JP6044864B1 - Modeling material discharge head and modeling method - Google Patents

Abstract

Even when discharge ports are very close to each other to form a flow path, it is possible to independently control the accurate amount of modeling material discharged from the discharge ports without interfering with each other between adjacent discharge ports. Disclosed is a discharge head and a forming method. A modeling material is formed by forming a through hole and a groove in one or two or more joined plate-like bodies and closing both ends of the through hole with a second flow path plate and a third flow path plate. And a flow path structure 1 having a plurality of discharge ports communicating with the flow path in parallel in a line shape. Then, the first heating plate 2 for melting the modeling material in the flow channel is formed on one surface of the flow channel structure 1, and a plurality of flow channels are individually heated on the opposite surface side in the flow channel. And a second heating plate 3 for discharging the modeling material. A gap or the like is formed between the first flow path plate 11 and the flow path of at least the third flow path plate 13 adjacent to at least the discharge port side. [Selection] Figure 1A

Description

  The present invention relates to a modeling material discharge head that discharges modeling material and a modeling method for three-dimensional modeling when a three-dimensional model is manufactured by a three-dimensional printer. More specifically, a plurality of discharge ports are arranged in a line at a narrow interval so that different modeling materials can be discharged, while causing an interaction when discharging between adjacent flow paths and discharge ports. The present invention also relates to a modeling material discharge head and a modeling method that can be manufactured at low cost and that allow easy control of modeling material ejection.

  In recent years, manufacturing a three-dimensional model using a computer with a three-dimensional printer has been actively performed. In such a three-dimensional printer, a three-dimensional model is expressed as an aggregate of cross-sectional shapes. Therefore, the three-dimensional printer manufactures a modeled object by discharging the modeling material to a predetermined place while moving the nozzle for discharging the modeling material in three dimensions or moving the modeling table on the modeled object side. Examples of methods for forming such a model include an optical modeling method, a powder bonding method, a sheet deposition method, a resin extrusion method, and an ink jet method (see Patent Document 1). The ink jet method is most frequently used. However, in order to produce a large model, a material that can be melted by raising the temperature, such as a thermoplastic resin or a metal with a low melting point, can eject a large amount of modeling material at a time. preferable.

  Furthermore, if the discharge ports are arranged in parallel and the modeling material can be discharged at a plurality of locations at the same time, the modeled object can be manufactured more quickly. On the other hand, when forming an image by ejecting ink with an ink jet printer, there is known an ejection head called a line head in which ejection openings are arranged in a line. However, such a line head type printer has a plurality of discharge ports connected in parallel to the front end side of the flow path through which the same print material passes, and uses a piezo element to discharge the print material for each discharge port. (For example, see Patent Document 1). When trying to make a model using such an inkjet printer, it is difficult to use a material with high viscosity as the discharge material, the discharge amount is small and the modeling speed is slow, even if there are multiple discharge ports, Due to the fact that only the same discharge material can be discharged at the discharge port, and that the photo-curing type and piezo element have a large influence on the discharge amount due to temperature, it is not suitable for producing large shaped objects. .

  On the other hand, as a discharge head using a melting type modeling material such as a thermoplastic resin, for example, a discharge head as shown in FIG. 8 is known (see Non-Patent Document 1). That is, the nozzle 161 is screwed into one end side of the heater block 163, the barrel 162 is screwed into the other end side, and a wire-shaped or rod-shaped modeling material is inserted into the barrel 162. Then, the modeling material is fed at a constant rate by the barrel 162, the modeling material is heated and melted by the heat of the heater block 163, and the molten modeling material is discharged from the discharge port 161 a at the tip of the nozzle 161 by a certain amount. The The position of the discharge port 161a is controlled by a computer so as to draw a desired three-dimensional figure and relatively moves in the xyz direction. Thereby, the melt | dissolved modeling material is discharged and the modeling thing of a desired three-dimensional shape is produced. A heater (not shown) is provided around the heater block 163, and the heater block 163 is raised to a predetermined temperature so that the modeling material is melted.

JP 2013-67035 A

"Digital manufacturing starting with a 3D printer" (Kazuo Kadota, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, page 103)

  As described above, in the case of an ink jet printer, the discharge ports can be arranged in a line and ink can be discharged simultaneously from different numbers of discharge ports to different locations. However, even in this case, the ink material discharged from some of the plurality of discharge ports is discharged from the same flow path, and does not supply separate modeling material to each discharge port. Also, the ink material ejected using a piezo element or the like becomes a material having a low viscosity such as a liquid, and the ejection amount is very small (even if the ejection amount is increased, the viscosity is small so that it does not accumulate) and is small. Even if a three-dimensional model can be manufactured, there is a problem that it is unsuitable when a large three-dimensional model is manufactured quickly.

  In addition, in a conventional discharge head for discharging a melt-type modeling material, there is no head having discharge ports in a line shape, and there is no choice but to arrange discharge heads as shown in FIG. However, the heater block 163 itself is large, and further, a temperature detecting means such as a heater, a thermocouple, and a thermistor is required around the heater block 163, the interval between the discharge ports is increased, and the pitch of the discharge ports is increased. End up. Therefore, there is a problem that a large and large shaped object cannot be obtained efficiently. Based on this point of view, the present applicant has developed a discharge head having a simple structure using a plate-like body, and has filed applications for PCT / JP2015 / 079183 and PCT / JP2015 / 079184. With this structure, it is possible to easily form a large number of discharge ports in a line shape simply by arranging the through holes in the plate-like body. However, in this application, a heating plate is abutted and joined to one side wall of the flow path. On the other hand, if a through-hole is obstruct | occluded using a metal plate with large heat conductivity, the same flow path structure using a plate-shaped body can be obtained easily.

  In addition, when a large amount of modeling material is discharged from the discharge port, the surface becomes various shapes, and it is not possible to obtain a desired planar shape with a certain thickness. There is also a problem that the desired shape is not achieved. Furthermore, when the modeling object becomes large, even if the modeling table is heated, the surface portion of the formed modeling object on which the modeling material is newly discharged changes from the temperature of the modeling table, and the cured state changes. Therefore, a temperature difference becomes large with the modeling material newly discharged. As a result, the compatibility of the modeling materials at the interface deteriorates, and there is a problem in that the bonding is insufficient and peeling occurs, the deformation occurs and the film is deformed later, or cracks occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the interval between the ejection ports of the ejection head of the above-mentioned patent application filed by the present applicant can be made very narrow and narrow. Even in such a case, an object is to provide a discharge head and a modeling method capable of independently controlling an accurate discharge amount of a modeling material from the discharge ports without interfering with each other between adjacent discharge ports.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a new object by heating the temperature of the object in the vicinity of the portion where the object is always discharged even when the object to be formed becomes large, while relatively moving with the object. A discharge head and a modeling method in which a temperature difference between a modeling material discharged to a layer and a portion to which a stacked modeling object is discharged is reduced, and peeling or thermal distortion is hardly caused in a portion where the discharging material is stacked. Will provide.

  Still another object of the present invention is to eliminate the large unevenness (not including the one that improves the adhesion between layers due to the small unevenness of the surface) such that the ejected modeling material protrudes in a mountain shape, and is automatically macroscopic. It is an object of the present invention to provide a discharge head and a forming method capable of smoothly laminating a forming material that is flattened and then discharged.

  The discharge head for discharging the modeling material of the present invention is formed in one or two or more joined plate-like bodies, and communicates with the elongated through-hole for making the modeling material flow and the channel. A plurality of discharge ports formed at end portions of the plate-like body are arranged in parallel in a line shape, and are provided on both sides of the first flow path plate for discharging the modeling material and the first flow path plate, respectively. A second flow path plate and a third flow path plate that collectively close the plurality of through holes to form a plurality of closed flow paths, and the second flow path plate or the third flow path. A first heating plate that is provided on the side of the road plate opposite to the flow path and that melts the modeling material in the flow path.

  The first flow path plate and at least the third flow path plate are at least partially connected via the gap between the flow paths adjacent to the discharge port side, or the first flow path plate or the It is preferable that the connection is made with a material having a smaller thermal conductivity than the third flow path plate.

  As the modeling material, any material can be used as long as it is melted and solidified, and various materials such as a thermoplastic resin and a metal having a low melting point are used, and the shape is also powder, wire, ribbon-like plate, pellet It can be applied to various shapes such as microcapsules. In addition, any material can be applied, such as fillers containing pigments for coloring to resin materials, metal powders or the like that have conductivity and materials having different melting temperatures. The above-described pellets, microcapsules, and the like can change the color and material of the discharge from the same channel continuously or discontinuously. In the case of a ribbon (film, flat plate), the transfer to the material supply port is easy even if it is continuous or intermittent, and the melting time can be shortened and the cross section is flat because it is flat. In circular stacking, space is interposed (about 20% in volume is wasted) and the packing density is high, so that storage and transportation of materials are convenient.

  The heating member capable of heating the surface on which the modeling material is discharged on the surface of the modeling object formed by discharging the modeling material is provided on the second channel plate side or the third channel plate side. By being provided on either side, the newly ejected part of the shaped object is heated, and the temperature of the ejected modeling material is close to the temperature of the ejected part of the modeled object, so the adhesion of the joint Will improve.

  In addition, the molding plate that smoothes the unevenness of the surface on which the modeling material is discharged on the surface of the modeling object formed by discharging the modeling material is more relative to the flow channel structure than the discharge port. By being provided on the side of the general moving direction, the discharged modeling material can be automatically flattened while the ejection head and the modeled object relatively move. In this case, it is possible to obtain flattening having surface roughness by forming small irregularities on the contact surface of the molding plate with the modeling material. In this case, by forming protrusions and grooves on the contact surface of the molded plate with the molded object, grooves and protrusions can be formed in the molded object. For example, a conductive material is embedded in the groove to form a wiring. Or, it is also possible to change the bulk specific gravity by forming a space inside the modeled object.

A modeling method for producing a three-dimensional modeled object according to the present invention includes: 1 or two or more joined plate-like bodies, an elongated through-hole for forming a flow path for flowing a modeling material, and communication with the flow path A plurality of discharge ports formed in the end of the plate-like body in parallel, each being provided on both sides of the first flow path plate and the first flow path plate for discharging the modeling material. A second flow path plate that forms a plurality of flow paths that are closed by collectively closing the plurality of through holes, and a third flow path plate, and the second flow plate. The molding material is discharged using a discharge head provided on the opposite side of the channel plate or the third channel plate from the channel and having a first heating plate that melts the modeling material in the channel. And forming a shaped article while laminating.

  According to the present invention, since the flow path and the discharge port are formed by forming the through hole and the groove in the plate-like body, the flow having a plurality of discharge ports (nozzles) in a line shape at a very small pitch. The road structure can be formed very easily. In addition, a gap is formed between the flow paths on the discharge port side, the connecting portion is made to have a very narrow width, or the structure is connected with a material having a smaller thermal conductivity than the plate-like body. Thus, even when a specific flow path is heated and discharged from each flow path, for example, by the second heating plate shown in FIG. 4A, the heat from the adjacent flow path and the discharge port is conducted and discharged accidentally. There is nothing. At this time, for example, by adhering or solidifying a part or the whole of the gap with an adhesive made of an inorganic material, not only can the displacement of the nozzle (discharge port) be prevented, but also the flow path bonded and adhered It is also possible to prevent peeling of the plate. Furthermore, the material supply port side is formed by a resin block that contacts the flow path structure, and the material supply port is formed by forming a through hole in the resin block, so that the interval can be narrowed, The pitch of the discharge ports can be further reduced. Moreover, by making the supply material into a ribbon-like or pellet-like flat structure, melting can be performed in a short time and the interval between the discharge ports can be further narrowed. As a result, it is possible to form a high-density and high-density shaped article while forming a plurality of discharge ports in a line shape.

  In addition, before the modeling material is further laminated on the surface of the modeling object, a part of the modeling object to which the modeling material is discharged is heated and then a new modeling material is discharged. By shaping the shaped object while leveling the unevenness of the surface of the shaped object, the laminated surface comes into close contact, and the shaped object can be formed with a beautiful laminated surface. And distortion does not generate | occur | produce in the interface of the surface of the modeling object formed by discharge of modeling material, and the modeling material newly laminated | stacked, and it becomes difficult to produce peeling, a crack, etc.

  Furthermore, by providing a molding plate in the flow path structure or in the vicinity thereof, the surface of the discharged modeling material is automatically molded by the relative movement of the ejection head and the modeling table, and large irregularities are made smooth. . In this case, adhesion between the modeling materials to be laminated can be improved by forming fine irregularities on the surface of the molded plate. As a result, when a modeling material is further discharged onto the surface, a beautiful laminated structure is formed. Moreover, the above-mentioned effect is acquired by intentionally forming unevenness | corrugation in a shaping | molding board.

It is side surface explanatory drawing of one Embodiment of the discharge head of this invention. It is B view which is the material supply port side of FIG. 1A. It is a figure similar to FIG. 1B, and is a figure which shows another structural example. It is a figure similar to FIG. 1B, and is a figure which shows another structural example. It is a figure similar to FIG. 1B, and is a figure which shows another structural example. FIG. 1B is a F view of the discharge port side in FIG. 1A. It is a partially expanded explanatory view which shows the other example of the discharge outlet of FIG. 1A. It is a partially expanded explanatory view which shows the further another example of the discharge outlet of FIG. 1A. It is a top view of the 1st channel board of Drawing 1A. It is a top view of the 2nd channel plate (3rd channel plate) of Drawing 1A. It is a top view which shows a part of modification of FIG. 2A. It is DD sectional drawing of FIG. 2C. It is a figure which shows the modification of the 1st flow-path board of FIG. 2A. It is a figure which shows the modification of the 2nd flow-path board of FIG. 2B. It is an example of the plane explanatory view of the insulating substrate surface of the 1st heating plate of Drawing 1A. It is an example of the side view of the 1st heating plate of FIG. 1A. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the pattern of the heating resistor of the 2nd heating plate of FIG. 1A. It is a figure explaining the discharge mechanism of the modeling material of the 2nd heating plate. It is explanatory drawing of the side which shows other embodiment of the discharge head of this invention. It is the figure seen from the material supply port side which shows the other structural example of the crimping | compression-bonding member of FIG. 5A. It is a figure similar to FIG. 5B which shows the modification of FIG. 5B. It is a figure which shows a part of other structural example of the material supply port of FIG. 5A. It is a figure explaining the change of the pitch of an ejection position when inclining the row | line | column of the ejection opening of the ejection head of FIG. 5A with respect to x direction, and scanning and ejecting in ay direction and x direction. It is a figure which shows the example of a drive circuit which controls the insulated substrate of a heating board | substrate to predetermined temperature. It is a circuit diagram which shows an example of substrate temperature control. It is sectional explanatory drawing which shows an example of the nozzle for discharge of the conventional modeling material.

  Next, a discharge head 100 that discharges the modeling material of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1F show a side view (FIG. 1A) of an embodiment of the ejection head 100 of the present invention, and its B view and F view thereof, and FIGS. Further, plan explanatory views of examples of the second flow path plate 12 and the third flow path plate 13 are respectively shown. In the ejection head 100 of this embodiment, a through hole and a groove are formed in one or two or more joined plate-like bodies, and both ends of the through hole are closed by the second flow path plate 12 and the third flow path plate 13. In this way, the flow path structure 1 has a flow path 111 for flowing the modeling material and a plurality of discharge ports 112 communicating with the flow path 111 in parallel in a line shape. And the 1st heating plate 2 which melt | dissolves the modeling material in the flow path 111 on one surface of the flow path structure 1, and in the example shown by FIG. 1A, several flow paths are provided on the opposite surface side. And a second heating plate 3 that individually heats 111 and discharges the modeling material in the flow path 111. In one embodiment, through grooves (voids) 115 and 122 (see FIGS. 2A to 2B) are provided between the first flow path plate 11 and at least the third flow path plate 13 between the flow paths 111 adjacent to at least the discharge port 112 side. Or connected by a thin coupling part 116 so as to have a gap 115 (see FIGS. 2C to 2D), or connected by a material having a smaller thermal conductivity than the first flow path plate 11 or the third flow path plate 13. Yes.

  However, as shown in other embodiments to be described later, when there is little problem of crosstalk to the adjacent flow path 111 (discharge port 112), there is no such through groove 115, 122, etc. A flat plate-like first flow path plate 11 and a second flow path plate as shown in 2C to 2D (the third flow path plate 13 has the same shape as the second flow path plate 12) may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the first flow path plate 11 is used as the flow path 111 on a stainless steel plate (a material having a thermal expansion coefficient close to that of ceramics) having a thickness of about 1 mm. And a through hole 113 for inserting a Teflon (registered trademark) tube (hereinafter referred to as a material supply tube) 61 (see FIGS. 1A to 1B) for supplying a modeling material is formed. ing. A discharge port 112 is formed at the end opposite to the through hole 113. The discharge port 112 has a discharge port 112 smaller than the flow channel 111, for example, by forming a concave groove extending in the end portion in communication with the flow channel 111 in one first flow path plate 11. . In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of the flow paths 111 are formed in parallel. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2A, a through groove 115 is formed through the first flow path plate 11 so that at least the discharge port 112 side of the flow path 111 is separated from each other. The through-hole serving as the flow path 111, the through-hole 113 for the material supply tube 61 or the barrel, and the through-groove 115 serving as the separation gap are formed by punching the outer shape simultaneously with a die or the like. The Moreover, the groove | channel used as the discharge port 112 can be simultaneously formed as a groove | channel which is not punched with the metal mold | die for punching. However, a groove that does not penetrate, such as the discharge port 112, may be formed by half etching or the like. Therefore, any number of flow paths 111 and discharge ports 112 can be easily arranged in a line.

  The through hole for the flow path 111 is formed, for example, with a width D of about 2 mm, and a flow area having a cross-sectional area of 2 mm × 2 mm (1 mm thickness × 2) by overlapping the two first flow path plates 11. A path 111 is formed. The diameter E of the through hole 113 for inserting the material supply tube 61 or the barrel is about 3.2 mm, and the material supply tube 61 having an outer diameter of 3.2 mm can be inserted. In addition, a discharge port 112 is formed continuously with the flow path 111 at the front end side of the flow path. For example, the discharge port 112 is formed by a groove having a width (length in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface) of 0.4 mm, a depth F of 0.2 mm × 2, and a length H of about 1 mm. This concave groove is formed on the opposing surface of the two flow path plates 111, and the two flow path plates 111 are overlapped to form a discharge port 112 having a cross-sectional area of 0.4 mm × 0.4 mm. Yes. The discharge port 112 does not have such a rectangular shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 1G (described later), an enlarged view showing another example of the vicinity of one discharge port 112 in FIG. 1F is circular. But it is formed in the same way. Furthermore, the gap G of the separation groove 115 between the flow paths 111 is less than 2 mm. The separation groove 115 suppresses heat conduction between adjacent flow paths, and if there is even a slight gap, the heat conduction is cut off and is effective. Further, when the gap is large and the mechanical strength is lowered, as shown in FIG. 2C, the gap is connected by a connecting portion 116 or a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first flow path plate 11 (for example, inorganic). A part of the material can be fixed with an adhesive made of a material. This will be described later.

  As described above, when the deformation is easily caused by thermal expansion or the like, the mechanical strength is maintained by forming the connecting portion 116 in the separation groove 115 as shown in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 2C. However, heat conduction can be suppressed. The width M of the connecting portion 116 is, for example, about 0.8 to 1.2 mm. Since it is only necessary to counteract the force to suppress deformation due to thermal expansion, the effect is sufficiently exhibited even if it is thin. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2D, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 2C, the heat conduction can be suppressed while further maintaining the mechanical strength by forming the groove 116 a in the flow path plate 11. If the depth of the groove is too deep, the purpose of improving the mechanical strength cannot be achieved, so about 1/3 to 1/2 of the plate thickness is preferable. 2C, the connecting portion 116 is preferably formed at a portion closer to the discharge port 112 on the channel 111 side than the discharge port 112. As shown in FIG. This is because when the discharge port 112 portions are connected, heat conduction increases between adjacent discharge ports 112 and crosstalk is likely to occur. However, since the tip of the discharge port 112 is easily deformed, it is preferable to be as close to the discharge port 112 as possible.

  As will be described later, not the material supply tube 61 but a resin block 63 (see FIG. 1C) is provided to abut against the flow channel structure 1 and communicates with each flow channel 111 through the resin block 63. When the material supply port 6 (see FIG. 1C) is formed by forming the through hole, the through hole 113 for inserting the material supply tube 61 of the first flow path plate 11 is formed, for example. 2 is formed in the shape shown by the dimension K in FIG. 2A, and the resin block is provided by abutting at the end. However, the dimension K can be made longer than the length of the first heating plate 2 or the like. Moreover, a groove | channel etc. can also be formed in an abutting part.

  The length K of the flow path 111 including the discharge port 112 is, for example, about 9.2 mm, but can be changed as appropriate. Further, the pitch P of the ejection ports 112 is formed, for example, at about 5 mm. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the length L is about 13.7 mm and the width W is about 50 mm. In addition, 114 is a groove | channel which absorbs the surplus part of the adhesive agent when it bonds together with the two 1st flow path plates 11 and the 2nd or 3rd flow path plates 12 and 13, for example, is 0.6 mm wide. It is formed to a depth of about 0.2 mm. This groove 114 can also be formed at the same time as the above-described die punching. As the adhesive, since the modeling material is raised to the melting temperature, it is necessary to have heat resistance. For example, when the melting temperature is low, the organic adhesive is used, and when the melting temperature is high, the inorganic adhesive is used. An agent or the like can be used.

Each of the above-mentioned dimensions is an example, and is not limited to the value. For example, as the size of the channel 111, the is 3.5 mm ² ～4.0Mm about ² cross-sectional area, the size of the discharge port 112 may be formed about 0.16mmm ² ~0.4mm ^2. The shape and position of the discharge port 112 are not limited to the above example, and are not limited to the rectangular shape as described above, but may be a circle as shown in FIG. 1G or an elliptical shape (not shown). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1H, it is not necessary to form both on the facing surfaces of the first flow path plate 11, and it may be formed only on one flow path plate 11. In this case, although the discharge port is displaced from the center, there is no particular problem because the discharge head 100 and the modeling table are relatively moved. When the discharge port 112 is formed only in one flow path plate 11, the groove is formed in both of the two flow path plates 11 by increasing the width of the groove or increasing the depth. The discharge port 112 having the same size as that formed can be formed. FIG. 1H is an enlarged explanatory view of the vicinity of one ejection port 112 in FIG. 1F as in FIG. 1G. The depth of the groove of the discharge port 112 is not particularly limited as long as the mechanical strength of the flow path plate 11 can be maintained, but is preferably about 1/3 to 1/2 of the plate thickness. .

  In the first flow path plate 11, since the flow path 111 is formed only by the through holes, it is necessary to close both ends of the through holes. Therefore, the second flow path plate 12 and the third flow path plate 13 are attached to both surfaces of the first flow path plate 11. Even if the second flow path plate 12 is not provided, it can be blocked by the first heating plate 2 described later. However, if a gap occurs, the modeling material leaks and the joint surface is likely to float, so that a thin metal plate is formed. It is preferable to be pasted. The second flow path plate 12 may be the same as the third flow path plate 13 or may be formed in a different shape. For example, although the 2nd flow path plate 12 is provided in contact with the 2nd flow path plate 12 and the 1st heating plate 2 mentioned later, the 1st heating plate 2 does not need to change temperature by each flow path 111 In that case, the through-grooves 115 between the flow paths 111 are not formed, and a continuous plate-like body as shown in FIG. 2F may be used.

  An example of the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13 is shown in a plan view similar to FIG. 2A in FIG. 2B. That is, the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13 are formed so as to overlap both surfaces of the first flow path plate 11 described above, and a blocking portion 121 is provided at a portion corresponding to the flow path 111. Is formed. In this example as well, a through groove 122 serving as a gap is formed between the closed portions 121 corresponding to the adjacent flow paths 111. In this case as well, as in the case of the first flow path plate 11 described above, the connecting portion 116 (see FIG. 2C) or the second or third flow path plate 12, It may be fixed by a material having a thermal conductivity smaller than 13. Further, such a through groove 122 or the like may not be formed in the second flow path plate 12. This is because it is necessary to heat each flow path 111 so that the modeling material inside is melted. However, the blocking portion 121 needs to be formed in the same shape, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the second flow path plate 12 may also have a through groove 122 or the like formed between the flow paths 111. If it is made common, the number of parts is reduced and the cost is reduced.

  As described above, the second and third flow path plates close both ends of the through holes of the first flow path plate 11 forming the flow path 111. The modeling material in the flow path 111 is brought into a molten state by the first heating plate 2 provided therethrough. Moreover, the 3rd flow path plate 13 is provided with the 2nd heating plate 3 on the opposite side to the flow path 111, and the heating for discharging the modeling material in the specific flow path 111 may be performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13 are particularly excellent in heat conduction. Therefore, a copper plate or aluminum metal plate having a thickness of about 0.8 mm thinner than the first heating plate 11 is used. Moreover, when the attachment parts 12a and 13a are not formed as in the example shown in FIG. 5A and the like to be described later, a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm is used. In addition, when the modeling material in each flow path 111 is discharged by another means without the 2nd heating plate 3, the 3rd flow path plate 13 does not have any restrictions, such as formation of the through-groove 123. Not receive.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the length L2 is longer than the length L1 of the first flow path plate 11, and is formed to be about 23.5 mm. This is bent as long as the first flow path plate 11, that is, between the center portion of the through hole 125 and the upper end portion of the drawing (see FIG. 1A), and the mounting portions 12a and 13a at the tips thereof. This is because the side can be easily attached to a mounting plate (not shown). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, which will be described later, the mounting portions 12a and 13a at the tip may be omitted by using another mounting structure. The through-hole 125 is a hole for inserting the above-described material supply tube 61 (see FIG. 1A) or a barrel, and a concave groove 124 is formed so that the material supply tube 61 can be inserted up to the flow path 111. . Moreover, the linear groove | channel 123 is a groove | channel for absorbing the excess part of an adhesive agent when bonding with the 1st flow-path board 11. As shown in FIG. This adhesive may be the same as the adhesive used when the first flow path plate 11 is bonded. The circular through hole 126 is a mounting hole for mounting on the mounting plate (not shown).

  As described above, the first flow path plate 11 and the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13 form the discharge port 112 (see FIG. 1F) in a line shape at one end as shown in FIG. 1A. Thus, the flow channel structure 1 having the material supply ports 6 that can supply the modeling material to the respective flow channels 111 at the other ends is obtained. In addition, the plate thickness of these flow path plates 11, 12, and 13, each dimension, the size and shape of the discharge port 112, the number of the flow paths 111, the material, and the like are examples, and are limited to these examples. is not. Moreover, the 1st flow path plate 11 may be formed by 1 sheet, without bonding 2 sheets, and 3 or more sheets may be bonded together. By bonding two sheets, it is easy to form the discharge port 112 at the center of the discharge head 100. Furthermore, it may be a structure that is not bonded by an adhesive but is fixed by a screw or the like, or an adhesive and a screw may be used in combination. The point is that the flow path structure 1 having a large number of flow paths 111 and discharge ports 112 and independent material supply ports 6 in each flow path 111 is formed by a plate-like body. A plurality of discharge ports 112 may be formed in one flow path 111.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B, the material supply port 6 is formed by the hollow portion of the material supply tube 61. However, the material supply port 6 is not limited to this example, and may be formed by a through hole provided in the resin block 63, for example, as shown in a plan view similar to FIG. 1B in FIG. 1C. As described above, the resin block 63 has a structure in which the first flow path plate 11 shown in FIG. 2A is cut at a length K or a little longer (a structure in which a portion for forming the through hole 113 is eliminated). And provided so as to abut against the end portion thereof. A material supply port 6 is formed in the resin block 63 by forming a through hole communicating with each flow path 111.

  By adopting this structure, it is not necessary to bother to insert the material supply tube 61, it can be easily manufactured, and it is not necessary to form a hole for inserting the material supply tube 61 in the flow path plate 11, The pitch of the material supply port 6 can be made very small. As a result, the pitch of the discharge ports 112 can be reduced. The resin block 63 is formed of the same material as the material supply tube 61, that is, a fluororesin. Thereby, it is preferable because the modeling material hardly adheres. The size of the resin block 63 is, for example, as high as the length of the material supply tube 61, as wide as the outer diameter of the material supply tube 61, and long enough to cover the plurality of flow paths 111. It is formed.

  Furthermore, by using the resin block 63 as shown in FIG. 1C, as shown in FIGS. 1D to 1E, the shape of the through-hole formed in the resin block 63, that is, the material supply port 6 is made rectangular. You can also By using such a rectangular material supply port 6, a ribbon or a pellet can be used as a modeling material instead of a conventional wire filament. By using this ribbon or pellet, there is an advantage that it is easy to melt when melted in the flow path 111, and more space is taken than a wire-like material for the same amount when transporting and storing the modeling material. Since it is not, handling becomes easy. As shown in FIG. 1E, the interval between the flow paths 111 can be further narrowed by forming the rectangular through holes vertically long (a shape having a narrow width in the direction in which the plurality of flow paths 111 are arranged). In the example shown in FIGS. 1C to 1E, the interval is wide since it is drawn in accordance with the pitch of the flow paths 111 (discharge ports 112) in FIG. 1B, but it can be made narrower.

  FIG. 1F is a F view of the ejection head 100 shown in FIG. 1A and is a plan view seen from the ejection port 112 side. As described above, the discharge port 112 communicates with each flow path 111 and is formed in parallel with the central portion of the discharge head 100. As described above, the discharge port 112 is formed by a concave groove formed in the first flow path plate 11, and the two sheets are bonded together to form a square discharge port 112 as shown in FIG. 1F. Is formed at the center of the ejection head 100.

  The shape and position of the discharge port 112 can be formed in various shapes and positions as shown in enlarged views of only the portion of the discharge port 112 in FIGS. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 1G, the shape of the discharge port 112 is circular. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 1H, the discharge port 112 is formed only by the concave groove formed in only one first flow path plate 11. Therefore, the position of the discharge port 112 is offset from the center of the discharge head 100. The size is also half the height. However, even if the discharge port 112 is not at the center, there is no problem because the discharge head 100 and the modeling table 95 (see FIG. 5A) are relatively moved. Moreover, even if the depth of the discharge port 112 becomes shallow, the cross-sectional area can be adjusted to the same level by increasing the width.

  In the above-described example, the first flow path plate 11 and the third flow path plate 13 on the side where at least the second heating plate is provided are formed by the through grooves 115 and 122 between the adjacent flow paths 111 at least on the discharge port 112 side. An example is shown in which the connection is made by a gap, or a connection part 116 or a connection part made of a material having low thermal conductivity. As described above, since the heat conduction is suppressed between the adjacent flow paths, the discharge control from each flow path 111 is not disturbed. However, when the interval between the flow paths 111 is large or the influence of heat conduction between adjacent flow paths 111 is small, such through grooves 115 and 122 and means for reducing heat conduction are not provided. Also good. The second flow path plate 12 is not so different from the direct formation of the first heating plate 2 if the heat conduction is good. In addition, the third flow path plate 13 originally needs a thin plate as a blocking plate, and may be a continuous plate-like body as long as there is no influence of heat conduction. Examples are shown in FIGS.

  The example shown in FIG. 2E is a modification of the first flow path plate 11 shown in FIG. 2A, and the through groove 115 is not formed. However, a groove 114 that allows excess adhesive to escape is formed extending to the tip on the discharge port 112 side. The formation of such a groove 114 also has an effect of suppressing heat conduction when the adhesive is not completely filled. That is, the heat conduction is larger than that connected by the connecting portion 116 described above, but the same effect is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 2F, the second flow path plate 12 and the third flow path plate 13 also eliminate the through groove 122 of the second flow path plate 12 shown in FIG. It is a plate-like body that is not separated, and a groove 123 that allows excess adhesive to escape is formed on the back surface and extends to the end on the discharge port 112 side. Other shapes are the same as the structure shown in FIG. 2B, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  A first heating plate 2 is provided on the second flow path plate 12 side of the flow path structure 1. Even if this 1st heating plate 2 is not adhere | attached, it should just be closely_contact | adhered. This is a heating source for bringing the modeling material in the flow path 111 of the flow path structure 1 into a molten state.

  For example, FIG. 3A shows a plan view of the first heating plate 2 with the protective film 26 (see FIG. 3B) removed, and FIG. 3B shows a side view with the protective film 26 attached. It has a structure. That is, the first heating plate 2 is provided with a protective film 26 (see FIG. 3B) made of a glass material or a ceramic plate on the heating resistor 22 and the temperature measuring resistor 23 formed on the insulating substrate 21. The heating resistor 22 and the like are protected. A lead 27 (see FIG. 3B) is led out by connecting to the electrode 24 of the heating resistor 22 and the temperature measuring terminal 25 of the temperature measuring resistor 23. The lead 27 is connected to the electrode 24 and the temperature measuring terminal 25 by a high melting point solder or an inorganic conductive adhesive when heat resistance is required for a temperature of 500 ° C. or higher. Further, as will be described later, it has a temperature control means including a driving circuit for the heating resistor 22 and a measurement circuit for measuring the temperature of the insulating substrate 21, and controls the current flowing through the heating resistor 22 to control the insulating substrate. There is a control means for controlling the drive circuit so that the temperature 21 becomes a predetermined temperature.

  Although not shown, the connecting portion between the lead 27 and the electrode 24 or the temperature measuring terminal 25 is protected by a protective member so that the lead 27 does not break at the connecting portion. In FIG. 3A, for clarity of illustration, the temperature measuring terminals 25 for temperature measurement are indicated by the same reference numerals only at the temperature measuring terminals 25 at both ends and in the center, but the temperature measurement terminals 25 are drawn from the middle. A temperature terminal may be formed. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, two heating resistors 22 and a temperature measuring resistor 23 are provided, but the number and shape are not limited to these examples. Further, the electrode 24 and the temperature measuring terminal 25 are not provided at both ends of the heating resistor 22 and the temperature measuring resistor 23, respectively, and one terminal can be connected to be a common terminal. Further, for example, the heating resistor 22 can be continuously connected in two rows or more to take out the terminal from the middle.

  The first heating plate 2 has the same structure as a conventional heating head used for recording or erasing on a card or the like, and has a heating resistor 22 and a temperature measuring resistor 23 on one surface of the insulating substrate 21. Are provided via a glaze layer made of a glass layer (not shown). The heating resistor 22 can be formed in various shapes, but in the example shown in FIG. 3A, two linearly extending in the direction in which the flow paths 111 are parallel so as to cover the plurality of parallel flow paths 111. The heating resistor 22 is formed. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the lower side of the drawing is formed so as to be on the discharge port 112 side, and the heat generation on the discharge port 112 side so that the temperature on the discharge port 112 side of the flow path 111 can be increased. The resistor 22 is formed wide, and the heating resistor 22 on the material supply port 6 side of the modeling material is formed with a narrow width. That is, when the same voltage is applied to both ends of the two heating resistors 22 in parallel, a large amount of current tends to flow through the wide heating resistors 22 and the temperature tends to rise. The shape of the heating resistor 22 is the same, and the temperature can be changed by changing the driving voltage. The shape of the heating resistor 22 is not limited to such a shape. For example, the heating resistor 22 may be formed in the vertical direction on the left and right in FIG. 3A, or both ends in the width direction, that is, the direction of the flow path 111. An electrode may be formed on the section side so that current flows in the direction of the flow path, and a number of U-shaped heating resistors (the bottom of U is on the discharge port side) with the width direction as the length are formed. May be. Moreover, when forming with the above-mentioned two pieces, it can be folded at one end side, connected at one end side with a conductor, or formed in various shapes. When two heating resistors 22 are connected in series, the temperature is easily increased as the resistance of the heating resistor 22 is increased in order to make a difference in temperature rise.

  As described above, a temperature gradient is formed in the insulating substrate 21 and the temperature on the discharge port 122 side is increased, so that the temperature near the discharge port 112 decreases from the heater, the viscosity increases, and the viscosity increases or solidifies and becomes clogged. The problem of being easy to solve is solved, the temperature in the vicinity of the discharge port 112 becomes high, and the liquid can be discharged with good fluidity. That is, in the conventional heater block in which the entire temperature is constant, in order to prevent the temperature on the discharge port 112 side from decreasing, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the entire heater block. If the value is too high, decomposition and vaporization of the modeling material starts and carbonization occurs, so that the temperature cannot be raised too high. Thus, even if the magnitude | size of the discharge port 112 becomes small by fluidity | liquidity improving, modeling material is discharged with a slight pressure.

  Electrodes 24 made of a conductor are formed at both ends and the center of the heating resistor 22. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, in order to facilitate the connection with the external lead 27 (see FIG. 3B), it is led out to the end of the insulating substrate 21, but this is not essential. As will be described later, the electrode 24 can be formed by printing a material having a small electrical resistance in which a conductive material such as Ag is increased from the heating resistor 22 to reduce Pd.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3A, two temperature measuring resistors 23 are formed side by side with the heating resistor 22. The temperature measuring resistor 23 is for confirming whether the temperature of the insulating substrate 21 is a temperature at which the modeling material in the flow path 111 is in a molten state. This temperature measurement method will be described later. Temperature measuring terminals 25 are also formed at both ends and the center of the temperature measuring resistor 23, respectively. The temperature measuring terminals 25 are not limited to the central portion, and the temperature measuring terminals 25 are formed at various positions, whereby the temperature of the insulating substrate 21 in each part can be measured, and the whole can be easily adjusted to a desired temperature. That is, the method of heat generation can be adjusted using the electrode 24 at the center of the heating resistor 22 or the like.

  As the insulating substrate 21, an insulating substrate made of alumina or the like and having excellent thermal conductivity is used. The shape and dimensions are formed according to the size of the flow path structure 1. For example, the size can be made close to the size of the first flow path plate 11 described above. For example, an alumina substrate having a thickness of about 10 mm × 50 mm and a thickness of about 0.65 mm is used for the first flow path plate 11 described above. The outer shape is not limited to a rectangular shape, and is formed according to the required shape of the first flow path plate 11. However, since the first heating plate 2 raises the entire modeling material in the plurality of flow paths 111 to substantially the same temperature, it is not necessary to divide between the flow paths 111. That is, it is not necessary to form the separation groove 115 unlike the first flow path plate 11.

  A protective film 26, which will be described later, is formed to protect the heating resistor 22 and the like formed on the insulating substrate 21, increases the heat capacity of the insulating substrate 21, and further, an insulating substrate based on a difference in thermal expansion coefficient. It is formed to prevent 21 warpage. Accordingly, although the thermal conductivity is not so required, an alumina substrate having the same thickness as the insulating substrate 21 may be used, or a glass material may be applied and cured. Since the protective film 26 side does not come into contact with the flow path structure 1, it is preferable that the thermal conductivity is not good. Therefore, a material having lower thermal conductivity can be used, but there is no problem when the heat insulating sheet is attached to the surface of the protective film 26, and the merit that the same material as the insulating substrate 21 is used. Becomes larger.

The heating resistor 22 is optimally adjusted in temperature coefficient, resistance value, and the like by appropriately selecting and mixing powders such as Ag, Pd, RuO ₂ , Pt, metal oxide, and glass. This mixed material is applied in paste form and fired. Thereby, the heating resistor 22 is formed. The sheet resistance of the resistance film formed by firing is changed depending on the amount of the solid insulating powder. The resistance value and the temperature coefficient can be changed depending on the ratio of the two. Further, as a material used as a conductor (electrode 24, temperature measuring terminal 25, etc.), a similar paste-like material in which the ratio of Ag is increased and Pd is decreased is used. By doing so, the conductor can be formed by printing as well as the heating resistor 22. Depending on the terminal connection, it may be necessary to change depending on the operating temperature. The more Ag, the lower the resistance value. The resistance temperature coefficient of the heat generating resistor 22 is preferably as large as possible, and it is particularly preferable to use a material of 1000 to 3500 ppm / ° C. Although not shown, a voltage can be partially applied by providing electrodes at appropriate positions along the direction of current flow in the heating resistor 22. By doing so, the temperature can be changed from place to place.

  The fact that the temperature coefficient of resistance is positively large means that the resistance value increases greatly when the temperature rises. Therefore, it is easy to detect the actual heat generation temperature due to deviation from the reference resistance value by measuring the resistance value in the heated state. It is easy to correct the deviation from the desired heat generation temperature by adjusting the applied voltage or adjusting the duty of the applied pulse. Also, since the temperature coefficient of resistance is positive, if the temperature rises too much, the resistance value increases, the current value decreases, and the amount of heat generated by the resistance decreases, so the temperature becomes saturated sooner, This is because it has excellent temperature stability and can prevent overheating due to thermal runaway. The width of the standard part of the heating resistor 22 is also set to a predetermined temperature according to the application, and a plurality of heating resistors 22 may be arranged in parallel.

  In addition, electrodes 24 made of a good conductor such as a silver / palladium alloy or an Ag—Pt alloy with a reduced palladium ratio are formed on both ends of the heating resistor 22 by printing or the like. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3B, the electrode 24 has a structure in which the lead 27 is connected, and a power source is connected and the heating resistor 22 is energized. This power source may be a direct current, an alternating current, or a pulse voltage. If it is a pulse voltage, the applied power can be controlled by changing its duty.

  In the vicinity of the heating resistor 22, a temperature measuring resistor 23 is formed on the surface of the insulating substrate 21 in the same manner as the heating resistor 22. The temperature measuring resistor 23 is preferably formed along the heating resistor 22 as shown in FIG. 3A. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, similarly to the heating resistor 22, two temperature measuring resistors 23 are formed linearly. And the terminal 25 for temperature measurement is formed in the both ends and center part. The temperature measuring terminal 25 is also made of a highly conductive material, like the electrode 24 described above. More temperature measuring terminals 25 can be formed on the temperature measuring resistor 23.

  The temperature measurement resistor 23 may be formed of the same material as the heating resistor 22, but it is preferable that the absolute value (%) of the temperature coefficient is as large as possible. This temperature measuring resistor 23 does not generate heat, but detects the temperature of the insulating substrate 21 so as to reach the melting temperature of the modeling material. For example, the temperature measuring resistor 23 has a width of 0.5 mm from the heating resistor 22. It is formed with a slightly shorter length. Further, the applied voltage is kept low so that the temperature measuring resistor 23 itself does not generate heat, and, for example, about 5 V is applied. That is, since the temperature measuring resistor 23 is directly provided on the insulating substrate 21, both temperatures are almost the same, and by measuring the resistance value of the temperature measuring resistor 23, the surface of the insulating substrate 21 is measured. This is because the temperature of the modeling material in the flow channel structure 1 that is in close contact with the back surface of the insulating substrate 21 is set to the melting temperature. That is, since the resistance value of the resistor material generally changes as the temperature changes, the temperature is measured by measuring the change in the resistance value. Although the temperature detecting means will be described later, since the temperature of the temperature measuring resistor 23 is detected by detecting the voltage change across the temperature measuring resistor 23, the larger the temperature coefficient, the smaller the measurement error. be able to. In this case, the temperature coefficient may be positive or negative.

  The temperature measurement resistor 23 is not limited to the same material as the heating resistor 22 and may be formed by printing or the like using a different material depending on the application. That is, when a very small temperature difference is required, it is possible to change the mixing ratio of Ag and Pd or use a completely different material having a large temperature coefficient. The temperature measuring terminal 25 of the temperature measuring resistor 23 is also made of a highly conductive material in which Ag is increased and Pd is decreased, like the electrode 24 of the heating resistor 22. The formation of the temperature measuring terminal 25 is not necessarily provided at the end of the temperature measuring resistor 23.

  It should be noted that the temperature measuring resistor 23 is formed in accordance with the purpose such as the size of the insulating substrate 21 (first heating plate 2) or the temperature gradient, and the temperature measuring terminal. 25 connection positions are set.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the second heating plate 3 is provided on the third flow path plate 13 side of the flow path structure 1. The second heating plate 3 is provided to discharge the modeling material only from the desired flow path 111 of the plurality of flow paths 111. Therefore, if the modeling material can be discharged only from the desired flow path 111 by other means, the second heating plate 3 does not need to be provided. For example, the second heating plate 3 is not required if a desired amount of modeling material can be discharged by adopting a structure in which the modeling material 91 (see FIG. 5A) supplied to the material supply port 6 is pressed at a predetermined pitch. It is.

  FIG. 4A is a plan view similar to FIG. 3A, illustrating an example of the second heating plate 3, with the protective film 35 removed. The position of the protective film 35 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. That is, the protective film 35 is formed on the discharge port 112 side (lower side in FIG. 4A) from the two-dot chain line 35. The protective film (not shown) is for protecting the heaters 32 and the like, and the heat of each heater 32 is directly applied to the second heating plate 3 in the flow path 111 facing the heater 32 or the modeling material 92 in the flow path 111. (Refer to FIG. 5A), it is necessary to transmit to the thin film. For example, a glass film is used, and a heat resistant film may be used. The second heating plate 3 is not shown in detail, but can be formed in the same configuration as the first heating plate 2 described above. That is, a heater 32 made of a heating resistor is formed along each flow path 111 on an insulating substrate 31 similar to the insulating substrate 21 of the first heating plate 2. A second conductive terminal 34 is formed. The first conductive terminal 33 and the second conductive terminal 34 are formed by applying a material having a low resistivity, like the electrode 24 and the temperature measuring terminal 25 described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the first conductive terminals 33 are formed as common electrodes by connecting the respective one end portions of the individual heaters 32 provided along the plurality of flow paths 111, and the other end portions of the respective heaters 32. Are formed independently as the second conductive terminal 34. As a result, signals can be applied in units of individual channels 111. When a voltage is applied to the heater 32, the temperature rises and the temperature of the second heating plate 3 rises locally, pressing the molten modeling material in the flow path 111 of that portion. As a result, the modeling material in the flow path 111 is discharged from the discharge port 112. As the voltage applied to the heater 32 increases, the pressing force increases and the amount of modeling material discharged increases. The discharge amount can also be increased by forming heating resistors (heaters 32) at two locations along one flow path 111 and shifting the heating timing. That is, in the second heating plate 3, as shown in FIG. 4A, a heater 32 made of a heating resistor is formed on the insulating substrate 31 along each flow path 111 of the plurality of flow paths 111. It is formed so as to cause a thermal action in the flow path 111.

  In the above example, the single heater 32 is formed. However, the heater (heating resistor) 32 may be divided into two or more and a voltage may be applied independently to each heater. For example, by connecting a conductive terminal to the middle part of the heater 32 shown in FIG. 4A and deriving that terminal, it is possible to apply different voltages to each of them and to increase or decrease the amount of heating. In this way, various control of the discharge amount can be performed.

  A pulse voltage is preferably applied to the second heating plate 3 from the viewpoint of discharging the modeling material in a minute unit of the modeled object. The application time of this pulse voltage is a very short time of several milliseconds (milliseconds), but the temperature of the heater 32 instantaneously rises and the temperature of the third flow path plate 13 in the vicinity of the heater 32 rises. The molding material in the flow path 111 corresponding to the heater 32 is partially compressed. As a result, the modeling material in the flow path 111 is discharged. Also from this viewpoint, as described above and as shown in FIG. 1A, the second heating plate 3 is provided so that the protective film 35 side is in contact with the third flow path plate 13. On the other hand, the first heating plate 2 is preferably provided so that the parallel flow paths 111 are heated substantially uniformly, so that the insulating substrate 21 side is in contact with the second flow path plate 12.

  In the above-described example, the third flow path plate 13 is directly heated, and the thermal expansion is used to extrude the modeling material in the flow path 111 to discharge. However, by attaching a thermal strain generating member 40 made of a commercially available bimetal or two or more types of plates having different coefficients of thermal expansion, as shown in FIG. The modeling material in the flow path 111 can be discharged using the warp of the third flow path plate 13 by attaching a member that generates thermal strain together with the road plate 13. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first piece 41 for generating thermal strain having a comb tooth shape is attached to the third flow path plate 13, and the second piece 42 is attached to the first piece. Thus, by utilizing the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between them, the third flow path plate 13 can be pressed sensitively and the modeling material can be discharged.

  In this case, the third flow path plate 13 is not limited to the relationship of being deformed into the flow path 111, and the modeling material in the flow path 111 can be pressed when the third flow path plate 13 is pulled outward. In this case, since the coefficient of thermal expansion of the third flow path plate 13 is not a problem, a thin organic film such as an insulating film can be used. In this case, deformation based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the first piece 41 and the second piece 42 occurs. The modeling material is discharged by the third flow path plate 13 being pushed in or pulled by the deformation. In addition, 32 in FIG. 4B has shown the position of the heater 32 when the 2nd heating plate 3 is provided. Further, the first and second pieces 41 and 42 need not be metal pieces, and may be non-metal pieces.

  The first piece 41 for generating thermal strain is formed along each flow path 111. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the base side (the side opposite to the discharge port 112) is connected by the connecting portion 41a. It is formed in a comb-tooth shape. Since this root side is away from the position of the heater 32, the temperature hardly increases due to instantaneous heating. Therefore, it does not function as the thermal strain generating member 40. On the other hand, it is troublesome to attach the first piece 41 along each flow path 111, but if there is a connecting portion 41a, it is very easy to align the first piece 41 according to each flow path 111. become. Therefore, the 1st piece 41 can be affixed by aligning the connection part 41a.

  4B shows a state in which the first piece 41 is directly attached to the third flow path plate 13 of the flow path structure 1, and the second piece 42 is attached thereon. However, if the first piece 41 made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion (linear expansion coefficient) different from that of the third flow path plate 13 is formed, thermal strain can be generated even if the second piece 42 is not provided. In FIG. 4B, the tip end side of the first piece 41 is heated so that the position of the heater 32 of the second heating plate 3 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As a result, as described above, the connecting portion 41a hardly raises the temperature due to the second heating plate 3. The width of the first piece 41 and the second piece 42 may be wider than the width of the flow path 111 when the warp due to thermal distortion warps outside the flow path 111, but the flow path 111 side When it warps, it is necessary to make it narrower than the width of the channel 111.

  In the case of generating the thermal strain as described above, the present invention is not limited to one in which two kinds of materials having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded. A third piece having an intermediate coefficient of thermal expansion may be interposed therebetween, and various modifications can be made.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1A, mounting portions 12a and 13a are formed on the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13, and the mounting portions 12a and 13a are bent and attached to a mounting plate or the like (not shown). It has become. However, this mounting structure can be other structures, an example of which is shown in FIG. 5A. In the ejection head 100a of this example, the attachment portions 12a and 13a (see FIG. 2B) are not formed on the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13, and the pressure-bonding structure 7 and the cover member 81 are formed of the pressure-bonding members 71 and 72. , 82 and a screw 83, the flow path structure 1, the first heating plate 2, and the second heating plate 3 are tightened. The cover members 81 and 82 may be made of a resin such as plastic or a metal plate as long as it has heat resistance that can withstand the temperature of the flow path structure 1. On the opposing surfaces of the crimping members 71, 72, a hole having a semicircular cross section is formed, and the material supply of the material supply tube 61 serving as the material supply port 6 having an outer diameter of about φ3.2 mm and an inner diameter of about 2 mm. The port 6 is inserted so as to communicate with each flow path 111. The inner diameter of the material supply tube 61 becomes the material supply port 6, and a modeling material 91 made of, for example, a φ1.75 mm filament is supplied. The reason why the material supply tube 61 made of a fluororesin such as Teflon (registered trademark) is used is to utilize the modeling material 91 such as lubricity, difficulty adhesion, and heat resistance. The discharge head 100a is fixed by attaching the cover 8 to an attachment plate (not shown). By adopting such a structure, the first heating plate 2 and the second heating plate 3 are also fastened and fixed together, so that the heating plates 2 and 3 are easily adhered to the flow path structure 1.

  The crimping structure 7 by the crimping members 71 and 72 is clamped by sandwiching the material supply tube 61 and the like at the center as shown in FIG. 5B in a plan view (cover part 8 is omitted) seen from the upper surface of FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5C, which is a plan explanatory view similar to FIG. 5B, a crimping member 73 having a hole 65 that can surround the material supply tube 61 and a flat crimping member 74 are provided. It may be formed in a sandwiching structure. The crimping members 71 and 72 may be made of metal or synthetic resin, and can be freely selected. For example, a plate-like body made of aluminum or the like having a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm can be used. As this material, it is preferable that the thermal conductivity is smaller than that of the channel structure 1 or the like. Preventing heat from escaping from the flow path structure 1 and the like, and heat from the flow path structure 1 being transmitted to the crimping members 71 to 74 so that the solid modeling material 91 does not melt in the crimping members 71 to 74 This is because it is preferable. Further, a similar plate-like body having a pressure member 73 of about 3 to 5 mm and a pressure member 74 of about 3 to 5 mm can be used. In FIG. 5A, 91 is a wire shape, and the thickness is, for example, a modeling material having a diameter of about 1.75 mm, 92 is a molten modeling material, 93 is a modeling object formed by laminating discharged modeling materials, and 95 is As shown in the figure, it is mainly scanned in the y direction and slightly scanned in the x direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) (dimensions below the pitch of the discharge ports 112). And has a structure that can move in the z direction (up and down direction of the drawing). When the wire-shaped modeling material 91 is supplied from the material supply port 6 into the flow path 111, it is heated and melted by the first heating plate 2 and melted into the flow path 111 as shown in FIG. 5A. Since the modeling material 92 is filled and the temperature is low in the material supply tube 61, the wire shape is maintained. Therefore, if the wire-shaped modeling material 91 is pushed in, the molten modeling material 92 is extruded according to the volume. The same parts as those in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As FIG. 5A shows, when the modeling material 91 is a filament (wire shape), the thing of (phi) 1.75mm marketed can be used. As described above, when such a wire-shaped modeling material is used, the modeling material 92 can also be discharged by extruding a predetermined amount of the wire-shaped modeling material. An example is shown in FIG. 5D. In addition, since the discharge structure of the modeling material employs an extrusion structure of the modeling material 91, the ejection head 100b shown in FIG. 5D has not only the second heating plate 3, but also the supply port 6 side of the modeling material 91. The structure is not the material supply tube 61 but the structure of the supply port 6 formed by a through-hole in the resin block 63, and further, the heating part 2a (see FIG. 5A) for heating the surface of the molded article 93 or molding The plate 5 is also omitted.

  That is, in FIG. 5D, the resin block 63 is provided so as to hold the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13 of the flow path structure 1, and the resin block 63 includes the flow paths 111. The material supply port 6 is formed by a through hole that communicates. In this example, since the wire-shaped modeling material 91 is discharged by being pushed by a predetermined size, the second heating plate 3 for discharge is not necessary. Therefore, although the 1st heating plate 2 is provided in the both sides of the flow-path structure 1, the 1st heating plate 2 may be provided only in one side. As described above, the second and third flow path plates 12 and 13 in this case are made of copper or aluminum having good thermal conductivity, and a thin plate material of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm is used. The wire-shaped modeling material 91 is structured to be supplied by the rotation of the feed roller 96, and when discharging, the discharge roller 97 is pressed against the feed roller 96 that is always rotating through the modeling material 91. By doing so, the wire-shaped modeling material 91 is pushed in by a predetermined amount by the rotation of the feed roller 96, and the molten modeling material 92 of that volume is discharged from the discharge port 112. Therefore, the discharge roller 97 is provided so as to move laterally instantaneously as indicated by an arrow Q. In FIG. 5D, reference numeral 85 denotes a fixing member for fixing the end portions of the cover members 81 and 82 to the first heating plate 2 while insulating them, and is formed of a heat insulating material. The other structure is the same as the structure shown in FIG. 5A, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the insulating substrate 21 of the first heating plate 2 is further extended to form the heating unit 2 a that heats the surface of the model 93, and the molding plate 5 is the second heating plate 3. On the side. The heating unit 2a may be formed by extending a part of the first heating plate 2, or a completely different heating unit 2a is formed, and the heating unit 2a is formed on the first heating plate 2 or the first heating unit 2a. It may be provided separately from the heating plate 2. When formed as a heating plate different from the first heating plate 2, a temperature measuring resistor is also provided, and the temperature can be adjusted according to the temperature of the modeled object, which is preferable. Including the case where the first heating plate 2 is extended and formed, an aluminum plate or the like is attached to the contact surface with the modeled object 93, and the temperature can be increased within a certain range. The heating unit 2a does not need to be on the first heating plate 2 side, and is upstream of the discharge port (a location before reaching the discharge port 112 by relative movement) when the discharge head 100a and the modeling table 95 are relatively moved. What is necessary is just to be provided. As FIG. 5A shows, when the modeling table 95 moves relatively to ay direction, it is provided in the 1st heating plate 2 side. The reason is that the surface of the modeling object 93 can be heated by heating the part of the modeling object 93 formed by the discharged modeling material where the modeling material 92 is further laminated before discharging the new modeling material 92. It is to make it.

  That is, the modeling table 95 is normally heated so that the temperature of the modeled object 93 is not lowered. However, when the modeled object 93 to be manufactured becomes large, the modeled object 93 is modeled even if heated by the modeling table 95. On the surface side away from the table 95, the temperature tends to decrease during the y-direction scan. For this reason, when the modeling material is further laminated on the surface, if the temperature of the surface of the modeling object 93 is lowered, the temperature difference between the newly ejected modeling material 92 and the modeling object 93 is likely to increase. When the temperature difference becomes large, distortion is likely to occur, and cracking or peeling tends to occur. Therefore, the insulating substrate 21 of the first heating plate 2 is extended to form the heating part 2a so that the discharged portion can be heated immediately before being discharged so that the temperature difference becomes as small as possible. However, when the distance to the discharge port is too close to sufficiently increase the surface temperature of the model 93, the heating unit 2a that can be heated with a large area at a slightly further position can be provided. By doing so, it is possible to perform the minimum necessary heating without heating the entire shaped object 93, and it becomes very efficient.

  When the heating unit 2 a is formed by a part of the first heating plate 2, the insulating substrate 21 of the first heating plate 2 may be formed long in advance, or the insulating substrate 21 of the first heating plate 2 may be formed on the insulating substrate 21 of the first heating plate 2. The heating part 2a may be affixed. When the heating part 2a is affixed, the same material as the insulating substrate 21 may be used, or a different material may be affixed. When pasted, the same material as the insulating substrate 21 may be used, but a different material may be used. An insulating material, a conductive material, or a metal plate may be used as long as the material has heat resistance and good thermal conductivity. In this case, it is preferable that the tip end portion is bent so as to rub the surface of the modeled article 23, so that the tip portion can be heated in contact with a relatively large area. Alternatively, the first heating plate 2 itself may be formed to be large and the end thereof may be in contact with the surface of the model 93. That is, the heating resistor 2 for heating the molded article 93 may be formed also in the heating unit 2a. Or the heating part 2a formed so that the heating plate different from the 1st heating plate 2 may be formed and the front-end | tip of the heating plate may contact the surface of the molded article 93 in a wide area may be exposed to the first heating plate 2. You may provide in the surface side directly or at intervals.

  In the apparatus shown in FIG. 5A, the modeling table 95 is mainly scanned in the y direction, and is formed so as to be able to move in the z direction so as to be further laminated on the formed model 93. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, immediately before the molten modeling material 92 is discharged, that is, the heating unit 2a is in the direction of relative movement between the discharge head 100a and the modeling table 95, on the upstream side (after the discharge). The side passing under the outlet 112). Furthermore, the height of the heating unit 2a is formed so as to be in contact with the surface of the modeled object 93 formed by discharging the modeling material. As a result, the modeling table 95 is scanned in the y direction so that the surface of the modeling object 93 is heated, and then the modeling object 93 immediately advances to the lower side of the discharge port 112, and a new molten modeling material 92 is discharged. Is done. Therefore, the surface of the modeling object 93 on which the modeling material 92 is discharged is close to the temperature of the newly melted modeling material 92 to be discharged, and the familiarity is improved. As a result, the modeling object 93 becomes large, and even if the surface is separated from the modeling table 95 and the heating becomes insufficient, the modeling material is laminated one after another without generating distortion or cracking.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the forming plate 5 is further provided on the second heating plate 3 side. The molded plate 5 may be any plastic, insulating plate or metal plate as long as it has heat resistance. For example, a plate material made of aluminum having a thickness of about 0.5 to 1 mm is used. When the modeling material 92 discharged from the discharge port 112 swells in a mountain shape on the molded object 93, the bonding surface of the molded plate 5 becomes irregular when it is further laminated. Therefore, the surface is leveled and flattened. For this reason, it is preferable that the surface is rubbed after a certain amount of time has elapsed after ejection and the temperature is lowered and becomes softened. Accordingly, it is preferable that the discharge port 112 be provided at a certain distance. Since it is necessary to trace the surface of the modeling material after ejection, the molding plate 5 is provided on the downstream side (the side away from the ejection port 112) from the ejection port 112 by the relative movement between the ejection head 100a and the modeling table 95 described above. It is done. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the modeling table 95 is relatively moved in the y direction, the molding plate 5 is provided on the second heating plate 3 side. In addition, as above-mentioned, the unevenness | corrugation may be formed in the contact surface with the molded article 93 of the shaping | molding board 5 as mentioned above.

  When it takes time to become a softened state, the second heating plate 3 may be fixed with a gap. Also in this case, like the heating part 2a, it is preferable that the tip part is bent because it is easy to mold over a wide area. Small irregularities may be formed on the contact surface of the molded plate 5 with the modeled object 93. By forming small irregularities, fine irregularities are formed on the surface of the molded article 93, and the adhesion with the modeling material laminated thereon is improved. The height of the bent portion at the tip is bent at a position slightly higher than the bent portion of the heating unit 2a. That is, it is provided so as to be higher by one layer of the shaped object 93. By providing the molding plate 5 in this way, when the modeling table 95 is discharged while moving in the y direction, the discharged modeling material 92 is automatically traced and flattened by the molding plate 5. The molded plate 5 is also formed of a plate-like body that extends in the x direction and covers the discharge ports 112 of all the channels 111 arranged in parallel, similarly to the heating unit 2a.

  In the above-described example, the material supply tube 61 is the pressure-bonding structure 7 that is pressure-bonded by the pressure-bonding members 71 and 72 and the like, but for example, as shown in FIG. Even when the resin block 63 is used instead of the material supply tube 61 as shown in the example of the structure in which the through hole is formed in the resin block 63 to form the material supply port 6 (structure example corresponding to FIG. 1C). The structure can be made to be clamped by the crimping members 71, 72. By using the resin block 63, the material supply port 6 is formed in various shapes as shown in FIGS. Further, in the case of a wire-like filament, as shown in FIG. 5D, the filament is fed into the flow path 111 by the feed roller 96 through the material supply port 6.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the ejection head 100a and the modeling table 95 are examples of relative movement in the direction (x direction) and the perpendicular direction (y direction) of the ejection ports 112 arranged in a line. As shown in FIG. 5E, the row of the ejection ports 112 of the ejection head 100a is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the x direction so that the ejection head 100a can be relatively moved in the x direction. The same effect as that obtained by narrowing the pitch can be obtained. For example, when the inclination angle θ is 45 degrees, even if the pitch of the ejection ports 112 is p1, the pitch p2 in the x direction ejected on the model 93 is reduced to 0.7p1. By reducing the pitch p2, a high-density shaped object can be obtained. Although not shown, the ejection density can be changed by changing the moving speed in the x direction and the y direction in a serial or parallel system.

  FIG. 6 shows temperature control means (drive circuit) of the ejection heads 100, 100a, 100b shown in FIG. 1A and the like. That is, this drive circuit is an example of driving with a DC or AC power source 390. As the power source 390, a battery, a commercial power source, or a commercial power source 390 is adjusted with a transformer or the like to adjust the voltage and application time, thereby adjusting the applied power. Driving power is supplied to the electrode 24 (see FIG. 3A) connected to the heating resistor 22 via 370. As a result, the AC power supply can be used as it is, and the voltage supplied from the commercial AC power supply 390 is adjusted by the power adjustment unit 370 and adjusted to a desired temperature. As a result, no DC power supply is required, and no power supply cooling fan is required. However, a DC power source using a battery may be used. In addition, although not shown, heating may be performed by pulse driving that applies a pulse. In that case, in addition to changing the voltage, the applied power can be adjusted by changing the duty cycle. The temperature is determined by measuring the current supplied by the constant current circuit 350 with the current of the measurement power source 310 kept constant by using the temperature measurement resistor 23 and the voltage V across the temperature measurement resistor 23. The resistance value of the temperature measuring resistor 23 at that time is known. The temperature of the temperature measurement resistor 23, that is, the temperature of the insulating substrate 21 (see FIG. 3A) is measured by the change in the resistance value, and the applied voltage and the like can be adjusted by the power adjustment unit 370 according to the temperature. The adjusting unit 370 makes the temperature of each heating resistor 22 uniform, particularly when the plurality of heating resistors 22 are heated side by side. Or, it is effective when the temperature is different among the plurality of heating resistors 22. Therefore, when a plurality of temperature measuring resistors 23 are provided, it is preferable that the temperature in the vicinity thereof is measured separately, and the applied voltage and the like are adjusted by each heating resistor 22.

  The principle of this temperature measurement will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 which is a little more detailed. For example, a constant current circuit CCR (current controlled regulator) 350 is connected in series with the temperature measurement resistor 23 at both ends of a measurement power supply 310 formed of a DC power supply. Then, the voltage V across the temperature measurement resistor 23 is measured, and the temperature detection means 330 divides the voltage by a constant current, thereby determining the resistance value of the temperature measurement resistor 23 at that time, The temperature is calculated from the temperature coefficient (determined by the material) of the temperature measuring resistor 23 which is known in advance. In accordance with the detected temperature, the power applied to both ends of the heating resistor 22 is controlled by the adjusting unit 37 from the control unit 360, whereby the temperature of the insulating substrate 21 is maintained at a predetermined temperature. In the temperature control of the heating resistor 22 by the control means 360, as described above, the applied voltage may be a pulse, the duty cycle of the pulse may be changed, or the voltage itself may be changed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the constant current circuit 350 is provided. Instead, a reference resistor is provided in a place where the temperature does not change, and the voltage of the reference resistor is measured to obtain the current. The voltage at both ends of the temperature measuring resistor 23 may be measured. Further, the temperature measurement power supply 310 is not necessarily a DC power supply. A constant current can be obtained in a pulsed manner even with alternating current.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Flow path structure 2 1st heating plate 3 2nd heating plate 5 Molding plate 61 Material supply tube (barrel)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 Crimp structure 8 Cover part 11 1st flow-path board 111 Flow path 112 Discharge port 115 Through-groove 116 Connection part 12 2nd flow-path plate 121 Closure part 122 Through-groove 13 3rd flow-path board 13 Discharge port 14 Inlet 15 Groove 16 mounting portion 21 insulating substrate 22 heating resistor 23 temperature measuring resistor 24 electrode 25 temperature measuring terminal 26 protective film 27 lead 31 insulating substrate 32 heat generating resistor 33 first conductive terminal 34 second conductive terminal 35 protective film 41 first 1 piece 42 2nd piece 61 Material supply tube hole 71-74 Crimp member 81, 82 Cover member 91 Modeling material 92 Melted modeling material 93 Modeling object 95 Modeling table 96 Feed roller 97 Discharge roller

Claims (16)

1 or two or more joined plate-like bodies, and an elongated through-hole for forming a flow path for flowing the modeling material, and a discharge formed at the end of the plate-like body in communication with the flow path Each of the outlets has a plurality of outlets arranged in parallel, each of which is provided on both sides of the first flow path plate for discharging the modeling material and the first flow path plate, and collectively closes the plurality of through holes. A second flow path plate that forms a plurality of flow paths whose surroundings are sealed, and a flow path structure including a third flow path plate;
A first heating plate that is provided on the opposite side of the flow path of the second flow path plate or the third flow path plate, and melts the modeling material in the flow path;
A molding material ejection head comprising: A separation groove formed between the flow paths adjacent to at least the discharge port side of the first flow path plate and at least the third flow path plate, a connecting member connected by only a part of the plate-like body, or the The modeling material discharge head according to claim 1, wherein a connection member connected by a material having a smaller thermal conductivity than the first flow path plate or the third flow path plate is formed. 2. A second heating plate provided on the surface of the third flow path plate opposite to the flow path and further heating the plurality of flow paths individually to discharge a modeling material in a specific flow path. 3. The discharge head according to 1 or 2. A material supply port formed by being connected to each of the plurality of flow paths so that different modeling materials can be supplied to each flow path on the side opposite to the discharge port of the first flow path plate. The discharge head for modeling material according to claim 1, further comprising: The modeling material ejection head according to claim 4, wherein the material supply port is formed by providing a material supply tube that contacts the first flow path plate so as to communicate with each of the plurality of flow paths. A resin block is provided so as to cover at least a part of the plurality of flow paths at an end of the first flow path plate opposite to the discharge port, and each of the plurality of flow paths is provided on the resin block. The modeling material ejection head according to claim 4, wherein a through hole is formed so as to communicate with the material, and the material supply port is formed by the through hole. The flow path structure further includes a pressure-bonding member that clamps at least the opposite side of the first and second heating plates to the discharge port, and the first flow path of the flow path structure is between the pressure-bonding members. 7. The modeling material discharge head according to claim 5, wherein the material supply tube or the resin block contacting the plate is fixed. The heating member capable of heating the surface on which the modeling material is discharged on the surface of the modeling object formed by discharging the modeling material is provided on the second channel plate side or the third channel plate side. 8. The modeling material ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the molding material ejection head is provided on any one of the surfaces. 9. The modeling material ejection head according to claim 8, wherein the heating member is formed by extending a substrate of the first heating plate to a surface of the modeled article. On the surface of the modeling object formed by discharging the modeling material, a molding plate that smoothes the unevenness of the surface from which the modeling material is discharged is moved relative to the flow path structure of the modeling object from the discharge port. The modeling material discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the modeling material discharge head is provided on a direction side. 11. The modeling material discharge head according to claim 1, wherein a concave groove is formed in the connecting member that connects the flow paths only partly to reduce heat conduction. 12. The modeling material ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the third flow path plate is made of a metal plate having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the first flow path plate. 13. The modeling material ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path plate, the second flow path plate, and the third flow path plate are joined together by an adhesive. 1 or two or more joined plate-like bodies, and an elongated through-hole for forming a flow path for flowing the modeling material, and a discharge formed at the end of the plate-like body in communication with the flow path Each of the outlets has a plurality of outlets arranged in parallel, each of which is provided on both sides of the first flow path plate for discharging the modeling material and the first flow path plate, and collectively closes the plurality of through holes. A second flow path plate that forms a plurality of flow paths whose periphery is sealed, a flow path structure including the third flow path plate, and the flow path of the second flow path plate or the third flow path plate A three-dimensional modeled object that forms a modeled object while discharging and stacking the modeling material using a discharge head comprising a first heating plate that melts the modeling material in the flow path . Modeling method. The modeling method according to claim 14, wherein a new modeling material is discharged after heating a portion of the modeling object to which the modeling material is discharged before further stacking a modeling material on the surface of the modeling object. The modeling method according to claim 14, wherein the modeling object is modeled while leveling the surface of the modeling object formed by discharging after the modeling material is discharged.

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