JP6550281B2 - 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.

Internet URL http://www.mimaki.co.jp

  When forming a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method, it is necessary to form a large number of ink layers, which may require a lot of time for forming. However, in recent years, due to the spread of applications of 3D printers and the like, there is a demand for a configuration that enables modeling at higher speed. Then, an object of the present invention is to provide a modeling device and a modeling method which can solve the above-mentioned subject.

  In addition, when forming a three-dimensional object by the layered manufacturing method, in order to speed up the speed of modeling, for example, it is conceivable to speed up each operation (for example, the moving speed of the inkjet head) performed at the time of modeling. . However, in this case, usually, the accuracy of shaping decreases, and it becomes difficult to fabricate a three-dimensional object with high accuracy. Therefore, it is desirable to speed up the shaping speed in a more appropriate manner.

  The inventor of the present application has intensively conducted researches on methods capable of increasing the speed of formation. Then, focusing on the characteristics unique to the case of forming a three-dimensional object by the layered manufacturing method, the structure of the invention of the present application has been achieved, in which the forming speed can be further increased.

  More specifically, when a three-dimensional object is formed by the layered manufacturing method, the same or similar operation as that of a printing apparatus (2D printer) which prints a two-dimensional image is usually performed to form the respective ink layers. Then, in this case, for example, the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation by the ink jet head are repeated to form one ink layer.

  Here, in the case of printing a two-dimensional image, usually, it is sufficient to form only one ink layer, so the sub-scanning operation is performed by moving the medium or the inkjet head in a predetermined direction. Therefore, the direction in which the ink jet head is moved relative to the medium at the time of the sub scanning operation is usually fixed.

  On the other hand, in the case of forming a three-dimensional object, multiple layers of ink are formed in layers. Therefore, the inventor of the present application considered changing the direction of the relative movement of the ink jet head during the sub scanning operation, for example, for each ink layer. Further, depending on the specific operation of forming the ink layer, for example, changing the direction of relative movement of the ink jet head in the operation of forming one ink layer may be considered.

  Furthermore, the inventor of the present application is capable of appropriately forming a three-dimensional object even in the case where the relative movement of the ink jet head in the sub-scanning operation is made bidirectional as described above through specific experiments and the like. confirmed. In addition, based on these findings, as described below, the configuration of the invention was specified by generalization. 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, which is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets by an inkjet method, and a pedestal-like member that supports a three-dimensional object during modeling, and faces the inkjet head A first stage scan drive for causing the ink jet head to perform a first direction scan which moves relative to the model table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets and a block arranged at a position A second direction scan drive unit for moving the ink jet head relative to the molding table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method. The distance between the inkjet head and the forming table is changed by moving at least one of the forming table and the inkjet head in the stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. And a stacking direction drive unit for the first direction scan driver may carry out a plurality of times first direction scan of the ink jet head, the second direction scan driver may include one of a plurality of times in the first direction scan Following the first direction scanning of the part, moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction, and the part of the plurality of first direction scannings Following at least a portion of the first direction scan different from the first direction scan, the inkjet head is moved relative to the table in the other direction in the second direction.

  According to this structure, for example, the first direction scan drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan, and the second direction scan drive unit causes the ink jet head to move relative to the modeling table. It is possible to appropriately form each ink layer (two-dimensional slice layer) constituting the three-dimensional object. In addition, a plurality of ink layers can be appropriately overlapped by appropriately changing the distance between the ink jet head and the modeling table by the stacking direction drive unit. Therefore, if comprised in this way, a solid thing can be appropriately modeled, for example by the additive manufacturing method.

  Further, in this case, for example, the inkjet head in the second direction can be moved in two directions not only in one direction but in one direction and the other direction with respect to the direction in which the inkjet head is relatively moved by the second direction scan drive unit. With respect to relative movement, it is possible to save unnecessary time required for the operation of returning to the initial position. Moreover, thereby, the time which modeling requires can be shortened and modeling speed can be accelerated 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 main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of discharging an ink droplet while moving in a preset main scanning direction. The second direction may be a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. 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).

  In addition, the shaping apparatus may perform the 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 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.

  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.

  Further, the inkjet head may have a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction. Moreover, in this case, the first direction may be, for example, 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. In addition, the shaping apparatus may include a plurality of inkjet heads.

  The first direction scan driver may cause 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. According to this structure, for example, by performing the first direction scanning in both directions, modeling of a three-dimensional object can be performed at higher speed.

  (Configuration 2) The modeling apparatus models a three-dimensional object based on modeling data indicating the position where the ink droplet is to be discharged by the ink jet head, and the second direction scanning drive unit performs the first direction scanning of the preset number of times. In the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table to form one ink layer each time it is performed, the first direction scan drive unit performs a plurality of first direction scans on the inkjet head. Of the plurality of first direction scans performed at the time of formation of the one ink layer, the position in the second direction in which the inkjet head is disposed when at least the first first direction scan is performed, based on the formation data To form an ink layer, it is set according to the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected.

  According to this structure, for example, a plurality of first direction scans can be more appropriately performed in accordance with the area where the ink layer is to be formed. Also. As a result, the number of first direction scans required to form the ink layer can be appropriately reduced, and the speed of modeling can be more appropriately increased.

  In this configuration, the ink in each of the first direction and the second direction in the second direction is the ink discharge start position (for example, the recording start end in each of the predetermined sub-scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction in the backward direction) The start point of the data corresponding to the layer (the start point of each data of the forward pass and the return pass for the slice layer) is configured. In addition, when performing the first first direction scan, a position where an ink droplet is to be ejected to form a layer of ink at a position in the second direction where the inkjet head is disposed (hereinafter referred to as a scan initial position). Setting according to the end of, for example, is setting the scanning initial position so that the position of the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected falls within the scanning range of the first first direction scanning. In this case, for example, it is preferable to set the initial scanning position so as to minimize the number of times of first direction scanning required to form the ink layer. More specifically, for example, it is conceivable to set the initial scanning position such that the position of the end of the ink jet head at the initial scanning position coincides with the position of the end of the position where ink droplets are to be ejected. In this case, the end of the ink jet head at the initial scanning position is the end that is on the rear side when moving in the second direction. Further, the positions of the end of the ink jet head at the initial scanning position and the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected may coincide with each other by leaving a predetermined margin. In addition, when a support layer supporting a three-dimensional object being formed is formed around a three-dimensional object, the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected is the end when considering the region forming the support layer. Is preferred.

  (Configuration 3) As at least a part of the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scan driver causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan a plurality of times, and the plurality of first directions While scanning is performed, the second direction scan drive unit sets the direction of movement in the second direction to the same direction to move the ink jet head relative to the modeling table, and in the second direction Of a plurality of first direction scans performed while the direction of movement is set to the same direction, the position in the second direction in which the ink jet head is to be disposed when performing at least the first first direction scan Based on the data, in order to form a layer of ink, it is set according to the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected.

  With this configuration, for example, the scan initial position can be set more appropriately. Also, this makes it possible to speed up the formation more appropriately.

  (Configuration 4) When the operation of moving the ink jet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is a second direction scan, the second direction scan drive unit performs at least a part of two consecutive second operations. Relative to the build platform, in the opposite direction to the direction in which the inkjet head is moved relative to the build platform in the second of two subsequent scans between two-way scans Temporarily move the inkjet head.

  In the case where the relative movement of the inkjet head in the second direction is performed in both directions, an error may occur in the movement amount of the inkjet head due to, for example, the influence of backlash. On the other hand, with this configuration, for example, by moving the inkjet head temporarily in the opposite direction before relative movement in the second direction scan, backlash is avoided and the influence of backlash etc. is appropriately suppressed. be able to. Further, even when the relative movement of the inkjet head in the second direction is performed in both directions, a three-dimensional object can be more appropriately formed with higher accuracy.

  The operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction is preferably performed at least at the timing of switching the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head, before the second direction scan after switching. Also, the operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction may be performed in each second direction scan.

  (Configuration 5) When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is a second direction scan, the second direction driving unit moves the modeling head in one direction in the second direction. A second direction scan of one direction relatively moving the ink jet head relative to the second direction scan of the other direction relatively moving the ink jet head relative to the forming table in the other direction in the second direction; Is performed by the inkjet head, and the shaping apparatus ejects, as the inkjet head, a coloring head, which is an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets for coloring, and an ink droplet of ink used for shaping an area not colored in a three-dimensional object. When a head for forming material, which is an ink jet head, is provided and a first direction scan is performed with a second direction scan in one direction interposed therebetween, When the direction driving unit ejects the ink droplet to both the coloring head and the head for forming material, and performs the first direction scanning with the second direction scanning of the other direction interposed therebetween, the first direction driving unit is: Of the coloring head and the shaping material head, ink droplets are ejected only to the shaping material head.

  When moving the inkjet head in the second direction scan in both directions, it is also conceivable that the way of landing of the ink droplets may differ depending on the direction of the movement. In addition, for example, when a difference occurs in the way of landing of the ink droplet in the coloring ink, the color to be expressed may be affected.

  On the other hand, in the case of such a configuration, the landing of the ink droplet for coloring is performed by discharging the ink droplet to the coloring head only at the time of the first direction scanning performed with the second direction scanning of one direction interposed therebetween. Position accuracy can be appropriately improved. In addition, with regard to the head for a forming material, the speed of forming can be appropriately increased by discharging the ink droplet when performing either of the two-directional second direction scanning. Therefore, if configured in this way, for example, when forming a three-dimensional object colored using a coloring ink, it is possible to more appropriately speed up the formation while enhancing the coloring accuracy. .

  (Configuration 6) The ink jet head further includes a flattening means for flattening a layer of ink formed by the ink jet head, and the ink jet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the nozzle row direction not parallel to the first direction. The first direction scan drive unit moves the ink jet head in at least one direction in the first direction in the first direction scan, and in the operation of forming one ink layer, the three-dimensional object being modeled The first position scan is performed multiple times to move the ink jet head in one direction to the same position, and the flattening means moves with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in one direction to move the ink layer Flattening, the stacking direction drive unit forms one layer of ink for the head-to-stand distance which is the distance between the inkjet head and the forming table The direction of the one direction performed during the operation of forming the one ink layer is increased by the thickness of the preset ink layer compared to before the start of the formation of the one ink layer. In each of at least some of the plurality of first direction scans, the head-stand distance in the first direction scan to be performed later is made larger than the head-stand distance in the first direction scan performed first.

  According to this structure, the ink layer can be formed with higher accuracy by, for example, planarizing the ink layer by the planarization unit. Also, this makes it possible to form a three-dimensional object with higher accuracy.

  Here, in this configuration, for example, it is conceivable to cure ink dots formed by the first direction scan each time the first direction scan is performed each time. And, in this case, the flattening means flattens the ink layer, for example, by removing a part of the uncured ink.

  Further, as the flattening means, a roller or the like for scraping the ink which has not been cured can be suitably used. 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 case, in the first direction scan for flattening, it is considered that the flattening is performed in a state where the ink dots formed in the first direction scan performed previously are already cured. However, in this case, in the flattening operation, for example, when the flattening means such as a roller comes in contact with the dots of the already cured ink, for example, the cured ink is scraped off, excess debris and the like (for example, scraped knots There is a risk that waste etc.) will occur.

  On the other hand, when configured as described above, for example, in the operation of forming a layer of one ink, the distance between head pedestals at the time of the first direction scan for flattening the layer of ink is gradually increased. Can. 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 scanning come into contact with the flattening means, for example, unnecessary vibration may occur to affect the result of the flattening. 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.

  (Configuration 7) In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit uses the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan for a plurality of preset passes for each position of the ink layer. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the second direction scan driver passes the length of the nozzle row in the second direction each time the first direction scan is performed a preset number of times. The inkjet head is moved in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a path width which is a width divided by a number.

  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.

  In this configuration, the second direction scan driver preferably changes the direction of relative movement of the inkjet, for example, for each layer of ink. For example, when forming a layer of two successive ink layers, if the direction of relative movement of the ink jets during the formation of the layer of the lower ink is one direction in the second direction, the formation of the layer of the upper ink It is conceivable to set the direction of the relative movement of the ink jets to the other direction in the second direction. According to this configuration, for example, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet in the second direction can be appropriately changed. 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.

  (Configuration 8) In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit uses the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan for a plurality of preset passes for each position of the ink layer. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the second direction scan driver passes the length of the nozzle row in the second direction each time the first direction scan is performed a preset number of times. The inkjet head is moved in the second direction relative to the molding table by the second direction movement distance which is a distance smaller than the width divided by the number, and the second direction movement distance is adjacent in the nozzle row It is a distance obtained by adding an integral multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component, which is a distance between nozzles in the second direction, and a distance less than the nozzle pitch second direction component.

  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.

  The integer 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. Further, in this configuration, it is preferable that the second direction scan drive unit changes the direction of relative movement of the ink jet, for example, for each ink layer. According to this configuration, for example, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet in the second direction can be appropriately changed.

  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.

  (Structure 9) 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 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.

  In this configuration, the second direction scan drive unit performs, for example, the same direction of the first direction scan for the entire area where one ink layer is to be formed, with respect to the relative movement direction of the inkjet (for example, It is preferable to change in each pass). According to this configuration, for example, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet in the second direction can be appropriately changed.

  Also, 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 10) A forming method for forming a three-dimensional object by a lamination forming method, which is an inkjet head for discharging ink droplets by an inkjet method, and a pedestal-like member for supporting a three-dimensional object being shaped, facing the inkjet head The inkjet head is caused to perform a first direction scan which moves relative to the molding table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets using a molding table disposed at a position, and A plurality of first direction scans are performed on the ink jet head, the ink jet head is moved relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a plurality of layers are stacked in the layered manufacturing method By moving at least one of the modeling table and the ink jet head in the stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. Changing the distance between the form boards, following the first direction scan of part of a plurality of times in the first direction scan, relative inkjet respect shaped table to one direction in the second direction The head is moved, and in the other direction in the second direction, following at least a portion of the first direction scan different from the first direction scan of the plurality of first direction scans. The inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table. With this configuration, for example, the same effect as that of Configuration 1 can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, for example, the shaping speed of a three-dimensional object can be appropriately increased.

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 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of ink dots formed in each main scanning operation for the same area. It is a figure explaining various systems which perform operation | movement of a multipass system. FIG. 3A shows an example of the configuration of an inkjet head 200 used for modeling. FIG. 3B is a view showing 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. 4A is a view showing an example of the operation of forming the ink layer by the small pitch pass multipass method. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of an operation of forming an ink layer by the multipass method of the whole surface sequential pass method. FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the bidirectional sub-scanning operation in more detail. FIG. 5A shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200 used in the operation described below and the configuration of the three-dimensional object 50 to be formed. FIG. 5B shows an example of the operation in the case where the direction of movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning operation is bi-directional. FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the bidirectional sub-scanning operation in more detail. 6A and 6B show an example of the operation in the case where the direction of movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is bi-directional. It is a figure which illustrates in detail the operation | movement of a small pitch path | pass system. FIG. 7A shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7B shows an example of the state of ink dots formed in the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation (X scanning) performed between the main scanning operations in the small pitch pass type operation. It is a figure which illustrates in detail the operation | movement of a small pitch path | pass system. Regarding the operation of the whole surface sequential pass method, the appearance of ink dots formed in the main scanning operation performed to each position to form one ink layer, and the sub scanning operation performed between the main scanning operations (X scanning And an example). Regarding the operation of the whole surface sequential pass method, the appearance of ink dots formed in the main scanning operation performed to each position to form one ink layer, and the sub scanning operation performed between the main scanning operations (X scanning And an example). It is a figure explaining the scan to the lamination direction which changes the distance between head stands. FIG. 11A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction. FIG. 11B shows another example of scanning in the stacking direction.

  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. Also, the sub scanning direction is an example of a second direction. The sub-scanning operation is an example of the second direction scanning.

  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). Further, in the present example, the colored ink heads 202y to 202k are an example of a coloring head which is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets for coloring.

  The head for forming material 204 is an ink jet head that discharges ink droplets of ink used for forming the inside of the three-dimensional object 50, and discharges, for example, ink droplets of ink used for forming a region in the three-dimensional object 50 that is not colored. 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.

  Subsequently, a more specific operation and the like of forming the three-dimensional object 50 in the present embodiment will be described in more detail. 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.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, the main scanning operation is performed on the inkjet head 200 by the main scanning drive unit 14, and the inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the modeling table 16 by the sub scanning drive unit 18. By doing this, the layers (two-dimensional slice layers) of the respective inks constituting the three-dimensional object 50 can be appropriately formed. Further, in this case, as described with reference to FIG. 1, by appropriately changing the distance between the inkjet head 200 and the modeling table 16 by the stacking direction drive unit 20, the plurality of ink layers are appropriately overlapped. be able to. Moreover, thereby, the three-dimensional object 50 can be appropriately modeled by the additive manufacturing method.

  Here, FIG. 2 shows the operation in the case where one ink layer is formed by the multipass method in the large pitch path method as described above. And, in this case, while forming one ink layer, the direction of relative movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning operation is set to one direction in the sub scanning direction.

  However, in the present embodiment, a plurality of ink layers are formed in layers by the additive manufacturing method. Then, in this case, the sub scanning drive unit 18 changes the direction of the relative movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning operation, for example, for each ink layer. More specifically, for example, when forming two successive ink layers, if the relative movement of the inkjet head 200 at the time of forming the lower ink layer is one direction in the sub-scanning direction, It is conceivable to set the direction of relative movement of the ink jet head 200 at the time of forming the ink layer of the above in the other direction in the sub-scanning direction.

  When configured in this way, the direction in which the ink jet head 200 is relatively moved by the sub scanning drive unit 18 can be bidirectional in one direction and the other direction, not only in one direction. Also, with this, it is possible to eliminate, for example, the unnecessary time required for the operation of returning to the initial position, etc., in the relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub scanning direction. Therefore, if comprised in this way, the time which modeling requires can be shortened and modeling speed can be appropriately speeded up, for example. Further, in this case, for example, the moving speed of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the main scanning operation or the sub scanning operation may be, for example, about the same as the conventional configuration. Therefore, it is thought that the fall of the precision of modeling by speeding-up of modeling speed does not arise easily, either.

  Further, with regard to more specific control of the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation, it is preferable to perform control based on modeling data indicating the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected by the inkjet head 200. The direction of relative movement of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the sub scanning operation, such specific control, and the like will be described in more detail later. Further, when the operation of the sub scanning drive unit 18 is more generalized and shown, following the main scanning operation of a part, the inkjet head 200 is relative to the modeling table 16 in one direction in the sub scanning direction. It can be said that it is an operation to move the inkjet head 200 relative to the modeling table 16 in the other direction in the sub-scanning direction after moving and at least another part of the main scanning operation.

  Further, in FIG. 2A and the like, in order to simplify the description of the main scanning operation, the case where the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 is set to only one direction has been described. However, in the operation described below, the main scanning operation may be bidirectional in one and the other in the main scanning direction. In this case, the main scanning drive unit 14 causes the inkjet head 200 to perform the main scanning operation in one direction in the main scanning direction and the main scanning operation in the other direction. If comprised in this way, modeling of the solid thing 50 can be performed more rapidly, for example.

  Subsequently, the operation of the multipath method will be described in more detail. In the above, the large pitch path method has been described as an example of the operation of the multipath method. However, it is also conceivable to use a method other than the large pitch path method as the operation of the multipath method.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams for explaining various methods for performing the multi-pass operation, and the resolution (600 dpi resolution (density) is assumed to be 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 shaping apparatus 10 are the same as or similar to the case described using FIGS. 1 and 2 except for the points described below.

  FIG. 3A 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. 3B 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. 3B, the 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. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 2, when forming the ink layer by the large pitch pass multipass method, the sub scanning drive unit 18 determines the direction of the relative movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub scanning operation. , For example, for each ink layer.

  FIG. 4A 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. 4A, more specifically, the feed amount in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation of a smaller feed amount is smaller than the nozzle pitch P and is an integral multiple of P / n. An example is shown.

  Further, in this figure, symbols such as circled numbers and letters of the description indicate the same or similar items as those in FIG. 3 (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. 4A, 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.

  Further, when performing the small pitch pass operation, the direction of the relative movement of the ink jet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation may be changed for each ink layer, as in the large pitch pass method, for example. In particular, in the sub-scanning operation in which the feed amount is equal to the length Lh of the nozzle array, it is preferable to change the direction of relative movement of the ink jet head 200 for each ink layer. Also, for example, a small feed amount sub-scanning operation for performing a main scanning operation for the number of passes may be performed bidirectionally in an operation of forming one ink layer.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of an operation of forming an 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. .

  Further, in this figure, symbols such as circled numbers and letters of the description indicate the same or similar items as those in FIG. 3 (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.

  Here, in the case where the ink layer is formed by the entire surface sequential pass method, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 compares the direction of the relative movement of the ink jet head 200 with, for example, the entire region where one ink layer is to be formed. Change every time the same main scanning operation is performed (every pass). Further, in this case, the distance for moving the inkjet head 200 in the sub scanning direction in the sub scanning operation may be a distance substantially equal to the length of the nozzle row in the sub scanning direction.

  Further, with regard to the operation of the sub scanning drive unit 18, to move the inkjet head 200 relative to one another every time the main scanning operation is performed means, for example, the same main scanning operation (for example, the first or second time etc.). The main scanning operation is performed relative to each position while the main scanning operation is performed for each position. Therefore, after the main scan operation of a certain number of times (for example, the first time) is performed on the entire region, at the timing when the main scan operation of the next time (for example of the second time) is started It is also conceivable not to move the head 200 relative to one another.

  As described above, various methods can be used as specific operations of the multipath method. Further, in the present example, even when modeling is performed by any of the multipass methods, relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is performed in one direction and in the other direction. Therefore, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 at the time of the sub-scanning operation, specific control, and the like will be described in more detail below.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the bidirectional sub-scanning operation in more detail. In this case, the bi-directional sub-scanning operation is, for example, to make the relative movement of the ink jet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation be bi-directional in one and the other direction in the sub-scanning direction.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200 used in the operation described below and the configuration of the 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 indicated as the cross section A is a position corresponding to the shaped cross section shown in FIGS. 5 (b), 6 (a) and 6 (b). Further, this shaped cross section is a circular shape having a diameter of 120 mm. 5 (b), 6 (a), and 6 (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. In the following description, the direction of movement may be the direction of relative movement.

  More specifically, for example, in FIG. 5B, with respect to the operation in the large pitch path method, the operation of forming two successive ink layers, the first to eleventh main layers 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 ink jet head 200 at the time of sub scanning operation is set to one direction (forward direction), and the same as 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, when the operation in the large pitch path method is performed, as described above, for example, the movement direction of the ink jet head 200 at the time of the sub scanning operation is reversed for each ink layer. Therefore, in this case, the movement direction of the ink jet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is set to be opposite between two successive ink layers.

  In this case, the main scanning operation is started not only by performing the sub scanning operation in both directions but also by starting the main scanning operation from the position of the end (right end and the left end) of the modeling data , For example, to minimize the number of main scan operations required. Also, this makes it possible to speed up the formation more appropriately.

  Further, in the case where the setting of the scanning initial position is more generalized, for example, at least the first main scanning operation among a plurality of main scanning operations performed at the time of formation of one ink layer is performed. It can be said that the position in the sub-scanning direction in which the ink jet head 200 is disposed is set based on the modeling data in accordance with the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected in order to form one ink layer. In addition, such an operation performs at least the first main scanning operation among a plurality of main scanning operations performed while, for example, the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 in the sub scanning direction is set to the same direction. If the position in the sub-scanning direction in which the ink jet head 200 is arranged is considered to be an operation of setting an ink droplet in accordance with the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected in order to form one ink layer. You can also.

  When configured in this manner, for example, the initial scanning position can be set for each ink layer, and the number of main scanning operations required to form the ink layer can be appropriately reduced. Moreover, thereby, for example, according to the area | region which should form the layer of an ink, the main scanning operation | movement of multiple times can be performed more appropriately. Therefore, with this configuration, the time required for modeling can be appropriately shortened by starting the modeling operation from the end portion of the modeling data in the sub-scanning direction for the bidirectional (forward pass and return) sub-scanning operation. Also, this makes it possible, for example, to more appropriately accelerate the speed of shaping.

  In this configuration, the ink droplet discharge start position in one direction and the other direction in the sub scanning direction (for example, the recording start end in each sub scanning operation in the forward direction and the return direction of the predetermined direction) The configuration is in accordance with the start end of the data corresponding to the layer (the start end of each data of the forward pass and return pass in the slice layer). Also, setting the initial scanning position to the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected to form one ink layer, for example, the position of the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected is the first main The initial scanning position is set so as to be within the scanning range of the scanning operation.

  In this case, for example, as described above, it is preferable to set the initial scanning position such that the number of main scanning operations required to form the ink layer is minimized. More specifically, for example, it is conceivable to set the scanning initial position so that the position of the end of the inkjet head 200 at the scanning initial position coincides with the position of the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected. In this case, the end of the inkjet head 200 at the initial scanning position is the end that is on the rear side when moving in the sub-scanning direction. Further, the positions of the end of the inkjet head 200 at the initial scanning position and the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected may be matched by opening a predetermined margin. When a support layer for supporting the three-dimensional object 50 being formed is formed around the three-dimensional object 50, the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected is the end when considered including the region forming the support layer. It is preferable to do.

  Further, in FIG. 6A, with regard to the operation in the small pitch pass method, the numbers of the directions of the sub-scanning operations performed between main scanning operations for the number of passes (4 times) successively performed on the same area It shows with the arrow which attached the. In this case, when forming a layer of one ink, the moving 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. 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 with 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. Also, with respect to the points other than the above, the operation shown in FIG. 6 (a) may be performed the same as or similar to the operation shown in FIG. 5 (b).

  If comprised in this way, modeling by a small pitch path | pass system can be performed appropriately, for example. Also in this case, in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation in each direction, the speed of modeling can be appropriately increased by setting the scanning initial position in accordance with the end of the modeling data.

  Further, in FIG. 6B, 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) successively 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. Also, with respect to the points other than the above, the operation shown in FIG. 6 (b) may be performed the same as or similar to the operation shown in FIG. 5 (b) and FIG. 6 (a).

  If comprised in this way, modeling by the whole surface sequential pass system can be performed appropriately, for example. Also in this case, in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation in each direction, the speed of modeling can be appropriately increased by setting the scanning initial position in accordance with the end of the modeling data.

  Here, among the specific multipass methods described above, the large pitch pass method is, for example, the same as the multipass method widely used in a printing apparatus (2D printer) that prints a two-dimensional image. Or it can be considered as the same system. However, it can be said that the small pitch path method and the full-field sequential path method are not general methods as compared with the large pitch path method. Therefore, the operations of the small pitch pass method and the full-field sequential pass method will be described in more detail below.

  7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the small pitch path system in more detail. FIG. 7A shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200. As shown in FIG. The illustrated inkjet head 200 is an inkjet head having the same or similar configuration as the inkjet head 200 in the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, and has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at a resolution of 150 dpi.

  FIGS. 7B and 8 show ink dots formed in the first to sixth main scanning operations (Y scanning: first pass recording to sixth pass recording) and operations of the small pitch pass method. An example of the subscanning operation (X scanning) performed between the scanning operations is shown. 7B and 8 show an example of the operation in the case where the number of passes is four. Further, for convenience of illustration, hatching patterns are shown differently for ink dots formed in each main scanning operation. Further, in FIGS. 7B and 8, in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation of a small feed amount for performing the main scanning operation for the number of passes in both directions in the operation of forming one ink layer Is illustrated.

  More specifically, in the illustrated case, first, the first main scanning operation (first pass recording) is performed from the state where the end position of the formation data and the scanning initial position are aligned, and each of the inkjet heads 200 is The ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle to the required position. This also forms ink dots on the layer of ink already formed in the three-dimensional object. Thereafter, the feed amount is set to a half of the nozzle pitch, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the right side in the drawing.

  In addition, following the sub scanning operation, the second main scanning operation (second pass recording) is performed to shift the position in the sub scanning direction with respect to the ink dots formed in the first main scanning operation. Form dots. After that, the feed amount is set to 1⁄4 of the nozzle pitch, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to move the inkjet head 200 relatively to the left side in the drawing, contrary to the previous sub-scanning operation.

  In addition, following the sub scanning operation, the third main scanning operation (third pass recording) is performed to shift the position in the sub scanning direction with respect to the ink dots formed in the first and second main scanning operations. Form dots of ink. After that, the feed amount is set to a half of the nozzle pitch, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the right in the figure, contrary to the previous sub-scanning operation.

  In addition, following the sub scanning operation, the fourth main scanning operation (fourth pass printing) is performed to shift the position in the sub scanning direction with respect to the ink dots formed in the first to third main scanning operations. , To form ink dots. Further, as a result, the main scanning operation for the number of passes is completed for an area whose width in the sub-scanning direction is the length of the nozzle row, and the operation for forming this area is completed.

  Then, in the small pitch pass method, after the operation of forming this region is completed, the operation of forming the next region is performed. More specifically, after performing the fourth main scanning operation, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle array, and the sub scanning operation is performed. In this case, for example, as illustrated, the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the right side in the drawing.

  Further, following the sub-scanning operation, the fifth main scanning operation (fifth pass printing) is performed. Also, in the illustrated case, this main scanning operation is the first main scanning operation for this area. Therefore, it is conceivable that operations after the fifth main scanning operation are performed the same as or similar to those after the first main scanning operation except for the position in the sub scanning direction. For example, after the fifth main scanning operation, for example, the feed amount is set to half the nozzle pitch, and the sub scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the right in the drawing.

  Further, following the sub-scanning operation, the sixth main scanning operation is performed in the same or similar manner as the second main scanning operation and thereafter, except for the position in the sub-scanning direction. After that, the above operation is repeated within the range in which the modeling data is present.

  If comprised in this way, it can form appropriately by a small pitch pass system, for example about each layer of ink which constitutes a solid thing. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately formed by sequentially stacking a plurality of ink layers by sequentially shifting the position in the stacking direction by the stacking direction drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, in this case, by setting the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation in both directions, as described above, it is possible to appropriately speed up the shaping speed of the three-dimensional object. Further, in this case, more specifically, for example, with respect to the sub-scanning operation in which the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle array, it is preferable to make it bidirectional in, for example, the opposite direction for each ink layer. With this configuration, for example, the shaping speed of the three-dimensional object can be appropriately increased.

  Further, as apparent from the figure, in the above operation, the positions of the ink dots formed in the second main scanning operation in the sub scanning direction are immediately adjacent to the ink dots formed in the first main scanning operation. Instead of the above-mentioned position, the ink dots formed in the subsequent main scanning operation are spaced apart from each other. This is because, for example, when ink dots are formed by two main scanning operations at positions immediately adjacent to ink dots formed by the first main scanning operation, only one side in the sub scanning direction is already formed. This is because new ink dots will be formed in contact with ink dots. In this case, for example, the symmetry of the formed ink dots may be broken, which may affect the accuracy of the formation.

  On the other hand, when the ink dots are formed as described above, the ink dots formed in the second main scanning operation can be appropriately formed in a more symmetrical shape. In this case, with regard to ink dots formed in the third and fourth main scanning operations, new ink dots are formed in a state in which ink dots are already formed on both sides in the sub scanning direction. Symmetry does not collapse. Therefore, if constituted in this way, modeling of a solid thing can be appropriately performed with higher accuracy, for example.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the feed amount in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation with a small feed amount is set to less than the nozzle pitch as 1/4 or 1/2 of the nozzle pitch or the like has been described. However, the feed amount in this case may be considered to be larger than the nozzle pitch. More specifically, for example, a feed amount obtained by adding a distance that is an integral multiple (for example, about 1 to 3 times) of the nozzle pitch to a distance less than the nozzle pitch such as 1/4 or 1/2 of the nozzle pitch It is conceivable to use it. Even in such a configuration, the operation in the small pitch path system can be appropriately performed. Also, in this case, in each ink layer, adjacent ink dots in the sub-scanning direction are formed by different nozzles. Therefore, for example, even when there is a defective nozzle or the like in which an abnormality occurs in the ejection characteristics, the influence can be appropriately reduced.

  9 and 10 show the first to fourth main scanning operations (Y scanning: first pass recording to fourth) performed for each position to form one ink layer in the operation of the whole surface sequential pass method. An example of the state of the dot of the ink formed by (pass recording) and the subscanning operation (X scanning) performed between intervals of the main scanning operation is shown. Also in this case, as in the case described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an example of the operation in the case where the number of passes is four is shown. Further, for convenience of illustration, hatching patterns are shown differently for ink dots formed in each main scanning operation. Also in this case, the inkjet head 200 having the configuration shown in FIG. 7A is used.

  More specifically, in the illustrated case, first, the first main scanning operation (first pass recording) is performed from the state where the end position of the formation data and the scanning initial position are aligned, and each of the inkjet heads 200 is The ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle to the required position. This also forms ink dots on the layer of ink already formed in the three-dimensional object. 9 and 10 illustrate the case where the first main scanning operation is started from the area at the end on the left side of the drawing. Therefore, after that, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle array, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the right side in the drawing.

  Further, following the sub-scanning operation, the first main scanning operation is performed on the next area. After that, according to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the region where the ink layer is to be formed (the size in the X direction), the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the right direction in the figure The scanning operation is repeated to perform the first main scanning operation on the entire surface.

  Subsequently, the second main scanning operation (second pass printing) is started from the area at the end on the right side in the drawing. In this case, the second main scanning operation is performed from the state where the end position of the formation data and the scanning initial position are aligned, and ink dots are formed between the ink dots formed in the first main scanning operation. Do. Thereafter, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle array, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the left side in the drawing.

  Further, following this sub-scanning operation, a second main scanning operation is performed on the next area. After that, according to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the area where the ink layer is to be formed, the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the left direction in the figure and the main scanning operation are repeated. Perform the second main scanning operation for.

  Subsequently, the third main scanning operation (third pass printing) is started from the area at the left end in the drawing. In this case, the third main scanning operation is performed from the state where the end position of the formation data and the scanning initial position are aligned, and the ink dots are formed between the first and second main scanning operations. Form a dot. Thereafter, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle array, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the right side in the drawing.

  Further, following the sub-scanning operation, the third main scanning operation is performed on the next area. After that, according to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the region where the ink layer is to be formed, the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the right direction in the figure and the main scanning operation are repeated. Perform the third main scanning operation for.

  Subsequently, the fourth main scanning operation (fourth pass printing) is started from the area at the end on the right side in the drawing. In this case, the fourth main scanning operation is performed from the state where the end position of the formation data and the scanning initial position are aligned, and the ink dots formed in the first to third main scanning operations (for example, the first time And dots of ink formed between the dots of ink formed in the fourth main scanning operation). Thereafter, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle array, and the sub-scanning operation is performed to relatively move the inkjet head 200 to the left side in the drawing.

  Further, following the sub-scanning operation, the fourth main scanning operation is performed on the next area. After that, according to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the area where the ink layer is to be formed, the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the left direction in the figure and the main scanning operation are repeated. Perform the fourth main scanning operation for.

  According to this structure, for example, the respective layers of the ink constituting the three-dimensional object can be appropriately formed by the whole surface sequential pass method. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately formed by sequentially stacking a plurality of ink layers by sequentially shifting the position in the stacking direction by the stacking direction drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1).

  Also in this case, by setting the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation in both directions, as described above, it is possible to appropriately speed up the forming speed of the three-dimensional object. Further, the ink dots formed in the second main scanning operation in the subscanning direction are separated from the ink dots formed in the first main scanning operation, whereby highly symmetrical ink dots are formed. And appropriately improve the accuracy of the formation.

  Subsequently, various modified examples of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10 will be described. In the above, regarding the arrangement of the ink dots formed in the main scanning operation each time in the multipass method, as described with, for example, FIG. explained. However, with regard to the arrangement of ink dots formed in the main scanning operation each time, it is conceivable to use various configurations that are completed with the set number of passes (for example, four passes). In this case, for example, it is conceivable to use various known masks and the like used in a printing apparatus for printing a two-dimensional image.

  In addition, various modifications can be made to each configuration described above. For example, as in each configuration described above, when performing a bidirectional sub-scanning operation, the amount of movement of the inkjet head is selected by switching the direction (feed direction) of relative movement of the inkjet head during the sub-scanning operation. It is also conceivable that an error may occur. Moreover, as a result, there is also a possibility that a difference may arise in the accuracy of modeling. More specifically, for example, it is conceivable that unevenness in accuracy occurs due to backlash at the timing of switching the direction of the feed direction or the like.

  Therefore, in the case of performing the bidirectional sub-scanning operation, it is preferable to move the ink jet head in the opposite direction before moving the ink jet head relatively, and then perform the sub-scanning operation. In this case, for example, regardless of which method is used for forming, the inkjet head is relatively moved in the opposite direction before performing the sub-scanning operation (forward and return sub-scanning operations) in one direction and the other direction. It is preferable to perform a sub-scanning operation in one or the other direction after (scanning).

  In addition, in the case where such a configuration is more generally shown, the operation of the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) is performed twice among at least a part of two consecutive sub-scanning operations. Temporarily move the ink jet head relative to the forming table 16 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the ink jet head is moved relative to the forming table 16 (see FIG. 1) in the subsequent sub scanning operation of It can be said that it is an operation to move the With this configuration, the influence of backlash and the like can be appropriately suppressed. Moreover, thereby, a three-dimensional object can be modeled more appropriately with high precision.

  The distance for moving the ink jet head in the opposite direction is preferably set appropriately in accordance with the purpose of suppressing the influence of backlash, for example. In addition, it is preferable to set the distance for moving the ink jet head in the opposite direction to, for example, a distance smaller than the moving amount of the ink jet head in the sub scanning operation to be performed next. Further, in the sub scanning operation to be performed next, it is preferable to move the ink jet head including the distance of moving the ink jet head in the opposite direction. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to set a distance obtained by adding the distance of moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction to the feed amount in each configuration described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, it is preferable that the operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction be performed at least at the timing of switching the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head before performing the sub-scanning operation after switching. Further, the operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction may be performed at each sub-scanning operation.

  Also, the influence of backlash tends to be particularly problematic when the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is small. Therefore, for example, in the case of performing a sub-scanning operation with a small feed amount when using a small pitch pass method, it is particularly preferable to perform an operation of temporarily moving the ink jet head in the opposite direction. According to this structure, the sub-scanning operation with an accuracy less than the nozzle pitch can be more appropriately performed with higher accuracy.

In addition, when performing the sub-scanning operation in both directions, it may be considered that the accuracy of shaping is lowered due to various factors as compared with the case where the direction of the sub-scanning operation is only one direction. For example, in the case of forming a colored three-dimensional object by using the colored ink heads 202y to 202k (see FIG. 1), it is also conceivable that the way of landing of ink droplets may differ depending on the direction of the sub-scanning operation. In addition, as a result, the color to be expressed may be affected.

  Therefore, even in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation in both directions, it may be considered to form the part of the three-dimensional object with the direction of the sub-scanning operation in only one direction. Further, in this case, more specifically, for example, it is conceivable to set the direction of the sub-scanning operation performed at the time of formation of a region (colored region) to be colored in a three-dimensional object to only one direction. According to this structure, for example, a colored region requiring higher accuracy can be appropriately formed with high accuracy. Also in this case, the forming speed in the whole can be appropriately accelerated by forming the part other than the colored area (the non-colored colored area) or the like by performing the bidirectional sub-scanning operation.

  Further, in the case where such a configuration is more generalized and shown, for example, in the case where the sub-scanning operation in one direction and the other direction is performed, the main scanning operation is performed with the sub-scanning operation in one direction interposed therebetween. When the main scanning operation is performed with the ink droplets discharged to both the colored ink head 202y-k and the shaping material head 204 (see FIG. 1) and the other direction of the subscanning operation interposed therebetween, for the colored ink It can be said that the ink droplets are ejected only to the head for forming material 204 among the heads 202 yk and the head for forming material 204. If comprised in this way, the precision of the impact position of the ink drop discharged by head 202 yk for colored ink can be raised appropriately, for example. Further, with regard to the head for forming material 204, the speed of forming can be appropriately increased by discharging the ink droplet when performing any of the bidirectional sub-scanning operations. Therefore, if configured in this way, for example, in the case of forming a colored three-dimensional object, it is possible to more appropriately speed up the forming speed.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the colored ink heads 202y-k and the shaping material head 204, many more inkjet heads (heads 206 for white ink, heads 208 for clear ink, and support materials) The head 210) is used. About these inkjet heads, it is preferable to discharge an ink drop also when performing bidirectional | two-way subscanning operation | movement like the head 204 for modeling materials.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, in this example, the modeling apparatus 10 performs scanning in the layering 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. And, in this case, for example, each time a layer of one ink is formed, a head stand which is a distance between the ink jet head and the forming table by a thickness preset as a thickness of the one layer of ink Increase the distance between

  Also, in this example, the flattening roller 302 (see FIG. 1) of the flattening roller unit 222 is used to flatten the ink layer. In this case, flattening the layer of ink means, for example, removing the ink in a portion exceeding the thickness preset as the thickness of one layer of ink. More specifically, for example, the height of the thickness of the ink layer set in advance (in the stacking direction) in the main scanning operation in which the flattening roller unit 222 is directed rearward of the ink jet head, for example In position, flatten the layer of ink. In such a case, the distance between the head and the head may be set in consideration of the flattening operation.

  More specifically, in the case of forming an ink layer using an inkjet head, for example, it is conceivable to cure the dots of the ink formed in the main scanning operation each time the main scanning operation is performed each time. When flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302, the flattening roller 302 flattens the surface of the ink by scraping the uncured ink in the operation of forming a layer of ink. . Further, in this case, in the main scanning operation for performing planarization, the planarization is performed in a state where the ink dots formed in the main scanning operation performed earlier are already cured. However, in this case, in the flattening operation, for example, when the flattening roller 302 and the dots of the already-cured ink come in contact with each other, for example, the cured ink may be scraped off, and extra debris may be generated.

  Therefore, in setting the head-to-stand distance, it is more preferable to set so as not to cause such a problem. Then, as such setting, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, when the main scanning operation for performing planarization is performed a plurality of times with respect to the same area, between the head stand each time the planarization is performed. It is conceivable to gradually increase the distance. More specifically, for example, in the case where the ink layer is formed with the number of passes being 4 and flattening is performed in each main scanning operation, the height of ink dots in the first main scanning operation (first pass recording) When flattening is performed with a height of 25 μm, the head-to-stand distance is set to 25 μm. Further, at the time of the next main scanning operation (second pass recording), the distance between the heads is slightly expanded to 26 μm. Further, at the time of the next main scanning operation (third pass recording), the distance between the head and the head is further expanded slightly to 27 μm. Further, at the time of the next main scanning operation (fourth pass recording), the distance between the heads is further expanded slightly to 28 μm. According to this structure, it is possible to appropriately prevent the flattening roller 302 from coming into contact with the cured ink dots. Moreover, for example, generation | occurrence | production of an excess refuse etc. can be prevented and planarization can be performed more appropriately. Further, in such a configuration, for example, in the case where one ink layer is formed by a multipass method, the thickness of the ink (the thickness of the ink) in the main scanning operation performed later than in the main scanning operation performed previously It can also be considered as a configuration in which the scanning amount (Z scanning value) by the stacking direction driving unit 20 is changed so as to increase the dot height).

  Here, the operation in the case of changing the head-to-stand distance in this way will be described in more detail. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining scanning in the stacking direction in which the distance between the head and the head is changed. FIG. 11A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction.

  In the case shown in FIG. 11A, 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. Further, at the timing shown as carriage return in the drawing, only the movement of returning the ink jet head to the original position is performed without discharging the ink droplet.

  Further, 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. 11A, the 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).

  Thereby, in the main scanning operation, the main scanning drive unit 14 (see FIG. 1) moves the ink jet head in 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 ink is formed, the stacking direction drive unit 20 (see FIG. 1) lowers the forming table 16 by the thickness of the layer of 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.

  Further, with regard to the setting of the height of the forming table 16 at the time of the main scanning operation, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the forming table 16 is slightly lowered every time the main scanning operation is performed a preset number of times. Operation (operation between steps) is performed. 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. 11A, 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.

  Further, in this case, at the timing of moving the ink jet head without discharging ink droplets (during carriage return), the distance between the ink jet head and the forming table 16 is largely opened (a state of relief upon return), Move the inkjet head. With this configuration, unnecessary contact between the inkjet head and the three-dimensional object can be appropriately avoided. It is conceivable that the distance of the 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, 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.

  Further, in this case, for example, the adhesion of the ink to the flattening roller 302 can be more appropriately prevented by preventing the generation of the debris and the like. More specifically, for example, in the case where the flattening roller 302 is used as the flattening means and the ink scraped up by the flattening roller 302 is removed by the blade 304 (see FIG. 1), if excess debris is generated, the blade 304 There is a risk that the ink will not be properly removed. On the other hand, with this configuration, for example, the adhesion of the ink to the flattening roller 302 and the blade 304 can be appropriately prevented. 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 dots of the ink formed in the previous main scanning operation come into contact with the flattening roller 302, it is conceivable that, for example, unnecessary vibration or the like occurs to affect the result of the flattening. For example, when flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302, when the flattening roller 302 vibrates, there is a possibility 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.

  Further, in this case, for example, the surface of a three-dimensional object can be smoothed by gradually changing the head-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.

  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. 11A, 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.

  The main scanning operation may be performed not only in one of the main scanning directions, but also in both 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. 11B 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. 11 (b) is the same as or similar to the scanning in the stacking direction shown in FIG. 11 (a), except for the points described below.

  In this case, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the forming table 16 is used for a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction (for example, main scanning operations corresponding to one pass printing and three pass printing in the drawing). The height of the molding table 16 is slightly reduced 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. .

  Here, in the case where the configuration described with reference to FIG. 1 is used, as described above, for example, the planarization is performed only in the main scanning operation in one 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. In this case, for example, using the discharge unit 12 (see FIG. 1) having the flattening roller unit 222 on one side and the other side in the main scanning direction, the flattening roller of the flattening roller unit 222 located on the rear side during main scanning operation It is conceivable to perform planarization by means of 302. In this case, regardless of the direction in which the ink jet head is moved during the main scanning operation, it is preferable to lower the modeling table 16 each time the main scanning operation is performed to gradually increase the distance between the head and the table.

  Also in this configuration, the ink stand formed during the previous main scanning operation contacts the flattening roller 302, for example, by gradually increasing the head-stand distance each time the main scanning operation is performed. 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.

  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 forming 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 part, 402: arrow, 404: area

Claims (10)

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;
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;
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;
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. And a stacking direction drive unit that changes the distance between the table and
The first direction scan driver causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan a plurality of times.
The second direction scan driver may
Following the first direction scan of a part of the plurality of first direction scans, the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction;
And, following at least a part of the first direction scan different from the part of the first direction scan of the plurality of first direction scans, the shaping in the other direction in the second direction A molding apparatus characterized by moving the ink jet head relative to a table. The modeling apparatus models the three-dimensional object based on modeling data indicating a position at which an ink droplet should be discharged by the ink jet head.
The second direction scan drive unit moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table every time the first direction scan is performed a preset number of times.
In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scan driver causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scan a plurality of times,
The position in the second direction in which the inkjet head is disposed when the first direction scan is performed at least for the first time among the plurality of first direction scans performed when forming the one ink layer, The shaping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shaping apparatus is set in accordance with an end of a position where an ink droplet is to be ejected to form the one ink layer based on data. As at least a part of the operation of forming the one ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit causes the ink jet head to perform the first direction scan a plurality of times, and the plurality of first times Between the direction scanning is performed, the second direction scanning drive unit sets the moving direction in the second direction to the same direction, and moves the ink jet head relative to the modeling table,
The inkjet head is disposed when at least the first first direction scan is performed among a plurality of first direction scans performed while the direction of movement in the second direction is set to the same direction. The position in the second direction is set in accordance with the end of the position where the ink droplet is to be ejected in order to form the one ink layer, based on the formation data. Modeling equipment. When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is a second direction scan,
The second direction scan drive unit is configured to be relative to the forming table in the second direction scan of the subsequent two of the two times during at least a part of two consecutive second direction scans. The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inkjet head is temporarily moved relative to the modeling table in a direction opposite to a direction in which the inkjet head is moved. . When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is a second direction scan,
The second direction driving unit is
The second direction scan of one direction in which the ink jet head is moved relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction;
Causing the ink jet head to perform the second direction scanning of the other direction in which the ink jet head is moved relative to the modeling table in the other direction in the second direction;
The shaping apparatus is, as the inkjet head,
A coloring head which is an ink jet head that discharges ink droplets for coloring;
And a head for a forming material, which is an ink jet head that discharges ink droplets of ink used for forming a region where color is not formed in the three-dimensional object,
When the first direction scan is performed with the second direction scan in the one direction interposed therebetween, the first direction drive unit ejects ink droplets to both the coloring head and the head for forming material ,
When the first direction scan is performed with the second direction scan in the other direction interposed therebetween, the first direction drive unit is for the modeling material of the coloring head and the modeling material head. The shaping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein ink droplets are ejected only to the head. It further comprises a flattening means for flattening a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head,
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, which is the distance between the ink jet head and the modeling table, is preset each time the first ink layer is formed, as compared to before the start of the first ink layer formation. Increase the thickness of the ink layer by
And, the head stand at the time of the first direction scan performed later in each of the plurality of first direction scans of at least a part of the one direction performed in the operation of forming the one ink layer The shaping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distance between the heads is made larger than the distance between the head and the head at the time of the first direction scanning performed first. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit applies the first direction scan for the plurality of preset number of passes to the inkjet head for each position of the ink layer. 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. 7. The inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet 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 number of passes. The modeling apparatus described. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit applies the first direction scan for the plurality of preset number of passes to the inkjet head for each position of the ink layer. 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 6, 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 one ink layer, the first direction scan drive unit applies the first direction scan for the plurality of preset number of passes to the inkjet head for each position of the ink layer. 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 6, wherein a head is caused to perform the second scanning in the first direction. 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;
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,
The inkjet head is caused to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets, and the first direction scan is performed a plurality of times. Let the inkjet head do it,
Moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
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. Vary the distance between the platform and
Following the first direction scan of a part of the plurality of first direction scans, the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction;
And, following at least a part of the first direction scan different from the part of the first direction scan of the plurality of first direction scans, the shaping in the other direction in the second direction And moving the ink jet head relative to a table.

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