JP2017100299A - Three-dimensional molding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mold a three-dimensional molded object having excellent qualities while suppressing deterioration of a photocurable resin by reducing contact between the photocurable resin and oxygen in air.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding apparatus 10 includes: a tank 12 for accommodating a photocurable resin 23; a projector 31 emitting light; a resin accommodation container 50 for sealing and accommodating the photocurable resin 23 supplied to the tank 12, having light-shielding property and deformable depending on the amount of the photocurable resin 23; a supply pipe 55 having an entrance 56 connected to a lower part of the resin accommodation container 50 and an exit 57 disposed above the tank 12 and opening toward the tank 12, in which the photocurable resin 23 flows; and a second elevation device 60 for vertically moving the resin accommodation container 50. The photocurable resin 23 in the resin accommodation container 50 is supplied to the tank 12 by a head pressure difference between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin accommodation container 50 and the exit 57 of the supply pipe 55, which generates when the resin accommodation container 50 is moved upward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional model by irradiating light to a photocurable resin accommodated in a tank and curing the photocurable resin is known.

  As shown in Patent Document 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is, for example, a table in which an opening is formed, a tank that is arranged on the table and accommodates a photocurable resin, and can be raised and lowered arranged above the tank. And a simple holder. An optical device having a light source for irradiating light is disposed below the table. The light irradiated from the light source is irradiated to the photocurable resin in the tank through the opening of the table. Of the photocurable resin stored in the tank, the portion irradiated with light is cured.

  By controlling the light irradiation position, the position of the photocurable resin to be cured can be appropriately changed. Thereby, a resin layer having a desired cross-sectional shape can be formed. By sequentially raising the holder, the resin layer is continuously formed downward. In this way, a desired three-dimensional structure is formed.

JP 2003-39564 A

  By the way, since the photocurable resin has a property of solidifying when irradiated with light, it is desired to reduce the time during which the photocurable resin is exposed to unintended light. Further, when the photocurable resin reacts with oxygen in the air, it may not be sufficiently cured even when irradiated with light. For this reason, it is desired to reduce the contact between the photocurable resin and air. Conventionally, when a three-dimensional structure is formed, a necessary photocurable resin is supplied into the tank at a time. And if the photocurable resin decreased to some extent, the operator supplied the additional photocurable resin into the tank. In the case of such a supply method, the contact time between the photocurable resin and the air becomes long, and the reaction between the photocurable resin and oxygen in the air proceeds when the three-dimensional structure is being formed, and the photocuring is performed. There is a risk that the functional resin will deteriorate. When attempting to model a three-dimensional structure using a deteriorated photocurable resin, a resin layer having a desired cross-sectional shape cannot be formed, and the quality of the three-dimensional structure may be degraded.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this point, The objective is suppressing deterioration of photocurable resin by reducing the contact with photocurable resin and oxygen in the air, and was excellent in quality. It is to provide a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can model a three-dimensional modeled object.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional structure by curing a photocurable resin and sequentially laminating a resin layer having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. An optical device for irradiating the photocurable resin in the tank with light from the light source, and a light source that emits light; A holder for lifting a resin layer formed by irradiating light from the light source when rising and dipping in the photocurable resin in the tank and the photocurable resin supplied to the tank are sealed. A resin storage container that has a light shielding property and is deformable according to the amount of the photocurable resin, an inlet connected to a lower portion of the resin storage container, and a tank disposed above the tank, An outlet opening toward the supply pipe through which the photocurable resin flows; An elevating device that moves the resin container in the vertical direction, and the photocurable resin in the resin container that is generated when the resin container is moved upward and the outlet of the supply pipe The photocurable resin in the resin container is supplied to the tank by the water head pressure difference.

  According to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention, since the resin container seals and stores the photocurable resin, the contact between the photocurable resin stored in the resin container and the air is prevented. Can do. Moreover, since the resin container has light shielding properties, it is possible to prevent the photocurable resin accommodated in the resin container from being exposed to light. Furthermore, the amount of the photocurable resin supplied from the resin container to the tank can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of movement of the resin container, that is, by adjusting the water head pressure difference. Thereby, it is suppressed that excess photocurable resin exists in a tank, and the contact with photocurable resin and air can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to use a photo-curing resin in which deterioration is suppressed, and it is possible to form a three-dimensional structure with excellent quality.

  According to the present invention, by reducing the contact between the photocurable resin and oxygen in the air, the deterioration of the photocurable resin can be suppressed, and a three-dimensional structure excellent in quality can be formed.

It is sectional drawing of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the resin container and tank which concern on one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which photocurable resin is supplied to the tank from the resin container which concerns on one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state by which photocurable resin was supplied to the tank from the resin container which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a control device concerning one embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the three-dimensional model of a three-dimensional structure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a three-dimensional structure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a slice image. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the modeling process of the three-dimensional structure based on one Embodiment. It is a graph which shows an example of essential resin amount required for formation of the resin layer formed based on a slice image.

  Hereinafter, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described herein are, of course, not intended to limit the present invention in particular. Further, members / parts having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted or simplified.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the top, bottom, left, and right of FIG. 1 are the top, bottom, front, and back, respectively, of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10. The symbols U, D, F, and Rr in the drawings indicate the upper, lower, front, and rear, respectively. However, these are only directions for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation mode of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 at all.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 irradiates light to the photocurable resin based on the slice image representing the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional modeled object to be modeled, cures the photocurable resin, and follows the slice image. It is an apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional structure by sequentially laminating cross-sectional resin layers. Here, the “cross-sectional shape” is a shape of a cross section when a three-dimensional structure is sliced for each predetermined thickness (for example, 0.1 mm). “Photocurable resin” is a resin that cures when irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 includes a table 11, a tank 12, a holder 13, a first lifting device 40, an optical device 14, a control device 70, a case 25, and a resin container. 50, a supply pipe 55, and a second lifting device 60.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the table 11 is supported by the case 25. An opening 21 and an opening 22 are formed in the table 11. The opening 21 is a part through which light irradiated to the photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the tank 12 passes. The shape of the opening 21 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the opening 21 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. The opening 22 is a portion through which the resin container 50 and the supply pipe 55 pass when moving from the inside of the case 25 to the outside and from the outside of the case 25 to the inside. The shape of the opening 22 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the opening 22 is formed in a circular shape in plan view.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tank 12 contains a photocurable resin 23. The tank 12 is placed on the table 11. The tank 12 is arrange | positioned so that attachment to the base 11 is possible. The tank 12 is a rectangular container in plan view. The tank 12 covers the opening 21 of the table 11 while being placed on the table 11. The tank 12 overlaps the opening 21 of the table 11 in plan view. At least the bottom wall 12A of the tank 12 is formed of a material capable of transmitting light, for example, a transparent resin material. In the present embodiment, the entire tank 12 is formed of an acrylic resin material. For example, silicon rubber may be applied to the surface of the acrylic resin material of the tank 12 so that the photocurable resin 23 does not adhere.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the holder 13 is disposed above the tank 12. The holder 13 is disposed above the opening 21 of the table 11. The shape of the holder 13 is not particularly limited. The holder 13 is provided to be movable up and down. The holder 13 pulls up a resin layer formed by irradiating light from a projector 31 described later from the tank 12. The holder 13 is configured to be immersed in the photocurable resin 23 in the tank 12 when lowered. The holder 13 is configured to lift the resin layer when it rises. The base 11 is provided with a first lifting device 40. The 1st raising / lowering apparatus 40 moves the holder 13 to an up-down direction. The first lifting device 40 includes a first support column 41 extending in the vertical direction, a first slider 42, and a first motor 43. The first support column 41 is provided on the table 11. A first slider 42 is attached in front of the first support column 41. The first slider 42 can freely move up and down along the first support column 41, and moves up and down by the first motor 43. The holder 13 is attached to the first slider 42. The holder 13 is moved up and down by the first slider 42. The first support column 41 indirectly supports the holder 13 through the first slider 42 so as to be movable up and down. However, the first support column 41 may directly support the holder 13. The holder 13 is disposed in front of the first support column 41.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical device 14 is disposed below the table 11. The optical device 14 is a device that irradiates the photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the tank 12 with light having a predetermined wavelength. The optical device 14 is accommodated in a case 25 provided below the table 11. The optical device 14 is supported by the case 25. The optical device 14 includes a projector 31 and a mirror 32. The projector 31 is an example of a light source that emits light. However, the light source of the optical device 14 is not limited to the projector 31. The mirror 32 reflects the light from the projector 31 toward the tank 12. The mirror 32 is disposed below the opening 21 formed in the table 11. The mirror 32 is disposed behind the projector 31. The mirror 32 is arranged to line up with the projector 31 in the front-rear direction. The mirror 32 is disposed so as to be inclined forward and downward. The light emitted from the projector 31 is reflected by the mirror 32 and is applied to the photocurable resin 23 in the tank 12 through the opening 21 of the table 11.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the resin container 50 is disposed on the side of the tank 12. In the present embodiment, the resin container 50 is disposed in front of the tank 12. The resin container 50 is provided to be movable up and down. The resin storage container 50 seals and stores the photocurable resin 23 supplied to the tank 12. The resin container 50 has a light shielding property. The resin container 50 is configured to be deformable according to the amount of the photocurable resin 23 accommodated therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the resin container 50 includes an engaging portion 51 that engages with a lid member 58 described later. The engaging portion 51 has an opening (not shown). The photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the resin container 50 is discharged from the engaging portion 51 to the outside through the opening. The resin container 50 is replaceable. The resin container 50 is replaced when the engaging portion 51 is positioned below an outlet 57 described later of the supply pipe 55.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the table 11 is provided with a second lifting device 60. The second lifting device 60 moves the resin container 50 in the vertical direction. The second lifting device 60 moves the resin container 50 in the direction of the arrow Z1 in FIG. 2 and moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the second lifting device 60 includes a second column 61 that extends in the vertical direction, a second slider 62, and a second motor 63. The second support 61 is provided on the table 11. A second slider 62 is attached behind the second support 61. The second slider 62 can move up and down along the second support column 61 and is moved in the vertical direction by the second motor 63. The resin container 50 is detachably attached to the second slider 62. The resin container 50 is detachably suspended from the second slider 62. The resin container 50 is moved in the vertical direction by the second slider 62. The second support 61 indirectly supports the resin container 50 through the second slider 62 so as to be movable up and down. However, the second support column 61 may directly support the resin container 50. The resin container 50 is disposed behind the second support column 61.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the supply pipe 55 is connected to the resin container 50. The supply pipe 55 is formed from a flexible member. The supply pipe 55 has a light shielding property. In the present embodiment, the supply pipe 55 is a tube having a light shielding property. The photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the resin container 50 flows through the supply pipe 55. The supply pipe 55 has an inlet 56 and an outlet 57. The supply pipe 55 is provided with a lid member 58 that engages with the engaging portion 51. The lid member 58 is connected to the inlet 56. The inlet 56 is connected to the lower part of the resin container 50. The inlet 56 is connected to the lower part of the resin container 50 through the lid member 58 and the engaging portion 51. The outlet 57 is disposed above the tank 12. The outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55 is fixed by a fixing member (not shown) so as to be disposed above the tank 12. The outlet 57 opens toward the tank 12. Here, “opening toward the tank 12” means not only the case where the tank 12 is disposed in the direction in which the axis of the supply pipe 55 extends, but also the tank 12 is disposed in the direction in which the supply pipe 55 extends. Even if not, the case where the photocurable resin 23 discharged from the outlet 57 is supplied into the tank 12 by free fall is included.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a check valve 68 is provided in the supply pipe 55. The check valve 68 is configured to open when the photocurable resin 23 flows from the inlet 56 to the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55. The check valve 68 is configured to close when the photocurable resin 23 flows from the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55 to the inlet 56. The check valve 68 prevents the photocurable resin 23 remaining in the supply pipe 55 from flowing back through the supply pipe 55 and overflowing from the inlet 56 when the resin container 50 is replaced. In the present embodiment, the check valve 68 is provided on the inlet 56 side of the supply pipe 55, but may be provided on the outlet 57 side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 includes a sensor 38. The sensor 38 is provided on the second support column 61. The sensor 38 detects the remaining amount of the photocurable resin 23 stored in the resin container 50. The sensor 38 detects the remaining amount of the photocurable resin 23 by detecting the swelled portion of the resin container 50. The sensor 38 may detect the remaining amount of the photocurable resin 23 by detecting a deflated portion of the resin container 50. The configuration of the sensor 38 is not particularly limited. An example of the sensor 38 is an optical sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the height P1 of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the height P2 of the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55 are the same, that is, the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50. In the case where the height P1 of the uppermost portion and the height P2 of the lowermost portion of the outlet 57 are the same, the gap between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the outlet 57 is the same. No head pressure difference occurs. For this reason, the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 is not supplied from the outlet 57 to the tank 12. Further, when the height P1 is lower than the height P2, the check valve 68 prevents the photocurable resin 23 in the supply pipe 55 from flowing back and returning to the resin container 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second lifting device 60 (see FIG. 1) moves the resin container 50 upward (in the direction of arrow Z <b> 1 in FIG. 3) to supply the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50. By providing a difference in height H between the outlet 55 of the pipe 55 and the outlet 57, a hydraulic head pressure difference is generated between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the outlet 57. Due to the water head pressure difference, the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 flows through the supply pipe 55 and is supplied to the tank 12 from the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55. Here, since the resin container 50 can be deformed according to the amount of the photocurable resin 23 accommodated therein, the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 is moved to the outside of the resin container 50. When discharged, the resin container 50 is deformed by the atmospheric pressure and gradually defers. By discharging the photocurable resin 23 to the outside of the resin container 50, the hydraulic head pressure difference generated between the photocurable resin 23 and the outlet 57 is gradually reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the height P1 of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the height P2 of the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55 are the same, the photocuring in the resin container 50 is performed. No hydraulic head pressure difference occurs between the conductive resin 23 and the outlet 57. For this reason, the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 is not supplied to the tank 12 from the outlet 57.

  Next, the control device 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 70 is connected to a first motor 43 that controls the first slider 42 to be movable up and down. The control device 70 is connected to a second motor 63 that controls the second slider 62 to be movable up and down. The control device 70 is connected to the projector 31. The control device 70 controls the first motor 43 and the second motor 63. The controller 70 moves the holder 13 in the vertical direction by driving the first motor 43. The control device 70 moves the resin container 50 in the vertical direction by driving the second motor 63. The control device 70 controls the projector 31. The control device 70 controls energy, light intensity, light quantity, light wavelength band, light shape, light irradiation position, light emission timing, and the like emitted from the projector 31. The configuration of the control device 70 is not particularly limited. For example, the control device 70 is a computer, and may include a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU), a ROM storing a program executed by the CPU, a RAM, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 70 includes a storage unit 72, a calculation unit 74, a determination unit 77, a control unit 78, a determination unit 80, a light control unit 82, and a notification unit 84. Yes.

  The memory | storage part 72 memorize | stores the three-dimensional model 90 (refer FIG. 6) of the three-dimensional structure 92 (refer FIG. 7) which is a modeling object. The storage unit 72 stores a plurality of slice images divided by slicing the three-dimensional model 90 of the three-dimensional structure 92 at a predetermined interval. In FIG. 6, reference numerals 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D indicate slice lines. FIG. 8 shows a slice image 94 when the three-dimensional model 90 is sliced along the slice line 90C. As shown in FIG. 8, the slice image 94 includes a modeling area 95 and a non-modeling area 96 that represent a predetermined cross-sectional shape. Based on the slice image 94, the resin layer 92C of the three-dimensional structure 92 is formed. Similarly, resin layers 92A, 92B, and 92D of the three-dimensional structure 92 are formed based on slice images obtained when the three-dimensional model 90 is sliced along slice lines 90A, 90B, and 90D. A slice image (for example, slice image 94) when sliced by the three-dimensional model 90 and the slice lines 90A to 90D is stored in the storage unit 72 from a storage medium or another computer (not shown), for example, by a user operation. Is read.

  The storage unit 72 stores the position of the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55 in advance. The storage unit 72 stores in advance the thickness (height) of one layer of the resin layer of the three-dimensional structure 92. The storage unit 72 stores in advance the resin amount (initial resin amount) when the photocurable resin 23 having the thickness of one layer of the resin layer is accommodated in the entire tank 12. The initial resin amount is a volume obtained by multiplying the area of the bottom wall 12A of the tank 12 (the modeling region 95 and the non-modeling region 96) by the thickness of one layer of the resin layer. The storage unit 72 stores in advance the relationship between the movement amount of the resin container 50 and the resin amount of the photocurable resin 23 supplied from the outlet 57. That is, the storage unit 72 stores in advance the initial movement amount of the resin container 50 necessary for supplying the initial resin amount. The storage unit 72 stores in advance an essential movement amount of the resin container 50 necessary for supplying the essential resin amount. The relationship between the respective movement amounts and the respective resin amounts is calculated from the resin amount of the photocurable resin 23, the opening area of the outlet 57, and the flow passage area of the supply pipe 55. In addition, the storage unit 72 supplies time from when the resin container 50 is moved upward by a predetermined movement amount to when the supply of the photocurable resin 23 having the resin amount corresponding to the predetermined movement amount is completed. Is stored in advance. The supply time is calculated from the resin amount of the photocurable resin 23, the viscosity of the photocurable resin 23, the opening area of the outlet 57, and the flow path area of the supply pipe 55.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a three-dimensional structure 92 (see FIG. 7) by the three-dimensional structure forming apparatus 10. Hereinafter, a procedure for modeling the three-dimensional structure 92 will be described.

  First, in step S <b> 10, the calculation unit 74 calculates an essential resin amount necessary for forming a resin layer formed based on the slice image stored in the storage unit 72. For example, the calculation unit 74 calculates the volume obtained by multiplying the area of the modeling region 95 of the slice image 94 by the thickness (height) of the resin layer 92C of the three-dimensional structure 92 as the essential resin amount. The calculation unit 74 calculates the essential resin amount for each of the resin layers 92A to 92D. In FIG. 10, L indicates the amount of essential resin required to form the resin layers 92A to 92D.

  In step S <b> 20, the determination unit 77 determines each essential movement amount of the resin container 50 necessary to supply each calculated essential resin amount. That is, the determination unit 77 determines the amount of rise of the second slider 62. The determination unit 77 determines an essential movement amount for each of the resin layers 92A to 92D. The determination unit 77 determines an essential movement amount from the essential resin amount stored in the storage unit 72.

  In step S30, the control device 70 sets the value of N indicating the order of the resin layers 92A to 92D to “1” indicating the lowest layer (that is, the first layer). Here, the resin layer 92A is the lowermost layer (that is, the first layer).

  In step S40, the controller 78 controls the second motor 63 of the second lifting device 60 to move the resin container 50 by the initial movement amount. As a result, a hydraulic head pressure difference is generated between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55, and the photocurable resin 23 is supplied to the tank 12 by the initial resin amount. The determination unit 80 determines whether or not a supply time required for supplying the initial resin amount of the photocurable resin 23 into the tank 12 has elapsed. If the determination unit 80 determines that the supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the control part 78 controls the 2nd motor 63 of the 2nd raising / lowering apparatus 60, and moves the resin container 50 by the required moving amount | distance of the lowest layer (namely, 1st layer). As a result, a hydraulic head pressure difference is generated between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55, and the photocurable resin 23 is supplied to the tank 12 by the essential resin amount in the lowermost layer. . The determination unit 80 determines whether or not the supply time required for supplying the light-curing resin 23 having the lowermost essential resin amount into the tank 12 has elapsed. If the determination unit 80 determines that the supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S <b> 60, the light control unit 82 irradiates light from the projector 31 based on the slice image necessary to form the lowermost (first) resin layer 92 </ b> A stored in the storage unit 72. The photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the tank 12 is cured, and a resin layer 92A having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the modeling region of the slice image is formed. After the resin layer 92A is formed, the holder 13 moves upward by the thickness of one layer of the resin layer. At this time, the resin layer 92 </ b> A is fixed to the surface of the holder 13. After the resin layer 92A is formed, the photocurable resin 23 remains in the tank 12 by the initial resin amount. In addition, before irradiating light from the projector 31, the bottom wall 12A of the tank 12 and the lower surface of the holder 13 are separated from each other by the thickness of one resin layer.

  In step S70, the control device 70 adds “1” to the value of N indicating the order of the resin layers 92A to 92D.

  In step S80, the control device 70 determines whether or not the Nth resin layer is the resin layer formed last (that is, the uppermost layer, where the resin layer 92D is the uppermost layer). If it is determined in step S80 that the Nth resin layer is the last formed resin layer, the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Nth resin layer is not the last resin layer formed, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In step S <b> 90, the light control unit 82 irradiates light from the projector 31 based on the slice image necessary for forming the last formed resin layer 92 </ b> D stored in the storage unit 72. The photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the tank 12 is cured, and a resin layer 92D having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the modeling region of the slice image is formed. After the resin layer 92 </ b> D is formed, the resin layer 92 </ b> D is pulled up from the tank 12 by the holder 13. Thereby, a desired three-dimensional structure 92 is formed, and the three-dimensional structure 92 is completed. Note that after the resin layer 92D is formed, the photocurable resin 23 remains in the tank 12 by the resin amount obtained by subtracting the essential resin amount necessary for forming the resin layer 92D from the initial resin amount. In step S <b> 90, the controller 78 controls the second motor 63 of the second elevating device 60 and does not move the resin container 50 upward before the last formed resin layer 92 </ b> D.

  In step S <b> 100, the control unit 78 controls the second motor 63 of the second lifting device 60 to move the resin container 50 by the required movement amount of the Nth layer. As a result, a hydraulic head pressure difference is generated between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55, and the photocurable resin 23 is supplied to the tank 12 by the essential resin amount of the Nth layer. The The determination unit 80 determines whether or not a supply time required for supplying the N-th layer essential resin amount of the photocurable resin 23 into the tank 12 has elapsed. If the determination unit 80 determines that the supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S <b> 110, the light control unit 82 irradiates light from the projector 31 based on the slice image necessary for forming the Nth resin layer stored in the storage unit 72. The photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the tank 12 is cured, and a resin layer having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the slice image is formed. After the resin layer is formed, the holder 13 moves upward by the thickness of one layer of the resin layer. At this time, the Nth resin layer is fixed to the surface of the (N−1) th resin layer. Then, the process returns to step S70. Thus, the desired three-dimensional structure 92 is modeled by curing the photocurable resin 23, modeling a resin layer having a shape corresponding to a predetermined cross-sectional shape, and sequentially stacking the modeled resin layers. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 84 is an essential resin required for forming the resin layer to be formed next, based on the amount of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 (see FIG. 1) detected by the sensor 38. When the amount is smaller than the amount, the replacement of the resin container 50 is notified. In addition, the notification method of the notification part 84 is not specifically limited, For example, the notification by visual display, an audio | voice, etc. is mentioned. In the present embodiment, the operator is visually notified through the display device 85. When the amount of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 detected by the sensor 38 is smaller than the essential resin amount necessary for forming the resin layer to be formed next, the notification unit 84 sends a signal to the control unit 78. Send.

  In addition, the control part 78 is the case where the quantity of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 detected by the sensor 38 is less than the essential resin quantity required for formation of the resin layer to be formed next, that is, from the notification part 84. When the signal is received, the second motor 63 of the second lifting device 60 is controlled so that the resin container 50 is not moved upward.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the resin container 50 seals and stores the photocurable resin 23, contact between the photocurable resin 23 stored in the resin container 50 and the air is prevented. can do. Moreover, since the resin container 50 has a light-shielding property, the photocurable resin 23 accommodated in the resin container 50 can be prevented from being exposed to light. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of movement of the resin container 50, that is, by adjusting the water head pressure difference generated between the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 and the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55, the resin container The amount of the photocurable resin 23 supplied from 50 to the tank 12 can be adjusted. Thereby, it is suppressed that the excess photocurable resin 23 exists in the tank 12, and the contact with the photocurable resin 23 and air can be reduced. As a result, the photocurable resin 23 in which deterioration is suppressed can be used, and the three-dimensional structure 92 having excellent quality can be formed.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 70 controls the second motor 63 of the second lifting device 60 and moves the resin container 50 by the required movement amount before the resin layer is formed. A control unit 78 is provided. Thereby, before forming the predetermined resin layer, the photocurable resin 23 necessary for forming the predetermined resin layer is supplied from the resin container 50 to the tank 12. For this reason, after the predetermined resin layer is formed, a predetermined amount (initial resin amount) of the photocurable resin 23 exists in the tank 12. That is, when a new resin layer is formed, fresh and undegraded photocurable resin 23 supplied from the resin container 50 is present in the tank 12.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 78 controls the second motor 63 of the second elevating device 60 to store the resin before the last resin layer 92D of the resin layers 92A to 92D is formed. The container 50 is not moved upward. Thereby, the new photocurable resin 23 corresponding to the essential resin amount of the last resin layer 92D is not supplied from the resin container 50 to the tank. For this reason, the tank 12 has a predetermined amount (initial resin amount) of the photocurable resin 23 in an amount obtained by removing the essential resin amount of the last resin layer 92D, and light that is not used. The curable resin 23 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 includes a check valve 68 provided in the supply pipe 55. Thereby, even if the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 is arranged at a position lower than the outlet 57 of the supply pipe 55, the photocurable resin 23 is prevented from flowing toward the resin container 50. Can do. Further, when the resin container 50 is replaced, the photocurable resin 23 remaining in the supply pipe 55 can be prevented from flowing to the outside even if the supply pipe 55 is removed from the resin container 50.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 70 includes a notification unit 84. When the amount of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 detected by the sensor 38 is less than the essential resin amount required for forming the resin layer to be formed next, the notification unit 84 sends a resin via the display device 85. The operator is notified of the replacement of the container 50. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the operator to replace the resin container 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the three-dimensional structure 92 cannot be formed because the photocurable resin 23 is insufficient.

  In the present embodiment, when the amount of the photocurable resin 23 in the resin container 50 detected by the sensor 38 is less than the essential resin amount necessary for forming the resin layer to be formed next, the control unit 78 determines the second The second motor 63 of the lifting device 60 is controlled so that the resin container 50 is not moved upward. Thereby, it can prevent that the photocurable resin 23 which is excessive or insufficient in the tank 12 exists.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first resin layer is formed after the first essential resin amount is supplied to the tank 12 in which the initial resin amount of the photocurable resin 23 is accommodated. It is not limited. For example, after the first resin layer is formed, the essential resin amount of the first layer may be supplied to the tank 12 in which the photocurable resin 23 is accommodated. That is, step S50 may be executed after step S60.

  In the embodiment described above, the Nth resin layer is formed after the essential resin amount of the Nth layer is supplied to the tank 12 in which the photocurable resin 23 of the initial resin amount is accommodated. It is not limited. For example, after the Nth resin layer is formed, the essential resin amount of the Nth layer may be supplied to the tank 12 in which the photocurable resin 23 is accommodated. That is, step S100 may be executed after step S110.

  In the embodiment described above, the resin container 50 is not moved upward before the last resin layer is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the resin container 50 may be moved upward to supply the tank 12 with an essential resin amount necessary for forming the resin layer formed last.

  In the embodiment described above, the initial resin amount is a volume obtained by multiplying the area of the bottom wall 12A of the tank 12 by the thickness of one layer of the resin layer, but is not limited thereto. The initial resin amount may be a volume obtained by multiplying the area of the bottom wall 12A of the tank 12 by a thickness larger than one layer of the resin layer.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 may include a liquid level sensor in the tank 12. The liquid level sensor detects whether a predetermined amount of the photocurable resin 23 is accommodated in the tank 12. The liquid level sensor sends a signal to the determination unit 80 when a predetermined amount of the photocurable resin 23 is accommodated in the tank 12. In this case, for example, the determination unit 80 can determine that the initial resin amount or the essential resin amount has been supplied to the tank 12 by receiving a signal from the liquid level sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 3D modeling apparatus 12 Tank 13 Holder 14 Optical apparatus 23 Photocurable resin 31 Projector (light source)
50 resin container 55 supply pipe 57 outlet 60 second lifting device 63 second motor

Claims (6)

A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional structure by sequentially curing a resin layer having a predetermined cross-sectional shape by curing a photocurable resin,
A tank containing a photocurable resin;
An optical device having a light source that emits light, and irradiating the photocurable resin in the tank with light from the light source;
A holder provided so as to be movable up and down above the tank, dipped in a photocurable resin in the tank when lowered, and a holder for lifting a resin layer formed by irradiation with light from the light source when raised ,
A resin storage container that seals and stores the photocurable resin supplied to the tank, has a light shielding property, and can be deformed according to the amount of the photocurable resin; and
A supply pipe having an inlet connected to a lower portion of the resin container, an outlet disposed above the tank and opening toward the tank, and through which the photocurable resin flows;
An elevating device for moving the resin container in the vertical direction,
Due to the water head pressure difference between the photocurable resin in the resin container and the outlet of the supply pipe, which is generated when the resin container is moved upward, the photocurable resin in the resin container is transferred to the tank. 3D modeling equipment supplied to In the tank, a predetermined amount of photocurable resin is accommodated in advance,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of slice images that are divided by slicing a three-dimensional model of the three-dimensional structure at predetermined intervals, and representing a predetermined cross-sectional shape;
A calculation unit for calculating an essential resin amount necessary for forming a resin layer formed based on the slice image;
A determination unit for determining an essential movement amount of the resin container necessary to supply the essential resin amount to the tank;
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls the lifting device and moves the resin container by the essential movement amount before the resin layer is formed.   The said control part controls the said raising / lowering apparatus, before the resin layer formed last among the said resin layers is formed, The three-dimensional of Claim 2 which does not move the said resin storage container upwards. Modeling equipment. Comprising a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the photocurable resin stored in the resin container;
A notification unit for notifying the replacement of the resin container when the amount of the photocurable resin in the resin container detected by the sensor is smaller than the essential resin amount necessary for forming the resin layer to be formed next. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 2, comprising:   The control unit controls the lifting device when the amount of the photocurable resin in the resin container detected by the sensor is smaller than the essential resin amount necessary for forming the resin layer to be formed next. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the resin container is not moved upward.   A check valve is provided in the supply pipe and opens when the photocurable resin flows from the inlet to the outlet, and closes when the photocurable resin flows from the outlet to the inlet. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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