JP2003231182A - Three-dimensional molding machine and powder removing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional molding machine capable of efficiently generating a three-dimensional molded product in a short time wen the three- dimensional molded product is continuously molded. <P>SOLUTION: The three-dimensional molding machine 100 comprises a molding tray mounting unit 102 provided on a moving roller 181 thereof and movable in a direction along an X-axis by driving a motor 181. The machine 100 further comprises a molding tray 110 pressed in a -X-axis direction by a fixing mechanism 117 in a state in which the tray 110 is mounted manually on the mounting unit 102 by a user, and a stopper 102S for fixing the tray 110 so as not to move in the -X-axis direction to the unit 102 so that the tray 110 is movable in a direction along the X-axis integrally with the unit 102. Meanwhile, the user can manually detach the tray 110 from the unit 102. <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 modeling technique, and more particularly to a three-dimensional modeling technique for producing a three-dimensional model by combining powder materials.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional three-dimensional modeling apparatus, a modeling tank is fixed, layers of powder material are layered in the modeling tank one by one, and an ink jet head for discharging a binder which is hardened by drying or the like is placed on a horizontal plane. By scanning the modeling tank above and applying a binder to the layer of the powder material, a combination of the powder materials is sequentially formed to form a three-dimensional structure.

First, a thin layer of powder material such as gypsum or starch is spread uniformly by a roller mechanism or the like. Next, an inkjet head is scanned on a region to be formed in the thin layer of the powder material, and is dried and cured to apply a binder or the like. The powder material in the areas where the binder is applied is combined with the lower layer or the adjacent hardened areas. The steps of sequentially forming thin layers of powder material and applying a binder are repeated until shaping is complete. When the modeling is completed, the powder materials in the areas to which the binder is not applied are kept independent, so that the three-dimensional model bonded by the binder can be taken out.

[0004]

However, in the above three-dimensional modeling apparatus, after the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed,
In order to take out the three-dimensional object in the powder material in the modeling tank,
It takes a long time to remove the powder material not bound by the binder in the modeling tank, and it is difficult to start the modeling of the next three-dimensional model.

Therefore, when a three-dimensional object is formed continuously, the time required for the forming process increases.

Further, even when a new three-dimensional model is to be urgently formed, if the three-dimensional model is being modeled, a new model is formed until the modeling of the three-dimensional model being modeled is completed. It cannot be started, or the modeling of the three-dimensional model being modeled must be canceled and a new modeling started.

Therefore, a new three-dimensional model cannot be formed by interrupting the modeling of the three-dimensional model without causing waste of work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a three-dimensional modeling apparatus capable of efficiently producing a three-dimensional model in a short time when the three-dimensional model is continuously modeled. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional model by combining powder materials. It is characterized by comprising a main body and a modeling container having a modeling tank in which the layer of the powder material is formed, and the modeling container is attachable to and detachable from the modeling apparatus body.

The invention according to claim 2 is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling container has identification code holding means for holding an identification code of the modeling container, The apparatus main body has a reading unit that reads the identification code from the identification code holding unit, and when the three-dimensional structure in the modeling container is in the process of being formed, the read identification code and a predetermined storage unit. The modeling of the unfinished part of the three-dimensional model can be restarted in response to the control signal generated by the collation with the modeling process information stored in.

The invention according to claim 3 is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
It is characterized in that the modeling container has a modeling stage capable of moving up and down to define a bottom surface of the modeling tank, and the modeling apparatus main body has a driving unit for lowering the modeling stage.

The invention according to claim 4 is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2.
It is characterized in that the modeling container has a modeling stage capable of moving up and down, which defines a bottom surface of the modeling tank, and a driving unit for lowering the modeling stage.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for removing excess powder material from a modeling container for molding a three-dimensional model by combining the powder materials, which is transferred from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. It is characterized by comprising a mounting part for mounting the container and a powder removing means for removing the excess powder material from the modeling container mounted on the mounting part.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Principal Configuration of 3D Modeling System 1> FIG.
[Fig. 3] is a front schematic view showing a configuration of a main part of the three-dimensional modeling system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is attached to clarify the azimuth relationship in the drawing. Here, the direction along the X axis is defined as the sub-scanning direction, and the direction along the Y axis is defined as the main scanning direction.

The three-dimensional modeling system 1 includes a control device 10
And a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100.

The control device 10 comprises a computer 11 and a drive control section 12 electrically connected to the computer 11.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a modeling section 101.
A layer forming part 120, a binder applying part 150, a colored carrier applying part 160, an ultraviolet irradiation part 170, a powder shield part S, and a casing part 180. Here, from -X to + X. The layer forming unit 120, the colored carrier applying unit 160, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 170, and the binder applying unit 150 are provided in this order in such a manner that they do not move in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the housing unit 180.

The casing 180 functions as a base when the 3D modeling apparatus 100 is installed in various places, and has a rectangular parallelepiped structure for housing the internal configuration of the 3D modeling apparatus 100. Further, one of the six rectangular parallelepiped surfaces of the housing 180, which corresponds to the YZ surface in the −X direction, is a housing opening / closing door 180D that is an opening / closing door. Then, the + Z direction end of the casing opening / closing door 180D is rotatably connected to the other portion of the casing 180 by a rotating portion 180R about a shaft 180C parallel to the Y axis. Therefore, the casing opening / closing door 180D includes the rotating unit 18
By rotating the 0R, it is possible to open and close manually, and by opening the housing opening / closing door 180D, the modeling tray mounting portion 1 of the modeling tray 110, which will be described later, will be described.
02 can be attached and detached manually.

The modeling unit 101 is a modeling tray mounting unit 102.
And a modeling tray 110.

The modeling tray mounting section 102 includes a housing section 180.
The movable roller 181 driven by a plurality of motors 181M installed in the above can reciprocate along the sub-scanning direction, and the structure can mount and fix the modeling tray 110.

The modeling tray 110 is a modeling container having a modeling tank 111 in which a layer of powder material is formed. The modeling tray 110 is mounted on and fixed to the modeling tray mounting section 102 to be integrated with the modeling tray mounting section 102. Therefore, it is possible to reciprocate along the sub-scanning direction.

The powder shield portion S is formed by scattering the powder material from the layer forming portion 120 to the outside, particularly the binder applying portion 150,
Colored carrier applying section 160 and ultraviolet irradiation section 170
For preventing the powder material from being scattered to other parts, such as the −X side of the layer forming part 120, the layer surface between the layer forming part 120 and the colored carrier applying part 160, and the + X side of the binder applying part 150. Consists of three plates that are YZ planes and one plate that has a board surface that is an XZ plane that is provided in close contact with the upper surface (Z direction) of the inner wall of the housing unit 180 so as to connect the three plates. Has been done. Then, the above-mentioned three plates are the case unit 1
The region surrounded by 80 is provided so as to divide a region excluding a region where the modeling unit 101 reciprocates. That is,
When the shaping unit 101 reciprocates, the powder shield part S and the shaping unit 101 are close to each other, and a slight gap is generated between the powder shield unit S and the shaping unit 101. A region surrounded by the part 101 is generated. Therefore, the area is almost isolated from the other areas. For example, the region where the layer forming portion 120 in FIG. 1 is provided is a region isolated from other regions.

<Regarding Controller 10> Computer 1
Reference numeral 1 is a general desk-top computer or the like which is internally provided with a CPU and a memory. The computer 11 converts a three-dimensional shaped object into data as shape data, and outputs the cross-sectional data obtained by slicing the shape data into parallel thin cross-sections to the drive control unit 12.

The drive control section 12 is used for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100.
Parts, that is, the layer forming part 120 and the binder applying part 15
0, colored carrier applying section 160, ultraviolet irradiation section 170,
It functions as a control unit that controls driving of the modeling tray 110 and the modeling stage 113. When the drive control unit 12 acquires the cross-section data from the computer 11, the drive control unit 12 gives a drive command to each of the above units based on the cross-section data to supply and extend the powder material in the modeling tray 110, and the modeling tray 110. The integrated control is performed so that the powder combination is sequentially formed in the modeling tank 111 layer by layer.

Further, the drive control unit 12 specifies a selected region to which the powder material is to be bonded based on the cross-sectional data, and a binder serving as a binder every time a thin layer of the powder material is formed in the layer forming unit 120. Is controlled to be discharged to a predetermined area on the layer surface.

<Regarding Layer Forming Section 120> Layer Forming Section 12
0 is configured to include a powder supply mechanism 130 and an extension roller 140, and sequentially forms a layer of powder material in a modeling tank 111 described later.

Powder supply mechanism 130 and spreading roller 14
0 is elongated in the Y direction, and is configured such that a single layer movement of the modeling tray 110 along the + X direction can form a thin layer of the powder material in the modeling tank 111.

The powder supply mechanism 130 is provided on the modeling tray 110.
Moves in the + X direction, it advances in the −X direction relative to the modeling tray 110, and the −X direction side of the extension roller 140 (that is, the extension roller 140 moves relatively to the modeling tray 110. (Downstream side in the direction). And the modeling tray 1
When 10 moves in the + X direction, powder supply mechanism 130
Is activated and the powder supply mechanism 130 causes the spreading roller 140 to
The powder material is supplied to the −X direction side (that is, the front side in the traveling direction of the extension roller 140 relative to the modeling tray 110).

An upper side of the powder supply mechanism 130 is configured as a powder container 131 for storing a powder material such as gypsum and starch, and a porous supply roller 132 is provided on the lower side of the powder container 131. To be

The surface of the supply roller 132 is porous, and the powder material is filled in the holes of the powder container 131 which are in contact with the powder material. Then, as the supply roller 132 rotates, the powder material filled in the holes on the surface of the roller is guided to the opening 130h formed in the lowermost part of the powder supply mechanism 130, and the extension roller 140 opens the opening 1h.
The powder material dropped from 30 h can be appropriately spread. The rotation of the supply roller 132 is determined by the rotation of the modeling tray 1.
It is configured to rotate in association with the movement of 10 in the + X direction.

The extension roller 140 is configured to rotate under the control of the drive controller 12 in association with the rotation of the supply roller 132. Thereby, the powder material dropped from the opening 130h of the powder supply mechanism 130 can be appropriately spread.

The powder material contained in the powder container 131 is preferably white in order to improve the color development. When printing on white paper, it is possible to express the gradation of the color by applying the colored ink only to the colored areas, but it is also possible to express the gradation of the color in the balance with the white of the background, but it is the same for the coloring of the three-dimensional model. Therefore, it is desirable to use a white powder material.

<Regarding Binder Applying Unit 150> FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main configuration of a binder application unit 150.

The binder applying section 150 includes a binder head section 151, a binder tank section 151T, and a drive section 15.
2 is provided.

The binder tank portion 151T is formed of a light-shielding material, and a liquid ultraviolet curable resin is contained therein. It is preferable that this ultraviolet curable resin has a low viscosity so that it can be ejected by using an inkjet head described later, and that the ultraviolet energy required for curing is low in order to improve the working speed of forming a stereoscopic image. It is mentioned as a condition. As an ultraviolet curable resin satisfying such a condition, there is an acrylate-based ultraviolet curable resin or the like which is cured by causing a radical polymerization reaction upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays. In addition, compared with the above-mentioned acrylate-based UV curable resin, generally, the amount of irradiation of UV rays required for curing is large, but the volume shrinkage rate during curing is small, and safety is high and handling is easy. It is also possible to use an epoxy-based ultraviolet curable resin or the like which has the property of being cured by a cationic polymerization reaction upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Further, as described above, in order to improve the color development of the three-dimensional structure, it is preferable that the base is white. Therefore, the color of the ultraviolet curable resin may be white or transparent to improve the color development. it can.

The binder tank 151T has a tube 151 formed of a light-shielding material and serving as a pipe.
C is laid, and the liquid in the tank is guided to the binder head portion 151.

The binder head portion 151 is provided with a head portion main body 155, a discharge nozzle 157 protruding below the head portion main body 155, and a light shielding plate 158.

The binder head portion 151 is constructed so as to be capable of ejecting (jetting) the ultraviolet curable resin from the ejection nozzle 157 as minute droplets by an ink jet method or the like. The binder head portion 151 is preferably configured as a detachable piezo system inkjet head, that is, a head that performs ejection by obtaining ejection force by volume change due to flexural deformation of the piezoelectric element. With the binder head portion 151 having such a structure, stable ejection can be performed irrespective of the physical properties of the ultraviolet curable resin that is a binder, and in the unlikely event that trouble occurs such as clogging of the ejection nozzle 157 due to binder curing in the binder head portion 151. Even so, it is detachable and can be easily replaced, enabling quick recovery. The binder head portion 151 is provided with a plurality of tubes 151C and discharge nozzles 157 arranged side by side in the main scanning direction.

The drive unit 152 extends from one end to the other in the main scanning direction of the casing 180 and is fixed to the casing 180. Then, the binder head unit 151 is connected to the drive control unit 12
It is reciprocated along the main scanning direction under the control of.

The light shielding plate 158 is formed so as to cover the discharge nozzle 157 in a rectangular shape, and blocks light including ultraviolet rays from reaching the discharge nozzle 157.

Although not shown, when the binder is not ejected, the nozzle surface of the binder head portion 151 is capped in the same manner as capping for an ink jet head of a general color printer or the like, and the layer forming portion 1 is formed.
The powder material that floats around 20 is protected so as not to adhere to the discharge nozzle 157.

<Regarding Colored Carrier Applying Section 160> FIG. 3 shows the colored carrier applying section 160 and the ultraviolet irradiation section 1.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the principal part structure of 70.

The colored carrier applying section 160 includes a color head section 161, an ink tank section 161T, and a driving section 16.
2 and the color head unit 161 is provided here.
However, when the binder applied to the layer of the powder material by the binder head portion 151 is cured, it functions as a coloring means for applying the colored carrier to the colored region in the formed combination of the powder materials. .

Although not shown, the ink tank portion 161T has three primary colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and W in a tank portion divided into four.
It contains four types of liquid ink colored in (white). It should be noted that each ink that acts as a colored carrier is one that does not discolor even when combined with a powder material, and it is preferable to use one that does not discolor or fade even after a long time has passed.

The ink tank portion 161T is provided with tubes 161Ca to 161Cd serving as piping functions, and the liquid in the tank is guided to the color head portion 161.

The color head portion 161 is the head portion main body 1
65, discharge nozzles 167a to 167d that project below the head portion main body 165, and a shield plate 168.

The color head portion 161 ejects the above ink as minute droplets by an ink jet method or the like.
It is configured to be capable of being ejected (jetted) from 7a to 167d. Similar to the binder head portion 151, the color head portion 161 is configured as a detachable piezo inkjet head, that is, a head that performs ejection by obtaining ejection force by volume change due to flexural deformation of a piezoelectric element. preferable. With the color head portion 161 having such a configuration, stable ejection can be performed irrespective of the physical properties of the color ink, and by any chance, the ejection nozzles 167a to 167 due to solidification of the color ink in the color head portion 161.
Even if a trouble such as clogging of d occurs, it is detachable and can be easily replaced, so that quick recovery is possible. The color head 161 has four types of tubes 161Ca.
.About.161 Cd and four kinds of discharge nozzles 167 are arranged side by side in the Y direction.

Similar to the drive unit 152 of the binder application unit 150, the drive unit 162 extends from one end to the other in the main scanning direction of the case unit 180 and is fixed to the case unit 180. And
The color head unit 161 is reciprocated along the main scanning direction under the control of the drive control unit 12.

The shield plate 168 is provided with the discharge nozzles 167a-1.
The discharge nozzle 16 is formed so as to cover 67d in a rectangular shape.
The scattering of the powder material to 7a to 167d is suppressed.

Although not shown, when ink is not ejected, the nozzle surface of the color head portion 161 is capped in the same manner as capping for an ink jet head of a general color printer or the like, and the layer forming portion 120.
Discharge nozzles 167a to 167 are formed of powder material that floats in the vicinity.
The structure is protected so as not to adhere to d.

<About Ultraviolet Irradiating Unit 170> The ultraviolet irradiating unit 170 cures the ultraviolet curable resin applied to the layer of the powder material formed in the modeling tank 111 to bond the powder material to the ultraviolet region. It is a part that gives energy related to the wavelength, and the + Y and −Y directions are the case part 18
It is fixed at 0. The ultraviolet ray irradiating unit 170 transmits the ultraviolet ray generated by the irradiating unit main body 170B that generates the ultraviolet ray, the reflector unit 170R that reflects the generated ultraviolet ray, and the irradiating unit body 170B, and irradiates the powder material layer with the ultraviolet ray. Irradiation unit main body 1 due to external contamination, etc.
It is composed of a cover glass 170CG for protecting 70B.

<Modeling tray 110> FIG. 4 (a)
4B is a schematic front view and a schematic top view illustrating the structure of the modeling tray 110 and the lifting mechanism. In addition, in FIG. 4B, in addition to the XYZ rectangular coordinate system, the rotation directions V and W are shown to clarify the rotation direction.

The modeling tray 110 includes a modeling tank 111 having a concave portion, a modeling stage 113 that can move up and down to define the bottom surface of the concave portion of the modeling tank 111, a Z-direction moving portion 114 that moves the modeling stage 113 in the Z direction, and a surplus. An excess powder recovery tank 119 for recovering the powder material thus formed, and a fixing mechanism 11 for fixing the modeling tray 110 to the modeling tray mounting portion 102.
Equipped with 7.

The modeling tank 111 serves to provide a work area for producing a three-dimensional model, and a layer of the powder material is formed in the modeling tank 111 by the layer forming unit 120.

The modeling stage 113 has a rectangular shape in the XY cross section, and its side surface is in contact with the vertical inner wall 111a of the concave portion of the modeling tank 111. Then, the modeling stage 113 and the vertical inner wall 111a of the modeling tank 111
The rectangular parallelepiped three-dimensional space formed by and functions as a modeling space for generating a three-dimensional model. That is,
The binder discharged from the discharge nozzle 157 joins the powder materials on the modeling stage 113 to create a three-dimensional model.

The Z-direction moving portion 114 has the ball screw portion 11
4a and the gear part 115. Ball screw part 1
14a is fixed to the center of the lower surface (-Z direction) of the modeling stage 113. The gear unit 115 has a ratchet mechanism 115a at the center and rotates in the V or W direction around an axis 116C parallel to the Z axis. By the way, when the gear part 115 rotates in the V direction, the ratchet mechanism 115a rotates in the V direction integrally with the gear part 115. On the other hand, when the gear portion 115 rotates in the W direction, the ratchet mechanism 115a does not rotate and the gear portion 115 idles. Further, the ratchet mechanism 115a is engaged with the ball screw portion 114a, and the ratchet mechanism 115a is
When rotating in the direction of, the ball screw portion 114a is vertically driven downward, and the shaping stage 113 connected to the ball screw portion 114a can be driven downward.

Further, here, as shown in FIG. 4B, a rack 180G is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the casing 180, and the modeling tray 110 mounted and fixed to the modeling tray mounting section 102 is fixed. When the gear reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction, the gear portion 115 and the rack 180G described above are engaged with each other, and the gear portion 115 rotates in the V or W direction. At this time, when the modeling tray 110 moves in the + X direction, the gear portion 11
5 rotates in the V direction, the modeling stage 113 descends, and when the modeling tray 110 moves in the −X direction,
Since the gear portion 115 rotates in the W direction, the driving force is not transmitted to the modeling stage 113 and the modeling stage 113 does not move.

When the modeling tray 110 is used for the next modeling after the completion of modeling, the rotation direction in which the gear portion 115 idles is reversed by the changeover switch (not shown), and the gear portion 115 rotates in the W direction. In this case, by rotating the ratchet mechanism 115a in the W direction as well, it is possible to raise the modeling stage 113.

Therefore, here, the modeling tray 110 is used.
By moving the moving roller 181 in the sub-scanning direction, the modeling stage 113 can be lowered. That is, the motor 181M moves the molding stage 1
Since it functions as a driving means for lowering 13,
The modeling apparatus main body, which is a part of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 excluding the modeling tray 110, has a driving means for lowering the ascending / descending modeling stage 113 that defines the bottom surface of the modeling tank 111. It is possible to reduce the cost required for manufacturing and prevent the modeling container from increasing in size.

The fixing mechanism 117 is a rectangular parallelepiped member 117.
The rectangular parallelepiped member 117a configured by including a and a spring portion 117b is formed of, for example, hard rubber or metal, and the surface of the rectangular parallelepiped member 117a in the -X direction and the modeling tray main body 110b. Connected by a spring portion 117b,
When the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped member 117a is pushed in the -X direction, the spring portion 117b contracts, and the spring portion 117b becomes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped member 1.
A force that pushes 17a in the + X direction is generated.

The surplus powder collecting tank 119 is used for the modeling tray 11
When 0 moves in the + X direction, the powder material is supplied to the modeling tank 111 from the powder supply mechanism 130, and the supplied powder material is expanded by the expansion roller 140 to generate the powder layer 112. It is a concave tank for collecting the powdered material. Recovery of the powder material in the surplus powder recovery tank 119 will be described by showing a specific example when the operation of the three-dimensional modeling system 1 is described.

Further, the modeling tray 110 includes a modeling tank 111.
A structure for removing powder and a modeling tray 11 provided for removing the powder material in the excess powder recovery tank 119.
Although it has a means for presenting a 0-unique identification code, in FIG. 4, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the illustration is omitted, and the description thereof is omitted here.
The removal of the powder material in the molding tank 111 of 0 and the excess powder recovery tank 119 will be described in detail.

<About Modeling Tray Mounting Section 102> The modeling tray mounting section 102 is engaged with a plurality of moving rollers 181 installed in the casing 180, and the driving of the moving rollers 181 causes the modeling tray mounting section 102 to move. It is possible to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the modeling unit 101, and parts other than the modeling unit 101 are omitted for simplicity of explanation. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the modeling tray mounting portion 102 includes a member 102SH having a concave YZ cross section,
And a rectangular parallelepiped member 102W provided at the + X direction end of the member 102SH. In addition, here
The widths of the member 102SH and the member 102W in the Y direction are equal, and the member 102W is larger than the height of the member 102SH in the Z direction.
Is higher in height. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the concave portion of the modeling tray mounting portion 102 is the modeling tray 11
The size is 0.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the modeling tray mounting portion 102 has a stopper 10 for fixing the modeling tray 110 mounted on the modeling tray mounting portion 102.
It has 2S. Although not shown, a sensor is attached to the stopper 102S of the modeling tray mounting unit 102, and the modeling tray 1 is mounted on the modeling tray mounting unit 102.
Detects that 10 is attached and fixed.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining the mounting of the modeling tray 110 on the modeling tray mounting section 102.

First, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the user manually inserts the modeling tray 110 into a concave portion (not shown) of the modeling tray mounting portion 102 and pushes it in the + X direction, FIG. As shown in b), the member 117a is pressed against the rectangular parallelepiped member 102W of the modeling tray mounting portion 102, and the spring portion 117b of the fixing mechanism 117 contracts and deforms.
As shown in FIG. 6C, in this state, the modeling tray 11
0 fits in the + X direction of the stopper 102S. Figure 6
In the state shown in (c), the modeling tray 110 is fixed in the main scanning direction with respect to the modeling tray mounting unit 102 because it is fitted into the concave portion of the modeling tray mounting unit 102. Further, the spring portion 117b of the fixing mechanism 117 of the modeling tray 110 tries to extend and exerts a force in the -X direction on the member 102W of the modeling tray 110 to push the modeling tray 110 in the -X direction. The tray 110 is fixed to the modeling tray mounting unit 102 so as not to move in the −X direction. Therefore, the modeling tray 110 is fixed to the modeling tray mounting portion 102 also in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view for explaining the attachment / detachment of the modeling tray 110 from the modeling tray mounting portion 102.

Here, the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 6 is used.
The forming tray 1 is installed in the opposite direction to the mounting of the forming tray 110 on the
By moving 10 the modeling tray 110 can be attached and detached. That is, from the state in which the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 7A is mounted to the modeling tray mounting unit 102, the surplus powder recovery tank 119 of the modeling tray 110 and the −X direction as shown in FIG. 7B. 7 is grasped and lifted near the end of the mold to eliminate the constraint of the stopper 102S on the modeling tray 110, and in that state, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the modeling tray 110 can be pulled out in the −X direction along the concave portion of the modeling tray mounting portion 102.

Therefore, when the modeling apparatus main body is a part of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 excluding the modeling tray 110, the modeling tray 110 is detachable from the modeling apparatus main body, and therefore the modeling tray 110 is used as the modeling apparatus main body. After mounting and modeling the three-dimensional model, the modeling tray 110 is detached from the modeling apparatus main body to remove the powder material in the modeling tank 111 to take out the three-dimensional model, and to clean the modeling tank 111. Therefore, it is possible to quickly move to the modeling work of the next three-dimensional model by mounting another modeling tray on the modeling apparatus main body during the time required for taking out the three-dimensional model and cleaning it. . In addition, even if the modeling tray 110 is in the middle of modeling,
It is possible to start the new modeling (new modeling) by detaching from No. 2 and mounting the other modeling tray to the modeling tray mounting unit 102. In addition, by mounting the modeling tray 110 having the modeling tank 111 filled with the three-dimensional model and the powder material, which is in the middle of modeling, on the modeling tray mounting unit 102, modeling that is continued from the time when modeling is interrupted (continuous modeling). ) Can be restarted. Furthermore, by mounting the modeling tray 110 in which the modeling tank 111, in which the modeling is completed and the modeling tank 111 with the powder material, are added to the modeling tray mounting unit 102, additional modeling (additional modeling) is performed on the three-dimensional model. Then, the shape can be added.

<Regarding Method of Identifying Modeling Tray 110>
As described above, the modeling tray 110 is removable, but when the modeling tray 110 is mounted on the modeling tray mounting unit 102, which modeling tray 110 is the modeling tray mounting unit 1.
If it is not possible to surely recognize whether or not it is mounted on No. 02, the three types of modeling operations, that is, new modeling, continuous modeling, and additional modeling, cannot be reliably carried out. Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling system 1, it is necessary to identify each modeling tray. Hereinafter, a method of identifying the modeling tray 110 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function for identifying the modeling tray 110. As shown in FIG. 8 (a), a barcode 1 that holds and presents a different identification code for each modeling tray on the side surface of the modeling tray 110.
10D is provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the reading device 1 for reading the identification code from the above-described bar code 110D is provided on the side surface of the inner wall of the casing 180.
80RE is fixedly installed, and the barcode 110D and the reader 180RE are installed so that the barcode 110D and the reader 180RE face each other at the place where the modeling tray 110 is mounted and fixed to the modeling tray mounting unit 102. There is.

Therefore, immediately after the modeling tray 110 is mounted and fixed on the modeling tray mounting portion 102, the reading device 18
The identification code unique to the modeling tray 110 can be read by 0RE. Note that, here, the reading device 180
The operation of RE is controlled by the drive control unit 12, and the read identification code is read by the computer 11,
The computer 11 determines the identification code. The discrimination of the identification code and the operation of the three-dimensional modeling system 1 based on the result will be described later.

<Basic Operation of 3D Modeling System 1> As described above, in the 3D modeling system 1 according to this embodiment, three types of modeling, new modeling, continuous modeling, and additional modeling, are possible. is there. The three types of modeling operations will be described below. First, new modeling will be described, and then the identification code identifying operation of the modeling tray 110 and the three types of modeling operations will be described.

<New modeling operation of the three-dimensional modeling system 1>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a basic modeling operation of the three-dimensional modeling system 1. Hereinafter, the basic modeling operation will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1, the computer 11 creates model data representing a three-dimensional object to be printed whose surface has a color pattern or the like. Color three-dimensional model data created by general three-dimensional CAD modeling software can be used as the base shape data for modeling. It is also possible to use the shape data and texture measured by the three-dimensional shape input device.

In the model data, there are data in which color information is added only to the surface of the three-dimensional model, or data in which color information is added to the inside of the model. Even in the latter case, it is possible to use only the color information of the model surface during modeling, and it is also possible to use the color information inside the model. For example, when a three-dimensional modeled object such as a human body model is generated, it may be desired to color each built-in object with a different color. In that case, the color information inside the model is used.

In step S2, the computer 11 creates cross-sectional data for each cross-section obtained by horizontally slicing the modeling target from the above model data. From the model data, a cross-section body sliced at a pitch (layer thickness t) corresponding to the thickness of one layer of powder to be laminated is cut out to create shape data and color data. The pitch for slicing can be changed within a predetermined range (range of thickness capable of binding powder).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of cross-section data generated in step S2. As shown in FIG. 10, the cross-section body is cut out from the model data including the color information and subdivided into a lattice shape. It is treated like a bitmap of a two-dimensional image and converted into bitmap information for each color. This bit map information is information in consideration of gradation and the like. Here, only the portion that appears on the surface of the three-dimensional model has the YCMW color information.

In step S3, information relating to the layer thickness (slice pitch at the time of creating cross-section data) and the number of stacks (the number of cross-section data sets) of the powder at the time of modeling the object to be modeled is supplied from the computer 11 to the drive controller. 12 is input.

The subsequent step S4 and subsequent steps are operations performed by the drive control section 12 controlling each section of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. 11 and 12 are conceptual diagrams for explaining these operations. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

In step S4, the forming stage 113 forms the combined body of the Nth layer (N = 1, 2, ...) Of powders on the forming stage 113.
By moving 0 slightly in the + X direction, the Z direction moving unit 114 shown in FIG. 4 lowers and holds the layer thickness t based on the layer thickness t input from the computer 11 by a distance corresponding to the layer thickness t. When new modeling is performed, in the initial state, the modeling stage 113 is located at the same height as the upper surface of the modeling tray 110. From there, it will fall by the distance according to the layer thickness t. Then, the modeling stage 113 sequentially forms the layer thickness t every time one layer of the powder material is formed.
It gradually descends by a distance according to. As a result, the powder material is deposited on the modeling stage 113, and a space for forming one new powder layer can be formed above the powder layer that has been completely bonded by the binder.

In step S5, the modeling tray 110 is set to +
By moving in the X direction, powder as a material for modeling the three-dimensional model is supplied and a thin layer for one layer of the powder material is formed.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the modeling tray 1
When 10 moves in the + X direction, the lowermost point of the extension roller 140 descends so as to be at the same height position as the upper end of the modeling tray 110, and in that state, the modeling tray 110 moves in the + X direction. Starting, the thin layer formation of the powder material is started by the powder supply mechanism 130 and the spreading roller 140. The modeling tray 110 moves in the + X direction slightly on the −X direction side of the position of the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 11A, whereby the modeling stage 113 is lowered in step S4. Then, as shown in FIG.
The modeling tray 110 is moved in the + X direction, and the powder supply mechanism 130 and the spreading roller 140 accurately form a uniform thin layer of the powder material.

When a thin layer of the powder material is formed by the powder supply mechanism 130 and the spreading roller 140 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the layer forming section 120 includes the casing section 180 and the powder which are not shown. It is in a state of being surrounded by the shield part S and the modeling tray 110. That is, the area where the layer forming unit 120 is provided and the binder applying unit 15
0, colored carrier application section 160, and ultraviolet irradiation section 1
By providing the powder shield portion S for preventing the powder material from scattering, for example, in a region in which the two regions are isolated from each other. Therefore, when the modeling tray 110 moves in the + X direction and a thin layer of the powder material is formed by the powder supply mechanism 130 and the spreading roller 140, the powder material floats around the spreading roller 140 and the like. Head 151, color head 16
1 and the powder material can be prevented from being scattered around the ultraviolet irradiation section 170 and the like. Therefore, the discharge nozzle 15 of the binder head section 151 and the color head section 161 can be prevented.
7, 167a to 167d, or ultraviolet irradiation unit 170
It is possible to suppress the adhesion of the powder material to the above, and to suppress the scattering of the powder material around the apparatus.

The amount of the powder material supplied from the powder supply mechanism 130 during the formation of one layer (while the modeling tray makes one movement along the + X direction) is more than the amount required for the formation of one layer. It is set a little higher to avoid powder shortage at any position in the molding space. Therefore, the powder material remains after the formation of one layer.
As shown in, the modeling tray 110 moves in the + X direction,
Excess powder recovery tank 1
Excess powder recovery tank 119 by pushing to 19
It is possible to recover the excess powder material in the above. Therefore, the excess powder material can be collected and reused.

When switching from step S5 to step S6, the scanning direction of the modeling tray 110 is changed from the + X direction to the − direction.
A U-turn that switches to the opposite direction of the X direction is performed. In the modeling tank 111, the binder is absorbed in the powder, and a molded object having a larger weight than the independent powder material itself is formed. Therefore, if the U-turn of the modeling tray 110 is suddenly performed, the modeling is performed. An inertial force is generated in the object, and the position of the modeled object in the powder material is displaced, resulting in deterioration of modeling accuracy. Therefore, here, the modeling tray 1
It slows down the movement speed of 10 U-turns.

In step S6, from FIG. 11 (c) to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, by moving the modeling tray 110 in the −X direction, the binder head portion 151 is moved.
Discharges the binder of the ultraviolet curable resin to the powder layer 112 extended from the discharge nozzle 157 based on the control signal from the drive control unit 12. At this time, the drive control unit 12
Applies a control signal to the binder head section 151 based on the shape data of the cross-section data (see FIG. 10), so that the binder head section 151 is reciprocally moved in the main scanning direction by the drive section 152, and A binder is added to the selected area to be selected.

Then, the ultraviolet ray irradiating section 170 radiates ultraviolet rays to the powder layer 112 to which the binder has been added. As a result, the binder of the ultraviolet curable resin applied to the powder layer 112 is cured. As a result, a combination of the powder materials is generated for each powder layer, and the powder materials in the regions to which the binder is not applied can be kept independent.

Further, during one movement in the -X direction of the modeling tray in which the binder is applied and the ultraviolet ray is irradiated,
The discharge nozzle 167 of the color head portion 161 is attached to the combined body of powder materials formed by curing the binder by ultraviolet irradiation.
Ink of each color is ejected from a to 167d. At this time,
The drive control unit 12 determines the color head unit 161 based on the YMCW color data (see FIG. 10) in the cross-sectional data.
By applying a control signal to the color head portion 161, the color head portion 161 is reciprocally moved in the main scanning direction by the driving portion 162, and ink is applied to the colored area near the surface of the three-dimensional structure. As a result, a desired coloring can be applied to the three-dimensional structure.

In general, the three primary colors of Y, M, and C may be mixed for coloring, but in order to express the shade (gradation) of the colors, a white binder is discharged in addition to the three primary colors to mix the colors. It is effective to do. In general printers, characters and images are printed on white paper with ink, toner, etc. Therefore, if the white color of the base paper is used, white ink is not required, and three colors of Y, M, and C are used. In principle, it is possible to express the shading of each color component simply by using. However,
When the powder used as the material for three-dimensional modeling is not white in color, it is particularly effective to use a white binder.

When the modeling tray 110 reaches the position shown in FIG. 12 (b), one powder material combining operation and coloring operation are completed, and one layer of modeling operation is completed. It will be.

In step S7, the log file indicating the modeling process information and the like is updated and stored when the modeling for one layer is completed. The log file is stored in a storage unit built in the computer 11, and details of the log file will be described later.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not to interrupt the modeling of the three-dimensional model. Here, when the user gives an instruction to suspend the modeling from the keyboard provided in the computer 11, the modeling operation is terminated,
If the instruction to interrupt the modeling is not issued, step S9
Proceed to.

In step S9, it is determined whether the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed. If the modeling is not completed, the process returns to step S4 and the modeling stage 113
Is lowered and held by the Z-direction moving unit 114 by a distance corresponding to the thickness based on the layer thickness t input from the computer 11, and a new powder of the (N + 1) th layer is provided above the Nth layer. The operation of forming the combined body is performed. If the modeling is completed, the modeling operation ends.

As described above, FIG. 11 (a) to FIG. 12 (b)
By repeating the operation shown in FIG.
The colored combined bodies for each layer are sequentially laminated on the upper layer, and finally the three-dimensional modeled object is molded on the modeling stage 113.

Then, when the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed, the modeling tray 110 is detached from the modeling tray mounting portion 102 as shown in FIG. The powder removing device 2 described later
By separating the individual powder materials to which no binder has been applied, such as by bringing the powder materials into a 00, the bonded body (three-dimensional model) of the powder materials bonded with the binder can be taken out. The powder material which is not bonded may be collected and reused.

<Regarding Identification Operation of Modeling Tray of Modeling Tray 110 and Modeling Operation> The operation of new modeling has been described above, but here, not only new modeling but three modeling types including continuous modeling and additional modeling are available. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a molding operation according to each modeling type. Hereinafter, selection of three modeling types and modeling operation will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the discrimination operation of the identification code and the molding operation by the computer 11 when the molding tray 110 is mounted on the molding tray mounting portion 102. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, after the modeling tray 110 is mounted and fixed on the modeling tray mounting portion 102, the computer 11 is operated to make the modeling possible in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, and thereby the three-dimensional model is manufactured. The process proceeds to step S11 to start modeling.

In step S11, as described above, based on the signal from the sensor attached to the stopper 102S, it is determined whether or not the computer 11 has the modeling tray 110 mounted and fixed in the modeling tray mounting portion 102. If it is confirmed that the modeling tray 110 is mounted and fixed to the modeling tray mounting unit 102, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the molding tray 1
The reading device 1 in which the identification code unique to the modeling tray 110 is provided in the housing unit 180 from the barcode 110D of 10
It is read by 80RE, and the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, step S1
The identification code read in 2 and the computer 1
The computer 11 collates the modeling process information stored in the storage unit in 1 to confirm the modeling status, and the process proceeds to step S14. The log file includes information indicating the modeling status such as a data file and modeling process information, and stores each information from before modeling to during modeling and after modeling corresponding to the identification code of each modeling tray 110. ing. Further, the "modeling status" includes unmolded (new modeled), in the middle of modeled (including information on what layer), modeled, completed removal of excess powder, and the like. Further, the "data file" includes the model data converted into cross-sectional data described with reference to FIG.

In step S14, step S1
Based on the modeling status confirmed in 3, the computer 11 determines whether to perform new modeling for the modeling tray 110 currently mounted in the modeling tray mounting unit 102. In addition, here, when implementing new modeling,
When the powder layer is not formed at all in the modeling tank 111, and conversely, when new modeling is not performed,
Powder layers are stacked in the modeling tank 111. And
In step S14, if it is determined that the new modeling is performed, the process proceeds to step S15, and if it is determined that the new modeling is not performed, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S15, the modeling stage 113 is set to the initial position, and the process proceeds to step S16. Here, the “initial position of the modeling stage 113” is a position where the upper surface of the modeling stage 113 and the upper surface of the modeling tray 110 have the same height.

In step S16, the new modeling operation (steps S1 to S9) shown in FIG. 9 is performed, and thereafter, the modeling is completed by the completion of the modeling or the interruption of the modeling.

In step S17, step S1
The computer 11 determines whether or not the modeling tray 110 currently mounted on the modeling tray mounting unit 102 is in the middle of modeling based on the modeling status confirmed in 3. Here, if it is determined that the modeling is in progress, the process proceeds to step S18, and if it is determined that the modeling is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S18, step S1
Based on the data file included in the log file read in step 3 and the confirmed modeling status, the computer 11 sets the data regarding the modeling operation corresponding to the modeling process, such as the number of layers from which the modeling is performed. Proceed to S19.

In step S19, step S1
Based on the data relating to the modeling operation set in 8, the modeling (continuous modeling) similar to the modeling operation shown in steps S4 to S9 shown in FIG. Resume modeling the unfinished part of the original model. After that, the modeling ends when the modeling is completed or the modeling is interrupted.

In step S20, step S1
Based on the modeling status confirmed in 3, the computer 11 determines whether the modeling tray 110 is currently subjected to additional modeling. Here, if it is determined that the additional modeling is performed, the process proceeds to step S21,
When it is determined that the additional modeling is not performed, the modeling of the three-dimensional model is finished. Here, when performing additional modeling, three-dimensional model data to be added to the data file of the log file stored in the storage unit of the computer 11 in advance is given, and additional modeling is performed depending on the presence or absence of this added three-dimensional model data. Determine whether to implement. Therefore, the case where it is determined that the additional modeling is not performed and the modeling is finished is a case where the modeling is already completed and the three-dimensional model data is not added to the data file.

In step S21, a molding operation is performed on the added three-dimensional model data in the same manner as the new molding operation (steps S1 to S9) shown in FIG. 9, and thereafter, the molding operation is completed or the molding operation is completed. The modeling ends by the interruption.

As described above, when the modeling tray 110 is attached to the modeling apparatus main body, the identification code of the modeling tray 110 is read by the reader 180RE provided in the modeling apparatus main body, and the three-dimensional shape in the modeling tray 110 is read. When the modeled object is in the process of being modeled, it is possible to restart the modeling of the unfinished part of the three-dimensional modeled object in response to the control signal generated by collating the read identification code with the modeling process information. Therefore, even if the modeling tray 110 is detached from the modeling apparatus main body after the modeling is interrupted in the middle of modeling, and then the modeling tray 110 is attached to the modeling apparatus main body, the modeling of the unfinished three-dimensional molded object is performed. Easy and reliable restart.

<Powder Removing Device 200> FIGS. 14 and 1
5 is the modeling tank 111 after the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed.
It is a front cross-sectional schematic diagram and side schematic diagram which show the powder removal apparatus 200 which removes the surplus powder material of the circumference of a three-dimensional molded object quickly in order to take out a three-dimensional molded object from. Here, also in order to clarify the azimuth relationship, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is also shown.

The powder removing device 200 includes a powder removing section 220.
And a base portion 230, and the powder removing portion 220 is installed and fixed on the base portion 230.

The base part 230 functions as a base when the powder removing device 200 is installed in various places, and the inside of the base part 230 controls the entire operation of the powder removing device 200, and the powder material. It has a powder suction device 232 for sucking powder, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Although not shown here, the overall control unit 231 is electrically connected to the computer 11 shown in FIG. 1 via the drive control unit 12, and it is possible to exchange modeling information.

The powder removing section 220 comprises a housing section 280 and a mounting section 210, and the mounting section 210 is installed inside the housing section 280 via leg sections 220S made of a plurality of elastic bodies. ing.

The mounting section 210 has substantially the same shape as the modeling tray mounting section 102 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100.
The main differences will be described below. The mounting part 210 is
A vibrating feeder 215 for vibrating the mounting portion 210 is incorporated. The vibrating feeder 215 is used in the overall control unit 231.
The mounting part 210 is electrically connected to the housing part 231 and is vibrated under the control of the overall control part 231. Vibrate.

The mounting portion 210, like the molding tray mounting portion 102, has a member 210SH having a concave YZ section.
And a rectangular parallelepiped member 210W provided at the + X direction end of the member 210SH. Again, here
Like the modeling tray mounting unit 102, the members 210SH and 210W have the same width in the Y direction, and the height of the member 210W is higher than the height of the member 210SH in the Z direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, as in the modeling tray mounting unit 102 shown in FIG. 5, the concave portion of the mounting unit 210 is sized to fit in the modeling tray 110. The modeling tray 110 transferred to the powder removing apparatus 200 is mounted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18 which will be described later, the mounting portion 210 is the modeling tray 11 mounted on the mounting portion 210.
It has a stopper 210S for fixing 0. Although not shown, the stopper 210 of the mounting portion 210
A sensor is attached to S and detects that the modeling tray 110 is attached and fixed to the attachment portion 210.

Furthermore, in the concave portion of the mounting portion 210,
Modeling tank 1 of modeling tray 110 mounted on mounting section 210
11 and suction holes 210Ha and 210Hb for sucking the powder material in the surplus powder recovery tank 119 are provided, and these suction holes 210Ha and 210Hb are similar to the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 in the Y direction, respectively. Has a width. In addition, the suction holes 210Ha and 210Hb
Is connected to the powder suction device 232 in the base 230 via a duct 210D. Therefore, the suction hole 210
The powder material sucked by Ha and 210Hb can be collected by the powder suction device 232.

The casing portion 280 serves as an enclosure for shielding the powder material in the modeling tank 110 of the modeling tray 110 from the outside so that the powder material does not fly outside when the powder material is removed from the modeling tank 111 of the modeling tray 110. It has a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

Further, one of the six rectangular parallelepiped surfaces of the casing 180, which corresponds to the YZ surface in the -X direction, is an opening / closing door 280D which is an opening / closing door. And the door 2
The + Z direction end portion of 80D is connected to the other portion of the housing portion 280 by a rotating portion 280R that is rotatable around an axis 280C parallel to the Y axis. Therefore, the opening / closing door 280D can be opened / closed manually by rotating the rotating portion 280R.
By opening D, it is possible to manually attach and detach the modeling tray 110 to and from the mounting portion 210, which will be described later.

Hereinafter, the modeling tray 1 for the mounting portion 210
The mounting and demounting of 10 will be described, but before that, the structure for powder removal of the modeling tray 110 will be described.

<Structure for Removing Powder from Modeling Tray 110> FIGS. 16 and 17 show a powder removing device provided for removing the powder material in the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder collecting tank 119 of the modeling tray 110. 3A and 3B are a schematic front view and a schematic top view illustrating the structure of FIG. Here, in order to clarify the directional relationship, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system and the directions A and B indicating the rotation direction are also shown.

As shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 17,
The inner walls in the −X direction of the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 are movable shutter plates 111, respectively.
D, 119D. The tray holes 110 are formed in the -X direction of the shutter plates 111D and 119D.
Ha and 110Hb are provided.

The tray hole portions 110Ha and 110Hb have the same width as the width in the Y direction of the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119, respectively, and the modeling tray 11 respectively.
0 from the bottom surface (the surface in the −Z direction) to the shutter plate 111D,
The surface of 119D in the -X direction is formed. And
Tray hole 110H on the bottom of the modeling tray 110
The sizes of a and 110 Hb are 2 of the mounting part 210, respectively.
It is the same as the suction holes 210Ha and 210Hb at the locations.

The shutter plates 111D and 119D are connected to the modeling tray main body 110b so as to rotate about axes 111C and 119C parallel to the Y direction. Then, the molding tray main body 110 is pushed in the B direction by spring portions 111SP and 119SP (not shown), respectively.
It is pressed against b and forms the inner walls in the -X direction of the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 of the modeling tray 110, respectively.

Further, the shutter plates 111D and 119D have bar portions 111Ra and + Ra at the end portions in the + Y and −Y directions, respectively.
111Rb and rod portions 119Ra and 119Rb, and as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16B, the rod portions 111Ra and 111Rb and the rod portions 119Ra and 11 are provided.
By pushing 9Rb in the A direction, the spring portion 110
SP, 119SP shrinks, shutter plates 111D, 11
9D rotates in the direction A around the shafts 111C and 119C, respectively, and the modeling tank 111 and the tray hole 110Ha, and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 and the tray hole 110Hb are connected to each other. That is, the modeling tank 111, the excess powder recovery tank 119, and the bottom surface of the modeling tray 110 penetrate.

Here, the two rods 111Ra and 111Rb provided on the shutter plate 111D are provided at the same height in the + Y direction, and the two rods 119Ra and 119Rb provided on the shutter plate 119D are also in the + Y direction. Are installed at the same height. Then, in consideration of the structure when mounting the modeling tray 110 to the powder removing apparatus 200 described later, the rod portions 111Ra and 111Rb are the rod portions 11 more.
It is attached at a higher position in the + Y direction than 9Ra and 119Rb.

<Modeling tray 11 for powder removing apparatus 200
About mounting of 0> The modeling tray 110 transferred from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 to the powder removing apparatus 200 has the mounting section 2
By being attached to 10, the powder removing apparatus 200 is attached. The mounting of the modeling tray 110 on the mounting unit 210 can be performed in exactly the same manner as the mounting of the modeling tray 110 on the modeling tray mounting unit 102 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 6. When the modeling tray 110 is mounted on the mounting unit 210, the modeling tank 1 of the modeling tray 110 is mounted.
11 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 are provided with two suction holes 21 through the tray hole portions 110Ha and 110Hb, respectively.
It is connected to 0 Ha and 210 Hb. The mounting of the modeling tray 110 on the powder removing apparatus 200 will be described in detail below.

18 and 19 show the modeling tray 110.
5A and 5B are a front cross-sectional schematic diagram and a top schematic diagram for explaining the mounting of the to the mounting portion 210. In addition, here, in FIG.
(A) and FIG. 19 (a), FIG. 18 (b) and FIG. 19 (b),
FIG. 18C and FIG. 19C correspond to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, four protrusions 2 are formed on the inner wall of the casing 280 in the + Y and −Y directions.
80Ta to 280Td are provided, and the four protrusions 280Ta to 280Td are bar portions 111Ra provided on the shutter plates 111D and 119D of the modeling tray 110.
By pressing 111Rb, 119Ra, and 119Rb, the shutter plates 111D and 119D are rotated.
This operation will be described later.

When the molding tray 110 is pushed in the + X direction on the mounting portion 210 from the state shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 19 (a), the molding shown in FIGS. 18 (b) and 19 (b). At the position of the tray 110, the protrusions 280Ta and 280Tb provided on the casing 280 are connected to the rods 111Ra and 1
The protrusions 280Tc and 280Td provided on the housing 280 are in contact with 11Rb and the rods 119Ra and 119.
Contact Rb. The mounting tray 210 is attached to the modeling tray 11
In the process of mounting 0, the protrusions 280Tc and 280Td are placed on the mounting portion 210 so that the protrusions 280Tc and 280Td do not come into contact with the rods 111Ra and 111Rb.
It is provided at a position lower than the Z direction.
At this time, although illustration is omitted, FIG.
And at the position of the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG.
A reader similar to the reader 180RE shown in FIG. 8 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 280 at a position facing the barcode 110D.

Therefore, FIG. 18B and FIG.
At the position of the modeling tray 110 shown in (b), the modeling tray 1
The identification code unique to the modeling tray 110 can be read by pushing 10. Here, the operation of the reading device is controlled by the overall control unit 231, and the read identification code is read by the computer 11,
The computer 11 determines the identification code, and then the computer 11 determines whether the modeling of the three-dimensional modeled object in the modeling tank 111 of the modeling tray 110 is completed. The determination by the computer 11 and the subsequent operation will be described below.

In FIG. 20, the modeling tray 110 is shown in FIG.
19B is a flowchart showing the determination of the identification code by the computer 11 in the case of the position shown in FIG. 19B and the subsequent operation. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, by bringing the modeling tray 110 to the position of the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 18B and FIG. 19B, the identification code unique to the modeling tray 110 from the barcode 110D of the modeling tray 110. Is read by a reading device provided in the housing unit 280,
The process proceeds to step S31 to start the determination as to whether or not the modeling is completed.

In step S31, the log file corresponding to the read identification code is stored in the computer 11
The data is read from the internal storage unit to confirm the modeling status, and the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, step S3
Based on the modeling situation confirmed in step 1, the modeling tray 1
For the three-dimensional object in the modeling tank 111 of 10, it is determined whether the modeling is completed. Here, the modeling tray 11
If the modeling is completed for 0, the process proceeds to step S33,
If modeling is not completed, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S33, the modeling tray 1
Since the modeling has been completed for No. 10, the word "Please remove the powder and take out the modeled object" is issued under the control of the overall control unit 231 under the control of the overall control unit 231, and the determination flow is shown. finish.

In step S34, the modeling tray 1
Since modeling for 10 has not been completed, the overall control unit 2
Under the control of 31, while issuing a warning buzzer, the message "It is in the process of molding. Please do not remove the powder." Is issued and the judgment flow ends. Here, the overall control unit 231 issues a warning buzzer or wording based on the modeling status stored in the storage unit in the computer 11. Further, in step S34, the operator may be prompted to confirm. In other words, in step S34, the message "In process of molding. Are you sure you want to remove the powder?" Then, in that state, when the operator waits for an input, and the operator gives an instruction to “remove”, step S
The process is shifted to 33 and the flow is terminated when the instruction of “cancel” is given.

In step S33, the modeling tray 11
Modeling has been completed for No. 0, and the words "Please remove the powder and take out the modeled object."
The removal of the powder material after it has been emitted under the control of 31 is described below.

Returning to FIGS. 18 and 19, the description will be continued.

When the modeling tray 110 is further pushed in the + X direction from the state shown in FIGS. 18 (b) and 19 (b), as shown in FIGS. 18 (c) and 19 (c), 280 Ta- 280Td, rod part 111R
a, 111Rb, 119Ra, and 119Rb are pushed in the direction of A, the shutter plates 111D and 119D rotate in the direction of A, and the modeling tank 111 and the tray hole portion 110Ha, and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 and the tray hole portion 110Hb. Connect to each other. That is, the modeling tank 111, the excess powder recovery tank 119, and the bottom surface of the modeling tray 110 penetrate.
Then, in the state shown in FIG. 18C and FIG. 19C, the modeling tray 110 has the fixing mechanism 117 and the stopper 21.
It is fixed on the mounting portion 210 by 0S.

The modeling tray 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 210.
When is mounted and fixed, the tray hole portions 110Ha and 110Hb are connected to the two suction holes 210Ha and 210Hb as shown in FIG. 18C.

<Removal of Excessive Powder Material in Powder Removing Apparatus 200> FIG. 21 is a schematic front sectional view for explaining removal of excess powder material in the powder removing apparatus 200.

FIG. 21A shows a state in which the modeling tray 110 is mounted and fixed on the mounting portion 210, as shown in FIG. 18C.

When the modeling tray 110 is fixed on the mounting section 210, the sensor installed on the stopper 210S detects that the modeling tray 110 is mounted on the mounting section 210, and after a while, the vibration feeder 215 is activated. By vibrating, the modeling tray 110 is vibrated together with the mounting portion 210. Then, the powder suction device 232 has tray holes 110Ha and 110Hb and suction holes 210Ha and 210H.
b, the powder material in the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 is sucked through the duct 210D.

Then, when the powder material in the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 is sucked, FIG.
From the state shown in FIG. 21 to the state shown in FIG.
11 and the powder material in the surplus powder recovery tank 119 are sucked by the powder suction device 232, and finally, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), all powder materials in the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 are sucked and recovered by the powder suction device 232. Note that, here, even if the bottoms of the modeling tank 111 of the modeling tray 110 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119 are substantially horizontal, the powder material is sucked by the powder suction device 232 while the modeling tray 110 vibrates, so the modeling tank It is possible to quickly recover almost all the powder materials in the 111 and the excess powder recovery tank 119. Therefore, here, the powder removing means is the vibrating feeder 21.
5, the powder suction device 232 and the like are provided to function, and removes excess powder material from the modeling tank 111 and the excess powder recovery tank 119 of the modeling tray 110.

As shown in FIG. 21C, the molding tank 111
When almost all of the powder material of 3 is sucked and collected, only the 3D object 3D is left on the modeling stage 113. Then, from the state shown in FIG. 21C, by moving the modeling tray 110 in the opposite direction to that shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the modeling tray 110 is detached from the powder removing apparatus 200, and the three-dimensional shape is removed. The modeled object 3D can be taken out.

When the modeling tray 110 is detached from the powder removing apparatus 200, the sensor of the stopper 210S senses that the modeling tray 110 has been detached. Therefore, the modeling tray 110 is transferred to the computer 11 via the overall control section 231.
A signal is sent to update the modeling status of, and the modeling status of the modeling tray 110 is "new modeling" because there is nothing in the modeling tank 111.

As described above, the three-dimensional modeling is performed from the modeling tank 111 by mounting the modeling tray 110 holding the powder material on the mounting section 210 and removing the powder material in the modeling tank 111 and the surplus powder recovery tank 119. Since it is possible to shorten the time for taking out an object and cleaning the inside of the modeling tank 111, it is possible to quickly prepare the modeling tray 110 for the modeling work of the next three-dimensional modeled object.

By using the 3D modeling system 1 as described above, the modeling tray 110 having the modeling tank 111 can be attached to and detached from the modeling apparatus main body, so that the modeling tray 110 is mounted on the modeling apparatus main body. After modeling the object, the modeling tray 110 is detached from the modeling apparatus main body to remove the powder material in the modeling tank 111 to take out the three-dimensional modeled object, and the modeling tank 111 can be cleaned. By mounting another modeling tray on the modeling apparatus main body during the time required for taking out or cleaning the three-dimensional model, it is possible to quickly move to the modeling work of the next three-dimensional model. In addition, even during the modeling, by suspending the modeling, detaching the modeling tray from the modeling apparatus main body, and mounting another modeling tray on the modeling apparatus main body,
It is also possible to preferentially interrupt the modeling of another three-dimensional model. Therefore, when the three-dimensional structure is continuously formed, the three-dimensional structure can be efficiently generated in a short time.

<Modification> The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above description.

For example, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the casing 180 is the modeling tank 11
1 has a motor 181M for lowering the ascending / descending modeling stage 113 that defines the bottom surface of the device 1. As the structure in which the motor 181M of the modeling apparatus main body moves the modeling tray 110, the driving force is transmitted to the modeling stage 113. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a drive motor 113M for lowering the modeling stage 113 from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 to the removable modeling tray 110 may be provided.

FIG. 22 is a schematic front sectional view showing an example in which a drive motor 113M for raising and lowering the modeling stage 113 is provided on the modeling tray 410 which can be detached from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. Modeling tray 410 shown in FIG.
Is similar to the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 4, therefore, like parts are designated by like reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
The differences will be mainly described below.

In the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 4, the gear portion 115 having the ratchet mechanism 115a at the center thereof.
22 is the drive motor 113M in the modeling tray 410 shown in FIG. Therefore, here, the driving force is transmitted to the ball screw portion 114a by driving the driving motor 113M, and the molding stage 1
Raise and lower 13.

Further, here, since the modeling tray 110 is provided with the drive motor 113M, the drive motor 113M is used.
In order to drive, the power source outside the modeling tray 110 and the drive motor 113M of the modeling tray 110 must be connected by a power cord or the like. Therefore,
In the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 4, the modeling tray 1
The part that was the fixing mechanism 117 for fixing 10 to the modeling tray mounting portion 102 is the modeling tray 41 shown in FIG.
In 0, it is a power supply connection mechanism 410A. Specifically, in the power supply connection mechanism 110A, the portion that was the rectangular parallelepiped member 117a in the fixing mechanism 117 is an adapter section 410Aa, and the adapter section 410Aa is electrically connected to an adapter connection section 402A described later. Has a pin for the drive motor 113M by the power cord
Is electrically connected to. Also, the adapter section 410A
The surface of a in the −X direction is connected to the spring portion 117b, and the adapter portion 410Aa is pressed in the −X direction by the spring portion 117b.
When b is contracted, the spring portion 117b generates a force that pushes the adapter portion 410Aa in the + X direction.

FIG. 23 shows the drive motor 1 for the modeling tray 110.
13M is a schematic front cross-sectional view for explaining the connection between 13M and an external power source via the drive control unit 12 of the modeling tray 110. FIG. Since the modeling tray mounting unit 402 shown in FIG. 23 is similar to the modeling tray mounting unit 102 shown in FIG. 1, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. explain. The modeling tray mounting unit 402 shown in FIG. 23 is only the adapter connecting unit 402A added to the modeling tray mounting unit 102 shown in FIG. A power cord for supplying electricity from the outside via the housing 180 is connected to the adapter connecting portion 402A, and the modeling tray 410 is connected to the modeling tray mounting portion 4.
When mounted on 02, the pins of the adapter portion 410Aa provided on the modeling tray 410 can be inserted, and electricity can be externally supplied to the drive motor 113M.

FIG. 24 is a schematic front view for explaining the procedure for mounting the modeling tray 410 on the modeling tray mounting section 402. Here, the procedure for mounting the modeling tray 110 shown in FIG. 6 on the modeling tray mounting unit 102 is almost the same, except that the fixing mechanism 117 in FIG. 6 plays the role of the power supply connecting mechanism 410A. Is playing. Then, in FIGS. 24B and 24C, the pin of the power supply connection mechanism 410A is the adapter connection portion 40.
The difference is that it is plugged into 2A.

As described above, the modeling tray 410 defines the bottom surface of the modeling tank 111 and can move up and down.
By including the drive motor 113M for lowering the 3D modeling apparatus, the structure of the main body of the 3D modeling apparatus can be simplified, and the structure of the entire 3D modeling apparatus 100 can be simplified.

Further, in the above embodiment, in order to recover the surplus powder material when the powder layer 112 is formed in the modeling tank 111, the surplus powder recovery tank 1 is stored in the modeling tray 110.
Although 19 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and a function of collecting excess powder may be provided in addition to the modeling tray 110.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which the casing 580 is provided with a function of collecting excess powder and its operation. Note that, in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 25, there are many parts similar to those in the schematic diagram shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 25, a casing portion 580 directly below the layer forming portion 120 is provided with a surplus powder recovery hole 519H for recovering surplus powder, and the surplus powder recovery hole 519H includes: A suction device (not shown) for sucking the powder material is attached.

Further, the modeling tray 510 shown in FIG. 25 does not have the excess powder recovery tank 119, and the modeling tray 51 is not provided.
0 is slightly larger than the modeling tank 111. Further, here, with the miniaturization of the modeling tray 510, the interval between the moving roller 181 and the motor 181M necessary for stably moving the modeling tray 510 is narrowed and the number thereof is increasing.

Next, the operation of collecting excess powder will be described. As shown in FIG. 25A, the modeling tray 510 is +
When moving in the X direction, the layer forming unit 120 forms the powder layer 112 in the modeling tank 111, and the modeling tray 510 moves to the + position.
When moved in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the powder material surplus when forming the powder layer 112 is carried by the extension roller 140, and is directed from the modeling tray 110 toward the surplus powder recovery hole 519H. The powder material is dropped and the powder material is recovered through the excess powder recovery hole 519H. Although the powder material may rise when the excess powder is dropped on the excess powder recovery hole 519H, the excess powder recovery hole 5
Since the powder material is sucked by the suction device attached to 19H, the powder material can be prevented from rising.

As described above, the modeling tray 5 shown in FIG.
10, the excess powder recovery tank 119 does not exist, and the modeling tray 510 requires only a size that is slightly larger than the modeling tank 111, so that the modeling tray 510 can be made relatively small. Further, since the area where the modeling tray 510 moves is relatively small due to the miniaturization of the modeling tray 510, it is possible to reduce the size of the housing unit and thus the three-dimensional modeling apparatus.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ultraviolet ray irradiating section 170 for irradiating the ultraviolet ray to cure the binder is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this.
When a resin that cures by being naturally dried is used as the binder, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 170 may not be provided, or a thermosetting resin or the like that cures in response to energy such as heat energy may be used as the binder. In this case, a heater may be provided to apply thermal energy to the binder.

[0169]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the molding container having the molding tank can be attached to and detached from the molding apparatus main body so that the molding container is mounted on the molding apparatus main body. After modeling the three-dimensional model, the modeling container can be detached from the modeling apparatus main body, the powder material in the modeling tank can be removed to take out the three-dimensional model, and the modeling tank can be cleaned. Taking out 3D objects,
By mounting another modeling container on the modeling apparatus main body during the cleaning time, it is possible to quickly move on to the modeling work of the next three-dimensional modeled object. Also, even during the modeling process,
It is also possible to interrupt the modeling once, detach the modeling container from the modeling apparatus main body, and attach another modeling container to the modeling apparatus main body to preferentially interrupt the modeling of another three-dimensional model. Therefore, when the three-dimensional structure is continuously formed, the three-dimensional structure can be efficiently generated in a short time.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the molding container is mounted on the molding apparatus main body, the identification code of the molding container is read by the reading device provided in the molding apparatus main body, In response to the control signal generated by collating the read identification code with the information on the modeling process when the three-dimensional model is being modeled,
Since the unfinished part of the 3D object can be restarted, the modeling is temporarily interrupted during the modeling process, the modeling container is detached from the modeling device body, and then the modeling container is mounted on the modeling device body. However, the modeling of the unfinished three-dimensional model can be resumed easily and surely.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the modeling apparatus main body has the driving means for lowering the ascending / descending modeling stage that defines the bottom surface of the modeling tank.
It is possible to reduce the cost required for manufacturing the modeling container and prevent the modeling container from increasing in size.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the structure of the three-dimensional structure forming apparatus main body is improved by the fact that the molding container has the driving means for lowering the movable molding stage that defines the bottom surface of the molding tank. The structure can be simplified and the structure of the entire 3D modeling apparatus can be simplified.

According to the invention of claim 5, the three-dimensional object is taken out from the modeling tank by mounting the modeling container holding the powder material on the mounting portion and removing the powder material in the modeling tank. Since it is possible to shorten the time for cleaning the inside of the modeling tank or cleaning the modeling tank, it is possible to quickly prepare the modeling container for the modeling work of the next three-dimensional model.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of main parts of a three-dimensional modeling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a main configuration of a binder application unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a colored carrier application part and an ultraviolet irradiation part.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a modeling tray and a lifting mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a shaping unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating mounting of the modeling tray on the modeling tray mounting unit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining how to attach and detach the modeling tray from the modeling tray mounting portion.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a function for identifying a modeling tray.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a basic modeling operation of the three-dimensional modeling system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of cross-sectional data.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing identification code identification and modeling operations.

FIG. 14 is a schematic front cross-sectional view showing a powder removing device.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing a powder removing device.

FIG. 16 is a schematic front view showing a structure for removing the powder material in the modeling tank and the excess powder recovery tank.

FIG. 17 is a schematic top view showing a structure for removing the powder material in the modeling tank and the excess powder recovery tank.

FIG. 18 is a schematic front cross-sectional view for explaining the mounting of the modeling tray on the mounting portion.

FIG. 19 is a schematic top view illustrating the mounting of the modeling tray on the mounting portion.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the determination of the identification code by the computer and the subsequent operation.

FIG. 21 is a schematic front sectional view for explaining the removal of the powder material by the powder removing device.

FIG. 22 is a schematic front sectional view showing an example in which a drive motor for raising and lowering the modeling stage is provided on the modeling tray.

FIG. 23 is a schematic front cross-sectional view showing the connection between the drive motor of the modeling tray and the external power source.

FIG. 24 is a schematic front view illustrating a procedure of mounting the modeling tray on the modeling tray mounting unit.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure for collecting surplus powder in the casing and its operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 3D modeling system 10 Control device 11 computer 12 Drive controller 100 3D modeling device 110,410,510 Modeling tray (modeling container) 110D barcode (identification code holding means) 111 modeling tank 113 modeling stage 113M drive motor (drive means) 180RE reader (reading means) 181M motor part (driving means) 200 powder remover 210 mounting part 215 Vibration feeder (powder removing means) 232 Powder recovery device (powder removing means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shigeaki Tochimoto             2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture               Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4F213 AA39 AA44 AB11 AB16 AB20                       AC04 AC05 WL03 WL10 WL15                       WL29 WL43 WL74 WL75 WL85                       WL95                 4G055 AA04 AA10 AC09 EA03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional model by combining powder materials, comprising: a modeling apparatus main body; and a modeling container having a modeling tank in which a layer of the powder material is formed. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising: the modeling container, wherein the modeling container is attachable to and detachable from the modeling apparatus main body. 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling container has identification code holding means for holding an identification code of the modeling container, and the modeling device main body includes the identification code. A reading unit that reads the identification code from the holding unit, and when the three-dimensional object in the modeling container is in the process of being formed, the read identification code and the forming process information stored in a predetermined storage unit. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus capable of resuming modeling of an unfinished part of the three-dimensional model in response to a control signal generated by collation with. 3. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling container includes a modeling stage capable of moving up and down to define a bottom surface of the modeling tank, A three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the apparatus main body has a driving unit for lowering the modeling stage. 4. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling container defines a bottom surface of the modeling tank and is movable up and down, and the modeling stage. And a drive means for lowering the three-dimensional modeling apparatus. 5. A device for removing excess powder material from a modeling container for molding a three-dimensional structure by combining powder materials, the mounting unit mounting the modeling container transferred from the three-dimensional modeling device. A powder removing means for removing the excess powder material from the modeling container mounted on the mounting part.