JP2000280355A - Apparatus and method for three-dimensional shaping - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shape a three-dimensionally shaped product efficiently and at a low cost. SOLUTION: For this appratus as a projected shape forming means for forming a specific projected form onto a stage 20 becoming a base plate in case of shaping a three-dimensionally shaped product 21, for example, a shaping surface of the stage 20 is divided into a plurality of small areas, and one divided stage 20a is provided per each small area. Then, a specific projected shape is formed on the shaping surface of the stage 20 by driving individually each divided stage 20a. By executing shaping by start of discharging resin from a nozzle head 15 under this state thereafter, the projected shape part becomes unnecessary for discharging the resin, and three-dimensional shaping can be efficiently and at a low cost executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printing apparatus and a three-dimensional printing method, and more particularly to a method in which a resin is ejected in a liquid or fluid state by an ink jet method, cured, and laminated. The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printing apparatus and a three-dimensional printing method for manufacturing a target three-dimensional printing object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, three-dimensional modeling is performed by sequentially laminating a resin for each cross-section obtained by cutting a modeling object on a plurality of parallel surfaces, and a modeling object serving as a three-dimensional model of the modeling object is generated. Devices are known.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing such a conventional three-dimensional printing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. This three-dimensional printing apparatus 10
In step 0, the computer 111 converts the three-dimensional object into data, and slices it into several thin sections to send out section data. The drive control unit 112 captures the cross-sectional data from the computer 111 and, in accordance with the data,
5. Control the XY-direction drive unit 113 and Z-direction drive unit 114. Under the control of the drive control unit 112, the XY-direction drive unit 113 operates and the inkjet head 115 discharges the thermoplastic resin as small droplets, thereby forming a cross-sectional shape based on the cross-sectional data given from the computer 111. . Then, the thermoplastic resin discharged on the stage 116 is radiated and cooled, changes from a molten state to a solid state, and is cured. By such an operation, a single cross section or layer is created.

After that, the Z-direction drive unit 114 is controlled by the drive control unit 112, and the stage 116 is lowered by a distance corresponding to the thickness of one layer. By performing the same operation as described above, a new layer is stacked on the first layer. As described above, the formed object 117 is formed by laminating a number of thin layers continuously formed.

[0005] When the object 117 has an overhang shape, the computer 111 adds an overhang support portion shape as necessary when the computer 111 converts the object into data. Then, the drive control unit 112
Simultaneously with the modeling of the molded article, by discharging a thermoplastic resin having a different melting temperature from the thermoplastic resin for molding the three-dimensional molded article based on the shape of the overhang support portion from the inkjet head 118 as small droplets. An overhang support 119 is formed.

After the lamination is completed, the shaped object is heated and kept at a temperature higher than the melting point of the resin for the supporting portion and lower than the melting point of the resin for the shaped portion, thereby forming the resin forming the overhang supporting portion 119. Can be removed by melting, and a desired three-dimensional structure can be obtained.

[0007]

However, in the conventional three-dimensional printing apparatus, all layers are formed on the printing surface of the stage 116 by discharging small resin droplets from the inkjet head 115. There is a problem that it takes a long time to obtain a final three-dimensional structure. In addition, since the entire three-dimensional structure is formed by the resin discharged from the inkjet head 115, there is a problem that a large amount of the thermoplastic resin, which is a material for the formation, is consumed, and the cost required for the formation is high. .

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional printing apparatus and a three-dimensional printing method capable of efficiently and inexpensively forming a three-dimensional printing object.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a layered body corresponding to each cross section obtained by cutting a modeling object along a plurality of parallel planes is formed of a predetermined material. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object of the object by forming by discharging and sequentially stacking the layer bodies, and a forming apparatus for sequentially stacking the layer bodies. A stage having a surface, and a protruding shape forming means for forming a predetermined protruding shape on the shaping surface of the stage, wherein a three-dimensional structure is generated on the shaping surface on which the protruding shape is formed. Features.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first aspect, the projecting shape forming means includes:
The modeling surface is divided into a plurality of small regions, a plurality of division stages provided for each of the small regions, and small region driving means for individually driving the plurality of division stages in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface. And

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional molding apparatus according to the second aspect, the small area driving means is a linear driving means for driving in a linear direction, and the linear direction is defined by the molding. It is characterized by a direction perpendicular to the plane.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second aspect, the small area driving means includes a rotary driving means for driving in a rotating direction and a driving means for driving in the rotating direction. And a drive converting means for converting the drive into a drive in a linear direction perpendicular to the modeling surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein:
The protruding shape forming means includes a filling member conveying means for conveying a filling member having a predetermined shape onto the modeling surface and arranging the filling member at a predetermined position.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a layered body corresponding to each cross section obtained by cutting the object to be formed at a plurality of parallel surfaces is formed by discharging a predetermined material, and the layered bodies are sequentially laminated. A three-dimensional modeling method for generating a three-dimensional molded object of the modeling object by going, a step of forming a predetermined protruding shape on a molding surface of a stage for sequentially stacking the layer bodies Discharging the material onto the stage on which the protruding shape is formed, thereby sequentially stacking the layer bodies.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <1. First Embodiment> In this embodiment, a stage serving as a base for forming a three-dimensional structure is divided into a plurality of small regions, and a division stage is provided for each of the small regions to separate each division stage. By driving the stage, a function as a protruding shape forming means for forming a predetermined protruding shape on the modeling surface of the stage is realized.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1-1. Overall configuration of 3D modeling device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 includes a computer 11, a drive control unit 12, an XY-direction drive unit 13, a Z-direction drive unit 14, a nozzle head 15, a tank unit 18, a melting unit 19, and a stage 20.

The computer 11 is a general desk-top computer or the like which is internally provided with a CPU, a memory and the like. The computer 11 converts the three-dimensional object into data, and slices the object into several thin sections, and outputs section data to the drive controller 12.

The drive control unit 12 functions as control means for controlling the driving of the XY direction drive unit 13, the Z direction drive unit 14, the melting unit 19, the nozzle head 15, and the stage 20, respectively. When the drive control unit 12 obtains the cross-sectional data from the computer 11, the drive control unit 12 gives a drive command to each of the above units based on the cross-sectional data, thereby
The cross-sectional shape of each layer is stacked on top.

The XY-direction drive unit 13 is a drive means provided to move the nozzle head 15 within a plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis, and based on a drive command from the drive control unit 12, Can be moved to an arbitrary position within a driving range in the plane.

The Z-direction drive unit 14 is a drive means provided to lower the stage 20 every time a single layer of a three-dimensional object is formed on the stage 20 or a layer of several layers is formed. The stage 20 is moved along the vertical Z axis based on the drive command from the controller 12. The Z-direction drive unit 14 lowers the stage 20 as the formation of the three-dimensional structure proceeds, thereby avoiding contact between the nozzle head 15 and the three-dimensional structure formed and stacked on the stage 20. You can do it.

The tank section 18 includes a plurality of tanks 18a to 18e each containing a different type of thermoplastic resin. Each of the tanks 18a to 18e contains a stick-like bulk, pellet, or powder thermoplastic resin that is in a solid state at normal temperature. Further, in the melting part 19, the tanks 18a to 18 provided in the tank part 18 are provided.
8e, the melting heater 1 of which the temperature can be individually adjusted.
9a to 19e are provided. Therefore, tank 1
The thermoplastic resin contained in each of 8a-18e is a melting heater 19a-1 provided below each tank.
It is heated and melted by 9e.

The nozzle head 15 is fixed to the lower part of the XY-direction drive unit 13 and is movable together with the XY-direction drive unit 13 in the XY plane. Also,
The nozzle head 15 has the same number of discharge nozzles 15a to 15e as the number of tanks in the tank section 18.
The thermoplastic resin melted in the steps # 18 to # 18e is supplied to the corresponding discharge nozzles 15a to 15e in a heated and insulated state. Each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e is a nozzle that discharges (spouts) the molten thermoplastic resin as minute droplets by, for example, an inkjet method. The discharge of the thermoplastic resin by each of the discharge nozzles 15 a to 15 e is individually controlled by the drive control unit 12.
The thermoplastic resin discharged from a to 15e adheres to a stage 20 provided at a position facing the nozzle head 15. Note that the discharge nozzle 15e is a nozzle that discharges a resin for a support portion that supports the overhang shape.

The stage 20 functions as a base for producing a three-dimensional object, and the thermoplastic resin discharged from each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e radiates heat on the stage 20.
Upon cooling, it changes from a molten state to a solid and hardens.

The upper surface side of the stage 20, that is, the molding surface side is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a divided stage 20a is arranged in each small area. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the stage 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of divided stages 2
0a is provided. On the inner side of the stage 20, a plurality of small area driving means 20b for individually driving the plurality of divided stages 20 in a direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the modeling surface are provided.

In this embodiment, the plurality of divided stages 20a and the small area driving means 20b for individually driving the divided stages 20a up and down individually have a projecting shape for forming a predetermined projecting shape on the molding surface of the stage 20. It functions as forming means. That is, a predetermined protruding shape is formed on the modeling surface side of the stage 20 by individually lifting and lowering the divided stages 20a. Each small area driving means 2
0b is configured to be individually driven and controlled by the drive control unit 12 as shown in FIG.

As described above, by individually driving the divided stages 20a to form a predetermined protruding shape with respect to the molding surface of the stage 20, a resin corresponding to the volume of the protruding shape can be formed when forming a three-dimensional molded object. Since it is not necessary to perform the discharge, it is possible to reduce the discharge amount of the molding resin to be discharged, and it is possible to efficiently form the three-dimensional structure. In particular, when a three-dimensional structure such as a relief is formed, there is no particular problem even if the rear surface side has a concave shape, and the three-dimensional structure can be efficiently and inexpensively formed.

Further, by separately driving the split stage 20a to form a predetermined protruding shape at a portion corresponding to the overhang support portion 22 on the molding surface, the discharge amount of the resin for the support portion is also reduced. This also makes it possible to efficiently and inexpensively form a three-dimensional object.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to create a three-dimensional object having a plurality of colors or a three-dimensional object consisting of an arbitrary mixture of colors, the portions of the three-dimensional object requiring coloring are colored. Use the obtained resin. On the other hand, an achromatic or non-colored resin is used in a portion of the three-dimensional structure where coloring is not required. Therefore, each of the tanks 18a to 18a to 1
8e, the tanks 18a to 18c contain resins colored with different color components in order to impart a chromatic coloring effect to the three-dimensional modeled object, and the tank 18d mainly contains the resin used in the modeling. Colored or uncolored resin is contained. The achromatic or non-colored resin may be a natural color resin or a white or lightly colored resin.

Specifically, the tanks 18a to 18c have Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), respectively.
Is stored in the tank 18d, and a resin colored in W (white) is stored in the tank 18d. Further, a resin for the supporting portion is stored in the tank 18e.
The resins other than the resin for the support portion may be the same resin material or different resin materials. For example,
A resin compatible with the colorant of each color component may be used for each.

In this embodiment, a thermoplastic resin is used as described above as an example of a resin used for additive manufacturing. A resin that is solid at room temperature, has a low melting point, and a low melt viscosity is easily formed, and examples thereof include high molecular weight polystyrene and polycaprolactone.

It is also possible to use a photo-curing resin or a thermosetting resin other than the thermoplastic resin. In this case, the above-mentioned melting portion 19 is unnecessary, but the An energy beam irradiation device for curing the resin adhered to the surface is required.

As a resin for the support portion for forming the overhang support portion 22, a thermoplastic resin having a lower melting point than other resins used for forming a three-dimensional structure is used. For example, there are wax-based resins and adipate-based esters. By using such support resin,
By setting the temperature of the shaped article after completion of lamination including the overhang support section 22 to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the resin for the support section and equal to or lower than the melting point of the resin for the shaping, it is desirable to melt and remove only the resin for the support section It is possible to obtain a finished product of the three-dimensional structure.

<1-2. Operation in Three-dimensional Modeling Apparatus 10> Next, the operation in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

First, the computer 11 converts a modeling object having a three-dimensional shape with a color pattern or the like on its surface into model data (step S1). Color three-dimensional model data created by general three-dimensional CAD modeling software can be used as the data of the modeling object that is the basis for modeling. It is also possible to use shape data and texture measured by the three-dimensional shape input device.

In the model data thus obtained, there are cases where color information is given only to the surface of the three-dimensional model and cases where color information is given up to the inside of the three-dimensional model. In the latter case, it is also possible to use only the color information of the model surface at the time of modeling, or it is also possible to use the color information inside the model.

When performing this data conversion, if the object to be molded has an overhang shape, an overhang support portion shape is added.

Then, based on the model data, section data for each section obtained by slicing the object to be formed is generated based on the layer thickness at the time of forming (step S2). A cross-sectional body sliced at a thickness pitch corresponding to the thickness of one layer of the resin to be laminated is cut out from the model data, and data of a cross-sectional shape and a coloring region are created.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing an example of the cross-sectional data generated in step S2. As shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to cut out a certain cross-sectional body from the model data, subdivide it into a grid, and obtain cross-sectional data having color information for each voxel. That is, the cross-sectional data can have color information in the same form as the bit map of the two-dimensional image.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the model data has an overhang shape, information on a support portion to be formed to support the overhang shape is also included. Then, when each of the divided stages 20a of the stage 20 is individually raised and lowered to form a concave shape on the back surface side of the three-dimensional structure 21, as shown in FIG. In consideration of the elevating operation by 20a, data in which a modeling unnecessary portion (a portion where the resin is not required to be discharged due to the protruding shape formed on the modeling surface) is removed from the modeling portion is generated. Further, when a part of the overhang support portion 22 is to be formed with a protruding shape, data in which the modeling unnecessary portion by the support portion resin is removed from the support portion information is generated.

The section data generated by the computer 11 in this way is sent to the drive control unit 12.

In step S 3, information on the lamination thickness used when creating the cross-sectional data is input from the computer 11 to the drive control unit 12.

The operation from the next step S4 is performed by the drive control unit 12 controlling each unit. In step S4, the stage 20 is raised to a position suitable for discharge molding of the cross-sectional shape of the first layer (that is, the first layer body). As a result, the positional relationship between the stage 20 and the nozzle head 15 becomes a predetermined positional relationship, and the resin discharged from each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e of the nozzle head 15 adheres to an appropriate position on the stage 20.

In step S5, the drive control unit 12 individually drives the plurality of divided stages 20a up and down on the basis of the unnecessary parts in the cross-sectional data, and
A predetermined protruding shape is formed on the molding surface side of No. 0. As a result,
The projecting shape is obtained on the modeling surface of the originally horizontal stage 20 by the divided stage 20a driven upward. In addition,
The driving distance (elevation distance) of the split stage 20a at this time
Is controlled to such an extent that the division stage 20a does not contact each of the ejection nozzles 15a to 15e of the nozzle head 15.

Then, the stage 20 and the division stage 2
When the movement of 0a is completed, the process proceeds to step S6, where data conversion such as gradation conversion is performed on the cross-sectional data by data conversion means (not shown) provided inside the drive control unit 12,
Information on a layer shape, coloring, and the like suitable for the size of droplets discharged from each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e is generated. It should be noted that when generating information on the layer shape, the stage 20
Unnecessary modeling portions are removed according to the protruding shape formed on the modeling surface side of (1).

In step S7, the drive control unit 12 according to the layer shape and color information generated by the above data conversion.
Gives a drive command to the XY-direction drive unit 13 to move the nozzle head 15 in a predetermined direction, and causes the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e to appropriately discharge the resin with the movement.

When coloring a three-dimensional object, the resin colored in each of Y, M, and C is discharged based on the coloring information derived from the object to be molded, so that the color of the three-dimensional object is colored. Perform modeling. On the other hand, when the resin is discharged to a portion of the three-dimensional structure that does not need to be colored, the resin colored W is discharged to form the three-dimensional structure. In the case of having an overhang shape, the resin for the support portion is discharged to form the overhang support portion 22 for supporting the overhang portion.

At this time, the resin is not discharged to the protruding portion formed by the division stage 20a. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for discharging the molding resin discharged to the back surface side of the three-dimensional structure and the support portion resin discharged when the three-dimensional structure has an overhang shape, and to improve the efficiency. It is possible to perform modeling in an efficient manner. Further, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the molding resin and the supporting portion resin.

The resin adhering to the stage 20 is naturally radiated or cooled by a cooling means (not shown) provided inside the stage 20 or each of the divided stages 20a to change from a molten state to a solid state and to be cured. .

In this way, in step S7, a layered body, which is a cross section of one layer of the three-dimensionally shaped object, is formed.

When the modeling for one layer is completed, the process proceeds to step S8, in which the drive control unit 12 determines whether or not the modeling of the three-dimensional model has been completed. The process returns to step S4 to form the layer, and when the determination is “YES”, the forming operation ends.

When returning to step S4, the stage 20 is lowered by the height of the formed one layer,
In forming the next layer, the nozzle head 15 and the stage 2
The positional relationship between the object and the object to be stacked on the object 0 is corrected to an appropriate positional relationship. Then, after the stage moves, step S
In 5, if necessary, each of the divided stages 20 a is further driven to re-form the protruding shape formed on the modeling surface side of the stage 20. This is because when the projection stage is formed by first driving the division stage 20a, the driving distance of the division stage 20a is limited due to the distance between the stage 20 and the nozzle head 15, and it is desired to form the projection on the back side of the three-dimensional structure. Since the height of the concave shape may not be enough, as the distance between the stage 20a and the nozzle head 15 increases as the lamination progresses, the division stage 20a
Is driven again, the height of the concave shape can be changed to a desired height.

In the case of high-precision manufacturing, or when the information on the lamination thickness used when creating the cross-sectional data is smaller than the thickness of the formed one layer, the height is made uniform by cutting with a cutter for each layer. You may do so. Also, when the information about the lamination thickness used when creating the cross-section data is larger than the thickness of one formed layer, the same cross-section data is used until the actual lamination thickness reaches the thickness used when creating the cross-section data. The modeling may be repeated on the basis of the modeling, or a plurality of droplets may be stacked in one place at the time of modeling for one layer.

Thereafter, by repeating the above operation, a new layer body of the second layer is laminated on the upper side of the first layer. By repeating such an operation by the number of the cross-sections, the colored layers for each layer are sequentially stacked on the stage 20, and finally, the three-dimensional structure 21 of the modeling object is formed. It is formed on the stage 20. Then, the three-dimensional structure 21 to be formed has a shape corresponding to the protruding shape of the division stage 20a. Further, the overhang support portion 22 also has a shape corresponding to the shape of the projection by the split stage 20a.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing step S in the flowchart of FIG.
It is a figure which shows the process in which modeling is performed by repeating 4-S8. As shown in FIG. 6, when forming a relief having a concave back surface, each division stage 20a is individually controlled to move up and down each time modeling is performed for each layer, so that a concave shape is formed on the back surface side of the three-dimensional structure 21. Can be performed. That is, first, as shown in FIG. 6A, the division stage 20a in the region corresponding to the concave shape is raised to such an extent that it does not come into contact with the nozzle head 15, and in this state, the nozzle head 15 More resin is discharged. Then, as the molding proceeds and the stage 20 moves down, the division stage 20a in the region corresponding to the concave shape is raised to such an extent that it does not contact the nozzle head 15 (FIG. 6B). And when molding is completed,
A predetermined concave shape is formed on the back side of the three-dimensional structure 21 (FIGS. 6C and 6D). Thus, split stage 2
By adopting a configuration in which a protruding shape is formed on the modeling surface side of the stage 20 by using 0a, a desired concave shape can be formed on the back surface side of the three-dimensional modeled object 21, and the molding shape used on the back surface side can be formed. The amount of resin used can be reduced, and the molding speed can be increased. As a result, the production cost of the three-dimensional structure 21 can be reduced, and efficient modeling can be performed. Also,
It is also possible to reduce the amount of resin used for the supporting section by moving the split stage 20a up and down on the supporting section having the overhang shape.

It may not be preferable to leave the concave shape formed on the back side of the three-dimensional structure 21 as it is. In this case, the concave portion may be filled with a filling member having a predetermined shape.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a process of filling the concave portion of the three-dimensional structure 21 obtained as described above with a filling member of a predetermined shape. First, as described above, FIG.
A three-dimensional structure 21 is generated as shown in FIG. In the three-dimensional structure 21 thus obtained, a concave shape B is formed on the back surface side as shown in FIG. Then, a predetermined filling member replenishing means 1 is separately provided, and as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the filling member of a predetermined shape is formed in the concave portion B formed on the back side of the three-dimensional structure 21 by the filling member replenishing means 1. 2
Are sequentially filled and the bonding is performed. In addition,
A block-like resin or the like may be used as the filling member. Then, after filling the filling member 2 into the entire concave portion B, the filling member 2 and the three-dimensional structure 21 are bonded to each other, as shown in FIG. The product 21 is obtained.

When the three-dimensional structure 21 has the overhang shape, the overhang support portion 22 is integrally formed when the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is completed (see FIG. 1). For this reason, after the completion of modeling, the three-dimensional model is placed at a temperature higher than the melting point of the resin for the support portion and lower than the melting points of the other resins, so that only the overhang support portion 22 is melted and removed. Thus, by using the resin for the supporting portion, even if the object to be modeled has a complicated shape, a three-dimensional object can be generated.

Although the schematic configuration and operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment have been described above, if a CAD / CAM / CAE system is introduced into the computer 11, the speed at the time of printing and the design can be increased. It is also possible to recommend qualitative improvements.

<1-3. Small area driving means 20b>
The small area driving means 20b provided to individually drive each of the divided stages 20a will be described. Each of the small area driving means 20b has one divided stage 20a as described above.
Is driven in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface of the stage 20. In order to realize such a function, linear driving means for driving in a linear direction, such as a linear actuator, is used, and the linear driving direction is changed to the stage 20.
And a rotary drive means for driving in the rotational direction, such as a rotary actuator, and a linear direction in which the drive in the rotational direction is a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface of the stage 20. And a drive conversion unit that converts the drive into a drive to the drive.

Here, an example of these structures will be described. 8 to 10 show the small area driving means 20b.
It is a figure which shows one structural example.

First, the small area driving means 20b shown in FIG.
Connecting member 61, rotary screw 62, and stepping motor 63
It is constituted by and. And the stepping motor 6
3 is a rotary screw 62 based on a command from the drive control unit 12.
Is rotated, the connecting member 61 moves along the axial direction of the rotary screw 62. As a result, the division stage 20a connected to the upper part of the connection member 61 moves up and down.

Next, the small area driving means 20b shown in FIG.
It is constituted by a telescopic shaft 64 and a linear actuator 65. Examples of the linear actuator 65 include a linear motion actuator using a piezoelectric element, an electromagnetic linear actuator, a solenoid, and an air cylinder. When the linear actuator 65 drives the telescopic shaft 64 to expand and contract based on a command from the drive control unit 12, the split stage 20a connected to the upper part of the telescopic shaft 64 moves up and down.

Next, the small area driving means 20b shown in FIG.
Is constituted by a guide roller 66, a rack 67, a pinion 68, and a motor 69. Then, when the motor 69 rotates the pinion 68 based on a command from the drive control unit 12, the rotation drive is transmitted to the rack 67, and the rack 67 is linearly moved along the arrangement direction defined by the guide rollers 66. Moving. As a result, the division stage 20a connected to the upper part of the rack 67 moves up and down.

As described above, the small area driving means 20b can be realized by an arbitrary driving method. Further, the division stages 20a are configured to be individually driven by such small area driving means 20b, and each division stage 20b is appropriately driven in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface.

<1-4. Coloring> Next, coloring in the forming process in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional structure 21 is colored by laminating a plurality of resins colored in three primary colors of Y, M, and C in the process of forming the three-dimensional structure 21.

Each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15c discharges a resin colored to each of the Y, M, and C color components capable of expressing different color components by subtractive color mixing, while the discharge nozzle 15d discharges white resin. The resin is discharged. Here, the non-colored resin generally has a color of white or cream, so that the resin discharged from the discharge nozzle 15d may be white in a non-colored state.

As described above, by using a white resin for forming the three-dimensional structure 21 discharged from the discharge nozzle 15d, a collection of minute resin droplets discharged from each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15d is formed. Mixed color or color gradation can be expressed.

Generally, it is sufficient to mix the three primary colors of Y, M, and C in order to perform coloring. However, in order to express the density of the color, in addition to the three primary colors, a resin colored white is ejected and mixed. It becomes effective. In general printers and the like, characters and images are printed on white paper with ink, toner, and the like. Therefore, if the white color of the base paper is used, white ink is not necessary, and three colors of Y, M, and C are used. By simply using, the shading of each color component can be expressed in principle. However, when there is no base material as in the case of three-dimensional modeling, it is particularly advantageous to use a white resin.

That is, a dark color can be expressed by mixing the respective color components of Y, M, and C, but a white color cannot be expressed. If the white resin is prepared and used for surface coloring, the three-dimensional structure 21 can be appropriately colored.

A description will be given of an example of a resin discharge mode in the case of displaying shades when coloring the three-dimensional structure 21 in this way.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of gradation expression for cyan. When predetermined gradation conversion is performed in the drive control unit 12, the multivalued gradation data included in the cross-sectional data is converted into binary data having a certain area. This binary data turns ON / OF each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e.
This is information for F control.

FIG. 11 shows this fixed area. By changing the resin discharge pattern of each color component into the fixed area for coloring, gradation expression and mixed color expression can be performed. become. When displaying pale cyan, one drop of cyan is ejected to a certain area, and white is ejected to other areas. When displaying dark cyan, four drops of cyan are ejected over the entire fixed area. As described above, by changing the ejection ratio of the cyan resin and the white resin with respect to a certain area, it is possible to appropriately express a gradation change from light cyan to dark cyan.

In the example of FIG. 11, for the sake of explanation, a fixed area for coloring generated by gradation conversion is shown by four ejection areas, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a case where the cross-sectional data has 256 gradations and the data is converted into binary data for ON / OFF control without lowering the gradation, 256 data is included in a certain area.
The number of ejection regions is determined.

Next, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an expression changing from light cyan to light yellow. The left end of FIG. 12 is an ejection pattern of C and W when expressing light cyan, and the right end is an ejection pattern of Y and W when expressing light yellow. When changing from pale cyan to pale yellow via a mixed color of cyan and yellow, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to express such a color change by gradually changing the ratio of discharging C, Y, and W into a certain area.

FIG. 13 shows a group of a plurality of fixed areas for the above-mentioned coloring. FIG. 13 (a)
Shows the ejection pattern of C and W, and FIG.
8 specifically shows a coloring mode represented by the ejection pattern of FIG. As shown in FIG.
By controlling the ejection pattern by the 2, it becomes possible to color the three-dimensional structure 21 in the forming process.

When the same gradation is to be displayed in a plurality of adjacent fixed areas, if the ejection pattern is the same, a pattern which is not present in the object to be modeled due to the regular arrangement of the pattern is a three-dimensional object 21. May appear above. In order to avoid such a situation, it is preferable to change the ejection pattern even when displaying the same gradation. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing an example in which the ejection pattern is changed. FIG. 14A shows three white drops for one cyan drop, FIG. 14B shows two white drops for two cyan drops, and FIG.
(C) shows an example in which one drop of white is discharged for three drops of cyan. When the same gradation is adjacent, the drive control unit 12 functions as an ejection pattern determination unit. When the ejection pattern from each of the ejection nozzles 15a to 15d is one drop of cyan, as shown in FIG. In addition, by changing the pattern as shown in FIG. 14 (b) when cyan is two drops and as shown in FIG. 14 (c) when cyan is three drops, a pattern which is not present in the object to be formed is tertiary. Appearing on the original object 21 can be avoided. Here, in each of FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C, which ejection pattern is selected may be determined randomly or may be determined regularly.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the three-dimensional structure 21 is formed, the resin colored Y, M, and C is used.
By using a white resin, it is possible to apply a color to a three-dimensional object according to the object to be molded in the molding process.

Note that the colored resin discharged from the discharge nozzles 15a to 15c has a different color component (for example,
R (red), G (green), B (blue), etc.), but by using a resin colored in three primary colors of Y, M, and C, these are mixed to form a three-dimensional resin. There is an effect that all the color components such as the intermediate color can be colored on the modeled object 21.

The resin for internal shaping discharged from the discharge nozzle 15d is not limited to white, but may be a resin of cream color or the like. However, in order to clearly reproduce the white color and gradation of the object to be formed in the generated three-dimensional object 21, it is desirable to use a white resin for the internal forming.

Further, in the case where black is reproduced on the surface side of the three-dimensional structure 21, black can be expressed by discharging three colors of Y, M, and C, but clear black is reproduced. For this purpose, a discharge nozzle for discharging the resin colored in black may be separately provided.

<1-5. Configuration of Nozzle Head> Next, a configuration example of the nozzle head 15 in the above-described three-dimensional printing apparatus 10 will be described.

Each ejection nozzle 1 in the nozzle head 15
Each of 5a to 15e is provided with a pressure generating means such as a piezoelectric actuator, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the molten resin supplied into the nozzle by the pressure generating means, so that a droplet is formed from the tip of the nozzle. It is configured to discharge a resin in a shape.

With such a configuration, the drive control unit 12 can independently control the drive of the pressure generating means of each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e, whereby the resin or other resin colored in each color can be controlled. The discharge of the resin can be controlled individually.

Further, since each of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15e provided in the nozzle head 15 can be individually controlled as described above, some examples of the configuration of the nozzle head 15 can be considered.

First, in the nozzle head 15 which can be individually controlled as described above, a plurality of nozzle units in which a plurality of discharge nozzles 15a to 15e are linearly arranged as shown in FIG. It is possible to do.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a nozzle head 15 for coloring a three-dimensional structure, and FIG.
FIG. 5A shows a configuration example in which five kinds of resins, namely, a resin colored in three primary colors, a white resin, and a resin for a support portion, are individually discharged, and FIG. 5B shows a configuration in which a black resin is further discharged. An example is shown. In FIG. 15, Y is a yellow resin,
M is a magenta resin, C is a cyan resin, W is a white resin, S is a support resin, and K is a discharge nozzle for discharging a black resin.

As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of discharge nozzles 1
One in which 5a to 15e (or 15a to 15f) are linearly arranged is constituted as one nozzle unit 17, and a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in a matrix by arranging a plurality of nozzle units 17 in parallel. Thus, it is possible to efficiently and surely perform the coloring molding. For example, when the nozzle head 15 is moved in the X direction, the molding can be performed simultaneously with the width of the nozzle head 15 in the Y direction as one scan, so that the molding can be performed efficiently and the molding time can be reduced. It becomes possible.

In FIG. 15, the axes of the plurality of discharge nozzles (that is, the discharge directions) are arranged so as to be parallel to each other, and the drive control unit is controlled in accordance with the movement timing of the nozzle head 15 in the X direction or the Y direction. By ejecting each resin in a time series, a plurality of resins can be mixed in a certain area.

Second, in the nozzle head 15 that can be individually controlled as described above, among the discharge nozzles 15a to 15d and 15f that discharge resins other than the resin for the support portion, Y,
It is also conceivable to arrange the discharge nozzles 15a to 15c and 15f for discharging the resin colored M and C (further K) around the discharge nozzle 15d for discharging the white resin provided for modeling.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing the concept of such an arrangement configuration. FIG. 16A is a conceptual diagram viewed from the side, and FIG.
Is a conceptual diagram viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 16B, the discharge nozzles 15a to 15c and 15f are arranged around a discharge nozzle 15d of a white resin which is a resin for internal molding, and as shown in FIG. By arranging the respective axes (discharge directions) of the discharge nozzles 15a to 15f so as to intersect within a certain area for coloring, it is possible to simultaneously discharge the resin of each color into the certain area for coloring. it can. When such discharge nozzles 15a to 15f are used as one nozzle unit 17, by arranging a plurality of nozzle units 17 as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to efficiently and surely perform color molding. Become. 17A shows an example of the nozzle head 15 in which the nozzle units 17 of FIG. 16 are linearly arranged in the Y direction, and FIG. 17B shows an example of the nozzle head 15 which is disposed in the XY plane. Is shown. When a molding gap is generated by scanning the nozzle head 15 having the configuration of FIG. 17A in the X direction, the configuration of FIG. 17B may be adopted.

<2. Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, a three-dimensional printing apparatus is provided with a filling member conveying means for conveying a filling member of a predetermined shape on a molding surface of a stage. By arranging at a predetermined position on the molding surface of the stage, a function as a protruding shape forming means for forming a predetermined protruding shape on the molding surface of the stage is realized. As the filling member, for example, a resin or the like formed in a block shape is used.

Further, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a coloring ink is used as a coloring agent for coloring a three-dimensional modeled object, and a resin is used as a modeling material. An example of the configuration will be described.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<2-1. Overall configuration of 3D modeling device>
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus 30 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 18, members having the same functions and effects as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The three-dimensional printing apparatus 30 includes a computer 11, a drive control unit 12, and an X
Y-direction drive unit 13, Z-direction drive unit 14, and nozzle head 3
5, a tank section 38, a melting section 39, and a stage 20, and further include a filling member transport section 45 functioning as a filling member transport section.

Computer 11, drive control unit 12, and XY
The directional drive unit 13, the Z-direction drive unit 14, and the stage 20 exhibit the same operation and effects as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the filling member transport section 45 and the nozzle head 35
, A tank part 38 and a melting part 39.

The filling member transport section 45 includes a drive section 45a and a filling member holding mechanism 45b. Drive unit 4
Reference numeral 5a denotes a driving means provided to move the filling member holding mechanism 45b within a plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis. The driving means 5a moves the filling member holding mechanism 45b on the plane based on a drive command from the drive control unit 12. Can be moved to an arbitrary position within the driving range of. The filling member holding mechanism 45b accommodates a plurality of filling members 2 therein, and arranges the accommodated filling members 2 on the stage 20 based on a filling member arrangement command from the drive control unit 12. That is, the filling member transporting section 45 can access an arbitrary position in the molding surface of the stage 20, and forms a predetermined projecting shape on the molding surface of the stage 20 by disposing the filling member 2. It functions as a shape forming means.

Next, the tank section 38 includes two tanks 38a and 38b for respectively containing thermoplastic resins having different melting points for the molding and the supporting section, and a plurality of tanks for respectively containing inks of different color components. 40a to 40d. Further, the melting part 39 is provided with two melting heaters 39a and 39b corresponding to the tanks 38a and 38b for storing the thermoplastic resin, respectively. For this reason, the thermoplastic resin contained in each of the tanks 38a and 38b is supplied to the melting heater 39 provided below the respective tank.
Heated and melted by a and 39b. On the other hand, since each ink contained in the plurality of tanks 40a to 40d is liquid at normal temperature, it is not necessary to provide a melting heater or the like.

The nozzle head 35 is fixed to the lower part of the XY-direction drive unit 13 and is movable together with the XY-direction drive unit 13 in the XY plane. Also,
The nozzle head 35 is provided with the same number of discharge nozzles 35a to 35d, 36a, and 36b as the number of tanks in the tank section 38, and the thermoplastic resin melted in the tanks 38a and 38b is provided with corresponding discharge nozzles 36a, 36b
To the tank 40a-
The ink for each color contained in 40d is supplied to the corresponding discharge nozzles 35a to 35d. Each of the ejection nozzles 35a to 35d, 36a, and 36b is a nozzle that ejects (spouts) ink or resin as minute droplets by, for example, an inkjet method. The ejection of ink or resin from each ejection nozzle is individually controlled by the drive control unit 12, and the ink or resin ejected from each ejection nozzle adheres to the stage 20 provided at a position facing the nozzle head 35. I do. Note that the discharge nozzle 36a is a nozzle that discharges a resin for forming, and the discharge nozzle 36b is a nozzle that discharges a resin for a support portion.

In this embodiment, in order to create a three-dimensional object having a plurality of colors or a three-dimensional object consisting of an arbitrary mixture of colors, the molding is performed by discharging the resin at the time of molding the three-dimensional object. At the same time, inks of different color components are used in addition to the resin in portions requiring coloring. Since there is no particular need to color the resin for forming the three-dimensional structure, an achromatic or non-colored resin is used. For this reason,
Tanks 38a and 38b for the resin of the tank portion 38
Of these, the tank 18a contains an achromatic or non-colored resin used during molding. The achromatic or non-colored resin may be a natural color resin or a white or lightly colored resin. The tank 38b contains a resin for the supporting portion.

On the other hand, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and W are stored in tanks 40a to 40d, respectively.
(White) ink is stored.

It is to be noted that the molding surface side of the stage 20 is divided into a lattice shape, and each of them is configured as a separately movable stage 20a, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

<2-2. Operation in Three-dimensional Modeling Apparatus 30> Next, the operation in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 30 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 30 in this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 19 is almost the same as the flowchart in FIG. 3, and the different processing is step S70.

First, in step S1, the data of the object to be formed is converted into data. Subsequently, in step S2, cross-sectional data for each section in which the object to be formed is sliced is generated based on the layer thickness at the time of forming. . Then, the information regarding the lamination thickness used when creating the cross-section data in step S3 is transmitted from the computer 11 to the drive control unit 12.
Is input to

Then, in step S4, stage 2
0 is moved to a predetermined position, and in step S5, the filling member transport unit 45 is driven to dispose the filling member 2 at a predetermined position on the stage 20, and a predetermined protruding shape is formed on the stage 20.

Then, in step S6, data conversion is performed by the data conversion means, and information on the layer shape, coloring, etc., suitable for the droplet size discharged from each discharge nozzle is generated.

In step S 70, the drive control unit 12 gives a drive command to the XY direction drive unit 13 in accordance with the layer shape and color information generated by the data conversion, thereby moving the nozzle head 35 in a predetermined direction. With the movement, the ejection of the ink or the resin from each ejection nozzle is appropriately performed.

In order to form the shape of the three-dimensional object, the resin for molding and the resin for the supporting portion are discharged, and when the three-dimensional object is colored, the coloring information derived from the object to be molded is applied. In this manner, the three-dimensional object is color-formed by ejecting the ink colored in each of Y, M, C, and W based on.

At this time, the resin is not discharged to the protruding portion formed by the filling member 2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for discharging the molding resin discharged to the back surface side of the three-dimensional structure and the support portion resin discharged when the three-dimensional structure has an overhang shape, and to improve the efficiency. It is possible to perform modeling in an efficient manner. Further, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the molding resin and the supporting portion resin.

The resin adhering to the stage 20 is naturally radiated or cooled by a cooling means (not shown) provided inside the stage 20 or each of the divided stages 20a, and changes from a molten state to a solid state and hardens. .

In this way, in step S70, a layered body which is a cross section of one layer of the three-dimensionally shaped object is formed.

When the modeling for one layer is completed, the process proceeds to step S8, in which the drive control unit 12 determines whether or not the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed. If the determination is "NO", the process proceeds from step S4. Is repeated, and when it is determined to be "YES", the modeling operation ends.

When the process returns to step S4, the stage 20 is lowered by the height of the formed one layer, and the nozzle head 15 and the stage 20 are lowered at the time of forming the next layer.
Correct the positional relationship with the objects to be stacked on top to an appropriate positional relationship. Then, after moving the stage, step S5
If necessary, the filling member conveying section 45 is further driven to refill the filling member 2 to re-form the protruding shape formed on the modeling surface side of the stage 20. First, when the filling member 2 is arranged by driving the filling member transport unit 45 to form a protruding shape, the height dimension of the filling member 2 is limited due to the distance between the stage 20 and the nozzle head 15. Therefore, as the lamination proceeds, the stage 20
If the distance between the nozzle head 15 and the nozzle head 15 is increased, the filling member transport unit 45 is driven again to stack the filling members 2 so that the resin and the ink when forming the three-dimensional object are formed. The discharge amount can be significantly reduced, and as a result, a three-dimensional structure can be efficiently and inexpensively formed.

In the case of high-precision manufacturing, or when the information on the lamination thickness used when creating the cross-sectional data is smaller than the thickness of the formed one layer, the height is made uniform by cutting with a cutter for each layer. You may do so. Also, when the information about the lamination thickness used when creating the cross-section data is larger than the thickness of one formed layer, the same cross-section data is used until the actual lamination thickness reaches the thickness used when creating the cross-section data. The modeling may be repeated on the basis of the modeling, or a plurality of droplets may be stacked in one place at the time of modeling for one layer.

Thereafter, by repeating the above operation, a new layer body of the second layer is stacked on the upper side of the first layer. By repeating such an operation by the number of the cross-sections, the colored layers for each layer are sequentially stacked on the stage 20, and finally, the three-dimensional structure 21 of the modeling object is formed. It is formed on the stage 20. Then, the three-dimensional structure 21 to be formed has a shape corresponding to the protruding shape of the filling member 2. Further, the overhang support portion 22 also has a shape corresponding to the shape of the projection by the split stage 20a.

By forming the protruding shape on the stage 20 by the filling member 2 as in this embodiment, the filling member 2 can be formed into a concave portion of the three-dimensional object after the molding as described in the first embodiment. This eliminates the need for a step of filling the slab, so that more efficient modeling can be realized.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a process in which modeling is performed by repeating steps S4 to S8 in the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, when modeling a three-dimensional molded object, the filling member 2 is provided by replenishing (stacking) the filling member 2 every time a predetermined number of layers are formed. It is possible to omit the ejection of the resin and the ink when the three-dimensional structure 42 is formed on the portion.

First, as shown in FIG. 20A, the filling member transport section 45 places the filling member 2 at a predetermined position on the stage 20. At this time, since the condition that the filling member 2 does not contact the nozzle head 35 is a condition, even if a plurality of the filling members 2 are stacked,
5 (FIG. 20B). Then, in this state, the resin or the ink is discharged from the nozzle head 15 to the region where the molding is performed other than the portion where the filling member 2 is arranged (FIG. 20C). And the molding progresses,
As the stage 20 moves down, the filling member 2 is further replenished above the filling member 2 arranged on the stage 20 as needed, and the resin or ink is ejected to perform modeling ( FIG. 20 (d)). When the shaping is completed, the filling member 2 is filled on the back surface of the three-dimensional structure 42 (FIG. 20E).

By adopting a configuration in which a protruding shape is formed on the molding surface side of the stage 20 by arranging the filling member 2 in this manner, the filling member 2
Can be filled, the amount of modeling resin used in the portion where the filling member 2 is arranged can be reduced, and the modeling speed can be increased. As a result, the production cost of the three-dimensional structure 42 can be reduced, and efficient modeling can be performed. Further, by arranging such a filling member 2 also in the support portion 43 having an overhang shape, it is possible to reduce the amount of resin used for the support portion.

If the filling member 2 is arranged on the stage 20 as in this embodiment, the back side of the three-dimensional structure becomes concave as in the first embodiment. Can be avoided.

When the three-dimensional structure 42 has an overhang shape, the overhang support portion 43 is integrally formed when the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 is completed (see FIG. 18). For this reason, after modeling is completed,
The three-dimensional object is higher than the melting point of the resin for the support part, and
By placing the resin at a temperature lower than the melting point of the other resin, only the overhang support portion 43 is melted and removed. Thus, by using the resin for the supporting portion, even if the object to be modeled has a complicated shape, a three-dimensional object can be generated.

As described above, in the molding process shown in FIG. 20, it is not necessary to particularly drive the divided stage 20a provided by dividing the molding surface of the stage 20 into a plurality of small areas. However, the filling member transport section 45 and the split stage 20a
If both are driven, the efficiency of the molding can be further improved than in the molding process shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a process of performing modeling by driving both the filling member transport section 45 and the division stage 20a. In addition, when performing modeling as shown in FIG. 21, the area of the filling member 2 in contact with the stage side,
It is assumed that the area of the modeling surface of the division stage 20a is substantially equal.

First, as shown in FIG. 21 (a), in a state where each of the divided stages 20a is driven to the maximum position, the filling member transport unit 45 transfers the filling member 2 to the divided stage 2a.
0a. Then, each division stage 20a is lowered by the height of the filling member 2 every time one filling member 2 is disposed. By repeating this operation,
All the filling members 2 necessary in the forming process of the three-dimensional structure 42
On the stage 20 is completed.

Then, at the time of shaping with resin or ink, the divided stage 20a on which the filling member 2 is disposed is raised by one stage (by the height of one filling member 2), so that the stage 20 is placed on the stage 20. Form a protruding shape. The filling member 2 forming the protruding shape is a nozzle head 3
The molding is started by moving the stage 20 to such an extent that it does not come into contact with 5 (FIG. 21 (b)). And the molding progresses,
As the stage 20 moves down, the divided stage 20a on which the filling member 2 is disposed is moved by one stage (one filling member 2).
The shape is formed by discharging resin or ink while adding a protruding shape by increasing the height by the height dimension (FIG. 20C). And when molding is completed,
The back surface side of the three-dimensional structure 42 is filled with the filling member 2 (FIGS. 21D and 21E).

By driving both the filling member transport section 45 and the split stage 20a in this manner, the stage 2
If a configuration is used in which a protruding shape is formed on the molding surface side of the
The number of times the filling member 2 is refilled by the filling member transport unit 45 can be reduced, and more efficient modeling can be achieved. It is clear that this can be applied to the support portion 43 having an overhang shape.

When a protruding shape is formed on the molding surface side of the stage 20 by driving both the filling member transporting section 45 and the split stage 20a, the filling member transporting section 45 and the split stage 20a may have a protruding shape. It functions as forming means.

When the three-dimensional structure 42 has the overhang shape, the overhang support portion 43 is integrally formed when the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 is completed (see FIG. 18). For this reason, after modeling is completed,
By placing the three-dimensional structure 42 at a temperature higher than the melting point of the resin for the support portion and lower than the melting point of the resin for the formation portion, only the overhang support portion 43 is melted and removed. Thus, by using the resin for the supporting portion, even if the object to be modeled has a complicated shape, a three-dimensional object can be generated.

In this embodiment, the small area driving means for driving each of the divided stages 20b is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

<2-3. Coloring> Next, coloring in the forming process in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a resin is used for forming the three-dimensional structure 42, and four colors of ink of Y, M, C, and W are ejected to color the three-dimensional structure 42 in the forming process. It is carried out.

Each of the ejection nozzles 35a to 35c ejects ink of each of the Y, M, and C color components capable of expressing different color components by subtractive color mixing, while ejecting white ink from the ejection nozzle 35d. Is done.
An uncolored resin for forming the three-dimensional structure 42 is discharged from the discharge nozzle 36a.

By using an uncolored resin for forming the three-dimensional structure 42 discharged from the discharge nozzle 36a as described above, the three-dimensional structure of the three-dimensional structure 42 can be formed, and each discharge nozzle can be formed. A color mixture or color gradation can be expressed on the surface of the three-dimensional structure 42 by a collection of minute ink droplets ejected from 35a to 35d.

In general, it is sufficient to mix the three primary colors of Y, M, and C to perform coloring. However, to express the shading of the colors, it is necessary to discharge white ink in addition to the three primary colors and mix the colors. Becomes effective. Therefore, in this embodiment, Y,
The W ink is used in addition to the M and C three color inks. However, as described in the first embodiment, when the modeling resin discharged from the discharge nozzle 36a uses a white resin, it is not particularly necessary to use W ink. Because, in this embodiment, the molding resin is used as a base material and the ink is ejected to the resin to be colored, so if the white color of the base resin is used, no white ink is required. It is.

Then, by applying ink of each color component of Y, M, C, and W to the molding resin discharged onto the stage 20, an appropriate color is applied to the three-dimensional object 42. Can be applied.

Note that, in this embodiment, the form of ejection of each ink when coloring the three-dimensional structure 42 is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, FIGS.
Each drawing also shows the ejection form of each ink in this embodiment, and the details thereof are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

As described above, in the present embodiment, Y, M, C, and Y are used as materials for forming the three-dimensional structure 42.
By using the W ink and the molding resin, it is possible to apply coloring to the three-dimensional object according to the object to be molded in the molding process.

The ink ejected from the ejection nozzles 35a to 35c has a different color component (for example, R
(Red), G (green), B (blue), and the like, but the three primary colors of Y, M, and C may be used to mix these to form a three-dimensional object 42. There is an effect that all color components such as intermediate colors can be colored.

Further, in the case of reproducing black on the three-dimensional structure 42, black can be expressed by discharging three colors of Y, M, and C. However, in order to reproduce clearer black, A discharge nozzle for discharging black ink may be separately provided.

<2-4. Configuration of Nozzle Head> Next, a configuration example of the nozzle head 35 in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 30 will be described.

Each ejection nozzle 3 in the nozzle head 35
Each of 5a to 35d, 36a, and 36b is provided with a pressure generating means such as a piezoelectric actuator, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the ink or the resin in a molten state supplied into the nozzle by the pressure generating means. It is configured such that droplet-shaped ink or resin is ejected from the nozzle tip.

By adopting such a configuration, the drive control unit 12 allows the ejection nozzles 35a to 35d, 36a, 36
The pressure generating means b can be independently driven and controlled, whereby the discharge of each color ink or resin can be individually controlled.

Further, since the respective discharge nozzles provided in the nozzle head 35 can be controlled individually,
Several embodiments are also conceivable for the configuration example of the nozzle head 35.

First, in the nozzle head 35 that can be individually controlled as described above, a nozzle unit in which a plurality of discharge nozzles 35a to 35d, 36a, and 36b are linearly arranged as shown in FIG. It is conceivable to arrange a plurality of them side by side.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a nozzle head 35 for coloring a three-dimensional structure, and FIG.
2A shows a configuration example in which four kinds of inks of three primary colors and white are ejected, and two kinds of resins, that is, a modeling resin and a resin for a supporting portion, are ejected. FIG. It shows a configuration example of ejecting black ink by
(C) shows a configuration example in which a white resin is used as the modeling resin, and four colors of B, G, R and black other than Y, M, and C are used as the colors of the ink. In addition, Y is yellow ink, M is magenta ink, C is cyan ink, W is white ink, Pa is modeling resin, Pb is support resin, K is black ink, and B is blue ink. , G are green ink, R is red ink, and P is a discharge nozzle for discharging white resin, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of ejection nozzles 35a to 35h for ink are arranged in a straight line in two rows in the Y direction. Discharge nozzles 36a to 36c for forming resin and supporting part resin are provided on the X-direction side.
One nozzle unit 37 is constituted. By arranging a plurality of the nozzle units 37 in the Y direction, a plurality of discharge nozzles can be arranged in a matrix, so that efficient and reliable coloring can be performed. For example, when the nozzle head 35 is moved in the X direction, the width in the Y direction of the nozzle head 35 can be simultaneously formed and colored by setting the width in the Y direction to one scan, so that the modeling and the coloring can be performed efficiently. Time can be reduced.

In general, when the viscosity of resin and ink is compared, the viscosity of ink is lower. Therefore, the pressure generating means for discharging ink as droplets is smaller than the pressure generating means for discharging resin as droplets. Can be configured on a scale. That is, the discharge nozzles 35a to 35h for ink can be configured to be smaller than the discharge nozzles 36a to 36c for resin, and as a result, the discharge nozzles 35a for ink
That is, the nozzle diameter of ~ 35h can be made smaller than the nozzle diameter for resin.

Therefore, in this embodiment, FIG.
(C) As shown in FIG.
The nozzle diameter of 5h is configured to be smaller than the ejection nozzles 35a to 36c for resin. With such a configuration, it is possible to make droplets at the time of ink ejection smaller than resin droplets, and to perform high-definition coloring on the three-dimensional structure 42. Become.

In FIGS. 22A to 22C, the nozzle diameters of the discharge nozzles 35a to 35h are different from those of the discharge nozzle 36a.
The nozzle diameter is about の of the nozzle diameter, but is not limited to this, and it is clear that an arbitrary nozzle diameter may be adopted based on the viscosity of the ink and the resin.

The axes of the discharge nozzles (that is, the discharge directions) are arranged in parallel with each other. The molding resin is discharged from the discharge nozzles 36a of the nozzle head 35, and the nozzle head 35 further moves in the X direction. In the process of moving to each of the ink ejection nozzles 35a-3
The resin is colored on the stage 20 by discharging ink at predetermined timings from 5d. That is, since the drive control unit 12 ejects the ink and the resin in a time-series manner in accordance with the movement timing of the nozzle head 35 in the X direction or the Y direction, the modeling and the coloring can be performed simultaneously in the modeling process. is there.

In FIG. 22C, a discharge nozzle for discharging the resin for the support portion is not provided. However, in the case of a three-dimensional molding apparatus which does not correspond to the overhang shape, the discharge of the resin for the support portion is performed. No nozzles need be provided.

Second, in the nozzle head 35 that can be individually controlled as described above, the discharge nozzles 35 that discharge ink around the discharge nozzles 36a that discharge the molding resin are used.
It is also conceivable to arrange a to 35d.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams showing the concept of such an arrangement. FIG. 23A is a conceptual diagram viewed from the side, and FIG.
Is a conceptual diagram viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 23B, the discharge nozzles 35a to 35d are arranged concentrically around the discharge nozzle 36a of the molding resin.
As shown in (a), each of the ink ejection nozzles 35a to 35a
Each axis (discharge direction) of 5d is formed by a discharge nozzle 36 of a molding resin.
a so as to intersect with the axis of a.
The resin discharged from 6a can be colored with ink, thereby enabling coloring to be performed simultaneously in the molding process. 23, each axis of the discharge nozzles 35a to 35d and the discharge nozzle 36
The position where the axis a intersects is the modeling surface of the stage 20 or the upper end surface of the layer body already formed on the stage 20.

FIG. 24 is a slightly modified configuration of FIG. 23. FIG. 24A is a conceptual diagram viewed from the side.
(B) is a conceptual diagram seen from above. The discharge nozzles 35a to 35d are arranged concentrically around the discharge nozzle 36a of the molding resin as shown in FIG. 24B, and each of the discharge nozzles for ink as shown in FIG. The point that each axis of the nozzles 35a to 35d intersects with the axis of the discharge nozzle 36a is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 23, but the position where each axis intersects is different. The position where the axis of each discharge nozzle intersects
0 or within the space between the layer formed on the stage 20 and the discharge nozzle. That is, the discharge nozzle 3
When the molding resin is discharged from 6a, coloring with ink is performed before the resin lands on the stage 20 or the layer body. With the configuration as shown in FIG. 24, it is possible to eliminate the restriction on the height dimension between each discharge nozzle and the landing position of the resin.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 23, the position where the axis of each discharge nozzle intersects with the landing position (modeling position) of the resin, so that the thickness of the layered body is increased each time one layered body is formed. It is necessary to lower the stage 20 by the amount.
On the other hand, in the configuration of FIG. 24, the resin discharged from the discharge nozzle 36a is colored by ink droplets adhering during the flight, and then landed at the molding position. Since there is no problem as long as it is below the position where the axes of the respective discharge nozzles intersect, it is not necessary to lower the stage 20 by the thickness of the layer each time a layer is formed. It is.

It should be noted that also in the configuration examples of FIGS. 23 and 24,
Similarly to the above, it is preferable that the nozzle diameters of the ejection nozzles 35a to 35d for ink are configured to be smaller than the ejection nozzles 35a for resin. With such a configuration, it is possible to make droplets at the time of ink ejection smaller than resin droplets, and to perform high-definition coloring on the three-dimensional structure 42. Become.

When the discharge nozzles 35a to 35d and 36a configured as shown in FIG. 23 or FIG.
By arranging a plurality of as shown in FIG. 25, it is possible to perform coloring modeling efficiently and reliably. FIG. 25A shows the nozzle unit 37 of FIG. 23 or FIG.
25 shows an example of a nozzle head 35 arranged linearly in the Y direction, and FIG. 25B shows an example of the nozzle head 35 arranged in the XY plane. In the case where a molding gap is generated by scanning the nozzle head 35 having the configuration shown in FIG. 25A in the X direction, the configuration shown in FIG. 25B may be employed.

<3. Characteristic operation and effect> In each of the above embodiments, a layer body corresponding to each cross section obtained by cutting the object to be formed at a plurality of parallel surfaces is formed by discharging a predetermined material, and such a layer body is sequentially formed. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 that generates a three-dimensional molded object of the modeling object by stacking;
30 has been described. Then, the three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a stage 2 having a printing surface for sequentially stacking the layers.
0 and a protruding shape forming means for forming a predetermined protruding shape on the modeling surface of the stage 20. Then, by forming the three-dimensional structure on the forming surface on which the protruding shape is formed by the protruding shape forming means, the protruding shape portion does not need to be formed, so that the shaping of the three-dimensional structure is efficiently performed. And it can be done at low cost.

Further, the protruding shape forming means includes a plurality of divided stages 20a provided on each of the small regions in which the modeling surface is divided into a plurality of small regions;
By configuring the small area driving means 20a and the small area driving means 20b for individually driving in the direction perpendicular to the modeling surface, the protruding shape formed on the modeling surface of the stage 20 can be arbitrarily formed.

In this case, the small area driving means 20b
By using a linear drive means for driving in a linear direction, the linear direction is configured as a direction perpendicular to the molding surface, and the rotary drive means for driving in the rotational direction and the drive in the rotational direction are formed. With the drive conversion means for converting the drive into a linear direction perpendicular to the surface, the divided stages 20a can be appropriately driven in the direction perpendicular to the modeling surface.

Further, the projecting shape forming means is provided with a filling member conveying means for conveying the filling member 2 of a predetermined shape onto the molding surface and arranging the filling member 2 at a predetermined position. Since modeling can be performed while being included in the original molded article, it is possible to perform the processing more efficiently and at lower cost.

<4. Modifications> While one embodiment of the three-dimensional printing apparatus and the three-dimensional printing method according to the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described one.

For example, in the above description, in order to move the nozzle heads 15 and 35 relatively to the stage 20, the nozzle heads 15 and 35 move in the XY plane and move in the stacking thickness direction, that is, the Z direction. Has shown an example in which the stage 20 on which the three-dimensional structure is placed is moved up and down. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stage 20 is fixed and the nozzle heads 15, 35
May move in the XYZ space. However, when it is desired to control the relative positional relationship between the nozzle heads 15 and 35 with respect to the stage 20 with high accuracy and high efficiency, it is preferable to provide the respective moving axes separately and independently.

As described above, when the stage 20 is moved (downward) in accordance with the modeling of each layer, in order to improve the modeling accuracy in the layer thickness direction, the previously laminated layer body is formed. Is measured by a distance measuring means such as a photoelectric sensor, whereby the height of the next layered body is predicted, and the stage 20 is moved to the height position. preferable.

In the above description, the modeling surface is parallel to the XY plane (that is, horizontal). However, the modeling surface does not need to be particularly horizontal.

Note that the nozzle head 15 described in the first embodiment may be combined with the protruding shape forming means described in the second embodiment, and conversely, the nozzle head 15 will be described in the second embodiment. It goes without saying that the nozzle head 35 described above may be combined with the protruding shape forming means described in the first embodiment.

[0168]

As described above, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the first aspect, a stage having a modeling surface for sequentially stacking layers is provided, and a predetermined surface is formed on the modeling surface of the stage. And a protruding shape forming means for forming a protruding shape, wherein a three-dimensional structure is generated on a forming surface on which the protruding shape is formed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and inexpensively form a three-dimensional structure.

According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the second aspect, the protruding shape forming means is configured such that the modeling surface is divided into a plurality of small areas, a plurality of divided stages provided for each of the small areas, and a plurality of divided stages. And a small area driving means for individually driving the divided stages in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface, so that the projecting shape formed on the modeling surface of the stage can be arbitrarily formed.

According to the three-dimensional printing apparatus of the third aspect, the small area driving means is a linear driving means for driving in a linear direction, and the linear direction is configured as a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. Therefore, each division stage can be appropriately driven in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface.

According to the three-dimensional printing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the small area driving means includes a rotary driving means for driving in a rotating direction, and a linear driving means for driving the rotating direction in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. Since the drive stage is provided with a drive conversion unit that converts the drive into the direction, the divided stages can be appropriately driven in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface.

According to the three-dimensional forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the protruding shape forming means is configured to include a filling member transferring means for transferring the filling member of a predetermined shape onto the forming surface and arranging the filling member at a predetermined position. Therefore, since the filling member is included in the three-dimensional model in the modeling process, the modeling can be performed more efficiently and inexpensively.

According to the three-dimensional forming method of the sixth aspect, a predetermined protruding shape is formed on the forming surface of the stage for sequentially stacking the layer bodies, and the predetermined protruding shape is formed on the stage on which the protruding shape is formed. Since the layers are sequentially laminated by discharging a predetermined material, it is not necessary to form the protruding portions, so that it is possible to efficiently and inexpensively form a three-dimensional structure. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of a stage.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of cross-sectional data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of cross-sectional data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process in which modeling is performed in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a process of filling a three-dimensional structure with a filling member.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a small area driving unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a small area driving unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a small area driving unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of gradation expression for cyan.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an expression that changes from pale cyan to pale yellow.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of coloring.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a discharge pattern of a colored resin or the like is changed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a nozzle head according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a concept of a configuration of a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged concentrically in the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a nozzle head according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a process in which modeling is performed in the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a process of performing modeling by driving both the filling member conveyance unit and the division stage according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a nozzle head according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a concept of one configuration of a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged concentrically in the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a concept of one configuration of a plurality of ejection nozzles arranged concentrically in the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a nozzle head according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing a conventional three-dimensional printing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Filling member 10, 30 3D modeling device 11 Computer 12 Drive control unit (control means) 13 XY direction drive unit 14 Z direction drive unit 15, 35 Nozzle heads 15a to 15e, 35a to 35d, 36a, 36b Discharge nozzle 18, 38 tank section 19, 39 melting section 20 stage 20a split stage 20b small area driving means 21, 42 three-dimensional structure 22, 43 overhang support section

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A layer body corresponding to each cross section obtained by cutting a modeling object at a plurality of parallel surfaces is formed by discharging a predetermined material, and the layer bodies are sequentially stacked to form the layer object. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that generates a three-dimensional structure of an object, comprising: a stage having a modeling surface for sequentially stacking the layer bodies; and forming a predetermined protruding shape on the modeling surface of the stage. And a projecting shape forming means, wherein a three-dimensional modeled object is generated on the modeling surface on which the projecting shape is formed. 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding shape forming unit is configured to divide the modeling surface into a plurality of small areas, and a plurality of divided stages provided for each of the small areas. A small area driving unit that individually drives the plurality of divided stages in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface. 3. The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the small area driving means is a linear driving means for driving in a linear direction, and the linear direction is a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. A three-dimensional printing apparatus characterized by the following. 4. The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the small area driving means includes: a rotary driving means for driving in a rotation direction; and a driving means for driving the rotation direction in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. And a drive converting means for converting the drive into a drive in a linear direction. 5. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projecting shape forming unit transports a filling member having a predetermined shape onto the modeling surface and arranges the filling member at a predetermined position. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising a filling member transport unit. 6. A layer body corresponding to each cross section obtained by cutting the object to be molded at a plurality of parallel planes is formed by discharging a predetermined material, and the layer bodies are sequentially laminated to form the layer object. A three-dimensional modeling method for generating a three-dimensional structure of an object, wherein a step of forming a predetermined protruding shape on a molding surface of a stage for sequentially stacking the layer bodies, A step of sequentially stacking the layer bodies by discharging the material onto a stage which has been set.