip surface 135. When the nozzle 64 (head 54) moves in a predetermined direction, the filament from the second wall (inner wall surface) 132 of the outlet passage 130 is fed via the inner curved surface 136 toward the tip surface 135 (a region located rearward in the movement direction). The filament is appropriately brought into contact with the inner curved surface 136 and the tip surface 135. The filament is smoothly deformed to conform to the inner curved surface 136.

[0061] In one example, the second portion 13 of the nozzle body 640 may have an outer inclined and / or curved surface 137 connecting the outer surface of the second portion 13 and the tip surface 135. The outer inclined and / or curved surface 137 is angled with respect to a plane perpendicular to the reference axis AX1. The outer inclined and / or curved surface 137 has an inclination or curvature that extends toward the reference axis AX1 as it approaches the tip surface 135 of the nozzle body 640. For example, if the surface of a layer of filament F previously placed on the table 3 has an uneven surface, the tip 642 of the nozzle 64 (head 54) may come into contact with the filament layer. When the nozzle 64 (head 54) moves in a predetermined direction, the outer inclined and / or curved surface 137 is disposed obliquely facing the filament layer approaching from the front. The outer inclined and / or curved surface 137 reduces contact between the filament layer and the nozzle 64 and / or gently presses the protrusions of the filament layer, thereby preventing the filament layer from collapsing during the printing process.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 8 , the nozzle 64 (head 54) can include a heating structure 15 that heats the second portion 13. Examples of the heating structure 15 include an electric heater (surface heater, plate heater, aluminum foil heater, cartridge heater), high-frequency heating, induction heating, ultrasonic heating, and laser heating. In one example, the heater 15 is provided inside the second portion 13. In one example, the heating structure 15 is provided separately from the energy supply device 7 for the energy 70. The heat from the heating structure 15 suppresses a temperature drop of the filament softened by the energy 70. This is advantageous for stabilizing material feed, improving adhesion and / or cohesion of the filament on the target, and / or suppressing voids in the print laminate (resin laminate object). In another example, the energy supply device 7 and the heating structure 15 are integrated. Alternatively, the heating structure 15 is included in the energy supply device 7. The second portion 13 is heated using the energy 70. Additionally and / or alternatively, a sensor may be provided to detect the temperature of the second portion 13. For example, in the printing process, the feed speed, energy output, etc. may be controlled based on the temperature of the second portion 13.

[0063] In one example, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 , the second portion (pressing body) 13 can have various shapes. As shown in the examples of parts (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 9 , the outer shape of the second portion 13 can be approximately circular, approximately elliptical, or approximately polygonal. The tip end (tip end surface) of the second portion 13 is arranged to surround the reference axis AX1 over the entire circumference. The tip end surface (pressing surface) of the second portion 13 can reliably press the filament in response to changes in the movement of the head (nozzle) according to the printing pass. As shown in the examples of parts (d), (e), and (f) of FIG. 9 , the outer shape of the second portion 13 can be approximately semicircular (partial semicircular), approximately rectangular (partial rectangular), or approximately semipolygonal (partial polygonal). The tip end surface of the second portion 13 is arranged to partially surround the reference axis AX1. Even with this shape, the tip surface (pressing surface) of the second portion 13 is positioned rearward in the direction of travel of the nozzle, so that the filament can be pressed between the second portion 13 and the target.

[0064] In one example, the material, size, and / or weight of the second portion 13 are set so that the heat capacity (thermal time constant) of the second portion 13 is relatively small. In another example, the material, size, and / or weight of the second portion 13 are set so that the heat capacity (thermal time constant) of the second portion 13 is relatively large. When the time constant of heat transfer in the second portion 13 is relatively small, the temperature of the second portion 13 is raised in a short time and / or the temperature control of the second portion 13 has high responsiveness. On the other hand, when the time constant of heat transfer in the second portion 13 is relatively large, temperature changes in the second portion 13 are suppressed, and the temperature of the second portion 13 is maintained stably.

[0065] 10 and 11 , the second portion 13 of the nozzle 64 includes a base member 190 and a tip member 191 disposed on the base member 190. The tip member 191 is made of the same material as the base member 190 or a different material. In one example, the tip member 191 is detachably attached to the base member 190. In another example, the tip member 191 is bonded to the base member 190. The tip member 191 has an outlet passage 130 through which the filament from the inlet passage 110 passes. For example, the outlet passage 130, the outlet 131, the second wall 132, and at least a portion of the tip surface (pressing surface) 135 are provided on the tip member 191. The filament is pressed between the tip surface 135 of the tip member 191 and the target.

[0066] 10 , the window portion 14 (side access path 170) includes an opening 141 provided in a nozzle body 640. The nozzle body 640 has an inclined and / or curved surface 146 (wall surface 140) that extends toward the reference axis AX1 while approaching the tip surface 135 of the nozzle body 640. The inclined and / or curved surface 146 extends in a direction at least oblique to a plane perpendicular to the reference axis AX1. The energy path 172 (side access path 170) is configured to connect to the tip member 191. Additionally and / or alternatively, the wall surface 140 may have a surface perpendicular to the reference axis AX1.

[0067] In FIG. 11 , the window portion 14 has one or more energy paths 173 (side access paths 170) extending toward the reference axis AX1. The nozzle body 640 has an inclined and / or curved circumferential surface 147 (wall surface 140) extending toward the reference axis AX1 while approaching the tip surface 135 of the nozzle body 640. The inclined and / or curved circumferential surface 147 extends in a direction at least oblique to a plane perpendicular to the reference axis AX1. At least a portion of the energy path 173 (side access path 170) has a waveguide structure and / or a structure different from a waveguide. The energy path 173 (side access path 170) faces the tip member 191 near the reference axis AX1. Additionally and / or alternatively, the wall surface 140 may have a surface perpendicular to the reference axis AX1.

[0068] 10 and 11 , energy 70 directed horizontally and / or at an oblique angle is incident on the tip member 191 near the distal end surface 135 via a lateral access path 170. The energy, delivered non-contact, such as with a laser beam, quickly heats up the tip member 191. For example, the filament quickly softens within the exit passage 130 of the tip member 191. For example, the outer size (radial size and / or axial size) of the tip member 191 may be ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅕, ⅙, ⅚, �ninth, ⅝tenth, or less of the outer size of the nozzle body 640. Other ratios are possible in other examples. The above values ​​are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 1 , the three-dimensional printing method includes a first step of preparing a head 54 (nozzle 64), a second step of disposing a filament F fed from the head 54 on a first target, and a third step of disposing the filament F fed from the head 54 on a second target. As shown in FIG. 3 , the head 54 includes a first portion (guide portion, guide body) 11, a second portion (pressing portion, pressing body) 13, and a window portion 14. The second step includes pressing the filament F between the second portion 13 and the first target. The third step includes pressing the filament F between the second portion 13 and the second target. For example, the first target is one surface of a table 3, and the second target is a filament (filament layer) previously placed on the table 3. In the third step, a next filament is placed on top of the previously placed filament on the table 3. At least one of the second and third steps further includes supplying energy to the inside of the head 54 through the window portion 14 in a non-contact manner to heat the filament F.

[0070] The control device 8 has a first mode in which the filament (printing material) F supplied from the nozzle 64 is continuously placed on the table 3 along a printing path to form a sheet-like material layer. The sheet-like material layer includes at least two adjacent elements (e.g., multiple line elements arranged adjacent to each other) formed at substantially different times. The sheet-like material layer includes a first segment formed by a first printing movement at a first timing and a second segment formed by a second printing movement at a second timing substantially different from the first timing and adjacent to the first segment. The shape of the sheet-like material layer is not limited to a rectangle. The sheet-like material layer can include various shapes, such as a polygonal shape, a linear shape, a curved shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and an annular shape. The sheet-like material layer may include a notch, an opening, or a folded portion.

[0071] Non-contact energy transmission heats and melts the filament F in a short time. In addition, non-contact energy transmission is advantageous for heating the filament F at a position close to the tip surface of the head 54 (nozzle 64). This suppresses problems such as clogging of the filament F, and improves the modeling speed.

[0072] 12 and 13 , the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 can further include a fourth mechanism (thermal compression mechanism) 400 having a heating roller 81 as a heating body provided separately from the second portion 13. The heating roller 81 can heat and press the filament F on the table 3. A tip surface of the head 54 (nozzle 64) presses a first region of the filament F (filament layer) on the table 3, and the heating roller 81 presses a second region of the filament F (filament layer) on the table 3. For example, the second region (second pressing target region) is set wider than the first region (first pressing target region).

[0073] The heating roller 81 has a roller body and a heater disposed inside the roller body. The heater of the heating roller 81 generates heat under the control of the control device 8. Examples of heating means for the heating roller 81 include an electric heater (cartridge heater, heat roll), high-frequency heating means, induction heating means, ultrasonic heating means, and laser heating means. For example, the heating roller 81 has a support member and a roller body whose peripheral surface or spherical surface moves in the circumferential direction as it is pressed against the filament F during the printing operation. In another example, the heating roller 81 has a support member and a roller body having a stationary curved surface and / or a stationary flat surface that is pressed against the filament F during the printing operation.

[0074] The control device 8 causes the heating roller 81 to press the filament F on the modeling table 3 during stacking of the filament F. The filament F on the modeling table 3 is pressed by the heating roller 81 in a softened state, reducing gaps between intermediate portions of the filament F. Furthermore, the adhesiveness and / or adhesion between intermediate portions of the filament F is improved.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the control device 8 has a first mode (part (a) of FIG. 13 ) in which a filament (printing material) F supplied from a nozzle 64 is continuously placed on the table 3 along a printing path to form a sheet-like material layer FL. In the first mode, relative movement (print movement, print mode movement) is performed between the nozzle 64 and the modeling table 3. After the first mode, the control device 8 includes a second mode (part (b) of FIG. 13 ) in which the material layer FL is compressed by the heating member (heating roller) 81 while performing relative movement between the table 3 and the heating member (heating roller) 81. The material layer FL to be compressed may consist of one layer (single layer) or multiple layers. Alternatively and / or additionally, the three-dimensional printing device 1 may be configured such that a compression device including a fourth mechanism (thermal compression mechanism) 400 is additionally installed relative to the initial device. The compression device may include an attachment mechanism. In addition, in the compression device, at least a portion of the first mechanism 100, the second mechanism 200, and the third mechanism 300 can be shared as the fourth mechanism 400. Alternatively, in the compression device, a portion of the fourth mechanism 400 can be shared as a portion of the first mechanism 100, the second mechanism 200, and the third mechanism 300.

[0076] Generally, when the filament F contains fibers, specific phenomena such as fiber twisting are likely to occur, especially in curved portions of the printing pass. As shown in FIG. 13B, the control device 8 performs relative movement (compression mode movement) between the modeling table 3 and the heating roller 81 so that the printing pass and the movement direction of the heating roller 81 intersect at least partially. For example, at curved portions of the printing pass, the extension direction of the printing pass and the relative movement direction of the heating roller 81 intersect. The filament F is reliably thermally compressed not only in the extension portions of the printing pass but also in the turning portions (curved portions). Even when the filament F contains fibers, the resin of adjacent line elements in the material layer FL is reliably bonded. This is advantageous for improving the mechanical properties of a fiber-containing modeled object.

[0077] In a modified example shown in FIG. 14 , the fourth mechanism (thermal compression mechanism) 400 includes a heating roller 81 whose roller body has a shape other than a cylindrical shape. In one example, the heating roller 81 has at least a portion of a spherical or curved surface. Setting the contact area of ​​the heating roller 81 with the material layer FL to be small enables precise thermal compression processing. The control device 8 ( FIG. 12 ) includes a first mode in which the filament (printing material) F supplied from the nozzle 64 is continuously placed on the modeling table 3 along a printing path to form a sheet-like material layer FL, and a second mode in which, after the first mode, the heating roller 81 compresses the material layer FL along a compression path while moving the modeling table 3 and the heating member (heating roller) 81 relative to each other. In one example, the compression path of the heating roller 81 is set to at least partially align with the printing path. In another example, the inclination of the compression path of the heating roller 81 is set so that the compression path of the heating roller 81 is at least partially at a predetermined angle with respect to the printing path. For example, the compression path of the heating roller 81 intersects with the printing path. In one example, the heating roller 81 is provided separately from the nozzle 64 (head 54, head unit 5). In another example, the heating roller 81 is attached to the head unit 5. In the first mode, the formation of the material layer FL is performed using the nozzle 64, and in the second mode, the thermal compression of the material layer FL is performed using the heating roller 81.

[0078] 12 and 14, after the filament F is fed onto the table 3, the filament F is heated and pressed during the lamination process. For example, adjacent elements of the material layer approach each other and join together. This promotes adhesion and / or close contact between adjacent elements and upper and lower layers in the material layer, further reducing voids. A resin laminated object with high mechanical properties can be provided.

[0079] An example of this embodiment will be described in detail below. In one example, as shown in Fig. 1, the head 54 is located below the filament drive roller 52 and ejects the filament F supplied from above downward. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the head 54 has a guide portion (first portion, guide body) 11, a support pillar (pillar, connection portion) 12, and a pressing portion (second portion, pressing body) 13.

[0080] The guide portion (guide body) 11 is located above the pressing portion 13 and guides the filament F supplied from the filament drive roller 52 toward the pressing portion 13. The guide portion 11 guides the filament F supplied from above so that it heads toward the pressing portion 13. The guide portion 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an inlet passage (central opening) 110 that penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0081] The inlet passage 110 is a through hole through which the filament F is inserted. The guide portion 11 prevents the filament F inserted into the inlet passage 110 from being displaced horizontally relative to the pressing portion 13. The filament F before heating is inserted into the inlet passage 110 of the guide portion 11. Softening of the filament in the guide portion 11 is prevented, and clogging of the inlet passage 110 due to adhesion of the filament F to the inner wall surface of the inlet passage 110 is prevented.

[0082] For example, the shape of the guide portion 11 is cylindrical, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the shape of the guide portion 11 does not need to be circular when viewed from above. Furthermore, the shape of the inlet passage 110 does not need to be circular when viewed from above. In another example, the guide portion 11 may be a rectangular parallelepiped block, and the cross-sectional shape of the inlet passage 110 may be rectangular.

[0083] The support pillars 12 are portions that connect the guide portion 11 and the pressing portion 13. The support pillars 12 are formed in a columnar shape, and three of them are provided. When viewed from above, these support pillars 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the inlet passage 110 of the guide portion 11. Each support pillar 12 is connected to the guide portion 11 at its upper end and to the pressing portion 13 at its lower end. In other words, the support pillars 12 connect the guide portion 11 and the pressing portion 13 while they are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0084] By connecting the guide portion 11 and the pressing portion 13 to the support column 12, a window portion 14 (laser irradiation opening) exposing the filament F is formed between the guide portion 11 and the pressing portion 13. In other words, the support column 12 connects the pressing portion 13 and the guide portion 11 so that the window portion 14 exposing the filament F is formed between the pressing portion 13 and the guide portion 11.

[0085] Laser light 70 (energy, energy beam) is irradiated from the laser irradiation unit 7 onto the filament F through the window 14. The filament F is heated by the laser light 70 supplied through the window 14. The pressing unit 13 presses the heated filament F against the discharge target. For example, if the discharge target is on the surface of the modeling table 3, the pressing unit 13 presses the filament F against the surface of the modeling table 3. For example, if the discharge target is a filament F that has been placed earlier, the pressing unit 13 presses the filament F against the filament F that has been placed earlier.

[0086] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the pressing portion 13 is formed in an annular shape with a through-hole (exit passage) 130 provided in the center. Also, as shown in Figure 16, the pressing portion 13 has a pressing surface (tip surface) 135 located outside the through-hole 130. The pressing surface 135 is the lower surface (surface on the discharge target side) of the pressing portion 13, and is the surface that presses the filament F against the discharge target. For example, the pressing surface 135 is a flat surface. In other examples, the pressing surface 135 can have a shape other than a flat surface.

[0087] The pressing portion 13 is formed in an annular shape, and the pressing surface 135 is provided so as to surround the through-hole 130. Therefore, regardless of whether the head 54 (head unit 5) is moved in the X direction or the Y direction, the pressing surface 135 presses the filament F against the discharge target.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 16 , the pressing portion 13 has a connecting surface (inner curved surface) 136 that connects the pressing surface 135 and the inner wall surface (second wall surface) 132 of the through hole 130. The connecting surface 136 is curved so that the central portion between the inner wall surface 132 of the through hole 130 and the pressing surface 135 bulges out. As shown in Fig. 16 , the surface of the pressing portion 13 from the inner wall surface 132 of the through hole 130 via the connecting surface 136 to the pressing surface 135 is formed as a smooth surface without any curved portions.

[0089] 16, the pressing portion 13 has a connection surface connecting the upper surface to the inner wall surface 132 of the through hole 130, a connection surface connecting the pressing surface 135 to the outer wall surface of the inner wall surface 132, and a connection surface connecting the upper surface to the outer wall surface of the through hole 130, all of which are curved so that the central portions bulge out. The entire surface of the pressing portion 13 is formed as a smooth surface without any curved portions.

[0090] The head 54 can be formed as an integrated structure by, for example, cutting out a metal block. That is, the guide portion 11, the support column 12, and the pressing portion 13 can be integrally formed from a single metal block. In another example, the guide portion 11, the support column 12, and the pressing portion 13 may be separate bodies that are connected to each other by screws, welding, or the like.

[0091] 16 , the head 54 includes a heater 15. The heater 15 heats the pressing portion 13. The heater 15 is housed inside the pressing portion 13. The filament F is heated by irradiation with laser light 70 through the window portion 14. For example, the heater 15 may heat the pressing portion 13 to such an extent that the heated filament F is not cooled on the surface of the pressing portion 13.

[0092] Here, in order to heat the filament F from room temperature to the target temperature using only the heater 15, it is necessary to heat the pressing portion 13 to a temperature higher than the target temperature and to lengthen the time the filament F passes through the pressing portion 13 (slow down the feeding speed of the filament F). On the other hand, in a method of heating the filament F by irradiating it with laser light 70, it is not necessarily necessary to heat the pressing portion 13 to a temperature higher than the target temperature using the heater 15. Also, there is little need to ensure a long processing time due to the amount of heat transferred from the pressing portion 13 to the filament F. For example, the heater 15 may heat the pressing portion 13 to the same temperature as the target temperature. In another example, the pressing portion 13 is heated to a temperature different from the target temperature.

[0093] Returning to FIG. 1 , the head movement mechanism 6 is a mechanism that moves the head unit 5 in the X and Y directions. The head movement mechanism 6 includes an X-axis driver 61 and a Y-axis driver 62. The X-axis driver 61 moves the head unit 5 in the X direction under the control of the control device 8. The Y-axis driver 62 moves the head unit 5 in the Y direction under the control of the control device 8. In other words, the head movement mechanism 6 moves the head unit 5 two-dimensionally in the X and Y directions under the control of the control device 8.

[0094] The laser irradiation unit (energy supply device) 7 is a unit that irradiates the filament F with laser light 70 through the window portion 14. A plurality of laser irradiation units 7 are provided so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction around the filament F (the inlet passage 110 of the guide portion 11) as viewed from above. Three laser irradiation units 7 are provided, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0095] Each laser irradiation unit 7 is disposed between two support columns 12 so that the laser light 70 does not interfere with the support columns 12. Note that each laser irradiation unit 7 may be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the pressing portion 13 within a range in which the laser light 70 does not interfere with the support columns 12. Furthermore, each laser irradiation unit 7 is fixed to the guide portion 11, and is capable of horizontal movement together with the head 54.

[0096] When viewed from above, each laser irradiation unit 7 is disposed radially outward of the through-hole 130 of the pressing portion 13. Each laser irradiation unit 7 emits laser light 70 downward and radially inward of the pressing portion 13. The laser light 70 emitted from such a laser irradiation unit 7 is irradiated onto the filament F near the upper end of the through-hole 130 of the pressing portion 13.

[0097] The control device 8 controls the lifting device 4, the head unit 5, the head moving mechanism 6, and the laser irradiation unit 7. For example, the control device 8 controls the lifting device 4 to cause the lifting device 4 to lift and lower the head unit 5. The control device 8 also controls the head unit 5 to cause the head unit 5 to eject the filament F. The control device 8 also controls the laser irradiation unit 7 to cause the laser irradiation unit 7 to heat the filament F. The control device 8 also controls the head moving mechanism 6 to cause the head moving mechanism 6 to horizontally move the head unit 5.

[0098] Next, the operation of the three-dimensional printing device 1 will be described.

[0099] The control device 8 controls the lifting device 4 to adjust the position of the modeling table 3 in the Z direction. Here, the control device 8 controls the lifting device 4 so that the distance from the head unit 5 to the modeling surface of the modeling table 3 is a distance suitable for discharging the filament F.

[0100] Next, the control device 8 causes the head unit 5 to discharge the filament F. The filament F wound around the bobbin 50 is pulled out from the bobbin 50 by the filament drive roller 52 and sent to below the filament drive roller 52. The filament F sent to below the filament drive roller 52 is supplied to the head 54.

[0101] The filament F supplied to the head 54 is guided toward the pressing unit 13 by being inserted into the inlet passage 110 of the guide unit 11. At this time, the filament F passes through the window 14 provided between the guide unit 11 and the pressing unit 13.

[0102] 18 is a schematic diagram showing how the laser beam 70 is irradiated onto the filament F. As shown in this figure, the control device 8 causes each laser irradiation unit 7 to emit the laser beam 70. The laser beam 70 emitted from the laser irradiation unit 7 is irradiated onto the filament F at the window portion 14. The filament F is heated and softened by being irradiated with the laser beam 70 from the laser irradiation unit 7 at the window portion 14. The softened filament F passes through the through hole 130 of the pressing portion 13 and is discharged downward from the head 54.

[0103] 1 , the control device 8 controls the head moving mechanism 6 to move the head unit 5 while causing the head unit 5 to discharge a filament F. The control device 8 controls the head moving mechanism 6 to move the head unit 5 in the X direction and the Y direction based on data of a modeling body input from the outside.

[0104] When the head unit 5 is moved in the X and Y directions in this manner, the softened filament F is pressed downward by the pressing surface 135 of the pressing unit 13. By pressing the filament F in this softened state, the adhesion of the peripheral surfaces of the intermediate portions of adjacent filaments F is improved. Furthermore, because the filament F is pressed in a softened state, when the lowest filament F is pressed, the adhesion between the lowest filament F and the modeling table 3 is also improved.

[0105] For example, the control device 8 forms a shaped body by stacking multiple layers of filaments F in the Z direction. At this time, the control device 8 divides the shaped body into multiple layers that are stacked in the Z direction, and sequentially forms each layer. The control device 8 forms one layer using the filaments F continuously discharged from the head unit 5 by causing the head moving mechanism 6 to move the head unit 5 in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0106] When the control device 8 completes the discharge of the filament F that forms one layer, it causes the head unit 5 to stop discharging the filament F and cuts the filament F, for example, with a cutting device (not shown). Thereafter, the control device 8 causes a new layer to be formed on top of the previously formed layer. Here, the control device 8 causes the lifting device 4 to lower the modeling table 3. Specifically, the control device 8 causes the lifting device 4 to lower the modeling table 3 by the thickness of one layer. Furthermore, the control device 8 causes the lifting device 4 to move the modeling table 3 again below the head unit 5. Furthermore, the control device 8 causes the head unit 5 to discharge a new filament F so that it is layered on the filament F that was previously placed on the modeling table 3.

[0107] By repeating such an operation, the control device 8 forms a model on the modeling table 3 based on data input from the outside.

[0108] For example, the head 54 extrudes a filament F including a resin portion F1 and a fiber F2. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the head 54 includes a pressing portion 13, a guide portion 11, and a support column 12. The pressing portion 13 presses the filament F against an object to be extruded. The guide portion 11 guides the filament F toward the pressing portion 13. The support column 12 connects the pressing portion 13 and the guide portion 11 so that a window portion 14 exposing the filament F is formed between the pressing portion 13 and the guide portion 11.

[0109] The head 54 has a window 14 between the pressing unit 13 and the guide unit 11. Therefore, by irradiating the filament F with laser light 70 through the window 14, the filament F can be heated instantaneously. In addition, the filament F is heated on the pressing unit 13 side rather than the guide unit 11. This prevents the filament F from adhering to the guide unit 11 and clogging it. Furthermore, the heated filament F can be pressed against the discharge target by the pressing unit 13, ensuring that the filament F is tightly attached to the discharge target. The molding speed using a filament F containing fiber F2 can be improved.

[0110] The surface of the pressing portion 13 facing the discharge target is a pressing surface 135 for pressing the filament F. The pressing portion 13 is formed in an annular shape with a through hole 130 provided in the center when viewed from the guide portion 11 side.

[0111] The head 54 has a pressing portion 13 formed in an annular shape, and a pressing surface 135 is provided so as to surround the through-hole 130. Therefore, regardless of whether the head 54 is moved in the X direction or the Y direction, the pressing portion 13 can press the filament F against the discharge target.

[0112] The pressing portion 13 also has a connection surface 136 that connects the pressing surface 135 and the inner wall surface 132 of the through hole 130. The connection surface 136 is curved so that the central portion between the inner wall surface 132 and the pressing surface 135 bulges out.

[0113] The surface of the pressing portion 13 is formed as a smooth surface without any bent portions from the inner wall surface 132 of the through hole 130 through the connection surface 136 to the pressing surface 135. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the filament F from being damaged by the surface of the pressing portion 13.

[0114] The head 54 also has a heater 15 that heats the pressing portion 13. This prevents the filament F heated by the laser light 70 from coming into contact with the pressing portion 13, thereby preventing the temperature from decreasing and preventing the filament F from adhering to the pressing portion 13.

[0115] Furthermore, the heater 15 is housed inside the pressing unit 13. There is no need to provide an installation space for the heater 15 outside the pressing unit 13. This is advantageous for realizing a compact three-dimensional printing device 1.

[0116] The three-dimensional printing device 1 also includes the head 54 and the modeling table 3. The modeling table 3 supports the filament F discharged from the head 54. By including the head 54, the modeling speed using the filament F containing the fiber F2 can be improved.

[0117] The three-dimensional printing device 1 also includes a laser irradiation unit 7 that irradiates the filament F with laser light 70 through the window portion 14. For example, the filament F is heated using the laser irradiation unit 7 without irradiating the filament F with laser light from outside the device.

[0118] The three-dimensional printing device 1 also includes a plurality of laser irradiation units 7 arranged in the circumferential direction around the filament F. Laser light 70 can be irradiated onto the filament F from a plurality of directions. This allows the filament F to be heated evenly.

[0119] The three-dimensional printing device 1 is also provided with a head moving mechanism 6 that can move the head 54. The laser irradiation unit 7 is fixed to the head 54 and can move together with the head 54. The laser irradiation unit 7 can be moved to always follow the head 54, and the filament F can be stably heated. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for moving the laser irradiation unit 7 separately from the head moving mechanism 6, this is advantageous for miniaturizing the three-dimensional printing device 1.

[0120] For example, one filament F is supplied to the head 54. In another example, a plurality of filaments F may be simultaneously supplied to the head 54. In such a case, the plurality of filaments F can be heated simultaneously by the laser light 70.

[0121] The number of laser irradiation units 7 can be changed in various ways. For example, if the filament F can be heated with one or two laser irradiation units 7, the number of laser irradiation units 7 may be reduced to less than three. When the number of laser irradiation units 7 is reduced, the opening area of ​​the window portion 14 of the head 54 may be reduced. For example, if there is only one laser irradiation unit 7, a configuration in which the window portion 14 is opened only at a position facing the laser irradiation unit 7 may be adopted.

[0122] Also, for example, the heater 15 is housed in the pressing portion 13. In other examples, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the heater 15 is disposed on the surface of the pressing portion 13 or the heater 15 is disposed away from the pressing portion 13.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, the pressing portion 13 has an annular shape. In another example, for example, when the movement direction of the head 54 is limited, the pressing portion may be configured to be a part of an annular shape. Also, for example, a configuration including a roller-shaped pressing portion may be adopted.

[0124] For example, the modeling table 3 may be moved in the Z direction by the lifting device 4, and the head unit 5 may be moved in the X and Y directions by the head moving mechanism 6. In another example, it is sufficient that the head 54 is movable in the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the modeling table 3, and for example, the head unit 5 may be movable in the X, Y, and Z directions. Also, the modeling table 3 may be movable in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0125] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0126] It should be noted that the relative movement between the first member and the second member described herein may include movement of the first member relative to the second member, movement of the second member relative to the first member, and / or movement of both the first member and the second member.

[0127] In one embodiment, a head for a three-dimensional printing device includes: a first portion that guides a resin filament along a reference axis, the first portion having a first wall facing the reference axis; a second portion that guides the resin filament from the first portion along the reference axis, the second portion having a second wall facing the reference axis and a tip surface that intersects the reference axis, the second portion being between the tip surface and a target and through which the resin filament is pressed; and a window portion that allows physical access and / or non-contact energy transfer to an object or space located between the first wall of the first portion and the tip surface of the second portion.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the window portion may be configured to allow energy to be incident on the object or the space from a plurality of directions spaced apart around the reference axis.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the window portion may be configured to allow energy to be incident on the object or the space at an oblique angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the reference axis.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the second portion may further include an inner curved surface that provides a smooth transition between the second wall and the tip surface.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the head for the three-dimensional printing apparatus may further include a heating structure for heating the second portion.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the head for the three-dimensional printing device may further include a heating element provided separately from the second portion, wherein the resin filament is further pressed between the heating element and the target.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the resin filaments can be filaments that include a thermoplastic resin and a fibrous reinforcement material, or can be filaments that include a thermoplastic resin and are substantially free of a fibrous reinforcement material.

[0134] In one embodiment, a nozzle for a three-dimensional printing device includes a nozzle body, an inlet passage provided in the nozzle body through which a resin filament passes, an outlet provided at a tip of the nozzle body through which the resin filament passes from the inlet passage, and a lateral access path provided in the nozzle body leading to a space or object disposed between the inlet passage and the outlet.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the lateral access path may include at least one of an opening in the nozzle body, a wall through which energy is transmitted, and a waveguide through which energy is propagated.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the nozzle body may include a plurality of posts spaced apart from one another around a reference axis, and the lateral access path may include one or more openings provided between the plurality of posts.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the nozzle body may further comprise an inclined and / or curved surface extending toward the reference axis while approaching the tip surface of the nozzle body and defining at least a portion of the lateral access path.

[0138] In one embodiment, the three-dimensional printing apparatus includes the head or the nozzle, and a table that supports the resin filament from the head or the nozzle.

[0139] In one embodiment, a three-dimensional printing method includes: a first step of preparing a head having a guide body, a pressing body, and a window portion; a second step of arranging a resin filament fed from the head on a first target, the second step including pressing the resin filament between the pressing body and the first target; and a third step of arranging the resin filament fed from the head so as to overlap the resin filament as a second target on the first target, the third step including pressing the resin filament between the pressing body and the second target, wherein at least one of the second step and the third step further includes supplying energy to the inside of the head through the window portion in a non-contact manner to heat the resin filament.

[0140] In the above embodiment, at least one of the second step and the third step may include further pressing the resin filament between a heating body provided separately from the pressing body and the first target or the second target.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the resin filament can be a filament containing a thermoplastic resin and a fibrous reinforcement material, or a filament containing a thermoplastic resin and substantially free of a fibrous reinforcement material.

[0142] In one embodiment, a head for a three-dimensional printing device is a head for a three-dimensional printing device that ejects a filament including a thermoplastic resin and a fibrous reinforcing material, and includes a pressing unit that presses the filament against an object to be ejected, a guide unit that guides the filament toward the pressing unit, and a connection unit that connects the pressing unit and the guide unit so that an opening for laser irradiation that exposes the filament is formed between the pressing unit and the guide unit.

[0143] In the above embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which the pressing portion has a surface on the side of the object to be discharged that is the pressing surface for the filament, and is formed in a ring shape with a through hole in the center when viewed from the guide portion side.

[0144] In the above embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which the pressing portion has a connection surface that connects the pressing surface and the inner wall surface of the through hole, and the connection surface is curved so that the central portion between the inner wall surface and the pressing surface bulges.

[0145] In the above embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a heating section is provided to heat the pressing section.

[0146] In the above embodiment, a configuration may be employed in which the heating portion is housed inside the pressing portion.

[0147] In one embodiment, a three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a head for the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the above embodiment, and a table that supports the filament discharged from the head for the three-dimensional printing apparatus.

[0148] In the above embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a laser irradiation unit is provided that irradiates the filament with laser light through the laser irradiation opening.

[0149] In the above embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of the laser irradiation units are arranged in a circumferential direction around the filament.

[0150] In the above embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a moving mechanism is provided that can move the head for the three-dimensional printing device, and the laser irradiation unit is fixed to the head for the three-dimensional printing device and can move together with the head for the three-dimensional printing device.

[0151] In the above embodiment, a laser irradiation opening is provided between the pressing portion and the guide portion. Therefore, the filament can be instantaneously heated by irradiating the filament with laser light through the laser irradiation opening. Furthermore, in the present invention, the filament is heated on the pressing portion side rather than the guide portion. Therefore, the present invention can prevent the filament from adhering to the guide portion and clogging the guide portion. Furthermore, the present invention can press the heated filament against the discharge target by the pressing portion, ensuring that the filament is firmly attached to the discharge target. As such, the present invention can improve the modeling speed using a filament containing a fibrous reinforcing material.

[0152] 1... Three-dimensional printing device, 2... Frame, 3... Modeling table (table), 4... Elevating device, 5... Head unit, 6... Head moving mechanism (moving mechanism), 7... Energy supply device (laser irradiation unit), 8... Control device, 11... First part (guide part), 12... Support column (connection part), 13... Second part (pressing part), 14... Window part, 15... Heating structure (heater), 51... Carriage, 52... Filament drive roller, 53... Motor 54...head, 61...X-axis drive device, 62...Y-axis drive device, 64...nozzle, 70...energy (laser light), 81...heating body (heating roller), 110...first passage (inlet passage), 112...first wall, 120...space, 130...second passage (outlet passage), 131...outlet, 132...second wall, 135...tip surface (pressure surface), 136...inner curved surface, 141...opening, 170...side access path, 164...nozzle body, F...filament

Claims

1. A head for a three-dimensional printing device, comprising: a first portion that guides a resin filament along a reference axis, the first portion having a first wall facing the reference axis; a second portion that guides the resin filament from the first portion along the reference axis, the second portion having a second wall facing the reference axis and a tip surface that intersects the reference axis, the second portion against which the resin filament is pressed between the tip surface and a target; and a window portion that allows physical access and / or non-contact energy transfer to an object or space located between the first wall of the first portion and the tip surface of the second portion.

2. The head according to claim 1, wherein the window portion is configured to allow energy to be incident on the object or the space from a plurality of directions spaced apart around the reference axis.

3. A head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the window portion is configured to allow energy to be incident on the object or the space at an oblique angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the reference axis.

4. A head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second portion further comprises an inner curved surface that provides a smooth transition between said second wall and said tip surface.

5. A head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a heating structure for heating the second portion.

6. The head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a heater provided separately from the second portion, the resin filament being further pressed between the heater and the target.

7. A head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the resin filament is a filament containing a thermoplastic resin and a fibrous reinforcing material, or a filament containing a thermoplastic resin and substantially not containing a fibrous reinforcing material.

8. A nozzle for a three-dimensional printing device, comprising: a nozzle body; an inlet passage provided in the nozzle body and through which a resin filament passes; an outlet provided at a tip of the nozzle body and through which the resin filament passes from the inlet passage; and a lateral access path provided in the nozzle body and leading to a space or object disposed between the inlet passage and the outlet.

9. The nozzle of claim 8, wherein the lateral access path includes at least one of an opening in the nozzle body, a wall through which energy is transmitted, and a waveguide through which energy is propagated.

10. A nozzle as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the nozzle body comprises a plurality of posts spaced apart from one another around a reference axis, and the lateral access path includes one or more openings between the posts.

11. A nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the nozzle body further comprises an inclined and / or curved surface extending towards the reference axis approaching the tip surface of the nozzle body and defining at least a portion of the lateral access path.

12. A three-dimensional printing device comprising: a head according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a nozzle according to any one of claims 8 to 11; and a table that supports the resin filament from the head or the nozzle.

13. A three-dimensional printing method comprising: a first step of preparing a head having a guide body, a pressing body, and a window portion; a second step of arranging a resin filament fed from the head on a first target, the second step including pressing the resin filament between the pressing body and the first target; and a third step of arranging the resin filament fed from the head so as to overlap the resin filament serving as a second target on the first target, the third step including pressing the resin filament between the pressing body and the second target, wherein at least one of the second step and the third step further includes supplying energy to the inside of the head via the window portion in a non-contact manner to heat the resin filament.

14. The three-dimensional printing method according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the second step and the third step includes further pressing the resin filament between a heating body provided separately from the pressing body and the first target or the second target.

15. The three-dimensional printing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the resin filament is a filament containing a thermoplastic resin and a fibrous reinforcing material, or a filament containing a thermoplastic resin and substantially no fibrous reinforcing material.

Images