JP2001062926A - Stereo lithography device and photo fabrication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stereo lithography device and a stereo lithography method, which are capable of effecting a surface exposure with a simple constitution. SOLUTION: A stereo lithography device is provided with a control means for outputting data with respect to stereo lithography, a means for producing a mark for a light transmissive member in accordance with data for one layer, a means D for forming the green resin layer of a photo-setting resin for one layer, a means for disposing a light transmissive member 31 consisting of the green resin layer provided with the mask in close contact with the same, an exposure means 53 for exposing the photo-setting resin through the mask and a retreating means for treating the photo transmitting member 31 after exposing the photo-setting resin while a stereo lithography, employing respective means, is repeated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a mask,
The present invention relates to an optical shaping apparatus and an optical shaping method for performing an optical shaping by surface-exposing a photocurable resin in accordance with the mask pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, there is provided a control means such as a three-dimensional CAD for outputting data relating to optical shaping, and a photocurable resin is exposed to laser light such as a semiconductor laser in accordance with data from the control means. There is known an optical shaping apparatus for performing the above.

[0003] In the case of this type, since the time required for exposing and curing one layer of the resin becomes longer, a mask has recently been formed for the purpose of high-speed molding, and the photocurable resin has been exposed on the surface with a UV lamp according to the mask pattern. Exposure has been proposed.

In this surface exposure apparatus, a mask is formed on a light-transmitting member using electrostatic toner, the mask is superimposed on an uncured resin layer, and ultraviolet light is irradiated through the mask to form a photocurable resin. Are exposed at one time.

[0005]

However, in the conventional configuration, since the mask does not adhere to the uncured resin layer during surface exposure, irregularities are formed on the cured resin layer surface,
After curing, there is a problem that these irregularities must be cut for each layer.

When a resin layer is formed, a solid enclosure is formed around the resin layer, and uncured resin is supplied to the inside surrounded by the fixed enclosure.

Accordingly, uncured resin remains inside the solid enclosure. If the irregularities on the surface of the resin layer are cut while leaving this, the corners of the resin layer may be damaged.
Therefore, conventionally, after the resin layer is cured, the uncured resin is wiped and collected, and a gap formed therein is filled with a wax for preventing loss, and thereafter, the irregularities on the resin layer surface are cut. There is a problem that a special wax or the like is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stereolithography apparatus and a stereolithography method which can solve the problems of the prior art and can perform surface exposure with a simple configuration.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a means for forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with data for one layer, and a means for forming a mask for one layer. A means for forming an uncured resin layer of a photocurable resin, a means for closely contacting and arranging a light transmitting member having a mask formed on the uncured resin layer, and exposing the photocurable resin through the mask An exposure unit and a retracting unit for retracting the light transmitting member after exposing the photocurable resin are provided, and the optical molding using the respective units is repeated.

In the present invention, the mask is brought into close contact with the uncured resin layer at the time of surface exposure, so that the surface of the cured resin layer is flattened. Therefore, the treatment of the cured resin layer surface is not required, and the optical molding is facilitated.

[0011] The invention according to claim 2 is a control means for outputting data relating to the optical molding, a means for forming a mask on the light transmitting member in accordance with the data for one layer, and a method for preparing a photocurable resin for one layer. Means for forming a cured resin layer, a light-transmitting film stretched over the uncured resin layer and holding the uncured resin layer, and a light-transmitting member having a mask formed on the film. Means for contacting and arranging, exposing means for exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and retreat means for retreating the light transmitting member and the film after exposing the photocurable resin, It is characterized in that stereolithography using means is repeated.

In the present invention, a film is stretched on the uncured resin layer at the time of surface exposure. Thereby, the uncured resin layer is retained, and there is no outflow therefrom. In addition, since the mask is brought into close contact during exposure, the surface of the cured resin layer is flattened. Therefore, the treatment of the resin layer surface after curing becomes unnecessary,
Stereolithography becomes easy.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, there is provided a unit which holds and moves the film and has a resin supply dipper, a coating blade, and a film peeling / sticking roller. When moving from one side to the other, an uncured resin layer is formed by the resin supply dipper while the film is peeled off by the film peeling / sticking roller, and when the unit moves from the other side to the other side, the uncured resin layer is formed by the coating blade. And flattening the film on the uncured resin layer with a film peeling / pasting roller.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the unit is disposed between a pair of rollers on which the film is stretched.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the use area of the film can be changed according to the degree of damage to the film. Is what you do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the unit is provided with means for peeling off the photocurable resin adhered to the back surface of the film. Things.

In these inventions, the film can be easily peeled off from the resin layer, or can be easily attached to the resin layer. Further, when the film is damaged, if the use area of the film can be changed, the use area can be changed without replacing the film.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to sixth aspects, a tank for recovering excess resin from the resin supplied from the resin supply dipper is provided. It is assumed that.

According to the present invention, since the tank for collecting the excess resin is provided, the resin can be effectively used, and the floor surface can be prevented from being stained.

[0020] The invention according to claim 8 is provided with control means for outputting data relating to the optical shaping, forming a mask on the light transmitting member in accordance with the data from the control means, and performing light curing through the mask on the shaping table. An optical shaping apparatus for optically molding a surface of a light-sensitive resin, comprising an exposure device for surface-exposing the photocurable resin above the molding table, the exposure device is lowered during surface exposure, and a light-transmitting member is provided. A cover hood is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to the optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with the data from the control means, and the light curing is performed on the shaping table through the mask. An optical shaping apparatus for surface-molding a photocurable resin by surface-exposure of a curable resin, comprising an exposure device for surface-exposure of a photocurable resin above the shaping table, the exposure device includes a fixed casing containing a light source, and the casing. And a hood that lowers the lower end so as to be able to expand and contract like a bellows, and covers the light transmitting member.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the hood is suspended by a wire, and the wire can be wound up by a motor.

In these inventions, only the hood is raised and lowered, so that the overall height of the exposure apparatus can be kept low.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claims 8 to 10.
Wherein the hood and the light transmissive member are connected and positioned when the hood is lowered to cover the light transmissive member.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claims 8 to 11
In any one of the above, the light transmissive member is vertically movably supported by a rail urged upward by a spring member, and when the hood is lowered to cover the light transmissive member, The hood, the light transmitting member, and the rail are connected, and the hood, the light transmitting member, and the rail are pressed down against the spring force of the spring member until the rail comes into contact with the height positioning pin. It is characterized by comprising fixing means for fixing the permeable member and the rail at that position.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, when the hood, the light transmitting member, and the rail are pressed down against the spring force of the spring member, the pin hole of the light transmitting member is provided. And a positioning pin for preventing rotation of the light transmitting member in a horizontal plane.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the positioning pin is installed obliquely.

In these inventions, since the light-transmitting member is accurately positioned on the uncured resin layer, it is possible to perform optical molding with high accuracy.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask forming means for forming a mask on a light transmitting member in accordance with data for one layer from the control means, A shaping table formed so that it can be controlled to descend by minutes, an application means for applying a photo-curable resin on the shaped object on the shaping table, and a light-transmitting film stuck on the photo-curable resin. Film sticking means, means for overlaying a light-transmitting member having a mask on the film, exposure means for exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and exposing the photocurable resin. A film peeling means for peeling the film later is provided, and stereolithography using the respective means is repeated.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect, the molding table is disposed substantially at the center of the apparatus, an exposure unit is disposed above the molding table, and a coating unit and a film sticking unit are disposed on one side. Means and a film peeling means, and a mask making means on the other side.

According to these inventions, various devices are planarly arranged.
Since they are arranged efficiently, the installation space can be reduced.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the molding table is moved up and down by a servomotor.

In the present invention, since the servomotor is moved up and down, the control is facilitated, and the accuracy of the stop position of the molding table is improved.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the light transmissive member reciprocates while being supported by a rail between the mask making means and the shaping table. It is characterized in that it is separated into a creating means side rail and a modeling table side rail and is independent of each other.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the eighteenth aspect, the light transmissive member moves while being guided by two rails on the mask producing means side, and a mask is produced on the light transmissive member. In the process, the light transmissive member is pressed from one rail side to the other rail side and positioned in the width direction.

According to the present invention, since the light transmitting member is positioned in the width direction in the process of forming the mask on the light transmitting member, no shift occurs in the mask position.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the eighteenth aspect, the light transmissive member has a projection on a lower surface, the projection is hooked on a belt, and the belt is driven, whereby the light transmissive member is driven. The member is reciprocated between the mask making means and the modeling table.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with the data from the control means, and light curing is performed on the shaping table through the mask. In the optical shaping apparatus for performing optical molding by surface-exposing the conductive resin, a mask making stage and a light-transmitting member standby stage are provided for measuring the molding table, and the light-transmitting member is a light-transmitting member standby stage, It reciprocates between the mask making stage and the modeling table in that order.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the twenty-first aspect, an operation bar is provided between the light transmitting member standby stage, the mask making stage and the modeling table, and stoppers are provided at both ends of the operation bar. When the light-transmitting member comes into contact with the stopper on the light-transmitting member standby stage side, the mask making means is raised, and when the light-transmitting member comes into contact with the stopper on the molding table side, the mask making means Is lowered to a mask creation position.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the twenty-second aspect, the light-transmitting member is formed by placing a toner on a glass plate, and the mask forming means includes a demagnetizing head, a toner scraper, A charging head is controlled in accordance with data for one layer output from the control means.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, in the twenty-second aspect, the toner scraper is covered with a cover, and a toner suction hose is connected to the cover.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and the mask is formed on the shaping table. In an optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing a photocurable resin by an exposing means, a means for making parallel light incident on the light transmitting member is provided.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and an exposure means is provided through the mask. In the optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing the photocurable resin, a grid for forming parallel light between the exposing means and the light transmitting member is provided, and the photocurable resin is surface-exposed through the grid. It is characterized by doing.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and an exposure means is provided through the mask. According to the optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing the photocurable resin, the exposing means includes a cylindrical lens that creates parallel light, and the exposing means is moved to expose the photocurable resin. .

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and an exposure means is provided through the mask. In the stereolithography apparatus for performing photolithography by exposing the photocurable resin, the exposing means includes a fixed casing containing the illuminator, an upper end connected to the casing, and a lower end descending in a bellows-like manner. And a hood for covering the light-transmitting member, and means for allowing parallel light to enter the light-transmitting member on the lower surface of the hood.

The invention according to claim 29 is the invention according to claims 25 to 2.
8. The light source according to any one of items 8, wherein the light source of the exposure unit is a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, or the like.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and an exposure means is provided through the mask. Thus, in an optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing a photocurable resin, a light source of the exposing means is constantly turned on, and a shutter is provided between the exposing means and the light transmitting member. It is characterized by being formed of a light-impermeable sheet having a transmission opening, and controlling exposure and light shielding by moving the sheet.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and an exposure means is provided through the mask. In this case, the light source of the exposing means is always turned on, and a shutter is provided between the exposing means and the light-transmitting member. The exposure and the light shielding are controlled by alternately changing the opening and closing directions of the shutter.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control step of outputting data relating to optical shaping, a step of forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data, and a step of forming one layer of a photocurable resin. A step of forming a cured resin layer, a step of closely attaching and arranging a light-transmitting member having a mask formed on the uncured resin layer, an exposing step of exposing the light-curable resin through the mask, A retracting step of retracting the light-transmitting member after exposing the curable resin, wherein the optical molding is performed by repeating each of the steps in order.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control step of outputting data relating to optical shaping, a step of forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data, and a step of forming one layer of a photocurable resin. A step of forming a cured resin layer, a step of attaching a light-transmitting film holding the uncured resin layer on the uncured resin layer, and a light-transmitting film having a mask formed on the film. A step of contacting and disposing the member, an exposure step of exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and a retreating step of retreating the light transmitting member and the film after exposing the photocurable resin, The above-described steps are repeated in order to perform optical shaping.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the thirty-third aspect, there is provided a unit which holds and moves the film and has a resin supply dipper, a coating blade, and a film peeling / sticking roller. When moving from one side to the other, an uncured resin layer is formed by the resin supply dipper while the film is peeled off by the film peeling / sticking roller, and when the unit moves from the other side to the other side, the uncured resin layer is formed by the coating blade. And flattening the film on the uncured resin layer with a film peeling / pasting roller.

[0052]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stereolithography apparatus and a stereolithography method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an optical shaping apparatus. The optical shaping apparatus 1 is arranged at a molding stage A arranged substantially at the center of the entire apparatus, a mask making stage B arranged at one side of the molding stage A, and arranged at the other side of the molding stage A. Supply stage C of photocurable resin
It is comprised including.

The optical shaping apparatus 1 is provided with control means (not shown) composed of a three-dimensional CAD or the like. In the mask making stage B, a mask is made on the light transmissive member (glass) in accordance with the data of one layer concerning the optical shaping from the control means. The supply stage C includes a resin supply unit D. The unit D moves to the molding stage A, and applies one layer of a photo-curable resin on a molding object located there. An uncured resin layer is formed.
A light transmitting member (glass) is transferred from the mask making stage B to the modeling stage A, and is placed in close contact with the uncured resin layer. Then, surface exposure is performed through a mask, and stereolithography is performed.

The modeling stage A has a modeling table 3 as shown in FIG. This modeling table 3
Are connected on a foundation 5 by superimposing two substantially X-shaped telescopic links 4, and an output shaft of a servomotor 6 is connected to the telescopic link 4. Then, the telescopic link 4 is contracted by driving the servo motor 6, so that the molding table 3 can be lowered and controlled for each layer.

A stainless steel plate is stuck on the upper surface of the molding table 3 and a first uncured resin layer described later is directly applied to the upper surface.

On the molding table 3, a molded object is optically molded. As a procedure of the optical shaping, first, the unit D located on the supply stage C is driven to drive the shaping table 3.
(Or a molded object), one uncured resin layer is formed.

This unit D is connected to the timing belt 7. The timing belt 7 is stretched between a pair of sprockets 8 and 9, and one sprocket 9 is stretched by another timing belt 10.
The timing belt 10 is stretched around a sprocket 12 of a drive motor 11.

Therefore, by rotating the drive motor 11 forward and backward, the unit D is moved right and left in the figure along the timing belt 7.

In the unit D, a resin supply dipper 14 for storing the photocurable resin and supplying the resin at the time of forming the layer, a coating blade 15 for leveling the liquid surface of the applied resin, and a light transmission A peeling / sticking roller 16 for peeling the polyester film 17 having properties from the resin layer or attaching the polyester film 17 to the resin layer is provided.

The polyester film 17 is stretched from one end 3a to the other end 3b with the modeling table 3 interposed therebetween. A roller 19 with a torque limiter is installed outside one end 3a of the modeling table 3, and one end 17a of the film 17 is wound around the roller 19. The other end 17 b of the film 17 passes through a roller 21, a peeling and pasting roller 16, and a roller 22, and is then wound around a roller 23 a of a film changing motor 23.
Reference numeral 24 denotes a tension roller. The tension roller 24 is connected to a rod of an air cylinder 25 and is urged in a direction for applying tension to the film 17.

Next, the operation of the unit D will be described.

When the upper right drive motor 11 in FIG. 2 is driven to rotate forward, the unit D moves along the timing belt 7.
Are transported from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG.

In this transfer process, first, the film 17 is peeled from the resin layer while the film 17 is pressed by the peeling / sticking roller 16. Film 1
Peeling off 7
The resin layer stuck to the film 17 is not peeled off from the modeling table 3 together. When the film 17 is peeled off, some resin may adhere to the lower surface of the film 17. This resin is removed by the blade 20 provided in the unit D.

At the same time as the film 17 is peeled off, a new resin is supplied from the resin supply dipper 14 onto the molded article, and a new uncured resin layer is formed.

When the unit D is transported by the timing belt 7 and reaches the right end in the figure, the molding table 3 is lowered by the thickness of one resin layer.

Then, the drive motor 11 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and the unit D is moved along the timing belt 7 as shown in FIG.
To the position of FIG. In the process of the reverse transfer, first, the coating blade 15 removes excess resin, and the height of the resin liquid level is evenly flattened. Can be stuck. According to this, the resin liquid surface is held at a predetermined height, and after the film 17 is attached, the resin is held at that position.

In short, the film 17 is stretched to hold the resin. Therefore, as long as the function is maintained, it is not limited to the film 17.
For example, it may be a sheet having light transmittance.

In the above process, the film 17 is damaged.
For example, when the thickness of the resin forming layer on the modeling table 3 is small, the film 17 contacts a corner of the modeling table 3 and is thereby damaged. Therefore, film 17
Is damaged, the repositioning motor 23 located at the left end in FIG. 2 is driven, and the film 17 wound around the roller 19 with the torque limiter is fed out, thereby changing the use area of the film 17.

In the moving range of the unit D, the resin supplied from the resin supply dipper 14 may drop.

In order to collect the resin, the tank 27 and the tank 27 are covered so as to cover substantially the entire area below the moving range of the unit D.
28, 29 are installed, and these tanks 27, 28, 29
Is collected in the return tank 30.
Resin is stored in the return tank 30, and the resin is supplied to the resin supply dipper 14 through a supply system (not shown) as necessary.

In the mask making stage B, as shown in FIG. 1, a mask making means 41 is provided, and by using the mask making means 41, a mask using toner for the light transmitting member (glass) 31 is made. Is done.

The mask making means 41 includes the degaussing head 4
2. It includes a toner scraper 43, a charging head 44, and a developing unit 45. The charging head 44 is controlled in accordance with data for one layer output from a control unit (not shown). The mask making means 41 is mounted on a gantry 46, and the gantry 46 is hinged to a fixed portion of the apparatus with a pin 46a. The mask making means 41 can move up and down with respect to the gantry 46 using the pin 46a as a fulcrum. . Toner scraper 43
Is covered with a cover 47, and a toner suction hose 48 is connected to the cover 47.

The toner used here is a UV absorbing material,
It is desirable to mix silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and the like. UV absorption is 10% or more, preferably 30%
% Or more, more preferably 50% or more.

In the measurement of the mask making stage B, a light transmitting member standby stage E is provided,
Reciprocates between the light transmitting member standby stage E, the mask making stage B, and the modeling table A in that order.

That is, the light transmitting member standby stage E,
Between the mask making stage B and the modeling table A, a pair of belts 33 that are driven to rotate extend in two rows.
The belt 33 is stretched between pulleys 34 and 35, and one of the pulleys 35 has a drive motor 37 via a belt 36.
Are connected to each other.

A protrusion (not shown) on the lower surface of the glass 31 is hooked on the belt 33. Therefore, when the drive motor 37 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the belt 33 moves in the forward and reverse directions. 31 reciprocates between the stages.

The above-mentioned stages E, B, and A are straddled,
One operating bar 38 is provided. This operating bar 3
Stoppers 39, 40 are fixed to both ends of 8. The above-mentioned glass 31 is used as the light transmitting member standby stage E
Then, when it comes into contact with the stopper 40, it is pushed by the glass 31 and the operation bar 38 moves rightward in the figure.

Then, the cam member 51 fixed in the middle of the operation bar 38 moves rightward in the figure together with the operation bar 38, and the inclined cam surface 51a of the cam member 51 is moved.
As a result, the mask making means 41 is flipped up with the gantry 46 in the direction of arrow X with the pin 46a as a fulcrum.

On the other hand, when the glass 31 enters the molding stage A and comes into contact with the stopper 39, the operation bar 38 is pushed by the glass 31 and moves leftward in the figure.

Then, the cam member 51 fixed in the middle of the operation bar 38 moves to the left in the figure integrally with the operation bar 38, and the inclined cam surface 51a of the cam member 51 is moved.
The above-mentioned mask making means 41 moves the gantry 46 to the mask making position in the direction of arrow Y with the pin 46a as a fulcrum.
Descend every time.

Next, the operation of creating a mask on the glass 31 will be described.

This mask is formed in the process of the glass 31 being sent from the modeling stage A side to the light transmitting member standby stage E side. In this case, as described above, the mask creating unit 41 has descended to the mask creating position.

This glass 31 is used for mask preparation stage B
First, the surface of the glass 31 is demagnetized by the demagnetizing head 42, and the toner scraper 43 removes the previous amount of toner. Next, the charging head 44 is controlled in accordance with one layer of data output from control means (not shown), and the surface of the glass 31 is charged in accordance with the one layer of data. Then, the toner is put on the developing unit 45,
After the mask is formed on the glass surface, it is sent to the light transmitting member standby stage E.

When the glass 31 is sent to the light transmissive member standby stage E, the mask making means 41 is flipped up as described above, and a gap is formed below the mask making means 41. When the glass 31 on which the mask is formed is sent from the transparent member standby stage E to the modeling stage A, the glass 31 is sent through the gap. Then, when the glass 31 is sent to the modeling stage A and abuts against the stopper 39, as described above, the mask creating means 41 descends to the mask creating position and waits there.

The glass 31 sent to the molding stage A
Is closely attached and arranged on the film 17 holding the uncured resin layer, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exposure device 53 for surface-exposing the photocurable resin through a mask of the glass 31 is provided above the molding stage A. The exposure device 53 includes a fixed casing 54 containing a light source (not shown) such as a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, or an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, and an upper end 55a connected to the casing 54, and As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, a hood 55 is provided to descend and expand and contract in a bellows-like manner, and cover the mask portion of the glass 31. 4 and 5, reference numeral 63 denotes a guide post.

The hood 55 is suspended by a wire 56, and the wire 56 is connected to a hoisting pulley 58 via a fixed pulley 57. This hoisting pulley 5
As shown in FIG. 1, a belt 59 is wrapped around 8, and the belt 59 is wrapped around a pulley 61 fixed to an output shaft of a motor 60.

In this embodiment, the hood 55 can be raised and lowered by rotating the motor 60 in the forward and reverse directions.

In the case of exposure, the distance between the light source and the glass 31 needs to be as large as that shown in FIG. Casing 5
If the hood 4 and the hood 55 are integrated, after the exposure, the casing 54 must be further raised from the illustrated position,
There is a problem that the height of the entire apparatus is increased. In the above configuration, since only the hood 55 is moved up and down,
The height of the entire apparatus can be kept low.

When the hood 55 descends and covers the mask portion of the glass 31, the hood 55 and the glass 31 are positioned on the modeling stage A as described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the glass 31 has a cross section L between the mask making stage B and the molding table A.
It reciprocates while being supported by the pair of V-shaped rails 65. The rails 65 are separated into a mask creating means side rail 66 and a molding table side rail 67, and are configured independently.

Next, a mechanism for positioning the hood 55 and the glass 31 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 4, a pair of cylinders 71 and 72 are arranged below modeling table 3. A horizontal bar 73 is connected to the rods of the cylinders 71 and 72, and a pair of operating rods 74 and 75 extending vertically upward are connected to both ends of the horizontal bar 73 so as to be rotatable around the axis. A sleeve 76 is provided on the outer periphery of each operation rod 74, 75.
Is fixed on the outer periphery of the sleeve 76.
a is formed. The lead groove 76a extends spirally, and a pin 77 fixed to a fixing member 78 is fitted in the lead groove 76a.

FIG. 6 shows a state where the glass 31 has entered the modeling stage A. The glass 31 includes a glass frame 31A made of aluminum and a glass plate 31B fitted into the glass frame 31A, and the above-described mask is drawn on the upper surface of the glass plate 31B. In the glass frame 31A, there are formed positioning pin holes 81 and 82 which are formed obliquely and function as rotation stoppers of the glass 31 in a horizontal plane, and height positioning pin holes 83 to 86 of the glass 31. .

The positioning pin holes 81 and 82 are provided with
As shown in a and b, the positioning pins 91 and 92 are freely fittable. The pins 91 and 92 are housed in bodies 93 and 94 fixed to the fixing portion 90, and are urged upward by springs 95 and 96. Also, holes 8 for height positioning pins
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the positioning pins 97 fixed to the fixing portion 90 come into contact with 3 to 86.

Next, the positioning operation will be described.

In the molding stage A, the molding table side rail 67 is connected to the spring member 10 as shown in FIGS.
1,102. In FIG. 9A, the molding table side rail 67 is at a position where the glass 31 can be taken in, and the glass 31 is fed in the direction of arrow X through the mask making means side rail 66.

When the glass 31 enters the molding stage A, as shown in FIG. 5, the wire 56 is fed out from the hoisting pulley 58, and the hood 55 descends.
The lower end 55b of 5 contacts the glass 31.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 9A, since the entire structure including the hood 55 is supported by the spring force of the spring members 101 and 102, the positioning pins 91 and 9 are used.
2, 97 do not fit into the pin holes.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The rods 1 and 72 are extended, the horizontal bar 73 is pushed down, and the pair of operating rods 74 and 75 are integrally lowered.
In the process of this descent, along the shape of the lead groove 76a,
The operating rods 74 and 75 rotate around the axis, and the operating rod 7
The stators 74a and 75a at the upper ends of the stators 4 and 75 change directions from the positions shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 and the projections 103 of the stators 74a and 75a push down the lower end 55b of the hood 55.

As shown in FIG. 8B, this pressing operation stops when the tip of the positioning pin 97 contacts the pin holes 83 to 86. Thereby, the height of the glass 31 is accurately positioned. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the distal ends of the positioning pins 81, 82 have the pin holes 81, 8 respectively.
2 and the rotation of the glass 31 in the horizontal plane is suppressed. At this lowest position, as shown in FIG. 9b,
The springs 101 and 102 are deflected by the distance L and stopped.

In this configuration, when the position of the mask formed on the glass 31 is shifted with respect to the modeling table 3,
The accuracy of stereolithography decreases.

In this embodiment, when the hood 55 descends and covers the mask of the glass 31, the hood 55 is connected to the glass 31 and the rail 67, and until the rail 67 contacts the height positioning pin 97. The hood 55, the glass 31 and the rail 67 are pressed down against the spring force of the spring members 101 and 102, and the hood 55, the glass 31 and the rail 67 are fixed at that position. There is no displacement of the mask position with respect to the modeling table 3, and therefore, high-precision optical modeling is possible.

The above-described exposure apparatus 53 is provided with an effective means for making parallel light incident on the glass 31. FIG. 10 is a principle diagram. When the glass 31 is placed on the uncured resin layer 110, and the mask 111 is drawn on the surface of the glass 31, when the light 112 is irradiated from the UV light source, the glass 31 is thick. After passing through the mask 111, the uncured resin layer 1
Reach 10. In this case, when the exposure is originally intended to be performed with the width W1, the exposure is performed with the width W2, and “blur” occurs at the boundary portions on both sides of the width W1, and excessive curing occurs.

In this embodiment, a substantially honeycomb-shaped grid 113 (FIG. 11) is provided between the exposure device 53 and the glass 31.
Is provided. The grid 113 may be attached, for example, inside the lower end 55b of the hood 55.

Since the grid 113 forms parallel light and irradiates the glass 31 with this light, the above problem is solved.

In order to form parallel light, as shown in FIG. 12, the exposure device 53 may be composed of a reflecting plate 115, a light source 116 and a cylindrical lens 117 for producing parallel light. The parallel light from the cylindrical lens 117 passes through the mask 111 and reaches the uncured resin layer as the parallel light. In this case, the exposure device 53 needs to move along the surface of the glass 31.

In the exposure device 53, the light from the light source is shielded by the shutter when the light source is kept on and the exposure is not performed.

This shutter, as shown in FIG.
A light-impermeable sheet 118 is provided between the four rollers 119, and one light-transmitting opening 120 is formed in the sheet 118.

Inside the sheet 118, there is provided an exposure device 53 in which a light source is always turned on.
Has an irradiation port on the lower surface not shown.

FIG. 13 shows the light blocking state of the shutter.
The sheet 118 rotates in the direction of the arrow X, and the transmission opening 12
When 0 faces the irradiation port, exposure is performed. This transmission opening 1
20 is the sheet 11 if possible due to the design of the shutter.
Obviously, a plurality of elements 8 may be formed.

When the sheet 118 rotates in the direction of arrow X to open the irradiation port, the irradiation port starts to open from the right end in the figure. Therefore, the exposure amount at the right end in the drawing is larger than the exposure amount at the left end. However, when the sheet 118 rotates in the direction of the arrow X and the irradiation port is closed, the irradiation port starts closing from the right end in the drawing. Therefore, the exposure amount at the right end in the figure is smaller than the exposure amount at the left end.

In this embodiment, when the irradiation port is opened or closed, the exposure amount does not increase at only one end of the irradiation port, and the exposure amount is averaged. Can be completely cured.

FIGS. 14A to 14C show another shutter configuration.

This shutter is divided right and left into the irradiation port of the exposure device 53 so that a plurality of light-impermeable plates 12
1 is provided. The light-impermeable plate 121 is constituted by three plates each, and is constituted by three plates being connected in a stretchable manner. In FIG. 14a, the light-opaque plate 121 on the right side in the figure blocks the irradiation port, in FIG. 14b, the irradiation port is opened, and in FIG.
The light opaque plate 121 on the left side in the figure blocks the irradiation port.

In this embodiment, the shutter is formed by a plurality of light-impermeable plates 121 connected to each other so as to be able to expand and contract, and the exposure and light shielding are controlled by alternately changing the opening and closing directions of the shutter. When opening the irradiation port,
At the time of closing, only one end of the irradiation port does not increase the exposure amount, the exposure amount is averaged, and complete curing of the uncured resin layer can be achieved. In addition, the shutter is not limited to the one in which the plurality of light-opaque plates 121 are elastically connected, and may be a single light-opaque plate.

When the optical shaping for one layer in the shaping stage A is completed, the glass 31 is sent to the mask making stage B as described above.

Here, the mask is removed and a new mask is created. In the process of forming a mask on the glass 31, the glass 31 is divided into two mask forming means side rails 6.
6, the glass 31 is moved from one side to the other side and positioned in the width direction. For example, a pressing roller or the like may be provided on one of the rails.

Since a mask is formed on the positioned glass 31, the position of the mask can be determined with high accuracy.

Although the present invention has been described based on one embodiment, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the optical shaping in which the objects are stacked and formed vertically has been described. However, when the objects are enlarged, the optical objects are stacked in the lateral direction without being stacked vertically. It is possible.

In this case, as the apparatus configuration, for example, the optical molding is repeated by retreating the molding table one layer at a time in the horizontal direction, or retreating the resin layer forming means one layer at a time in the horizontal direction. .

[0124]

According to the present invention, surface exposure can be performed with a simple structure. Therefore, the exposure speed can be improved, the optical shaping time can be shortened, and cutting after exposure can be performed as compared with the conventional scanning method. Is unnecessary, and high-precision stereolithography can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of an optical shaping apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a molding stage.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing movement of a unit.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing positioning on a modeling stage.

FIG. 5 is a front view in which a hood of the lighting device is lowered.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a modeling stage.

7A and 7B are sectional views taken along line VII-VII of FIG.

8A and 8B are sectional views taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front views showing positioning on a modeling stage.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exposure principle.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a grid.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another embodiment for forming parallel light.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a shutter.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the shutter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stereolithography apparatus 3 Modeling table 6 Servo motor 11 Drive motor 14 Resin supply dipper 15 Coating blade 16 Peeling and sticking roller 17 Film 31 Glass 33 Belt 38 Operation bar 39, 40 Stopper 41 Mask creation means 53 Exposure device 55 Hood A Modeling Stage B Mask making stage C Supply stage D Unit E Light transmitting member standby stage

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a means for forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data, and one layer of an uncured resin layer of a photocurable resin. Means, means for adhering and arranging a light-transmitting member having a mask formed on the uncured resin layer, exposure means for exposing the light-curable resin through the mask, and exposing the light-curable resin. An optical shaping apparatus comprising: a retracting means for retracting the light-transmitting member later; and repeating the optical molding using the respective means. 2. A control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a means for forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data, and one layer of an uncured resin layer of a photocurable resin. Means, a light-transmitting film stretched over the uncured resin layer and holding the uncured resin layer, and means for closely attaching and arranging a light-transmitting member having a mask formed on the film. An exposure unit for exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and a retraction unit for retreating the light transmitting member and the film after exposing the photocurable resin, and the optical shaping using the respective units. An optical shaping apparatus characterized by repeating the above. 3. A unit for holding and moving the film, comprising a unit having a resin supply dipper, a coating blade and a film peeling / sticking roller, wherein when this unit moves from one to the other, the film peeling / sticking roller is provided. The uncured resin layer is formed with the resin supply dipper while the film is peeled off, and when the unit moves from one side to the other, the uncured resin layer is flattened by the coating blade and the film is peeled off by the sticking roller. 3. A film is stuck on the film.
An optical shaping apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The optical shaping apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the unit is disposed between a pair of rollers on which the film is stretched. 5. According to the degree of damage of the film,
The stereolithography apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a use area of the film is configured to be changeable. 6. An optical shaping apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said unit is provided with means for peeling off a photocurable resin adhered to a back surface of said film. 7. The optical molding apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a tank for collecting an excess resin from the resin supplied from the resin supply dipper. 8. A control means for outputting data relating to the optical shaping, wherein a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with the data from the control means, and the photocurable resin is surface-exposed on the shaping table through the mask. A stereolithography apparatus for performing stereolithography by using an exposure apparatus for surface-exposing the photocurable resin above the modeling table, the exposure apparatus including a hood that is lowered during surface exposure and covers the light-transmitting member. An optical shaping apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. A control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, wherein a mask is formed on the light-transmitting member in accordance with the data from the control means, and the photocurable resin is surface-exposed on the shaping table through the mask. A stereolithography apparatus for stereolithography, comprising: an exposure apparatus for surface-exposing the photocurable resin above the modeling table; the exposure apparatus includes a fixed casing containing a light source, and an upper end connected to the casing. A stereolithography apparatus, comprising: a hood having a lower end that extends and contracts like a bellows, and covers a light transmitting member. 10. The hood is suspended by a wire,
The stereolithography device according to claim 9, wherein the wire can be wound up by a motor. 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein when the hood is lowered to cover the light transmitting member, the hood and the light transmitting member are connected and positioned. The stereolithography device according to claim 1. 12. The light-transmitting member is supported by a rail urged upward by a spring member so as to be vertically movable, and when the hood is lowered to cover the light-transmitting member, the hood and the light-transmitting member are connected. The hood, the light transmissive member and the rail are pressed down against the spring force of the spring member until the rail and the rail contact the height positioning pin,
The stereolithography apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising fixing means for fixing the hood, the light-transmitting member, and the rail at the positions. 13. When the hood, the light-transmitting member, and the rail are pressed down against the spring force of a spring member, the hood, the light-transmitting member, and the rail fit into a pin hole of the light-transmitting member, and are positioned within a horizontal plane of the light-transmitting member. 13. The optical shaping apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a positioning pin for suppressing rotation of the optical shaping apparatus. 14. An optical shaping apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said positioning pin is installed obliquely. 15. A control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, and according to one layer of data from the control means.
Mask creation means for creating a mask on the light transmitting member;
A shaping table formed so as to be able to control the descending of each layer, a coating means for applying a photocurable resin on the shaped object on the shaping table, and a film having light transmittance on the photocurable resin. Film sticking means for sticking, means for overlaying a light-transmissive member having a mask on the film, exposure means for exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and light exposure for the photocurable resin And a film peeling means for peeling the film after the film forming, and repeating the light forming using the respective means. 16. The shaping table is arranged substantially at the center of the apparatus, an exposing means is arranged above the shaping table, a coating means, a film sticking means and a film peeling means are arranged on one side, and a mask is on the other side. The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a creation unit is arranged. 17. The optical molding apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the molding table is moved up and down by a servomotor. 18. The light-transmissive member reciprocates while being supported by a rail between the mask making means and the shaping table, and this rail is separated into a mask making means side rail and a shaping table side rail and is independent of each other. The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: 19. The light-transmissive member is guided and moved by two rails on the side of the mask making means, and in the process of producing a mask on the light-transmissive member, the light-transmissive member is moved to one rail side. 19. The optical shaping apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the optical shaping apparatus is pressed against the other rail side to be positioned in the width direction. 20. The light-transmitting member has a projection on a lower surface, the projection is hooked on a belt, and the belt is driven to reciprocate the light-transmitting member between a mask making means and a modeling table. 19. The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the stereolithography is performed. 21. A control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, wherein a mask is formed on the light transmissive member in accordance with the data from the control means, and the photocurable resin is surface-exposed on the shaping table through the mask. An optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by using a mask making stage and a light-transmitting member standby stage for measuring the shaping table, wherein the light-transmitting member is a light-transmitting member standby stage, a mask making stage, and a shaping table. An optical shaping apparatus characterized by reciprocating between the parts in that order. 22. An operation bar is provided across the light-transmitting member standby stage, the mask making stage, and the molding table, and stoppers are fixed to both ends of the operation bar. When the light-transmitting member comes into contact, the mask making means is raised, and when the light-transmitting member comes into contact with the stopper on the molding table side, the mask making means is lowered to the mask making position. 2
The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 1. 23. The light-transmissive member is formed by placing toner on a glass plate, the mask forming means includes a degaussing head, a toner scraper, a charging head, and a developing device, and the charging head outputs from the control means. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the control is performed in accordance with the data of one layer.
An optical shaping apparatus according to claim 2. 24. The optical shaping apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the toner scraper is covered with a cover, and a toner suction hose is connected to the cover. 25. Control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, wherein a mask is formed on the light transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and
An optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing a photocurable resin to light through a mask by an exposing means, comprising: means for making parallel light incident on the light transmitting member. 26. Control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, wherein a mask is formed on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and the light-curable resin is exposed by an exposure means through the mask. In an optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing a light, a grid for forming parallel light is provided between the exposure means and the light transmitting member, and the photocurable resin is surface-exposed through the grid. Stereolithography equipment. 27. Control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, wherein a mask is formed on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and a light-curable resin is exposed through the mask by an exposure means. A photolithography apparatus for performing photolithography by exposing the photocurable resin, wherein the exposure means includes a cylindrical lens for producing parallel light, and the exposure means is moved to expose the photocurable resin. 28. A control means for outputting data relating to optical shaping, wherein a mask is formed on the light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and the light-curable resin is exposed through the mask by the exposure means. In an optical shaping apparatus for performing optical shaping by exposing a light, the exposing means includes a fixed casing accommodating an illuminator, an upper end connected to the casing, and a lower end descending and retractable in a bellows shape, and a light transmitting member. And a hood for covering the light-transmitting member, and means for making parallel light incident on the light-transmitting member on the lower surface of the hood. 29. An optical shaping apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a light source of said exposure means is a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp or the like. 30. A control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a mask is formed on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and a light-curable resin is exposed through the mask by an exposure means. In a stereolithography apparatus that performs stereolithography by exposing a light source, the light source of the exposure unit is always turned on,
A shutter is provided between the exposure unit and the light-transmitting member. The shutter is formed of a light-impermeable sheet having a light-transmitting opening, and exposure and light-shielding are controlled by moving the sheet. An optical shaping apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 31. A control means for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a mask is formed on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data from the control means, and a light-curable resin is exposed through the mask by an exposure means. In a stereolithography apparatus that performs stereolithography by exposing a light source, the light source of the exposure unit is always turned on,
A shutter is provided between the exposure means and the light-transmitting member, and the shutter is formed of a light-impermeable plate, and the exposure and light-shielding are controlled by alternately changing the opening and closing directions of the shutter. Characteristic stereolithography equipment. 32. A control process of outputting data relating to optical shaping, a process of forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with data of one layer, and forming one layer of an uncured resin layer of a photocurable resin. Process, a step of closely attaching and arranging a light-transmitting member having a mask formed on the uncured resin layer, an exposing step of exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and exposing the photocurable resin. And a retracting step of retracting the light-transmitting member later, wherein the steps are repeated in order to perform the optical shaping. 33. A control process for outputting data relating to stereolithography, a process of forming a mask on a light-transmitting member in accordance with one layer of data, and forming one layer of an uncured resin layer of a photocurable resin. A step of attaching a light-transmitting film holding the uncured resin layer on the uncured resin layer, and placing and adhering a light-transmitting member having a mask formed on the film. Process, an exposure process of exposing the photocurable resin through the mask, and a retreat process of retreating the light transmitting member and the film after exposing the photocurable resin, repeating each process in order Stereolithography by performing stereolithography. 34. A unit for holding and moving said film, comprising a unit having a resin supply dipper, a coating blade and a film peeling / sticking roller, wherein when this unit moves from one to the other, the film peeling / sticking roller is provided. The uncured resin layer is formed with the resin supply dipper while the film is peeled off, and when the unit moves from one side to the other, the uncured resin layer is flattened by the coating blade and the film is peeled off by the sticking roller. 34. The stereolithography method according to claim 33, wherein a film is attached on the substrate.