JP2015150886A - Device and method for laminating molding - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laminating molding device having a high transfer efficiency of a powder image, and capable of accurately forming a three-dimentional image at high speed.SOLUTION: An intermediate transfer belt 21 includes an endless belt-like substrate 21a of a polyimide film, an elastic layer 21b of silicone rubber, and a release layer 21c of fluorine resin, having a three-layer structure with the elastic layer 21b held between the endless belt-like substrate 21a and the release layer 21c. Accordingly, when a color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is pressed onto a stage surface 23a1 of a liftable stage 23a or laminated and pressed onto the top layer formed of the color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1, the elastic layer 21b is flexibly deformed so as to absorb the irregular steps of the powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21, so that the powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is uniformly contacted with the stage surface 23a1 or the top layer formed of the powder image Ei. Consequently a high transfer efficiency Q can be achieved.

Description

  The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus and additive manufacturing method for forming a three-dimensional image by repeatedly laminating powder images made of a chargeable powder.

  In recent years, a so-called 3D printer, which is a so-called 3D printer, that gathers and solidifies materials such as resin and metal little by little to form a stereoscopic image has attracted attention. Currently, there are the following five types of 3D printer methods that are in practical use.

  (1) Hot melt laminating method A method in which a thermoplastic resin (ABS, PC, etc.) heated and melted from the printer head is extruded and laminated on the stage while moving the printer head to form a three-dimensional image. As the resin of the material, a thread or fiber is used, and this resin is extruded and laminated while being heated and dissolved.

  (2) Optical modeling method Fill the pool with liquid photocurable resin, place the stage at a position slightly lower than the liquid surface of the photocurable resin, and apply the laser beam to the photocurable resin layer on the stage. Irradiate to partially cure this layer, lower the stage one layer, and then irradiate the next layer of photocurable resin with a laser beam to partially cure the next layer. A method of forming a three-dimensional image formed by laminating a plurality of hardened portions on a stage by repeatedly irradiating the laser beam and lowering the stage.

  (3) Inkjet method While moving the stage, an ultraviolet curable resin is ejected from the inkjet head onto the stage, and the ultraviolet curable resin on the stage is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Next, after lowering the stage by one stage (by one layer), the resin is ejected from the inkjet head in the same manner as before, and the resin on the stage is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. A method of forming a three-dimensional image on the stage by repeating such resin curing and lowering the stage.

(4) Powder modeling method A layer of uniform thickness made of powder such as gypsum is formed on the stage, the adhesive is ejected from the inkjet head to the stage, the layer is partially cured, and the stage is further divided. And then the next layer of powder is formed on the stage, the adhesive is ejected from the inkjet head onto the stage, and the next layer is partially cured to form a layer of such powder. A method in which a three-dimensional image is formed on a stage by repeating formation, ejection curing of the adhesive, and lowering of the stage. The powder in the uncured part is removed later.

(5) Powder sintering additive manufacturing method A layer of uniform thickness made of powder of metal such as titanium alloy or nickel alloy is formed on the stage, and the layer on the stage is irradiated with a laser beam or electron beam. After the stage is lowered by one layer, the next layer of powder is formed on the stage and irradiated with a laser beam or electron beam to partially sinter the next layer. In this method, a three-dimensional image is formed on the stage by repeating the formation of such a powder layer, irradiation with a laser beam or electron beam, and lowering of the stage. The green powder is removed later.

  By the way, in (1) hot melt laminating method, (3) ink jet method, and (4) powder forming method, there is a problem that the forming speed is slow because the print head and the ink jet head are reciprocated. In addition, (2) the optical modeling method has a problem that the modeling speed is slow because it takes a long time to stabilize the liquid level of the photocurable resin and a long time is required for curing the photocurable resin. Furthermore, in (4) the powder molding method, there is a problem that the strength of the modeled object is weak because the material is gypsum and cured with an adhesive. Further, (5) the powder sintering additive manufacturing method has a problem that it cannot cope with a resin material and consumes a large amount of energy. Furthermore, in any system, since the thickness of one layer is as thick as 50 to 200 μm, there is a common problem that the surface of the three-dimensional image becomes rough.

  On the other hand, cited documents 1 and 2 disclose a layered modeling apparatus to which a known electrophotographic technique is applied. In the additive manufacturing apparatus disclosed in the cited documents 1 and 2, a process of forming an electrostatic latent image on a dielectric surface, and developing the electrostatic latent image on the dielectric surface with a chargeable powder, A step of forming a powder image on the surface, a step of transferring the powder image from the dielectric surface to the intermediate transfer member, a step of heating and melting or softening the powder image, and a step of transferring the powder image from the intermediate transfer member. A step of transferring to a stage, and repeating these steps forms a three-dimensional image formed by laminating a plurality of powder images on the stage.

  A method using such electrophotographic technology consumes relatively little energy and can form a stereoscopic image at high speed. Further, since a chargeable powder composed of a collection of fine particles having a diameter of about 10 μm is used, a three-dimensional image having a thin layer of about 10 μm, high strength, and good surface finish can be formed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-207194 JP 2002-347129 A

  Incidentally, minute irregularities exist on the surface of the stage and the surface of the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. For this reason, when the powder image on the surface of the dielectric belt is superimposed on the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer, the powder image on the surface of the dielectric belt and the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer are Unevenness occurs in the contact state.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, as an intermediate transfer body to which a powder image is transferred, a dielectric belt in which a silicone resin is applied as a release agent on the surface of a polyimide film is cited. However, polyimide has a high elastic modulus and is not easily elastically deformed. For this reason, when the powder image on the surface of the dielectric belt is superimposed on the powder image of the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage or the stage, the powder image of the dielectric belt is the surface of the stage or the uppermost layer thereof. It is not elastically deformed so as to absorb the minute uneven steps on the surface of the surface, and thus the unevenness of the contact state between the powder image on the surface of the dielectric belt and the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer is eliminated. As a result, the transfer efficiency Q of the powder image from the dielectric belt to the stage decreased.

  Further, in Cited Document 2, a fluorine coating is applied to the surface of a film made of engineering plastics such as modified polyimide, thermosetting polyimide, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, poly (vinylidene fluoride), and nylon alloy as an intermediate transfer member. A two-layered seamless belt is mentioned.

  However, such a seamless belt is hardly elastically deformed like the dielectric belt of Patent Document 1, and for this reason, the powder image on the surface of the seamless belt and the powder of the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage. Unevenness occurred in the contact state with the image, and the transfer efficiency Q of the powder image from the seamless belt to the stage was lowered.

  Further, cited document 2 includes a rubber belt having a single layer structure made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber or the like as an intermediate transfer member. Such a rubber belt has a low elastic modulus and is easily elastically deformed. For this reason, when the powder image on the surface of the rubber belt is superimposed on the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage, the rubber belt is elastically deformed so as to absorb these minute uneven steps. The contact state between the powder image on the rubber belt surface and the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer is made uniform.

  However, even when the contact state is made uniform in this way, when transferring the powder image from the rubber belt to the stage, the release property of the rubber belt with respect to the heated and melted powder image is poor, and this causes the rubber belt to the stage. The transfer efficiency Q of the powder image to the toner decreased.

  In addition, the amount of expansion / contraction of the rubber belt is large, the rubber belt may expand / contract in the moving direction of the rubber belt, or the rubber belt may meander, and the powder on the surface of the rubber belt may be accompanied by expansion / contraction of the moving direction of the rubber belt. The alignment accuracy between the image and the stage was lowered, and the accuracy of the stereoscopic image formed on the stage was lowered.

  Furthermore, in the case of a polyimide film or the like having a high elastic modulus, a collar is provided at the end of the roller that stretches the belt, the end of the belt is brought into contact with the collar, or a bead is provided at the end on the back side of the belt. It is possible to suppress the meandering of the belt by guiding the bead of the belt, but in the case of a rubber belt, since the elastic modulus is low, the meandering of the belt due to the collar and bead is effectively suppressed. This could not be performed, and this also caused a decrease in alignment accuracy between the powder image on the rubber belt surface and the stage.

  Further, in the conventional additive manufacturing apparatus, a color stereoscopic image and a monochrome stereoscopic image cannot be selectively formed, and improvement in convenience in this respect has been desired.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an additive manufacturing apparatus and additive manufacturing method capable of forming a three-dimensional image with high accuracy and high speed with high transfer efficiency of a powder image. The purpose is that.

  In order to solve the above problems, an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image carrier, an image forming unit that forms a powder image obtained by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder on the image carrier, and the image. A stage on which the powder image on the carrier is transferred, and a plurality of powders are formed by repeating the formation of the powder image on the image carrier and the transfer of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage. A layered manufacturing apparatus that forms a three-dimensional image by stacking body images on the stage, wherein the image carrier includes an elastic layer provided in the powder image formation region of the image carrier. It has a structure.

  In such an additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the image carrier has a multilayer structure including an elastic layer provided in a powder image formation region of the image carrier. Since the elastic layer of the image carrier is elastically deformed, when the powder image on the image carrier is superposed on the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage, the elastic layer becomes the surface of the stage. Alternatively, the powder image on the image carrier and the stage or its uppermost powder image are uniformly contacted by flexibly deforming so as to absorb the minute uneven steps on the surface of the powder image on the uppermost layer. In addition, the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved.

  In addition, due to the multilayer structure of the image carrier, it is possible to suppress expansion and contraction of the elastic layer in the direction in which the elastic layer spreads. The alignment accuracy with the stage is not lowered, and a stereoscopic image can be formed on the stage with high accuracy.

  Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the image carrier can be increased by the multilayer structure of the image carrier. Therefore, when a belt-shaped image carrier is used, a collar is provided at the end of the roller that stretches the belt, and the end of the belt is brought into contact with the collar, or a bead is attached to the back end of the belt. It is possible to suppress meandering of the belt by providing the belt and guiding the bead of the belt. For this reason, due to the meandering of the belt, the accuracy of alignment between the powder image on the image carrier and the stage and the accuracy of the three-dimensional image formed on the stage do not decrease.

  In the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the multilayer structure includes the elastic layer and a base layer that suppresses expansion and contraction of the elastic layer in a direction in which the elastic layer spreads. Alternatively, the base layer is made of a material that is less elastically deformed than the elastic layer.

  Such a base layer can surely suppress expansion and contraction of the elastic layer in the direction in which the elastic layer of the image carrier spreads.

  Furthermore, in the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the multilayer structure includes a release layer that contacts the powder image, and the elastic layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the release layer.

  By providing such a release layer on the image carrier, it becomes easy to peel the powder image from the release layer, and the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved.

  In the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the release layer is a fluororesin layer.

  This release layer of fluororesin has a high release property. In addition, since the thickness of the release layer can be reduced and the release layer easily elastically deforms together with the elastic layer, the effect of deformation of the elastic layer, i.e., the elastic layer is previously transferred to the surface of the stage or the stage. The powder image on the surface of the image carrier and the powder image on the uppermost layer are in uniform contact with each other by flexibly deforming so as to absorb minute uneven steps on the surface of the uppermost powder image. The effect of improving the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is not impaired.

  Furthermore, in the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the powder image on the image carrier is pressed against the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage, and the stage is moved from the image carrier to the stage. The powder image on the image carrier is transferred to the head.

  In this way, when the powder image on the image carrier is pressed against the powder image of the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage or stage, the elastic layer has previously been brought into contact with the surface of the stage or the stage by the pressure contact pressure. The transferred powder image is flexibly deformed so as to absorb the minute uneven steps on the surface of the powder image, and the powder image on the image carrier and the powder image on the stage or the uppermost layer are made uniform. The contact efficiency increases the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage.

  Next, the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier, an image forming unit that forms a powder image obtained by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder to the image carrier, and a powder on the image carrier. A heating unit that heats a body image; and a stage to which a powder image on the image carrier is transferred; formation of a powder image on the image carrier; powder on the image carrier by the heating unit; It is an additive manufacturing apparatus that repeats heating of a body image and transfer of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage, and stacks a plurality of powder images on the stage to form a three-dimensional image, Cooling for cooling the powder image on the image carrier while the heated powder image on the image carrier is in contact with or in close contact with the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. Department.

  According to the layered manufacturing apparatus having such a configuration, the powder image on the image carrier is heated to be melted or softened, and then contacted with the stage or the uppermost layer powder image previously transferred to the stage. It will be in close contact. In this state, since the powder image on the image carrier is immediately cooled and solidified by the cooling unit, the powder image on the image carrier is quickly bonded to the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer. . This improves the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage.

  In the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the stage incorporates the cooling unit.

  In this case, the stage and the cooling unit are used in common, and the additive manufacturing apparatus can be reduced in size and price.

  Furthermore, in the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the stage is made of a good heat conductor.

  In this case, if the powder image on the image carrier that has been heated and melted or softened comes into contact with or is in close contact with the powder image on the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage, the powder on the image carrier The heat of the body image is quickly conducted to the stage of the good heat conductor and dissipated, and the powder image on the image carrier is quickly solidified. Examples of good heat conductors include metals.

  Moreover, in the additive manufacturing apparatus of this invention, the said cooling part has a heat conductor which conducts the heat of the said stage to the outer side of this stage.

  In this case, if the powder image on the image carrier that has been heated and melted or softened comes into contact with or is in close contact with the powder image on the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage, the powder on the image carrier The heat of the body image is quickly conducted to the outside of the stage through the stage and the heat conductor and dissipated, and the powder image on the image carrier is quickly solidified. Examples of the heat conductor include a heat pipe.

  Next, the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier, an image forming unit that forms a powder image obtained by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder to the image carrier, and a powder on the image carrier. A heating unit that heats a body image; and a stage to which a powder image on the image carrier is transferred; formation of a powder image on the image carrier; powder on the image carrier by the heating unit; It is an additive manufacturing apparatus that repeats heating of a body image and transfer of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage, and stacks a plurality of powder images on the stage to form a three-dimensional image, A moving unit configured to move the stage in a direction toward and away from the image carrier, and the moving unit moves the stage in a direction approaching the image carrier to heat the image carrier; The powder image touches the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. Properly becomes a state of close contact, after the powder image on the image bearing member is cooled, the stage is moved in a direction away from said image bearing member by the moving unit.

  According to the layered manufacturing apparatus having such a configuration, the powder image on the image carrier is heated to be melted or softened, and then contacted with the stage or the uppermost layer powder image previously transferred to the stage. It will be in close contact. In this state, since the powder image on the image carrier is cooled and solidified, the powder image on the image carrier is adhered to the powder image on the stage or the uppermost layer, and the stage is further connected to the image carrier. When the image is moved away from the image carrier, the powder image is transferred to the stage without remaining on the image carrier, and the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved.

  The additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention further includes a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the powder image on the image carrier or an approximate value of the temperature.

  Furthermore, the additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a control unit that controls the moving unit, and the control unit measures the temperature of the powder image on the image carrier measured by the temperature measurement unit or the temperature. Based on the approximate value, the moving unit is controlled to move the stage in a direction away from the image carrier.

  In this case, the temperature of the powder image on the image carrier measured by the temperature measuring unit or the approximate value of the temperature decreases to the softening point temperature of the powder image, and then the stage is separated from the image carrier. Thus, the transfer of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage can be stabilized.

  Next, the layered manufacturing method of the present invention includes an image forming step for forming a powder image obtained by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder on an image carrier having a multilayer structure including an elastic layer, and the image carrier. A heating step for heating the powder image on the top, and the stage is moved in a direction approaching the image carrier, and the heated powder image on the image carrier is previously transferred to the stage or the stage. A contact step for contacting or closely contacting the uppermost powder image, and moving the stage in a direction away from the image carrier to transfer the powder image on the image carrier from the image carrier to the stage. A plurality of powder images on the stage by repeating a series of processes including the image forming step, the heating step, the contact step, and the transfer step. Forming an image There.

  In such an additive manufacturing method of the present invention, when the powder image on the image carrier is superposed on the powder image of the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage or the stage, the elastic layer becomes the surface of the stage or the stage. The powder image on the image carrier and the powder image on the uppermost layer or the stage are deformed flexibly so as to absorb the minute uneven steps on the surface of the uppermost powder image transferred to Uniformly contact or closely contact, and the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved. In addition, due to the multilayer structure of the image carrier, it is possible to suppress expansion and contraction of the elastic layer in the direction in which the elastic layer spreads. The accuracy of alignment with the stage is not lowered, and a stereoscopic image formed on the stage can be formed with high accuracy.

  In addition, the powder image on the image carrier is heated and melted or softened, and then comes into contact with or in close contact with the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. In this state, the powder image on the image carrier is cooled and solidified, so that the powder image on the image carrier is bonded to the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer, and the stage is further removed from the image carrier. When moved in the separating direction, the powder image is transferred to the stage without remaining on the image carrier, and the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved.

  Also, the additive manufacturing method of the present invention includes an image forming step for forming a powder image formed by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder on an image carrier, and a heating step for heating the powder image on the image carrier. The stage is moved in a direction approaching the image carrier, and the heated powder image on the image carrier is brought into contact with the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage or A contacting step for bringing the powder image on the image carrier into contact with or in close contact with the powder image on the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage or the stage; A cooling step for cooling, and a transfer step for transferring the powder image on the image carrier from the image carrier to the stage by moving the stage in a direction away from the image carrier, An image forming step, and the heating step Flop, said contacting step, the cooling step, and by repeating a series of processes including the transfer step, to form a three-dimensional image by laminating a plurality of the powder image on the stage.

  In such an additive manufacturing method of the present invention, the powder image on the image carrier is heated and melted or softened, and then contacted or adhered to the powder image of the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage or the stage. It will be in the state. In this state, the powder image on the image carrier is cooled and solidified, so that the powder image on the image carrier is bonded to the powder image on the stage or its uppermost layer, and the stage is further removed from the image carrier. When moved in the separating direction, the powder image is transferred to the stage without remaining on the image carrier, and the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved.

  In the present invention, the image carrier has a multilayer structure including an elastic layer provided in a powder image formation region of the image carrier. Since the elastic layer of the image carrier is elastically deformed, when the powder image on the image carrier is superposed on the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage, the elastic layer becomes the surface of the stage. Alternatively, the powder image on the image carrier and the stage or its uppermost layer powder are deformed flexibly so as to absorb the minute uneven steps on the surface of the uppermost layer powder image previously transferred to the stage. The image comes into contact with the image uniformly, and the transfer efficiency of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage is improved.

  In addition, due to the multilayer structure of the image carrier, it is possible to suppress expansion and contraction of the elastic layer in the direction in which the elastic layer spreads. The alignment accuracy with the stage is not lowered, and a stereoscopic image can be formed on the stage with high accuracy.

  Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the image carrier can be increased by the multilayer structure of the image carrier. Therefore, when a belt-shaped image carrier is used, a collar is provided at the end of the roller that stretches the belt, and the end of the belt is brought into contact with the collar, or a bead is attached to the back end of the belt. It is possible to suppress meandering of the belt by providing the belt and guiding the bead of the belt. For this reason, due to the meandering of the belt, the accuracy of alignment between the powder image on the image carrier and the stage and the accuracy of the three-dimensional image formed on the stage do not decrease.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first embodiment of an additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an intermediate transfer belt in the additive manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the planar heater in the additive manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the transfer unit in the additive manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is a chart which arranges and shows the result of example 1 of experiments using the additive manufacturing apparatus of a 1st embodiment, and the apparatus of a comparative example. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the transfer part of the transfer unit in the additive manufacturing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the transfer unit in FIG. 6. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the transcription | transfer part of the transcription | transfer unit in the additive manufacturing apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a chart which arranges and shows the result of Experimental example 2 using the additive manufacturing apparatus of a 2nd embodiment, the additive manufacturing apparatus of a 3rd embodiment, and the apparatus of a comparative example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing a first embodiment of an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called 3D (three-dimensional) printer that forms a three-dimensional color image F. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), white (W), And five image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T that respectively form five color powder images of transparency (T) and a color powder image Ei are formed by superimposing the powder images of the respective colors. A transfer unit 20 that repeatedly stacks a plurality of color powder images Ei to form a three-dimensional image F.

  In each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, the photosensitive drum 11 is disposed at a position in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the transfer unit 20, and a charger 12 and a laser beam are arranged around the photosensitive drum 11. An irradiation unit 13, a developing device 14, a primary transfer roller 15, a cleaner 16, and a charge removal unit 17 are arranged.

  Further, the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the transfer unit 20 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 11 and the primary transfer roller 15, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the primary transfer roller 15. Then, the photosensitive drum 11 is rotated so that the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 11 is set to be approximately the same as the peripheral speed of the intermediate transfer belt 21 that is moved in the arrow direction A.

  The developing devices 14 of the image forming units 10Y to 10T contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), white (W), and transparent (T) chargeable powders E, respectively. Has been. The chargeable powder E is a powder of a thermoplastic resin such as polyester or styrene acrylic to which a colorant composed of a pigment is added, and a charge control agent (CCA) may be added as necessary. In order to improve developability and transferability, an external additive composed of silica or the like may be added. An example of the chargeable powder E is a powder obtained by adding a pigment and a charge control agent to a polyester resin having a softening point temperature of 120 ° C. and kneading, and then pulverizing the polyester resin to an average particle diameter of 7 μm. Furthermore, an external additive made of silica having a particle diameter of 7 nm may be added.

  Here, in each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, as the photosensitive drum 11 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged by the charger 12 (for example, charged to −600 V). The laser beam irradiation unit 13 modulates the intensity of the laser beam and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and subsequently charged by the developing device 14. Conductive powder (for example, negatively charged powder) E is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to form a powder image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and has a polarity opposite to that of the powder image. The powder image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the transfer unit 20 by the primary transfer roller 15 to which the bias voltage (for example, +1.5 kV bias voltage) is applied. .

  At this time, powder images of the respective colors are sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 11 of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, and the powder images of the respective colors are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Transfer (primary transfer). As a result, a color powder image Ei is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  Then, as the intermediate transfer belt 21 rotates, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is conveyed to the transfer unit 27 of the transfer unit 20, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is temporarily stopped. The color powder image Ei on 21 is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a of the transfer unit 27 (secondary transfer).

  Next, the configuration of the transfer unit 20 will be described in detail. The transfer unit 20 includes an intermediate transfer belt 21, a driving roller 22a, a tension roller 22b, a transfer unit 27, and cooling fans 25a and 25b.

  The intermediate transfer belt 21 is stretched by a drive roller 22a and a tension roller 22b, and the drive roller 22a is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of arrow A. The tension roller 22b is driven to rotate.

  The transfer unit 27 includes a stage unit 23 and a heater unit 24, and is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 10Y in the circumferential movement direction indicated by the arrow direction A of the intermediate transfer belt 21. The stage unit 23 and the heater unit 24 are distributed on the front side and the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and are opposed to each other with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween.

  Further, the cooling fans 25 a and 25 b are disposed further downstream than the transfer portion 27 in the circumferential movement direction indicated by the arrow direction A, and are disposed to face each other with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween.

  Here, the intermediate transfer belt 21 has a cross-sectional structure as shown in FIG. As is clear from FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is made of, for example, an endless belt base material 21a having a circumference of 500 mm and a thickness of 50 μm made of a polyimide film, and silicon rubber formed on the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt base material 21a. An elastic layer 21b having a thickness of 300 μm and a release layer 21c having a thickness of 30 μm made of a fluororesin formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 21b, and having an endless belt base material 21a and a release layer 21c. It has a three-layer structure with an elastic layer 21b interposed therebetween.

  The first role of the endless belt substrate 21a is to suppress expansion and contraction in the circumferential movement direction indicated by the arrow direction A of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the expansion direction of the elastic layer 21b, and on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in these directions. The position accuracy of the color powder image Ei is improved, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is accurately positioned with respect to the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a. The second role of the endless belt base 21 a is to increase the rigidity of the intermediate transfer belt 21. When the rigidity of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is increased, a collar (not shown) is provided at the end of the drive roller 22a or the tension roller 22b, and the end of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is brought into contact with the collar, so that the intermediate transfer belt 21 is in contact with the collar. Can be suppressed. Alternatively, a bead (not shown) may be provided at the end on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 21 to guide the bead of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and to suppress meandering of the intermediate transfer belt 21. This improves the positional accuracy of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction perpendicular to the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 (width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21). This color powder image Ei can be accurately positioned with respect to the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a of the stage unit 23.

  The role of the elastic layer 21b is to improve the transfer efficiency Q of the powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side. That is, when the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is superimposed on the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1, the elastic layer The powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the stage surface 23a1 or its uppermost layer powder image Ei are brought into uniform contact with each other by the elastic deformation of 21b, so that the powder image from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side. Improve the transfer efficiency Q of Ei.

  Further, the role of the release layer 21c is to weaken the adhesion of the powder image Ei to the intermediate transfer belt 21 to facilitate the peeling of the powder image Ei from the release layer 21c. This is to improve the transfer efficiency Q of the powder image Ei to the stage surface 23a1 side.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the heater unit 24 includes a planar heater 24a, a temperature sensor 24b, and a heater holder 24c. The planar heater 24 a is attached to the lower surface of the heater holder 24 c, faces the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and is in contact with or close to the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. The temperature sensor 24b is provided in a recess in the center of the lower surface of the heater holder 24c, and is in contact with or in close proximity to the upper surface of the planar heater 24a facing away from the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the planar heater 24a. As shown in FIG. 3, the planar heater 24a includes a 2 mm thick substrate 24a1 made of, for example, glass or ceramic, a 50 μm thick heat generating layer 24a2 made of silver palladium or the like formed on the lower surface of the substrate 24a1, and a heat generation. The insulating layer 24a3 made of glass or the like formed on the lower surface of the layer 24a2 and having a thickness of 30 μm has a laminated structure in which the substrate 24a1, the heat generating layer 24a2, and the insulating layer 24a3 are sequentially stacked. The planar heater 24a is fixed to the lower surface of a heater holder 24c made of a metal such as aluminum, and a current is passed through the heating layer 24a2 of the planar heater 24a through a feeding electrode (not shown), so that Joule heat is planarized. The heat is generated in the heater 24a to cause the planar heater 24a to generate heat.

  The temperature sensor 24b is, for example, a thermistor, and is in contact with or close to the upper surface of the planar heater 24a, and measures the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a. The temperature Ka measured by the temperature sensor 24b is fed back to a control unit (not shown), the current flowing through the heat generating layer 24a2 of the planar heater 24a is controlled by the control unit, and the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a is previously set. It is set and adjusted to the transfer temperature Kr. Here, when the planar heater 24a, the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the color powder image Ei are in contact with each other, the temperature Ka measured by the temperature sensor 24b becomes the temperature of the color powder image Ei. It is almost equal. Therefore, the temperature Ka measured by the temperature sensor 24b is the temperature of the color powder image Ei when being transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the elevating stage 23a or an approximate value (indirect measurement value) of the temperature. I can say that.

  The stage unit 23 includes an elevating stage 23a, a base portion 23b, a pressure sensor 23c, a temperature sensor 23d, and an elevating drive unit 23e. The raising / lowering drive part 23e supports and raises the base part 23b. An elevating stage 23a is mounted and fixed on the upper surface of the base portion 23b via a pressure sensor 23c. The temperature sensor 23d is, for example, a thermocouple, and is provided in the central recess of the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a to measure the temperature Kb of the stereoscopic image F.

  The elevating stage 23a is, for example, a flat plate having a thickness of 10 mm made of aluminum, and the temperature sensor 23d is provided in a central recess of the stage surface 23a1 so that the temperature Kb of the stereoscopic image F can be measured. Is placed in contact with or close to the stereoscopic image F.

  The elevating drive unit 23e is a well-known device using, for example, an electric actuator, elevates the elevating stage 23 at a speed of about 20 mm / sec in the arrow direction B, and moves the elevating stage 23a through the intermediate transfer belt 21 to a planar heater 24a. Or the elevating stage 23a is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21. The pressure sensor 23c is, for example, a thin force sensor (diameter 12 mm, height 3 mm, rating 7 kN) manufactured by Nippon Kistler Co., Ltd., and measures the pressure Ja between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the lifting stage 23a. The pressure Ja measured by the pressure sensor 23c is fed back to a control unit (not shown), and the elevating drive unit 23e is driven and controlled by the control unit, so that the pressure Ja between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the elevating stage 23a is changed. The transfer pressure is adjusted to a preset transfer pressure Jr.

  The cooling fans 25a and 25b are, for example, Sanyo Denki DC fans (trade name “San Ace60”, size 60 mm × 60 mm × 15 mm, rated input 3.12 W), and are opposed to each other with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween. Has been placed. On the front side of the intermediate transfer belt 21, five cooling fans 25 a are arranged in two rows in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 (the depth direction of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1), and similarly, on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 21. In addition, five cooling fans 25 b are arranged in two rows in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21, so that ten cooling fans 25 a are provided on the front side of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the intermediate transfer belt 21. 10 cooling fans 25b are also provided on the back side of the same, and a total of 20 cooling fans 25a and 25b are provided.

  In the layered manufacturing apparatus 1 having such a configuration, as described above, powder images of the respective colors are sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 11 of the respective image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T. The powder images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 (primary transfer), and a color powder image Ei is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21. As the intermediate transfer belt 21 rotates, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is conveyed to the transfer unit 27 of the transfer unit 20, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is temporarily stopped.

  At this time, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 can be heated by the planar heater 24a of the heater unit 24 and pressurized between the planar heater 24a and the elevating stage 23a of the stage unit 23. It enters into the secondary transfer area X and is positioned. In the secondary transfer region X, the temperature Ka of the sheet heater 24a of the heater unit 24 is raised to the transfer temperature Kr (for example, 160 ° C. higher than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder Ei), The intermediate transfer belt 21 is heated by 24a, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is also heated and melted. Then, in a state where the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is heated and melted, the elevating drive unit 23e of the stage unit 23 is driven and controlled to elevate the elevating stage 23a and elevate the surface heater 24a. When the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the color powder image Ei are sandwiched between the stage 23a and the pressure Ja measured by the pressure sensor 23c reaches the transfer pressure Jr, the elevation of the elevating stage 23a is stopped. As a result, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is superimposed and brought into close contact with the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1.

  In this manner, the heating by the sheet heater 24a is stopped while the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is in close contact with the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1. Then, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is cooled and solidified by heat conduction to the elevating stage 23a and heat radiation to the atmosphere, and the color powder image Ei on the stage surface 23a1 or its uppermost layer. Adhere to.

  Thereafter, the elevating drive unit 23e of the stage unit 23 is driven and controlled, and the elevating stage 23a is lowered and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21. At this time, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is adhered to the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1, so that the color powder The image Ei is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 and reliably transferred to the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei (secondary transfer).

  Subsequently, the circular movement of the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the arrow direction A is resumed, and the heated portion of the intermediate transfer belt 21 heated by the planar heater 24a passes between each cooling fan 25a and each cooling fan 25b. To do. Then, during this passage, the cooling fans 25a and 25b are driven, and the heated portion of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is cooled to near room temperature of, for example, 35 ° C. or less by blowing air from the cooling fans 25a and 25b.

  Thereafter, formation of powder images of the respective colors by the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, and formation of a color powder image Ei formed by superimposing the powder images of the respective colors on the intermediate transfer belt 21; Then, a series of processes including the transfer of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side of the elevating stage 23a is repeated a plurality of times, and a plurality of color powder images Ei are laminated on the stage surface 23a1. Then, a color stereoscopic image F is formed.

  Further, by using 3D data indicating the original stereoscopic image of the color stereoscopic image F, a plurality of color sectional images formed when the original stereoscopic image is cut into a plurality of layers are obtained, and these color sectional images are obtained. Are sequentially formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 by the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T as the respective color powder images Ei, and the respective color powder images Ei are formed on the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a. A color stereoscopic image F corresponding to the original stereoscopic image is formed by sequentially stacking the layers.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the transfer unit 20 in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. In FIG. 4, the control unit 31 controls the transfer unit 20 in an integrated manner. The drive motor 32 rotationally drives the drive roller 22a of the intermediate transfer belt 21 through a gear unit (not shown), and rotates the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the arrow direction A. The position sensor 33 is disposed in the secondary transfer region X, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 has reached the secondary transfer region X as the intermediate transfer belt 21 rotates in the arrow direction A. Detect that. For example, an index indicating the position of the color powder image Ei is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 by at least one of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, and the index is detected by the position sensor 33. Then, it is detected that the color powder image Ei has reached the secondary transfer region X.

  Here, the control unit 31 controls the drive motor 32 to move the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of the arrow A at a constant speed, and stops the drive motor 32 in response to the detection output of the position sensor 33. The color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is positioned in the secondary transfer region X. Then, the control unit 31 controls the current flowing through the heat generating layer 24a2 of the planar heater 24a so that the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a measured by the temperature sensor 24b rises to the transfer temperature Kr. The upper color powder image Ei is heated and melted. Subsequently, the control unit 31 drives and controls the elevating drive unit 23e of the stage unit 23 to raise the elevating stage 23a so that the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the color powder are interposed between the planar heater 24a and the elevating stage 23a. When the body image Ei is sandwiched and the pressure Ja measured by the pressure sensor 23c reaches the transfer pressure Jr, the elevation of the elevating stage 23a is stopped. As a result, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is superimposed and brought into close contact with the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1.

  Further, the control unit 31 stops the heating by the planar heater 24a, and the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a measured by the temperature sensor 24b is close to the softening point temperature of the chargeable powder E (or more than the softening point temperature). When the peeling temperature Ks is lowered, the elevating drive unit 23e of the stage unit 23 is driven and controlled, the elevating stage 23a is lowered and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the color powder image Ei is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. 21 is transferred to the stage surface 23a1.

  Thereafter, the control unit 31 drives and controls the drive motor 32 again to move the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of the arrow A at a constant speed, and the heated portion of the intermediate transfer belt 21 heated by the planar heater 24a is moved. The cooling fans 25a and 25b are driven and controlled at the timing of passing between the cooling fans 25a and 25b to cool the heated portion of the intermediate transfer belt 21 to near room temperature.

  Next, actions and effects of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described in order. First, fine irregularities are formed on the surface of the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1 and the stage surface 23a1. The minute irregularities cause unevenness in the contact state between the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei. Can cause a reduction in the transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei to the stage surface 23a1 side.

  However, the intermediate transfer belt 21 has an endless belt base material 21a made of a polyimide film, an elastic layer 21b made of silicon rubber, and a release layer 21c made of a fluororesin, and is separated from the endless belt base material 21a. It has a three-layer structure in which an elastic layer 21b is sandwiched between the mold layer 21c. Further, the color powder image Ei is formed on the release layer 21c and does not protrude beyond the elastic layer 21b overlapping the release layer 21c. Therefore, the elevating stage 23a is raised, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred onto the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1. When the elastic layer 21b is pressed against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21, the elastic layer 21b is deformed flexibly so as to absorb the uneven step on the surface of the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei. The body image Ei and the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost powder image Ei are in uniform contact, and the transfer efficiency Q of the powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 is improved.

  Further, the endless belt base material 21 a suppresses expansion and contraction in the circumferential movement direction (the spreading direction of the elastic layer 21 b) indicated by the arrow direction A of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Thereby, the positional accuracy of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the circumferential movement direction is improved, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is accurate with respect to the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a. Is positioned. Furthermore, the endless belt base 21a increases the rigidity of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Therefore, a collar (not shown) is provided at the end of the driving roller 22a or the tension roller 22b, and the end of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is brought into contact with the collar, or the back side end of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is placed. A bead (not shown) may be provided to guide the bead of the intermediate transfer belt 21 to suppress meandering of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  Further, the release layer 21c weakens the adhesion force of the powder image Ei to the intermediate transfer belt 21, and facilitates the peeling of the powder image Ei from the release layer 21c, and from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side. The transfer efficiency Q of the powder image Ei is improved. Further, the release layer 21c is made of a thin fluororesin layer. Since this fluororesin layer has high releasability and is thin, it is easily elastically deformed together with the elastic layer 21b, and the effect of deformation of the elastic layer 21b is not impaired. That is, the elastic layer 21b is deformed flexibly so as to absorb the uneven step on the surface of the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei, and the powder from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side. The effect of improving the transfer efficiency Q of the image Ei is not impaired.

  In addition, heating by the surface heater 24a is performed in a state where the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is in close contact with the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei transferred to the stage surface 23a1. The color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is cooled and solidified, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is converted into the color powder image Ei on the stage surface 23a1 or its uppermost layer. After that, the elevating stage 23a is lowered and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21, so that the color powder image Ei is easily peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the stage surface 23a1 or the color of the uppermost layer thereof is removed. It is reliably transferred to the powder image Ei.

  Further, after the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a measured by the temperature sensor 24b is lowered to the peeling temperature Ks near the softening point temperature (or lower than the softening point temperature) of the chargeable powder E, the elevating stage 23a. Is lowered to be separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21, so that the transfer of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side can be stabilized.

  Further, since the elevating stage 23a is made of aluminum and aluminum is a good heat conductor, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred to the stage surface 23a1 or the stage surface 23a1 before. When in close contact with the upper color powder image Ei, the heat of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is quickly conducted to the elevating stage 23a and dissipated, and the color on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is dissipated. The powder image Ei quickly solidifies.

  In the first embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is heated by the planar heater 24a to melt the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21, but the color powder on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is melted. It is only necessary to sufficiently soften the body image Ei. Also in this case, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is superposed on and closely adhered to the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1. When the heating by the heater 24a is stopped and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is cooled and solidified, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred to the stage surface 23a1 or its uppermost layer. It can be adhered to the color powder image Ei.

  Further, a single color (including transparent) powder image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 by any one of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, and the stage surface 23a1 is formed from the intermediate transfer belt 21. By repeating the transfer of the monochromatic powder image to the side, the monochromatic three-dimensional image F can be formed on the stage surface 23a1. For example, by using 3D data indicating a solid image that is a single color, a plurality of single color cross-sectional images formed when the original solid image is cut into a plurality of layers are obtained. A body image is sequentially formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21, and each powder image Ei is sequentially stacked on the stage surface 23a1, thereby forming a monochromatic stereoscopic image corresponding to the original stereoscopic image.

<Experimental example 1>
Next, the results of experiments on the transfer characteristics of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the elevating stage 23a using the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  In Experimental Example 1, as experimental parameters, (A) the configuration of the intermediate transfer belt, (B) the transfer temperature Kr when the color powder image Ei is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to the stage surface 23a1, (C) The transfer pressure Jr between the planar heater 24a sandwiching the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt and the elevating stage 23a is set. (A) In the configuration of the intermediate transfer belt, in detail, the material and thickness of the endless belt base 21a are kept constant, the thickness of the elastic layer 21b is changed, and the presence or absence of the elastic layer 21b is set. Further, the thickness of the release layer 21c is changed and the presence / absence of the release layer 21c is set.

  In each of Examples 1-1 to 1-5 and Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-6 shown in FIG. 1, various combinations of such experimental parameters are carried out to move the lifting stage 23a from the intermediate transfer belt. The transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei to the stage surface 23a1 is measured and evaluated.

  Specifically, in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, the intermediate transfer belt 21 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is used, and a polyimide film having a thickness of 50 μm is applied as the endless belt base material 21a, and the elastic layer A silicon rubber having a thickness of 200 μm or 300 μm is applied as 21b, and a fluororesin tube having a thickness of 30 μm or a fluororesin coat having a thickness of 10 μm is applied as the release layer 21c. Further, the transfer temperature Kr is set to 160 ° C., which is higher than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder Ei, and the transfer pressure Jr between the planar heater 24a and the elevating stage 23a is set to 6 kPa or 59 kPa. . Then, the transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side is measured and obtained.

  In each of Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-3, an intermediate transfer belt having a configuration different from that of the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the first embodiment is used, and a polyimide film having a thickness of 50 μm is used as the endless belt base material 21a. The elastic layer 21b is omitted, and a fluororesin coat having a thickness of 10 μm is applied as the release layer 21c. Further, the transfer temperature Kr is set to 160 ° C. or 180 ° C. which is higher than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder Ei, and the transfer pressure Jr between the planar heater 24a and the elevating stage 23a is set to 59 kPa or 120 kPa. doing. Then, the transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt to the stage surface 23a1 side is measured and obtained.

  Further, in each of Comparative Examples 3-4 to 3-6, an intermediate transfer belt having a configuration different from that of the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the first embodiment is used, and a polyimide film having a thickness of 50 μm is used as the endless belt base material 21a. In this case, 300 μm silicon rubber is applied as the elastic layer 21b, and the release layer 21c is omitted. Further, the transfer temperature Kr is set to 160 ° C. which is higher than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder Ei, and the transfer pressure Jr between the planar heater 24a and the elevating stage 23a is set to 59 kPa or 120 kPa. . Then, the transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt to the stage surface 23a1 side is measured and obtained.

  From the results of Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-3 as described above, when the elastic layer 21b is not included in the intermediate transfer belt, even if the transfer temperature Kr and the transfer pressure Jr are increased, the intermediate transfer belt can move to the stage surface. It can be seen that the transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei to the 23a1 side remains at 10% or less, and thus the color powder image Ei is not transferred well.

  From the results of Comparative Examples 3-4 to 3-6, when the release layer 21c is not included, even if the transfer temperature Kr and the transfer pressure Jr are increased, the intermediate transfer belt moves to the stage surface 23a1 side. It can be seen that the transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei is less than 30%, and thus the color powder image Ei is not transferred well.

  From the comparison of Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-6, when the transfer temperature Kr is 180 ° C., that is, when the transfer temperature Kr is too high, the transfer efficiency Q decreases. You can see that This is because the viscosity of the chargeable powder E forming the color powder image Ei is lowered, the internal cohesive force of the chargeable powder E is weakened, and the chargeable powder E is easily divided in the thickness direction. This is probably because of this.

  On the other hand, from the results of Examples 1-2 and 1-4, the intermediate transfer belt 21 has an elastic layer 21b (silicon rubber with a thickness of 200 or 300 μm) and a release layer 21c (a PFA tube with a thickness of 30 μm or a thickness of 10 μm). If the transfer temperature Kr (160 ° C.) and the transfer pressure Jr (59 kPa) are the same as those of Comparative Examples 1-1, 1-4, and 1-6, the color powder It can be seen that the transfer efficiency Q of the body image Ei is 100%, and thus the color powder image Ei is transferred well.

  The reason is that in each of Comparative Examples 1-1, 1-4, and 1-6, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is hardly elastically deformed, whereas in each of Examples 1-2 and 1-4, the intermediate transfer belt is not elastically deformed. This is because the surface of 21 is elastically deformed flexibly. Here, there are micro unevenness on the surface of the upper and lower color powder images Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1 of the elevating stage 23a and the stage surface 23a1. For this reason, when the intermediate transfer belt does not include the elastic layer 21b as in Comparative Example 1-1, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt is the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder. Even when pressed against the surface of the image Ei, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt is hard and does not deform, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt is the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei. As a result, the transfer efficiency Q decreases. On the other hand, when the intermediate transfer belt 21 includes the elastic layer 21b as in Examples 1-2 and 1-4, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt is the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost layer thereof. When pressed against the surface of the color powder image Ei, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is elastically deformed flexibly so as to absorb the minute uneven steps, so that the color powder on the intermediate transfer belt The image Ei uniformly adheres to the surface of the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei, and as a result, the transfer efficiency Q increases (adhesion effect). When the intermediate transfer belt 21 includes the elastic layer 21b, the shape of the elastic layer 21b of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is different when the intermediate transfer belt 21 is separated from the uppermost color powder image Ei on the stage surface 23a1. Then, the elastic layer 21b is released from the distortion, and a shearing force acts on the interface between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the uppermost color powder image Ei. Therefore, the color powder image Ei becomes the intermediate transfer belt 21. As a result, the transfer efficiency Q is improved (elasticity effect).

  Further, from comparison between each of Examples 1-1 and 1-2, and comparison between each of Examples 1-3 and 1-4, it is understood that the transfer efficiency Q becomes higher when the transfer pressure Jr is increased. . This is because, when the transfer pressure Jr is increased, the adhesion effect and the elasticity effect of the elastic layer 21b of the intermediate transfer belt 21 described above are more exhibited.

  Further, from comparison between each of Examples 1-1 and 1-5, the transfer efficiency Q is higher when the PFA coat is applied than when the PFA tube is applied as the release layer 21c of the intermediate transfer belt 21. I understand. This is because the PFA coat (thickness 10 μm) can be made thinner than the PFA tube (thickness 30 μm), and the PFA coat is easily elastically deformed together with the elastic layer 21 b of the intermediate transfer belt 21. This is because the adhesion effect and elasticity effect of the elastic layer 21b described above are not impaired.

  [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the transfer portion 27A of the transfer unit 20 in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to parts that perform the same operation as in FIG. 1.

  In the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T and the transfer unit 20 are compared with the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Although it corresponds in the point provided, the structure of the transfer part 27A in the transfer unit 20 is different.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the transfer unit 27 </ b> A includes two blower pipes 41 and 42, and a compressor 43 in addition to the stage unit 23 and the heater unit 24.

  The blower pipes 41 and 42 are provided on both sides of the secondary transfer region X or the lifting stage 23a, that is, upstream and downstream of the secondary transfer region X or the lifting stage 23a in the circumferential movement direction indicated by the arrow direction A of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Arranged on the side. Each of the blower pipes 41 and 42 extends along the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Each of the blower pipes 41 and 42 is formed of a copper hollow pipe having a diameter of 4 mm, and a plurality of blower holes 41a and 42a are formed on the peripheral surfaces thereof. The blower holes 41 a and 41 b are arranged in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 with the hole diameter set to 1 mm and the pitch set to 10 mm. Further, the air blowing holes 41a and 41b are directed in the direction of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 positioned in the secondary transfer region X.

  Each of the blower pipes 41 and 42 is opened at one end and closed at the other end, and the opened one end is connected to the compressor 43 through the air paths 44 and 45. . Air is pumped from the compressor 43 to the air blowing pipes 41 and 42 through the air passages 44 and 45 to generate an air flow at a flow rate of about 10 m / sec inside the air blowing pipes 41 and 42, respectively. 41b, air is ejected in the direction of arrow C to the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 positioned in the secondary transfer region X, and the color powder image Ei is cooled by the ejected air. To do.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the transfer unit 20 including the transfer unit 27A. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same operation as in FIG. 4. Here, the controller 31 controls the drive motor 32 to move the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of the arrow A, stops the drive motor 32 in response to the detection output of the position sensor 33, and the intermediate transfer belt. The color powder image Ei on 21 is positioned in the secondary transfer region X. Then, the control unit 31 heats the planar heater 24a until the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a measured by the temperature sensor 24b reaches the transfer temperature Kr, and heats the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21. And melt. Further, the control unit 31 drives and controls the elevating drive unit 23e of the stage unit 23 to raise the elevating stage 23a. When the pressure Ja measured by the pressure sensor 23c reaches the transfer pressure Jr, the elevating stage 23a is raised. Stop. As a result, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is superimposed and brought into close contact with the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1.

  Thereafter, the control unit 31 stops the heating by the planar heater 24a, starts the compressor 43, causes the air to be sent to the air blowing pipes 41 and 42, and then onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 from the air blowing holes 41a and 41b. The color powder image Ei is cooled by blowing air to the color powder image Ei.

  At this time, if the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a measured by the temperature sensor 24b decreases to the peeling temperature Ks near the softening point temperature of the chargeable powder E (or a temperature lower than the softening point temperature), the control unit 31 Then, the compressor 43 is stopped, the elevating drive unit 23e of the stage unit 23 is driven and controlled, the elevating stage 23a is lowered and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is intermediated. It is peeled off from the transfer belt 21 and transferred to the stage surface 23a1.

  In such a second embodiment, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is heated and melted, and then transferred to the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost layer of color powder previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1. The image Ei is overlaid and brought into close contact with the image Ei. In this state, heating by the planar heater 24a is stopped and air is ejected from each of the blower pipes 41 and 42. Therefore, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is immediately cooled by the ejected air. Then, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 can be quickly bonded to the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei. Then, after the temperature Ka of the planar heater 24a measured by the temperature sensor 24b is lowered to the peeling temperature Ks near the softening point temperature (or lower than the softening point temperature) of the chargeable powder E, the intermediate transfer belt. The color powder image Ei on 21 is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21. Thereby, the transfer of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the stage surface 23a1 side can be stabilized.

  [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the transfer unit 27B of the transfer unit 20 in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same operation as in FIG.

  In the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T and the transfer unit 20 are compared with the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Although it corresponds in the point provided, the structure of the transfer part 27B in the transfer unit 20 differs.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer section 27B includes a stage unit 23B and a heater unit 24. The heater unit 24 has the same configuration as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and includes a planar heater 24a, a temperature sensor 24b, and a heater holder 24c. Similarly to the stage unit 23 of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stage unit 23B includes a base portion 23b, a pressure sensor 23c, a temperature sensor 23d, and an elevation drive unit 23e. However, an elevating stage 46 is provided instead of the elevating stage 23a.

  The elevating stage 46 of the stage unit 23B is obtained by embedding a plurality of heat pipes 47 in, for example, a flat plate made of aluminum having a thickness of 10 mm. For example, the heat pipe 47 has a diameter of 5 mm, and five heat pipes 47 are embedded in the elevating stage 46. Each heat pipe 47 passes through the lifting stage 46 in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and is led out to the outside of the lifting stage 46, and the heat pipe 47 led out to the outside of the lifting stage 46. A heat sink (not shown) is connected to the end.

  In such a third embodiment, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is heated and melted, and then transferred to the stage surface 23a1 or the top surface color powder previously transferred to the stage surface 23a1. The image Ei is overlaid and brought into close contact with the image Ei. In this state, heating by the planar heater 24a is stopped. At this time, the heat of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is sequentially conducted from the elevating stage 23a → the heat pipes 47 → the heat sink and then immediately dissipated. The body image Ei can be efficiently cooled and solidified, and can be quickly adhered to the stage surface 23a1 or the uppermost color powder image Ei. Thereafter, the elevating stage 23a is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 and transferred to the stage surface 23a1.

  Further, since each heat pipe 47 is embedded in the lifting stage 46, the lifting stage 46 is also used as the stage of the stereoscopic image F and the cooling unit of the stage, and without increasing the size of the lifting stage 46, The color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 can be effectively cooled.

<Experimental example 2>
Next, Table 2 shown in FIG. 9 shows the results of experiments on the transfer characteristics of the color powder image Ei from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the elevating stage 23a using the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the second and third embodiments. It explains using.

  In Experimental Example 2, as experimental parameters, (D) the configuration of the stage unit, (B) the transfer temperature Kr when the color powder image Ei is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to the stage surface 23a1, E) A peeling temperature Ks when the color powder image Ei is peeled from the intermediate transfer belt 21 and (F) a cooling time Δtc of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt are set. (D) In the configuration of the stage unit, in detail, the material of the elevating stage is changed, and any of the stage unit 23 of the first embodiment, the stage unit 23A of the second embodiment, and the stage unit 23B of the third embodiment. Is provided selectively. In each of Examples 2-1 to 2-3, the stage unit 23 of the first embodiment, the stage unit 23A of the second embodiment, and the stage unit 23B of the third embodiment are used, respectively. 4-3 uses a 10 mm thick flat plate made of Bakelite (registered trademark) as the lifting stage.

  In each of Examples 2-1 to 2-3 and Comparative Examples 4-1 to 4-3 shown in FIG. 2, various combinations of such experimental parameters are performed, and the lifting stage 23a is moved from the intermediate transfer belt. The transfer efficiency Q of the color powder image Ei to the stage surface 23a1 is measured and evaluated.

  However, in Experimental Example 2, the configuration of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is not changed. As the intermediate transfer belt 21, an endless belt base material 21a made of polyimide film having a thickness of 50 μm and an elastic material having a thickness of 300 μm made of silicon rubber are used. A layer having a three-layer structure in which a layer 21b and a 10 μm-thick release layer 21c made of a PFA coat are stacked is used. Further, the transfer pressure Jr is set to 6 kPa.

  First, Comparative Example 4-1 will be described. In Comparative Example 4-1, the transfer temperature Kr is set to 160 ° C. higher than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder Ei, and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is heated and melted. In this state, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is brought into close contact with the bakelite lift stage, and the lift stage is immediately separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21 without cooling the color powder image Ei. The color powder image Ei is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 and transferred to the lifting stage. In this case, it was found that the transfer efficiency Q remained at 40%. The reason for this is that the thermal conductivity of bakelite is smaller than that of aluminum, there is almost no heat dissipation effect of the color powder image Ei by the lifting stage, and the cooling time of the color powder image Ei is set to 0 Therefore, the peeling temperature Ks of the color powder image Ei when peeled from the intermediate transfer belt 21 is 140 ° C., and this peeling temperature Ks 140 ° C. is higher than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the charging powder E. This is presumably because the internal cohesive force of the chargeable powder E is reduced and the chargeable powder E is easily divided in the layer direction.

  Further, from the result of Comparative Example 4-2, even when the transfer temperature Kr is lowered to 130 ° C., the color powder image Ei is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 without being cooled, and is moved up and down. It was found that the transfer efficiency Q remained at 30% when transferred to the stage. This is because the peeling temperature Ks of the color powder image Ei when peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 is 110 ° C., and this peeling temperature Ks 110 ° C. is lower than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the charging powder E. However, it is considered that when the transfer temperature Kr is set to 130 ° C., the chargeable powder E is not sufficiently softened or melted at the time of transfer.

  Next, Comparative Example 4-3 will be described. In Comparative Example 2-3, the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 was baked with the transfer temperature Kr set to 160 ° C. and the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 heated. The color powder image Ei is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 after being brought into intimate contact with the lift stage and the sheet heater 24a is turned off and the color powder image Ei is left to cool for 120 seconds. Is transferred to the lift stage. In this case, the transfer efficiency Q is 100%. This is because the peeling time Ks of the color powder image Ei when it is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 is increased by increasing the cooling time after the color powder image Ei is brought into close contact with the elevating stage. This is considered to be because the internal cohesive force of the chargeable powder E was increased by cooling to 90 ° C., which was sufficiently lower than the softening point temperature of the body E of 120 ° C.

  Next, experimental results of Examples 2-1 to 2-3 will be described. Example 2-1 is different from Comparative Example 2-3 in that the material of the elevating stage is changed from bakelite to aluminum. In Comparative Example 2-3, the cooling time required to obtain 100% transfer efficiency Q was 120 seconds, whereas in Example 2-1, the cooling time required to obtain 100% transfer efficiency Q. Has been reduced to 42 seconds. This is because the elevating stage is made of aluminum having excellent thermal conductivity, so that the cooling performance of the powder image is improved, and the temperature of the color powder image Ei is higher than the softening point temperature of the chargeable powder E of 120 ° C. This is because the temperature falls quickly to a low temperature.

  In Example 2-2, the cooling time required to obtain 100% transfer efficiency Q is further shortened from 42 seconds to 31 seconds compared to Example 2-1. The reason for this is that, in Example 2-2, air is blown from the blower pipes 41 and 42 to the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the cooling efficiency of the color powder image Ei is further increased. This is because the temperature of the color powder image Ei is further lowered to a temperature lower than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder E.

  In Example 2-3, the cooling time required to obtain 100% transfer efficiency Q is further shortened from 42 seconds to 21 seconds compared to Example 2-1. This is because in Example 2-3, the elevating stage 46 is effectively cooled by the heat pipes 47 and the heat sink, so that the cooling efficiency of the color powder image Ei on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is further improved. This is because the temperature of the color powder image Ei immediately falls to a temperature lower than the softening point temperature 120 ° C. of the chargeable powder E.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a color additive manufacturing apparatus is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to a additive additive manufacturing apparatus of color, and can be applied to a monochrome additive manufacturing apparatus. For example, in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, a single image forming unit is provided instead of each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, and 10T, and a powder image is intermediated by a single image forming unit. It may be formed on the transfer belt 21, and this powder image may be transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the lifting stage 23a to form a monochrome stereoscopic image. Alternatively, in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, the charging powder E of the same color is accommodated in each of the image forming units 10 </ b> Y to 10 </ b> T, and the respective powder images of the same color are received by the image forming units 10 </ b> Y to 10 </ b> T. It may be formed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21, and these powder images may be transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the lifting stage 23a to form a monochrome three-dimensional image.

  In addition, a three-layer structure is applied as the intermediate transfer belt 21, but a two-layer structure including at least an endless belt substrate 21a and an elastic layer 21b, or a four-layer structure or more may be applied. I do not care.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

1 Layered modeling apparatus 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10W, 10T Image forming unit (image forming unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Photosensitive drum 12 Charger 13 Laser beam irradiation part 14 Developer 15 Primary transfer roller 16 Cleaner 17 Static elimination part 20 Transfer unit 21 Intermediate transfer belt (image carrier)
21a Endless belt base material (base layer)
21b Elastic layer 21c Release layer 22a Drive roller 22b Tension roller 23 Stage units 23a, 46 Elevating stage (stage)
23b Base part 23c Pressure sensor 23d Temperature sensor 23e Lift drive part (moving part)
24 heater unit 24a planar heater (heating unit)
24a1 Substrate 24a2 Heating layer 24a3 Insulating layer 24b Temperature sensor (temperature measuring unit)
24c Heater holder 25a, 25b Cooling fan 27 Transfer part 31 Control part 32 Drive motor 33 Position sensor 41, 42 Blowing pipe (cooling part)
43 Compressor 44, 45 Air path 47 Heat pipe (cooling part)

Claims (15)

An image carrier, an image forming unit that forms a powder image formed by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder to the image carrier, and a stage to which the powder image on the image carrier is transferred, Lamination for repeating formation of a powder image on the image carrier and transfer of the powder image from the image carrier to the stage to form a stereoscopic image by laminating a plurality of powder images on the stage A modeling device,
The layered modeling apparatus, wherein the image carrier has a multilayer structure including an elastic layer provided in the powder image formation region of the image carrier. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
The multilayer structure includes the multilayer structure including the elastic layer and a base layer that suppresses expansion and contraction of the elastic layer in a direction in which the elastic layer spreads. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
The layered manufacturing apparatus, wherein the base layer is made of a material that is less elastically deformed than the elastic layer. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The multilayer modeling apparatus, wherein the multilayer structure includes a release layer in contact with the powder image, and the elastic layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the release layer. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4,
The layered manufacturing apparatus, wherein the release layer is a layer of a fluororesin. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The powder image on the image carrier is pressed against the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage, and the powder image on the image carrier from the image carrier to the stage. The layered manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that the material is transferred. An image carrier, an image forming unit for forming a powder image obtained by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder to the image carrier, a heating unit for heating a powder image on the image carrier, and the image A stage on which the powder image on the carrier is transferred, formation of the powder image on the image carrier, heating of the powder image on the image carrier by the heating unit, and from the image carrier It is an additive manufacturing apparatus that repeats the transfer of the powder image to the stage and stacks a plurality of powder images on the stage to form a three-dimensional image,
Cooling for cooling the powder image on the image carrier while the heated powder image on the image carrier is in contact with or in close contact with the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising a section. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7,
The layered manufacturing apparatus, wherein the stage incorporates the cooling unit. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
The layered manufacturing apparatus, wherein the stage is made of a good heat conductor. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The additive manufacturing apparatus, wherein the cooling unit includes a heat conductor that conducts heat of the stage to the outside of the stage. An image carrier, an image forming unit for forming a powder image obtained by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder to the image carrier, a heating unit for heating a powder image on the image carrier, and the image A stage on which the powder image on the carrier is transferred, formation of the powder image on the image carrier, heating of the powder image on the image carrier by the heating unit, and from the image carrier It is an additive manufacturing apparatus that repeats the transfer of the powder image to the stage and stacks a plurality of powder images on the stage to form a three-dimensional image,
A moving unit that moves the stage in a direction in which the stage moves toward and away from the image carrier;
The stage is moved in the direction of approaching the image carrier by the moving unit, and the powder image heated on the image carrier is transferred to the stage or to the stage previously. The layered manufacturing apparatus, wherein the stage is moved in a direction away from the image carrier by the moving unit after the powder image on the image carrier is cooled and brought into contact with or in close contact with the image carrier. . The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 11,
An additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature of a powder image on the image carrier or an approximate value of the temperature. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12,
A control unit for controlling the moving unit;
The control unit controls the moving unit based on a temperature of the powder image on the image carrier measured by the temperature measurement unit or an approximate value of the temperature to separate the stage from the image carrier. An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by being moved in a direction. An image forming step of forming a powder image formed by electrostatically adsorbing a chargeable powder on an image carrier having a multilayer structure including an elastic layer;
A heating step of heating a powder image on the image carrier;
The stage is moved in a direction approaching the image carrier, and the heated powder image on the image carrier is brought into contact with or in close contact with the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. A contact step;
A transfer step of moving the stage in a direction away from the image carrier and transferring a powder image on the image carrier from the image carrier to the stage;
By repeating a series of processes including the image forming step, the heating step, the contact step, and the transfer step, a plurality of powder images are stacked on the stage to form a stereoscopic image. Additive manufacturing method. An image forming step of forming a powder image formed by electrostatically adsorbing the chargeable powder to the image carrier;
A heating step of heating a powder image on the image carrier;
The stage is moved in a direction approaching the image carrier, and the heated powder image on the image carrier is brought into contact with or in close contact with the stage or the uppermost powder image previously transferred to the stage. A contact step;
A cooling step for cooling the powder image on the image carrier in a state where the powder image on the image carrier is in contact with or in close contact with the powder image of the uppermost layer previously transferred to the stage or the stage;
A transfer step of moving the stage in a direction away from the image carrier and transferring a powder image on the image carrier from the image carrier to the stage;
By repeating a series of processes including the image forming step, the heating step, the contact step, the cooling step, and the transfer step, a plurality of powder images are stacked on the stage to form a three-dimensional image. An additive manufacturing method characterized by the above.

Images