JP2005103734A - Three-dimensional molding device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To create a high quality three-dimensional article by use of a device with a simple structure, which prevents cutting chips stably from scattering. <P>SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device performs repeatedly a step of cutting an auxiliary material layer formed of an auxiliary material and a step of cutting a molding material layer formed of a molding material. The device has: a slit expanding in an approximately conical shape so as to surround a cutting tool above a cutting part of the cutting tool for cutting the auxiliary material layer and the molding material layer; first chambers formed one or more above the slit for controlling a liquid flow for permitting the liquid to uniformly flow around the entire periphery from the slit; and a second chamber formed above the first chamber and communicating with at least one of the first chambers, into which the liquid is supplied from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method, and more specifically, three-dimensional spatial expansion while laminating an auxiliary material layer formed of an auxiliary material and a modeling material layer formed of a modeling material. The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method for creating a three-dimensional modeled object.

  Conventionally, after a predetermined portion of the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material is removed by cutting with a cutting tool such as an end mill, a modeling material layer is formed with the modeling material on the removed portion, 3D modeling apparatus that can obtain a desired 3D model by laminating two-dimensional cross-sectional shapes by repeatedly forming and cutting the auxiliary material layer and forming the modeling material layer Is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the 3D modeling apparatus as described above, in order to discharge cutting powder generated when the end mill, which is a cutting tool, cuts the auxiliary material layer to the outside of the 3D modeling apparatus, a cover that covers the periphery of the end mill, and the cover And a suction machine connected via a hose.

  Then, the cutting powder generated when the cutting tool cuts the auxiliary material layer is sucked into the hose from the inside of the cover together with air by the suction force of the suction machine, and is removed from the vicinity of the surface of the auxiliary material layer. .

  However, in the 3D modeling apparatus as described above, the opening of the hose connected to the suction machine (that is, the suction opening for air suction) is brought close to the surface of the auxiliary material layer to be cut by the cutting tool. There was a limit, and there was a limit to strengthening the air flow to suck up the cutting powder.

  For this reason, there is a possibility that the cutting powder will be scattered, and the cutting powder that has been scattered and adhered to the hose or the like will fall on the auxiliary material layer or modeling material layer, causing stacking faults, and creating a three-dimensional structure to be created There was a problem of inviting a decline in quality.

Conventionally, in order to prevent dust from being scattered, a method of flowing a liquid in a shower shape or flowing a liquid in a curtain shape has been proposed. However, in order to flow the liquid in a shower form or a curtain form, there is a problem that a very complicated configuration for maintaining the fluid stably is required.
JP-A-8-318573

  The present invention has been made in view of the various problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and the object of the present invention is to stably prevent the scattering of cutting powder with a simple configuration. It is possible to provide a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method capable of producing a high-quality three-dimensional modeled object.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a step of cutting an auxiliary material layer formed of an auxiliary material and a step of cutting a modeling material layer formed of a modeling material. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus to be repeatedly performed, at least one or more slits above the slits and surrounding the cutting tool above the cutting part of the cutting tool that cuts the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer, and spreading in a substantially conical shape A first chamber that is formed and adjusts a liquid flow so that the liquid flows out uniformly from the slit over the entire circumference; and is formed above the first chamber and communicates with at least one of the first chambers. And a second chamber to which a liquid is supplied from the outside.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that repeatedly performs a step of cutting an auxiliary material layer formed of an auxiliary material and a step of cutting a modeling material layer formed of a modeling material. A main shaft formed in a cylindrical shape, a rotary shaft rotatably supported on the inner peripheral side of the main shaft, a cutting tool fixed to the rotary shaft and cutting the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer; The first cylindrical member is formed in a cylindrical body shape, is attached to the outer peripheral side of the main shaft, and has an end portion that radially expands from the main shaft, and the entire cylindrical body shape. A first recess having an opening communicating with the outside, a second recess having a volume smaller than the volume of the first recess, and a partition wall separating the first recess and the second recess And the end of the first tubular member extending from the inner peripheral surface of the second recess And an end face that is inclined along the outer periphery of the first cylindrical member so as to have a predetermined gap between the partition wall and the outer periphery of the first cylindrical member. And the attachment position to the first cylindrical member is changed according to the rotation amount, and the end surface and the first cylindrical member are changed according to the change of the attachment position to the first cylindrical member. And a second cylindrical member that changes the distance between the end portions.

  Moreover, invention of Claim 3 among this invention repeats after performing the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material, and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material, In the three-dimensional modeling method of creating a three-dimensional structure having a three-dimensional spatial extent by removing the auxiliary material layer and forming the three-dimensional space, the cutting tool moves in a predetermined direction, and the cutting tool A first step of moving the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side and cutting the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer with the cutting tool inside the water curtain, and the first After the step, the substantially conical water curtain is formed so that the cutting tool moves in a predetermined direction and surrounds the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool. A second step of moving the surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer cut by the cutting tool with the water curtain, and repeating the first step and the second step. A three-dimensional structure is created by going.

  Moreover, invention of Claim 4 among this invention repeats after performing the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material, and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material, In the three-dimensional modeling method for creating a three-dimensional structure having a three-dimensional spatial spread by removing the auxiliary material layer and forming the three-dimensional space, the cutting tool moves in the Z-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. On the moving means that moves the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool and moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the cutting tool inside the water curtain. A first step of cutting the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer formed in the step, and after the first step, formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool And cleaning the surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer cut by the cutting tool with the substantially conical water curtain while moving the moving means, and the first step And the second step are repeated to create a three-dimensional structure.

  Moreover, invention of Claim 5 among this invention repeats after performing the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material, and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material, In a three-dimensional modeling method for creating a three-dimensional structure having a three-dimensional spatial extent by removing the auxiliary material layer and forming the three-dimensional spatial extension, a substantially conical shape formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool A first step of cutting the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer formed on the moving means moving in a predetermined direction by the cutting tool inside the water curtain, and the cutting after the first step The surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer cut by the cutting tool is moved by the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the tool. And a second step of cleaning while moved, in which so as to create a three-dimensional model by repeating the above first step and the second step.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to stably prevent scattering of cutting powder with a simple configuration and to create a high-quality three-dimensional structure. Excellent effect.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a 3D modeling apparatus and a 3D modeling method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional schematic configuration explanatory diagram of an example of an embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention. This three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 includes a fixed system table 12, a table 12, A dispenser 14 that is disposed so as to be movable in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system (see the reference diagram showing the coordinate system shown in FIG. 1) so as to face each other; The dispenser 16 is disposed so as to be movable in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction so as to face the table 12, and the X-axis direction, Y-axis so as to face the table 12. The spindle head 18 movably disposed in the direction and the Z-axis direction, the substantially rod-shaped end mill 20 as a cutting tool protruding from the spindle head 18, and the table 12 are opposed to each other. In to the X-axis direction, it is arranged to be movable in the Y axis direction and Z axis direction is configured to have a air nozzle 22 for ejecting air.

  In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, the entire operation is controlled by a microcomputer. Therefore, the drive of a motor (not shown) is controlled by the microcomputer in accordance with a predetermined resolution, and the dispenser 14, the dispenser 16, the spindle head 18 and the air nozzle 22 are moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis by the drive of the motor. It is moved in the three-dimensional direction of the direction and the Z-axis direction.

  Here, the upper surface 12a of the table 12 is formed in a horizontal plane shape, and on this upper surface 12a, an auxiliary material layer formed of an auxiliary material and a modeling material layer formed of a modeling material are laminated to form a three-dimensional shape. A model is formed. A recovery tank 30 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the table 12 so as to surround the table 12, and the recovery tank 30 is connected to a recovery tank 34 via a drain pipe 32.

  The dispenser 14 is designed so that auxiliary material accommodated in a tank (not shown) is supplied, and is controlled so that the supplied auxiliary material is discharged from the discharge port 14a by a predetermined amount to a predetermined position. In this embodiment, a metal, particularly a low melting point metal is used as an auxiliary material.

  On the other hand, the dispenser 16 is designed so that a modeling material accommodated in a tank (not shown) is supplied, and is controlled so as to discharge the supplied modeling material to a predetermined position by a predetermined amount from the discharge port 16a. . In this embodiment, an ultraviolet curable resin, particularly an ultraviolet curable resin insoluble in water, is used as a modeling material. Accordingly, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 is provided with an ultraviolet irradiation device (not shown), and the modeling material is cured with ultraviolet rays irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation device.

  FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional configuration explanatory view of the spindle head 18 that supports the end mill 20 in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10. FIG. 3 shows a first cylindrical member 46 and a second cylindrical member 48. The cross-sectional structure explanatory drawing is shown.

  The spindle head 18 includes a main shaft 40 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a rotation shaft 44 rotatably supported on the inner peripheral side of the main shaft 40 via a bearing 42, and a cutting portion 20a. The inner periphery formed on the inner peripheral surface 46a of the end mill 20 fixed with screws (not shown) and the main shaft screw portion 40c formed on the outer peripheral surface 40b of the lower end portion 40a of the main shaft 40. The first cylindrical member 46 to which the side screw portion 46b is screwed, and the upper end portion 48a to the outer peripheral side screw portion 46d formed on the outer peripheral surface 46c on the one end portion 46e side of the first cylindrical member 46. The formed screw part 48b is configured to have a second cylindrical member 48 to which a screw is coupled.

  A pulley (not shown) is fixed to the rotating shaft 44 by using a screw (not shown) located above the main shaft 40, and a motor (not shown) is connected to the pulley via a belt (not shown). When the pulley is rotated by transmitting the rotational force of (1), the rotating shaft 44 is rotated along with the rotation of the pulley, and the end mill 20 is rotated around the axis along with the rotation of the rotating shaft 44.

  Here, the first cylindrical member 46 is formed in a cylindrical body as a whole, the axial direction is made coincident with the axial direction of the main shaft 40, and one end 46 e is located on the upper end side of the main shaft 40. At the same time, the other end 46f is positioned on the lower end 40a side of the main shaft 40, and the inner peripheral screw portion 46b is screwed to the main shaft screw portion 40c of the main shaft 40 and is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the main shaft 40. .

  The other end 46f of the first cylindrical member 46 is radially expanded from the main shaft 44 inserted on the inner peripheral surface 46a side of the first cylindrical member 46, and extends from the outer peripheral surface 46c to be inclined. An end inclined surface 46ff is formed.

  Further, the second cylindrical member 48 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and an upper end portion 48a formed so as to protrude from one end side with the axial direction coinciding with the axial direction of the main shaft 40 is the main shaft. The screw portion 48b is screw-coupled to the outer peripheral side screw portion 46d of the first tubular member 46 so that the other end portion 48c is located on the lower end portion 40a side of the main shaft 40. The first cylindrical member 46 is rotatably attached to the outer peripheral side.

  On the inner peripheral surface 48d side of the second cylindrical member 48, a first recess 48e having a substantially rectangular cross section and a second having a substantially rectangular cross section separated from the first recess 48e by a partition wall 48f. A recess 48g is formed. The volume of the second recess 48g is set to be smaller than the volume of the first recess 48e.

  Further, in the recess inner peripheral surface 48ee, which is the inner peripheral surface of the first recess 48e, an opening 48m of a hole 48k formed in the side surface 48h of the second tubular member 48 is opened. A water supply hose 56 is connected to the hole 48k, and water is supplied from a tank (not shown).

  The other end 48c of the second cylindrical member 48 is formed with an inclined end surface 48cc extending from the recess inner peripheral surface 48gg which is the inner peripheral surface of the second recess 48g. The end surface 48cc is designed to be positioned to face an end inclined surface 46ff formed on the end 46f of the first tubular member 46, and is substantially parallel to the inclined end inclined surface 46ff. Located and inclined.

  The height of the partition wall 48f separating the first recess 48e and the second recess 48g of the second cylindrical member 48 is such that the second cylindrical member 48 is rotatably attached to the outer peripheral side of the first cylindrical member 46. The dimension is set so as to have a predetermined gap between the partition wall 48f and the outer peripheral surface 46c of the first tubular member 46.

  Therefore, when the second cylindrical member 48 is rotatably attached to the outer peripheral side of the first cylindrical member 46, the first concave portion 48e of the second cylindrical member 48 and the outer peripheral surface 46c of the first cylindrical member 46 are used. The first chamber 50, which is a space to be formed, the second recess 52g of the second cylindrical member 48, and the second chamber 52, which is a space formed by the outer peripheral surface 46c of the first cylindrical member 46, are separated from each other by a partition wall 48f. The first tubular member 46 communicates with the outer peripheral surface 46c through a gap.

  At this time, since the volume of the second recess 48g is set to be smaller than the volume of the first recess 48e, the volume of the second chamber 52 is smaller than the volume of the first chamber 50. . In addition, an opening 48m of a hole 48k is opened on the inner peripheral surface 48ee of the first recess 48e, and the first chamber 50 communicates with the outside through the opening 48m and is connected to the hole 48k. Water is supplied from a tank (not shown) via 56.

  Further, since the second cylindrical member 48 is rotatably attached to the outer peripheral side of the first cylindrical member 46, the screw portion 48 b of the second cylindrical member 48 is the outer peripheral screw portion 46 d of the first cylindrical member 46. The attachment position at which the second tubular member 48 is attached to the first tubular member 46 changes according to the amount screwed into the second tubular member 48, that is, the amount of rotation of the second tubular member 48. In accordance with the change in the mounting position of the second tubular member 48 to the first tubular member 46, the end surface 48cc of the end portion 48c of the second tubular member 48 and the end of the end portion 46f of the first tubular member 46 are displayed. The distance L (see FIG. 3) between the portion inclined surface 46ff changes.

  In the above configuration, when the three-dimensional structure 100 as shown in FIG. 4 (i) is created by the above-described three-dimensional structure forming apparatus 10, first, the end mill 20 is controlled by the control of the microcomputer based on predetermined data. A low-melting-point metal, which is an auxiliary material, is discharged from the discharge port 14a of the dispenser 14 to a predetermined position on the upper surface 12a of the table 12 so as to obtain a three-dimensional shape in which the cutting amount due to is minimized. The low melting point metal thus discharged is naturally cooled and solidified to form the auxiliary material layer 102 (see FIG. 4A).

  The auxiliary material layer 102 formed of a low-melting point metal as an auxiliary material is moved in a three-dimensional direction by the end mill 20 that rotates about the axis along with the rotation of the rotary shaft 44 by the rotational force of a motor (not shown). However, it is cut by the cutting part 20a of the end mill 20 (see FIG. 4B). FIG. 4B shows an auxiliary material layer 102 ′ after the auxiliary material layer 102 (see FIG. 4A) is cut by the end mill 20, and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. A portion of the material layer 102 ′ cut by the end mill 20 is represented by a thick line.

  Here, when the end mill 20 cuts the auxiliary material layer 102 by the cutting part 20a, water is supplied from a tank (not shown) through the water supply hose 56, and the supplied water is an opening of the hole 48k to which the water supply hose 56 is connected. It flows into the first chamber 50 from the portion 48m. Then, the water that has flowed into the first chamber 50 flows into the second chamber 52 that communicates with the first chamber 50, and the end surface 48 cc of the end portion 48 c of the second cylindrical member 48 and the end of the first cylindrical member 46. It flows between the end inclined surface 46ff of the part 46f and flows out from the ejection point 54 to the outside. As a result, a substantially conical water curtain 200 (see FIG. 2) is formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the end mill 20.

  Since the auxiliary material layer 102 is cut by the cutting portion 20a of the end mill 20 in the interior 200a of the water curtain 200 formed in this manner, the cutting powder generated when the cutting portion 20a of the end mill 20 cuts the auxiliary material layer 102 is Instead of being scattered and scattered by the water curtain 200, it is carried by the water flow of the water curtain 200 and flows into the collection tank 30 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the table 12.

  At this time, since the formed water curtain 200 has a substantially conical shape, the pressure per unit area is reduced without reducing the amount of water, so that the impact of the water curtain 200 on the auxiliary material layer 102 is very small and rebounds. A soft water curtain can be realized, and the scattering of cutting powder can be efficiently prevented without damaging the auxiliary material layer 102.

  Thus, when the cutting of the end mill 20 proceeds and is stopped while preventing the scattering of cutting powder by the water curtain 200, the rotation of the end mill 20 is stopped, and the water supply from the water supply hose 56 is continued and the cutting portion 20a is continued. The end mill 20 is moved in the three-dimensional direction so as not to contact the auxiliary material layer 102 ′. As a result, a substantially conical water curtain 200 is formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the end mill 20, and cutting powder remaining on the surface of the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ that has been cut by the water flow of the water curtain 200. Is removed and washed (see FIG. 4B).

  When the cleaning of the surface of the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ is completed by the water flow of the water curtain 200, a three-dimensional shape in which the cutting amount by the end mill 20 can be minimized by controlling the microcomputer based on predetermined data. A predetermined amount of an ultraviolet curable resin insoluble in water as a modeling material is discharged from a discharge port 16a of the dispenser 16 to a predetermined position. The discharged ultraviolet curable resin is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet irradiation device (not shown) to form the modeling material layer 104 (see FIG. 4C).

  At this time, since the surface of the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ previously cut by the end mill 20 is washed with the water flow of the water curtain 200, the modeling material layer 104 laminated and integrated on the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ is integrated. Since the surface of the lower auxiliary material layer 102 ′ is clean, the lamination can be performed well, and a highly accurate lamination can be realized.

  The modeling material layer 104 and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ formed by the ultraviolet curable resin as the modeling material are cut by the cutting portion 20 a of the end mill 20 while the end mill 20 rotating around the axis moves in a three-dimensional direction. (See FIG. 4D). FIG. 4D shows a modeling material layer 104 ′ after the modeling material layer 104 (see FIG. 4C) is cut by the end mill 20. The modeling material layer 104 ′ has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The portions of the material layer 104 ′ and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ cut by the end mill 20 are represented by thick lines.

  Here, when the end mill 20 cuts the modeling material layer 104 and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ by the cutting portion 20a, it is not shown in the same manner as when the auxiliary material layer 102 is cut (see FIG. 4B). Water is supplied from the tank through the water supply hose 56, and a substantially conical water curtain 200 is formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the end mill 20.

  Since the modeling material layer 104 and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ are cut by the cutting portion 20a of the end mill 20 in the interior 200a of the water curtain 200 formed in this way, the end mill 20 uses the cutting portion 20a as the modeling material layer 104 and the auxiliary material. The cutting powder generated when the layer 102 ′ is cut is not shielded and scattered by the water curtain 200, but is carried by the water flow of the water curtain 200 and is collected on the outer peripheral side of the table 12. Flow into.

  At this time, since the formed water curtain 200 has a substantially conical shape, the pressure per unit area is reduced without reducing the amount of water, so the impact of the water curtain 200 on the modeling material layer 104 is very small and rebounds. A soft water curtain can be realized, and the scattering of cutting powder can be efficiently prevented without damaging the modeling material layer 104.

  Moreover, since the modeling material which forms the modeling material layer 104 is an ultraviolet curable resin insoluble in water, the shapes of the modeling material layer 104 and the modeling material layer 104 ′ are maintained without being dissolved by the water flow of the water curtain 200. The

  Then, when the cutting of the end mill 20 proceeds and is stopped while preventing the scattering of the cutting powder by the water curtain 200, the rotation of the end mill 20 is stopped and the supply of water from the water supply hose 56 is continued. The end mill 20 is moved in the three-dimensional direction so that 20a does not contact the modeling material layer 104 ′ and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′. Thus, a substantially conical water curtain 200 is formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the end mill 20, and the surface of the modeling material layer 104 ′ and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ that have been cut by the water flow of the water curtain 200. The cutting powder remaining on the surface is removed and cleaned (see FIG. 4B).

  When the surface of the modeling material layer 104 ′ and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ is cleaned by the water flow of the water curtain 200, the microcomputer is controlled based on predetermined data, as in FIGS. 4A to 4D described above. The auxiliary material layer 106 is formed by repeating the above process (see FIG. 4E), and the formed auxiliary material layer 106 is cut into an auxiliary material layer 106 ′ (see FIG. 4F). The modeling material layer 108 is laminated on the layer 106 ′ (see FIG. 4G), and the laminated modeling material layer 108 is cut together with the auxiliary material layer 106 ′ to become the modeling material layer 108 ′ (FIG. 4 (h). )reference).

  Even in the process of laminating the modeling material layer 108 ′ on the auxiliary material layer 106 ′ in this way, the rotation of the end mill 20 is stopped after the cutting of the end mill 20, and the auxiliary material layer 106 ′ (after completion of cutting by the water flow of the water curtain 200) ( Since the surface of FIG. 4 (f) is cleaned, good lamination is repeated.

  The three-dimensional structure 100 ′ (see FIG. 4H), which is a laminate of the auxiliary material layer 102 ′, the modeling material layer 104 ′, the auxiliary material layer 106 ′, and the modeling material layer 108 ′, is the auxiliary material layer 102. The three-dimensional shape of 'is transferred to the modeling material layer 104 ′, and the three-dimensional shape of the auxiliary material layer 106 ′ is transferred to the modeling material layer 108 ′. The modeling material layer 104 ′ and the modeling material layer 108 are configured. Thus, the three-dimensional structure 100 shown in FIG. 4 (i) is formed.

  After blowing air from the air nozzle 22 to the three-dimensional structure 100 ′ and drying it, the three-dimensional structure 100 ′ is removed from the upper surface 12 a of the table 12, and the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ and the auxiliary material layer 106 ′ The low melting point metal, which is an auxiliary material for forming, is dissolved. Then, the three-dimensional structure 100 (see FIG. 4 (i)) constituted by the remaining modeling material layer 104 ′ and the modeling material layer 108 ′ after the auxiliary material layer 102 ′ and the auxiliary material layer 106 ′ are removed. can get.

  As described above, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the first cylindrical member 46 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the main shaft 40 that supports the rotary shaft 44 to which the end mill 20 as a cutting tool is fixed on the inner peripheral side. Since the second cylindrical member 48 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the first cylindrical member 46 so as to be rotatable, the main shaft has two configurations of the first cylindrical member 46 and the second cylindrical member 28. The first chamber 50 and the second chamber 52 are formed so as to wind around the outer peripheral side of the 40, and the supplied water serves as a coolant liquid (cooling cleaning liquid) and has a substantially conical shape so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool. Since the water curtain 200 is formed, scattering of the cutting powder can be reliably prevented with a simple configuration.

  In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the water supplied from a tank (not shown) through the water supply hose 56 is predetermined in the first chamber 50 from the opening 48m of the hole 48k to which the water supply hose 56 is connected. When the water flows in a state having the above pressure, the water that flows into the first chamber 50 flows into the second chamber 52 that communicates with the first chamber 50. Here, since the volume of the second chamber 52 is designed to be smaller than the volume of the first chamber 50, the pressure of water is made uniform and the liquid flow is adjusted by the second chamber 52. The water flowing out from the ejection point 54 through the space between the end surface 48cc of the end 48c of the cylindrical member 48 and the end inclined surface 46ff of the end 46f of the first tubular member 46 is stably maintained. Therefore, the prevention of scattering of the cutting powder by the water curtain 200 can be continued stably.

  Furthermore, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the end portion that radially expands from the main shaft 44 inserted on the inner peripheral surface 46a side of the first cylindrical member 46 and extends from the outer peripheral surface 46c is inclined. The first cylindrical member 46 having the inclined surface 46ff and the second cylindrical member 48 having the end surface 48cc inclined along the end inclined surface 46ff of the first cylindrical member 46 are arranged. Therefore, the substantially conical water curtain 200 can be formed.

  The substantially conical water curtain 200 has a water flow that strikes the surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer at an angle, so that it is possible to effectively prevent the cutting powder from scattering and to prevent the scattering of cutting powder. Thus, the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer are not damaged.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention controls the space between the end inclined surface 46ff of the first cylindrical member 46 and the end surface 48cc of the second cylindrical member 48, that is, the jet that becomes the water curtain 200. And a liquid chamber serving as a buffer for allowing the coolant liquid to flow out uniformly from the slit over the entire circumference, that is, the second chamber. Since 52 is formed, both the reduction of the flow velocity of the jet flow and the increase of the flow rate of the jet flow are achieved with a simple configuration, and a substantially conical and stable water curtain is formed.

  That is, in the substantially conical water curtain formed in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the liquid film is held uniformly, and the slit flow that forms the water curtain is an auxiliary material layer, a modeling material layer, or The slit flow has a low striking force that does not bounce when it hits the created three-dimensional structure or the upper surface 12a of the table 12, and has a high flow rate. The water curtain according to the present invention completely prevents the cutting powder from being scattered in all directions by the centrifugal force of the rotation of the cutting tool while freely changing the shape along the shape of the three-dimensional cutting. , Cutting powder is not scattered and floating in the air.

  Further, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, only by adjusting the interval between the slits, that is, between the end inclined surface 46ff of the first cylindrical member 46 and the end surface 48cc of the second cylindrical member 48. By simply changing the distance L (see FIG. 3), it is possible to control the flow rate and pressure of the jet that becomes the water curtain. Therefore, it is very easy to control the water curtain film thickness, and a water curtain having a desired flow rate and pressure can be easily formed.

  Moreover, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, even when cutting by the end mill 20 is not performed, the substantially conical water curtain 200 is formed so that the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer that have been cut are formed. Cleaning is performed. Here, since the shape of the water curtain 200 for performing such cleaning is a substantially conical shape, an action occurs such that a water flow spreads radially at the end of the water curtain 200 and sticks to the surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer. Adhesives such as cutting powder are easily removed and the cleaning effect is high.

  Therefore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the scattering of cutting powder is stably and effectively prevented, and the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer are not damaged, Since effective cleaning with a water curtain is also performed, it is suitable for use in a process of repeatedly laminating a material on a cut surface. That is, according to the present invention, a stacking failure between the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer cannot occur, the shape accuracy of the three-dimensional modeling object is ensured, and a high-quality three-dimensional modeling object with excellent surface finish accuracy is obtained. Can be created.

  Further, the modeling process in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention (see FIG. 4) processes the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer into a continuous shape in the three-dimensional direction, so that the processing time is shortened, and the auxiliary material layer By transferring the shape to the modeling material layer, a very complicated three-dimensional shape can be created with high accuracy, and the consumption of auxiliary materials and modeling materials is minimized.

  Further, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the cutting powder generated when the cutting portion 20a of the end mill 20 serving as a cutting tool cuts the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer is carried by the water flow of the water curtain 200. In addition, it flows into a collection tank 30 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the table 12. Therefore, it is only necessary to recover the cutting powder stored in the recovery tank 34 through the drain pipe 32 connected to the recovery tank 30, and according to the present invention, the dust collection and recovery of the cutting powder is very easy. In particular, it is suitable for use in collecting valuable metal cutting powder.

  That is, the water curtain 200 formed in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to the present invention has a function of forming a sealed space around the cutting tool to prevent scattering of the cutting powder and a portion cut by the cutting tool. And a function of collecting and collecting cutting powder by the water flow, and a function of collecting and collecting the cutting powder in the liquid forming the water curtain 200, and cleaning the machined surface to be cut. It realizes both dust collection of cutting powder. Therefore, the present invention is very useful particularly in fields where high-efficiency dust collection performance is required or when cutting materials containing harmful components.

  And the flow volume of the jet used as the water curtain which can be controlled only by changing the distance L (refer FIG. 3) between the edge part inclined surface 46ff of the 1st cylindrical member 46, and the end surface 48cc of the 2nd cylindrical member 48. In addition, the pressure may be arbitrarily set within a range in which various functions of the water curtain in the present invention as described above are sufficiently exhibited.

  The embodiment described above may be modified as described in the following (1) to (5).

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, a low melting point metal is used as an auxiliary material, and an ultraviolet curable resin that is insoluble in water is used as a modeling material, but it is of course not limited thereto. Various materials may be used as auxiliary materials or modeling materials.

  Depending on the type of the auxiliary material or modeling material, a cutting tool different from the end mill 20 is arranged, or a light source and a cooling gas supply device for curing the auxiliary material or modeling material are arranged. It is preferable to change the type of liquid that forms the water curtain.

  The liquid forming the water curtain is made into a solution suitable for cleaning, or the cutting powder is collected and recycled so that the various functions of the water curtain in the present invention as described above are sufficiently exhibited. It is good also as a solution suitable for.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 52 are formed by the first cylindrical member 46 and the second cylindrical member 48. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, a plurality of chambers having a volume smaller than the volume of the first chamber 50 may be formed. At this time, the total number of chambers and the shape thereof may be arbitrarily changed by forming the partition walls 48f in a spiral shape.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, an air nozzle for blowing air to perform drying is disposed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be formed integrally with the spindle head 18. In addition to the water curtain to be formed, a nozzle for supplying a coolant liquid and a nozzle for supplying a cleaning liquid may be provided. Moreover, the process (refer FIG. 4 (h) (i)) which removes an auxiliary material layer and obtains a three-dimensional molded item may be implemented in the system in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, or outside a three-dimensional modeling apparatus It may be implemented in this system.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the dispenser 14, the dispenser 16, the spindle head 18, and the air nozzle 22 are moved in the three-dimensional directions of the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the relative positional relationship between the auxiliary material layer formed on the moving means such as the table 12 and the modeling material layer and the cutting tool changes in a three-dimensional direction. You can do it.

  For example, the moving means for fixing the workpiece such as a milling machine may move in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and the cutting tool may move in the Z-axis direction, or the cutting tool may be fixed. The moving means for forming the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer may move in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction without moving.

  (5) You may make it combine the above-mentioned embodiment and the modification shown in said (1) thru | or (4) suitably.

  The present invention can be used in a three-dimensional processing apparatus such as a modeling machine, a two-dimensional engraving apparatus that performs cutting with a tool, and the like.

It is a partial cross section schematic structure explanatory drawing which shows an example of embodiment of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus by this invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional configuration explanatory view showing a spindle head that supports an end mill in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration explanatory view showing a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member of the spindle head shown in FIG. 2. (A), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) are the sequential steps in which the three-dimensional structure shown in (i) is created in the three-dimensional structure forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 3D modeling apparatus 12 Table 14, 16 Dispenser 18 Spindle head 20 End mill 22 Air nozzle 40 Main shaft 44 Rotating shaft 46 1st cylindrical member 48 2nd cylindrical member 50 1st chamber 52 2nd chamber

Claims (5)

In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus that repeats the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material,
A slit that extends in a substantially conical shape surrounding the cutting tool above the cutting portion of the cutting tool that cuts the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer,
A first chamber that is formed at least one above the slit and adjusts the liquid flow so that the liquid flows out of the slit uniformly over the entire circumference;
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus, comprising: a second chamber formed above the first chamber, communicating with at least one of the first chambers, and supplied with a liquid from the outside. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus that repeats the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material,
A main shaft formed into a tubular body;
A rotating shaft rotatably supported on the inner peripheral side of the main shaft;
A cutting tool that is fixed to the rotating shaft and cuts the auxiliary material layer and the modeling material layer;
A first tubular member formed entirely in a cylindrical body, mounted on the outer peripheral side of the main shaft, and having an end portion that radially expands from the main shaft;
A first recess that is formed entirely in a cylindrical shape and has an opening communicating with the outside; a second recess having a volume smaller than the volume of the first recess; and the first recess A partition that separates the second recess, and an end surface that extends from the inner peripheral surface of the second recess and inclines along the end of the first tubular member, and the partition and the The first cylindrical member is rotatably attached to the outer peripheral side of the first cylindrical member so as to have a predetermined gap between the first cylindrical member and the outer periphery of the first cylindrical member. A second position that changes a position of attachment to the member and changes a distance between the end surface and the end of the first tubular member in accordance with a change in the position of attachment to the first tubular member; A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising: a cylindrical member. After repeatedly performing the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material, the auxiliary material layer is removed to form a three-dimensional structure composed of the modeling material layer In the 3D modeling method to create a 3D model with a spatial extent of
While the cutting tool moves in a predetermined direction, the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool is also moved, and the auxiliary material layer is moved by the cutting tool inside the water curtain. Or the 1st process of cutting a modeling material layer,
After the first step, the cutting tool moves in a predetermined direction, and the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool is also moved and cut by the cutting tool. A second step of cleaning the surface of the auxiliary material layer or modeling material layer formed by the water curtain,
The three-dimensional modeling method, wherein the first step and the second step are repeated to create a three-dimensional structure. After repeatedly performing the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material, the auxiliary material layer is removed to form a three-dimensional structure composed of the modeling material layer In the 3D modeling method to create a 3D model with a spatial extent of
While the cutting tool moves in the Z-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool is also moved to move the cutting tool inside the water curtain. A first step of cutting the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer formed on the moving means moving in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with a tool;
After the first step, the moving means moves the surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer cut by the cutting tool by a substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool. A second step of cleaning while moving
The three-dimensional modeling method, wherein the first step and the second step are repeated to create a three-dimensional structure. After repeatedly performing the process of cutting the auxiliary material layer formed of the auxiliary material and the process of cutting the modeling material layer formed of the modeling material, the auxiliary material layer is removed to form a three-dimensional structure composed of the modeling material layer In the 3D modeling method to create a 3D model with a spatial extent of
The auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer formed on the moving means moving in a predetermined direction is cut by the cutting tool inside the substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool. A first step;
After the first step, the moving means moves the surface of the auxiliary material layer or the modeling material layer cut by the cutting tool by a substantially conical water curtain formed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the cutting tool. A second step of cleaning while moving
The three-dimensional modeling method, wherein the first step and the second step are repeated to create a three-dimensional structure.

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