JP2003159754A - Method and device for generating three-dimensional image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for generating a three-dimensional image accompanied by coloring. <P>SOLUTION: A slice image of a forming part comprising a forming powder layer 31 of a thermoplastic forming powder body Z is formed and transferred on a transferring belt 23. Then, an image corresponding to a non-forming part comprising a support powder layer 32 of a heat resistant support powder S is formed and transferred on the transferring belt 23. Furthermore, a forming part coloring powder layer 33 comprising various images of a magenta color developing bonding powder body M having thermoplastic weak bonding properties, a cian color developing bonding powder body C, a yellow color developing bonding powder body Y, and a removal part color developing bonding powder body layer 34 comprising an appropriate color developing bonding powder bodies M, C or Y, are formed to be transferred and superimposed on the forming powder layer 31 or the support powder body layer 32. The superimposed image is transferred to be fixed on a laminated stage 27 to form one layer of a fixing slice layer. The forming part is colored and strongly fixed, and the non- forming part is weakly bonded to be readily peeled off by welding of the removal part color developing bonding powder body layer 34. A colored three-dimensional image is generated by removing the non-forming part by laminating the fixed slice layers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image forming method and apparatus for forming a precise three-dimensional object colored with a desired color pattern or color image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In place of the stereolithography method for generating a three-dimensional image (three-dimensional image) by shining light on a liquid photosensitive curing material which has been known for a long time, it is more accurate than this stereolithography method. As a device capable of generating a three-dimensional image, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-057
There is known a method called a powder additive manufacturing method proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 967, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-281808, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-324203, and the like.

In any of these three-dimensional image generation methods by the powder additive manufacturing method, first, a three-dimensional model is continuous, such as a tomographic image by an X-ray or an ultrasonic scanner adopted for diagnosis of a human body affected area. After creating each cross-sectional shape pattern, an electrophotographic process is used to place a molding material in the pattern portion of each cross-sectional shape pattern described above, and to dispose a foreign material from the molding material in a portion other than the pattern, For example, a cross-section layer having a thickness of several tens of μm and made of a modeling material and a heterogeneous material is sequentially generated. Then, while stacking these cross-sectional shape layers in sequence and fusing and adhering only the modeling materials of each layer, after the completion of stacking of all the cross-sectional shape layers, the foreign material is removed, and the same three-dimensional image as the above three-dimensional shape model. Is to generate.

These techniques are attracting attention as an alternative to the conventional model molding, which consists of die raising and molding that require extremely long time and extremely high cost.

[0005]

By the way, in the past, almost all of the molded objects that we can see are colored (here, not a single color but a pattern or an image formed by mixing a large number of colors). Meaning) is often applied to the front surface or the back surface. There are also colored objects that are colored so that they can be seen through from the front to the back like stained glass and some glass vase.

However, not to mention the above-mentioned stereolithography method, none of the powder layered modeling methods has been proposed to realize the modeling of a three-dimensional image with color. For example, there is no description about a molding material, a support material, a method for arranging them, a coloring method, and the like in the case of forming a three-dimensional image with color. In other words, none of the above techniques has any concept of three-dimensional image forming with color in the range of recognition as the invention / invention.

However, considering that most of the three-dimensional objects that have hitherto been seen by us are colored objects, as described above, it is natural that colors should be selected as a direction in which the molding technology will progress in the future. Three-dimensional image formation accompanied with it is required. An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional image generation method and a three-dimensional image generation device with color in view of the above conventional circumstances.

[0008]

First, a three-dimensional image generation method according to a first aspect of the present invention uses a two-dimensional slice data created from CAD data of a three-dimensional model, and the three-dimensional image is generated by a modeling section and a non-modeling section. In a three-dimensional image generation method for producing a two-dimensional image of two or more powders using different powders by an electrostatographic method, the three-dimensional image forming method is for forming the modeling portion of the two-dimensional image on a first support. Forming a forming powder layer, forming a support powder layer for forming the non-forming portion of the planar image on the first support, and forming at least yellow on the forming powder layer. , A magenta and cyan color forming adhesive powder for forming the color forming part of the shape forming part of the planar image using any one of the color forming adhesive powders, and at least the above-mentioned support powder layer on the support powder layer. Yellow, magenta And a step of forming a removed part color adhesive powder layer using any one of cyan and cyan color adhesive powders, the modeling powder layer formed on the first support, the support powder layer, and A step of collectively transferring the shaped part coloring adhesive powder layer and the removed part coloring adhesive powder layer onto a second support, and each of the powder layers transferred to the second support Forming a layered slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data by fixing the shaped powder layer and the shaped portion coloring adhesive powder layer in the step of forming a layered slice image. Is sequentially repeated to generate a three-dimensional image corresponding to the three-dimensional model.

The fixing is, for example, as consolidation by heat and pressure, and in the slice image of the first layer, it is non-adhesive or weakly adherent to the second support. The slice images of the second layer and above are formed so as to have strong adhesiveness to the slice image immediately below the fixed image. Further, the support powder forming the support powder layer is formed by powdering an appropriate heat resistant material as described in claim 3, for example.

Next, the three-dimensional image generation method of the invention according to claim 4 uses different powders for the modeling part and the non-modeling part based on the two-dimensional slice data created from the CAD data of the three-dimensional model. In the three-dimensional image generation method of forming a planar image composed of two or more kinds of powders by an electrostatic photography method, a modeling powder layer for forming a modeling part of the planar image is formed on the first support. And a step of forming a support powder layer for forming the non-printing portion of the planar image on the first support, and the shaping powder layer formed on the first support And a step of transferring the support powder layer onto a second support, and a slice image of one layer by assuming that the modeling powder layer in each of the powder layers transferred to the second support is attached. And a step of forming at least yellow on the first support. Forming a shaped part coloring adhesive powder layer for forming a colored part of the shaped part of the planar image using any one of magenta and cyan colored adhesive powders, and the formed part coloring The adhesive powder layer is superposed and transferred to a position corresponding to the shaped part coloring adhesive powder layer of the colored portion on the shaped powder layer of the slice image temporarily formed on the second support. A step based on the two-dimensional slice data by permanently fixing the temporarily formed slice image of the second support and the modeling part color adhesive powder layer transferred and superposed on the slice layer. And a step of forming slice images of one layer, and the step of forming slice images of one layer is sequentially repeated to generate a three-dimensional image corresponding to the three-dimensional model.

The hypothetical fixing and the main fixing are consolidation formation by heat and pressure, for example, as described in claim 5, and the main fixing is performed on the second support in the slice image of the first layer. On the other hand, it is non-adhesive or weakly adherent, and the slice image of the second layer or more is formed to have strong adhesiveness to the slice image immediately below the main fixing.

Further, the support powder forming the support powder layer is composed of particles obtained by coating the surface of particles made of a heat-resistant material with a thermoplastic resin as described in claim 6, for example. Further, in the three-dimensional image generating method of the invention according to claim 1 and the three-dimensional image generating method of the invention according to claim 4, the modeling powder forming the modeling powder layer is, for example, according to claim 7. As described above, the thermoplastic resin is made colorless and transparent, white translucent, white opaque, and powdered. Further, the color-forming adhesive powder forming the color-forming adhesive powder layer is obtained by coloring a thermoplastic resin into a desired color and powdering it, for example, as described in claim 8.

Further, according to the three-dimensional image generating apparatus of the present invention, different powders are used for the modeling part and the non-modeling part based on the two-dimensional slice data created from the CAD data of the three-dimensional model. In a three-dimensional image generating apparatus that creates a plane image composed of two or more kinds of powders by an electrostatographic method, a first support, a second support, and the plane image on the first support. Modeling powder layer forming means for forming a modeling powder layer for forming the modeling part of the above, and a support for forming support powder for forming the non-modeling part of the planar image on the first support. Powder layer forming means and color-forming adhesive for forming a predetermined powder layer of at least yellow, magenta and cyan color-forming adhesive powder on the first support, the modeling powder layer or the support powder layer. Powder layer forming means and the first support The modeling powder layer formed on the upper,
Powder layer transfer means for transferring the support powder layer or the color forming adhesive powder layer to a predetermined position on the second support, and each powder layer transferred on the second support. And a slice image forming means for fixing the modeling powder layer and the coloring adhesive powder layer related to the modeling powder layer to form one slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data, and the three-dimensional model. And slice image stacking means for sequentially stacking the slice images so as to generate a three-dimensional image corresponding to.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the first support is composed of, for example, the transfer belt 23,
The second support is, for example, a lamination stage 27, and the modeling powder layer forming means is, for example, the modeling unit 7.
The support powder layer forming means includes, for example, the support material unit 6 and the like, the color forming adhesive powder layer forming means includes, for example, the coloring unit portion 5 and the like, and the powder layer transfer means includes, for example, The transfer charging device 24 and the like, the slice layer forming means include, for example, the transfer belt 23, the laminating stage 27, the transfer fixing device 25, and the slice image laminating means includes, for example, the transfer fixing device 25, the laminating stage 27, and an elevator. It consists of 28 mag.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing the structure of the three-dimensional image generating apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the three-dimensional image generating apparatus 1 is composed of an image forming unit 2, a transfer fixing unit 3, and a fixing stacking unit 4. The image forming section 2 includes a coloring unit section 5, a support material unit 6, and a modeling unit 7. The coloring unit section 5 includes at least three coloring units 8 (8-1, 8-2, 8--).
3) is provided. The support material unit 6, the modeling unit 7, and the three coloring units 8 have the same configuration except that the types of developers accommodated in the developer hoppers described below are different.

In the figure, a coloring unit 8-3 is representatively shown.
Will be taken up, and a number will be given to each of the components to explain the configuration. Coloring unit 8-3 (and coloring unit 8-
2, 8-3, support material unit 6, modeling unit 7)
Is composed of a developing hopper section 11 and a drum section 12.

The developing hopper section 11 includes a developing agent container 13 and a developing roller 14 rotatably supported by a lower opening thereof.
Is equipped with. Further, the drum unit 12 is the photosensitive drum 1
5, a cleaner 16 that is arranged in contact with or close to the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 15 in order, an initialization charger 17,
It consists of an exposure head 18.

The developer container 13 includes a molding powder as a developer for each unit from the developer container 13 of the modeling unit 7 on the right side of the drawing to the developer container 13 of the coloring unit 8-3 on the left side of the drawing. Z, support powder S, magenta coloring adhesive powder M, cyan coloring adhesive powder C, and yellow coloring adhesive powder Y are respectively stored.

The above-mentioned modeling powder Z is a modeling material for forming a desired model (three-dimensional model), and is a powder of thermoplastic resin. As a thermoplastic resin, ABS (acrylonitrile.
Butadiene / styrene) resin, PP (polypropylene)
Resin, PS (polystyrene) resin, PA (polyamide)
Resin, PC (polycarbonate) resin and the like are preferable.
The color of the modeling powder Z is opaque white in this embodiment.

In order to support the portion formed by the above-mentioned modeling powder Z until the desired modeling object is finally completed, the support powder S is, for example, a climbing object. Overhang-like morphology of rock walls (Fig. 3)
In order to support the overhang-like lower space up to the final stage of the production process in the case of having the protrusion 39 of (d)), that is, the portion other than the portion formed by the modeling powder Z, that is, the non-modeling portion. Is a support material for forming.

The support powder S is a powder of an appropriate heat resistant material. The heat resistant material is, for example, a fluorine resin. In any case, considering the ease of subsequent removal, it is desirable to select one having a very low surface energy. Moreover, since the support powder S is to be removed later, any color may be used.

The average particle size of the support powder S may be substantially equal to that of the shaped powder Z. However, there is a possibility that the flatness of the laminated surface may be affected by the change in the height direction caused by the melt-pressing of the shaped powder Z and the close packing, and heat shrinkage, so the particle size of the support powder S is However, it is preferable to set the reference dimension thereof to be slightly smaller than that of the shaped powder Z. That is, it is preferable that “particle diameter of modeling powder ≧ particle diameter of support powder”.

In any case, since the particle diameters of the shaped powder Z and the support powder S correspond to the stacking pitch at the time of forming the shaped object, when a powder having a small particle diameter is used, the shaped object having high resolution is obtained. On the other hand, there is the inconvenience that it takes a lot of time to build because the number of stacking increases. Conversely, when a powder with a large particle size is used, the molding time is shortened, but on the other hand, it is a model with a coarse resolution. Then, for example, there arises a problem that a step is formed on the surface which should be a gently curved surface. Therefore, the particle size may be selected according to the conditions of the shaped article, but it is not preferable to select the extremely large particle size.

Generally, the minimum commercially available size of powder used in electrophotographic image forming apparatus is about 5.
μmφ and the maximum size is about 100 μmφ at which electrostatic powder can be stably transported electrostatically. Therefore, the range of particle size is limited under this condition.

Actually, the particle size of the toner used in the electrophotographic process is about 6 to 10 μmφ, but when the shaped powder Z and the support powder S are made to have the same size, the conventional light particles are used. Compared with the molding method and other molding methods, it is possible to create a molded object with sufficiently high resolution.

Even when the particle size is 100 μm,
It is possible to obtain a molding quality equivalent to that of the conventional stereolithography method and other molding methods. Therefore, when considering the balance between the resolution and the modeling time, the particle diameters of the modeling powder Z and the support powder S are preferably about 5 to 100 μmφ.

The coloring adhesive powders of the magenta coloring adhesive powder M, the cyan coloring adhesive powder C and the yellow coloring adhesive powder Y are all powders of thermoplastic resin. It is preferable to use the same material as the above, and the strength when the modeled part is completed can be maintained. Specifically, the material may be low molecular weight polyester generally used in electrophotography.

However, there is also a method of use in which the strength is not taken into consideration, that is, for confirming only the finished shape of the three-dimensional model. In such a case, the composition of the material can be appropriately changed. On the one hand, the coloring adhesive powders (M, C, Y) of these three colors (though not limited to three colors) are applied to a desired color by coloring the modeling portion formed of the above-mentioned modeling powder Z. On the other hand, it is a coloring / adhesive material which also has a function of temporarily adhering the above-mentioned support powder S forming a support powder layer described later with low adhesive strength.

Regarding the average particle diameter of the colored adhesive powder, it is often used in electrophotographic toners and the like.
It can be said that about 10 μmφ is preferable from the viewpoint of stable commercial supply. In addition, the average particle size of each of the above powders is “particle size of modeling powder ≧ particle size of support powder> particle size of colored adhesive powder”
Is preferably set to.

Next, the transfer / fixing section 3 has a driving roller 21 which rotates counterclockwise in the figure, a driven roller 22 which is driven by the rotation of the driving roller 21, and a driving roller 21 and the driven roller 22 which are wound around the driving roller 21. The transfer belt 23 circularly moves in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow A in the figure, and the surface of the upper circulation moving portion is in contact with the lower peripheral surfaces of the five photoconductor drums 15 of the image forming portion 2, respectively. Are arranged.

The transfer belt 23 is arranged in the vicinity of the back surface of the upper circulating movement portion of the transfer belt 23, and is arranged so as to face the lower peripheral surfaces of the five photoconductor drums 15 with the upper circulating movement portion of the transfer belt 23 interposed therebetween. It is provided with five transfer chargers 24 and a transfer fixing device 25 which is arranged close to the back surface of the lower circulation moving portion of the transfer belt 23 so as to be movable up and down.

The transfer charger 24 is connected to a transfer bias power source (not shown) and applies a predetermined transfer bias to the transfer belt 23. The transfer fixing device 25 is provided with a heater therein, and at the time of fixing which will be described later, the lower circulation moving part of the transfer belt 23 which is stationary is pressed while being heated.

Then, the fixing and laminating section 4 includes the laminating stage 2
7 and an elevator 28 that raises and lowers the laminated stage 27 by supporting it from below. On the stacking stage 27, slice images 30 transferred and fixed from the lower circulation moving portion of the transfer belt 23 are sequentially stacked.

2 (a), (b), (c), (d) and FIGS. 3 (a), (b),
(c), (d) is a figure which sequentially explains the processing process of the three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus 1 of the said structure. Using FIG. 1 again, the above figures (a), (b), (c), (d)
The processing steps of the three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus 1 will be sequentially described below with reference to FIGS. 3 (a), (b), (c), and (d).

In the three-dimensional image generating apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
After turning on the power (not shown), data and other designations based on the two-dimensional slice data created from the CAD data of a predetermined three-dimensional model are read from the medium device (not shown) by key input, or connected to the host (not shown). When input as a signal from the device, initial setting processing is performed, and a start of three-dimensional image generation is instructed, each unit shown in FIG. 1 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown).

First, the drive roller 21 rotates counterclockwise, and the driven roller 22 also rotates counterclockwise following this. As a result, the transfer belt 23 is circulated in the counterclockwise direction as a whole, as the upper circulation portion contacts the five photoconductor drums 15, as indicated by the arrow A.

At the same time, each unit (7, 6, 5) is sequentially driven in synchronization with the powder layer formation timing. Transfer belt 23: photoconductor drum 15 of the most upstream modeling unit 7 in the circulating movement direction (hereinafter, the configuration of each unit is the coloring unit 8-3.
Is rotated in the clockwise direction, the initialization charger 17 applies a uniform high negative charge to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15, and the photosensitive drum to which the uniform high negative charge is applied. The exposure head 18 performs exposure according to the two-dimensional slice data on the surface of the 15th circumference to form a low potential portion.

As a result, on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15,
An electrostatic latent image composed of a high negative potential portion due to the above initialization and a low negative potential portion due to exposure is formed. The developing roller 14 of the developing hopper unit 11 transfers the modeling powder Z in the developer container 13 to the low potential portion of the electrostatic latent image to form an image (2nd) of the modeling powder layer on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15. A three-dimensional slice data forming part) is formed (reverse development).

The developing method is not limited to the reversal developing, and may be a developing method called normal developing in which the potential relationship of the electrostatic latent image on which the modeling powder layer is formed is different from the above. . In any case, the image of the above-mentioned modeling powder layer is rotatably conveyed to the portion facing the transfer belt 23 by the most upstream photosensitive drum 15, and is transferred onto the transfer belt 23 by the most upstream transfer charger 24. .

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2A, from the layer of the modeling powder Z on the transfer belt 23 after passing through the facing portion between the most upstream photosensitive drum 15 and the transfer charger 24. The shaped powder layer 31 is formed. The modeling powder Z not transferred to the transfer belt 23 is cleaned from the surface of the photoconductor drum 15 by the cleaner 16.

Subsequently, the photosensitive drum 15 of the second most upstream support material unit 6 forms an image of the support powder S (non-shaped portion of the two-dimensional slice data) on its peripheral surface by the same processing as described above. And is rotatably conveyed to a portion facing the transfer belt 23, and is second from the most upstream transfer charger 24.
Is transferred onto the transfer belt 23.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the modeling powder layer is formed on the transfer belt 23 after passing through the facing portion between the second most photosensitive drum 15 and the transfer charger 24. Three
A support powder layer 32 made of a layer of the support powder S is formed in a portion where 1 is not formed, that is, in a non-modeled portion.

Subsequently, in the coloring unit section 5,
An image of the magenta coloring adhesive powder M (an image corresponding to the magenta coloring portion of the modeling portion of the two-dimensional slice data, the same applies below) is formed on the photosensitive drum 15 of the most upstream coloring unit 8-1 (two-dimensional slice). If there is no magenta coloring portion in the data forming portion, the image is not formed. The same shall apply hereinafter), and this image is rotatably conveyed to the portion facing the transfer belt 23, and is transferred by the corresponding transfer charger 24 on the upstream side of the transfer belt 23. It is transferred onto the already-formed modeling powder layer 31 shown in FIG. 2 (b).

The coloring unit 8 of the coloring unit section 5
-2 and 8-3, an image of the cyan coloring adhesive powder C and an image of the yellow coloring adhesive powder Y are formed in the same manner as described above, and are sequentially transferred onto the modeling powder layer 31 in the same manner as above. It At the same time, in order to impart weak adhesion to the layer of the support powder S, a colored powder of any color,
That is, any one of the magenta color forming adhesive powder M, the cyan color forming adhesive powder C, and the yellow color forming adhesive powder Y, for example, the one having the largest remaining amount stored in the developer container 13 (of course, one type is limited. It is also possible to use an appropriate two kinds or all three kinds appropriately together) to form an image corresponding to the non-printing portion of the two-dimensional slice data, and together with the image for the printing portion. It is rotatably conveyed to a portion facing the transfer belt 23, and transferred onto the support powder layer 32 already formed on the upstream side as shown in FIG. 2 (b).

As a result, on the transfer belt 23 that has passed through the coloring unit section 5, as shown in FIG. 2C, on the modeling powder layer 31, it is possible to correspond to the coloring of the modeling section of the two-dimensional slice data. The shaped part coloring adhesive powder layer 33 (mixed powder layer of magenta coloring adhesive powder M, cyan coloring adhesive powder C, and yellow coloring adhesive powder Y) is formed, and the support powder layer 32 is formed.
On the upper part, a colored portion of the removed portion coloring adhesive powder 34 (a magenta coloring adhesive powder M, a cyan coloring adhesive powder C, or a yellow coloring adhesive powder Y) corresponding to the image shape of the support powder layer 32 is appropriately colored. A simple substance or a mixed powder layer) is formed by the adhesive powder.

As described above, on the transfer belt 23,
A powder layer corresponding to the slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data created from the CAD data of the three-dimensional model is formed. Subsequently, the modeling powder layer 31, the support powder layer 32, the modeling part coloring adhesive powder layer 33, and the removal part coloring adhesive powder layer 34 shown in FIG. 2C formed on the upper circulation part in this way.
The transfer belt 23 continues to move while the upper circulation portion is moved downward while the powder layer 35 corresponding to the entire slice surface is electrostatically attracted by the bias voltage from the transfer charger 24 shown in FIG. The transfer fixing device 25 shown in FIG.
Then, it moves to the opposite part of the stacking stage 27 and stops.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2D, the powder layer 35 corresponding to the entire slice surface (here, the first layer) formed on the transfer belt 23 (the lower surface serving as the lower circulation portion). That is, with respect to the CAD data of the three-dimensional model, the lowermost layer of the two-dimensional slice data) directly faces the stacking stage 27.

In this state, while the entire body is heated to a predetermined temperature by the internal heater which the transfer fixing device 25 has previously generated heat, the transfer fixing device 25 descends from the upper standby position and is transferred to the transfer belt as shown in FIG. 3 (a). 23 is pressed toward the laminating stage 27 for an appropriate time. As a result, it comprises the modeling powder layer 31, the support powder layer 32, the modeling part coloring adhesive powder layer 33, and the removal part coloring adhesive powder layer 34 formed on the transfer belt 23 as shown in FIG. 2 (d). The powder layer 35 corresponding to the entire slice surface is collectively transferred onto the stacking stage 27. Then, the support powder layer 32 made of powder of the heat-resistant material maintains its shape as it is, and the modeling powder layer 31 made of powder of the thermoplastic resin, the modeling part color-adhesive adhesion powder layer 33, and the removal part color-adhesion adhesion. The powder layer 34 melts.

After that, the transfer fixing device 25 is connected to the transfer belt 23.
It separates from and rises to the standby position again. As a result, the modeling powder layer 31 and the modeling part coloring adhesive powder layer 33 shown in FIG. 2 (d) are mixed with the modeling part coloring adhesive powder layer 33 which is also melted at the same time when the modeling powder layer 31 is melted. , And is firmly joined together and is colored in a desired color to form a modeling portion 36 as shown in FIG. 3 (b).

The removed portion color-forming adhesive powder layer 34, which is melted and solidified, fills the gap of the support powder layer 32, and the portion other than the shaping portion 36 together with the support powder layer 32, that is, the non-printing portion 37. To form. The support powder S of the support powder layer 32 is a heat-resistant substance and has a low surface energy, so that the support powder S is bonded to the removed removal portion color-forming adhesive powder layer 34 with a weak adhesive force.

In this way, one layer (first layer in this case) of the fixed slice layer 3 based on the two-dimensional slice data is formed.
8-1 is formed, and the modeling part 36 (slice modeling part) is formed in this fixing slice layer 38-1. It should be noted that the modeling powder layer 31 and the modeling portion coloring adhesive powder layer 33 are integrally formed, and the modeling portion 36 is strongly formed, but the melted and solidified removed portion coloring adhesive powder layer 34 has a weak adhesive force. Stack stage 2
7, the modeling portion 36, and the support powder S of the support powder layer 32 are only bonded, and this bonded state is easily peeled off by applying a weak external force in the future.

Following the above, by the same processing as the above, the second 2D slice data and the third 2D slice data of the CAD data of the 3D model (for simplification of explanation in this example) The three-dimensional model is composed of three two-dimensional slice data from the first to the third), and the powder layer 35 corresponding to the whole slice plane is sequentially formed, and the powder layer 35 corresponding to FIG. By the processing procedure shown in b), the fixing slice layer 38 immediately below, which has been fixed in the previous step, is transferred and fixed in an overlapping manner.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3C, the second fixing slice layer 38-2 is formed on the first fixing slice layer 38-1, and the second fixing slice layer 38-2 is formed on the second fixing slice layer 38-2.
The second fixing slice layer 38-3 and the third fixing slice layer 38-3 are sequentially stacked on top of the second fixing layer 38-3.

At this time, as described above, the removed portion color-forming adhesive powder layer 34 has a weak adhesive force and has a weak adhesive force.
6 and the support powder S of the support powder layer 32 are bonded to each other, the strongly formed modeling portion 36 is bonded to the modeling portion 36 immediately below with a strong adhesive force.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C, the powder layer 35 corresponding to the entire slice surface is formed on the stacking stage 27.
Are sequentially laminated and fixed, and the modeled portion (three-dimensional model) 36n in which the modeled portions 36 of the respective slice layers are integrated is formed in the laminated body 38n.

After that, by using air blow, vibration, or toner solvent, etc., the support powder S and the removed portion color-forming adhesive powder layer 34, which have been bonded with weak strength, are removed.
As shown in Fig. 3 (d), a modeled object (three-dimensional model) 36n
Is completed on the laminated stage 27.

4 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams for sequentially explaining the processing steps of the three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus in the second embodiment ( Part 1). FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views (No. 2) for sequentially explaining the processing steps of the three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation device according to the second embodiment.

FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are views (No. 3) for sequentially explaining the processing steps of the three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus in the second embodiment. The processing steps of three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus according to the second embodiment will be sequentially described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The configuration of each part of the three-dimensional image generation apparatus in this example is shown in FIG. 1 except for the configuration of the support powder contained in the support material unit 6 and the production process of the modeled object. The configuration is the same as that of each unit of the three-dimensional image generation device 1.

In this example, the support powder S2 housed in the support material unit 6 has a core made of a heat-resistant substance and having an average particle diameter of 5 to 10 μmφ, and the periphery of this core is coated with a thermoplastic resin. To be done. This is prepared, for example, by a microencapsulation method similar to a toner forming method such as a polymerization method.

Also in this case, the average particle diameter of each material is 5 μm to 100 μmφ for the modeling powder, 5 μm to 100 μmφ for the support powder, and 6 μm for the color adhesive powder.
It is in the range of 10 μmφ, and “the particle diameter of the forming powder ≧ the particle diameter of the supporting powder> the coloring adhesive powder”. Support powder S
The particle size of the support powder S2 is set in advance so that the particle size of the core of No. 2 is the standard dimension of the height of the slice layer and the density of the modeling powder Z and the heat shrinkage correspond to it. deep.

In the above-described structure, the processing steps of the three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus of this example are first performed by the modeling unit 7 of the image forming section 2 as shown in FIG. 4 (a). The modeling powder layer 41 of the modeling powder Z imaged in the slice shape of the modeling object is transferred to the transfer belt 23 by applying an electrostatic bias by the transfer charger 24.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the support powder layer 42 of the support powder S2 in which the portion other than the slice-shaped object is imaged by the support material unit 6 is transferred in the same manner as above. Transfer to the belt 23. As a result, the powder layer 43 corresponding to the entire slice surface including the modeling powder layer 41 and the support powder layer 42 is formed on the transfer belt 23.

Subsequently, the transferred modeling powder layer 41
The transfer belt 23, which holds the powder layer 43 corresponding to the entire slice surface including the support powder layer 42, is conveyed to a portion where the transfer fixing device 25 and the laminating stage 27 face each other, as shown in FIG. 4 (c). And stop. Following this, the transfer fixing device 25
Goes down, and the powder layer 43 corresponding to the whole slice surface is thermocompression bonded to the laminating stage 27 via the transfer belt 23.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 4D, the modeling powder Z of the modeling powder layer 41, which is the thermoplastic resin, is melted to form the slice temporary modeling section 44, and the support powder S2 is, on the one hand, The core S2-1 (see FIG. 4 (b)), which is a heat-resistant substance, maintains its shape as it is, and on the other hand, only the coating material S2-2, which is a thermoplastic resin, is melted to form the slice non-molding portion 45, Each is transferred and fixed on the stacking stage 27.

As a result, the stacking stage 27 has the first
A hypothetical attachment slice layer 46 is formed. The core S2-1 of the support powder S2 is a heat-resistant substance and has a low surface energy.
It is bonded to the laminating stage 27 with weak strength.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the image forming unit 2 of FIG. 1 is driven, and the coloring unit unit 5 produces the shape of FIG. 5 (a) corresponding to the coloring data of the slice image of the modeled object. The colored adhesive powder layer 47 shown in FIG.
Alternatively, an image is formed using Y, and the image is transferred to the transfer belt 23.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the transfer belt 23 conveys the above-mentioned color-forming adhesive powder layer 47 of the molding portion to a portion where the transfer fixing device 25 and the laminating stage 27 are opposed to each other, and a predetermined amount is obtained. Stop at the position. This position is a position where the above-mentioned modeling portion coloring adhesive powder layer 47 coincides with a predetermined colored portion of the temporary slice modeling portion 44 which is supposedly attached on the stacking stage 27 in advance.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the transfer fixing device 25 descends and the above-mentioned modeling part color forming adhesive powder layer 47 is heated to the slice temporary modeling part 44 via the transfer belt 23. Crimp. As a result, the modeling portion coloring adhesive powder layer 47 shown in FIG. 6B is melted and the slice temporary modeling portion 44 is also remelted to be integrated with each other, so that the slice temporary modeling portion 44 is colored and is permanently fixed. The formed slice modeling portion 48 is formed in the main fixing slice layer 49.

In this case, too, the slice temporary molding portion 44 and the molding portion coloring adhesive powder layer 47 are integrated to form a strong slice molding portion 48, but the coating material S2-2 is used.
The sliced non-modeled portion 45 that has just melted is bonded to the stacking stage 27 and the slice temporary molded portion 44 with a weak adhesive force, and this bonded state is easily peeled off by applying a weak external force in the future.

Subsequent to the above, by the completely same processing as above, the second 2D slice data, the 3rd 2D slice data, and the 4th CAD data of the 3D model are obtained.
The second two-dimensional slice data (also in this example, the three-dimensional model is the first to fourth four
It is assumed that the main fixing slice layer 49 based on only the two-dimensional slice data is shown in FIG. 4 (a), (b), (c), (d).
5A, 5B, and 5C are sequentially formed by the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, and the layers are formed on the main fixing slice layer 49 immediately below the fixing layer immediately under the fixing process.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the second main fixing slice layer 49-2 is formed on the first main fixing slice layer 49-1, and the second main fixing slice layer 49-2 is formed on the second main fixing slice layer 49-2. A third permanent fixing slice layer 49-3 on 49-2,
On the third main fixing slice layer 49-3, the fourth main fixing slice layer 49-4 and the main fixing slice layer 49 are sequentially stacked.

At this time, as described above, the non-slice modeling part 45 is adhered to the laminating stage 27 or the temporary slicing part 44 with a weak adhesive force, but the three-dimensional model modeling part formed by stacking the slice modeling parts 48 is laminated. In the case of 48n, the respective slice modeling parts 48 adhere to each other with a strong adhesive force.

After this, also in this case, air blow, vibration,
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the three-dimensional model forming part 48 is removed by removing the laminated part composed of the slice non-forming part 45 that has been bonded with weak strength using a toner solvent or the like.
n is completed on the laminated stage 27.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the steps of transfer and fixing are processed in two steps, ie, the hypothetical fixing and the main fixing, so that a slightly longer processing time is required. Assuming that the modeled powder and the support powder, which have the same or similar surface materials and almost the same particle diameters as each other, are placed in the transfer slice layer, the slice modeling part is finely packed. Even in the case of complicated shapes, there is no fear that the image of the modeling part will be disturbed due to the difference in charging tendency between each other,
It is possible to generate an accurate three-dimensional model image.

Further, since the color-forming adhesive powder used in the subsequent main fixing is used only in the modeling portion, there is no waste in using the color-forming adhesive powder and it is economical. In the above embodiment, only three colors of magenta, cyan, and yellow are described as the color-developing powder, but the color-developing powder is not limited to this, and for example, black color-developing powder may be further added. Good. Then, the expression of the black portion of the color becomes clear and the coloring quality is improved.

If necessary, a coloring unit of coloring powder such as gold or silver may be further arranged.
Then, it will be possible to make a gorgeous expression with vivid colors on the three-dimensional model. Further, for example, in the case of producing a modeled object requiring a delicate color of an intermediate color, a coloring unit containing a coloring powder corresponding to the intermediate color of the delicate color may be separately arranged.

Further, although the color of the modeling powder is white and opaque, it is not limited to this, and it may be colorless and transparent. Then, it is suitable when the representation of the transparent portion is desired to be obtained in the three-dimensional model. For example, in the case where the main body of the automobile and the window portion are to be integrally formed, if the modeling powder is colorless and transparent, the above-described three-dimensional model can be easily generated.

When the shaped powder is colorless and transparent, in addition to the support powder unit, white semi-transparent coloring powder,
If a three-dimensional model is generated by each coloring unit of transparent magenta coloring powder, transparent cyan coloring powder, and transparent yellow coloring powder (semi-transparent black coloring powder may be further added), for example, stained It is easy to create a three-dimensional image such as a glass or a colored transparent glass vase.

[0078]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data created from the CAD data of the three-dimensional model is used to form the modeling powder, the support powder, and the color-bonding. By stacking with powder, it is possible to concretely form a three-dimensional object with color, so if you need to create a simple design mockup immediately, or with a design tool, It can handle cases such as when you need to design a colored design with a certain 3D CAD and immediately create a colored solid model, and it is convenient because it improves the work efficiency of creating, designing, and finalizing the creation of three-dimensional objects. Is.

Further, since it is possible to complete the modeling of a three-dimensional object in a state in which colors are applied, the step of making a plate for coloring required in the conventional three-dimensional model creation becomes unnecessary, and the three-dimensional model creation It is convenient because it can reduce the cost, labor and time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a three-dimensional image generation device according to a first embodiment.

2 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are views for sequentially explaining processing steps of three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus according to the first embodiment (No. 1). ).

3 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams for sequentially explaining the processing steps of three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation device according to the first embodiment (No. 2). ).

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D are diagrams for sequentially explaining the processing steps of three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation apparatus according to the second embodiment (part 1). ).

5A, 5B, and 5C are views (No. 2) for sequentially explaining the processing steps of three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation device according to the second embodiment.

6A and 6B are views (No. 3) for sequentially explaining the processing steps of three-dimensional image generation performed by the three-dimensional image generation device according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Three-dimensional image generation apparatus 2 Image forming part 3 Transfer fixing part 4 Fixing laminated part 5 Coloring unit part 6 Support material unit 7 Modeling unit 8 (8-1, 8-2, 8-3) Coloring unit 11 Development hopper part 12 Drum section 13 Developer container Z Modeling powder S Support powder M Magenta color forming adhesive powder C Cyan color forming adhesive powder Y Yellow color forming adhesive powder 14 Developing roller 15 Photoreceptor drum 16 Cleaner 17 Initializing charger 18 Exposure head 21 Drive roller 22 Driven roller 23 Transfer belt 24 Transfer charger 25 Transfer fixing device 27 Laminating stage 28 Elevator 30 Fixed slice image 31 Modeling powder layer 32 Support powder layer 33 Modeling part color adhesion powder layer 34 Removal part color adhesion Powder layer 35 Powder layer corresponding to entire slice surface 36 Modeling part (slice modeling part) 36n Modeling object (three-dimensional model) 37 Non-modeling 38 (38-1, 38-2, 38-3) Fixing slice layer 38n Laminated body 39 Projection S2 Support powder S2-1 Core S2-2 Coating material 41 Modeling powder layer 42 Support powder layer 43 Whole slice surface Corresponding powder layer 44 Slice temporary modeling part 45 Slice non-modeling part 46 Assumed attachment slice layer 47 Modeling part Coloring adhesive powder layer 48 Slice modeling part 48n Three-dimensional model modeling part 49 (49-1 to 49-4) Main fixing slice layer

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Satoshi Sakuraoka             Casio 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo             Computer Co., Ltd. Hamura Technical Center F-term (reference) 2H030 AB02 AD01 AD04 BB23 BB42                       BB58                 2H078 BB01 CC06 DD42 DD45 DD51                       DD58 EE17 EE21 EE32 FF60                 4F213 AC04 WA25 WA97 WB01 WL02                       WL12 WL24 WL26 WL32 WL53                       WL85 WL95                 4K018 BC29 CA50

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An electrostatic photograph of a planar image composed of two or more kinds of powder using different powders in a modeling part and a non-modeling part based on two-dimensional slice data created from CAD data of a three-dimensional model. Forming a modeling powder layer for forming the modeling part of the planar image on a first support in the three-dimensional image generation method created by the method, and the flat surface on the first support. Forming a support powder layer for forming the non-printed portion of the image, and using the at least one of yellow, magenta and cyan colored adhesive powder on the shaping powder layer Forming a colored adhesive powder layer for forming a molded portion to form a colored portion of the molded portion, and removing part colored adhesive using at least one of the yellow, magenta and cyan colored adhesive powder on the support powder layer powder A step of forming a body layer, and the modeling powder layer formed on the first support, the support powder layer, the modeling part coloring adhesive powder layer, and the removing part coloring adhesive powder layer, A step of collectively transferring to the second support, and fixing the modeling powder layer and the modeling part coloring adhesive powder layer in each of the powder layers transferred to the second support. And forming a one-layer slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data, and sequentially repeating the step of forming the one-layer slice image to generate a three-dimensional image corresponding to the three-dimensional model. A three-dimensional image generation method characterized by. 2. The fixing is consolidation by heat and pressure, which is non-adhesive or weakly adherent to the second support in a slice image of the first layer, and includes a second layer or more. The three-dimensional image generation method according to claim 1, wherein the slice image is formed with strong adhesion to the slice image immediately below the fixed image. 3. The three-dimensional image generation method according to claim 1, wherein the support powder forming the support powder layer is formed by powdering an appropriate heat resistant material. 4. An electrostatic photograph of a plane image composed of two or more kinds of powders using different powders for a modeling part and a non-modeling part based on two-dimensional slice data created from CAD data of a three-dimensional model. In the three-dimensional image generation method created by the method, a step of forming a modeling powder layer for forming a modeling part of the planar image on the first support, and the planar image on the first support. A step of forming a support powder layer for forming a non-printing part of the above, and the shaping powder layer and the support powder layer formed on the first support are transferred onto a second support. And a step of tentatively forming a slice image of one layer by hypothetically attaching the modeling powder layer in each powder layer transferred to the second support, and on the first support. At least one of yellow, magenta and cyan colored adhesive powders A step of forming a shaped part coloring adhesive powder layer for forming a colored part of the shaped part of the planar image using the above; and the formed shaped part coloring adhesive powder layer formed on the second support. A step of superimposing and transferring the color-developing portion on the shaping powder layer of the slice image temporarily formed on the shaping portion to a position corresponding to the shaping-part coloring adhesive powder layer; A step of forming a single slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data by permanently fixing the formed slice image and the modeling portion color adhesive powder layer transferred and superposed on the slice layer. A three-dimensional image generation method comprising: sequentially repeating the step of forming the slice image of the one layer to generate a three-dimensional image corresponding to the three-dimensional model. 5. The hypothetical fixing and the main fixing are consolidation formation by heat and pressure, respectively, and the main fixing is non-adhesive or weakly adhered to the second support in the slice image of the first layer. The three-dimensional image generating method according to claim 4, wherein the slice image of the second layer or more is formed so as to have a strong adhesiveness with respect to the slice image immediately under the main fixing. 6. The support powder forming the support powder layer is composed of particles obtained by coating the surface of particles made of a heat resistant material with a thermoplastic resin. Three-dimensional image generation method. 7. The shaping powder forming the shaping powder layer,
The method for producing a three-dimensional image according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the thermoplastic resin is made colorless and transparent, white translucent, white opaque, and powdered. 8. The three-dimensional image according to claim 1, wherein the color-forming adhesive powder forming the color-forming adhesive powder layer is formed by coloring a thermoplastic resin into a desired color and powdering the thermoplastic resin. Generation method. 9. An electrostatic photograph of a plane image composed of two or more kinds of powder using different powders in a modeling part and a non-modeling part based on two-dimensional slice data created from CAD data of a three-dimensional model. In a three-dimensional image generation apparatus created by the method, a first support, a second support, and a modeling powder layer for forming a modeling section of the planar image on the first support Forming powder layer forming means for forming the supporting powder layer forming means for forming support powder for forming the non-forming part of the planar image on the first support, and the first supporting body Alternatively, a coloring adhesive powder layer forming means for forming a predetermined powder layer of at least yellow, magenta and cyan coloring adhesive powder on the modeling powder layer or the support powder layer, and on the first support. The shaped powder layer and the support formed on A powder layer transfer means for transferring the powder layer or the color adhesive powder layer to a predetermined position on the second support, and each powder layer transferred on the second support. A slice image forming means for fixing the modeling powder layer and the color-forming adhesive powder layer related to the modeling powder layer to form a slice image based on the two-dimensional slice data, and to the three-dimensional model. A three-dimensional image generation device comprising: a slice image stacking unit that sequentially stacks the slice images to generate a corresponding three-dimensional image.