JP6550280B2 - Forming apparatus and forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a modeling apparatus and a modeling method.

  Conventionally, an inkjet printer that performs printing using an inkjet method is widely used (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Further, in recent years, as a configuration of a forming apparatus (3D printer) for forming a three-dimensional object, a method (ink jet forming method) using an ink jet head has been studied. In this case, for example, a three-dimensional object is formed by the lamination molding method by stacking a plurality of ink layers formed by an inkjet head.

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  When modeling is performed using an inkjet head, a layer of ink is formed by discharging ink droplets from a fine nozzle. However, in this case, due to the principle of the ink jet head, it is difficult to avoid that the volume of the ejected ink droplet varies to some extent. Then, in the case of forming a three-dimensional object by the lamination molding method, since a plurality of ink layers are formed in an overlapping manner, if variations occur in the volume of the ink droplet, the influence of the variation may become noticeable in the state after lamination. is there.

  On the other hand, in order to suppress the influence of the variation of the ink droplet volume, it is conceivable to flatten the ink layer using a flattening means such as a roller, for example. However, in this case, a new problem may occur by using a flattening means such as a roller. Therefore, when performing planarization, it is desirable not only to use a planarization means but to perform planarization in the structure which considered the subject which newly arises. Then, an object of the present invention is to provide a modeling device and a modeling method which can solve the above-mentioned subject.

  The inventor of the present application has conducted earnest studies on various problems and the like caused by using a flattening means in the case of performing formation by a lamination molding method using an inkjet head. More specifically, when forming a three-dimensional object using an inkjet head, it is conceivable to use an ink which is cured according to predetermined conditions, such as an ultraviolet curable ink, for example.

  Moreover, when modeling is performed by a lamination molding method using an inkjet head, in order to perform improvement of resolution, averaging of the discharge characteristic of a nozzle, etc., for example, modeling may be performed by a multipass method. In this case, to perform formation in a multipass method means, for example, performing a plurality of main scanning operations at each position of a three-dimensional object during formation in an operation of forming one ink layer. Further, the main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of an ink jet head which discharges ink droplets while moving in a preset main scanning direction.

  In such a case, for example, in each main scanning operation, it is conceivable to cure the ink dots formed in the main scanning operation. Then, it is conceivable that flattening using a flattening means such as a roller is performed in each or a part of the main scanning operations among main scanning operations performed a plurality of times.

  Here, when modeling is performed by the multipass method and planarization is performed, for example, setting may be performed so that only ink dots formed in the last pass (main scanning operation) contact the planarization means. Conceivable. However, in the actual configuration of the shaping apparatus, the dots of the ink formed in the passes other than the last pass also come into contact with the flattening means due to the influence of the error generated in the flattening means, the variation of the landing position of the ink droplet, etc. There is a case. And, in this case, for example, the dots of the ink which has already been cured come into contact with the flattening means.

  Further, in this regard, the inventor of the present application has confirmed by experiments specifically that contact between the cured ink dots and the flattening means actually occurs. Further, it has been found that, for example, the hardened dots are scraped by this contact, and excess scraps (for example, scraped scraps or the like) are generated.

  However, in the case of performing planarization, if such debris is generated, the operation of planarization may be hindered. More specifically, for example, in the case of flattening with a roller, it is conceivable to remove the ink on the roller surface with a blade member or the like after scraping excess ink with the roller. In such a case, if excess debris is generated, debris may accumulate on the blade member, which may cause problems in operation. In addition to the generation of residue, it is also conceivable that, for example, unnecessary vibration or the like may occur due to the contact between the hardened ink dot and the flattening means, which may affect the result of the flattening.

  On the other hand, the inventor of the present application has further studied earnestly, in the case of carrying out molding by a multipass method etc., at the time of each main scanning operation to perform flattening, a molding table and an inkjet head It was considered to sequentially increase the distance of each main scanning operation. In addition, it has been found that this makes it difficult to cause contact between the cured ink dots and the flattening means, for example, to suppress the generation of debris and the like, and to more appropriately flatten. Furthermore, with respect to these features, the configuration of the invention was specified more generally as described below. That is, in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, the present invention has the following composition.

(Configuration 1) A modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional object by a layered modeling method, and an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets by an inkjet method, a planarization unit that planarizes a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head, and modeling It is a stand-like member that supports the solid object in the inside, and it is relative to the forming table in the first direction set in advance while discharging the ink droplets, and the forming table disposed at the position facing the inkjet head A first direction scan drive unit for causing the ink jet head to perform a first direction scan moving to the second direction, and a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method, and Stacking direction in which the distance between the head and the table, which is the distance between the inkjet head and the forming table, is changed by moving at least one of the heads The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction, and the first direction scan drive portion is configured to perform the first direction scan in the first direction scan. Moving the inkjet head in at least one direction in the first direction, and in the operation of forming a layer of ink, moving the inkjet head in the first direction with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object being modeled Is performed a plurality of times, and the flattening means moves together with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in one direction to flatten the layer of ink, and the stacking direction each time a layer is formed of, as compared with the formation before the start of the layer of ink of the one, and by the thickness of large layer of preset ink, and to form a layer of one ink At least in a first direction scan of part of one orientation of a plurality of times performed in the operation, later performing head base distance during first direction scan, the head base distance between the time the first direction scan performed earlier Make it bigger.

  When configured in this manner, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the distance between head pedestals in the first direction scan for flattening the ink layer can be gradually increased. Therefore, if configured in this way, it is possible to appropriately prevent, for example, in the flattening operation, the ink dots formed in the previous first direction scanning operation from coming into contact with the flattening means. Moreover, for example, generation | occurrence | production of an excess refuse etc. can be prevented and planarization can be performed more appropriately.

  Further, in this case, for example, the adhesion of the ink to the flattening means can be more appropriately prevented by preventing the generation of the waste and the like. More specifically, for example, when a roller is used as the flattening means and the ink scraped up by the roller is removed by a blade or the like, if excess debris is generated, the debris is accumulated on the blade or the like and the ink can be appropriately removed. There is a risk of disappearing. On the other hand, if constituted in this way, adhesion of ink to a roller or a blade can be prevented appropriately, for example. Moreover, for example, the flow of excess ink collected by planarization can be made better, and the processing of the ink can be stabilized. In addition, clogging and the like in the ink recovery path can be appropriately prevented.

  In addition, when the ink dots formed in the first direction scan come into contact with the flattening means, as described above, for example, unnecessary vibration or the like occurs to affect the result of the flattening. Is also conceivable. For example, in the case of using a roller as the flattening means, when the roller vibrates, there is a risk that excessive unevenness or the like may occur on the surface of the ink after flattening. On the other hand, when configured in this way, for example, the occurrence of such unevenness can be appropriately prevented by preventing contact between the ink dots formed in the first scanning in the first direction and the flattening means. it can.

  Also, in this case, for example, the surface of a three-dimensional object can be smoothed by gradually changing the head-stand distance for each first direction scan for at least part of the first direction scan. More specifically, for example, even in the case where the surface of a three-dimensional object has a gentle slope or the like, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a level difference or the like in the shape of a contour, and perform modeling with a smooth surface more appropriately.

  In this configuration, the first direction is, for example, a preset main scanning direction. Also, in this case, the first direction scan is a main scan operation. The shaping apparatus may perform an operation of forming one ink layer in a multipass method. In this case, forming one ink layer in the multipass method means, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the main scanning operation of the ink jet head a plurality of times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling To make

  In addition, the ink jet head ejects, for example, ink droplets of ink that hardens in accordance with predetermined conditions. More specifically, as such an ink, an ultraviolet curable ink which is cured by irradiation of ultraviolet light can be suitably used. In this case, it is preferable that the modeling apparatus further include, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light.

  Also, the planarization means planarizes the ink layer, for example, by removing a portion of the uncured ink. In this case, in the first direction scan for flattening, it is conceivable that the flattening is performed in a state where the ink dots formed in the first direction scan performed previously are already cured. A roller etc. which scrape off the ink which is not hardened can be used suitably as a leveling means. In this case, the roller flattens the surface of the ink, for example, in the operation of forming a layer of ink. In addition, to flatten the layer of ink may be, for example, to remove the ink in a portion exceeding the thickness preset as the thickness of one layer of ink.

  Further, in this configuration, the first direction may be a direction orthogonal to the nozzle row direction. In addition, it is conceivable to make the first direction intersect with the nozzle array direction at an angle other than orthogonal. The stacking direction is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the nozzle row direction.

  (Configuration 2) For each of at least some of the plurality of first direction scans, the stacking direction drive unit makes the head-to-stand distance different from each other by a distance smaller than a preset thickness of the ink layer. .

  When configured in this way, the distance between the head and the head which is different between the first direction scanning in one direction is smaller than the distance for moving the ink jet head or the forming table in the stacking direction after the formation of one ink layer. Can. In addition, for example, the head-to-stand distance can be changed more appropriately within the range in which flattening can be performed.

  In this case, the first direction scan to be performed first and the first direction scan to be performed last among a plurality of first direction scans of one direction performed in the operation of forming one ink layer It is preferable to make the difference in head-to-stand distance smaller than the preset thickness of the ink layer. With this configuration, for example, the head-to-stand distance can be changed more appropriately.

  (Configuration 3) The flattening means is a roller that flattens the ink layer by contacting with the surface of the ink layer. According to this structure, for example, the layer of the ink can be flattened more appropriately.

  (Configuration 4) A second direction scan drive unit for moving the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is further provided, in the operation of forming one ink layer, For each position of the ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan for a plurality of preset pass numbers, and in the operation of forming one ink layer, The two-direction scanning drive unit is configured to mount the forming table by a path width which is a width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle array in the second direction by the number of passes each time the first direction scanning is performed a preset number of times. The inkjet head is moved relative to the second direction.

  With this configuration, for example, the main scanning direction of the ink jet head is set by a method (large pitch path method) in which the feed amount of the ink jet head in the second direction is set to a predetermined path width with the first direction as the main scanning direction. The operation can be performed properly. Further, by performing an operation of moving the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table in the interval of the main scanning operation, for example, the width of the three-dimensional object in the second direction is the nozzle row of the inkjet head. Even when the length is larger than the length, the ink jet head can be driven by the serial method to form an appropriate three-dimensional object.

  Also in this case, by increasing the head stand distance each time at least a portion of the first direction scanning is performed, it is possible to appropriately perform shaping in the multipass method while appropriately performing planarization. Moreover, thereby, for example, a three-dimensional object can be modeled more appropriately with high accuracy.

  In this configuration, the second direction may be a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The second direction scan drive unit may move the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction by the pass width, for example, each time the first direction scan is performed. Also, the pass width may be substantially equal to the width of the nozzle row divided by the number of passes.

  (Structure 5) A second direction scan drive unit for moving the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is further provided, and in the operation of forming one ink layer, For each position of the ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan for a plurality of preset pass numbers, and in the operation of forming one ink layer, The two-direction scan driver moves in the second direction, which is a smaller distance than the length of the nozzle row in the second direction divided by the number of passes, each time the preset number of times of first direction scanning is performed. The inkjet head is moved in the second direction relative to the modeling table by the distance, and the second direction movement distance is the nozzle pitch second in the second direction between adjacent nozzles in the nozzle row. Integer multiple of the direction component It is a distance obtained by adding a distance less than the nozzle pitch second direction component. The second direction scan drive unit may move the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction by this distance, for example, each time the first direction scan is performed. The integral multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component is, for example, the product of the nozzle pitch second direction component and an integer of 0 or more.

  If configured in this way, for example, the main scanning operation is appropriately applied to the inkjet head in a system (small pitch path system) in which the feed amount of the inkjet head in the second direction is a small distance with the first direction as the main scanning direction. It can be done. Moreover, thereby, compared with the case where modeling is performed by a large pitch path | pass system, for example, the frequency | count of required main scanning operation | movement can be reduced and modeling speed can be sped up.

  Further, in this case, in the multiple first direction scanning (main scanning operation) performed on the same position of the ink layer, not only the integral multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component but also the nozzle pitch second direction component By shifting the position in the second direction by a small distance, a high resolution corresponding to a distance smaller than the nozzle pitch second direction component can be realized for the resolution in the second direction. Therefore, if constituted in this way, modeling of a solid thing in high resolution can be performed appropriately, for example.

  In this case, for example, if the width of the three-dimensional object to be formed is smaller than the length of the nozzle array of the inkjet head, it is conceivable to simultaneously eject ink droplets from the nozzle array to the entire width of the three-dimensional object. According to this structure, for example, multi-pass shaping can be appropriately performed as in the case of using a line-type inkjet head.

  Also, the width of the three-dimensional object may be larger than the length of the nozzle array of the inkjet head. In this case, for example, after performing the main scanning operation for the number of passes for the area for the length of the nozzle row, the second direction is relative to the forming table in the second direction by the distance corresponding to the length of the nozzle row It is conceivable to move the ink jet head in a targeted manner. In addition, after the movement of the ink jet head, it is conceivable to perform the main scanning operation for the number of passes. With this configuration, for example, even when the size of the three-dimensional object to be formed is large, the formation of the three-dimensional object can be appropriately performed.

  Also in this case, by increasing the head stand distance each time at least a portion of the first direction scanning is performed, it is possible to appropriately perform shaping in the multipass method while appropriately performing planarization. Moreover, thereby, for example, a three-dimensional object can be modeled more appropriately with high accuracy.

  (Configuration 6) A second direction scan drive unit for moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is further provided, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, For each position of the ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan for a plurality of preset pass numbers, and in the operation of forming one ink layer, The two-direction scanning drive unit moves the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a distance equivalent to the length of the nozzle row in the second direction each time one first direction scanning is performed. And the first direction scan driver for each position of the ink layer after the first scan in the first direction has been performed for the entire region where one ink layer is to be formed. And the second scan in the first direction To.

  According to this structure, for example, the main scanning operation is performed on the ink jet head by a method in which the same main scanning operation is sequentially performed on the entire surface of the ink layer sequentially with the first direction as the main scanning direction. Can be done properly. Moreover, thereby, compared with the case where modeling is performed by a large pitch path | pass system, for example, the frequency | count of required main scanning operation | movement can be reduced and modeling speed can be sped up.

  Also in this case, by increasing the head stand distance each time at least a portion of the first direction scanning is performed, it is possible to appropriately perform shaping in the multipass method while appropriately performing planarization. Moreover, thereby, for example, a three-dimensional object can be modeled more appropriately with high accuracy.

  In this case, the distance for moving the inkjet head in the second direction may be a distance substantially equal to the length of the nozzle row in the second direction. In addition, when the number of passes is three or more, for the third and subsequent first direction scans (main scan operations) as well, after the previous first direction scan is performed on the entire ink layer. Is preferred. If comprised in this way, modeling by the whole surface sequential pass system can be performed more appropriately.

  Further, with regard to the operation of the second direction scan drive unit, moving the inkjet head every time the first direction scan is performed means, for example, the same first scan in the first direction (for example, the first direction in the first direction). This is to move the inkjet head each time the first direction scanning is performed during the operation of performing the scanning or the second first direction scanning or the like) with respect to each position. Therefore, after the first direction scan of a certain number of times (for example, the first time) is performed on the entire region, the timing of starting the first direction scan of the next time (for example, the second time) It is also conceivable not to move the inkjet head in the direction.

  (Structure 7) The first direction scan driver causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan in one direction in the first direction and the first direction scan in the other direction in the first direction, and is flat. The flattening means flattens the layer of ink only during the first direction scan of one direction among the first direction scan of the one direction and the other direction, and the stacking direction drive unit forms the layer of one ink The head-to-stand distance is set to the same distance in each of a plurality of first direction scans in the other direction performed in the operation.

  When configured in this way, shaping of the three-dimensional object can be performed at higher speed by performing the first direction scanning in both directions. Also, in this case, the ink layer can be appropriately and sufficiently planarized by performing the flattening during the first direction scanning in one direction. In addition, during the first direction scanning in the other direction, for example, the configuration and control of the apparatus can be appropriately simplified by setting the head-to-stand distance to the same distance without performing flattening.

(Configuration 8) The first direction scan driver causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan in one direction in the first direction and the first direction scan in the other direction in the first direction, and is flat. A first flattening means for flattening the layer of ink during the first direction scan in one direction, and a second flat for flattening the layer of ink during the first direction scan in the other direction. And the stacking direction driving unit is configured to perform at least a part of the plurality of times of the first direction scanning performed in the other direction during the operation of forming one ink layer. The head-to-stand distance is larger than the head-to-stand distance at the time of the first direction scan performed earlier.

  When configured in this way, shaping of the three-dimensional object can be performed at higher speed by performing the first direction scanning in both directions. Further, in this case, by using the plurality of flattening means in accordance with the direction of the first direction scan, it is possible to appropriately flatten the first direction scan in any direction.

  Furthermore, each of the plurality of first direction scans in the other direction is also formed, for example, in the previous first direction scan by increasing the head-to-stand distance at the time of the first direction scan to be performed later. It is possible to properly prevent the ink dots from coming into contact with the flattening means. In addition, this enables, for example, more appropriate planarization.

  (Configuration 9) A second direction scan drive unit for moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is further provided, and the second direction scan drive unit is a part of Following the first direction scan, the inkjet head is moved relative to the build table in one direction in the second direction, and, following the first direction scan of at least a portion of the other, the second The inkjet head is moved relative to the build table in the other direction in the direction.

  According to this structure, for example, by performing scanning in the second direction in both directions, modeling of a three-dimensional object can be performed at higher speed. Also, in this case, the stacking direction drive unit changes the distance between the head and the head in accordance with, for example, the direction of scanning in the second direction. More specifically, in this case, for the change of the distance between the head and the head, for example, the direction of scanning in the second direction is set to have a step shape in the opposite direction in the case of one direction and in the other case. It is conceivable. Further, with regard to the operation of the second direction scanning drive unit, the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in one direction or the other direction is performed in the operation of forming one ink layer. It may be a scan in two directions (e.g., a sub-scan operation).

(Structure 10) A forming method of forming a three-dimensional object by a lamination forming method, which is an inkjet head for discharging ink droplets by an inkjet method, a flattening means for flattening a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head, and modeling The table-like member for supporting the three-dimensional object in the middle, using a forming table disposed at a position facing the ink jet head, with respect to the forming table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets The inkjet head is caused to perform a relatively moving first direction scan, and a direction in which the plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method, and at least one of the forming table and the inkjet head in the stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. By moving one of them, the distance between the head and the table, which is the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table, is changed, and the ink jet head The nozzle array includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a nozzle array direction not parallel to the first direction, and in the first direction scan, the inkjet head is moved in at least one direction in the first direction, and one ink In the operation of forming the layer, the first direction scan for moving the ink jet head to one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling, and the flattening means is in the first direction of one direction. During scanning, the ink jet head is moved together with the ink jet head to flatten the ink layer, and for each head-to-stand distance, every time an ink layer is formed, it is compared in advance to the start of the ink layer formation. by the thickness of the layers of the set ink is increased, and, at least a portion of the first direction scan of one orientation of a plurality of times performed in the operation of forming a layer of one ink later Cormorant head base distance during a first direction scan, larger than the head block distance during first direction scan performed first. With this configuration, for example, the same effect as that of Configuration 1 can be obtained.

(Structure 11) A forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object by a lamination forming method, which is an inkjet head for discharging ink droplets by an inkjet method, a flattening means for flattening a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head, and modeling It is a stand-like member that supports the solid object in the inside, and it is relative to the forming table in the first direction set in advance while discharging the ink droplets, and the forming table disposed at the position facing the inkjet head A first direction scan drive unit for causing the ink jet head to perform a first direction scan moving to the second direction, and a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method, and A method of stacking in which the distance between the head and the table, which is the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table, is changed by moving at least one of the heads The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the nozzle row direction not parallel to the first direction, and the first direction scan driver includes a first direction scan in the first direction. Moving the inkjet head in at least one direction in the first direction, and in the operation of forming a layer of ink, moving the inkjet head in the first direction with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object being modeled Is performed a plurality of times, and the flattening means moves together with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in one direction to flatten the layer of ink, and the stacking direction each time a layer is formed of, as compared with the formation before the start of the layer of ink of the one, and by the thickness of large layer of preset ink, and a layer of one ink That at least a portion of the first direction scan of one orientation of a plurality of times performed in the operation, the head block distance during first direction scan to be performed later, between the head base during first direction scan performed earlier Make the distance different.

  According to this structure, for example, the surface of the three-dimensional object can be smoothed by changing the head-to-stand distance little by little every first direction scanning. More specifically, for example, even in the case where the surface of a three-dimensional object has a gentle slope or the like, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a level difference or the like in the shape of a contour, and perform modeling with a smooth surface more appropriately.

(Composition 12) A forming method of forming a three-dimensional object by a lamination forming method, which is an inkjet head for discharging ink droplets by an inkjet method, a flattening means for flattening a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head, and modeling The table-like member for supporting the three-dimensional object in the middle, using a forming table disposed at a position facing the ink jet head, with respect to the forming table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets The inkjet head is caused to perform a relatively moving first direction scan, and a direction in which the plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method, and at least one of the forming table and the inkjet head in the stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. By moving one of them, the distance between the head and the table, which is the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table, is changed, and the ink jet head The nozzle array includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a nozzle array direction not parallel to the first direction, and in the first direction scan, the inkjet head is moved in at least one direction in the first direction, and one ink In the operation of forming the layer, the first direction scan for moving the ink jet head to one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling, and the flattening means is in the first direction of one direction. During scanning, the ink jet head is moved together with the ink jet head to flatten the ink layer, and for each head-to-stand distance, every time an ink layer is formed, it is compared in advance to the start of the ink layer formation. by the thickness of the layers of the set ink is increased, and, at least a portion of the first direction scan of one orientation of a plurality of times performed in the operation of forming a layer of one ink later Cormorant head base distance between the time the first direction scan, made different from the head base distance between the time the first direction scan performed first. With this configuration, for example, the same effect as that of the configuration 11 can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, for example, at the time of shaping of a three-dimensional object, the layer of ink can be flattened more appropriately.

It is a figure showing an example of modeling device 10 concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the main part of the modeling apparatus 10. FIG. 1B shows an example of a more detailed configuration of the discharge unit 12. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which models the three-dimensional object 50 in this example. FIG. 2A shows an example of an operation of forming a layer of ink which constitutes the three-dimensional object 50. FIG. FIG. 2B shows an example of arrangement of ink dots formed in each main scanning operation for the same area. It is a figure explaining the scanning to the lamination direction currently performed in the modeling apparatus of the conventional structure. FIG. 3A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction. FIG. 3B shows another example of scanning in the stacking direction. It is a figure explaining the problem which arises by the operation | movement of planarization. FIG. 4A schematically shows a state of flattening of the (n + 1) th ink layer (n + 1) layer. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the influence of various variations. It is a figure explaining the scan to the lamination direction performed in modeling device 10 of this example. FIG. 5A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction. FIG. 5 (b) shows another example of scanning in the stacking direction. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which forms the layer of one ink. 6 (a) to 6 (d) relate to the operation of forming the (n + 1) th layer, and simplify the state of the first to fourth main scanning operations (1-pass printing to 4-pass printing) performed at the same position. Show. It is a figure explaining the state of the dot of the ink formed in this example. FIG. 7A shows an example of the state of ink dots when the ink layer is formed by the conventional method. FIG. 7B shows an example of the ink dot state when the ink layer is formed in the configuration of this example. An example of a more specific configuration of the flattening roller unit 222 is shown. FIG. 8A shows an example of the configuration of the flattening roller unit 222. FIG. 8 (b) shows another example of the configuration of the flattening roller unit 222. FIG. 8C shows still another example of the configuration of the flattening roller unit 222. It is a figure explaining the modification of composition of a modeling device 10, and operation. FIG. 9A shows an example of the operation in the case where the flattening is performed at the time of the main scanning operation in one direction and the other direction. FIG. 9B shows an example of the configuration of the discharge unit 12 used in this case. It is a figure explaining various systems which perform operation | movement of a multipass system. FIG. 10A shows an example of the configuration of an inkjet head 200 used for modeling. FIG. 10 (b) shows an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the large pitch pass multipass method. It is a figure explaining various systems which perform operation | movement of a multipass system. FIG. 11A shows an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the small pitch pass multipass method. FIG. 11B shows an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the multipass method of the whole surface sequential pass method. It is a figure which illustrates the further modification of the structure of the modeling apparatus 10, and operation | movement. FIG. 12A shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200 and the configuration of the three-dimensional object 50 to be formed. FIG. 12B shows the direction of movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning operation performed after each main scanning operation in the case of forming the ink layer by the large pitch pass method. It is a figure which illustrates the further modification of the structure of the modeling apparatus 10, and operation | movement. 13 (a) and 13 (b) show the ink jets in the sub-scanning operation performed after each main scanning operation in the case of forming the ink layer in each of the large pitch path method, the small pitch path method, and the whole surface sequential path method. Indicates the direction of movement of the head 200.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a modeling apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the main part of the modeling apparatus 10.

  In the present example, the modeling apparatus 10 is an apparatus (three-dimensional object modeling apparatus) that models the three-dimensional object 50 by the layered modeling method. In this case, the layered manufacturing method is, for example, a method of forming a three-dimensional object 50 by stacking a plurality of layers. The three-dimensional object 50 is, for example, a three-dimensional structure.

  In addition, the modeling apparatus 10 may have the same or similar structure as a well-known modeling apparatus except for the point of the following description. In addition, the modeling apparatus 10 may be, for example, an apparatus in which a part of the configuration of a known inkjet printer is changed. For example, the modeling apparatus 10 may be an apparatus in which a part of an inkjet printer for two-dimensional image printing using an ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) is changed. In addition to the illustrated configuration, the modeling apparatus 10 may further include, for example, various configurations necessary for modeling, coloring, and the like of the three-dimensional object 50.

  In the present embodiment, the modeling apparatus 10 includes the ejection unit 12, the main scanning drive unit 14, the modeling table 16, the sub scanning drive unit 18, the stacking direction drive unit 20, and the control unit 22. The ejection unit 12 is a portion that ejects droplets (ink droplets) to be the material of the three-dimensional object 50, and ejects the ink droplet of the ink that is cured according to predetermined conditions and cures the three-dimensional object 50. Each layer to constitute is formed in piles.

  Further, in this example, as the ink, for example, an ultraviolet curable ink which is cured by irradiation of ultraviolet rays is used. In this case, the ink is, for example, a liquid ejected from an ink jet head. Further, an inkjet head is, for example, a discharge head that discharges droplets by an inkjet method. Further, the discharge unit 12 cures the layer of the ultraviolet curable ink by irradiating the ultraviolet light with the ultraviolet light source.

  In addition, at the time of shaping of the three-dimensional object 50, the discharge unit 12 may form a support layer around the three-dimensional object 50. In this case, the support layer is, for example, a laminated structure that supports the three-dimensional object 50 by surrounding the outer periphery of the three-dimensional object 50 being shaped, and is dissolved away by, for example, water after the formation of the three-dimensional object 50 is completed. The more specific configuration and operation of the discharge unit 12 will be described in more detail later.

  The main scan drive unit 14 is a drive unit that causes the discharge unit 12 to perform a main scan operation (Y scan). In this case, having the discharge unit 12 perform the main scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head of the discharge unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. Further, the main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of discharging an ink droplet while moving in a preset main scanning direction (Y direction in the drawing). Further, in the present example, the main scan drive unit 14 is an example of a first direction scan drive unit. In this case, the first direction scan drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform, for example, a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table 16 in the first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets. It is a drive part.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the main scanning drive unit 14 has a carriage 102 and a guide rail 104. The carriage 102 is a holding unit that holds the discharge unit 12 so as to face the modeling table 16. In this case, holding the discharge unit 12 so as to face the modeling table 16 means, for example, holding the discharge unit 12 so that the discharge direction of the ink droplet is the direction toward the modeling table 16. Further, during the main scanning operation, the carriage 102 moves along the guide rails 104 while holding the discharge unit 12. The guide rail 104 is a rail-like member that guides the movement of the carriage 102, and moves the carriage 102 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 22 during the main scanning operation.

  The movement of the ejection unit 12 in the main scanning operation may be a relative movement with respect to the three-dimensional object 50. Therefore, in a modification of the configuration of the modeling apparatus 10, for example, the position of the discharge unit 12 may be fixed, and the three-dimensional object 50 may be moved by moving the modeling table 16, for example.

  The forming table 16 is a pedestal-like member that supports the three-dimensional object 50 being formed, is disposed at a position facing the inkjet head in the ejection unit 12, and places the three-dimensional object 50 being formed on the upper surface. In this example, the modeling table 16 has a configuration in which at least the upper surface is movable in the vertical direction (the Z direction in the drawing), and driven by the stacking direction drive unit 20 to form the three-dimensional object 50 Move the top as you go. Moreover, thereby, the distance between head stands which is the distance between the inkjet head in the discharge unit 12 and the modeling stand 16 is changed suitably, and between the to-be-shaped surface in the three-dimensional object 50 in the middle of modeling and the discharge unit 12 Adjust the distance (gap). In this case, the head-to-stand distance may more specifically be, for example, the distance between the nozzle surface of the ink jet head on which the nozzles are formed and the upper surface of the forming table 16. Moreover, the to-be-modeled surface of the three-dimensional object 50 is a surface in which the layer of the following ink is formed of the discharge unit 12, for example.

  The sub scanning drive unit 18 is a drive unit that causes the discharge unit 12 to perform the sub scanning operation (X scan). In this case, having the discharge unit 12 perform the sub-scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head of the discharge unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation is, for example, an operation of moving relative to the modeling table 16 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the drawing) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Further, in the present example, the sub-scan drive unit 18 is an example of a second direction scan drive unit. In this case, the second direction scan drive unit is, for example, a drive unit that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table 16 in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  More specifically, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 causes the inkjet head to perform the sub-scanning operation by, for example, fixing the position of the discharge unit 12 in the sub-scanning direction and moving the modeling table 16. Further, the sub scanning drive unit 18 may cause the inkjet head to perform the sub scanning operation by fixing the position of the modeling table 16 in the sub scanning direction and moving the ejection unit 12.

  The stacking direction drive unit 20 is a drive unit that moves at least one of the discharge unit 12 or the forming table 16 in the stacking direction (Z direction in the drawing) orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. In this case, the stacking direction is, for example, a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method. Further, moving the discharge unit 12 in the stacking direction means, for example, moving the inkjet head in the discharge unit 12 in the stacking direction. To move the forming table 16 in the stacking direction is, for example, moving the position of at least the upper surface of the forming table 16. In addition, by moving at least one of the discharge unit 12 or the forming table 16 in the stacking direction, the stacking direction drive unit 20 causes the inkjet head to perform scanning in the Z direction (Z scan), and changes the distance between the heads. Let

  More specifically, in the configuration shown in the drawing, the stacking direction drive unit 20 moves the modeling table 16 by, for example, fixing the position of the discharge unit 12 in the stacking direction. The stacking direction drive unit 20 may move the discharge unit 12 by fixing the position of the molding table 16 in the stacking direction.

  The control unit 22 is, for example, a CPU of the modeling apparatus 10, and controls each component of the modeling apparatus 10 to control the modeling operation of the three-dimensional object 50. The control unit 22 preferably controls each part of the modeling apparatus 10 based on, for example, shape information of the three-dimensional object 50 to be modeled, color image information, and the like. According to this example, the three-dimensional object 50 can be appropriately shaped. The more specific operation of forming the three-dimensional object 50 will be described in more detail later.

  Subsequently, a more specific configuration and operation of the discharge unit 12 will be described. FIG. 1B shows an example of a more detailed configuration of the discharge unit 12. In this example, the ejection unit 12 includes a plurality of colored ink heads 202 y, 202 m, 202 c, 202 k (hereinafter referred to as colored ink heads 202 y to k), a shaping material head 204, a white ink head 206, and clear. It has an ink head 208, a support material head 210, a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 220, and a flattening roller unit 222.

  The colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the shaping material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210 are inkjet heads that eject ink droplets by an inkjet method. Further, in this example, the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the shaping material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210 are, for example, ink droplets of ultraviolet curing ink. It is an ink jet head which discharges, arranges the position in a subscanning direction (X direction), and arranges side by side in a main scanning direction (Y direction).

  As the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the shaping material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210, for example, known inkjet heads can be suitably used. . Moreover, these inkjet heads have a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the sub-scanning direction on the surface facing the molding table 16. Thus, the nozzles of each ink jet head eject ink droplets in the direction toward the molding table 16. Further, the nozzle direction in which the plurality of nozzles are arranged is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Further, in a modification of the configuration of the inkjet head, it is conceivable to use a configuration in which the main scanning direction and the nozzle array direction intersect at an angle other than orthogonal.

  In addition, the arrangement of the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the forming material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210 is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and various changes are made. May be For example, the positions of some inkjet heads in the sub-scanning direction may be shifted from other inkjet heads. In addition, the discharge unit 12 may further include, for example, light-colored of each color, or an inkjet head for a color such as R (red) G (green) B (blue) or orange.

  The colored ink heads 202y to 202k are inkjet heads that respectively eject ink droplets of colored inks of different colors. In this example, the colored ink heads 202y to k eject ink droplets of ultraviolet curable ink of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black).

  The head for forming material 204 is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets of ink used for forming the inside of the three-dimensional object 50. In this example, the head for forming material 204 discharges ink droplets of a forming ink (model material MO) of a predetermined color. The forming ink may be, for example, an ink dedicated to forming. Further, in the present example, the shaping ink is an ink of a color different from each color of the CMYK ink. It is also conceivable to use, for example, a white ink or a clear ink as the shaping ink.

  The white ink head 206 is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets of white (W) ink. The clear ink head 208 is an ink jet head that discharges ink droplets of clear ink. In this case, the clear ink is a clear color ink which is a transparent color (T).

  The support material head 210 is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets containing the material of the support layer. In the present example, as a material of the support layer, it is preferable to use a water-soluble material that can be dissolved in water after shaping of the three-dimensional object 50. Further, in this case, it is preferable to use a material which is less likely to be decomposed by ultraviolet light and which is more easily decomposed than the material constituting the three-dimensional object 50 because the material is removed after shaping. Moreover, as a material of a support layer, the well-known material for support layers can be used suitably, for example.

  The plurality of ultraviolet light sources 220 is an example of an ultraviolet irradiation unit, and generates ultraviolet light that cures the ultraviolet curable ink. As the ultraviolet light source 220, for example, a UV LED (ultraviolet LED) or the like can be suitably used. Further, it is also conceivable to use a metal halide lamp, a mercury lamp or the like as the ultraviolet light source 220.

  Further, in the present example, each of the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 220 includes the colored ink head 202y-k, the shaping material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210 between them. It is disposed on one end side and the other end side in the main scanning direction of the discharge unit 12 so as to sandwich the discharge unit 12. More specifically, for example, one ultraviolet light source 220 indicated by a symbol UV1 in the drawing is disposed on one end side of the ejection unit 12. Further, one ultraviolet light source 220 indicated by a symbol UV2 in the drawing is disposed on the other end side of the discharge unit 12.

  The flattening roller unit 222 is a configuration for flattening the layer of the ultraviolet curable ink formed during the formation of the three-dimensional object 50. In this example, the flattening roller unit 222 includes the array of the colored ink heads 202y-k, the shaping material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210, and the other side. It is disposed between the ultraviolet light source 220 (UV2). Thereby, the flattening roller unit 222 is arranged in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the array of the colored ink heads 202y-k, the shaping material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210. They are aligned in the main scanning direction with their positions aligned.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the flattening roller unit 222 includes a flattening roller 302, a blade 304, and an ink recovery unit 306. The flattening roller 302 is an example of a flattening means for flattening the layer of ink formed by the inkjet head, and for example, in the main scanning operation, the layer of ink is flattened by coming into contact with the surface of the layer of ink. Do. The blade 304 is a blade member that peels off the ink scraped off by the flattening roller 302 from the flattening roller 302. The ink recovery unit 306 is a recovery unit that recovers the ink that the blade 304 has peeled off from the flattening roller 302.

  With the above configuration, the discharge unit 12 performs an operation of forming the three-dimensional object 50 in accordance with the instruction of the control unit 22. Also, during the shaping operation, the flattening roller unit 222 flattens the layer of ink. The operation of flattening the ink layer and the more specific configuration of the flattening roller unit 222 will be described in more detail later.

  Subsequently, a more specific operation of forming the three-dimensional object 50 in the present example, an operation of flattening the ink layer, and the like will be described in more detail. First, an example of a more specific operation of forming the three-dimensional object 50 will be described.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation of forming the three-dimensional object 50 in this example. In the present example, the shaping apparatus 10 performs, for example, shaping of the three-dimensional object 50 by a multipass method. In this case, to carry out the formation by the multipass method means, for example, to form the layers of the respective inks constituting the three-dimensional object 50 by the multipass method. In addition, forming each ink layer in a multi-pass system means, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, a plurality of main scans of the ink jet head with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object 50 during modeling It is to make it work. Further, causing the inkjet head to perform the main scanning operation a plurality of times at the same position means, for example, causing the inkjet head to perform the main scanning operation a plurality of times with the sub scanning operation interposed therebetween.

  Further, as a method of forming the ink layer by the multipass method, more specifically, for example, it is the same as or similar to the case where printing is performed by the multipass method in a printing apparatus (2D printer) that prints a two-dimensional image. It is conceivable to do. When a three-dimensional object is formed by the forming apparatus 10, various other methods may be used as a specific method of forming an ink layer by a multipass method.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, first, the case where the operation of the multipass method is performed by a method (large pitch pass method) in which the feed amount in the sub scanning operation is set to a predetermined path width will be described. In this case, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation refers to the relative movement amount of the ink jet head (heads for colored ink 202 y to k etc.) with respect to the modeling table 16 (see FIG. 1) in one sub-scanning operation. Further, the operation of the multipath method other than the large pitch path method will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of an operation of forming a layer of ink which constitutes the three-dimensional object 50. FIG. In FIG. 2A, for convenience of illustration, a plurality of ink jet heads (heads 202 for colored ink, heads for forming material 204, heads 206 for white ink, heads 206 for white ink, heads for clear ink) in the ejection unit 12 (see FIG. 1) An inkjet head corresponding to any of 208 and the support material head 210) is shown as an inkjet head 200. Although not shown, the other inkjet heads in the ejection unit 12 move relative to the model table 16 together with the inkjet head shown as the inkjet head 200 to perform main scanning operation and sub scanning operation etc. Do.

  In the case of forming the ink layer by the large pitch pass method, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the main scanning drive unit 14 (see FIG. 1) sets a plurality of presets for each position of the ink layer. The inkjet head 200 is caused to perform the main scanning operation for the number of passes. In addition, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) moves the inkjet head 200 relative to the modeling table 16 by a predetermined pass width each time the main scanning operation is performed a preset number of times. Let Further, in this case, the pass width is set to, for example, a width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle array in the sub-scanning direction by the number of passes. The length of the nozzle array is, for example, the length of the nozzle array in the inkjet head 200 performing the sub scanning operation.

  Further, FIG. 2A shows an example of the operation of the inkjet head 200 in the case where the ink layer is formed by the large pitch pass method with the number of passes being four. Further, in order to simplify the description, only the main scanning operation in one direction (right side in the drawing) of the main scanning direction is performed, and the sub scanning operation is performed each time one main scanning operation is performed. The figure is shown. In this case, after performing each main scanning operation, before performing at least the next main scanning operation, the inkjet head 200 is moved in the main scanning direction in the opposite direction to that in the main scanning operation to Return to the position of.

  More specifically, in this case, for example, the main scanning operation is performed by first setting the position in the sub scanning direction to the position of the inkjet head 200 given the reference symbol A, with respect to the region indicated by the arrow 402 a in the three-dimensional object 50. , Perform a main scanning operation. Further, as a result, the first main scanning operation is performed on the area 404a in the drawing.

  After that, the sub scanning operation is performed to change the position of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning direction to the position of the ink jet head 200 denoted by reference symbol B. Then, by performing the main scanning operation at this position, the main scanning operation is performed on the region indicated by the arrow 402 b in the three-dimensional object 50. Further, as a result, the second main scanning operation for the area 404a and the first main scanning operation for the area 404b are performed.

  After that, the sub-scanning operation is performed to change the position of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning direction to the position of the ink jet head 200 denoted by reference symbol C. Then, by performing the main scanning operation at this position, the main scanning operation is performed on the region indicated by the arrow 402 c in the three-dimensional object 50. Further, as a result, the third main scanning operation for the area 404a, the second main scanning operation for the area 404b, and the first main scanning operation for the area 404c are performed.

  After that, the sub scanning operation is performed to change the position of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning direction to the position of the ink jet head 200 denoted by the symbol D. Then, by performing the main scanning operation at this position, the main scanning operation is performed on the region indicated by the arrow 402 d in the three-dimensional object 50. Also, thereby, the fourth main scanning operation for the area 404a, the third main scanning operation for the area 404b, the second main scanning operation for the area 404c, and the first main scanning operation for the area 404d are performed. .

  By the above-described operation, four main scanning operations for the region 404a are completed, and a layer of ink having a preset thickness is formed. Also, by similarly repeating the subsequent main scanning operation and sub scanning operation, a layer of ink of the same thickness is formed in other regions.

  If comprised in this way, modeling of the three-dimensional object 50 by a multipass system can be performed appropriately, for example. In this case, for example, even when the width of the three-dimensional object 50 in the sub-scanning direction is larger than the length of the nozzle array, the three-dimensional object can be appropriately shaped by driving the inkjet head 200 by serial method.

  In this configuration, the pass width is not limited to the case where the length of the nozzle row is strictly equal to the width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes, but it is substantially equal to the width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes. It may be of equal width. In this case, the term “substantially equal width” means, for example, the adjustment of the pass width and the nozzle row except for an adjustment amount set according to the operation convenience and various design intentions, an allowable error amount, and the like. The length divided by the number of passes is equal to the width. More specifically, for example, when the landing position of the ink droplet in the sub-scanning direction is shifted within the range less than the nozzle pitch, etc., for each main scanning operation to the same position, both And so on.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of ink dots formed in each main scanning operation for the same area, where the landing position of ink droplets in the sub scanning direction in each main scanning operation is the nozzle pitch An example of the arrangement of ink dots is shown for the case of shifting within the range below. In the drawing, a line indicated as one-pass printing indicates dots of ink formed in the main scanning direction by the first main scanning operation. Further, a line indicated as 2-pass printing indicates dots of ink formed in the main scanning direction by the second main scanning operation. A line shown as 3-pass printing indicates ink dots formed in the main scanning direction by the third main scanning operation. A line indicated as 4-pass printing indicates ink dots formed in the main scanning direction by the fourth main scanning operation.

  According to this structure, for example, the resolution of the formation in the sub-scanning direction can be set higher than the nozzle pitch (nozzle pitch) in one nozzle row. In addition, this enables appropriate formation of a high resolution.

  Here, as described with reference to FIG. 1, in the present example, the modeling apparatus 10 performs scanning in the stacking direction (Z direction) of the ink layer in addition to the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation. More specifically, as scanning in the stacking direction, the position of the upper surface of the modeling table 16 is changed by the stacking direction drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with the progress of modeling of the three-dimensional object 50. Therefore, scanning in the stacking direction performed in this example will be described in more detail below. Further, for convenience of explanation, first, scanning in the stacking direction which has been performed in the modeling apparatus of the conventional configuration will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a view for explaining scanning in the stacking direction which has been performed in the modeling apparatus of the conventional configuration. FIG. 3A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction.

  In the case shown in FIG. 3A, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 2, the main scanning operation is performed in only one direction in the main scanning direction. More specifically, the main scanning operation is performed by discharging ink droplets only in the return path (Y return path) of the reciprocating movement of the ink jet head in the main scanning direction. In the forward pass (Y forward pass), only movement is performed without discharging ink droplets.

  When scanning in the stacking direction is performed by the conventional method, it is conceivable to use the same or similar discharge unit 12 as the configuration described with reference to FIG. Then, in this case, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the flattening roller unit 222 (see FIG. 1) of the ejection unit 12 flattens the ink layer during the main scanning operation. More specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 3A, flattening by the flattening roller unit 222 is performed simultaneously with each operation of the main scanning operation (1-pass printing to 4-pass printing).

  Then, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the height of the forming table 16 at the time of each main scanning operation is set to the same height. In this case, the height of the forming table 16 refers to the position of the forming table 16 relative to the ink jet head in the stacking direction. Therefore, in this case, the main scanning operation and the flattening of the ink layer are performed while the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table 16 is the same.

  Also, in this case, at the timing of moving the ink jet head without discharging ink droplets (Y forward path), the ink jet is performed with the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table 16 greatly increased (the state of escape on return). Move the head. With this configuration, unnecessary contact between the inkjet head and the three-dimensional object can be appropriately avoided.

  In this case, more specifically, for example, it is conceivable to form an ink layer having a thickness of about 30 μm in four main scanning operations with four passes, and to perform planarization. In this case, the thickness of one ink layer after planarization may be about 25 μm. Further, it is conceivable that the distance of return clearance is, for example, about 150 μm.

  Also, in this case, after the formation of one ink layer is completed (for example, after performing the operation shown as the first layer recording in the figure), the thickness of the ink layer after flattening is increased. Then, the molding table 16 is lowered and the distance between the ink jet head and the molding table 16 is increased. Then, the next ink layer is formed (for example, the operation shown as the second layer recording is performed in the drawing). With this configuration, for example, an operation of overlapping and forming a plurality of ink layers can be appropriately performed.

  Further, as the direction of the main scanning operation, it is also conceivable to carry out in both directions of the forward pass and the return pass. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the scanning in the stacking direction or the like is performed in accordance with the direction in which the main scanning operation is performed.

  FIG. 3B is a view showing another example of scanning in the stacking direction, and shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction in the case of performing a bi-directional main scanning operation. In this case, by performing the main scanning operation in both directions, for example, it is possible to appropriately speed up the forming speed as compared with the case where the main scanning operation is performed in only one of the forward path and the return path.

  In this case, it is conceivable that the flattening operation is performed only in one of the forward pass and the return pass in the main scanning direction. For example, as in the configuration of the discharge unit 12 described with reference to FIG. 1, when the flattening roller unit is provided only on one side in the main scanning direction, the flattening roller unit is mainly directed in the backward direction. It is preferable to perform planarization only when performing a scanning operation. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 3B, the main scanning operation and the flattening are performed only at the time of the main scanning operation on the return path in the reciprocation in the main scanning direction. Further, in the forward main scanning operation, flattening is not performed, and only the main scanning operation is performed.

  Therefore, in this case, at the time of the main scanning operation of the return path, the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table 16 is the same as or similar to the main scanning operation of the return path in the case described with FIG. In the same state, the main scanning operation and the flattening of the ink layer are performed. Further, at the time of the main scanning operation on the outward path, in the same manner as the outward path in the case described with reference to FIG. 3A, the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table 16 is greatly increased , Perform a main scanning operation. According to this structure, for example, the reciprocating main scanning operation can be properly performed.

  However, when the main scanning operation and the planarization are performed in the conventional configuration as described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the planarization operation may cause a new problem. Then, I will continue to explain such problems.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a problem caused by the operation of planarization. FIG. 4A is a view schematically showing the state of flattening of the (n + 1) th ink layer (n + 1). In this case, the n + 1th layer is the n + 1th (n is an integer of 1 or more) th ink layer from the bottom among the ink layers stacked on the forming table 16, and the nth ink layer from the bottom It is formed on the (nth layer) by a multipass method.

  Here, in the case of forming the ink layer by the multi-pass method, of the multiple main scanning operations performed at the same position, at the time of the main scanning operation of the later times among the multiple main scanning operations, The main scanning operation and flattening are performed on the area where the dots are formed. Further, in this case, the dots of the ink already formed are usually hardened by the irradiation of ultraviolet light or the like. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 3, in the case of performing the main scanning operation and flattening with the conventional configuration, the height of the forming table 16 at the time of the main scanning operation for flattening when forming the n + 1th layer. Are at the same height, so that in this case the planarization roller 302 (see FIG. 1) in the planarization roller unit 222 performing planarization contacts the ink surface composed of the cured ink dots It will be easier.

  However, when such a contact occurs, for example, the flattening roller 302 moving in the main scanning direction may bounce or extra vibration may occur. In addition, as a result, excessive unevenness or the like may occur on the surface of the ink after flattening, which may affect the result of the flattening. More specifically, for example, in this case, fine lamination may not be performed, and streaks may occur on the surface of a three-dimensional object to be formed. Also, as a result, the quality of the shape may be degraded.

  In addition, various causes of variation may cause additional problems. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the influence of various variations.

  In the case of ejecting ink droplets by the inkjet method, it is inevitable that a certain degree of variation occurs in the ejection position, landing position, etc. of the ink droplets in principle. Further, in this case, due to the influence of the variations in the positions, differences may occur in the overlapping manner of adjacent ink dots, which may cause variations in the thickness of the ink layer. More specifically, for example, when the ink layer is formed such that the thickness of one layer is about 25 μm, such a factor may cause a variation of about 5 μm in the thickness of the ink layer. . In addition, due to the variation in the accuracy of the flattening roller 302 (the deflection of the peripheral surface), the variation in the height at which the flattening roller 302 is flattened may occur by about 5 μm. In addition, the difference in wettability to the flattening roller 302, which occurs among a plurality of types of ink used for modeling, may cause a difference in thickness (height) after flattening.

  Then, in consideration of these various factors, the height of ink dots after flattening may have a variation of about 20% of the thickness of the ink layer. In this case, the height of the ink dot after planarization is, for example, the actual height of the individual ink dots that make up the ink layer. Further, the thickness of the ink layer is, for example, a design value preset as the thickness of one ink layer.

  Then, when such a variation occurs, for example, the position of the lower end of the flattening roller 302 is lower than the vertex position of the cured ink dot and makes contact with the cured ink dot during the flattening operation. The state, that is, the state of rubbing the hardened ink surface by the flattening roller 302 is apt to occur. Then, when such contact occurs, the hardened dots are scraped off, and extra scraps (for example, scraping scraps or the like) are generated.

  However, in the case of performing planarization, if such debris is generated, the operation of planarization may be hindered. More specifically, for example, when flattening is performed with the configuration such as the flattening roller unit 222 of this example, if such extra debris is generated, for example, the debris may be deposited on the blade 304 (see FIG. 1) or the like. There is a risk that it will accumulate and cause problems in operation.

  On the other hand, the inventor of the present application has found, through intensive research, a configuration capable of appropriately suppressing the generation of such waste and the like. Moreover, the structure of the modeling apparatus 10 of this example was considered as such a specific structure. Therefore, the operation of the modeling apparatus 10 of this example will be described in more detail below.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining scanning in the stacking direction performed in the modeling apparatus 10 of the present example. The scanning in the stacking direction performed in this example is the same as or similar to the operation in the conventional configuration described with reference to, for example, FIG. 3 except for the points described below.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the main scanning operation is performed only in one direction in the main scanning direction, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 3A. More specifically, in this case, of the reciprocal movement of the ink jet head in the main scanning direction, the ink droplets are ejected only in the return path to perform the main scanning operation. In the forward pass, only movement is performed without discharging ink droplets. At the same time as the main scanning operation (one pass recording to four pass recording) each time, flattening is performed by the flattening roller unit 222 (see FIG. 1).

  Thereby, in the main scanning operation, the main scanning drive unit 14 moves the ink jet head in at least one direction in the main scanning direction. Further, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the main scanning operation of moving the ink jet head in one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling. In addition, the flattening roller 302 in the flattening roller unit 222 moves with the ink jet head in this one-direction main scanning operation to flatten the ink layer. In addition, each time a layer of one ink is formed, the stacking direction drive unit 20 lowers the forming table 16 by the thickness of the layer of the ink. As a result, the stacking direction drive unit 20 controls the head-to-stand distance, which is the distance between the ink jet head and the forming stage 16 in the discharge unit 12, compared to before the start of the formation of the one ink layer. Increase by the thickness of.

  On the other hand, the setting of the height of the molding table 16 at the time of the main scanning operation is different from the case described with reference to FIG. More specifically, in this case, in the operation of forming one ink layer, every time the main scanning operation is performed a preset number of times without making the height of the molding table 16 at the main scanning operation the same. An operation (operation between steps) is performed to lower the modeling table 16 slightly. Further, as a result, in each of a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction performed in the operation of forming one ink layer, the main head distance between head stands at the time of the main scanning operation to be performed later is performed first. Make the head-to-stand distance in scanning operation larger. That is, in the present embodiment, while the main scanning operation is performed a plurality of times to form one ink layer, the head-to-stand distance is gradually changed by providing a step.

  Further, in this case, it is preferable to make the moving amount in the case of slightly lowering the modeling table 16 smaller than the thickness of one ink layer. That is, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 is smaller than the thickness of the ink layer in the head-to-stand distance with respect to a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction performed in the operation of forming one ink layer. Preferably, they differ from one another by a distance. More specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 5A, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 sets the head-to-stand distance at the next main scanning operation to 2 .mu.m each time one main scanning operation is performed. Set only larger. According to this structure, it is possible to appropriately change the distance between the head and the head by gradually changing the distance. In addition, for example, the head-to-stand distance can be changed more appropriately within the range in which flattening can be performed.

  When the configuration of this example is considered more general, for example, the main scanning operation for flattening can be considered as a configuration in which the position of the molding table 16 at least at the time of the continuous main scanning operation is made different. . Further, in the present embodiment, at the time of the operation of returning the ink jet head without discharging the ink droplet (the timing shown as the carriage return in the drawing), the ink jet head is the same as the case described using FIG. The ink jet head is moved in a state in which the distance between the lens and the forming table 16 is greatly increased (a state of escape upon return). In this case, it is conceivable that the distance of return clearance is, for example, about 150 μm. In addition, after the formation of one ink layer is completed, the forming table 16 is lowered by the thickness (for example, 25 μm) of the one ink layer, and the head stand interval is adjusted according to the operation of forming the next ink layer. Adjust the distance. Also, in this case, lowering the modeling table 16 by the thickness of one ink layer means, for example, when performing the first main scanning operation (one pass recording) performed at the time of formation of each layer as shown in the figure. The height of the forming table 16 is changed by the thickness of one ink layer.

  In such a configuration, for example, the head-to-stand distance in the main scanning operation for forming one ink layer can be gradually increased, for example, each time the main scanning operation is performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, in the flattening operation, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ink dots formed in the previous main scanning operation from coming into contact with the flattening roller 302. Moreover, for example, generation | occurrence | production of an excess refuse etc. can be prevented and planarization can be performed more appropriately.

  The amount of change in head-to-stand distance that is changed each time the main scanning operation is performed is not limited to 2 μm, and is preferably set appropriately according to the required accuracy, the configuration of the apparatus, and the like. The amount of change is preferably set in accordance with, for example, the thickness of one layer of ink, the type of ink used for simultaneously forming layers in one layer, and the like. Also, in order to prevent contact between the flattening roller 302 and the hardened ink dots and to properly flatten, for example, the amount of change in the head-to-stand distance that is changed each time the main scanning operation is performed: It is preferable to set it as about 0.5-5 micrometers.

  In addition, the operation of widening the head-to-stand distance need not necessarily be performed each time the main scanning operation is performed each time. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to increase the distance between the head and the head each time the preset main scanning operation is performed. For example, with regard to at least some of the plurality of main scanning operations among the plurality of main scanning operations that perform planarization, the distance between head platforms at the time of main scanning operation performed later is larger than the distance between head platforms that performs first It is possible to do. More specifically, for example, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 5A, in the case where the number of passes is four, after performing the second main scanning operation (two-pass printing) Only the head-to-stand distance may be changed. In this case, the head-to-stand distance is made the same at the first and second main scanning operations. In the third and fourth main scanning operations, the head-to-stand distance is the same. In this case, the distance between the head and the head is preferably, for example, about 5 μm.

  Moreover, also in the modeling apparatus 10 of this example, it is also conceivable to carry out the direction of the main scanning operation not only in one direction in the main scanning direction but in both directions of the forward path and the backward path. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the scanning in the stacking direction or the like is performed in accordance with the direction in which the main scanning operation is performed.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing another example of scanning in the stacking direction, and shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction in the case of performing a bi-directional main scanning operation. The scanning in the stacking direction shown in FIG. 5 (b) has been described using the scanning in the stacking direction shown in FIG. 5 (a) or FIG. 3 etc., except for the points described below. It is the same as or similar to the operation in the conventional configuration.

  In this case, the setting of the height of the molding table 16 at the time of the main scanning operation is different from the case described with reference to FIG. More specifically, in this case, in the operation of forming one ink layer, a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction (for example, a main scanning operation corresponding to one pass printing and three pass printing in the figure) The height of the forming table 16 is not the same, and the forming table 16 is slightly lowered each time the main scanning operation is performed. In this case, the plurality of main scanning operations in one direction are, for example, main scanning operations in which flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302 of the flattening roller unit 222. Also in this case, for the multiple main scanning operations in the other direction (for example, main scanning operations corresponding to 2-pass printing and 4-pass printing in the figure), the forming table 16 is provided for the return clearance. In the lowered state, the main scanning operation may be performed at the same height.

  When configured in this way, for example, by performing the main scanning operation in both directions, modeling of a three-dimensional object can be performed at higher speed. In addition, also in this configuration, the distance between the head and base in the main scanning operation in one direction for forming a layer of ink can be gradually increased, for example, each time the main scanning operation is performed. . Therefore, with this configuration, for example, in the flattening operation, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ink dots formed in the previous main scanning operation from coming into contact with the flattening roller 302. This also allows the layer of ink to be properly and sufficiently planarized. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the configuration and control of the shaping apparatus 10 can be appropriately simplified by setting the head-to-stand distance to the same distance without performing flattening in the main scanning operation in the other direction. .

  Subsequently, the operation of forming one ink layer in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the operation of forming one ink layer, and more specifically, the plurality of main scanning operations described with reference to FIG. 5A and the operation of flattening and the like. Give an explanation.

  6 (a) to 6 (d) relate to the operation of forming the (n + 1) th layer, and simplify the state of the first to fourth main scanning operations (1-pass printing to 4-pass printing) performed at the same position. Show. FIG. 6A shows an example of the first main scanning operation (1-pass printing).

  At the time of the first main scanning operation, with the height of the forming table 16 being adjusted to the height at which the (n + 1) th layer is to be formed, the ink Form a dot. Further, before curing the formed ink dots, flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302. After flattening, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to cure the ink dots.

  After that, the molding table 16 is lowered by 2 μm, and the second main scanning operation (two-pass recording) is performed. FIG. 6B shows an example of the second main scanning operation (two-pass printing). In the second main scanning operation, ink dots are further formed in the vicinity of the ink dots hardened after flattening in the first main scanning operation on the already formed n-th layer. Further, before curing the formed ink dots, flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302. After flattening, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to cure the ink dots.

  Then, the modeling table 16 is further lowered by 2 μm, and the third main scanning operation (three-pass recording) is performed. FIG. 6C shows an example of the third main scanning operation (three-pass printing). In the third main scanning operation, ink dots are further added in the vicinity of the ink dots cured after flattening in the first and second main scanning operations on the already formed n-th layer. Form. Further, before curing the formed ink dots, flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302. After flattening, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to cure the ink dots.

  After that, the molding table 16 is further lowered by 2 μm, and the fourth main scanning operation (four-pass recording) is performed. FIG. 6D shows an example of the fourth main scanning operation (4-pass printing). In the fourth main scanning operation, ink dots are further formed in the vicinity of the ink dots cured after flattening in the first to third main scanning operations on the already formed n-th layer Do. Further, before curing the formed ink dots, flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302. After flattening, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to cure the ink dots.

  According to the above configuration, as described in connection with FIG. 5, for example, in the flattening operation, ink dots formed in the previous main scanning operation come into contact with the flattening roller 302. Can be properly prevented. Moreover, for example, generation | occurrence | production of an excess refuse etc. can be prevented and planarization can be performed more appropriately.

  Further, in this case, by preventing the generation of waste and the like, it is possible to appropriately prevent the adhesion of the ink to each part or the like of the flattening roller unit 222. More specifically, for example, in the case of a configuration in which the ink scraped up by the flattening roller 302 is removed by the blade 304 as in this example, the adhesion of the ink to the flattening roller 302, the blade 304, etc. is more appropriately prevented be able to. Moreover, for example, the flow of excess ink collected by planarization can be made better, and the processing of the ink can be stabilized. In addition, clogging and the like in the ink recovery path can be appropriately prevented.

  Further, in this case, by preventing the contact between the hardened ink dot and the flattening roller 302, it is possible to appropriately prevent, for example, the occurrence of excessive vibration or the like in the flattening roller 302. In addition, this can appropriately prevent the formation of unintended unevenness and the like on the surface of the ink layer.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, in the main scanning operation for a plurality of times for flattening, the distance between the head and the head is increased each time the main scanning operation is performed, thereby appropriately performing the flattening while multipassing. It is possible to perform modeling in a suitable manner. Moreover, thereby, for example, a three-dimensional object can be modeled more appropriately with high accuracy.

  In this case, for example, the surface of a three-dimensional object to be formed can be smoothed by gradually changing the head-to-stand distance for each main scanning operation. More specifically, for example, even in the case where the surface of a three-dimensional object has a gentle slope or the like, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a level difference or the like in the shape of a contour, and perform modeling with a smooth surface more appropriately.

  Here, when the ink layer is formed according to the configuration of this example, it is considered that the ink dots constituting the ink layer will be different from those formed by the conventional method. Therefore, this point is also briefly described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the state of ink dots formed in this example. Note that in FIG. 7, regarding ink dots formed in each main scanning operation, ink dots formed in each main scanning operation in the diagram for explaining 1 pass printing to 4 pass printing in FIG. 6 and The same shaded pattern is shown.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of the state of ink dots when the ink layer is formed by the conventional method. The case where the ink layer is formed by the conventional method is, for example, the case where the ink layer is formed without performing the operation of lowering the modeling table 16 every time the main scanning operation is performed.

  In this case, at the time of formation of one ink layer, the height of the forming table 16 in the main scanning operation for flattening is constant. Therefore, in this case, the ink dots formed in each main scanning operation are flattened at the same height. In addition, as a result, there is no difference in the height of ink dots after curing depending on which main scanning operation is used.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of the ink dot state when the ink layer is formed in the configuration of this example. Further, in FIG. 7B, the ink layer is formed by the method described using FIG. 5A and FIG. 6 as an example of the state of the dots when the ink layer is formed in the configuration of this example. The example of the state of the dot at the time of forming is shown.

  In this case, since the forming table 16 is lowered every time the main scanning operation is performed, the height of the forming table 16 at the time of the main scanning operation to perform planarization is different for each main scanning operation. Therefore, ink dots formed in each main scanning operation are flattened at different heights. Further, as a result, as shown in the drawing, a difference occurs in the height of the ink dot after curing depending on which main scanning operation is used. Therefore, when the ink layer is formed according to the configuration of the present example, it is considered that the state of the ink dots will be different from that formed by the conventional method.

  The manner of contact between ink dots formed in each main scanning operation and the flattening roller 302 in the flattening roller unit 222 is considered to be different depending on the specific configuration of the apparatus. For example, when the number of passes is about 4 passes, depending on the configuration of the apparatus, among the 4 main scanning operations performed at the same position, only the dots of the ink formed in the second half main scanning operations are generally flat. The case where it contacts with the developing roller 302 etc. can be considered. Further, it is also conceivable that only the ink dots formed in the last main scanning operation contact the flattening roller 302 among the plurality of main scanning operations performed for the same position. Therefore, according to the specific configuration of the apparatus, the specific dot shape is considered to be variously changed, not limited to the illustrated case.

  Subsequently, the specific configuration of the flattening roller unit 222 will be described in more detail. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, in the present example, the flattening roller unit 222 includes the flattening roller 302, the blade 304, and the ink collection unit 306. Also, in this case, the flattening roller 302 is, for example, a roller that scrapes off the uncured ink, and removes part of the uncured ink by contacting with the surface of the ink layer during the main scanning operation. And flatten the layer of ink. Thereby, the flattening roller 302 flattens the surface of the ink in the operation of forming a layer of ink. Further, in this case, to flatten the ink layer may be, for example, to remove the ink in a portion exceeding the thickness preset as the thickness of one ink layer.

  Further, in the more specific configuration of the flattening roller unit 222, it is conceivable to further use a configuration other than the above. FIG. 8 shows an example of a more specific configuration of the flattening roller unit 222. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8A shows an example of the configuration of the flattening roller unit 222.

  In FIG. 8A, the left side is a cross-sectional view of the flattening roller unit 222. Also, the figure on the right side is a perspective view of the flattening roller unit 222. Further, in FIG. 8A, in the case where the nth ink layer is formed on the hardened n−1th layer, the state of flattening the uncured ink layer is simplified. Show.

  In the case shown in FIG. 8A, the flattening roller unit 222 further includes a suction unit 308 in addition to the flattening roller 302, the blade 304, and the ink recovery unit 306. The suction unit 308 is configured to suction the ink removed by the flattening roller 302, and moves the ink collected by the ink collection unit 306 to the waste ink tank 312 by being suctioned by the pump 310, for example. . In this case, the pump 310 releases the air drawn from the waste ink tank 312, for example. Further, air suction (air suction) is performed through the waste ink tank 312 and the suction unit 308, and the ink is moved to the waste ink tank 312 together with the air. Also, the pump 310 and the waste ink tank 312 may be disposed outside the discharge unit 12 (see FIG. 1). With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ink removed by the flattening roller 302 from excessively accumulating in the flattening roller unit 222. In addition, this makes it possible to more appropriately perform planarization, for example, even when modeling is performed continuously for a long time.

  FIG. 8 (b) shows another example of the configuration of the flattening roller unit 222. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 8 (a) in FIG.8 (b) except the point demonstrated below is the same as that of the structure in FIG. 8 (a), or same. Also in FIG. 8 (b), as in FIG. 8 (a), a cross-sectional view and a perspective view are shown.

  In the case shown in FIG. 8 (b), the flattening roller unit 222 has more suction parts 308 than in the case shown in FIG. 8 (a). Further, the suction unit 308 added to the configuration of FIG. 8A is, for example, an ink on the blade 304 before the ink scraped up by the flattening roller 302 reaches the ink collection unit 306. Suction. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the ink removed by the flattening roller 302 from excessively accumulating in the flattening roller unit 222.

  FIG. 8C shows still another example of the configuration of the flattening roller unit 222. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 8 (a) in FIG.8 (c) except the point demonstrated below is the same as that of the structure in FIG. 8 (a), or same. Moreover, also in FIG. 8C, as in FIG. 8A, a cross-sectional view and a perspective view are shown.

  In the case shown in FIG. 8C, the flattening roller unit 222 further includes a pressurized air discharge portion 314 as compared with the case shown in FIG. 8A. The pressurized air discharge unit 314 sprays pressurized air on the ink scraped up by the flattening roller 302, and for example, before the ink scraped up by the flattening roller 302 reaches the ink recovery unit 306, for example, The ink is blown with air on the blade 304. Further, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to blow air so as to move to the ink collection unit 306 for the ink that has been peeled off from the flattening roller 302 by the blade 304. Further, in this case, the pump 310 sends the air sucked from the waste ink tank 312 to the pressurized air discharge unit 314. Thus, the pressurized air discharge unit 314 sprays pressurized air (pressurized air) to the ink. Further, air suction (air suction) is performed via the waste ink tank 312 and the suction unit 308, and the ink is moved to the waste ink tank 312 together with the air. According to this configuration, for example, the ink can be more appropriately prevented from accumulating on the blade 304. Moreover, for example, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the ink removed by the flattening roller 302 from excessively accumulating in the flattening roller unit 222.

  Then, the modification of composition and operation of modeling device 10 is explained. In the above, mainly, the configuration in which flattening is performed only in the main scanning operation in one direction is described. For example, in the configuration described with reference to FIG. 5A, only the main scanning operation in one direction is performed, and flattening is performed during the main scanning operation.

  Further, in the configuration described with reference to FIG. 5B, bi-directional main scanning operation is performed, and of these, flattening is performed only during main scanning operation in one direction. More specifically, in this case, the main scanning drive unit 14 (see FIG. 1) in the modeling apparatus 10 causes the inkjet head in the ejection unit 12 (see FIG. 1) to perform main scanning operation in one direction in the main scanning direction. The main scanning operation in the other direction in the main scanning direction is performed. In addition, the flattening roller 302 (see FIG. 1) in the flattening roller unit 222 flattens the ink layer only during the main scanning operation in one of the one and the other main scanning operations. Furthermore, in this case, the stacking direction drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1) gradually increases the distance between the head and the head each time the main scanning operation in one direction is performed in the operation of forming one ink layer. . In addition, the head-to-stand distance is set to the same distance in each of a plurality of main scanning operations in the other direction.

  However, in a modification of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10, for example, bi-directional main scanning operation is performed, and flat not only in the main scanning operation in one direction but also in the main scanning operation in the other direction. May be carried out. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a modification of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9A shows an example of the operation in the case where the flattening is performed at the time of the main scanning operation in one direction and the other direction. FIG. 9B shows an example of the configuration of the discharge unit 12 used in this case. The operation shown in FIG. 9 is the same as or similar to the operation described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 except for the points described below.

  In this case, regardless of the direction in which the inkjet head is moved during the main scanning operation, it is conceivable to lower the modeling table 16 (see FIG. 1) each time the main scanning operation is performed and gradually increase the distance between the head and the table. For example, in the illustrated case, when forming a layer of ink having a thickness of 25 μm as one layer, an example is shown in which the forming table 16 is lowered by 2 μm each time the main scanning operation is performed.

  Also, in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, using the discharge unit 12 having the flattening roller unit 222 on one side and the other side in the main scanning direction, flattening on the back side during the main scanning operation It is conceivable that the flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302 (see FIG. 1) of the roller unit 222. That is, in this case, the main scan drive unit 14 (see FIG. 1) causes the ink jet head to perform the main scan operation in one direction in the main scan direction and the main scan operation in the other direction in the main scan direction. Further, in this case, the discharge unit 12 in the shaping apparatus 10 serves as a flattening means, a first flattening roller 302 for flattening the ink layer during the main scanning operation in one direction, and the main scanning in the other direction. And a second planarizing roller 302 that planarizes the layer of ink during operation.

  More specifically, in this case, the discharge unit 12 is compared with the discharge unit 12 shown in FIG. 1B, with an ultraviolet light source 220 denoted by reference numeral UV1, an array of inkjet heads (heads 210 for support material, etc.) In the meantime, the flattening roller unit 222 is further included. Also, in this case, the flattening roller 302 in each of the two flattening roller units 222 rotates in the opposite direction. For example, among the two flattening roller units 222, the flattening roller 302 in the flattening roller unit 222 disposed on the right side in the figure rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure. Further, the flattening roller 302 in the flattening roller unit 222 disposed on the left side in the drawing rotates in a counterclockwise direction in the drawing.

  Further, in this case, in the main scanning operation of moving the discharge unit 12 from the left side to the right side in FIG. Further, in the main scanning operation of moving the discharge unit 12 from the right side to the left side in the drawing, the flattening is performed by the flattening roller unit 222 on the right side. Therefore, in this case, the discharge unit 12 preferably further has a mechanism that enables only one flattening roller unit 222 according to the direction of the main scanning operation. Further, as such a mechanism, for example, a configuration in which only the flattening roller unit 222 to be validated is selected and lowered while holding the flattening roller unit 222 so as to be movable in the Z direction can be considered.

  Further, in this case, the stacking direction drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1) is a head stand at the time of the main scanning operation to be performed later in each of a plurality of main scanning operations performed in the operation of forming one ink layer. The distance between them is made larger than the distance between the head and base at the time of the main scanning operation to be performed first. Further, as a result, the head-to-stand distance is gradually increased each time the main scanning operation is performed not only for the main scanning operation for one direction but also for the main scanning operation for the other direction.

  Also in such a configuration, by performing the main scanning operation in both directions, modeling of a three-dimensional object can be performed at higher speed. Further, in this case, by using the plurality of flattening rollers 302 in accordance with the direction of the main scanning operation, it is possible to appropriately perform flattening in any direction of the main scanning operation.

  Furthermore, by gradually increasing the head-to-stand distance each time the main scanning operation is performed, for example, the ink dots formed during the previous main scanning operation are appropriately prevented from coming into contact with the flattening roller 302. Can. Moreover, for example, generation | occurrence | production of an excess refuse etc. can be prevented and planarization can be performed more appropriately.

  Subsequently, a modified example of the operation of the multipass method will be described. In the above, as an example of the operation of the multipass method, the large pitch pass method which is a method of setting the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation to a predetermined pass width has mainly been described. However, it is also conceivable to use a method other than the large pitch path method as the operation of the multipath method.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams for explaining various methods for performing the multi-pass operation, and the resolution of 600 dpi is assumed with the number of passes being 4 using the inkjet head 200 having a nozzle array resolution of 150 dpi. Shows an example of the operation in the case of forming the layer of ink. The configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10 are the same as or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 except for the points described below. For example, in each operation described below, as in the case described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, it is preferable to increase the distance between the head and the head each time the main scanning operation is performed a preset number of times. . In this case, for example, it is preferable to increase the head-stand distance by a predetermined distance each time the main scanning operation for flattening is performed once.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of the configuration of an inkjet head 200 used for modeling. In the illustrated configuration, the inkjet head 200 has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the nozzle row direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. Further, the plurality of nozzles are arranged at a fixed interval (nozzle pitch P) of 1/150 inch. Therefore, the length of the nozzle array is (total number of nozzles-1) x 1/150 inch.

  FIG. 10B is a view showing an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the large pitch pass multipass method. As described above, in the large pitch pass method, for example, when the number of passes is n, 1 / n (= Lh / n) of the nozzle row length Lh for the feed amount in the sub scanning operation. It is a method to make it). Further, in FIG. 10B, a case where the number of paths is four is illustrated. Therefore, in this case, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is 1⁄4 (= Lh / 4) of the length Lh of the nozzle row

  Further, in this figure, the circled numbers next to the respective regions obtained by dividing the nozzle row of the inkjet head 200 into four equal numbers are numbers for distinguishing the respective regions in the nozzle row. Further, the figure shown on the right side of the inkjet head 200 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of repeating the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation, and the first main scanning operation (first pass) to the Nth main scanning operation The Nth pass) shows the relationship between each area of the three-dimensional object being formed and the area in the nozzle array that discharges ink droplets to the area. In this case, the region in the nozzle row is a region distinguished by the above circled numbers. Further, the description described on the upper side of the drawing shows the operation performed at and before and after each main scanning operation. Further, on the right side of the drawing, the relationship between the number of times the main scanning operation has been performed and the length of the region in which the formation of the ink layer has been completed is shown as the complete column length.

  By performing the operation as illustrated, the ink layer can be appropriately formed by the large pitch pass multipass method. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately shaped by laminating and forming a plurality of layers.

  FIG. 11A is a view showing an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the small pitch pass multipass method. The small pitch pass method is, for example, a method in which when the number of passes is n, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is smaller than 1 / n (= Lh / n) of the nozzle row length Lh. Also, in the small pitch pass method, the main scanning operation does not form a single ink layer with a constant sub scanning movement feed rate as in the large pitch path method, but performs a main scanning operation with the sub scanning movement of a smaller feeding amount. Can be said to be an operation of forming one ink layer by repeating the operation of performing the predetermined number of passes and the sub-scanning operation at a predetermined feed amount corresponding to the length of the nozzle array. Further, in FIG. 11A, more specifically, the feed amount in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation with a smaller feed amount is smaller than the nozzle pitch P and is an integral multiple of P / n. An example is shown.

  Also, in this figure, symbols such as circled numbers and letters of the description indicate the same or similar items as FIG. 10 (b). By performing the operation as illustrated, the ink layer can be appropriately formed by the small pitch pass multipass method. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately shaped by laminating and forming a plurality of layers. Also, in this case, as can be understood from the comparison of the complete row length, it is possible to form the ink layer with a smaller number of main scanning operations, for example, as compared with the case of forming by the large pitch path method. In addition, for example, the modeling speed can be further increased.

  Here, in the case where the small pitch pass method is more generalized and illustrated, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) makes it possible to set the nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction every time the preset number of main scanning operations are performed. It can be said that the inkjet head is moved in the sub-scanning direction relative to the modeling table 16 by the sub-scanning direction moving distance which is a distance smaller than the width obtained by dividing the length by the number of passes. Further, in this case, the sub scanning direction movement distance is an integer multiple of the nozzle pitch sub scanning direction component, which is the distance in the sub scanning direction between adjacent nozzles in the nozzle array, and the distance less than the nozzle pitch sub scanning direction component. It can be said that it is the added distance. The integer multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component is, for example, the product of the nozzle pitch sub-scanning direction component and an integer of 0 or more. According to this structure, for example, with regard to the resolution in the sub scanning direction, it is possible to appropriately realize a corresponding high resolution of a distance smaller than the nozzle pitch sub scanning direction component.

  Further, in FIG. 11A, as an example of the operation of the small pitch pass method, in the case where the width (length in the sub scanning direction) of the three-dimensional object to be formed is larger than the length (Lh) of the nozzle row, It is illustrated. Therefore, in this case, every time the main scanning operation is performed four times, the sub scanning operation is performed in which the distance equal to the length Lh of the nozzle array is the feed amount. Further, in the case of more generalization, for example, after performing the main scanning operation for the number of passes for the region for the length Lh of the nozzle row, the sub-scanning for the distance corresponding to the length Lh of the nozzle row It can be said that the inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the modeling table 16 in the direction. Further, in this case, after the movement of the inkjet head 200, the main scanning operation for the number of passes is further performed. If constituted in this way, modeling of a solid thing can be appropriately performed, for example, also when a size of a solid thing is large.

  However, for example, when the width of the three-dimensional object is smaller than the length Lh of the nozzle row, ink droplets are simultaneously ejected from the nozzle row over the entire width of the three-dimensional object without performing such a large distance sub-scanning operation. It is also conceivable. According to this structure, for example, multi-pass shaping can be appropriately performed as in the case of using a line-type inkjet head. Moreover, thereby, modeling of a three-dimensional object can be performed more rapidly, for example.

  FIG. 11B is a view showing an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the multipass method of the whole surface sequential pass method. The whole surface sequential pass method is, for example, a method in which the same main scanning operation is sequentially performed on the entire surface of the ink layer. Further, in this case, the same main scanning operation is, for example, the same main scanning operation among main scanning performed a plurality of times with respect to the same position in the operation of forming one ink layer. .

  Also, in this figure, symbols such as circled numbers and letters of the description indicate the same or similar items as FIG. 10 (b). By performing the operation as illustrated, the ink layer can be appropriately formed by the multipass method of the whole surface sequential pass method. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately shaped by laminating and forming a plurality of layers. Also, in this case, as can be understood from the comparison of the complete row length, it is possible to form the ink layer with a smaller number of main scanning operations, for example, as compared with the case of forming by the large pitch path method. In addition, for example, the modeling speed can be further increased.

  Here, in the case where the entire-area sequential pass method is more generalized, for example, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 It can be said that the operation is to move the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction relative to the modeling table 16 by the distance of the length of the nozzle array in the scanning direction. Also, in this case, for example, after performing the first main scanning operation on the entire area where one ink layer is to be formed, the second main scanning of the ink jet head 200 is performed for each position of the ink layer. Perform a scanning operation.

  Further, in this case, the distance for moving the inkjet head 200 in the sub scanning direction in the sub scanning operation is, for example, a distance equal to the length of the nozzle row in the sub scanning direction. When the number of passes is three or more, the third and subsequent main scanning operations are performed, for example, after the previous main scanning operation has been performed on the entire ink layer. If comprised in this way, modeling by the whole surface sequential pass system can be performed more appropriately.

  Also, in the above description, the case where the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is one direction has been mainly described. In this case, the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 in the sub scanning operation is, for example, a direction in which the inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the modeling table 16. However, in a further modification of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10, it is conceivable that the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is also bidirectional in one direction and the other direction.

  FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for describing further modified examples of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12A shows an example of the configuration of an inkjet head 200 used in the operation described below and the configuration of a three-dimensional object 50 to be formed. The inkjet head 200 may be, for example, the same or similar inkjet head as the inkjet head used in each configuration described with reference to FIGS.

  Further, in the illustrated case, the length Lh of the nozzle array in the inkjet head 200 is 64 mm. Therefore, when the number of passes is four, the length (Lh / 4) obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle array by the number of passes is 16 mm. Further, the three-dimensional object 50 to be formed in the illustrated case is an inverted cup-shaped three-dimensional object, and is formed on the forming table 16 with the portion to be the opening facing downward. Also, in this case, a support layer is formed in the area inside the cup. Further, in this case, the position shown as the cross section A is a position corresponding to the shaped cross section shown in FIG. 12 (b), FIG. 13 (a) and FIG. 13 (b). Further, this shaped cross section is a circular shape having a diameter of 120 mm. 12 (b), 13 (a), and 13 (b) are diagrams showing an example of the operation when the direction of movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning operation is bi-directional, and is a large pitch path method. The direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation performed after each main scanning operation is shown for the case where the ink layer is formed in each of the small pitch path method and the entire surface sequential path method.

  More specifically, for example, in FIG. 12B, with respect to the operation in the large pitch path method, the operation for forming two successive ink layers, the 1 to 11th main forming the respective ink layers The direction of the sub-scanning operation performed between the scanning operations is indicated by a numbered arrow. Further, in this case, as the operation of forming each ink layer, the main scanning operation is performed a plurality of times by combining the end of the modeling data for controlling the modeling and the start position of the main scanning operation.

  For example, at the time of formation of one ink layer, the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation is set to one direction (forward direction), and the same as in the case described using FIG. Similarly, a layer of ink is formed. For example, in the illustrated case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the left end of the formation data. Then, each time the main scanning operation is performed each time, the inkjet head 200 is moved in one direction (right side in the drawing) in the sub scanning direction by 16 mm which is a distance obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle array by the number of passes. Similarly, the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation are repeated, and the main scanning operation is performed 11 times to complete the first ink layer.

  After that, the moving direction of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the sub scanning operation is set to the other direction (returning direction), and the ink layer is made the same as or similar to the case described using FIG. Form. In this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the right end of the formation data. Also in this case, the inkjet head 200 is moved to the other direction (left side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 16 mm each time the main scanning operation is performed each time. Also, as a result, by performing, for example, 11 main scanning operations, the second ink layer is completed.

  Here, even when the sub-scanning operation is performed in both directions, it is preferable to change the head-to-stand distance in the same manner as in the case described with reference to FIGS. In this case, it is preferable to change the distance between the head and the head in accordance with the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation. According to this structure, for example, even when the sub-scanning operation is performed in both directions, contact between the hardened ink dots and the flattening roller 302 (see FIG. 1) can be appropriately prevented.

  Further, when the operation of performing the sub-scanning operation in two directions is more generalized, one of the operations of the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) in the sub-scanning direction following a part of the main scanning operation. The inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the forming table 16 in the direction of and, relative to the forming table 16 in the other direction in the sub-scanning direction, following at least some other main scanning operations. It can be said that the operation of moving the inkjet head 200 is performed. According to this structure, for example, by performing the sub-scanning operation in both directions, modeling of the three-dimensional object 50 can be performed at higher speed.

  The operation described with reference to FIG. 12B can also be said to be an operation in which the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is reversed for each ink layer, for example. In this case, the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is set to be opposite between two successive ink layers. In addition, when the setting of the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation is more generalized and shown, the sub-scanning may be performed at the time of formation of a part of the plurality of ink layers stacked. The direction of movement of the ink jet head 200 during operation is set to one direction, and the direction of movement of the ink jet head 200 during sub scanning operation is set to the other direction during formation of another ink layer. It can be said that.

  Further, in FIG. 13A, with regard to the operation in the small pitch pass method, the numbers for the direction of the sub-scanning operation performed between main scanning operations for the number of passes (4 times) consecutively performed on the same area It shows with the arrow which attached the. In this case, when forming a layer of one ink, the movement direction of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation is set to one direction (forward direction), and the same as in the case described using FIG. Similarly, a layer of ink is formed. Also in this case, the formation of each ink layer is performed by combining the end of the modeling data for controlling modeling with the start position of the main scanning operation.

  More specifically, in this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the left end of the formation data, and four main scanning operations corresponding to the number of passes are performed with a small pitch sub-scanning operation interposed therebetween. Thereafter, the inkjet head 200 is moved in one direction (right side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 64 mm of the length of the nozzle array. Further, in the illustrated case, by repeating such an operation twice, it is possible to form the ink layer in the range of 128 mm which is a region twice the length of the nozzle row. Therefore, in this case, by performing the above operation twice, the first ink layer is completed.

  After that, the moving direction of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the sub scanning operation is set to the other direction (returning direction), and the ink layer is made the same as or similar to the case described using FIG. Form. In this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the right end of the formation data.

  More specifically, in this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the right end of the formation data, and four main scanning operations corresponding to the number of passes are performed with a small pitch sub scanning operation interposed therebetween. Thereafter, the inkjet head 200 is moved in the other direction (left side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 64 mm corresponding to the length of the nozzle array. Also in this case, the second ink layer is completed by performing the above operation twice as in the first layer. In the points other than the above, the operation shown in FIG. 13 (a) may be performed the same as or similar to the operation shown in FIG. 12 (b).

  Further, in FIG. 13B, regarding the operation in the whole surface sequential pass method, the direction of the sub-scanning operation performed between main scanning operations for the number of passes (four times) consecutively performed on the same area; It is indicated by an arrow with a number. Further, in this case, the movement direction of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the sub scanning operation is changed not only for each ink layer but each time the same main scanning operation is performed on the entire surface (for each pass). Also in this case, the formation of each ink layer is performed by combining the end of the modeling data for controlling modeling with the start position of the main scanning operation.

  More specifically, in this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the left end of the formation data, and it is the first time for the entire surface of the ink layer in the same or similar manner as described with reference to FIG. The main scan operation (first pass) of Further, in this case, the inkjet head 200 is moved in one direction (right side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 64 mm of the length of the nozzle array each time one main scanning operation is performed. Further, in the case shown in the drawing, by repeating this operation twice, the first main scanning operation can be performed on a range of 128 mm which is an area twice a length of the nozzle array. Also, as a result, the first main scanning operation is completed on the entire surface of the ink layer.

  After that, the moving direction of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation is set to the other direction (returning direction), and the second main scanning operation (the second pass) is performed on the entire surface of the ink layer. In this case, each operation may be performed in the same or similar manner as the first pass except for the moving direction of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation. Thus, the second main scanning operation is completed on the entire surface of the ink layer.

  After that, the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation is sequentially reversed, and the same or similar operation as the first pass and the second pass is performed. Also, as a result, the third and fourth main scanning operations (the third and fourth pass operations) are completed on the entire surface of the ink layer. In the points other than the above, the operation shown in FIG. 13 (b) may be performed the same as or similar to the operation shown in FIG. 12 (b) and FIG. 13 (a).

  If configured as described above, for example, in the case of forming the ink layer in each of the large pitch pass method, the small pitch pass method, and the entire surface sequential pass method, the bidirectional sub-scanning operation can be appropriately performed. Moreover, thereby, modeling of the three-dimensional object 50 can be performed more rapidly and appropriately.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be added to the above embodiment. It is also apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a modeling apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... modeling apparatus, 12 ... discharge unit, 14 ... main scanning drive part, 16 ... modeling stand, 18 ... subscanning drive part, 20 ... lamination direction driving part, 22 · · · Control unit, 50 · · · solid body 102 · · · · · · · · Carriage, 104 · · · guide rail, 200 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ink head, 202 colored ink head, 204 head for molding material 206: head for white ink, 208: head for clear ink, 210: head for support material, 220: ultraviolet light source, 222: flattening roller unit, 302: flattening roller , 304: blade, 306: ink recovery unit, 308: suction unit, 310: pump, 312: waste ink tank, 314: pressurized air discharge unit, 402: Arrow 404 · Area

Claims (12)

It is a modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method,
An inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method;
Planarizing means for planarizing a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head;
A table-shaped member for supporting the three-dimensional object being formed, and arranged at a position facing the inkjet head;
A first direction scan drive unit that causes the ink jet head to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a preset first direction while discharging ink droplets;
The inkjet head and the shaping are formed by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in a stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction in a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method. A stacking direction drive unit that changes a head-to-stand distance which is a distance between the base and the stand;
The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction,
The first direction scan driver may
Moving the inkjet head in at least one direction in the first direction in the first direction scan;
And, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, the first direction scan for moving the ink jet head to the one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling,
The flattening means moves with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in the one direction to flatten a layer of ink.
The stacking direction drive unit is
The head-to-stand distance is increased by a preset ink layer thickness each time the first ink layer is formed, as compared to before the start of the first ink layer formation,
And, in the first direction scan of at least some of the plurality of one direction performed during the operation of forming the one ink layer, the head-stand distance at the time of the first direction scan performed later And the distance between the head and the head at the time of the first direction scanning performed in advance.   For each of the at least some of the plurality of first direction scans, the stacking direction driving units may differ from each other by a distance smaller than the preset thickness of the ink layer with respect to the head-stand distance. The shaping apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:   The shaping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flattening unit is a roller that flattens the ink layer by contacting with the surface of the ink layer. A second direction scan drive unit is further provided to move the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the first direction scan driver for each position of the ink layer performs the first direction scan for the plurality of preset pass numbers as the inkjet head. Let's do it,
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the second direction scan drive unit is configured to set the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scan is performed a preset number of times. 4. The ink jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ink jet head is moved relative to the modeling table in the second direction by a pass width which is a width obtained by dividing the number of passes by the pass number. The modeling apparatus described. A second direction scan drive unit is further provided to move the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the first direction scan driver for each position of the ink layer performs the first direction scan for the plurality of preset pass numbers as the inkjet head. Let's do it,
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the second direction scan drive unit is configured to set the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scan is performed a preset number of times. Moving the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a second direction moving distance which is a distance smaller than a width obtained by dividing
The second direction movement distance is
A distance obtained by adding an integral multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component which is a distance in the second direction between the nozzles adjacent in the nozzle row and a distance less than the nozzle pitch second direction component The shaping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A second direction scan drive unit is further provided to move the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the first direction scan driver for each position of the ink layer performs the first direction scan for the plurality of preset pass numbers as the inkjet head. Let's do it,
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the second direction scan drive unit is configured to adjust the distance by the length of the nozzle row in the second direction each time the first direction scan is performed. Moving the ink jet head in the second direction relatively to the modeling table,
The first direction scan driver for each position of the ink layer after the first scan in the first direction is performed on the entire area where the one ink layer is to be formed. The shaping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the head is caused to perform the second scanning in the first direction. The first direction scan drive unit lines the first direction scan of the one direction in the first direction and the first direction scan of the other direction in the first direction to the inkjet head. Please,
The planarizing means planarizes the ink layer only during the first direction scan of the one direction among the first direction scans of the one direction and the other direction.
The stacking direction drive unit sets the head-to-stand distance to the same distance in each of the plurality of first direction scans in the other direction performed in the operation of forming the one ink layer. The shaping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first direction scan drive unit lines the first direction scan of the one direction in the first direction and the first direction scan of the other direction in the first direction to the inkjet head. Please,
As the flattening means,
First planarizing means for planarizing a layer of ink during said first direction scan of said one orientation;
A second said planarizing means for planarizing a layer of ink during said first direction scan of said other orientation;
The stacking direction drive unit performs at least a part of the plurality of times of the other direction of the other direction in the first direction scan performed during the operation of forming the one ink layer . The shaping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the head-stand distance is made larger than the head-stand distance at the time of the first direction scanning performed first. A second direction scan drive unit is further provided to move the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
The second direction scan driver may
Moving the ink jet head relative to the build table in one direction in the second direction, following a portion of the first direction scan;
And, following the first direction scan of at least another portion, the inkjet head is moved relative to the table in the other direction in the second direction. The modeling apparatus in any one of to 8. It is a modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method,
An inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method;
Planarizing means for planarizing a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head;
It is a stand-like member for supporting the three-dimensional object being shaped, and using a shaping table disposed at a position facing the ink jet head,
Causing the inkjet head to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a preset first direction while discharging ink droplets;
The inkjet head and the shaping are formed by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in a stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction in a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method. Varying the distance between the heads, which is the distance between the
The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction,
Moving the inkjet head in at least one direction in the first direction in the first direction scan;
And, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, the first direction scan for moving the ink jet head to the one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling,
The flattening means moves with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in the one direction to flatten a layer of ink.
The head-to-stand distance is increased by a preset ink layer thickness each time the first ink layer is formed, as compared to before the start of the first ink layer formation,
And, in the first direction scan of at least some of the plurality of one direction performed during the operation of forming the one ink layer, the head-stand distance at the time of the first direction scan performed later And the distance between the head and the table at the time of the first direction scanning performed in advance. It is a modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method,
An inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method;
Planarizing means for planarizing a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head;
A table-shaped member for supporting the three-dimensional object being formed, and arranged at a position facing the inkjet head;
A first direction scan drive unit that causes the ink jet head to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a preset first direction while discharging ink droplets;
The inkjet head and the shaping are formed by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in a stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction in a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method. A stacking direction drive unit that changes a head-to-stand distance which is a distance between the base and the stand;
The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction,
The first direction scan driver may
Moving the inkjet head in at least one direction in the first direction in the first direction scan;
And, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, the first direction scan for moving the ink jet head to the one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling,
The flattening means moves with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in the one direction to flatten a layer of ink.
The stacking direction drive unit is
The head-to-stand distance is increased by a preset ink layer thickness each time the first ink layer is formed, as compared to before the start of the first ink layer formation,
And, in the first direction scan of at least some of the plurality of one direction performed during the operation of forming the one ink layer, the head-stand distance at the time of the first direction scan performed later And the head-stand distance at the time of the first direction scanning performed earlier is made different. It is a modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method,
An inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method;
Planarizing means for planarizing a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head;
It is a stand-like member for supporting the three-dimensional object being shaped, and using a shaping table disposed at a position facing the ink jet head,
Causing the inkjet head to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a preset first direction while discharging ink droplets;
The inkjet head and the shaping are formed by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in a stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction in a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method. Varying the distance between the heads, which is the distance between the
The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction,
Moving the inkjet head in at least one direction in the first direction in the first direction scan;
And, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, the first direction scan for moving the ink jet head to the one direction is performed multiple times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object during modeling,
The flattening means moves with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in the one direction to flatten a layer of ink.
The head-to-stand distance is increased by a preset ink layer thickness each time the first ink layer is formed, as compared to before the start of the first ink layer formation,
And, in the first direction scan of at least some of the plurality of one direction performed during the operation of forming the one ink layer, the head-stand distance at the time of the first direction scan performed later And the head-to-stand distance at the time of the first direction scanning performed earlier.

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