JP2016221442A - Three-dimensional object coloring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional object coloring device capable of restraining reduction in an image formation quality to a three-dimensional object.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional object coloring device comprises a support base, a measurement part 2 opposably provided to a three-dimensional object placed on the support base and executing measurement operation on a shape of the three-dimensional object by opposing a measurement surface 2R to the three-dimensional object, an image formation part 3 opposably provided to the three-dimensional object in a position adjacent to the measurement part 2 and executing image formation operation for discharging ink toward the three-dimensional object from a discharge part 3E based on a measurement result of the measurement part 2 and separation means 10 provided at least in one vicinity of the measurement surface 2R and the discharge part 3E, lengthening the length of passages R1, R2 and R3 of reaching the measurement surface 2R from the discharge part 3E more than the substantially straight line separation length between the discharge part 3E and the measurement surface 2R, or cutting off at least a part of the passages.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional object coloring apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional three-dimensional object coloring apparatus. This three-dimensional object coloring apparatus includes a rotatable support base, a distance sensor, and a printing apparatus. The distance sensor is provided at a position facing the three-dimensional object placed on the support base. The printing apparatus is provided below the distance sensor, and is provided at a position facing the three-dimensional object placed on the support base. That is, the distance sensor and the printing apparatus are provided at positions that overlap one above the other.

  In this three-dimensional object coloring apparatus, the distance sensor performs a measurement operation of measuring the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object with the measurement surface facing the three-dimensional object. Specifically, the distance from the distance sensor to the surface of the three-dimensional object is measured. Then, based on the distance information measured by the distance sensor, the printing apparatus performs a printing operation for ejecting ink from the ejection unit toward the three-dimensional object. As a result, it is possible to print an image corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object.

JP 2014-136217 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional three-dimensional object coloring device, since the printing device is adjacent to the distance sensor, during printing operation, mist such as fine ink droplets or volatile gas is measured from the discharge unit of the printing device by the distance sensor. It may scatter toward the surface, adhere to the measurement surface, and adversely affect the detection result of the distance sensor. As a result, in this three-dimensional object coloring apparatus, there is a possibility that the print quality for the three-dimensional object is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional object coloring apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in image formation quality with respect to a three-dimensional object.

The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of the present invention includes a support base,
A measurement unit that is provided so as to be able to face a three-dimensional object placed on the support base, and that performs a measurement operation related to the shape of the three-dimensional object with a measurement surface facing the three-dimensional object;
An image forming unit that is provided so as to be able to face the three-dimensional object at a position adjacent to the measurement unit, and that performs an image forming operation for discharging ink from the discharge unit toward the three-dimensional object based on a measurement result of the measurement unit; ,
Provided in the vicinity of at least one of the measurement surface and the discharge portion, and at least during the image forming operation, the length of the path from the discharge portion to the measurement surface is approximately linear between the discharge portion and the measurement surface. And a separation means for cutting off at least a part of the path.

  In the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of the present invention, during the image forming operation, the distance from the discharge unit to the measurement surface is made longer than the substantially linear separation length between the discharge unit and the measurement surface by the separation unit, or At least part of the path is blocked. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the ink mist scattered from the discharge portion of the image forming portion toward the measurement surface of the measurement portion from adhering to the measurement surface. For this reason, it can suppress that the mist of the ink from a discharge part has a bad influence on the detection result of a measurement part.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object.

1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional object coloring device of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 and illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a flat plate-like wall constituting a separation unit. It is an enlarged perspective view showing a measurement part and an image formation part concerning a solid thing coloring device of a comparative example. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a rectangular tube-shaped wall constituting a separation unit, according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 2. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a movable member constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a movable member constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and first and second movable members constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 4. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and first and second movable members constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 4. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and first and second movable members constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 4. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a movable member constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a movable member constituting a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a displacement mechanism that constitutes a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a displacement mechanism that constitutes a separation unit in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a bellows-shaped movable member that constitutes a separation unit, according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 7. FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing a measurement unit, an image forming unit, and a bellows-shaped movable member that constitutes a separation unit, according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 7.

  Examples 1 to 7 embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a housing 8, a rotary table 7, a holding unit 5, a measuring unit 2, an image forming unit 3, and a wall 10. The turntable 7 is an example of the “support base” in the present invention. The wall 10 is an example of the “separating means” in the present invention.

  The housing 8 is a substantially box-like body, and includes a rotation drive mechanism 7M, a linear drive mechanism 5M, a control unit C1, a rotary table control unit C7, a holding unit control unit C5, a measurement unit control unit C2, and an image forming unit. The control unit C3 is accommodated.

  The turntable 7 has a disk shape with a rotation axis X7 extending in the vertical direction as a central axis. The upper surface of the turntable 7 is a horizontal flat surface. A rotary shaft 7S is fixed to the lower surface of the rotary table 7 so as to be integrally rotatable around the rotary axis X7. The rotating shaft 7S is rotatably supported by a rolling bearing 7B disposed on the upper surface of the housing 8. The lower end portion of the rotation shaft 7S is connected to the rotation drive mechanism 7M. The rotation drive mechanism 7M is electrically connected to the control unit C1 via the rotary table control unit C7.

  When the rotary table control unit C7 receives a command from the control unit C1 and controls the rotary drive mechanism 7M, the rotary shaft 7S is rotationally driven by a motor, a transmission gear, or the like built in the rotary drive mechanism 7M, so that the rotary table 7 is predetermined. It rotates around the rotation axis X7 at a rotation speed of.

  A three-dimensional object 9 is placed on the rotary table 7. The three-dimensional object 9 is, for example, a bottle container or a cup. The three-dimensional object 9 includes one that is rotationally symmetric as a whole, one that is rotationally symmetric, and one that is not rotationally symmetric as a whole. In some cases, the three-dimensional object 9 that is rotationally symmetric is placed on the rotary table 7 at a position that is eccentric with respect to the rotational axis X7.

  The holding part 5 is a substantially cylindrical shaft body having a linear axis X5 extending in the vertical direction as a central axis. The linear axis X5 extends in parallel to the rotation axis X7 at a position that is separated from the rotation axis X7 from the outer peripheral edge of the rotary table 7. The holding portion 5 is supported by a linear motion bearing 5 </ b> B disposed on the upper surface of the housing 8 so as to be linearly movable. A portion of the holding portion 5 located below the linear motion bearing 5B is coupled to the linear motion drive mechanism 5M. The linear drive mechanism 5M is electrically connected to the control unit C1 via the holding unit control unit C5.

  When the holding unit control unit C5 receives a command from the control unit C1 and controls the linear drive mechanism 5M, the holding unit 5 is linearly driven by a motor, a transmission gear, or the like built in the linear drive mechanism 5M. It moves up and down along the axis X5. In the present embodiment, the moving range of the upper end portion of the holding unit 5 is a three-dimensional object 9 (image formation is allowed in the present apparatus) placed on the rotary table 7 from a position where it is substantially equal to the height of the rotary table 7. It is set in a range up to a position higher than the upper end of the three-dimensional object (height).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measurement unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the wall 10 are held at the upper end of the holding unit 5 in a unitized state. The measurement unit 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the measurement surface 2R is provided at a position facing the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7. The measurement unit 2 can make the measurement surface 2 </ b> R face the three-dimensional object 9 placed on the rotary table 7. The image forming unit 3 is also formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the ejection unit 3E that ejects ink is provided at a position facing the rotary table 7 and the rotational axis X7. The image forming unit 3 can make the discharge unit 3 </ b> E face the three-dimensional object 9 placed on the rotary table 7. The image forming unit 3 is adjacent to the measuring unit 2 from below. That is, the measurement unit 2 and the image forming unit 3 are in a position overlapping in the vertical direction, and the discharge unit 3E of the image forming unit 3 and the measurement surface 2R of the measurement unit 2 are arranged on the holding unit 5 so as to face substantially the same direction. Is retained.

  The wall 10 has a flat plate shape extending substantially horizontally. The wall 10 protrudes substantially horizontally toward the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7 while being sandwiched between the lower surface of the measurement unit 2 and the upper surface of the image forming unit 3. The tip portion 10A of the wall 10 is closer to the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7 than the measurement surface 2R and the discharge portion 3E. As shown in FIG. 2, the lateral width W10 of the wall 10 is set to a length substantially equal to the lateral width of the measurement surface 2R and the ejection part 3E. Note that the lateral width W10 may be set longer or shorter than the lateral width of the measurement surface 2R and the ejection unit 3E.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement unit 2 is electrically connected to the control unit C1 via the measurement unit control unit C2. The image forming unit 3 is electrically connected to the control unit C1 via the image forming unit control unit C3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the measurement surface 2R of the measurement unit 2 of the present embodiment, there are a laser light emitting unit 2A and a laser light receiving unit 2B that constitute a laser type profile measuring device, and a camera 2C that can take a color image. It is arranged. Note that the measurement unit 2 is not limited to the laser type profile measurement device, but includes a device that acquires various types of information used for image formation on a three-dimensional object.

  The measurement unit 2 performs a measurement operation for measuring the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object 9 placed on the rotary table 7 as follows. That is, when the holding unit 5 moves in the vertical direction along the linear axis X5, the measurement unit 2 is opposed to the three-dimensional object 9 placed on the rotary table 7 at a desired height. Become.

  In this state, the three-dimensional object 9 is displaced relative to the measurement surface 2 </ b> R of the measurement unit 2 by the rotation of the turntable 7. The laser emitting unit 2A irradiates the solid object 9 with laser light extending in a strip shape in the vertical direction, and diffuses and reflects the laser light on the surface of the solid object 9. Then, since the reflected light forms an image on a CMOS image sensor (not shown) of the laser light receiving unit 2B, the measurement unit control unit C2 detects the position and shape of the image formation and transmits a detection signal to the control unit C1.

  Then, the control unit C1 calculates the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object 9 as coordinate data based on the detection signal, the rotation position of the rotary table 7, the height of the measurement unit 2, and the like. Further, the control unit C1 can calculate the entire three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object 9 as coordinate data by changing the height at which the measurement unit 2 faces the three-dimensional object 9 and performing the same measurement operation. it can. Note that a known calculation method can be used for calculating the coordinate data.

  In addition, the measurement unit 2 takes a color image of the surface of the three-dimensional object 9 with the camera 2C, and transmits the image data to the control unit C1 via the measurement unit control unit C2. The image data includes image data obtained by imaging the surface of the three-dimensional object 9 before the image forming operation by the image forming unit 3 and the surface of the three-dimensional object 9 after the image forming operation by the image forming unit 3 is performed. Imaged image data and the like are included. The control unit C1 uses these image data as correction data during an image forming operation described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of nozzle holes 3 </ b> N are provided in the ejection unit 3 </ b> E of the image forming unit 3. In the present embodiment, each nozzle hole 3N is arranged to be 7 rows x 7 rows. Although illustration is omitted, the image forming unit 3 includes an ink tank for storing a plurality of colors of ink, an ink jet head corresponding to each nozzle hole 3N, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the ejection direction D1 in which the ink droplets P are ejected from each nozzle hole 3N is a direction extending horizontally from each nozzle hole 3N toward the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7. The discharge direction D1 shown in each figure after FIG. 2 also corresponds to FIG.

  The wall 10 projects from the measurement surface 2R and the ejection part 3E substantially in parallel with the ink ejection direction D1. The length of the wall 10 to the distal end portion 10A is set to a length that does not narrow the visual field of the laser light emitting portion 2A, the laser light receiving portion 2B, and the camera 2C disposed on the measurement surface 2R.

  The image forming unit 3 performs an image forming operation for discharging ink from the nozzle holes 3N of the discharge unit 3E toward the three-dimensional object 9 based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 2 as follows. That is, the image forming unit 3 is opposed to the three-dimensional object 9 placed on the rotary table 7 at a desired height by moving the holding unit 5 in the vertical direction along the linear axis X5. It becomes.

  In this state, the control unit C1 indicates, from the coordinate data of the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object 9 measured by the measurement unit 2, the coordinates indicating the surface shape of the range that is the discharge target of each nozzle hole 3N of the discharge unit 3E. With reference to the data, the distance between each nozzle hole 3N and its discharge target range and the relative positional relationship are grasped. Then, the control unit C1 sets the ink ejection amount, the ejection position, the ejection timing, and the like according to the surface shape of the ejection target range. At this time, the control unit C1 refers to the discharge target range and the color image of the periphery thereof from the color image of the surface of the three-dimensional object 9 photographed by the camera 2C, and the color of the background to which the ink adheres, It grasps the adhesion state of the ink adhered to the surface of the three-dimensional object 9 during the previous image forming operation. Then, the control unit C1 corrects the ink discharge amount, the discharge position, the discharge timing, and the like with reference to the color of the background, the ink adhesion state, and the like.

  Next, the three-dimensional object 9 is displaced relative to the ejection unit 3 </ b> E of the image forming unit 3 by the rotation of the rotary table 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 3 ejects ink droplets P in the ejection direction D1 from the nozzle holes 3N appropriately selected so as to form a pattern according to a desired image, and the ejection unit 3E Then, the droplet P is attached to the surface of the body 9 that is relatively displaced. Further, the control unit C1 can form an image on the entire surface of the three-dimensional object 9 by changing the height at which the image forming unit 3 faces the three-dimensional object 9 and repeatedly performing the same image forming operation. it can.

  It should be noted that a measurement operation is performed on a part of the surface of the three-dimensional object 9 and then an image forming operation is performed on the range a plurality of times, so that the entire surface of the three-dimensional object 9 is repeated. The image forming operation may be performed. Further, after the measurement operation is performed on the entire surface of the three-dimensional object 9, the image forming operation may be performed on the entire surface of the three-dimensional object 9.

<Effect>
In the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming unit 3 is adjacent to the measuring unit 2 from below. In particular, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1, the measurement unit 2 and the image forming unit 3 are unitized in a state in which the measurement unit 2 and the image forming unit 3 overlap in the vertical direction and are held by the holding unit 5. Adjacent positional relationship.

  Here, the comparative example which removed the wall 10 from the solid-object coloring apparatus 1 of Example 1 is shown in FIG. If no measures are taken as in this comparative example, during the image forming operation, the mist that is a fine droplet of ink or volatile gas or the like is indicated by an arrow M1 in FIG. To the measurement surface 2R of the measurement unit 2 and may adhere to the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light reception unit 2B, and the camera 2C disposed on the measurement surface 2R, and may adversely affect the detection result of the measurement unit 2. is there.

  In this regard, in the three-dimensional object coloring device 1 of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the flat surface 10 is interposed between the measurement surface 2R and the discharge unit 3E, so that the measurement surface 2R is measured from the discharge unit 3E. For example, the lengths of the paths R1, R2, and R3 are longer than the substantially linear separation length L1 between the ejection unit 3E and the measurement surface 2R shown in FIG.

  Here, the substantially linear separation length L1 shown in FIG. 3 indicates the relative positional relationship between the ejection unit 3E and the measurement surface 2R, the position of each nozzle hole 3N in the ejection unit 3E, the laser emission unit 2A on the measurement surface 2R, The distance is appropriately set so as to be the shortest distance according to the positions of the laser light receiving unit 2B and the camera 2C. In the present embodiment, the substantially linear separation length L1 is the center of each nozzle hole 3N in the uppermost row in the discharge portion 3E and the laser light emitting portion 2A, laser light receiving portion 2B, and camera 2C arranged in a horizontal row on the measurement surface 2R. Is a length separated from each other in the vertical direction.

  Also, the paths R1, R2, and R3 shown in FIG. 2 are typical examples of paths that reach the measurement surface 2R from the discharge unit 3E while avoiding the wall 10. The path R1 proceeds from the uppermost row of nozzle holes 3N in the discharge section 3E along the lower surface of the wall 10 in substantially parallel to the discharge direction D1, and reaches the tip 10A of the wall 10. Next, the path R1 travels upward and passes the tip 10A, and then travels in the direction opposite to the ejection direction D1 to reach the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C on the measurement surface 2R. The path R2 progresses upward from the nozzle holes 3N located at one end of the uppermost row in the discharge unit 3E and exceeds one side end of the wall 10, and then the laser light emitting unit 2A, laser light receiving unit 2B, and the like on the measurement surface 2R. The camera 2C is reached. The path R3 proceeds upward from the nozzle hole 3N located at the other end of the uppermost row in the discharge unit 3E and passes the other side end of the wall 10, and then the laser light emitting unit 2A and the laser light receiving unit 2B on the measurement surface 2R. And the camera 2C.

  In this way, in this three-dimensional object coloring device 1, the mist of the ink which is about to scatter from the discharge unit 3E of the image forming unit 3 toward the measurement surface 2R of the measurement unit 2 is suppressed, and the measurement surface 2R is suppressed. The laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C disposed in 2R are not easily contaminated. For this reason, it can suppress that the mist of the ink from the discharge part 3E exerts a bad influence on the detection result of the measurement part 2. FIG.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 4, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the second embodiment, a wall 20 is employed instead of the wall 10 according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The wall 20 is also an example of the “separating means” in the present invention. Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The wall 20 has a rectangular tube shape, surrounds the periphery of the discharge portion 3E, and protrudes substantially parallel to the discharge direction D1. The tip portion 20A of the wall 20 is closer to the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7 than the measurement surface 2R and the discharge portion 3E. Note that the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7 are not shown in FIG. 4 because they are located outside the page of FIG. 4, but the rotation table 7 and the rotation axis X7 are relative to the page of FIG. Located on the right. The length of the wall 20 to the tip 20A is set to a length that does not narrow the field of view of the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C disposed on the measurement surface 2R.

  In the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 2, the length of the path from the discharge unit 3E to the measurement surface 2R, for example, by interposing the square tube-shaped wall 20 between the measurement surface 2R and the discharge unit 3E, for example, The length of the path R21 is a path from the discharge unit 3E to the measurement surface 2R while avoiding the wall 20, and is longer than the substantially linear separation length L1 between the discharge unit 3E and the measurement surface 2R. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the mist of the ink that is about to scatter from the ejection unit 3E of the image forming unit 3 toward the measurement surface 2R of the measurement unit 2 from adhering to the measurement surface 2R. For this reason, it can suppress that the mist of the ink from the discharge part 3E exerts a bad influence on the detection result of the measurement part 2. FIG.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the second embodiment, similarly to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

Example 3
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the third embodiment employs a movable member 30 that reciprocates by a reciprocating mechanism 30 </ b> M instead of the wall 10 according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. ing. The movable member 30 is also an example of the “separating means” in the present invention. In the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the third embodiment, the measuring unit 2, the reciprocating mechanism 30M, and the image forming unit 3 are held by the holder 39, and the holder 39 is fixed to the upper end of the holding unit 5 shown in FIG. . Other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The reciprocating mechanism 30 </ b> M is located between the lower surface of the measurement unit 2 and the upper surface of the image forming unit 3. The movable member 30 has a flat plate shape extending substantially horizontally. The movable member 30 is driven by the reciprocating mechanism 30M, reciprocates substantially in parallel with the ink ejection direction D1, and approaches and separates from the rotary table 7 and the rotational axis X7. The rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7 are not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 because they are located outside the plane of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, but the rotation table 7 and the rotation axis X7 are not shown. 5 and the paper surface of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the movable member 30 is in a first state that protrudes substantially parallel to the ink ejection direction D <b> 1 from between the measurement surface 2 </ b> R and the ejection unit 3 </ b> E during the image forming operation. In this first state, the distal end portion 30A of the movable member 30 is closer to the rotary table 7 and the rotational axis X7 than the measurement surface 2R and the discharge portion 3E. As a result, the movable member 30 is interposed between the measurement surface 2R and the discharge unit 3E, so that the length of the path from the discharge unit 3E to the measurement surface 2R, for example, the length of the path R31, is the discharge unit 3E. This is a path from the movable member 30 to the measurement surface 2R, and is longer than the substantially linear separation length L1 between the discharge portion 3E and the measurement surface 2R shown in FIG. As a result, it is possible to suppress the ink mist from adhering to the measurement surface 2R during the image forming operation.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the movable member 30 moves backward in the direction opposite to the ejection direction D1 during the measurement operation and enters a second state in which it is accommodated in the reciprocating mechanism 30M. In this second state, the distal end portion 30A of the movable member 30 is further away from the rotary table 7 and the rotational axis X7 than the measurement surface 2R and the discharge portion 3E. As a result, since the movable member 30 does not narrow the field of view of the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C disposed on the measurement surface 2R, the measurement operation can be performed satisfactorily.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the third embodiment, as in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

Example 4
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, a movable member 40 is employed instead of the wall 10 according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The movable member 40 is also an example of the “separating means” in the present invention. Other configurations of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The movable member 40 includes a first movable member 41 and a second movable member 42 each having a flat plate shape. The first movable member 41 is supported so as to be swingable around the swing axis X40. The second movable member 42 is located below the first movable member 41 and is supported so as to be swingable around the swing axis X40. The swing axis X40 is provided adjacent to one end edge extending in the vertical direction among the peripheral edges of the measurement surface 2R and the protrusion 3E.

  The first movable member 41 is driven by a swing mechanism (not shown), and its one end swings around the swing axis X40, so that the other end is close to the measurement surface 2R as shown in FIG. Alternatively, they are separated. Thereby, the 1st movable member 41 can be displaced to the position which can cover the surface of the measurement surface 2R, and the position which open | releases the surface of the measurement surface 2R. The second movable member 42 is driven by another swing mechanism (not shown), and one end of the second movable member 42 swings around the swing axis X40 independently of the first movable member 41, as shown in FIG. As described above, the other end portion is close to or separated from the discharge portion 3E. Thereby, the 2nd movable member 42 can be displaced to the position which can cover the surface of the discharge part 3E, and the position which open | releases the surface of the discharge part 3E.

  As shown in FIG. 9, during the image forming operation, the movable member 40 is in a first state in which the first movable member 41 covers the measurement surface 2R while the second movable member 42 is separated from the ejection unit 3E. In the first state, the first movable member 41 functions as a lid that covers the measurement surface 2R, and blocks the path from the discharge unit 3E to the measurement surface 2R. As a result, it is possible to suppress the ink mist from adhering to the measurement surface 2R during the image forming operation. Further, the second movable member 42 that is separated from the ejection unit 3E does not hinder the image forming operation.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the movable member 40 is in the second state in which the first movable member 41 is separated from the measurement surface 2R while the second movable member 42 covers the discharge portion 3E during the measurement operation. In this second state, the first movable member 41 does not narrow the field of view of the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C provided on the measurement surface 2R, so that the measurement operation can be performed satisfactorily. Moreover, since the 2nd movable member 42 functions as a lid | cover which covers the discharge part 3E, the drying of the ink of the discharge part 3E can be suppressed. Furthermore, ink clogging of each nozzle hole 3N can be suppressed by discarding ink from the ejection part 3E toward the second movable member 42 in a state where the second movable member 42 covers the ejection part 3E.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring device according to the fourth embodiment, as in the three-dimensional object coloring device 1 according to the first to third embodiments, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

  Note that the second movable member 42 is removed from the fourth embodiment, and the first movable member 41 covers the measurement surface 2R during the image forming operation, while the first movable member 41 is separated from the measurement surface 2R during the measurement operation. May be.

(Example 5)
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment employs a movable member 50 instead of the wall 10 according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The movable member 50 is also an example of the “separating means” in the present invention. Other configurations of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The movable member 50 has a flat plate shape. The movable member 50 is supported so as to be swingable around the swing axis X50. The swing axis X50 is located between the lower end edge of the measurement surface 2R and the upper end edge of the discharge part 3E, and is orthogonal to the discharge direction D1 and extends in a substantially horizontal direction. The movable member 50 is driven by a swing mechanism (not shown) and swings around the swing axis X50.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the movable member 50 has a plate-like cover portion 53 extending in the same direction as the projecting direction D1 while being positioned between the measurement surface 2R and the projecting portion 3E. doing. Further, of the four sides constituting the cover part 53, the three parts excluding one adjacent side extend parallel to the swing axis X50 and protrude so as to surround the periphery of the cover part 53 in a substantially C shape. A side wall 51 is formed. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the side wall 51 is formed so as to protrude upward and downward at the periphery of the cover portion in a horizontal state. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of convex portions 50N are provided on the surface of the cover portion 53 of the movable member 50 that can face the discharge portion 3E. Each convex portion 50N is arranged in 7 rows × 7 rows so as to correspond to each nozzle hole 3N.

  The movable member 50 swings upward as indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG. 10 during the image forming operation, so that the cover 53 is in the first state covering the measurement surface 2R. In this first state, the cover part 53 blocks the path from the discharge part 3E to the measurement surface 2R. At this time, the side wall 51 of the movable member 50 covers the gap between the measurement surface 2R and the movable member 50 from the side. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the ink mist from adhering to the measurement surface 2R during the image forming operation.

  On the other hand, during the measurement operation, the movable member 50 swings downward as indicated by an arrow A2 in FIG. 11 so that the cover portion 53 is separated from the measurement surface 2R and covers the discharge portion 3E. . In this second state, the movable member 50 does not narrow the field of view of the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C disposed on the measurement surface 2R, so that the measurement operation can be performed satisfactorily. Further, the cover portion 53 of the movable member 50 functions as a lid for covering the discharge portion 3E, the side wall 51 of the movable member 50 covers the gap between the discharge portion 3E and the movable member 50 from the side, and each convex portion 50N is each nozzle. Since 3N is individually blocked, it is possible to further suppress the drying of the ink of the ejection unit 3E.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, as in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

(Example 6)
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment employs a displacement mechanism 60 instead of the wall 10 according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The displacement mechanism 60 is also an example of the “separating means” in the present invention. In the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, the measurement unit 2, the displacement mechanism 60, and the image forming unit 3 are held by the holder 69, and the holder 69 is fixed to the upper end of the holding unit 5 shown in FIG. . Other configurations of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The holder 69 includes an intermediate portion 69A extending in the vertical direction, a lower end portion 69B bent from the lower end of the intermediate portion 69A toward the discharge direction D1, and an upper end portion bent from the upper end of the intermediate portion 69A toward the discharge direction D1. 69C.

  The image forming unit 3 is fixed to the holder 69 with its lower surface in contact with the lower end 69B of the holder 69 from above. A shaft support 67 is assembled above the back surface of the image forming unit 3.

  The displacement mechanism 60 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a swing shaft 61 centered on a swing shaft center X60 extending in the vertical direction. The measurement unit 2 is assembled on the side surface of the displacement mechanism 60. The lower end of the swing shaft 61 is fixed to the shaft support portion 67, and the upper end of the swing shaft 61 is fixed to the upper end portion 69C of the holder 69, so that the displacement mechanism 60 and the measuring unit 2 are combined with the image forming unit 3. It is held by a holder 69. Although not shown, the displacement mechanism 60 incorporates a transmission gear that engages the swing shaft 61, a motor that drives the transmission gear, and the like. The displacement mechanism 60 swings around the swing axis X60 together with the measurement unit 2 when the motor operates.

  The displacement mechanism 60 displaces the measurement unit 2 to the standby position shown in FIG. 13 during the image forming operation. In the state where the measurement unit 2 is in the standby position, the measurement surface 2R including the laser light emission unit 2A, the laser light reception unit 2B, and the camera 2C camera is in a positional relationship orthogonal to the plane on which the ejection unit 3E is formed, and the measurement surface 2R Is separated from the discharge part 3E. Thereby, the length of the path from the discharge unit 3E to the measurement surface 2R, for example, the length of the path R61 is larger than the substantially linear separation length L1 between the discharge unit 3E and the measurement surface 2R shown in FIG. become longer. As a result, it is possible to suppress the ink mist from adhering to the measurement surface 2R during the image forming operation.

  On the other hand, the displacement mechanism 60 displaces the measurement unit 2 to the measurement position shown in FIG. 12 during the measurement operation. In the state where the measurement unit 2 is at the measurement position, the measurement surface 2R including the laser light emission unit 2A, the laser light reception unit 2B, and the camera 2C camera has a positional relationship parallel to the plane on which the ejection unit 3E is formed. That is, the measurement surface 2R faces in a direction parallel to the discharge direction D1. Thereby, the measurement unit 2 can perform the measurement operation with the measurement surface 2 </ b> R facing the three-dimensional object 9 placed on the rotary table 7.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus of Example 6, similarly to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 of Examples 1 to 5, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

(Example 7)
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment employs a movable member 70 that expands and contracts by an expansion / contraction mechanism 70 </ b> M instead of the wall 10 according to the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Yes. The movable member 70 is also an example of the “separating means” in the present invention. Other configurations of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The expansion / contraction mechanism 70 </ b> M surrounds the outer periphery of the image forming unit 3. Specifically, the expansion / contraction mechanism 70 </ b> M is provided at a position that covers the upper surface, the lower surface, one side surface, and the other side surface of the image forming unit 3. The movable member 70 is connected to a position near the discharge unit 3E in the expansion / contraction mechanism 70M. The movable member 70 has a bellows shape surrounding the outer periphery of the image forming unit 3. The movable member 70 is driven by the expansion / contraction mechanism 70M and expands / contracts substantially parallel to the ink ejection direction D1, and approaches and separates from the rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7. The rotary table 7 and the rotation axis X7 are not shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 because they are located outside the plane of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, but the rotation table 7 and the rotation axis X7 are not shown. 14 and FIG. 15 is located to the right of the page.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the movable member 70 is extended from between the measurement surface 2R and the ejection portion 3E during the image forming operation, and enters a first state in which the movable member 70 projects substantially parallel to the ink ejection direction D1. In this first state, the distal end portion 70A of the movable member 70 is closer to the rotary table 7 and the rotational axis X7 than the measurement surface 2R and the discharge portion 3E. Thereby, the length of the path from the discharge part 3E to the measurement surface 2R, for example, the length of the path R71 is longer than the substantially linear separation length L1 between the discharge part 3E and the measurement surface 2R shown in FIG. Become. As a result, it is possible to suppress the ink mist from adhering to the measurement surface 2R during the image forming operation.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, the movable member 70 is in a second state in which the movable member 70 contracts in the direction opposite to the ejection direction D1 during the measurement operation. In this second state, the distal end portion 70A of the movable member 70 is further away from the rotary table 7 and the rotational axis X7 than the measurement surface 2R and the discharge portion 3E. As a result, since the movable member 70 does not narrow the field of view of the laser light emitting unit 2A, the laser light receiving unit 2B, and the camera 2C disposed on the measurement surface 2R, the measurement operation can be performed satisfactorily.

  Therefore, in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, as in the three-dimensional object coloring apparatus 1 according to the first to sixth embodiments, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image formation quality with respect to the three-dimensional object 9.

  In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to the first to seventh embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the first to seventh embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say.

  As long as the measurement unit can perform measurement related to the shape of the three-dimensional object, various sensors using light, laser, ultrasonic waves, radio waves, or the like can be used. Moreover, a support stand is not limited to a rotary table, For example, the thing which does not displace may be sufficient. Moreover, the structure which a measurement part and an image formation part move around the support stand may be sufficient.

  The image forming unit may be adjacent to the measurement unit from above. Further, the image forming unit may be adjacent to the measuring unit from the horizontal direction. Further, the image forming unit may be adjacent to the measurement unit while being held by a holding unit different from the holding unit holding the measurement unit.

  You may combine a wall or a movable member as shown in Examples 1-5, and a displacement mechanism as shown in Example 6. FIG.

  The measurement related to the shape of the three-dimensional object by the measurement unit includes a case where the shape of the three-dimensional object is directly measured or a case where the shape of the three-dimensional object is calculated by measuring a relative distance from the three-dimensional object. The measuring unit may be anything as long as it measures information related to a three-dimensional object necessary for coloring the three-dimensional object.

  In the case where the path from the discharge unit to the measurement surface is blocked, the separation unit may block all of the path or may block a part of the path.

  The present invention can be used for a three-dimensional object coloring apparatus or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Three-dimensional object coloring apparatus, 5 ... Holding part, 7 ... Support stand (rotary table)
9 ... Solid object, 2 ... Measurement unit, 2R ... Measurement surface, 3 ... Image forming unit, 3E ... Ejection unit D1 ... Ink ejection direction, L1 ... Substantially linear separation length R1, between ejection unit and measurement surface R2, R3, R21, R31, R61, R71 ... path from the discharge part to the measurement surface 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 ... separation means 10, 20 ... wall, 30, 40, 50, 70 ... movable member, 60 ... displacement mechanism 10A, 20A, 30A, 70A ... tip of movable member

Claims (8)

A support base;
A measurement unit that is provided so as to be able to face a three-dimensional object placed on the support base, and that performs a measurement operation related to the shape of the three-dimensional object with a measurement surface facing the three-dimensional object;
An image forming unit that is provided so as to be able to face the three-dimensional object at a position adjacent to the measurement unit, and that performs an image forming operation for discharging ink from the discharge unit toward the three-dimensional object based on a measurement result of the measurement unit; ,
Provided in the vicinity of at least one of the measurement surface and the discharge portion, and at least during the image forming operation, the length of the path from the discharge portion to the measurement surface is approximately linear between the discharge portion and the measurement surface. A three-dimensional object coloring apparatus comprising: a separation unit that is longer than a certain separation length or blocks at least a part of the path.   The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation unit includes a wall that is provided between the measurement surface and the discharge unit and protrudes substantially parallel to the discharge direction of the ink.   The separation means protrudes substantially parallel to the ink ejection direction from between the measurement surface and the ejection portion during the image forming operation, or is in a first state covering the measurement surface, while during the measurement operation. The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movable member that is in a second state spaced from the measurement surface.   The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movable member covers the measurement surface in the first state.   The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movable member covers the discharge unit in the second state.   The movable member protrudes from between the measurement surface and the discharge portion substantially parallel to the discharge direction during the image forming operation, and a tip portion is closer to the support base than the measurement surface and the discharge portion. 4. The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, during the measurement operation, the tip is retracted in a direction opposite to the ejection direction, and the tip portion is separated from the support base more than the measurement surface and the ejection unit.   The separation means displaces the measurement unit to a measurement position where the measurement surface is opposed to the three-dimensional object during the measurement operation, while the measurement unit is set to a standby position that separates the measurement surface from the discharge unit during the image forming operation. The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a displacement mechanism for displacing the portion. A holding portion provided to be displaceable with respect to the support base;
The three-dimensional object coloring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit and the image forming unit are held by the holding unit.

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