JP2021146605A - Molding device, method for producing molding, and conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a molding device capable of consistently producing a molding, a method for producing the molding, and a conveying device.SOLUTION: A molding device 100 comprises: a conveying part 120 with a conveying belt 126 on which a molding sheet 10 expanded by being irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is loaded, for conveying the molding sheet 10; a pair of pressing belts for pressing both end parts in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the molding sheet 10 to the conveying belt 126; and an irradiation part 140 for irradiating the molding sheet 10 in the state of being pressed to the conveying belt 126 by the pair of pressing belts with the predetermined electromagnetic wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a modeling device, a method for manufacturing a modeled object, and a transport device.

A medium (heat-expandable sheet) having a heat-expandable layer containing a heat-expandable material and having an image formed of a light-absorbing material is irradiated with light to obtain a three-dimensional image (modeled object). A technique for forming is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-178353

Patent Document 1 describes, as an apparatus for forming a stereoscopic image, a developing means for forming a developer image with a developer containing a light-absorbing material on a medium provided with a heat-expanding layer containing a heat-expanding material, and developing. An image forming apparatus is disclosed, which comprises an irradiation means for irradiating a medium on which an agent image is formed with light having a wavelength absorbed by a developing agent.

In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the medium on which the developer image is formed is irradiated with light while being mounted on the transport belt. Here, the medium on which the developer image is formed is merely placed on the transport belt. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to stably form a stereoscopic image because a gap is generated between the transport belt and the medium due to warpage, bending, or the like of the medium.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a modeling device, a method for manufacturing a modeled object, and a transport device capable of stably producing a modeled object.

In order to achieve the above object, the modeling apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is
It has a transport belt on which a molded sheet that expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is placed, and a transport unit that transports the molded sheet.
A pair of holding belts that press both ends of the molded sheet in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction against the transport belt.
The molded sheet in a state of being pressed against the transport belt by the pair of pressing belts is provided with an irradiation unit that irradiates the predetermined electromagnetic wave.

The method for manufacturing a modeled object according to the second aspect of the present invention is as follows.
A transport process in which a molded sheet that expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is placed on a transport belt and transported.
A pressing step of pressing both ends of the conveyed molded sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction against the conveying belt with a pair of pressing belts.
An irradiation step of irradiating the molded sheet in a state of being pressed by the transport belt with the predetermined electromagnetic wave is included.

The transport device according to the third aspect of the present invention is
An irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave and
A transport unit having a transport belt, which is mounted on the transport belt and expands by being irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave, is conveyed to a region irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave.
In the region irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave, a pair of pressing belts for pressing both ends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the molded sheet against the conveying belt is provided.

According to the present invention, since the molded sheet is pressed against the transport belt, the modeled object can be stably manufactured.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the molded sheet which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modeled object which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which looked at the modeled object shown in FIG. 2 by the arrow AA. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modeling apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modeling apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the transport belt, the holding part, and a molded sheet which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the transport belt, the holding part, and the molded sheet which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the pressing of the molded sheet by the holding belt which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the irradiation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the shaped object which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the base material of the molded sheet and the thermal expansion layer in embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the molded sheet which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the modeled object which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the molded sheet which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the modeled object which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transport path, the transport belt, and the holding part which concerns on the modification of this invention.

Hereinafter, the modeling apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The modeling apparatus 100 of the present embodiment manufactures a modeled object 50 from a molded sheet 10. The modeled object 50 is used as a decorative sheet, wallpaper, or the like. In the present specification, the "modeled object" is a sheet in which irregularities are formed (formed) on a predetermined surface, and the irregularities constitute a geometric shape, characters, patterns, decorations, and the like. Here, the "decoration" is to evoke a sense of beauty through the sense of sight and / or the sense of touch. "Modeling (or modeling)" means creating something with a shape, and also includes concepts such as decoration to add decoration and decoration to form decoration. Further, the modeled object 50 of the present embodiment is a three-dimensional object having irregularities on a predetermined surface, but in order to distinguish it from a three-dimensional object manufactured by a so-called 3D printer, the modeled object 50 of the present embodiment is 2.5-dimensional. Also referred to as a (2.5D) object or a pseudo-three-dimensional (Pseudo-3D) object. The technique for manufacturing the modeled object 50 of the present embodiment can also be referred to as a 2.5D printing technique or a Pseudo-3D printing technique.

(Molded sheet)
First, the molded sheet 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The molded sheet 10 expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave (for example, infrared light). By expanding the molded sheet 10, the modeled object 50 is formed. The molded sheet 10 has a pattern corresponding to the base material 20, the thermal expansion layer 30 laminated on the first main surface 22 of the base material 20, and the unevenness 52 of the modeled object 50 described later, and the second base material 20. A heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the main surface 24 is provided. In the present embodiment, the thermal expansion layer 30 is laminated on the entire surface of the first main surface 22.

The base material 20 of the molded sheet 10 has a first main surface 22 and a second main surface 24 opposite to the first main surface 22. The base material 20 supports the thermal expansion layer 30. The base material 20 is formed in the form of a sheet, for example. The material constituting the base material 20 is, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin resin (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc.), a polyester resin (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), etc.). Is. The type of material constituting the base material 20 and the thickness of the base material 20 are selected according to the use of the modeled object 50.

The thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10 is laminated on the first main surface 22 of the base material 20. The thermal expansion layer 30 includes a binder 31 and a thermal expansion material (thermal expansion material before expansion) 32a dispersed in the binder 31. The binder 31 is an arbitrary thermoplastic resin such as a vinyl acetate polymer and an acrylic polymer. When the thermal expansion material 32a is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, it expands to a size corresponding to the amount of heat to be heated (specifically, heating temperature, heating time, etc.). The thermal expansion material 32a expands by being heated to, for example, 80 ° C. to 120 ° C. or higher. The heat-expandable material 32a is, for example, a heat-expandable microcapsule.

Thermally expandable microcapsules are microcapsules in which a foaming agent composed of propane, butane, and other low boiling point substances is wrapped in a shell made of a thermoplastic resin. The shell of the heat-expandable microcapsule is formed from a thermoplastic resin such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylic acid ester, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, and copolymers thereof. When the heat-expandable microcapsules are heated to a predetermined temperature (expansion start temperature) or higher, the shell softens and the foaming agent evaporates, and the shell expands like a balloon due to the pressure of the vaporizing agent. The heat-expandable microcapsules expand to about 5 times the particle size before expansion. The average particle size of the heat-expandable microcapsules before expansion is, for example, 5 μm to 50 μm.

The thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10 is expanded by the expansion of the thermal expansion material 32a, and unevenness 52 is formed on the surface 35 opposite to the base material 20.

The heat conversion layer 40 of the molded sheet 10 is provided to form the unevenness 52 of the modeled object 50. The heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20 in a pattern corresponding to the unevenness 52.

The heat conversion layer 40 converts the irradiated predetermined electromagnetic wave into heat and releases the converted heat. As a result, the thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10 (that is, the thermal expansion material 32a before expansion) is heated to a predetermined temperature. The temperature at which the thermal expansion material 32a before expansion is heated is the shade of the thermal conversion layer 40 including the thermal conversion material described later, the unit area of a predetermined electromagnetic wave irradiated to the thermal conversion layer 40, and the amount of energy per unit time. Can be controlled by. Since the heat conversion layer 40 converts a predetermined electromagnetic wave into heat more quickly than other parts of the molded sheet 10, the region near the heat conversion layer 40 (thermal expansion layer 30) is selectively heated. .. In the following, a predetermined electromagnetic wave is also simply referred to as an electromagnetic wave.

The heat conversion layer 40 is composed of a heat conversion material that converts absorbed electromagnetic waves into heat. The heat conversion material is carbon black, a hexaborometal compound, a tungsten oxide-based compound, or the like. For example, carbon black absorbs visible light, infrared light, and the like and converts them into heat. Further, the hexaborometal compound and the tungsten oxide-based compound absorb near-infrared light and convert it into heat. _{Among the hexaboride metal compounds and tungsten oxide compounds, lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6} ) and tungsten cesium oxide are selected because they have high absorption in the near-infrared light region and high transmittance in the visible light region. preferable. Since the heat conversion material constituting the heat conversion layer 40 is absorbed by the base material 20, the thermal expansion layer 30, and the like, the heat conversion layer 40 may not have a layer structure having a clear boundary. In the present specification, the heat conversion layer 40 is illustrated as a layer having a clear boundary for ease of understanding.

(Modeled object)
Next, the modeled object 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The modeled object 50 is formed from the molded sheet 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the modeled object 50 is a sheet-shaped modeled object, and has irregularities 52 on its surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, the modeled object 50 includes a base material 20, a thermal expansion layer 30 laminated on the first main surface 22 of the base material 20 and having irregularities 52 on the opposite side of the base material 20, and a base material. A heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the second main surface 24 of 20 in a pattern corresponding to the unevenness 52 is provided. Since the structure of the base material 20 and the heat conversion layer 40 of the modeled object 50 is the same as that of the base material 20 and the heat conversion layer 40 of the molded sheet 10, the thermal expansion layer 30 of the modeled object 50 will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thermal expansion layer 30 of the modeled object 50 includes a binder 31, a thermal expansion material (thermal expansion material before expansion) 32a, and an expanded thermal expansion material 32b. The binder 31 of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the modeled object 50 is the same as the binder 31 of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10. Further, the thermal expansion material 32a of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the modeled object 50 is the same as the thermal expansion material 32a of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10. The expanded thermal expansion material 32b is a thermal expansion material in which the thermal expansion material 32a is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and expands. The unevenness 52 of the thermal expansion layer 30 is composed of a convex portion 54 containing the expanded thermal expansion material 32b and a concave portion 56 containing the thermal expansion material 32a before expansion.

(Modeling device)
The modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. The molding apparatus 100 manufactures a modeled object 50 from the molded sheet 10 by irradiating the molded sheet 10 with a predetermined electromagnetic wave that expands the molded sheet 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the modeling apparatus 100 includes a transport unit 120 for transporting the molding sheet 10, a pressing portion 130 for pressing the molding sheet 10 against the transport belt 126 of the transport unit 120 described later, and a molding sheet on the molding sheet 10. An irradiation unit 140 that irradiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave that expands the 10 unit and a control unit 150 that controls each unit are provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the transport unit 120, the pressing unit 130, the irradiation unit 140, and the control unit 150 are provided in the housing 105. The housing 105 has a carry-in inlet 105a into which the molded sheet 10 is carried in, and a carry-out outlet 105b in which the manufactured modeled object 50 is carried out.
In order to facilitate understanding, in the present specification, the longitudinal right direction (right direction of the paper surface) of the modeling apparatus 100 in FIG. 5 is the + X direction, the upward direction (upward direction of the paper surface) is the + Z direction, and the + X direction and + Z. The direction perpendicular to the direction (the direction toward the front of the paper) will be described as the + Y direction. In the present specification, the −Z direction is the vertical direction. Further, the −Z side may be described as downward and the + Z side may be described as upward.

(Transport section)
The transport unit 120 of the modeling apparatus 100 transports the molded sheet 10 carried in from the carry-in port 105a of the housing 105 along the convexly curved transport path R. In the present embodiment, the convexly curved transport path R projects in the + Z direction and is curved. Further, the transport unit 120 transports the molded sheet 10 from the + X side to the −X direction along the transport path R. Further, the transport unit 120 transports the manufactured modeled object 50 and carries out the modeled object 50 from the carry-out port 105b of the housing 105. The transport unit 120 includes a guide unit 122, a driven roller 124a, a drive roller 124b, a tension roller 124c, and a transport belt 126. The transport unit 120 further includes a carry-in roller 128a and a carry-out roller 128b.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide portion 122 of the transport portion 120 supports the outward path portion of the transport belt 126 in a curved state along the convexly curved transport path R from the −Z side.

As shown in FIG. 5, the driven roller 124a of the transport unit 120 is wound with the transport belt 126. The driven roller 124a is arranged on the carry-in entrance 105a side (+ X side) of the housing 105. The rotation axis of the driven roller 124a is arranged in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the conveying direction (−X direction) of the molded sheet 10 and the projecting direction (+ Z direction) of the conveying path R, and the driven roller 124a is the housing 105. It is pivotally supported by the side plate of.

The drive roller 124b of the transport unit 120 is wound with the transport belt 126. The drive roller 124b is arranged on the carry-out port 105b side (−X side) of the housing 105. The rotation shaft of the drive roller 124b is arranged in the Y direction in the same manner as the rotation shaft of the driven roller 124a, and the drive roller 124b is pivotally supported by the side plate of the housing 105. The drive roller 124b rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the + Y direction due to the rotation of a motor (not shown) to drive the transport belt 126.

The tension roller 124c of the transport unit 120 presses the return path portion of the transport belt 126 from the −Z side to apply tension to the transport belt 126. The rotation shaft of the tension roller 124c is arranged in the Y direction in the same manner as the rotation shaft of the driven roller 124a, and the tension roller 124c is pivotally supported by the side plate of the housing 105.

The transport belt 126 of the transport unit 120 is an endless belt, and transports the molded sheet 10 and the manufactured modeled object 50. The transport belt 126 is wound around the driven roller 124a and the driving roller 124b. The outward path portion of the transport belt 126 is supported by the guide portion 122 and is convexly curved along the convexly curved transport path R. The transport belt 126 travels by the rotation of the drive roller 124b. The outward path portion of the transport belt 126 travels in the −X direction along the transport path R, and the return path portion of the transport belt 126 travels in the + X direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the molded sheet 10 is mounted on the transport belt 126 from the carry-in port 105a of the housing 105 and is transported in the −X direction. The molded sheet 10 is placed on the transport belt 126 with the thermal expansion layer 30 facing the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126.

The carry-in roller 128a of the transport unit 120 is pivotally supported by the side plate of the housing 105, similarly to the driven roller 124a. As shown in FIG. 5, the carry-in roller 128a and the transport belt 126 sandwich the molded sheet 10 inserted from the carry-in inlet 105a of the housing 105, and carry the molded sheet 10 into the housing 105.

The carry-out roller 128b of the transport unit 120 is pivotally supported by the side plate of the housing 105, similarly to the drive roller 124b. The carry-out roller 128b and the transport belt 126 sandwich the manufactured modeled object 50, and carry out the modeled object 50 from the carry-out outlet 105b of the housing 105.

(Holding part)
The pressing portion 130 of the modeling apparatus 100 presses the molding sheet 10 against the transport belt 126 of the transport unit 120. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressing portion 130 includes a pair of pressing belts 131 and 132. The pair of pressing belts 131 and 132 press both ends of the molded sheet 10 in the directions (+ Y direction and −Y direction) perpendicular to the transport direction (−X direction) against the transport belt 126. Specifically, each of the pressing belts 131 and 132 presses each of the widthwise ends (+ Y direction end and −Y direction end) of the transport belt 126 of the molded sheet 10 against the transport belt 126. .. The pressing portion 130 further includes a first pulley 133a and a second pulley 133b around which the pressing belt 131 is wound, a third pulley 134a and a fourth pulley 134b around which the pressing belt 132 is wound, and four bend pulleys 136 to 139. And.

First, the holding belt 131, the first pulley 133a, and the second pulley 133b will be described. The pressing belt 131 presses the end of the molded sheet 10 in the + Y direction against the conveying belt 126. The first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b are a pair of pulleys. Each of the first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b is wound with the holding belt 131.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first pulley 133a is on the upstream side (+ X side) of the transport path R from the top T of the outward path portion of the convexly curved transport belt 126, and the transport surface of the transport belt 126. It is arranged above the + Y side end of 126a (+ Z side). Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower end B1 of the outer circumference 133c around which the holding belt 131 of the first pulley 133a is wound is lower than the top T of the outward path portion of the transport belt 126 (−Z side). ) Is located. The first pulley 133a rotates about a shaft 106 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation shaft. In the following, the top T of the outward path portion of the transport belt 126 will also be referred to as the top T of the transport belt 126.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second pulley 133b is on the downstream side (−X side) of the transport path R from the top T of the outward path portion of the transport belt 126, and is on the + Y side of the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126. It is placed above the end of the belt (+ Z side). As shown in FIG. 6, the lower end B2 of the outer circumference 133d around which the holding belt 131 of the second pulley 133b is wound is located at a position (−Z side) lower than the top T of the transport belt 126. The second pulley 133b rotates about a shaft 107 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation shaft.

The pressing belt 131 is an endless belt and is wound around the first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b. In the present embodiment, the first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b are arranged on the + X side and the −X side, respectively, with the top T of the transport belt 126 interposed therebetween. Further, the lower end B1 of the outer circumference 133c of the first pulley 133a and the lower end B2 of the outer circumference 133d of the second pulley 133b are located on the −Z side of the top T of the transport belt 126. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the outward path portion of the pressing belt 131 can press the + Y side end portion of the molded sheet 10 conveyed by the conveying portion 120 (conveying belt 126) against the conveying belt 126.

Since the outward path portion of the pressing belt 131 presses the molded sheet 10 conveyed to the conveying belt 126, it travels in the −X direction as the conveying belt 126 travels. Further, the return path portion of the holding belt 131 travels in the + X direction.

Next, the holding belt 132, the third pulley 134a, and the fourth pulley 134b will be described. The pressing belt 132 presses the end portion of the molded sheet 10 in the −Y direction against the conveying belt 126. The third pulley 134a and the fourth pulley 134b are a pair of pulleys. The holding belt 132 is wound around each of the third pulley 134a and the fourth pulley 134b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the third pulley 134a is arranged in the same manner as the first pulley 133a except that it is arranged above the end on the −Y side (+ Z side) of the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126. NS. Further, the fourth pulley 134b is arranged in the same manner as the second pulley 133b except that the fourth pulley 134b is arranged above the end portion on the −Y side (+ Z side) of the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126.

The structure of the holding belt 132 is that of the holding belt 131, except that the −Y side end of the molded sheet 10 that is wound around the third pulley 134a and the fourth pulley 134b and is being conveyed is pressed against the conveying belt 126. Similar to the configuration. The pressing belt 132 presses the end portion of the conveyed molded sheet 10 on the −Y side against the conveying belt 126.

In the present embodiment, each of the pair of pressing belts 131 and 132 presses the + Y side end portion and the −Y side end portion of the molding sheet 10 against the transport belt 126, so that the molding apparatus 100 presses the molding sheet 10 against the molding sheet 10. It can be brought into close contact with the transport belt 126 (conveyor surface 126a). Therefore, the modeling device 100 can stably manufacture the modeled object 50.

The two bend pulleys 136 and 137 press the return path portion of the presser belt 131 to change the traveling direction of the return path portion of the presser belt 131. As a result, the return portion of the pressing belt 131 passes under the irradiation portion 140 (-Z side) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bend pulley 136 is formed on the transport surface 126a between the irradiation portion 140 on the upstream side (+ X side) of the transport path R from the top T of the transport belt 126 and the first pulley 133a. It is arranged above the end on the + Y side (+ Z side). The lower end of the outer circumference that presses the transport belt 126 of the bend pulley 136 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the irradiation unit 140 (-Z side). The bend pulley 136 rotates about a shaft 108 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation shaft.

Further, the bend pulley 137 is located between the irradiation portion 140 on the downstream side (−X side) of the transport path R from the top T of the transport belt 126 and the second pulley 133b, and above the end portion on the + Y side of the transport surface 126a ( It is arranged on the + Z side). The lower end of the outer circumference that presses the transport belt 126 of the bend pulley 137 is also located at a position lower than the lower end of the irradiation unit 140 (-Z side). The bend pulley 137 rotates about a shaft 109 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation shaft.

The two bend pulleys 138 and 139 press the return path portion of the presser belt 132 to change the traveling direction of the return path portion of the presser belt 132. As a result, the return portion of the pressing belt 132 passes under the irradiation portion 140 (-Z side).

The bend pulley 138 is located between the irradiation portion 140 on the upstream side (+ X side) of the transport path R from the top T of the transport belt 126 and the third pulley 134a, and above the end on the −Y side of the transport surface 126a (+ Z). Placed on the side). Other configurations of the bend pulley 138 are the same as those of the bend pulley 136. The bend pulley 139 is located between the irradiation portion 140 on the downstream side (−X side) of the transport path R from the top T of the transport belt 126 and the fourth pulley 134b, and above the end on the −Y side of the transport surface 126a ( It is arranged on the + Z side). Other configurations of the bend pulley 139 are the same as those of the bend pulley 137.

(Irradiated part)
The irradiation unit 140 of the modeling apparatus 100 irradiates the molded sheet 10 (heat conversion layer 40) with a predetermined electromagnetic wave to release heat to the heat conversion layer 40, and heats the heat expansion layer 30 (thermal expansion material 32a before expansion). Heat above a predetermined temperature. In the present embodiment, since the heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20 in a pattern corresponding to the unevenness 52 of the modeled object 50, it is formed on the convex portion 54 of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10. The corresponding portion is heated above a predetermined temperature to form the expanded thermal expansion material 32b. By forming the expanded thermal expansion material 32b, the thermal expansion layer 30 expands, and the convex portion 54 (that is, the unevenness 52) is formed on the thermal expansion layer 30.

In the present embodiment, the irradiation unit 140 is arranged on the convex side of the convexly curved transport path R. The irradiation unit 140 irradiates the molded sheet 10 in a state of being pressed against the transport belt 126 by the pressing portions 130 (pressing belts 131 and 132) with an electromagnetic wave that expands the molded sheet 10. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the irradiation unit 140 is arranged above (+ Z side) the top T of the transport belt 126. Further, the irradiation unit 140 irradiates the electromagnetic wave toward the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the molded sheet 10 is transported along the transport path R by the transport unit 120 in a state of being pressed by the transport belt 126 by the pressing portion 130, and the region S to be irradiated with the electromagnetic wave is formed. pass. As a result, the electromagnetic wave from the irradiation unit 140 is applied to the molded sheet 10 in a state of being pressed against the transport belt 126 by the pressing unit 130.

In the present embodiment, the molded sheet 10 is pressed by the pressing belts 131 and 132 and is in close contact with the conveying belt 126 (conveying surface 126a). Then, the electromagnetic wave that expands the molded sheet 10 is applied to the molded sheet 10 that is in close contact with the transport belt 126. Therefore, the modeling device 100 can stably manufacture the modeled object 50.

As shown in FIG. 9, the irradiation unit 140 includes a cover 142, a lamp 144, a reflector 146, and a fan 148. The cover 142 houses the lamp 144, the reflector 146, and the fan 148. The lamp 144 is composed of, for example, a straight tubular halogen lamp. The lamp 144 has a near-infrared region (wavelength 750 nm to 1400 nm), a visible light region (wavelength 380 nm to 750 nm), and a mid-infrared region (wavelength 1400 nm to 4000 nm) as predetermined electromagnetic waves on the molded sheet 10 (heat conversion layer 40). ) Etc. to irradiate electromagnetic waves. The reflector 146 is a reflector that reflects the electromagnetic waves emitted from the lamp 144 toward the molded sheet 10. The fan 148 sends air into the cover 142 to cool the lamp 144 and the reflector 146.

(Control unit)
The control unit 150 of the modeling device 100 controls the transport unit 120 and the irradiation unit 140. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 152 that executes various processes, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 154 that stores programs and data, and a RAM that stores data. (Random Access Memory) 156 and an input / output interface 158 for inputting / outputting signals between each unit are provided. The function of the control unit 150 is realized by the CPU 152 executing the program stored in the ROM 154. The input / output interface 158 inputs / outputs signals between the CPU 152, the transport unit 120, and the irradiation unit 140.

(Manufacturing method of modeled object)
A method of manufacturing the modeled object 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In the present embodiment, the modeling device 100 is used to manufacture the modeled object 50 from the sheet-shaped (for example, A4 paper size) molded sheet 10.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing the modeled object 50. The method for manufacturing the modeled object 50 includes a preparatory step (step S10) for preparing a molded sheet 10 that expands by being irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave, and a transporting step (step S20) for mounting the molded sheet 10 on a transport belt 126 and transporting the molded sheet 10. ) And both ends (the end in the + Y direction and the end in the −Y direction) in the direction perpendicular to the transfer direction (−X direction) of the conveyed molded sheet 10 are conveyed by the pair of pressing belts 131 and 132. The pressing step (step S30) of pressing the belt 126 and the irradiation step (step S40) of irradiating the molded sheet 10 pressed against the transport belt 126 with a predetermined electromagnetic wave are included.

In the preparation step (step S10), the molded sheet 10 is prepared. First, as shown in FIG. 11, a coating liquid obtained by mixing a binder 31 and a thermal expansion material 32a is screen-printed on the first main surface 22 of the base material 20 and the printed coating liquid is dried. The thermal expansion layer 30 is laminated on the first main surface 22 of 20. Next, the printing apparatus prints the ink containing the heat conversion material on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20 in a shading pattern according to the unevenness 52. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer. From the above, the molded sheet 10 can be manufactured.

Returning to FIG. 10, in the transfer step (step S20), the molding sheet 10 is inserted from the carry-in inlet 105a of the modeling apparatus 100, the molding sheet 10 is placed on the transfer belt 126 of the transfer unit 120, and is convex by the transfer unit 120. It is conveyed along the conveying path R curved in the shape of. From the viewpoint of heating the thermal expansion layer 30 with high efficiency, it is preferable that the distance between the thermal conversion layer 40 and the irradiation unit 140 is shorter, and the molded sheet 10 has the thermal conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 140 side. It is preferably mounted on the transport belt 126. That is, it is preferable that the molded sheet 10 is placed on the transport belt 126 with the thermal expansion layer 30 facing the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126.

In the pressing step (step S30), both ends (the end in the + Y direction and the end in the −Y direction) in the direction perpendicular to the transfer direction (−X direction) of the molded sheet 10 conveyed by the transfer unit 120 are pressed. The transport belt 126 is pressed by the pair of pressing belts 131 and 132. In the present embodiment, since the pressing belts 131 and 132 press the molded sheet 10 against the transport belt 126, the molded sheet 10 can be brought into close contact with the transport belt 126.

In the irradiation step (step S40), the molded sheet 10 conveyed by the conveying unit 120 and pressed by the conveying belts 126 by the pressing belts 131 and 132 is irradiated with an electromagnetic wave that expands the forming sheet 10 from the irradiation unit 140. As a result, the thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10 expands to form the unevenness 52, and the modeled object 50 is manufactured. Since the molded sheet 10 is in close contact with the transport belt 126, the modeled object 50 can be stably manufactured.
From the above, the modeled object 50 can be manufactured. The manufactured modeled object 50 is carried out by the transport unit 120 from the carry-out port 105b of the modeling device 100.

As described above, in the modeling apparatus 100, the pressing belts 131 and 132 of the pressing portion 130 are both end portions (the end portions in the + Y direction and the −Y direction) in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (−X direction) of the molded sheet 10. The end portion) can be pressed against the transport belt 126 to bring the molded sheet 10 into close contact with the transport belt 126. Since the molding sheet 10 is in close contact with the transport belt 126, the modeling apparatus 100 can stably manufacture the modeled object 50.

In the method for manufacturing the modeled object 50 of the present embodiment, the molded sheet 10 in a state where both ends in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction are pressed by the transport belt 126 is irradiated with an electromagnetic wave that expands the molded sheet 10. Since the molded sheet 10 pressed against the transport belt 126 is in close contact with the transport belt 126, the method for manufacturing the modeled object 50 of the present embodiment can stably produce the modeled object 50.

(Modification example)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the modeled object 50 may be manufactured in a roll shape from a roll-shaped molded sheet 10.

The material constituting the base material 20 is not limited to the thermoplastic resin, and may be paper, cloth, or the like. The thermoplastic resin constituting the base material 20 is not limited to the polyolefin-based resin and the polyester-based resin, but may be a polyamide-based resin, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) -based resin, a polyimide-based resin, or the like.

Although the heat conversion layer 40 of the embodiment is laminated on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20, the heat conversion layer 40 may be laminated on the thermal expansion layer 30 as shown in FIG. good. Using the modeling apparatus 100, the modeled object 50A in which the heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the thermal expansion layer 30, and the molded sheet 10A in which the heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the thermal expansion layer 30, as shown in FIG. Manufactured from. In this case, the molded sheet 10A is preferably mounted on the transport belt 126 with the heat conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 140 side. That is, it is preferable that the molded sheet 10A is mounted on the transport belt 126 with the second main surface 24 of the base material 20 facing the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126.

Further, the heat conversion layer 40 may be laminated on the release layer 60 provided on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the molded sheet 10B includes a release layer 60 provided on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20, and a heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the release layer 60. .. The modeled object 50B shown in FIG. 15 is manufactured from the molded sheet 10B using the irradiation device 100. The modeled object 50B includes a release layer 60 provided on the second main surface 24 of the base material 20, and a heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the release layer 60. In this case, it is preferable that the molded sheet 10B is transported by the transport unit 120 with the heat conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 110 side. That is, it is preferable that the molded sheet 10B is transported by the transport unit 120 with the thermal expansion layer 30 facing the transport surface 126a of the transport belt 126. By peeling the release layer 60 from the model 50B, the heat conversion layer 40 can be easily removed from the model 50B.

In the molded sheets 10, 10A and 10B and the molded objects 50, 50A and 50B manufactured from the molded sheets 10, 10A and 10B, a layer made of any other material may be formed between the layers. For example, an adhesion layer may be formed between the base material 20 and the thermal expansion layer 30 to bring the base material 20 and the thermal expansion layer 30 into close contact with each other. The adhesion layer is composed of, for example, a surface modifier.

Further, color images may be printed on the modeled objects 50, 50A and 50B. For example, the modeled object 50 may be composed of four color inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and a color ink layer representing a color image may be laminated on the heat expansion layer 30.

The modeling apparatus 100 of the embodiment conveys the molding sheet 10 to the region S irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the modeling device 100 of the embodiment has an irradiation unit 140 that irradiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave, and a molding sheet 10 that has a transport belt 126 and is placed on the transport belt 126 and expands by being irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave. A pair of transporting units 120 that carry to a region S that is irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave, and a pair of transporting belts 126 that press both ends of the molded sheet 10 in a direction perpendicular to the transporting direction in the region S that is irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave. It is also referred to as a transport device including holding belts 131 and 132.

In the embodiment, the lower end B1 of the outer circumference 133c of the first pulley 133a and the lower end B2 of the outer circumference 133d of the second pulley 133b are located at positions lower than the top T of the transport belt 126 (-Z side), but the first The lower end B1 of the outer circumference 133c of the pulley 133a and the lower end B2 of the outer circumference 133d of the second pulley 133b may be located at the same height as the top T of the transport belt 126 (the same position in the + Z direction). As a result, the pressing belt 131 can press the end portion of the forming sheet 10 on the + Y side against the conveying belt 126 by the sum of the thickness of the forming sheet 10 and the thickness of the pressing belt 131. Further, even if the lower end of the outer circumference around which the holding belt 132 of the third pulley 134a is wound and the lower end of the outer circumference around which the holding belt 132 of the fourth pulley 134b is wound are located at the same height as the top T of the transport belt 126. good. As a result, the pressing belt 132 can press the end portion of the forming sheet 10 on the −Y side against the conveying belt 126 by the sum of the thickness of the forming sheet 10 and the thickness of the pressing belt 132.

Although the transport path R of the embodiment is curved in a convex shape, the transport path R of the modeling apparatus 100 is not always curved in a convex shape. For example, the transport path R may be flat as shown in FIG. In this case, the outward path portion of the transport belt 126 extends parallel to the transport direction (−X direction). Further, the lower end B1 of the outer circumference 133c around which the holding belt 131 of the first pulley 133a is wound is at the same height as the transport surface 126a of the outward path portion of the transport belt 126 or at a position lower than the transport surface 126a of the outward path portion of the transport belt 126. It suffices if it is located. The lower end B2 of the outer circumference 133d around which the holding belt 131 of the second pulley 133b is wound is also at the same height as the transport surface 126a of the outward path portion of the transport belt 126 or the transport thereof, similarly to the lower end B1 of the outer circumference 133c of the first pulley 133a. It suffices if it is located lower than the top of the belt.

The irradiation unit 140 of the embodiment is arranged on the top T (+ Z side) of the transport belt 126, but the irradiation unit 140 irradiates the molded sheet 10 in a state where tension is applied along the transport path R with electromagnetic waves. It suffices if it is arranged in a position where it can be.

The control unit 150 of the modeling apparatus 100 includes a CPU 152, and executes each process by the function of the CPU 152. In the modeling apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit may include dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a control circuit instead of the CPU. In this case, each of the processes may be executed by individual hardware. In addition, each of the processes may be collectively executed by a single piece of hardware. Part of the process may be executed by dedicated hardware, and the other part of the process may be executed by software or firmware.

Not only can it be provided as a modeling device having a configuration for realizing the function according to the present invention in advance, but also by applying a program, each functional configuration by the modeling device 100 of the embodiment can be realized in a computer that controls the modeling device. You can also let them. That is, a program for realizing each functional configuration by the modeling device 100 of the embodiment can be applied so that a CPU or the like that controls an existing information processing device or the like can execute the program.

Moreover, the method of applying such a program is arbitrary. The program can be stored and applied in a computer-readable storage medium such as a flexible disc, a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, a DVD (Digital Versaille Disc) -ROM, or a memory card. Further, the program can be superimposed on a carrier wave and applied via a communication medium such as the Internet. For example, the program may be posted and distributed on a bulletin board system (BBS: Bulletin Board System) on a communication network. Then, this program may be started and executed in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS (Operating System) so that the above processing can be executed.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and the present invention includes the invention described in the claims and the equivalent range thereof. Is done. The inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application are described below.

(Appendix 1)
It has a transport belt on which a molded sheet that expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is placed, and a transport unit that transports the molded sheet.
A pair of holding belts that press both ends of the molded sheet in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction against the transport belt.
The molded sheet in a state of being pressed against the transport belt by the pair of pressing belts is provided with an irradiation unit that irradiates the predetermined electromagnetic wave.
Modeling equipment.

(Appendix 2)
The transport belt is curved in a convex shape,
The modeling apparatus according to Appendix 1.

(Appendix 3)
The holding belt is wound around a pair of pulleys and is wound around the pair of pulleys.
The lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the pulley around which the holding belt is wound is located at the same height as the top of the transport belt or at a position lower than the top of the transport belt.
The modeling apparatus according to Appendix 2.

(Appendix 4)
The irradiation portion is arranged above the top of the transport belt.
The modeling apparatus according to Appendix 2 or 3.

(Appendix 5)
The molded sheet is
With the base material
A thermal expansion layer that is laminated on one main surface of the base material and expands by heating,
A heat conversion layer that is laminated on the other main surface of the base material or on the thermal expansion layer and heats the thermal expansion layer by absorbing the predetermined electromagnetic wave and converting the predetermined electromagnetic wave into heat. With,
The modeling apparatus according to any one of Appendix 1 to 4.

(Appendix 6)
The molded sheet is placed on the transport belt with the heat conversion layer facing the irradiation unit side.
The modeling apparatus according to Appendix 5.

(Appendix 7)
A transport process in which a molded sheet that expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is placed on a transport belt and transported.
A pressing step of pressing both ends of the conveyed molded sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction against the conveying belt with a pair of pressing belts.
An irradiation step of irradiating the molded sheet in a state of being pressed by the transport belt with the predetermined electromagnetic wave is included.
Manufacturing method of the modeled object.

(Appendix 8)
An irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave and
A transport unit having a transport belt, which is mounted on the transport belt and expands by being irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave, is conveyed to a region irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave.
In the region irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave, a pair of pressing belts for pressing both ends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the molded sheet against the conveying belt are provided.
Transport device.

10, 10A, 10B ... Molded sheet, 20 ... Base material, 22 ... 1st main surface, 24 ... 2nd main surface, 30 ... Thermal expansion layer, 31 ... Binder, 32a ... Thermal expansion material (thermal expansion material before expansion), 32b ... Expanded thermal expansion material, 35 ... Surface opposite to the base material of the thermal expansion layer, 40 ... Thermal conversion layer , 50, 50A, 50B ... Modeled object, 52 ... Concavo-convex, 54 ... Convex, 56 ... Concave, 60 ... Peeling layer, 100 ... Modeling device, 105 ... Body, 105a ... Carry-in inlet, 105b ... Carry-out outlet, 106, 107, 108, 109 ... Shaft, 120 ... Transport part, 122 ... Guide part, 124a ... Driven roller, 124b ... Drive roller, 124c ... Tension roller, 126 ... Transport belt, 126a ... Transport surface, 128a ... Carry-in roller, 128b ... Carry-out roller, 130 ... Holding part, 131, 132 ... Pressing belt 133a ... 1st pulley 133b ... 2nd pulley 133c ... Outer circumference around which the transport belt of the 1st pulley is wound 133d ... The transport belt of the 2nd pulley Outer circumference to be wound, 134a ... 3rd pulley, 134b ... 4th pulley, 136, 137, 138, 139 ... bend pulley, 140 ... irradiation part, 142 ... cover, 144 ... Lamp, 146 ... Reflector, 148 ... Fan, 150 ... Control unit, 152 ... CPU, 154 ... ROM, 156 ... RAM, 158 ... Input / output interface, 162 ...・ ・ Roller, R ・ ・ ・ Conveyance path, B1, B2 ・ ・ ・ Lower end, S ・ ・ ・ Area irradiated with electromagnetic waves, T ・ ・ ・ Top

Claims (8)

It has a transport belt on which a molded sheet that expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is placed, and a transport unit that transports the molded sheet.
A pair of holding belts that press both ends of the molded sheet in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction against the transport belt.
The molded sheet in a state of being pressed against the transport belt by the pair of pressing belts is provided with an irradiation unit that irradiates the predetermined electromagnetic wave.
Modeling equipment. The transport belt is curved in a convex shape,
The modeling apparatus according to claim 1. The holding belt is wound around a pair of pulleys and is wound around the pair of pulleys.
The lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the pulley around which the holding belt is wound is located at the same height as the top of the transport belt or at a position lower than the top of the transport belt.
The modeling apparatus according to claim 2. The irradiation portion is arranged above the top of the transport belt.
The modeling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The molded sheet is
With the base material
A thermal expansion layer that is laminated on one main surface of the base material and expands by heating,
A heat conversion layer that is laminated on the other main surface of the base material or on the thermal expansion layer and heats the thermal expansion layer by absorbing the predetermined electromagnetic wave and converting the predetermined electromagnetic wave into heat. With,
The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The molded sheet is placed on the transport belt with the heat conversion layer facing the irradiation unit side.
The modeling apparatus according to claim 5. A transport process in which a molded sheet that expands when irradiated with a predetermined electromagnetic wave is placed on a transport belt and transported.
A pressing step of pressing both ends of the conveyed molded sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction against the conveying belt with a pair of pressing belts.
An irradiation step of irradiating the molded sheet in a state of being pressed by the transport belt with the predetermined electromagnetic wave is included.
Manufacturing method of the modeled object. An irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave and
A transport unit having a transport belt, which is mounted on the transport belt and expands by being irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave, is conveyed to a region irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave.
In the region irradiated with the predetermined electromagnetic wave, a pair of pressing belts for pressing both ends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the molded sheet against the conveying belt are provided.
Transport device.

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